Serving in Ft. Myers, Florida

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Matthew 28:19-20

Greetings!

North Ft. Myers, Florida is a small church that desires to grow in number and closeness to God as they seek to fulfill the mission of the Apostolic Christian Church.

Ft Myers

In 1979, it was decided to have a place of worship in the Fort Myers area because of the increased amount of brethren living and wintering there. A place was rented in the Charlotte Harbor area. In 1983, with continued increase of northern brethren and friends coming in the winter, it was decided that it was time to build a church in North Fort Myers.

The site chosen was along Route 41. Dedication of the new church was March 11, 1985. They are currently in the process of building a new, larger church south of the current location.

Edifying the Body of Christ

The Scripture teaches to encourage a sanctified life and faithfulness by God's grace and through His Word, "teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (Col 1:28) "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Eph 4:12)

Seven families, five singles and five children worship together at the church on a typical summer Sunday. They also get vacationers during the summer months. Beginning about October, the brethren from the North begin to arrive, and their numbers begin to grow steadily. January, February, and March are the big months for worshipping together. Often there are as many as 225 present.

Two local ministers, Bro. Marvin Steffen and Bro. Bill Masters serve the Ft. Myers church. The Elder is Bro. Ed Schwartz from Bluffton, Indiana. Sunday Services are at 10:30am and 12:30pm. Wednesday night services from November through April start at 7:30pm.

Offering Deeds of Service

The New Beginnings

The church family is active in supporting their local ministry, "The New Beginnings," which helps young single mothers turn their lives around and become self-sufficient. The ministry is located about 35 minutes from the church and consists of a six-unit apartment building.

Each unit has two bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, dining room and front room. It also has a duplex with the same accommodations and a large playground area.

Ft Myers

Three mothers and their children presently live at New Beginnings. There is room for one more mother and her children. A mentor couple lives in one of the apartments and helps guide and nurture the mothers and children as they seek to change their lives.

How you can help
The ministry is in need of another mentor couple to live there, as well as two young sisters in the faith. If you have a heart and a calling to help change lives for Christ, please contact them for more information:

The New Beginnings
4807 Tudor Drive
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Bill Masters: 309-824-3981

thenewbeginningsofswfl@yahoo.com

www.thenewbeginnings.org

Small Church Living

A small church has unique dynamics. First, it is easy to have an all-church potluck. Second, everyone gets involved with what is going on or needs to be done. For the most part, everyone can get to the church in 30 to 45 minutes. The weather is great, with no snow or ice to hinder outdoor activities. There are numerous employment opportunities, especially with education and healthcare.

The other two churches in Florida are Sarasota and Ft. Lauderdale, and they are only a little over an hour away. Ft. Myers is approximately 1,200 miles from the Midwest churches. There is an excellent major airport. The church is also located near Interstate 75 at the following address:

2801 Rustic Lane
Trail Dairy Circle NE
North Fort Myers, FL 33903

Invitation to Visit

You are invited to visit Ft. Myers and see what it is like in sunny Southern Florida. They would love to show you around and share their hospitality with you. Who knows, you might want to stay. There are plentiful opportunities to share God's love with others for the Kingdom's sake.

The Mission Committee sincerely appreciates your interest, sincere prayers, and your support as we strive to spiritually discern and faithfully fulfill His will. More information is available at the Apostolic Christian Mission Committee website.

Sincerely,

Wayne Banwart, Chairman
Apostolic Christian Mission Committee