Four Big Announcements About Camp
By Chris Polk, Camp Garwood Superintendent
My family and I headed to camp for the big snow storm and had a great time — playing in the snow beats working in it any day. You can see pictures from that trip on the Facebook page if you are interested.
Now that winter is officially over, we have turned our thoughts to spring and are looking forward to seeing everyone at camp. As always, we ask that you pray for us and all the folks that will be working to make camp possible this year.
The following are announcements that were recently made in the Camp Garwood Facebook group:
• Big Announcement #1 — Camp has purchased this tractor! We have needed to make this upgrade for a while. We were not really looking at this time, but this opportunity came up and the committee and I thought it was time. However, now that we have it, we need to pay for it. We have the funds in the account but, rather than wiping out the account, we borrowed the money from the loan fund. We will get the old tractor ready to sell, along with the implements we don’t need and will designate all DEWr funds toward the tractor purchase this year.
So, with that being said, are you a DEWr — anyone who gives $75 annually to camp? That’s roughly 20¢ a day or $1.50 a week. Will you be a Camp Garwood DEWr?
Camp week in years past cost around $8,000. We don’t know yet what our food costs will be this year, so we are planning for a $10,000 week, and we know there will be some extra repair/replacement costs to get camp ready — freezer, slide, archery, etc. On top of that, the tractor loan is $17,500.
This may be too much information but although I could simply say, “Hey we need money!” I’d rather lay everything out for you.
• Big Announcement #2 is not as “big” and is not requesting money, but it is still huge in importance. As spring quickly approaches, we are asking groups to adopt a dorm. This will involve a good cleaning, wiping down each bunk and making minor repairs as necessity and ability allow — lighting, toilets, leaking sinks, gutters, painting, cleaning up leaves, etc.
Dorms 1-9, upper shower house, lower shower house, Dining Hall, Kitchen, Canteen and the Tabernacle are all currently available. There are other projects available if your group is larger and more energetic — things like cleaning and treating woodwork, cleaning off the golf course, setting out tables and trash cans to name a few. There are also more involved projects, so if you are interested, just ask.
It’s been a while, and I know everyone is excited to get back to camp. This is your opportunity to get some early camp time and help us get ready.
Although this announcement is getting long, there’s another reason we are asking groups to adopt a dorm. In the past, someone would send a message, “Hey, we cleaned this building.” Then a couple weeks later, someone else would say, “We cleaned this building.” One year the same building was “cleaned” three different times by three different people. Hopefully, this way we get more accomplished with the same effort.
You can begin after Easter since that’s when the water will be back on. Please talk to your groups and let me know where you can help!
• Big Announcement #3 — This announcement is just a reminder that we have entered a new year, and everyone who is 18 and older will need to complete an adult screening form. The form can be found at www.bmamissouri.org. While on the website, print out the camp rules and Child Protection policy. Make sure to get all this completed before coming to any overnight activities!
• Big Announcement #4 — Finally, the fun announcement! This year’s DEWr retreat is scheduled for Aug. 13-14. This retreat is a fun weekend planned especially for our Camp Garwood DEWrs. In the past, we have ordered special T-shirts for DEWrs, but we will not be doing that this year. While we don’t have all the details worked out, we can promise a great weekend of fun and fellowship in one of the most peaceful valleys in the world. We have moved this retreat to after camp, and I hope this works out for everyone. We couldn’t get an earlier date to work out. Be a DEWr and come to the retreat!
Life is Interesting
By Dwight Lindsey, Director • Miss. Baptist Children’s Home
God’s Word in Ecclesiastes can take us through the ebbs and flows of this life. There are good days, bad days and mediocre days, you name it — if it is apart from God, it is vanity. Ultimately, the preacher brings us to the conclusion that our everything is to fear God and keep His commandments. My most fulfilling moments are when I feel like I am witnessing God’s awesomeness and faithfulness prompting greater fear and obedience in me.
