July 2025 | 5
Reasons for Encouragement in the Northwest Region Blessings from the Northwest Region. For many of us, summer is a time to reset. We are celebrating gradua- tions, spending extra time with family, and taking vaca- tions after a busy spring. As we reflect, there’s so much to be thankful for here in the Northwest Region. By Matt Pardi, Northwest Region catalyst
Another is in Northwood, where we’ve seen First Baptist Church, Northwood and Oregon Baptist Church unite. Both mergers have resulted in new people, salvations, baptisms, and a renewed sense of purpose. God is clearly at work! We are also encouraged by the partnership with FBC Perrysburg and All-Nation Baptist Church. Their connec- tion and sharing is a blessing to all involved. Whatever season your church is in—whether you need revitalization, are exploring a merger, or pursuing a new vision for 2026—we hope that SCBO can be a bless- ing and encouragement to you. We truly believe we are better together. Through our partnerships, associations, and regional efforts, we can bring more glory to God in Ohio. Thank you for all you are doing to serve the Lord. And thank you for your faithful giving to the Cooperative Program. Your generosity is helping us serve and equip churches across our state. We are going in a great di- rection! Lastly, one of last year’s highlights was our regional out- ing to a Toledo Mud Hens game. It was a fun night of fellowship, food, and family. We’re excited to do it again this summer on Friday, July 18 at 7 pm at Fifth Third Field in Toledo. We’d love to have you, your spouse, and your kids join us! It’s a small token of our appreciation for all you do for the kingdom of God. Please let us know how we can pray for you and serve you.
We are grateful to prayerfully and financially support four effective ministries that are making a real impact in the NW: WellSpring, serving the internationals; Life Station and Mosaic Ministries, serving the poor and needy, and The Disciples House, ministering to those in prison. “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 Caring for the needy and reaching the outsider is at the heart of humility and Christ’s mission—and it’s our joy to be part of that work. We’re also encouraged by the spirit of humility and unity we’re seeing in local church mergers in the region. Each church is unique—some large, some small, some urban, some rural, some newly planted, and others revitalizing through partnership. No matter the size or setting, our passion is to serve pastors and support churches in the ways God is leading. Church mergers are an encouragement in the Northwest Region. One example is at Gateway Church, Toledo, where two congregations came together in humility to form a stronger, unified church.
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