Connecticut Church Planting Update

As most of my blog readers know, on November 1, my wife and I transitioned from the ministry in Vermont that we have loved so much for the past 19 years, to a new ministry of church planting in Connecticut. In this new ministry we encourage existing church plants that are less than five years old and also work with established churches to start more new churches in nearby towns. I thought some of my readers might enjoy an update of what God is already doing in Connecticut through church planting.

1. Redeemer Hill Church, Hartford, CT

Pastor Joe Fisher
This mission is impacting many young professionals, including lawyers, managers in insurance companies, teachers, etc. In a recent pastors meeting, Pastor Joe said, “We have seen some healthy transfer growth, but what I long for is the conversion of souls.” Pray for God to call people to salvation through Redeemer Hill Church. Also, pray for the pastor’s wife, Kelly, who is pregnant.

2. The Bridge, Storrs, CT

Pastor Aaron Campbell
This mission is impacting students from the University of Connecticut, but also has 2-3 couples from the community. In a recent pastors meeting, Pastor Aaron said, “It sure would be nice to have one professor come to know the Lord and get involved in our group.” Join Pastor Aaron in that prayer. Also, the pastor is losing $1,000 in support on January 1, 2013. If you are interested in helping meet that shortfall, checks may be mailed to his sponsoring church, First Baptist Church, 240 Hillstown Road, Manchester, CT, 06040, and make a note on the memo line of the check that it is for Pastor Aaron’s support.

 

3. New Vision Baptist Ministries, Hartford, CT

Pastor Henry Wilson
This mission is impacting the poor and needy in Hartford. They are currently meeting with another church for Sunday worship, but during the week Pastor Henry counsels people struggling with substance abuse and also teaches literacy and helps mentor people with life skills. Pray for Pastor Wilson as he commutes from nearby Springfield and also works full time job. Pastor Wilson has started a small Christian bookstore as a ministry to the inner city community, but also as a source of funding for the rest of the church’s outreach programs. They accept donations of high quality Christian books, which they resell in the bookstore. To donate books, mail them to Pastor Henry Wilson, 201 Walnut Street, Springfield, MA, 01105.

 

4. Bethlehem Baptist Fellowship, Bethlehem, CT

Pastor Duane Crossman
This mission is seeking to impact their entire community. They have passed out many pieces of Gospel literature and held a number of special events. So far, community response has been small, but they know that if they remain faithful, the Lord will reward their labor in due time. Pray for the people that have heard the Gospel to respond. Consider sending an encouragement card that lets Pastor Crossman and his church know that others are praying for them. Send those cards to: Dr. Duane Crossman, 80 Eastwood Rd, Torrington, CT, 06790.

 

5. French Speaking Baptist Church of Waterbury, CT

Pastor Michael Dessalines
This mission is impacting the lives of many Haitians, particularly those from the second generation that are more Americanized than their parents. Pray for many younger Haitians to find Christ through this mission. Also pray for the church to begin to offer financial support to Pastor Michael.

 

6. New Beginnings Baptist Outreach, Meriden, CT

Lay leaders, Lou and Janet Faccinto
This mission is impacting the lives of youth from at-risk homes. The Faccintos are praying for God to raise up a church planting couple willing to transform this outreach center into a church. Terry Dorsett has been in contact with a potential church planter and is praying all of that through while seeking the Lord’s direction. Would you join the Faccintos and Terry in in this prayer?

7. Community Christian Fellowship, Torrington, CT

Pastor Pat Richardson
Pray for Pat as he seeks to share the Gospel with the community in which the Lord has placed him.

 
8. Connecticut Church Planting for English Speaking People Groups
Dr. Terry Dorsett, Church Planting Catalyst
Pray for Terry and his wife Kay as they embark on this exciting new ministry. Pray especially for their home in Vermont to sell, so they can physically relocate to Connecticut. Pray for safety for Terry as he drives back and forth during the long winter months. To learn more about how you can partner with the Dorsett’s in reaching Connecticut through church planting, email Terry at drterrydorsett@gmail.com.