Pastor's Notes

"The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it...! George Muller ". O Bro. George hit the nail on the head didnt he? Who should read the King James Bible?

I would like to encourage all of our readers to increase our bible reading during the month of August. For those who attend our church, we have a bible reading bookmark that is helpful in recording our reading progress through the bible. We all have busy lives but we must put our Christian priorities first and read that precious Word. Many folks have not trusted in God's Word and the daily reading of it, to help guide them through this life. Many questions are answered and many directions for the path of our Christian journey are revealed in that Blessed Book. Now, what excuse do you have for not reading the Bible and will you use that excuse when you stand before GOD?

If you like Bible Studies, I freely suggest you attend our Adult Sunday School class. We are beginning a verse by verse study of the Book of Romans. We started July 27th and will have plenty of interesting teaching on this book of the Bible. By the way, the great reformationist Martin Luther based his beliefs in his revolt because of his great love and affection for 2 books of the Bible--the book of Galatians and the Book of ROMANS. We also will begin a chapter by chapter study of the Book of Revelation in September. We will once again put up our big, colorful 16ft chart and I will be preaching on this subject each Sunday evening beginning the first Sunday evening in September and carry this study through November(and probably longer--Lord willing). Speaking of the Bible...Gospel Baptist Church is pleased to announce that Bro Steve Schlechty will be with us Sunday September 21st. Bro Steve is the one who is responsible for alot of road rage of non bible believers simply because of the scripture he has produced on magnetic signs. I have had my share of people flipping me off, shouting obscenities, etc..! Why? Because that Bible has a way of convicting people of their sinful way. Had a neighbor get mad with me years ago because of the large magnetic sign on the side of my truck that said..."If You Die Tonight Would You be in... Heaven or Hell?" The conversation we had began because of my dog eating their cat food(well I did have a bad dog--he wasnt confused he just liked the taste of cat food---come to think of it, he liked the taste of cats also). But as the heated minutes went by, I noticed a glare at my truck and then the neighbor started wondering why would I have such a sign on my truck. Well, when I told him that I was a Christian and a pastor, his face really got sour. Then I proceeded to witness to him and within seconds--he was back across the street--never to be seen or heard of again. By the way, no telling how many thousands of people read that sign. After all, I lived beside the post office and on a major highway for 2 yrs. Plus driving to church on Interstate I-16. Never know who got to thinking about Heaven and Hell.

O.K. Here is the perfect picture of a baby that is about to take over the world. Sis April............our legal advisor

A few of us after the Gospel Sing..pictured with Bro Darowyn Lee--a personal friend of Pastor Whitaker

Carly's dad--Daniel. Well, we did have to have one pic with him and Carly didnt we?? She is a daddys girl. Pastor Whitaker's oldest son, John Jr.

Riley exploring the pews at Gospel Baptist Matthew Whitaker(pastors middle child)

Bro Clinton after escaping the prison on a Sunday Morning Riley posing for the camera

Bro Wayne and Bro John going over some last minute notes Bro Clinton and Bro John looking at the Bible courses that we have available

Some of our church folks picking over the many courses available. The Gann family visiting with us on a Sunday eve. Erins mother far right.

Should you be one of many unchurched folks in our area---come visit with us. You know you should be in church and I dont really believe you will find any better Bible Believing church in our area.

My, hasn't the summer come upon us quickly. June was a great month for us at Gospel Baptist Church in Black Creek. We were able to minister to folks via the local church(our people, preachers and tracts), through our missionaries and through the internet. It would surprise many people to know the impact our website has had for many people. I frequently receive prayer requests and Bible questions from sincere folks who need someone they can depend on and turn to during their time of need. Such a blessing for me to be able to extend my heart and my help.

I was asked to perform two marriages during June: one in Cocoa Beach, Fla.(on the beach) and one in Waycross at Laura Walker Park. Hope those couples continue to love each other the rest of their lives.

