THE EVANGEL
First Baptist Church
218 N. 34th Street, Billings MT 59101; Phone: 406-259-6546
Email: fbcblgs@gmail.com Website: http://www.fbcblgsmt.com Facebook: First Baptist Church Billings MT
Leading people to be transformed and renewed by the Holy Spirit to become Christ centered servants.
Pastor Ross Lieuallen
September 2025
Those Persecuted
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:4-6). “Blessed
are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven” (Matthew 5:11)
We often forget. . .at one time in his life, the second greatest person in the history of Christianity
persecuted Christianity’s Founder. We often forget, early Christians were severely persecuted and
most often to their deaths. We often forget that throughout church history, there were mighty men
and women of faith were persecuted even by those in the church who thought they were doing God a
favor.
We often forget that some people we know or have known have died as martyrs or been sorely
mistreated because of their witness for Christ. We often forget that throughout the world TODAY
there are people who face daily persecution for their faith, being known as Christ followers, or merely
attending a house of worship.
Listen to their stories. . .A woman named Somayeh in Iran says: “my husband threatened to kill
me if I preached the gospel. But I couldn’t stay silent.” Pastor Sore’ from Burkina Faso wrote: “I was
leading a thriving church, my children went to school, we had a home, access to water. But in a day, it
was all taken away, we were exposed. Every night, I had to be watchful, killing snakes while my
family slept. Pray for all Christians in Burkina Faso, especially for those who are displaced that they
stand firm in their faith.”
A young girl named Rumana in Bangladesh writes: “I was mocked and attacked by children as
I walked to church; and neighbors verbally abused me shouting death threats. “It’s only because of
Jesus’ love that I have survived until now, despite all the persecution. . .I pray to God every day for
my classmates at lunch time.”*
What can we do? In this short article it’s impossible to delineate all that can be done by us.
But a few things. . .become aware. . Being aware is huge. There was a time in my life when the
subject of persecution was not on my radar. I had too many of my own concerns. We have booklets
in the library from Open Doors Ministry that list countries and needs of Christians in those countries
that are targeted for their faith. Their stories inspire me. I believe if we could meet anyone instantly
who is today persecuted, we would be so inspired by their faith and exuberance to witness for Christ.
Prayers. . Though it feels so general, God knows our hearts and even praying each week for
believers in one country makes a huge difference to them! God is able to multiply our prayers for
their protection, healing, freedoms, and witness.
Be grateful. . .We live in our country where, yes, it seems there are constant court battles
concerning religious expression. But we have freedom to worship, express our faith publicly, and
even invite people to church without fear of being targeted. For this we are grateful to God.
Rejoice and be glad as we join our brothers and sisters throughout the world to be counted
worthy to suffer for His name!
Pastor Ross
*All stores/examples are taken from publications of Open-Door ministry literature.
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September Birthdays
Lynn Schrader Peyton Kindsfather
Gerry Mottram Jim Gappa
Delinda Burke Sandy Short
Randell Mason Preston Kindsfather
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New Births
Riley Joy
Castaneda
Born: Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
20” long, 9 lbs. 7 oz.
Congratulations Jasmine (Lieuallen) & Abel Castanetta
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FBC church NEWS
PLEASE, JOIN TOGETHER AND PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH - OUR MEMBERS AND NEEDS
Church Needs
✓ Volunteer Sunday School teachers
✓ Praise for Diaconate Leaders
✓ Outreach programs, Crisis Center, Rimrock Foundation, Dream Fund Opportunity
✓ Continued financial stewardship and volunteer service
✓ Directors for our Big Sky Area and the Northwest Region
✓ Praise for the healthy birth of Riley Joy (Jasmine Lieuallen)
✓ Please remember to sign up to help with the Janitor duties in September and
October. Thank you!
COUNTRY & WORLD PRAYER NEEDS
✓ Support for our International Ministry Partners Jay Stockton in Mexico and
Dieselbergs in Thailand
✓ Prayers for the lives lost and families forever changed in the Texas flood, Minneapolis
shooting, and all other tragedies in our world
✓ Israel and all the countries associated with the rising Mideast conflict and for an end to
the conflict
✓ Prayers and Holy Spirit guidance for our country's leaders
✓ Holy Spirit and Christ revival across all church denominations wherever they are
Church Members &Attendees
Pray for healing, strength, wisdom, joy, peace, and please remember these
individuals with your visits and special cards.
