February is coming to a close, and spring is around the corner! Churches are getting ready for spring outreaches and activities leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Below is just a sampling of news and activities, including the obituary of a dearly loved former minister of music and BCM/D staff member. We thank God for the opportunity to partner with you and look forward to hearing all of your wonderful stories! We want to encourage one another, and share ideas!
Grace Gospel Church
Samson Amajeen, the pastor of Grace Gospel Church, Curtis Bay, and Sunday School Director Barry Mager visited Unlimited Bounds Addiction Treatment & Drug Rehab Center near the church in February. The two met residents at the center, enjoyed conversing with the men and women, getting to know them, and they had the opportunity to share the gospel. Mager said, “There were about 25-30 people in attendance. Everyone was kind and appreciative of the church’s visit. We got to meet the residents and expressed our gratitude for being there and for their warm welcome. Pastor Samson started the meeting with a song, and everyone sang along. It was evident the Holy Spirit was filling the room. He gave a message of hope and love and how much we all need Jesus in our lives and then he gave the invitation to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. Eight people got up immediately and came up front, heeding God’s call to receive eternal life and forgiveness of sins. We prayed with them to confirm their courageous decision to step forth publicly. There were tears of joy coming down the faces of some.”
After much prayer by the church, Amajeen and Mager were able to meet with the staff of the rehabilitation center to offer the church’s support, including assistance to those transitioning out of the center, providing hygiene kits, and goodies for staff and residents to brighten their day. The church will also begin a weekly Bible study at the center. The staff expressed their sincere appreciation for the church’s efforts to connect with them to further the center’s mission.
Amajeen also expressed appreciation for a recent visit from several Baltimore Baptist Association pastors who recently visited him to pray with him to pray and encourage him. Amajeen’s wife, Mercy, passed away unexpectedly on January 7. Amajeen said he was blessed and thankful for the visit.
Obituary & Invitation to Join Mass Choir
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Ferman (Dee) Solomon Jr., 90, of Parkville, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. “Dee,” as he was known to most, served as a music consultant for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware from 1987- 2001 and ministered in multiple Maryland/Delaware churches, including Middle River Baptist Church, College Parkway Baptist Church, Arnold; Oak Grove Baptist Church, Bel Air, and Gregory Memorial Church. He also served as an interim music minister in many others.
Ferman Dee Solomon passed away on Feb. 5
Dee’s wife, Sylvia, said Dee had so many songs he loved, but the one he sang more than any other was “How Great Thou Art.” “That was his ‘signature song,’ she said.
Sylvia said though he loved music, Dee’s passion was really serving people, “He got the most fulfillment and joy from helping other people.” Sharing an example, Sylvia told of how Dee helped a neighbor after her husband passed away — working in the yard, trimming hedges, and digging in the flower beds. Sylvia said the neighbor asked him, “Dee, why are you doing this?’ and he responded, “Because I love you.” Sylvia said, “That sort of summarizes it. He loved people. He never met a stranger. He talked to everybody,” she said.
In honor of Solomon, there will be a mass choir — comprised of those who have had the privilege of singing under his leadership. The choir will sing at the end of the service. The hymn will be “Beautiful Savior,” to the tune of “Fairest Lord Jesus.” Sylvia said this hymn has a special meaning for Dee. There will be no rehearsal, but Sylvia suggests finding the song online. Copies will also be available at the church.
A visitation will be held at Towson United Methodist Church, 501 Hampton Ln., Towson, MD 21286, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. Read the entire obituary here.
Mission Teams have been ministering in South Asia for over 25 years. This team visited the area in 2023. (Photo by Kevin Freeman)
For those who cannot attend the funeral in person, you may watch online here.
Mid-Maryland Churches partner to minister in South Asia
Churches in the Mid-Maryland Baptist Association have a rich history of mission work in South Asia. That ministry goes back to 1996 when then Director of Missions Bill Crowe signed an IMB partnership and began working in that area. The first teams trained and ministered to pastors in South Asia and returned rejuvenated, wanting to do more.
