We have been going to 1st Baptist Auburndale for years and love how it feels like an extended family. Our own little family started here with our beautiful wedding, surrounded by the love and support of our church family. We now have 3 little daughters who are growing up surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ. Sundays and Wednesdays are the highlight of our 3-year-old’s week! She’s always asking when we can go back. The strength of the body of Christ is most apparent when under stress. Christ gives us the strength and power to stand up under trials and temptations, but also to encourage and strengthen others when they are in the eye of the storm. When our youngest daughter was diagnosed with Down syndrome only one day after her birth, we were confused and anxious about the potential struggle ahead. Our church family, filled with the Holy Spirit, has been there for us in every conceivable way, often times without us ever needing to audibly ask for help. So much encouragement, physical assistance, and ceaseless prayer has been poured out for our baby girl! We just feel so humbled in the face of God’s goodness. Our family is thriving here, and we have nothing but eager anticipation looking forward to how God will provide.
The teaching and learning that happens here changes lives and deepens relationships, but most importantly it is all grounded in the truth of scripture. The Bible studies are awesome, and we always learn something and enjoy being there. Teaching and preaching from scripture means that the message will always align with God’s eternal, absolute truths, but will almost never align with pop culture. The effect of this is that the message is often harder to ignore. Truth has a certain ring to it, and for those who have grown weary of the empty “feel-good” sermons or the angry “fire and brimstone” sermons, preaching from scripture can feel like a welcome glass of cool water. It’s about what the soul needs, not what the confused heart wants.
The body of Christ depends on its members to step up and help, according to their gifts. There is a strong spirit of volunteerism here. We have enjoyed the opportunity to help in the many ministries, like with the children and high school age groups. A Trail Life Troop (a great Christian alternative to Boy Scouts) was recently chartered at the church and Drew is blessed to be one of the founding members. This boy’s ministry has been growing steadily since its beginning, and the effect on the boys’ skills and confidence has been so great to see. We love being here, and it is a pleasure to work together with our Church family to reach our families, friends, and communities for Christ.
FBCA is a small church, but it is a huge blessing!
~ LaNelle and Drew McGaffigan