Mission
We are committed to a strong missionary presence to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. There are a number of projects that the congregation supports on an ongoing basis and a few for the short term. If anyone is interested in more information on any of the missionary projects listed, please contact the Missions and Outreach Ministry at the church.
Good News Evangelistic Outreach started and maintains an orphanage sharing the love of Christ with over 100 children in Malawi, Africa. These children have lost their parents to AIDS. Over the years that Bay Road has helped support this mission, the children have gone from sleeping on mats on the floor to bunk beds, have adapted to eating at tables with chairs, and have running water, including clean drinking water and an outdoor shower.
Dave and Sandy Bird have served for many years as missionaries in various places. David grew up in the Bay Road Church and continues to be an active member. Dave and Sandy are currently on sabbatical living with other missionaries in Wheaton, IL with their 11 year old daughter Enktul. Their 19 year old son Byamba is a 1st year student at Cedarville University in Ohio.
Rev. Leith and Carol Fujii are Presbyterian Church USA missionaries serving in Bangkok, Thailand where they teach at the Bangkok Institute of Theology, preparing Thai pastors to share the Good News of Christ in a country that is 99% Buddhist. The Fujiis moved to Bangkok from Chicago with their 4 children in 1998 after discerning God’s calling. Where you can find photos and updates about their ministry. Their website is www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/fujiil.htm
The Gulf Coast Mission has helped rebuild homes and lives following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and now Ike. To date 160 volunteers have served on teams from the Bay Road Church. In addition, 3 young people from the church have worked with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance as long term volunteers. The mission is “Out of Chaos, Hope” and perhaps one of the most dramatic stories was that of Greg. Greg’s home was nearly destroyed when the Pearl River surged during Hurricane Katrina. He was unable to move forward with his life until members of our mission team spent time with him. He came to know the Lord, accepted help and rebuilt his home, and was baptized in the same river that had earlier brought devastation.
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship brings the Gospel message to college students throughout the Capital District. The Bay Road Church has supported the Associate Area Director Danielle Bailey for a number of years as she has reached out to and worked with students at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs and Union College in Schenectady. Visit Danielle at www.danillebailey-ivcf.org
The Open Door is located on South Street in downtown Glens Falls, and serves those in need of a meal, Christian spiritual guidance and encouragement. The mission was started in 1991 by founding director Rev. Bruce Hersey. Rev. Hersey worked cooperatively with New Beginnings, a drop-in center sharing the love of Christ through encouragement, prayer and Bible study. New Beginnings was also started on South Street in 1991, when Elder Joe Simpson and the Bay Road Church answered God's call to reach out to those less fortunate. From 1994 to his retirement in 2004, Joe Simpson operated the merged ministries under the name of The Open Door Mission. Bruce Hersey returned as Executive Director in 2004, and the ministry continues to grow under his leadership. Currently" over 5000 meals are served each month to those in need. The Bay Road Church provides financial support and each second Wednesday of the month three or more volunteers serve dinner from 4:45 to 6:00 p.m. A sign-up sheet for those interested in serving is on the bulletin board in fellowship hall. For More information, visit www.opendoor-ny.org
Upstate Jail Ministries is under the direction of Peter Bailey and ministers in the jails of Warren and Washington Counties in Upstate New York. Over 30 volunteers from various professions and denominations (including the Bay Road Church) work together to provide Christian outreach and discipleship for those who are incarcerated. The Angel Tree program, providing Christmas gifts for the children of inmates, is also part of this mission. For more information, visit www.upstatejailministries.org
Women at the Well is a mission reaching out to women and girls who are serving in the sex industry in Bangkok, Thailand. Many of these young ladies have been sold into this slavery by their families as a means of survival. The Well mission loves Thai bar girls and sex workers in the same way that Jesus loved the woman at the well in the Gospel of John. The Well provides counseling, training, job development and other services for women and their families. For more information, visit www.servantworks.com/well
Young Life is a relational outreach to young people who would otherwise be unlikely to hear the Good News of Christ. It is a team ministry that meets kids where they are, immersed in the youth culture of their local high school. High school years are a time when young people make lots of choices, including what they believe about God. Young Life leaders and volunteers build relationships with kids and share with them the great news of a God that loves them. For more information, visit www.younglife.org/us