maranatha baptist church

maranatha baptist church印象

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  EllicasMom

  We of course traveled here with our family to hear President Jimmy Carter teach Sunday School. We had it all built up in our minds and I cannot tell you how amazing it was. I was just so surprised and elated that this was something so special to share with our kids. The church has hosting visitors and the Secret Service down to a science. They were so kind and appreciative of everyones trek to share a sunday morning service with them. The pastor truly made the experience wonderful. Jimmy Carter is 89 and still sharp as a tack! He could run circles around me at 39 I know. Truly he and his wife Rosalynn are both an inspiration. TIP: Children's church was offered for the little ones. TIP: Get there at 7:45am if you want to be in the front! TIP: You will be there until church is completely over at noon. Then you will take pictures on the lawn with President Carter. Takes maybe 20 minutes MAX after church service is over. TIP: There is only one restaurant to eat for lunch after church in Plains, Ga. Ask the pastor and he will happily give you directions.

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  hoosierhiker

  We checked the church website to be sure President Carter would be teaching Sunday School. Stayed Saturday night in Americus, GA and got to the church by 7:45. Arrival at 8:15 would be fine as the line into church forms at 8:30. (Please read other reviews which accurately describe the preparations and instructions.) At 10:00 President Carter talked about the current world situation and taught a lesson on forgiveness, speaking for 45 minutes. We stayed for church which was over at noon. Be sure to have a camera as guests can have their pictures taken with President and Mrs. Carter. This was an experience we will never forget.

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  476shells

  We went to see President Jimmy Carter teach Sunday school. It was a great experience. I highly reccomend it. President Carter spoke to us after returning from his trip to Nepal. His combination of current events,living history, and bible teaching was something to behold. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it.

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  193philh

  Having been to Plains in the summer, but unfortunately missing out on hearing President Carter, we decided to return to experience his Sunday School teaching.Although we arrived about 100 minutes before the start, there were already a number of people waiting outside the church. However the time passed quickly, as we were exchanging stories and experiences with others in the queue. This continued after we'd been allowed into the church, though we were given instructions on our expected decorum during the services and after the end of the service of worship, if we wanted out photo taken with President and Mrs Carter.And what a incredible man Mr Carter is. He spoke for about 50 minutes without once referring to notes. The only time he read was when he was referring to the Bible for the passage he was using to support his theme for the day.President Carter is retiring as a Deacon of the church at the end of the year, and during the church service, he was presented with a token of appreciation by the pastor. If ever there was a Sunday to choose to visit Maranatha Church, this was it, as that will never happen again.And during the time that visitors were having their photo taken with them, President and Mrs Carter were patience and grace personified. They even thanked us for coming!An wonderful experience and one I still find it hard to believe we've been through.

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  MathDude59

  I would recommend this experience to anyone from any walk of life. President Carter is a Christian in the most sincere sense. i came away from this experience in awe. It was quite evident that this great, humble man is thrilled to teach and preach to anyone and everyone who walks through the door. You really have to be there to understand. His words and actions make the Gospel very plain and clear. I am grateful that President Carter is my childrens' favorite president, and also our most respected diplomat around the world.

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  tabithas127

  We have driven to see and listen to former President Jimmy Carter at least 3 times at this small-town church. Each time he spoke about a current event/issue, then about a correlated spiritual story. He is a very moving speaker and I hope to see him speak again soon! He will even patiently pose with guests for pictures. There are a few historical sites and parks nearby too, so make a weekend of it.

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  moksha51

  We were looking forward to this for months. We stayed in Americus and drove in the morning (about 20 minutes) to get to church. We were there by 8:15 AM. The line formed at 8:30. We got second row. Preparations and instructions before President Carter's arrival was meticulous and thorough. He spoke with knowledge, authority and wisdom that was captivating. This was followed by other speakers, who were excellent also. Overall, one of our most memorable experiences!. To top this off, we get to have a picture taken with President and Mrs. Carter.Tips: Get in there before 8:30, and this guarantees a good seat. Take only minimum stuff with you when you enter the church. A small camera is a must. After service, another line is formed for photos, and they want you to keep everything (coats, bags etc) with you for the picture. Make sure camera battery is charged. Photos are taken by a church person for all visitors and this is very helpful.

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  362DawnW

  My group enjoyed the experience of worshiping with an historic figure in a small setting. Pres. Carter's Sunday School lesson was relative to a Christian's daily life, and the chance to meet a former president was quite exciting. Seeing the Secret Service in action is quite interesting, too. Mrs. Jan, the church organizer, piano player, and choir member, keeps everyone on target. She seems like a drill sergeant, but she is just keeping things on track. She obviously has a heart of gold if you just peek behind all of the rules she has to give to help protect Pres. Carter. Nice, pretty church. Easy parking.

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  689susant

  I was not sure how Mr. Carter's Sunday School class would be. But after it was over, I had even more respect for him. He is an amazing Christian. I can't say that I have always agreed with his politics, but this was not about politics. We were learning from a well versed Christian and an amazing man who stays active in his senior years. I am proud to call Mr. & Mrs. Carter my Christian brother and sister. We also enjoyed Ms. Jan's instructions before the service about "what to do & what not to do". She definitely looks out for the Carter's and makes sure the class goes smoothly. The worship service after Sunday School and then getting a picture made with the Carters also added to our enjoyment. I am glad the Secret Service men continue to protect the Carter's cause I hope they are around for a long time. But after all, a safe event for them keeps everyone at the church safe so no attendee should mind the inspection by the Secret Service.

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  AdventurousAuthor

  I've attended the Maranatha Baptist Church on several occasions. Attending a Sunday School taught by a U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate is an inspiring and indelible experience. The people of Plains are magnanimous in their hospitality and the church has an open door for all who wish to attend church. Videotaped Sunday School lessons are available for purchase and the proceeds of the sales and tithes are used to help needy families in Plains. Everything about Maranatha Baptist Church exemplifies the best qualities of true Christian hospitality and compassion. It is what every church should be. Focused on faith. Focused on compassion. Focused on service to others.