Missions

Foreign Missions

First Baptist Church of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota has long been a supporter of foreign missions. Our foreign missionaries are very committed to their fields and they call them “home”. There are so many areas and diverse places that are available to those God calls to the mission field, and so many ways of serving the Lord. Our Foreign Missionaries are:

  • Dan & Esther Penney, Senegal, Africa: Dan is a team leader for 35 people for the WorldVenture in Senegal. He is a cross between a CEO of a small company and a pastor of a small church. Esther keeps Dan, their 4 sons (Joel, Luke, Caleb, & Zack) and their home running. Email: dan@penney.us
  • Curt & Lalia Kregness, Sao Paulo, Brazil: The Kregness serve with WorldVenture and assist in leadership development through Vida Nova (New Life) book publishing. Curt edits and proofreads books and manuscripts for the publishing house. Lalia translates books from English to Portuguese. They teach various groups connected to their church and seminary. Email: ckregness@gmail.com
  • David Roberts, Aguascalientes, Mexico: Roberts serves with Evangelical Mission Ministries. He oversees four Christian Bookstores and literature distribution in several Mexican states. He also helps administer a Christian elementary school and kindergarten. David gives conferences to churches on the subject of missions and Christian education. Email: dar_aguas@hotmail.com

Home Missions

First Baptist Church also supports many Home Missionaries. They are called to serve the Lord right here in our area. Such as Bemidji, Burtrum, Ely, and even here in Detroit Lakes. We believe that God calls people locally, those who have made a Commitment to Serve the Lord, by Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Home Missionaries are:

  • Steve and Bonnie Hanson, Bemidji: The Hansons serve in Timber Bay ministries which assist many youth in various settings. From the Timber Bay House, to camps, basketball ministry, and outdoor adventures, they also serve in the Bemidji and Cass Lake Schools. Making themselves available for youth in need of discipleship and direction by pointing them to Jesus Christ. Email: hanson@timberbay.org
  • Paul & Michele Straubel, Bemidji: The Straubels work with Oak Hills Center for Indian Ministries. They focus on building the church by helping people grow as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. They also serve in the Red Lake Reservation and at Mokahum Ministry Center, which is a discipleship school for Native Americans. Email: pmstraubel@gmail.com
  • Bill & Lisa Abeler, Burtrum: The Abelers are the Executive Directors of Camp Lebanon. Camp Lebanon guests, both young and old, will taste the delight of being desired by their Creator God, through the “funnest” fun, loving relationships, beauty inside and out, and Truth declared and illustrated. Camp Lebanon is dedicated to providing A Meeting Place With God to help the Church do the work of Christ. More than a Destination, Camp Lebanon will be a Base from which staff and guests will touch the world with the love of Christ. Email: babeler@camplebanon.org
  • The Becker County Food Pantry, Detroit Lakes: The Food Pantry is a vital part of Detroit Lakes, providing food for needy families. Families who are in need are never turned away. The Food Pantry is always in need of volunteers and supplies. All donations are Welcome. Phone: 218-846-0142
  • Young Life, Detroit Lakes: The Young Life Celebrates 75 years as a mission, and has been an active part of the Lakes Area for 41 years. “Out there in the World of kids, meeting them where they are, Accepting them as they are, With a Vision for who they can Become.” The Five “C’s” of Young Life: Club, Camp, Campaigners, Contact Work, and Committee. These are time tested methods that allow adults to reach into the world of kids with the Gospel of Jesus. Phone: 218-847-3947
  • Health Resources Center, Detroit Lakes: Founded in 1983 in Fergus Falls MN, Health Resources Life Care Center now also serves the Detroit Lakes area providing honest, accurate information in a respectful and compassionate atmosphere. Our counseling is private and nonjudgmental. ALL of which are FREE to anyone wanting support in a pregnancy or parenting situation regardless of income or situation. Some of the services they offer are pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, pregnancy counseling, educational classes and support programs to name a few. Phone: (218) 844-8822, After Hours: (800)-712-HELP (4357), 904 Lake Ave, Detroit Lakes