“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God at the place that he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths. They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed.”- Deuteronomy 16:16

Recently, Pastor John Crowe of River Bend Baptist church preached a message about the Feast of Booths. He referenced a great resource on the biblical basis and significance of the feast called The Feast of the Lord. (It's pastor appreciation month. This is a great gift for your pastor!) The feasts, especially the three pilgrimage feasts, were designed to bring God’s chosen people to Jerusalem year after year to remember God’s provision in the past and to look forward to his promises in the future. 

In Pastor John’s message, he spoke of the people living in booths (sukkot) that they made to commemorate God delivering them from slavery in Egypt, and how God had provided for them along the way. This tradition was passed down for generations for hundreds of years, and it was a reminder that those who came before them endured hard times, but when they followed God, he always took care of them. 

The San Felipe Baptist Association celebrated 77 years of kingdom work and service on October 21, 2025. We must remember the hard work and commitment of those who came before us. The churches, pastors, and lay leaders who led our association, and who supported the collaborative work of churches in our association, especially the pioneers who planted new churches in the once bountiful rice fields that are now master planned communities and shopping centers. Those trailblazers would not likely recognize our communities today, but their work should be an encouragement to us as we look back with reverence and appreciation that even when times change, our God never does! 

The Feast of Booths is often considered a symbolic reference to the coming of Christ, who not only delivers us from the bondage of sin but in his second coming, will establish his kingdom forever. Until then, we dwell in temporary shelters awaiting the king of kings' eternal reign. We look back and celebrate God’s 77 years of provision for our Association, and we look forward with hope, joy, and anticipation of the work God has set before us until he returns. And should the Lord allow another 77 years or more, may we be found faithful in boldly proclaiming the gospel to everyone we meet. 

Thank you for supporting the collaborative gospel work of the San Felipe Baptist Association. We are blessed to have such a wonderful ministry together and excited to see how God will continue to work in our association. Until he returns, we can be sure we still have plenty of work to do in his name together!

As part of our celebration, you're invited and encouraged to join us for our Annual Business Meeting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at FBC Richmond from 10-1 pm.(Registration Appreciated)

This week, the San Felipe Baptist Association is honored to celebrate Pastor Abraham Arevalo of El Buen Pastor Baptist Church in Katy, Texas. Pastor Abraham is a faithful leader who has guided his church through a season of exciting growth, while always keeping his eyes fixed on Christ and the mission of reaching people with the gospel.

Under his leadership, El Buen Pastor has experienced both spiritual and numerical growth, a reflection of Pastor Abraham’s dedication to prayer, teaching, and equipping his congregation for ministry. He understands that healthy churches multiply disciples, and he works diligently to prepare his members to share the love of Christ with others throughout the Katy area. His heart for the community is evident in the way he encourages his church to look outward, always seeking new opportunities to serve and reach their neighbors.

Pastor Abraham is also a visionary leader. With the Katy area growing rapidly, he has led El Buen Pastor to dream boldly about the future. Plans for expanding worship facilities and ministries reflect not just the needs of today, but the hope of tomorrow—creating space for more people to encounter the transforming power of Jesus. His vision is big, but so is his faith, and his church is blessed to follow a pastor who believes God can do more than we can ask or imagine.

Beyond his vision for facilities and growth, Pastor Abraham is deeply committed to raising up the next generation of leaders. He is a gifted teacher and mentor, investing his time in equipping men and women to serve faithfully in the church and in the world. His joy in seeing others grow into their calling is a mark of his servant’s heart and his belief that the church thrives when every member is engaged in ministry.

Today, we celebrate Pastor Abraham Arevalo and give thanks for his leadership, vision, and passion for the gospel. The San Felipe Baptist Association is blessed by his ministry and excited to see how God continues to use him and El Buen Pastor Baptist Church for His glory.

Come celebrate 77 years with us and help us plan for 2026. We will have a business meeting to discuss next year's budget and a few other items, and a time for equipping and collaborating with other churches in our association.