God doesn’t owe any of us terrible and faithful works. He does not perform to earn or generate our applause. He does it because of who He is. When believers see Him for who He is in what He is doing, then we cannot help but to be moved to worship.
I think of the joy the 70 had as they returned to Christ in Luke 10:17–20: “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
We are not stepping on snakes or scorpions here at the Children’s Home, but we are joyous as we see the power of God unfold. We have seen a boom of growth that keeps us abuzz with excitement and, as Jesus said in the text, we are even more excited that God not only moves and works in ministries here, He is still working in our eternal life.
I don’t know that I sugarcoat too well, that is why I want you all to see the blessings in what we are calling someone to in this ministry. The past two plus years have been some of the hardest ministry I have ever been involved in, and some of the most fulfilling. There are days that never seem to end and days you wish would never end. There are moments that are heartbreaking and moments that bring tears of joy. Any time we feel like we are at the end of our rope, it seems like we are just hitting another leap of faith that lands us in the providence of God.
Some of you may be reading this and thinking, “What kind of roller coaster are they on?” My response is, “The Christian kind!” What path that follows Christ is not filled with ups and downs? This is as normal as one can be in the faith.
Our invitation still stands — we need a couple to join us in our normal. We need people who are committed and resolved to this ministry. Christians don’t say “no” to parenting because God is the Heavenly “Father.” He doesn’t throw us away, and He doesn’t shirk the responsibilities of His nature. It will be hard, but it will be worth it.
My experience has shown me what God has always meant in His Word when He describes His fatherhood, and where I can so often fall short of that standard. Please pray for us. Please pray for a couple to join us. Please pray for God to show you if that couple might be you and your spouse. Thank you for all your support and prayers.
New Column for Teachers
By Editor Don Brown
I reached out to our BMA Theological Seminary (BMATS) and shared with them an idea to present short, helpful suggestions for our classroom Sunday School teachers and Bible teachers. The faculty and staff agreed to begin helping in this effort. I am greatly appreciative for their willingness to take on this project.
These are the first two articles in this series by Dr. Philip Attebery, the Academic Dean at BMATS are shown below. I hope our teachers will find this helpful as they stand before those students put in their care. Many of our church’s classroom teachers are not “professional teachers” but they feel a calling to serve. Our prayer is that these regular tidbits of wisdom will help and encourage them to be able to reach their students and to be more effective in sharing God’s Word.
Say it Again
Several years ago, while studying the first chapter of II Peter, I discovered a teaching idea. Peter promoted the need for spiritual growth by adding to a believer’s saving faith. Such additions keep us from being useless and unfruitful in our knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
So, what is the teaching idea? Repeat your message, or say it again. Most of us know what we need for spiritual growth and have strong beliefs. Peter recognized those facts, but felt it “meet” or right to do all he could to “stir up” his readers by way of reminder. The word “meet” refers to something right in God’s eyes. In II Peter 1:12-15, he mentioned “remembrance” three times. Knowing his death was near, Peter stressed his diligence to do all he could to help his readers remember these truths after his death. He did so by saying things again.
Since noticing Peter’s emphasis, that reminding others of what they already know and heartily believe is right in God’s eyes, I have attempted to “preview” and “review” sermons or lessons. Be encouraged to ask students what they learned about the previous lesson (i.e., say it again). Or go ahead and give them a preview of what is to come then when you teach, say it again. Most educators agree that it takes hearing something multiple times before it “clicks” or becomes permanent.
Follow Peter’s example and repeat points and highlights of your messages. Let me encourage you to, “Say it again!
Let Them Do it for Themselves
One of my favorite resources on the topic of Christian education is the book Teaching to Change Lives: Seven Proven Ways to Make Your Teaching Come Alive by Howard Hendricks. A particularly favorite point for me encourages teachers to “tell the learner nothing — and do nothing for him — that he can learn or do for himself” (p. 18). I have tried to use this principle when teaching.
