First Baptist Church of Lavaca Arkansas said good bye to Pastor Joe Donahue and his family back in November and started looking for their next pastor. After many months of praying and searching the church posted the following today, “First Lavaca is excited to officially announce Pastor Steven Smithson as our new Senior Pastor. Please be in prayer for Pastor Steven and his wife Stephanie, kids Eli, Monica, and Silas as they transition to Lavaca.”
For Steven and Stephanie Smithson, this new pastorate is not only a new church home but also a physical homecoming. Steven grew up in Lavaca, graduating from Lavaca High School. Stephanie is also from Atkins Arkansas, not too far away. Pastor Smithson had this to say about his coming home, “We are beyond blessed to have opportunity to serve once again in the River Valley. It is with great humility and joy to be called to serve at my home church, First Baptist Lavaca. Many heroes of the faith from First Lavaca invested in me from a very young age. Coming back to this church eighteen years later with the opportunity to pour back into its people is surreal. My wife Stephanie and I, have sensed the Lord’s leading and have felt His strong call to return. We are anticipating joining this dynamic congregation, and following the Lord’s direction together with them both in service for Him and worship of Him.”
