Missionary Biography

Alan & Debbie Garbutt
Bible Baptist Church
West Point, Mississippi

The Laborers

Alan made a professions of faith but did not receive assurance of salvation until he was a sophomore at Bob Jones University. After settling the matter of salvation he earnestly sought God's will about a life's vocation. It was then God called him into the ministry. While in graduate school he began working with the youth ministry at Hurst Baptist Church in Sylvania, Georgia. When the pastor resigned he was asked to serve as interim pastor and shortly afterwards called to be the pastor. He continued in that ministry for twelve years. In February, 2000 he was contacted about taking the pastorate of Bible Baptist Church in West Point, Mississippi. In May of that year the church extended a call and he accepted.

Debbie accepted the Lord Jesus as her Savior when she was a child. But it wasn't until she came to understand the faithfulness of God that she found rest and peace in her relationship with Him. She realized then that her salvation was not dependent on her, but rather on the promise of a faithful God to do what He promises and save the sinner who seeks Him. Debbie plays an active role in the ministry by helping with special music, teaching Sunday School, and leading a weekly children's program.

The Work

Bible Baptist Church was started in 1962. The church has had a history of ups and downs. At one time it was running over 300 in attendance. In May of 2000 the church was down to three members. They now have nine official members and are averaging thirty in Sunday morning attendance. They have recently built a 2160 square foot building with an auditorium, two Sunday School rooms, a nursery and a kitchen. They are continuously seeking to reach their community for the Lord.

The Area

 

West Point, Mississippi has a population of 10,000. Clay count has a population of 22,000. There are many Southern Baptist churches in the area, as well as United Methodist. There are a couple of Presbyterian churches, a few Charismatic churches, a Jehovah Witnesses church and Mormon church.

The Requests

• Salvation of souls
• Reaching the backslidden
• Additional support
• Wisdom in dealing with the people