For example, I once taught a Sunday School class when the lesson focused upon the doctrine of sin. Although our Sunday School book directed us to a lesson text, I asked the learners to find some passages on the topic of sin. One 40-year-old man asked, with great expression, “How are we supposed to do that?”
I referred him to the concordance in the back of his Bible. He then said, with amazement, “You know, I have always wondered what that (the concordance) was there for!” Not only did he learn about sin that morning, but also about how to use his Bible to find other verses when a teacher is not around. That excites me!
If you were to teach a lesson soon, what is something you could “let them do for themselves?”
President’s Perspective
By Dr. Scott Carson, President • Southeastern Baptist College
Do you like rollercoasters? For as long as I can remember, I avoided them at all cost. Everyone screaming their lungs out was pretty much a turnoff for me. I remember wondering why anyone would want to terrorize themselves like that! However, after having children and listening to their pleas for me to accompany them on coasters, I have discovered some are fun, but others are, well, terrifying! I learned I could handle some short drops and tight turns like on the Runaway Railroad at Disney. I can also do twists and loops with much joy. But the big drops? No! If I see a roller coaster that has steep and sustained drops, I will not get on it.
You may be asking, “But were you not an airborne paratrooper?” Yes, I was. I have 78 jumps from various aircraft, but it’s actually a very different experience from that of a roller coaster. Except for one jump, I never experienced a falling sensation while parachuting. It was more like stepping into a fast-running river that knocked me off my feet. Only once, off the tail of a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter, did I get that gut wrenching feeling of falling. So, for me, jumping from an aircraft became rather fun and I had to remind myself each time that what I was about to do was extremely dangerous and could kill me if I wasn’t careful.
I sometimes feel like I’m on a roller coaster ride here at Southeastern Baptist College (SBC). We have so many blessings each week, only to be followed by a sudden drop in our joy as a new significant problem arises.
This past week, select members of the staff and I attended the Annual Accreditation Conference in Orlando. This has been the first time since I’ve been at SBC that more than two staff members were able to attend. The conference and the breakout sessions were extremely informative, motivating and even transformative! Our staff is very excited to apply what they learned toward the future of SBC.
As we were in a taxi going to the airport for our return journey, we watched the final moments of the men’s Chargers Basketball Team win the Bible College National Invitational Tournament! We were overjoyed for the team and for SBC! As we continued our celebration at the terminal, sending congratulations to the team and coaches, I received a text message informing me that our handyman had resigned. Oh, what a “drop” in our emotions as we sought to understand the challenge that this new situation had just created. We absolutely need a proactive maintenance person! There is an endless list of things that need attention on campus, another list of things that must be maintained and another long list of things to improve. These ups and downs are now so common we can almost predict them.
For every three ups, there is one down but, praise the Lord, it isn’t the other way around! We are excited to see God’s hand advance the school in miraculous ways; yet out of nowhere, we know another significant challenge will arise and must be faced and overcome.
Please pray that the Lord will soon send us a part-time handyman! The staff and I can only spare so much time toward the maintenance of the campus. We need to quickly find someone who possesses the experience, knowledge, skills and energy necessary for day-to-day operations and the continued improvement of our infrastructure.
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair” (II Cor. 4:8).
Why?
I was recently in deep discussion with a person about my purpose for being at SBC. He has asked this direct question several times since my assuming the presidency of SBC: “Why, when you could be 100% retired and doing all the things you could not do while in the Army, are you involved with a small and financially struggling college in south Mississippi that is often rife with high stress situations?” How does one answer that question for a person who doesn’t fully grasp the concept of a calling from God, that I desire to be fully surrendered to the Lord and therefore, must do what He asks?
When answering his questions of perplexity in prior discussions, there appeared to be a slight flicker of understanding, only to be quickly dismissed with the usual comment that it was beyond his comprehension. His life has been the American dream, and I find nothing wrong with it. He was a successful businessman, retired early, traveled to every state and around the world, golfed, fished and visited friends and family often. His expectation for my life is that I should be doing the same, otherwise what is the point?