✓ Bill Clagg, LuElla Kiser, Penny Hudson, Lynn Schrader
✓ Prayers for healing to Linda Sago, Lord provide healing and a way home
✓ Prayers for Bill and Brenda Hines’ health as they adjust to Texas
✓ Continued prayers for Sandy Short as she settles into her new home
✓ Prayers for Jae & Ken Stockton
Answers to prayers
✓ Praise for lives changed at Templed Hills Camp this summer
✓ FBC members have agreed to serve in open Diaconate positions
✓ Thanks for the continued faithful giving to FBC
Church Events
✓ Tuesday, September 9th
, Diaconate meeting, 5:30 pm with dinner provided
✓ Monday, September 15th, Suicide Prevention Seminar in FBC Sanctuary, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
✓ Bible Studies and Worship Services
✓ Outreach Ministries: Rimrock Foundation, Billings Rehab, and Crisis Center
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September Bible Reading Plan
Miracles of Jesus
September 1 John 2:1-11 September 16 Mattherw 17:1-8
September 2 John 4:43-54 September 17 John 6:16-21
September 3 Mark 1:21-27 September 18 Matthew 15:21-28
September 4 Matthew 8:14-15 September 19 Mark 7:31-37
September 5 Mark1:32-34 September 20 Matthew 15:32-39
September 6 Luke 5:1-11 September 21 John 9:1-12
September 7 Mark 1:40-45 September 22 Mark 9:14-29
September 8 Luke 7:1-10 September 23 Matthew 17:24-27
September 9 Matthew 9:1-8 September 24 Luke 11:14-23
September 10 Mark 3:1-6 September 25 Luke 13:10-17
September 11 Luke 7:11-17 September 26 Matthew 20:29-34
September 12 Matthew 8:23-27 September 27 John 20:1-20
September 13 Mark 5:1-20 September 28 John 11:1-45
September 14 Luke 8:42-48 September 29 Luke 22:50-51
September 15 Matthew 9:18, 23-26 September 30 Acts 1:9-11
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Baptisms. . .
I always want to keep reminding you if you have
never been baptized and sense the Lord would
have you follow Him in baptism, please contact me or email the church.
Pastor Ross
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CHURCH FINANCIAL UPDATE
While our YTD is showing a shortfall, we have been good stewards in
reducing monthly expenses beginning in June. Each of you has been
faithful through this awareness. Thank you. God has blessed us this
summer through your giving. Our checking and money market balances
as of 7/31 are doing well. We will have continued expenses, and we will
have His supply through what has already been given and through each
week/month's offerings.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFUL GIVING TO FBC
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SUICIDE PREVENTION SEMINAR
Rev. Corey Laughary, our new Mission Northwest Executive Minister, will be here on Monday,
Sept 15th to do a suicide prevention seminar. Among many of his leadership skills, while
serving as pastor in Palouse, WA., he addressed suicide prevention and helped train many in
church and secular agencies. It will be held in the FBC sanctuary. 7-8:30 pm.
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A SPECIAL NOTE:
Most of you know Linda Sago. Linda has done much service to the Lord
in our church; she has either been in the hospital or rehab for the past
six months and has acquired many bills that insurance may not pay.
There will be a special offering for Linda on Sunday, September
7th during morning worship. By putting the date "out there" it
gives all of us a chance to pray and ask Him how much to give in
this offering. And it gives all of us a chance to share in her
burdens and participate in the joy of giving. Please give as the
Holy Spirit directs. Thank you.
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AND....
If you would like to receive the FBC monthly newsletter, THE
EVANGEL, and be included in church email communications, please
email the office at fbcblgs@gmail.com to be added. Thank you!
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Templed Hills Camp Closing
Sept. 12-14
Please come to this free camp if you can help close the camp
for the season. All kinds of help are needed, inside and out.
Contact Karen Harlan (406-670-5408) or Pat Case-Threet (406-670-7230) for information.
And what a year it was! Starting our 101st year, Templed Hills served over 50 kids for Kids Camp,
50 teens for Youth Camp, 60 for Men's Camp, and 80 women and girls for Women's Camp! Other
camps were for the Miles City and Bozeman churches, Voices in the Hills music camp, and Cards
and Games camp, which together served over 100 more. Your contributions of time and resources
help sustain this ministry. Volunteers and financial supporters are always welcome and appreciated.
Thank you!
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