Grand Prairie Baptist Church

Nicolette Taylor - Music Director

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An interview with Nicolette Taylor.

How long have you held this position of service?  I have been leading the music since about three months after we first got to Grand Prairie in November, 2008.

What does this position entail?  Preparing the orders of worship for Sunday morning and Sunday night services.  Preparing special services such as Easter and Christmas.  Directing the choir.  Coordinating specials and soloists for service.

Did you feel the Lord was asking you to fill this position?   Would you share a little about that experience?  If the Lord wasn't Betty Knipp was!   Just kidding.  I have always had a love of music.  I began singing at a G.A. camp in Illinois and continued that passion through college.  When Ben and I arrived at GPBC, Miss Betty was excited to learn about my musical history.  I prayed about it and agreed to take over the position.  It is a joy to see the attitude of worship at GPBC.  The choir and congregation have been very patient with my somewhat unorthodox style of direction.  I do my best to offer anyone the opportunity to express themselves musically in a worshipful attitude as much as it is in my power to do so.  We are blessed to have you as our Music Director!  Our choir was once lovingly likened to Whoopi's choir at the beginning of Sister Act!  But now...we are hearing differently!  And we thank you!!
 

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?  Why?  Oh, my.  How to choose a favorite Bible verse.  Right now I am obsessing over Romans 12:9-21. 

Let love be without dissimulation.  Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.    
Have kindly affection one for another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another;  not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints, given to hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not.   Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.   Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.   Recompense no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.   If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.   Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written: "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,saith the Lord."   Therefore: "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink. For in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head."  Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Paul's way of addressing the saints to "love without hypocrisy" and "be fervent in spirit" is knocking me down a little.  Ben preached on it (I know he's my husband, but I still get something out of his sermon's every Sunday) and it turned into a Bible study for me that I can't let go.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this interview!  One last thing...would you like to extend an invitation to others to join us here at Grand Prairie?    Of course!  If you haven't been to a service or church function in a while you don't know what you're missing!  I have never seen a congregation like this one.  Never!
 

Charelle Wilson - Sunday School Director

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Grand Prairie has been my church since we moved back to Auxvasse when my Dad got out of the Navy.  I joined the church when making my decision public that I had accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.  I was almost nine years old.  I have always loved my church!  I have always loved the Lord!  

Even so, I came to church for many years (& was gone from church for a few more) before I came to realize that I had missed a very important piece of information.  Becoming saved and knowing that you need to believe that Jesus is, indeed, God's Son isn't all there is to it.  God isn't just up there in heaven hoping we decide to believe in Jesus so we make it to heaven one day.  God isn't just someone who pretty much leaves us on our own unless we are in really big trouble and crying out for help.  God wants to be a part of our lives each and every day!   He gave us the Bible not only to teach us how much we need Jesus, but to show us how He wants us to live.  He gave us answers to life's questions.  All we have to do is show Him that we trust what He's telling us and put the things we learn into practice in our lives.  When we do that, an amazing thing happens!  We grow closer to Him!  We feel His presence!  We know we can trust Him to guide us to fulfill the plan that He had in place for us even before we were born!

  I love this painting by our son.  We call it "Boiling Point."  See the expression on his face with the water bubbling all around him?  We think it's one of panic, fear and pain.  Do you ever feel like that?  I know I do.  But I have learned much.  I know that when those feelings overwhelm us, we can push through!  We can call out to the One who loves us most and He will rush to our rescue.  Even if our situation doesn't immediately change, He will be with us.  Filling us with a feeling of peace that, truly, surpasses all understanding no matter what life is throwing at us at the time.  Would you like to know Someone who can allow you to smile when facing the pain and agony of life?  Would you like to come to know or rediscover our true Father?  God Almighty! The One who loves you most.  Join us at Grand Prairie.  Let us grow, together, in the grace & knowledge of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.  (2 Peter 3:18)

I hope we see you soon!  I do!!!

Sarah Moore - TeamKID Director

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I have been teaching in the Kindergarten class at GPBC for the past 3 1/2 years.  Faye Oden asked that I start helping her with her Kindergarten class and I knew before she asked that the Lord wanted me involved with Sunday School.  I just didn't know how so He solved that problem for me!

Now, TeamKID Director was more of a surprise!  I knew the Lord had been leading me to do something to help, but I wasn't sure exactly what until I stayed for the first TeamKID meeting after church one Sunday.  Brother Ben shared that if no one stepped up to be Director that it would mean he would need to cancel his weekly Wednesday Bible Study to fill that position.  I knew at that moment the Director position was supposed to be filled by me!  This program has really been a blessing and I am very excited about it!  

A little information about myself:  I have been married for 6 1/2 years and we have three sons.  Christian 3 1/2, Collin 2 and Colton was born July 20th, 2010.  A few of my favorite hymns are How Great Thou Art & Sweet Hour of Prayer because they are my grandfather's favorite songs.  I, also, love Amazing Grace because I have treasured memories of singing it with my grandmother.

