Again, the Lord has blessed Broadview Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate another year - it's 51st,  

As a congregation, when we look back over the last 51 years we are truly blessed. Just look where God has brought us. From a rented church on 15th avenue to a remodeled building on 17th avenue to our present edifice on 25th avenue. That is just the physical blessing. But, look at how he has blessed so many souls to accept Christ. From roughly 30 members on 15th avenue to a high of nearly 3,000 on 25th avenue. That is the real blessing.

Although our current membership is less than 2,000, as the mother church, BMBC has given birth to several new churches who are under the leadership of preacher/pastors who were trained at BMBC. These ministers have started congregations in other suburbs closer to the homes of some of our original parishioners and have added others in that community. What a blessing.  

God has truly blessed us to be led by God-fearing men. Our first pastor was Rev. Otis Anderson, who served for 2 1/2 years; our second pastor, and longest-serving Pastor Emeritus Clarence W. Hopson, served for 35 years; our recently retired pastor, Rev. Marvin G. Parker, served for 12 years as pastor and 16 years as assistant pastor with our Pastor Emeritus Hopson. Rev. Christopher C. Robinson, Sr (former assistant pastor) is now serving as Interim Pastor. They have all taught the Word of God without adding to or subtracting from the true Gospel.  

As a congregation, we were always taught to obey and thank the Lord. We were trained to always pray and seek the Lord in all our endeavors and lean not to our own understanding. We are told in scripture "Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein: Then thine heart be lifted up and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt from the house of bondage." Deut. 8:11-12, 14.  

When we look back over the last 51 years we see that God has allowed us to now live in any of the suburbs our money can afford. We are grateful and thankful. 51 years ago African Americans were limited to where they could live. God has blessed us that we are not limited to Maywood, Bellwood, and Broadview, as the only near western suburbs to live in. What a change. To God be the glory. This is foreign to this new generation...but those of us who are older know only too well about the limitations...but God. However, that is why the above scripture is so important. The Lord does not want us to forget.  

This expansion on where we could live gave us the opportunity to witness to many more people, many of whom accepted Christ and joined BMBC. The more members we had the more we could witness to and spread the Gospel.  

During these 51 years, our Mission Ministry grew from 2 missionaries to more than 300. Many missionaries served locally, while others served around the world. Just look at what God did with the little church on 15th avenue. Who would not serve a God like that? BMBC's strong teaching ministry has always been its greatest asset along with its prayer life. We cry out to God to give us guidance in making decisions and to thank him for his many blessings to us.

We are assured by his word that he will never leave us or forsake us. Even during this pandemic, we can continue to have Sunday School, Tuesday School, & Prayer meeting via Zoom using the technology that the Lord has allowed us to have. The method may change, but the message remains the same. We can rest peacefully knowing that God is still in control. Praise the Lord!  

As we move forward we are to remember to "Remove not the old landmarks which thy father has set." Proverbs 22:28  

To God be the glory!