Remembering All The Way The Lord Led Us
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | January 4, 2026
Father, thank You for 47 years of Your presence, provision, and plan. Thank You for every soul You’ve sent across our path. May we never forget how You’ve led us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On January 4, 2026, Pastor Bill Rains opens the new year with a heartfelt reflection titled “Remembering All The Way The Lord Led Us” from Deuteronomy 8:2: “Thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness…” Applying it to Mission Baptist Church’s journey, he says, “For us: these 47 years in the will.” With tears and gratitude, he recounts God’s faithfulness—from a $25-a-week civic league building to owning three debt-free properties, from a handful of people to thousands touched by the gospel. “To God be the glory—great things He hath done.”
1. Remember God’s Presence With Us All the Way
Moses reminded Israel: God was with them every step—even when they couldn’t see it. Pastor Rains testifies: “There’s never been a moment God wasn’t with me—and never a moment He wasn’t with us.” From the first service in 1979 to today, God’s presence has been unmistakable. He promised Moses, “Certainly I will be with thee” (Exodus 3:12)—and He’s kept that promise to Mission Baptist Church for 47 years. “God has been with you. I’ve watched Him be with you—today.”
2. Remember God’s Provisions For Us All Along the Way
God fed Israel with manna they’d never known and quail from heaven. He provided uniquely. Pastor Rains recounts miracles: renting the civic building, buying the 1912 church for a song, expanding in 1988–89, purchasing the missions house, then in 2013–2014 acquiring this million-dollar facility with cash gifts covering every need—including an unexpected $30,000 escrow the very Sunday it was required. Paying off mortgages early, buying a bus and parsonage in cash. “God gave us things our fathers knew not—unique provisions.” Thousands saved, hundreds baptized. “Great things He hath done.”
3. Remember God’s Plan For Us
God’s plan never changes: live by “every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD” (v. 3). In a changing world, “I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:6); “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). His plan for the church: Great Commission obedience (Matthew 28:18–20). He gave the world His Son, the church, preachers—and you. Like Esther: “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). God has a unique role for you in His unchanging plan.
Remember His presence.
Remember His provision.
Remember His plan—
and rise to the challenge:
“Lord, here am I—use me.”
Pastor Rains closes: “Will you rise to the challenge? God wants you present in His service, surrendered to His plan.” As the new year begins, Mission Baptist Church pauses to remember—and presses forward in gratitude.