Believe me, I have often reflected on doing just that, and it is a definite temptation! But I am convinced that I am where God wants me to be at this time of my life and doing what God wants me to be doing for His purpose at SBC. I feel God was training me in the last 10 years of my Army life as I earned a reputation for resetting broken or failed chaplain programs and making them respected and successful again. I confess that it was not easy, and it was often exceedingly challenging, but the Lord always enabled me to see a pathway to accomplishing the mission.
A couple of days later after my in-depth discussion with this person, and before I left for work in the early morning, I received an estimate via text message for an essential project we must complete by the end of this summer in order to accommodate more students. Hearing the cost, my heart skipped a beat! It was much higher than anticipated. As I drove to campus, I prayed about the money we needed and wondered where on earth we could find so much in such a short period of time. Suddenly, a name came to mind of someone I had not communicated with in some time and an account he managed for the college that had not recently been accessed. In the past few years, the money from this source was helpful, but not a substantial amount. As I walked into my office, the very person I was thinking about called me. A coincidence, I think not! This person informed me that he had much more money ready to be transferred to SBC and it was exactly half of what we needed for the project!
As soon as the call ended, I prayed about the other half of the monies needed and another person’s name came to mind. I gave her a call, explained the project and she quickly stated she could easily match the other half! Praise the Lord!
Now, going back to the person I referenced above and his question. While visiting him again, I told him about what had happened and explained that this is what has consistently been happening over the last five years. We have a major need, we have no way to resource it, we pray, God answers and His answer is a confirmation of not only my calling, but also a confirmation for all the staff and faculty supporting the college. This person seemed to finally understand that a committed disciple of Christ is fully surrendered to the Lord and His leading.
Instead of sitting here and typing this, I could be fishing from a 23-foot, center console fishing boat off the coast of Mississippi (something I really miss), but I am dedicated to the future of the BMA of Mississippi’s Southeastern Baptist College. The Lord’s confirmation of my calling and His will for our school is evident, as He consistently and miraculously meets the requirements of SBC, each and every day.
Mentoring The Next Generation
By Houston Butler, Member
Central • Southaven, Miss.
No matter what career or profession an individual enters, mentoring is a necessary aspect of the entrance process. Mentoring goes back as far as history itself. The very first man, Adam, was mentored by God. Genesis 2:15-17 shows the mentoring between God and Adam, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (ESV ) God had a greater understanding of what was at stake and more knowledge of the situation than Adam, which is why God told him that he could not eat of the tree. It wasn’t a “because I said so” commandment, but God knew the repercussions of the actions if Adam did eat of the fruit. We can take a few lessons from God on impacting the youth of our day!
We continue through the course of history and we see a development of apprentices. A person who has experience in a field of work is essentially mentoring apprentices into a specific type of craft. We still have the same type of mentoring as younger individuals enter into careers.
As a teacher, the last semester of my education I had to do student teaching, which is working under a more experienced teacher. Medical students have to endure months to years of clinical hours and residencies in their field of study. New police officers are partnered with an FTO (field training officer), who assists the rookie with how things are to be done, from paperwork to traffic stops and everything in between.
As Christians, we know that, no matter what we do as a profession, we need to mentor people as believers and let the bible lead us in all we do, especially when it comes to impacting youth in our day! We need to remember that our vocation is our ministry location!
We also see mentoring in the Bible on two different occasions. The first major occasion is with Jesus and His disciples. Jesus hand-selected 12 men He would invest Himself in spiritually, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Throughout Christ’s ministry, He taught and witnessed to a plethora of different individuals. However, at the end of the day, He poured directly into the lives of those 12 men: “He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything” (Mark 4:34).
Even further, within those 12, Jesus had an inner circle of 3 — Peter, James and John — in whom He more intimately invested. Through the 12 disciples, we can also notice that mentoring is not 100% successful. Judas was one of the disciples and he ultimately turned away and betrayed the relationship that Christ had invested in him.