Now in case you havent read this before--its such a blessing to pastor a church that loves people and wants to see Christians learning the Word of God, learning to be faithful in all that we do, loving their families and worshipping God in Spirit and Truth. As our ministry continues to grow, we are praying that God will bless our church with more people who will be allowing God to direct their hearts in service toward HIM!! Plenty to do and do we must!

This week I had a preacher send me a quote that I will more than likely use in an upcoming message. But the importance of the quote will not allow me to wait any longer, for I must share this with you. I found out a long--long time ago that people(even christians) can say some of the most heart wrenching things to one another. Thus the quote below---please read it slowly:

Our Words:

the power of poisoning the heart----

Your anger may sting venomously. Your jealousy may do a mischief in one short hour that your whole life cannot repair. Your cruel pride may do a whole ages work in a day. You cannot take back the injuries that you have done to those whose hearts lie throbbing next to yours. Ah! When winter has frozen my heliotropes, it makes no difference that the next morning thaws them out. There lie the heliotropes, a black, noisome heap; and it is possible for you to chill a tender nature so that no thawing can restore it. You may relent, but frost has been there, and you cannot bring back freshness and fragrance to the blossom. You cannot sweeten the embittered heart to which your words have been like scorpions. It is a terrible thing for a man or a woman to have the power of poisoning the hearts of others, and yet carry that power carelessly. He cannot find place for repentance, though he seeks it carefully with tears. --- Beecher

Now the pics for June. I give my darling wife Rachel the credit for grabbing her camera and taking the snapshots. Sometimes we expect to get our pics taken and sometimes she just happens to be at the right place at the right time.

Pastor Whitaker and Cool Carly displaying the shades. Sis Erin and her handsome young son, Riley.

Missionary Naomi Smith on deputation with her parents. Sis April Stout with young Ms. Naomi

Brian, April and Brianna Stout. Always a blessing to us. Ms Jennifer Webb during a visit in June.

Smith family reflecting and preparing during the Sunday School break. Smith's are heading to Germany and will do a great work for the Lord.

Carly enjoying her first trip to the park with mom and dad. O.k. mom, I am ready to slide again and again and again.......

Bro Darowyn Lee will be ministering to us through music and you will receive a blessing on July 13th when you attend our 11am service.

**Now on a personal note to one of our visitors during June. We were so glad to have you visit with us and know you found us via our website. Just got a feeling that something was troubling you and maybe you just couldnt work up enough nerve to talk with me about that problem. As a pastor, I often reflect on what I can do better as a Christian and a pastor. Maybe I didnt get to spend enough time with you before or after the service for you to feel comfortable in talking with me?? If you are reading this and would like to talk---please give me a call 912-690-1066 or email me at pastorwhitaker@gospelbaptist.net Rachel tried to contact you via mail and phone but was unable to find the right person. We are here for you.

Christians, lets pray for one another and witness for the Lord while we can. We have several things urgent to pray about and look forward to some exciting things in the days ahead.

The Bible says...But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee(Psalm 5:11). We have so much to rejoice about on this journey of life by simply trusting the Lord to be the Saviour of our Soul and thus the Lord gives us His Spirit to indwell us. From there the blessedness of comfort from the One whom comforts to the deepest recess of our very being, The Joy of Love that is bestowed upon such unworthy people, The escape of horrifying pain and displeasure during the Tribulation, To share ruling in the upcoming Millenial Kingdom, Reuniting with those who also loved the Lord and departed this earth before us, The Expectation of an awaiting Mansion in Glory and most of all to see visually one day the face of the One who died and paid our sin debt in full..The King of Kings and Lord of Lords....JESUS CHRIST......whew---dont you just want to rejoice with me now?? Shouldn't christians have a SMILE upon their faces?? Below you will see a few of the many smiling faces that are located at Gospel Baptist in Black Creek, Ga. Sister Rachel gets busy with her camera often times before, during and after service and look at the smiles.........

