All Wednesday night groups (RA's, GA's Acteens, CMIT, and Mission Friends) wrote Valentine's for Veterans Wednesday night. Valentines are distributed to veterans in the VA hospitals and other care organizations. 

Today we say good-bye to Myrtle Lee. Among countless other works of service, she taught Sunday School, led the Sunbeams, organized Vacation Bible School, and led the Young-at-Heart. She was WMU Director from 1975-77 and from 1988-1991. She was our poet laureate and a devoted member of our choir. Your love is with us always. 

My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, O my soul. Psalm 57:7-8

We pray for our church, for all of you
We pray for each other, we get closer too
Our hearts are attuned to God much more
When we retreat for prayer, close to His shore
--Myrtle Lee, Jan 27, 1997
Reprinted in First Baptist Church Four Oaks, 1891-2016
Photos: Annette Langdon

Today we say good-bye to Jeff Johnson. Jeff and his daughters brightened all our lives. Jeff was a devoted member of the Baptist Men, and worked on so many community projects. Jeff took good care of our church. When the elevator or the air conditioner gave us trouble, Jeff was always there. Through his long battle, Jeff was the one who gave us hope. Your love is with us always.

I know my Redeemer lives and that in the end, He shall stand on the earth. Though my body be destroyed, yet with my eyes shall I see God. And not as a stranger. Job 19:25-27

Photo: Ron Sloan

Baptist Men's Sunday is January 27th; with special music from Eric Strickland, and guest speaker Ryan Matthews. Ryan Mathews was born and raised in Orlando Florida. He graduated from N.C. State where he played baseball and majored in Communications. He was drafted in 2012 by the Oakland Athletics where he played professional baseball in the Minor Leagues for 4 seasons. Ryan and his wife Morgan got married in January of 2015 in Greenville SC. Morgan played soccer at Coastal Carolina and they both currently work for Athletes in Action, a ministry of CRU that works with college student athletes. They both serve the athletes here in Raleigh at N.C. State and Shaw University. Ryan and Morgan are expecting their first child due in July.
Story: Sherwood Lee, Ast. Director of FBCFO Baptist Men
Photo: see John Van vliet's interview with Ryan at Unashamed Athletes

Rev. Kristen Muse will be the guest speaker for WMU Focus Sunday on February 24th. Kristen serves as senior associate pastor at Hayes Barton Baptist Church, ministering in Christian Education, Communications, Outreach, Missions, and Pastoral Care. She received her Master of Divinity from Campbell University in 2003.

The WMU theme for 2019 is, “Unshakable Pursuit” from 1 Corinthians 15:58  The 2019 Watchword: “My dear friends, stand firm and don’t be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile." WMU members, please bring either a salad or dessert for a covered dish lunch to be served after the morning service in the Fellowship Hall. All four WMU Groups, Acteens, G.A.’s and Mission Friends are invited to lunch.
Story: Laura Rogers, Co-Director FBCFO WMU
Photo: see interview with Kristen by Baptist Women in Ministry