The second occasion we see is the relationship between Paul and Timothy. Timothy was a young disciple (Acts 16:1-3). When Paul came to Derbe and to Lystra, a disciple named Timothy was there. Timothy was the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Eventually, he became the pastor at the Church at Ephesus. Paul who had years of experience in ministry and Jewish training took Timothy under his wing and trained and mentored him.
Dr. Tim Elmore presents these questions in his book, Life Giving Mentors — Who are lifegiving mentors? Why is mentoring necessary? Who should be my target? Who are life-giving mentors? These questions are vital in the process of mentoring. We have to answer each question and self-evaluate through those answers to ensure that we are mentoring correctly.
The answer to the first question is one that I feel has already been answered, but will restate. Life-giving mentors are individuals who mentor and lead through relationships and focus on the development of the mentee. Both Jesus and Paul were life-giving mentors. The Bible provides us with several passages regarding lifegiving mentorship: Prov. 22:6 (“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it”); Prov. 27:17 (“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”) and Eccl. 10:10 (“If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed”). In each of these passages, the underlying theme is teaching and training through relationships.
Proverbs 22:6 shows when this training should start. Typically, this verse is used within the context of parenthood, however, I feel like that is underplaying the importance of the verse in its entirety. Training and mentoring don’t have an age requirement. Proverbs 27:17 focuses on the direct relationship of two people sharpening each other and building each other up through both encouragement and reproof and correction. Although this process is not always fun, and sometimes is even painful, it is necessary for the growth of both individuals.
The last verse, Eccl. 10:10, confronts what happens if one is not trained properly from the beginning. If that individual has not been “sharpened” then more strength is required during the process. The verse ties directly into my favorite quote, which is by Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.” If we are building and training from the beginning it will be easier than trying to repair the broken men later.
Why is mentoring necessary? The second question, in my opinion, is the most important. Is mentoring really necessary? First and foremost, we have seen that mentoring is a biblical truth and principle. We can further see the importance of mentoring in I Cor. 11:1, Titus 2:3-5 and Heb. 13:7. The apostle Paul, who truly understood the importance of mentoring, writes all of these verses. In I Cor. 11:1, he writes to the church at Corinth, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” He understood that mentoring, at its core, was leading through example.
Leading by example can also be seen in Titus 2:3-5: “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” Paul was clear that the older women were to be examples and mentors to the younger women.
The last verse that Paul writes is to the Christian community as a whole in the book of Heb. 13:7: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” He told them to remember the example set for them through their faith and imitate that same type of faith.
Who should be my target? The final question deserves both an individual answer and a blanket answer, which can both be the same. Who should be the target of our mentoring? The next generation should be our focus. Again, we can turn to Scripture to answer this question. Psalms 145:4 provides us with the blanket answer to this question: “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” Each generation should mentor and train the generation that comes after them. Granted, a younger individual can train an older one, this is typically not the case.
“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (II Tim. 2:2). As we look back at the relationship between Paul and Timothy one last time we see that Paul was not just training Timothy in an effort to benefit Timothy, but also the next generation. Paul, ever so subtly, commands Timothy to take what he has heard and learned and train and teach others. What we are taught we must pass on to the next generation.
Lastly, David wrote in Psa. 71:18: “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” This verse should be the prayer for each of us. That no matter how old we are or become, we should continue to proclaim Christ to the next generation. The more we can train and mentor, the more that can eventually be mentored, leading to an exponential change in our culture and the youth of tomorrow.
Because Christ is King
By Dr. Josh Howard, Assoc. Pastor
Calvary • Horn Lake, Miss.
The recent arrest and imprisonment of a Canadian pastor has led to some difficult, important questions — questions about the role of the church, the reach of the State and the parameters of persecution. A question that arises from this is significant: what is persecution?
First, let us recognize that persecution may be different than we expect. Many of us have thought of persecution in a rather simplistic way — evil men in clearly evil uniforms showing up at our doorstep and demanding that we deny Christ. This may, indeed, happen to some, but many Christians will face persecution under different circumstances than these. Simply put, Christians will suffer because Christ is King. There is spiritual conflict taking place behind the worldly conflicts we experience (Eph 6:12), but we should recognize that persecution is rarely identified this way.