Pastor Whitaker and baby Carly +++ Baby Carly and her catapillar of many colors(you have to admit this pic makes you smile)

Here is our newest addition... baby Cassie(giving the diva wave at 5 weeks young) Daughter of Proud parents John and Minnie Harden

Stefan and Jennifer Evans during another visit with us at GBC Bro John giving Carly baby advice

Sis Dolores and Sis Sonya receiving their Baptismal Certificate(by the way these 2 sisters are physical as well as spiritual sisters)

Selah deciding which part of the cake was going to be eaten first. Bro Tep and the birthday girl.

What does Carly do at home............her job..........being cute with mom Melissa and dad Daniel and puppy dog

July 13th Bro Darwin Lee of Bickley will be ministering to us in music during the am service.

If you are looking for a church home in the Pooler, Rincon, Savannah,Springfield,Savannah area....Gospel Baptist is the place to worship God and raise your family in a Godly Atmosphere!

I am glad to announce that Rachel and I were married on Saturday May 3rd during a special ceremony conducted by Bro. Clinton Mincey at Gospel Baptist in Black Creek, Ga. We had all of our church family in attendance, plus some of our family and friends. Here are a few pics...more when we get the pro shots back and others pictures that folks took.

Left: Kristin, Marissa, Rachel and Jen Right: The right reverend Clinton Mincey and Pastor Whitaker getting ready for the wedding ceremony.

Photo left: Deacon McDonald(Mac) and Pastor Whitaker Photo Right: Whitaker vs Whitaker

Photo left: Carly likes Mr better than Mrs. Right:EPCOT the Honeymoon destination.

Photo left: Mr and Mrs Whitaker eating at Wolfgang Puck at Downtown Disney Right: On a hammock on the beach in "Aruba"

This month I celebrate 6 years as the pastor of one of the best Bible Believing churches in the south. Where we started and where we are now is incomparable. So glad that God moves in mysterious ways. God Almighty has always been (as much as I consider) too good to this preacher. The congregation that God is building at GBC is wonderful and I look forward to what God will do in the near future. So glad to have the new folks attending as well the ones that have stood together with me against the opposition of that ol' wicked one. Satan has come against us numerable times but God and His people still have the Victory. Amen and Amen. Since being in the Black Creek area I have seen pastors come and go at other churches. Still God has a lighthouse at Gospel Baptist in Black Creek. If you're looking for a church where there is stability in church leadership, love that is not hyprocritical from the congregation, and bible doctrine preached from the pulpit----come on over to Gospel Baptist.

Baptism service on Mothers Day. Fellowship Luncheon and Presentation of Baptism Certificates on May 18th.

Remember, I am here for you. If you need me---just give me a call at 912-690-1066.

Wedding Invitation..............................................Guest Book................Wonderful Cake Made By Sis Annette Booth of Waycross..mmm

Ball and chain??? Hey, She has the key!.........................................Wedding charge...............Bro John reluctantly handing over his wallet. What will she spend that money on???

March was a busy month for me. Led 2 adults to the saving knowledge of Christ during a Sunday service at Gospel Baptist in Black Creek, Ga. What a blessing!! We also had 3 adults to join the church--Rachel Evans and George & Gail Vest. Plus, I had the pleasure of baptizing 6 people. Whew. I like to be busy about the Lord's work and HE sure kept me busy during March. We have several new families coming faithfully each Sunday and hopefully they will join us in membership.

Special thanks to those of you who has recommended our church to your family, friends and co-workers. We are currently busy witnessing to several people who were recommended by friends from afar. Such a blessing to have brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the U.S. and the whole world. Our aim is to help bring people to the saving knowledge of Christ and/or bring them back into the flock. Pray for us and our evangelistic efforts.

