06/27/2023
Today marks a year since Lakemont Baptist Church's last service. This year has been busy as trustees were put in charge of closing the church and selling the property. There have been many tears shed over the closing, but the trustees sought to honor God in making decisions.
After several bumps in that road and much prayer, the trustees are pleased to announce that the church building has been sold to another congregation that is working now to make the church their own and start getting out in the Lakemont neighborhood. We are excited to see how God works as they seek to carry on the work we started in the neighborhood that we loved for many years. Please keep them in your prayers as they seek God's leadership in how to minister and worship in the Lakemont building. We know you all would be welcomed if you decide to visit and worship with them in the coming weeks.
Even though Lakemont as we knew it will no longer be ministering in that neighborhood, the trustees are pleased to announce that funds from the closing and sale of the church will continue to be used to further God’s kingdom. The total money received from the sale was donated to a non-profit associated with the Baptist Foundation and a Lakemont Legacy Fund has been established. Each year from now into perpetuity a donation (from the interest) will be made through the Legacy Fund to Lottie Moon International Missions, Annie Armstrong North American Missions, the Petersburg Baptist Association and Gideon’s International (to purchase Bibles only). These were places that Lakemont donated to over the years so the trustees prayerfully decided to further these works. Even though the church is closed it’s work for Jesus can go on.
Since the Lakemont Baptist Church chapter is now closed, we have a limited number of "Lakemont Baptist" hymnals and the "Brief History of Lakemont Baptist Church" booklets to offer to former members as a souvenir of many years of memories and service for our Lord and Savior in the Lakemont neighborhood. If you are interested in obtaining one of each please contact us in Messenger. Items can be picked up from Betty in the Tri-Cities area or mailed to your home at a cost of $9 (to cover packaging and postage). Betty is also making a DVD of scanned pictures from members and the Historical Committee. If you are interested in obtaining one of these please respond in Messenger also. We will notify you of the cost once the DVD is completed and we know what supplies cost and what postage is required. None of these items are “for profit” just require funding to supply. Due to limited quantities, these offers are for members and former members only.
The trustees want to insure you that the funds and handling of the sale of the building were both covered in prayer and decided upon with much consideration of God’s will and a desire to reach lost souls for His kingdom. They ask that you continue to lift the “new” church and the Lakemont neighborhood in your prayers. We look forward to God’s outpouring of blessings and a revival in that neighborhood that we faithfully served in for so many years. The “new” church is thankful for the heritage that was started years ago. They look forward to continuing to reach souls for Christ and minister to the people in the Lakemont area.
We trust all the Lakemont Baptist followers will find a place of service with another church body. The “church” is not just a building, it’s God’s people seeking to do His will in worship, fellowship and seeking to win the lost. May God bless!