For example: John the Baptist was beheaded for condemning a public official’s immorality (Matthew 14); the Pharisees beat and imprisoned the apostles out of jealousy (Acts 5:17, 40); Stephen was stoned for blasphemy (Acts 6-7); Paul and Silas were imprisoned for obstructing the local economy (Acts 16); Paul was jailed as a political instigator and insurrectionist (Acts 24:5); and many other examples exist (Heb. 11:35-38). Would we suggest that these did not suffer for Christ because the world slandered them even as it persecuted them? Why did they truly experience persecution? They suffered because Christ is King. Suffering may come in different forms and in different degrees (Heb 12:4), but we should be slow to disregard persecution against brothers and sisters in Christ. To ignore this is to ignore the slander that was levied against our Savior (Matt 27:37). We suffer because Christ is King.
How might we respond? Pray now — and pray often. Be constant in prayer (Rom. 12:12) and trust in the Lord always (Prov. 3:5-6). This is foundational, indispensable and essential. Further, expect persecution in this life. This is surely never popular advice, and no one is eager to hear these words. Yet consider the lives (and deaths) of the apostles. The early church did not suffer persecution because they had failed — they experienced persecution because Christ has triumphed! We follow in His footsteps, and this brings persecution in this world (II Tim. 3:12; John 16:33). Again, we will be persecuted — because Christ is King.
In keeping with the above, we must determine to stand with fellow believers. Those who are reading this may very well not fear imminent persecution — many of us may feel quite shielded from the evils of this world. But consider Paul’s words from the conclusion of Colossians: “Remember my chains” (4:18). Stand with fellow believers, knowing that the Christians experiencing persecution around the world are members of the same body (Eph 1:22-23; 2:19-22). We are bound together and stand together — because Christ is King.
Finally, we should not take lightly the command to proclaim the gospel. When the commands of the State prevent us from following Christ’s commands, we must remember the example set for us in Scripture (Acts 4:18-20; Acts 5:28). The worship of the church and preaching of the gospel are essential. We simply cannot compromise — because Christ is King.
In the waning days of World War II, pastor-theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the last prisoners executed by the Third Reich. Choosing to remain with his people who were suffering under the Nazi regime, Bonhoeffer was unceremoniously hanged as an enemy of the State. His last words were reportedly: “This is the end. For me the beginning of life.” Let us live with a faith that trusts God in all things (Rom. 8:28). Let us live lives that testify that Christ is King.
10 Signs the Tribulation is Near
• Deception — Many will say “I am the Christ” (Matt. 24:5).
• Dissention — Wars (Matt. 24:6-7).
• Devastation — Famines (Matt. 24:7).
• Disease — Pestilences (Matt. 24:7).
• Disasters — Earthquakes (Matt. 24:7).
• Death — Hated for my name’s sake (Matt. 24:9).
• Disloyalty — Betray, hate one another (Matt. 24:10).
• Delusion — False prophets (Matt. 24:11).
• Defection — Turn away from God and each other (Matt. 24:12).
• Declaration — Gospel preached in all the world (Matt. 24:14).
— www.David Jeremiah.org/charts; via Missouri Baptist
Plan Now as We Look Forward!
By Ben Kingston, Director • BMA of Missouri Missions
Our missions symposium in May each year is coupled with the Mid-year Association meeting on the following day and this year’s dates will be May 14-15. The missions symposium will be on Friday and the association meeting will be on Saturday. The meetings will take place at New Testament Baptist Church in Sullivan. Josh Wright is the pastor, and he has made some hotel recommendations that will be included in this article.