I would like to invite all Kindergarteners to join us for Sunday School at 10:00 am.  (Directions to our room can be found here:  http://www.grandprairiebaptist.com/multipage.php?id=2816 ) And we invite all children through 6th grade to join us for TeamKID on Wednesday evenings at 6:30.  Don't forget dinner for the entire family at 6:00!!  See you there!

I was fortunate to be raised in a church that was mission minded and had missionaries visit with us at times.  One of our young men went to Japan as a missionary, but could not complete his term because apparently his wife (one of my high school best friends) could not adjust to the drastic changes.  Because missions and mission giving was stressed, I found it to be of real interest to me.  As I left the Lord, after leaving home, it was not until the 1970's and again a church with a strong mission program that I again started to appreciate how God was using people all over the world to spread His Word.

Since that time, mission programs and people have become more important to me. My goal is to help others find out how God is using His missionaries in North America and throughout the world.  It is so important for all of us to see the needs, and find ways to get to know those who have left homes and families. One of the missionaries I know has lost about 60% of buying power due to the devaluation of the American dollar and the high inflation rate. They are living a lot on faith and depending on prayers from us back home.  Another missionary tells of high inflation. an additional tax of 12.5%, and being able to receive supplies only 4 times a year.  We complain, but they depend on the Lord to supply their needs.

On March 8th, 2010, all ladies of Grand Prairie Baptist Church will be able to hear a retired missionary as she speaks to us at an evening meal prepared by the ladies of our WOM.  I would also like to invite any who are not working to attend our regular meetings the second Tuesday of each month at 10 am in fellowship hall. 

Yes, I love missions and hope to be able to share that love.

Julia Horner - Adult Teacher

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 Julia Horner has taught her current women's class for the past 4 years, but has taught numerous years before in other Bible study classes.

When asked if she felt the Lord had called her to fill this position, she replied, "Yes.  I felt the Lord told me I may be retired, but He wasn't through with me yet.  I felt He was leading me to keep sharing the Good News."

About Me:  The first 20 years I lived in this town, I was Pat's wife or Finis and Bill's mom.  Then when I started working as a teacher in the school system, I was addressed as Mrs. Horner.  I decided upon my retirement, that for the next 30 years or so, I'm Julia.  

My favorite Bible verse:  I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength.  ~Philippians 4:13

If you are seeking a Bible Study class filled with women who care for each other, I would like to extend an invitation to you to join our class!  

You can learn more about our curriculum, Exploring the Bible, at this link:   http://grandprairiebaptist.com/multipage.php?id=2841&

Dave Thompson - Adult Teacher

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I have been a teacher for 24 years.  Even though, at times I have tried to talk the Lord out of it!  The last time I talked to God about this, I said, "If I don't have to work on Sunday any more."  Well, I have not worked a Sunday since!  And...I am a teacher!

My favorite verse is James 2:19.  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well. The devils also believe -- and tremble. 

Our class has dubbed themselves "The Happy Ole Men."  If you are a happy ole man, too, join us!

If you would like to know more about our curriculum "Explore The Bible," click here:  http://www.grandprairiebaptist.com/multipage.php?id=2841

Terry Eckley - Adult Teacher

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I've been teaching this class for about 5 months, but my wife, Linda, and I taught teenager and young adult classes for about 5 years or so.  When asked to teach one of the "Explore The Bible" classes, I felt led by the Lord to take it.  In doing so, I believe He is using it as His way of showing me more of Him as I prepare for others.

A little about me:  My wife, Linda, and I have been married for 37 years.  We have 3 adult children.  Our daughter, Marci, and her husband, Tim, have two sons named Jared & Zachary.  Our son, Nathan, and his wife, Jean, have one son named Noah (with Baby Choo-Choo on the way!)  Our youngest son is Matthew.

My favorite hymn is "What a Friend I Have in Jesus."  I just like it!  Jesus is so much more than a friend - but, WHAT a friend He wants to be to every one of us!

If you'd like to learn more about what the Bible can tell you, we are a class of adults learning and sharing together that has a place for you!  Come and join us!

Our class is currently meeting upstairs in the fellowship building.  First door on the right!  If you would like to know more about our curriculum, click this link:  http://www.grandprairiebaptist.com/multipage.php?id=2841

Donal Knipp - Treasurer

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I have been the treasurer at Grand Prairie for 9 years.  This position entails keeping the financial records for the church including paying the bills and keeping all pertinent records.  I also complete and file all yearly tax forms.  I report this financial information to the church body once a month at the business meeting.

I guess the Lord was asking me to fill this position because I was asked to take the position 3 times and kept turning it down.  Finally, I thought I should try to fill the treasury position and I have not had any trouble doing it.

One of my favorite Bible verses is John 3:16  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."

That said, I would like to invite anyone in the community that is looking for a church home to come and join us at Grand Prairie.