John 15:1-11 (NASB) says, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit…”
These words are guiding our church plant in this season. As both planter and pastor, I take them seriously — and I know many of you do, too. Some verses weigh heavily, yet we’ve seen God’s faithfulness since this work began nearly five years ago. What started with prayer and a prison reentry Bible study has led to more than 30 people coming to Christ and many rededications. Some now serve on church staffs, even in new church plants.
In all this, God is doing what He promised: building His church on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
What Has Happened
This past month, three people were baptized: Dutch, Allan and Paul.
Dutch, a young man attending FMBC, recently committed to Christ after understanding his need for forgiveness. James, one of our emerging leaders, baptized Dutch — his first time leading a baptism. It was a powerful milestone for them both.
Allan came to faith after completing our discipleship class. Though baptized as a child in Africa, he desired believer’s baptism. Gail, who brought Allan to FMBC, supported him throughout his journey. Isaiah baptized him, with Gail present to celebrate.
Paul had been out of church for a year until Nick, a member who had recently moved, bumped into him at a store and invited him to Bible study. Their friendship led Paul to recommit his life to Christ. Isaiah and Nick baptized him together.
These stories are evidence that our people are inviting, discipling, baptizing and multiplying. Praise God!
We’re also preparing to launch Celebrate Recovery on Tuesday, Aug. 19, and gearing up for our biggest outreach event of the year on Aug. 30. We’ll host a Back-to-School Party for our neighborhood, with food and backpack giveaways. Thanks to “Good in the ‘Hood,” we have 100 backpacks filled with supplies. We still need donations for food and games — and we look forward to seeing how God provides.
Discipleship and Leadership
More people are completing our 101 and 201 classes and committing to membership and spiritual disciplines. Class 301, focused on spiritual gifts and service, begins soon, taught by Isaiah while I’m away meeting with partners.
Our worship team continues to grow in size and skill. Several members are learning to preach. I’ll soon meet with a man from another church to help him develop his sermon delivery. We’re also exploring the launch of a Bible Institute to invest in future leaders and church planters.
At our recent business meeting, five lay leaders shared ministry reports:
• Laura (Children’s Ministry)
• James (Worship Ministry)
• Isaiah (Outreach)
• Hanna (Finances)
• Bobby (Maintenance and Grounds)
Four more members are preparing to launch Celebrate Recovery. God is raising up leaders.
Fellowship and Family
When we returned from our recent family retreat, our kids—John, Ruby and Joshua—helped lead worship, singing “Jesus, Strong and Kind” with James and the team.
That retreat was a rich time of renewal for our family. Each of us journaled, took notes and prayed through questions about surrender, idolatry and commitment. We needed the rest before continuing our work in this spiritually dark city.
Fellowship continues to deepen through monthly potlucks and the launch of two new small groups: one for couples and another focused on Inductive Bible Study. These groups offer community, accountability and spiritual support — key ingredients for lasting fruit.
What Is Our Need?
August marks the end of our fifth year in church planting. As many of you know, the BMAA’s $2,000 monthly stipend ends this month. Unless God provides another way, we will be short $2,000 beginning in September.
We believe God wants us to continue ministering here at FMBC for at least another year. Larry Barker visited recently, and we both sense the importance of staying. Would you pray about partnering with us during this transitional period?
If you feel led to help, you can give a one-time or recurring gift at tiny.cc/michaelstrong. BMA Global will continue administering these funds.
Lord willing, in September 2026, Larry will commission us to begin our next church plant, and we expect the $2,000 stipend to resume then. I’m already developing the vision and would love to share a prospectus with anyone interested.
God has sustained us on a smaller-than-average budget, and still brought much fruit. With additional support, we could rent Sunday space, send mailers and expand outreach — preparing well for our next phase of ministry.
Because of your prayers and generosity, more than 30 people who once didn’t know Christ now follow Him. That’s your fruit, too. Thank you!
Let’s Connect
I’ll be traveling in Arkansas and Missouri this month and would love to connect with you or your church. You can reach me at mike@nnccmpls.com or (501) 838-9673.
Additional Needs
If you’re led to help with a one-time gift, here are a few one-time needs:
• Roland FP-E50 Digital Piano ($999.99 + tax)
• Liquid Stands Keyboard w/ Wheels ($97.19 + tax)
• Liquid Stands Piano Bench ($77.99 + tax)
• Working 12-passenger van (for transporting members and visitors)
• Working full-size truck (to pull trailer)
• Enclosed trailer (for events)
Thank you for standing with us in this unique and challenging ministry. We love you and are grateful for your partnership. May God continue to bless and multiply the work He’s begun.