We are begging, yes, I said begging all our pastors and pastors’ wives and their respective church members to come. We are in unprecedented times, and many of our churches and church staffs are struggling and need encouragement — the Friday service has been prepared to meet this need. The first hour will be an overview of the missions efforts of the Missouri churches in the Philippines and in St. Louis with Juan Fernandez giving a report. We will take a break with some refreshments, then Josh Wright will share a special message of encouragement for our churches and pastors and their families. This message will be born out of a heartfelt concern for where our churches and staffs are as a result of the pandemic and the daily struggles of life and ministry.
Pastor, please ask your people to prayerfully consider attending and churches, please ask your pastor to go with you. Bro. Josh and I feel strongly that the need for encouragement is association wide.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday Missions Symposium — 6:00-6:40 p.m., First Session; 6:40-7 p.m., Break; 7-8 p.m., Second Session.
Saturday Mid-year State Association Meeting at New Testament will begin at 9 a.m. The schedule for this business meeting and time of fellowship is under the direction of Moderator Jerry Adams. Each church of the BMA of Missouri is allowed three messengers to represent them at this meeting and everyone is welcome to attend as our guests. A meal will be provided after the meeting.
The hotels we recommend are:
• Budget Lodging 866 S. Outer Rd. St Clair, Mo. 63077; (636) 629-1000. (Owner Jason Alexander said he will donate 15% of the cost of each person’s stay to the BMA Missions Fund, but you must include “BMA” on your reservation. We are very grateful for this kind gesture from Bro. Jason.)
• Comfort Inn, 736 S. Service Rd. Sullivan, Mo. 63080; (573) 468-7800.
We look forward to seeing you May 14-15 at New Testament Baptist Church.
A Page from My Heart
Almost everything we own will outlive us — the question is, will our influence? I am wearing a dead man’s shoes. I love the shoes, they are comfortable. But remembering the one I got them from is even more comforting. Jim is a good man. I say “is” because he is still as alive as Moses or Abraham. Yet, his time here on earth is done, as mine will be soon.
Dear Christian, what are you doing that will last? Will your influence outlast your possessions and your body? How can we make sure that our influence doesn’t fade when our life does? The key is to not make our possessions our focus because they will be somebody else’s soon enough, but to make our influence on our loved ones and those that we are called to love our focus.
Does Matt. 28:18-20 guide your life? Are you living each day, each moment for the gospel’s sake? Now you and I know that no one makes 100%, but is it our focus? You see, success is not what we are called to, but rather obedience. Each failure is an opportunity to start again.
Recently, we as a people (Christianity) have been dealt a punch in the gut with the revelations of Ravi Zacharias and his moral failings. Many of us who were blessed, encouraged and instructed by his teachings have struggled with how to answer people on the fallout. A friend of mine and I sharpen each other through text for the gospel’s sake, and he recently asked me what I thought. This is my answer:
I do not believe that man’s flesh negates the Spirit’s instruction. Now, does it make it harder for mortal man to stomach it? Well certainly, but that gets us back to the “he who has no sin cast the first stone” discussion. Am I saying that it’s no big deal? Absolutely not! It’s about the worst-case scenario a Bible teacher could experience, as far as stumbling at the finish line. For those who do not want to believe the difficult truths that the Spirit taught through him, they now have their excuse! And for those of us who want to believe, we have our doubts because of the fragility of someone we thought was the Rock of Gibraltar!
Personally, I believe everything he taught that is confirmed by the Word is still valid and usable — we will just probably have to leave his name out of it when we quote him, which most likely should be judgment enough. I can only imagine the pain, grief, shame, doubt and despair that his wife, children, family, friends and associates are going through because every one of them knows the validity of the truths that he taught. They know the validity of Scripture, and here their crown jewel teacher has marred all of that. Obviously, we can rise above this, but we’re going to have to seek the Spirit’s healing and navigation through this.
So again, dear saint, I implore you be obedient to the gospel and the righteousness that the gospel demands, and one day soon you will hear your Master say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into your rest.” And maybe, just maybe, your nephew or niece will gain a possession you once had and remember the influence of a loving uncle or aunt more than the possessions.