Our church promotes good family values, service to the Lord(encouraging others, soul-winning, tract ministry, jail ministry) and teaching bible doctrine from that blessed King James Bible. We preach against sin and give praise to the Sovereign God of the Universe. Our folks love coming to Gospel Baptist. Its not just another day or just somewhere to attend---its special. You can hear and see the dedication of our congregation. You can sense the love of God's Spirit and God's people at Gospel Baptist in Black Creek. Come worship with us---I know you will receive a blessing.

I am still waiting to schedule a date for our next revival. This revival meeting will be with Bro Ken McDonald. He is such a blessing. Would encourage you to come to this meeting once scheduled.

Keep sending those prayer request in to me. I enjoy praying and enjoy seeing God answer prayers. Need to talk---give me a call. This preacher is here for YOU!!

Pictured below is baby Carly Richmond. Precious 3mth old baby girl that is so captivating each appearance she makes with our wonderful church family at Gospel Baptist.

March has finally arrived and we are looking forward to serving the Sweet Lord Jesus Christ. We have had several new families to visit with us during the month of February and already have had contact with several more that are interested in attending Gospel Baptist Church in Black Creek, Ga. More and more people are finding out about us and where we are located. Not only that, they have heard that there is a church where the preacher is preaching right from that King James Bible without compromise and has strong convictions about God and doesnt have to preach on "tithes" every Sunday(we believe in giving but dont believe in forcing you to give and we wont put a guilt trip on you if dont give or give a certain amount)!! Many churches have become business oriented(buying, selling and fund raising)---our business is worship and praise!! No contracts, no obligations other than the one you personally set forth with God. The only reason you need a pen at our church is to take notes from the vast amount of scriptures we cover(some churches you will do good to get one verse during the sermon).

Our church is family oriented. We love to have families worship together. During the AM and PM services at Gospel Baptist we have our youth and adults praise, sing and worship together.

Now on a personal note. The last weekend of February I went to Amicalola Falls and High Point in the north Georgia mountains. Here are a few pics that we took.

This water fall is just beautiful. Highest water fall east of the Mississippi river--729 ft tall. Took this pic just less than half way up

Me and the kids at High Point Mountain. 34 degrees at 4:30 in the afternoon. brrrrr

If you are looking for a church to attend---come visit with us. I can be reached at 912-690-1066 should you have any questions or prayer requests.

Psa 136:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psa 136:2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psa 136:3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psa 136:4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psa 136:5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psa 136:6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psa 136:7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Psa 136:8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Psa 136:9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Too many today are taking God's goodness for granted. They may recognize that HE is good and HE is a God of Love but they refuse to praise and worship God on a regular and steady basis. Hit today and miss tomorrow. Will be a shame if they become like the professing crowd of Matthew 7:21-23. Hope you are not one of those who use to really love going to church, read your bible and speak about the Lord and NOW DO NONE OF THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED! Could it be that you are one of the Matthew 15:8 church members? You can use the name of the Lord, say something good about HIM from time to time but in reality your HEART IS SOMEWHERE ELSE! Could it be time for you to practice 1 John 1:9??

GOD IS GOOD!! God's salvation is still in tact, God's eternal security is still forever and the one who created the heart of man---has the heart of this man. I am truly thankful of the goodness of my God!! Family is healthy, church is healthy and growing, and God's Word is still being preached every week in Black Creek, Georgia and all over the world by non compromising Bible Believers who recognize the goodness and love of a mighty God!!

Our church is still busy about the Lord's work and God is still sending folks our way. We have a new family that is ready to join the church and they have been such a blessing. One of our young couples had a baby girl(Ms Carly) and I will post her picture in the next few days. She is a couple of months old now and she sure is a cutie. Now------we are still looking for some good families that want to serve in a ministry capacity. Plenty to do for God these days.

I am excited about several good things that are about to come to fruition. God is really opening a lot of doors and have opened them faster than I was expecting. The future is looking bright---of course we know that the Lord is coming back soon and that is a blessing in itself.

This pastor still covets your prayers and very thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ.