Church Portrait: Still Waters Independent Baptist Church of Kitty Hawk, NC

Harold C. Loucks (April, 2003)

"Meeting the needs of the world one heart at a time" is the mission statement of Still Waters Independent Baptist Church of Kitty Hawk, NC. When you think of the troubles all around, it is refreshing

to see a church making a difference in the lives of people. With this profile, we want to highlight this newly-started church and the efforts of Tony and Karen Facenda.

The Area:

Tony & Karen Facenda 5111 Lunar Drive Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is known for sandy beaches, tourism, and "First in Flight." During the summer, over 200,000 people come and go each week making for very crowded roads and stores. While there are still many single-family, beach-front homes, the recent trend is to build multi-family condominiums for vacation. Of course, everyone comes to the beaches for rest and relaxation; however, the vast majority leave as burdened as they came because they know not the Savior who alone can give the lasting peace they earnestly seek.

The Church Ministry:

Tony and Karen Facenda began services in the summer of 1999 with a small group of people wanting an independent church. They first rented rooms in a nearby school and later were able to rent storefront space at the Kitty Hawk Plaza. Recently, they acquired additional space, making a total of 4,000 square feet available for their services. Their average attendance is in the 60's; but during the summer, it is double. Over the short life of the church they have had a total of 150 members, but many have moved away. However, the Lord has continued to give them more new contacts. They support seven mission families, and just hosted their missions conference in April 2003. The church is located at the 4 1/2 milepost on US Route 158, which is the major, four-lane highway running through the Outer Banks. They are the only fundamental outreach in southern Currituck County and northern Dare County, which means that the closest independent Baptist church is over 25 miles away.

The Counseling Ministry:

They are reaching their spiritual goals in a variety of ways.

1. The church advertises this personal counseling ministry extensively in the Kitty Hawk area and through the phone book "Yellow Pages," which has opened many opportunities for witnessing.
2. Their vision has led the church to annually hold The Ultimate Retreat for pastors, missionaries, and evangelists to "come apart and rest awhile" with Biblical messages, topics of interest, Christian fellowship, sightseeing, and times of relaxation. Mike and Christy Yarborough will be the featured speakers for the 2003 sessions.
3. They also hold the Lighthouse Retreat for couples who desire to renew or revitalize their marriage relationship while enjoying the beauty of the Outer Banks.
4. Also available is the Harbor Room, which is an efficiency apartment where couples in full-time ministry can come for three to seven days of crisis counseling or just a much-needed break, at no cost, except for their own meals. Whether it is for rest and relaxation or for Biblical counseling, the Facendas want to be available to serve the Lord in these capacities.

Visitation Efforts:

With the country's attention on the 100th Anniversary of Flight by the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, Still Waters Independent Baptist Church has a unique opportunity to reach out with the good news of salvation to thousands of people who will be visiting this summer and during the week of December 12. They need all the help they can get for canvassing in the next several months. Some church youth groups could assist, and some people from Greenville, SC, have already contacted them about passing out literature. What can you do to help?

The Prayer:

1. The church folks eventually want their own property, knowing that land in a resort area comes at a premium price.
2. Jonathan Facenda, their son, desires wisdom for his service with the church as youth and outreach minister.
3. Please continue to pray for Tony and Karen, Jonathan, and the people of Still Waters Independent Baptist Church as they reach their community for Christ.

If you would like more information on the ministries of Still Waters Independent Baptist Church you may contact Brother Facenda at his home address or visit www.stillwatersbaptist.org.