The tragic, destructive flooding affecting Cedar Rapids and many other communities in Iowa and the Midwest has had an extraordinary impact on countless lives. Our hearts and prayers are with the thousands who have experienced profound loss.
We have given careful consideration to the question of holding the GARBC Conference, June 24–27, in Cedar Rapids. In consultation with the Cedar Rapids city officials, Iowa Regular Baptist local committee, and Council of Eighteen leadership, we have assessed health, safety, facilities, food, transportation, and housing issues. We have determined the need to relocate the GARBC Annual Conference to Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary (FBBC), 1900 NW 4th St, Ankeny, Iowa 50023. FBBC is the most versatile option available to us on short notice.
All of the major Conference events will continue as planned, including the Beyond the Borders Pre-Conference Seminar, general sessions, workshops, Students Alive! and Talents For Christ taking place. Exhibitors will display; nursery and children’s ministries will be available; and the receptions and luncheons will proceed.
At this significant time we have the opportunity to come together as an Association family to participate in a valuable and meaningful Conference. We plan to exalt our Savior through preaching and worship. We will also have the opportunity to lend emergency assistance and provide tangible support to our sister churches that have urgent needs due to the floods.
We are asking God to do an extraordinary work in our hearts as a result of what was an unanticipated set of circumstances from our perspective. We invite you to Ankeny to participate in the great things God will do! Don’t miss the blessing!
John Greening
GARBC National Representative
on behalf of the Association staff
Conference information for your relocation:
Hotel reservation cancellation
The entire GARBC blocks of rooms at the Five Seasons Crowne Plaza, Baymont Inn, and Best Western in Cedar Rapids are canceled. You do not need to cancel your room individually if you designated yourself as GARBC at the time of making reservations at the Crowne Plaza, Baymont Inn, or at the Best Western. If you are staying in one of the other Cedar Rapids hotels you will need to call and cancel your reservation.
Hotel and housing in the Ankeny area
FBBC: One hundred rooms are available at a reasonable cost on campus. To make reservations, phone FBBC, 800-409-3305.
Hotels in Ankeny:
The following hotels have designated GARBC room blocks. Identify yourself with the GARBC when making reservations.
Country Inn and Suites: $100 (only Tuesday—Friday); 515-965-2646
Best Western: $72; 515-964-1717
Super 8: $55; 515-964-4503
Check the Internet for listings of additional hotels in Ankeny, Ames, and Des Moines.
Meals: Ankeny has a variety of restaurants; meals will not be available through FBBC.
Flight rescheduling
Check with your airline as soon as possible to learn if it will rebook your flight to Des Moines with minimal penalty.
Conference registration
If you have not already registered, you may do so onsite in the lobby of the FBBC Convocation Center. Questions regarding registration may be directed to Andrea Gower, agower@garbc.org, 888-588-1600 ext. 899, or Kristen Nolan, knolan@garbc.org, 888-588-1600 ext. 803.
Talents For Christ (TFC)
Group and individual competition will be held at the previously scheduled times and will take place at Grandview Park Baptist Church, 1701 E. 33rd St., Des Moines, Iowa OR IA 50317. TFC participants are to check in at Conference Registration in the lobby of the FBBC Convocation Center. Questions regarding TFC may be directed to Andrea Gower, agower@garbc.org, 888-588-1600 ext. 899, or Kristen Nolan, knolan@garbc.org, 888-588-1600 ext. 803.
Exhibitor information
All exhibitors who have reserved spaces will be able to display. Tables will be provided; there will be no pipe and drape. Electricity for displays will be limited.
Receptions
Receptions will be hosted by GARBC Ministries and other ministry agencies. Questions regarding receptions may be directed to Andrea Gower, agower@garbc.org, 888-588-1600 ext. 899.
Emergency assistance response
To help our sister churches and their communities in their time of need, two endeavors will take place at the Conference:
- Contributions can be made to Baptist Builders Club, which will enable the distribution of emergency funds to assist churches experiencing damage to their facilities. Donations may be made at the Conference, or online at www.baptistbuildersclub.org, or to 1300 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173.
- Donations of basic canned food and baby care supplies will be gathered at the Conference to assist pastors and wives and church members in disaster-affected communities, including Cedar Rapids. Donations may be brought to the Baptist Builders Club exhibit booth.