Through the collaborative and dedicated efforts of BCM/D and MMBA churches, Crowe (retired) Paul Viswasam, now pastor of Crosspoint Fellowship Church, Columbia, along with many others, dedicated their time and efforts overseas and planted a church. That church has transitioned to become an association that now ministers to pastors and churches in the area.
These are idols on the “high places” throughout the area that Mid-Maryland teams serve in South Asia. Kevin Freeman says, “Note the heads beneath the feet of these gods, which represent their ability to overpower evil forces. (Photo by Kevin Freeman, acting pastor, Redland Baptist Church)
Some Mid-Maryland churches, along with a few others who have joined them, have continued to minister in the area over the last two and a half decades. Pastors, deacons, mission-minded men and women have visited the field and witnessed hundreds of Hindu converts and churches built by the dedicated ministry of indigenous pastors.
The mission continues. Earlier this month, Viswasam returned from a mission trip to the area. He will present a report to participating churches and anyone interested in the ministry at 3 p.m. on March 2 at Liberty Baptist Church, Lisbon. Along with hearing a firsthand report, visitors will receive preliminary information on the opportunities to serve God during the next mission trip to South Asia in January 2026.
(based on reporting by Michelle Mackal, Mid-Maryland Baptist Association administrative assistant & freelance writer)
Flapjacks & Flannels
Watersedge Baptist Church, Dundalk, will have a “Flapjacks & Flannels” March Family Fun Night at 6 p.m. on March 7. Families are invited to wear their flannels and enjoy flapjacks and hot cocoa together. There will be games with prizes and more activities. Visit their Facebook event page for more information.
Mission Fairs
March is for mission fairs! Colonial Baptist Church, Randallstown, will have their 26th Annual Missions Fair March 7-9. They’ll kick off the event with musical performances, hip-hop, spoken word, dance, and testimonies on March 7 at 6:30 p.m. On March 8, missionaries from a variety of areas near and far will share, providing opportunities for all to learn about missions and get involved. On Sunday, IMB African Amerian Church Mobilization Strategist Quintell Hill will share. For much more information and details and to register, visit their website.
New Song Bible Fellowship Church, Lanham, will have their annual mission fair March 28 – 30. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday with a light supper, opening session, and exhibitors. From 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, they’ll have a worship service, plenary session, and workshops. The closing is from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sunday, with worship, lunch, and a closing session. If you would like information about being a presenter or exhibitor or to rsvp as a guest, please email [email protected] by March 3.
Manchester Baptist Church will have their annual missions fair on March 14 – 16. The first evening, from 4 – 7:30 p.m., will feature local missions. On March 15, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., discover national and international mission opportunities. On March 16, Paul Davis, the president of the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE), will share the Sunday Morning message.
80th Anniversary Celebration
Middle River Baptist Church will celebrate their 80th Anniversary during the weekend of April 5-6. The theme is “A Future Filled with Promise.”
Saturday events include a musical program followed by a fellowship in the church gym. Joel Kurz, the executive director of the Baltimore Baptist Association, will bring greetings.
On Sunday, former MRBC Pastor Don Satterwhite will lead the Bible Study for youth and adults. Former Pastor Alan Ray and current Pastor Mike Hyatt will share during the worship service. BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle will bring greetings and former Pastor Glenn Letterman will participate in the Meet and Greet Fellowship, following the worship service.
Coordinator for the Historical Committee and longtime church member Mildred McDaniel said the weekend will be a wonderful time to reconnect and fellowship with friends and former pastors.
If you are interested in participating in the music program or have questions regarding the celebration, call the church at 410-686-8810 or email [email protected].
All are welcome!
If you have news and church announcements to share, send them to i[email protected].
Feature Photo: Several Baltimore Baptist Association pastors recently visited Samson Amajeen, the pastor of Grace Gospel Church, (Facebook photo used with permission)