Throughout the day, a loud cowbell rings out as an indicator to transition to the next station during summer camp at the Center. Everyone, campers and leaders alike, instinctively move to the next awaiting task. Well, the bell is now ringing for the Center itself!
It’s time to transition.
The Friendship Baptist Center has a long history of more than 30 years of ministry engagement in poverty impacted communities in Des Moines. All of these years have come under the direction and financial support of the Baptist Convention of Iowa and the North American Mission Board. Recent strategy and funding changes have ushered the Center into a new era of ministry and partnership – Thus, the sounding of the bell.
Effective January 1, 2017, the Friendship Baptist Center will be a stand-alone nonprofit entity and will no longer be fully supported by the Baptist Convention of Iowa. BCI will still continue to partner with the Center, but will no longer be the primary “owner” of the ministry. Additionally, the staff of the Center will no longer be employed by the Baptist Convention of Iowa. This means that the Center must generate its own budget for staff, ministry expenses and building and maintenance costs.
A Board of Directors, made up of Iowa Baptists, is already in place and will continue to lead and relate to Center staff. As the work and ministry of the Center moves forward, you will be kept informed of ministry activity as well as being offering opportunities to engage more fully in the work in Des Moines.
Due to these changes, the Center now relies on partners for financial investment like never before in its history. Partnerships with the Baptist Convention of Iowa, Metro Association, churches and individuals have already begun in an effort to ensure a lasting and fruitful impact through the Friendship Baptist Center. If you would consider financially partnering with the Center, on a monthly basis, that would be most appreciated.
Thank you so much for your investment and involvement in this ministry!
Jon and Mindy Jamison
Friendship Baptist Center
1526 MLK Jr. Pkwy
PO Box 41188
Des Moines, IA 50314-1442
515.244.1701
