First Baptist Church Punta Gorda

08/29/2026

08/26/2026

As a new school year begins, let's remember the families whose classrooms look a little different.

Across America, millions of children are learning at home through homeschooling. Around the world, many missionary families also homeschool their children while faithfully serving where God has called them. Balancing education, ministry, and daily life is both a privilege and a unique calling.

Today, pray that God would:
• Give parents wisdom, patience, and strength as they teach.
• Help students grow in knowledge, faith, and Christlike character.
• Provide meaningful friendships and encouraging community.
• Bless missionary families as they faithfully serve while nurturing the next generation.

Your prayers are a meaningful encouragement to families investing in both education and the Kingdom.

08/25/2026

Jesus➡️hope, share the news‼️

The world is looking for hope. We know where it’s found.

The need is Jesus.
The hope we have is in Jesus.
And the message we’re called to share is the good news of Jesus.

Because Jesus changes everything!

08/21/2026

Happy Friday! Let's agree in prayer!

Your prayers impact your pastor and your church. ⛪️

shares how you can pray for your pastor this weekend:

🙏 Pray for them to be anointed by the Spirit.
🙏 Pray for them to preach from an overflow of their own worship.
🙏 Pray for them to be protected from the enemy.
🙏 Pray for them to rest well afterward.

08/21/2026

The Gospel changes everything.

Haley Williams was among the 63 newly appointed IMB missionaries recognized during the Sending Celebration at the SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando, where they shared their testimonies and gratitude for the churches supporting their Great Commission work.

Her journey from atheism to missionary service began in a high school classroom. Christian teachers faithfully shared the gospel with her, even when she rejected it.

At the time, Haley was enduring abuse at home and described herself as "passively suicidal." Everything began to change when her 11th-grade drama teacher showed her compassion and acceptance—the same love modeled by her other Christian teachers.

As a high school senior, Haley trusted Christ and was baptized.

In college, the Baptist Student Union at the University of Southern Mississippi taught her to share the gospel and make disciples. There, she also met IMB missionaries who introduced her to the reality of unreached people groups.

"I was deeply grieved by the fact that there are people in the world who do not have a chance to hear the gospel," she said. "I felt compelled to go and share the way my teachers had patiently shared with me."

After serving as an IMB Journeyman in East Asia, Haley is now preparing to serve in Japan.

"As I go," she asked at the Sending Celebration, "please pray that I will lean on the strength and love of the Lord and not my own strength and abilities."

08/11/2026

Intentional to !

How to interact with people like Jesus did:

1️⃣ Be Curious: Break through the culture of “minding your own business.” Ask thoughtful questions that help people feel seen and valued.

2️⃣ Listen Well: Slow down. Resist the urge to plan your reply while they’re talking. Give them your full attention.

3️⃣ Go the Extra Mile: Volunteer, step up when there’s a need, and actively look for bridges to deeper spiritual conversations.

Let’s be intentional this week to make Jesus known. 🙌

08/11/2026

We join together in prayer for Colombia.

COLOMBIA - The search is on for survivors of a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake this morning in Colombia. It struck in a national park bordering the city of Pereira, toppling buildings and knocking out communications. Over 70 people have been confirmed deceased while many more have been injured or are missing. The cities of Quibdo, Cali, and Manizales are also heavily damaged. Please pray for search and rescue teams to find the missing among the rubble and for families as they await news of loved ones. Pray also for overwhelmed medical facilities, some of which are damaged as well. Send Relief is actively coordinating through IMB missionaries and local partners as they come alongside churches in the area, mobilizing them to bring practical help and gospel hope amid this tragedy.

08/11/2026

Yes we are!

FOURTEEN weeks until National Collection Week! 📆

Soon, more than 4,500 drop-off locations will open to collect gift-filled shoeboxes. 🎁

Are YOU joining us in reaching children with the Good News of Jesus Christ? Let us know in the comments!

➡️ How to pack a shoebox: https://bit.ly/How_to_Pack

08/11/2026

08/08/2026

The gospel! Continue to pray for all that have been touched by this mission opportunity!