![Kojo Twumasi, pastor of the Toledo First church, baptizes one of the 35 new members during the evangelistic series. Kojo Twumasi, pastor of the Toledo First church, baptizes one of the 35 new members during the evangelistic series.](https://columbiaunionvisitor.com/sites/cu_visitor/files/styles/article_image/public/field/image/ohio_-_kojo_twumasi_-_toledo_first_church_-_baptizes_new_member.jpeg?itok=gHq1_4gQ)
Toledo First Church Baptizes 35
Story by Francis Tuffour
The Toledo First church recently embarked on a remarkable journey of faith and community engagement through its evangelism series, themed Fall BLAST (Building Lives Around Solid Truth).
The weeklong event aimed to spread the message of God’s love and create an atmosphere of joy and inclusivity for the entire community. The “Edutainment” for kids section was at the core of the evangelism series, specially designed to cater
to the community's younger members. Through a fusion of education and entertainment, children were engaged in interactive Bible lessons, laying the foundation for their spiritual growth. Activities included a mobile petting zoo, balloon twisting, face painting, an ice cream truck and a bounce house. This innovative approach captivated young minds and allowed them to experience the joy of fellowship within a spiritual setting.
Yet, Toledo First didn’t limit its outreach to the confines of spiritual programming. Understanding the community’s diverse needs, the church distributed various items, including toys, winter hats and gloves, laundry detergent and groceries. This initiative sought to address both immediate and long-term needs, demonstrating a commitment to the holistic well-being of the community.
A vital aspect of the evangelism series was the nightly provision of nourishment for both the body and soul. The church served attendees a feast of hot dogs, lasagna, chili, salad and more, creating an environment where individuals could come together, share a meal and build connections. This act of kindness provided an opportunity to share the Word of God in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Every evening, the Fall BLAST culminated with powerful sermons that aimed to inspire, uplift and instill hope in the hearts of those in attendance. The preaching sessions served as the spiritual backbone of the event, reinforcing the church’s commitment to sharing the timeless message of God’s love and grace.
The meetings concluded with 35 baptisms. Beyond these baptisms, more than 300 people heard God’s Word—some for the first time. Also, it was rejuvenating for the church to work together to accomplish its core mission: reaching hearts, fostering community and sharing the transformative power of God’s love. Kojo Twumasi, Toledo First’s pastor and lead speaker for the series, praised the Lord and the church members’ commitment. “This is what the Lord can do through a church when we work together, using our diverse gifts for a common purpose,” he says.
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