FIRST SERVE - LOCAL MISSIONS
Wondering where to begin?
Take a moment to look at our "22 WAYS TO SERVE IN 2022" resource guide. It’s our hope that this resource can help you consider how your gifts and time and place can join in the redeeming work of God this year. For that reason, this list focuses almost entirely on kingdom work here in Amarillo, in our local community.
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
While First Baptist supports a number of our own missions, several other organizations around the city are already reaching areas in need. FBC partners with these ministries to support their missions. If you'd like to get involved, call the Ministry Coordinator listed for more information!
ESL: English as a Second Language
The "International Friends" program at First Baptist teaches English to the many refugees moving to Amarillo and shows Christ's love in practical ways. Our classes meet on Sunday afternoons and Thursday mornings. Over 300 students from sixteen countries are enrolled. They come from Iran, Iraq, Mexico, Sudan, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Laos, Thailand, Burma, Congo, India, Vietnam, Liberia, Panama, China, Burundi, and Peru. Thirty volunteer drivers bring students to classes, and forty-two volunteers teach classes ranging from basic ABC's to advanced conversation to GED preparation. Sundays also include classes for elementary school children, tutoring for middle school and high school students, and help for those preparing for their citizenship test.
PRISON MINISTRY
Our prison ministry teams work through curriculum designed to help men in both Texas Department of Criminal Justice units to become authentic Christian men. Our groups meet on Sunday evenings (6-8pm, Clements Unit), Tuesday evenings (6-8pm, Neal Unit), or Wednesday evenings (6-8pm Clements Unit). Contact Tom Foran for more information.
CHRISTIAN JOB CORPS OF AMARILLO
At Christian Women’s Job Corps® and Christian Men's Job Corps® we want to come along side women and men to encourage and equip them through education and employment. Within the context of a Christian community, caring allies and knowledgeable instructors provide tools and support to help our participants make progress toward the educational and employment dreams and goals. Our prayer is that our participant’s lives will be transformed in a way only God can; and after leaving us they are one step closer to becoming the men and women God has created and designed them to be.
Classes are held once in the Spring (February-April) and once in the Fall (September-November) for 10-12 weeks. Classes meet on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30-3:30.
The classes cover the following: How to get a job, How to keep a job, How to get into college, How to learn a trade, How to save your money, get out of debt, How to study the Bible, how to interview, how to write a resume, how to type, how to use the computer, how to use Word and Excel, How to have better relationships. Each eligible participant will have a mentor, a free lunch and a job interview.
For information call (806) 373-2891 or email cjcofama@gmail.com.
The Job Corps of Amarillo is a ministry of First Baptist Church of Amarillo. FBC provides funding, Buchanan Street facilities, administrative support and oversight.
Speiro Legacies provides the executive management, recruitment, grant writing and daily oversight in partnership with FBC of Amarillo.
PERKINS CENTER
The Perkins Center was started by First Baptist in 1989 and operates out of Buchanan Street Chapel. This food and clothing ministry provides vital help for 300-500 people each month. Volunteers conduct interviews, fold and display clothes, and put together boxes of food. For information about how you can be involved, contact Trevor Brown.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
In 2011, First Baptist is partnering with other Amarillo churches to build a Habitat for Humanity home. Bible Study classes, missions groups, and other organizations will be working alongside the recipients of the home.
AGAPE CENTER
The Agape Center provides a place of fellowship and support for mental health consumers in the Amarillo area. This ministry operates out of Buchanan Street Chapel and is open on weekday mornings.
HEMMED IN PRAYER
The Hemmed in Prayer ministry applies sewing skills to international missions. They make shirts, dresses, and pants for children in countries around the world.
MISSION AMARILLO
To serve in Mission Amarillo's Shoe Closet or Poverty Impact Ministry, contact Jeff Parsons at 372-6566 for further details.
BUCKNER FAMILY PLACE
This great resource provides single parent families a safe place to live while completing educational and vocational goals. Families are provided support through access to affordable housing, financial assistance and case management services, which include referrals to parenting education, budget training, life skills and individual and group counseling. Contact Denese or Kathy at 373-3422 to find out how you can help!
A TIME TO SHARE
This ministry works to serve Senior and Disabled adults. To get involved, call Nancy Haning at 353-3846.
HOPE WELCOME CENTER
This great resource provides single parent families a safe place to live while completing educational and vocational goals. Families are provided support through access to affordable housing, financial assistance and case management servicies, which include referrals to parenting education, budget training, life skills and individual and group counseling. Contact Denese or Kathy at 373-3422 to find out how you can help!
CARENET CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER
CareNet Pregnancy Centers, an outreach ministry of Jesus Christ, equips parents, teens, and pre-teens to live lives of purpose, minister to pregnant women, and provide support to women and families through education and resources. Call Candy Gibbs at 354-2244 for more information!
PARK CENTRAL/PARK PLACE COMMUNITY
The Park Central group of retirement facilities needs small groups to come and spend time with their senior adults. Youth and/or adults would be appreciated for an hour or two on Wednesday evenings playing cards, dominos, Wii, painting nails or simply as a listening ear to the lonely. You can call Rhonda Morgan at 337-4137 for more details.
SHARING HOPE AND PATSY'S PLACE
Sharing Hope ministry provides the Life Recovery Bible, Bible studies, a prayer, a one-on-one visitation program at our country jails, and an aftercare program which works with ex-offenders released back into the Amarillo community. Patsy's Place Transitional Home provides a safe and stable Christian prison-transition environment, available to the women who were active with Sharing Hope while incarcerated. For more information, contact Leigh Link at 358-7803