First General Baptist Brings Community Fellowship Back To Willow Springs

On Sunday, July 5 First General Baptist Church held a smoke-off and community gathering in Willow Springs. With over 400 expected attendees, Pastor Scott Williamson commented, “This is just all about bringing people back together, so that they know that we love them and that Christ loves them,” he continued, “People could come in here and walk out only knowing that, and that's enough for me.”
This is the first time in a while that General Baptist Church has had an event like this. Usually there is a relaxed grilling and get-together but an event including fireworks has not been an occurrence for several years.  
The evening began with a judging of the smoked meats that had been prepared throughout the day by Lee Freeman, Stacy Renshaw, Timothy Riley, Eric Brotherton, and Billy Vanderbilt. Many of the men had been to smoking competitions several times before but as Riley described it, “It’s all for fun's sake. It’s less about who wins and more about just seeing everyone here, without fear or worry.” 
As attendants began gathering, judges Ray Kelly, Dustin Kupitz, Pamela Riley, and Jory Hockett got to work. After the scoring and a bit of negotiation, the winners were announced, with Freeman in third place, Renshaw in second, and Brotherton in first. 
The crowd then gathered in front of the church for a flag ceremony. A reading of “That Old Ragged Flag” was heard as veterans from the church raised the flag to its place overlooking the crowd. A performance of the Star Spangled Banner followed with many of those present joining in. Pastor Williamson led a prayer in thanks for the event, those who made it happen, and for the opportunity to gather. Echoing the words of John Adams in his closing “We will have no sovereign but God, and no king but Jesus.” 
After prayer and food, the fireworks show began. As Williamson dedicated it, “to the forces that work across our country and beyond to keep America safe.” 
In these times, gatherings of this degree have been difficult or impossible to experience, but the First General Baptist Church helped relight the torch of fellowship and bring the community out of isolation and into the company of one another.

Howell County News

110 W. Main St.,
Willow Springs, MO 65793
417-252-2123

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