February has been a great month. I praise God for the things He is doing in our midst as He continues to change lives. As we move toward March, I am really excited. I encourage you to pay close attention to the information on the front of the newsletter, as well as the calendar. The theme for this month is "March Madness - Winning with Jesus".

This theme is merely a tool to help motivate and allow us to focus on all that Jesus has for us and did for us. It is also a chance for us as a church to act on what we already know. All through February we talked about the need for New Beginnings. It is now time to move forward in putting these truths into action.

Speaking of action, the last Sunday night of February and possibly by the time you read this, our building team will be sharing the vision of the new building, and allowing the church to give input so that we can go to the next level in seeing the vision become a reality. But in order for this to happen, it will take sactifice. Sacrificial living, sacrificial serving, and sacrificial giving. That means that each member must also become what God has already called us to, and that is to minister.

If you are already serving, God bless you; keep doing what you are doing. If not, now is the time. Pray and ask God for His direction, and then step up and find a place to serve. I would also ask you pray for the staff and the leadership, that God would guide us to provide the pathway that leads everyone from just membership to active ministry. It is time for all of us to step up and step out for God. Hoyt sent me a quote from Vance Havner that sums it up best: "The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps ~ we must step up the stairs."

By the way, on the first Sunday of March, it will mark six years that I have been your pastor, and I thank God for each and every one. On behalf of myself, Courtney, and Mikalyn we love you, and thank God for each of you.

Pastor Michael

I would like to introduce you to Chris Wells, of Wellspoken Ministries. Chris has a passionate concern for people who don't know Jesus Christ, and he has a heart for sportsmen and students. He is a full-time evangelist, and is currently the Chaplain for the Fellowship of Christian Anglers of the Bassmaster Elite series.

Chris is a native of South Carolina, and was raised near the banks of the Sautee Cooper Lakes. Chris was saved at a young age, and was called into the ministry while attending college. In college, Chris discovered he had a gift for communicating the gospel to young people. While doing youth ministry, God beban to allow Chris to speak to a variety of people all over the country. As he began to pray about this, he felt God leading him into a full time ministry. In 2004, after much prayer and counsel, Wellspoken Ministries was created.

Chris was asked to co-host the Fishers of Men Outdoor Television Show on the Fox Sports Network. He is very effective with fishermen and hunters, as well as students.

I am really excited about Chris teaming up with us this year for the Trout Tournament, speaking to the students that Saturday night, and also preaching Sunday morning. Thank you, Center Baptist, for your support in the ministry, and also for giving me the freedom to allow God to work in this important outreach event.

~ Mark A. Pourbaix, Men's Minister

How Micah handles this time with hope and anticipation has spoken to me. As you look at the passage, you can see all the turmoil that is going on around him, and what he sees going on in the households of people. He sees what is going on at the government level, and as I read his account of the events, I realize the same things that we see today were going on in Micah's day. But look at his statement: "I will look unto the LORD, the existing one, Jehovah". Micah knew where to go. "I will wait or expect the God of my salvation to hear me". He knew God would hear his plea. Micah was secure in his relationship with God. He knew that no matter what, God was still in control. When it seems that there is no hope, God has something that is better: Him.

God bless you, Church!