Yesterday was a highlight of the year for the Immanuel Baptist Church. While we have enjoyed great days in 2025, our Missions Emphasis Sunday—also called Full House Sunday—was an exciting and spiritually successful Sunday.

With the emphasis on having a “full house,” church members worked tirelessly to fill every seat on their row, with the ultimate goal of filling the church house. Dozens of visitors attended, as a result of members bringing their friends and neighbors to be a part of the service. It was also a joy to see visitors bringing visitors with them to church.

The best part of the day was seeing the response at the altar during the invitation. It was evident that the Holy Spirit was working in the hearts of the lost. I preached from John 3:16-18 on “The Greatest Missionary God Ever Sent,” carefully and plainly laying out the reason for Christ’s coming. As soon as the invitation began, dozens came down the aisle toward the altar, many of whom ultimately trusted Christ as their personal Saviour before the close of the service. Christians sharing the Gospel stretched from one side of the building to the other. With Bibles open, altar workers diligently explained the plan of salvation. Others came for assurance, baptism, and membership. As I write this, I do not yet know the number of people who were saved, but I know there were dozens saved over the weekend. To God be the glory!

In the service, we also highlighted world missions. Each Sunday school class represented the missionary family or families they have adopted to support financially. Two new missionary families joined us for our services—one family currently serving in the Philippines and the other on deputation to go to Mexico. Thankfully, we will be adding them to our missionary support through two adult Sunday school classes who have chosen to support them.

With visitors, salvations, baptisms, new members, and an increased attendance—along with the support of new missionaries—Missions Emphasis and Full House Sunday yesterday was a successful and wonderful day.

I am grateful to be part of a church family concerned not only with their Jerusalem but also with the uttermost.