MOVING with Ministers and Staff
This is only a news column, and the publishing of a person’s availability should not be considered a recommendation by the Trumpet. To view previous listings from this column, visit our website at www.baptisttrumpet.com.
Aaron Maxwell has resigned as pastor of New Caney Baptist Church in Gurdon and is available for pastoral ministry and preaching appointments. Contact him at (870) 834-0100.
You Cannot Share the Gospel with the Wrong Person
By Jeff Swart
Jewish physician Boris Kornfeld was found guilty of committing a political crime in Russia and was sentenced to serve out his punishment in a concentration camp for political prisoners in Siberia. His job in prison was to perform surgery on both prisoners as well as the guards. While there, Kornfeld met a Christian whose name is not known. However, this unknown Christian was often heard to pray the Lord’s Prayer aloud, which had a tremendous impact on the life of Dr. Kornfeld.
One day, as he was repairing an artery on a prison guard that had been slashed, Dr. Kornfeld was tempted to suture the artery in such a way that it would slowly leak and the guard would gradually bleed to death. When he realized the depth of his own depravity for thinking such a thought, he heard himself say, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” The life of this unknown Christian was beginning to impact the life of Dr. Kornfeld. Soon the doctor found himself disobeying orders that were inhumane or immoral, all the while realizing that he was risking his own life.
On another day, as he examined a patient who had undergone cancer surgery, Dr. Kornfeld saw the spiritual misery in the man’s eyes and told him of his journey to Christ. That very night, Dr. Kornfeld was murdered in his sleep. However, the patient who heard Dr. Kornfeld’s confession of his faith in Christ became a Christian himself. This patient survived his time in the concentration camp and went on to tell the world about life in a Soviet gulag. The patient’s name was Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.
I often say, “You cannot share the gospel with the wrong person.” That statement is true because every person you will ever meet needs to be forgiven of his/her sins, cleansed of all their unrighteousness, and needs a reason to hope.
It was the Apostle Peter who declared, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” (I Peter 3:15). Only in Heaven will we realize the impact our words and example have had on those whose lives have crossed our paths. Dr. Kornfeld did not live long enough to see the results of a few words sown in the heart of a hopeless man, but one day he will know and so will you. As you go about your daily routine this week, never forget that “You cannot share the gospel with the wrong person.”
The Pasleys:
Missionaries to France
Sean Pasley was called into missionary service to a country in which less than 1% of the population (670,000 people) identifies as protestant evangelical Christians. Sounds a lot like North Korea, the most anti-Christian nation in the world, but it’s not. It’s the country of France.
Their Story
Sean and Kendall Pasley were born and raised in North Mississippi, where they have lived and ministered together for the past decade. Married since 2010, God has blessed them with three boys: Liam, Ewen and Declan. His wife, Kendall is a full-time mother, homemaker and teacher to the children, as well as being a piano and vocal instructor.
The Pasleys have served in church ministry since he accepted an intern position in 2009. Currently a seminary student at Midwestern, Sean’s most recent pastoral role was at Calvary Baptist Church in Horn Lake, Miss., where he began serving in 2017. A missional church pastored by Greg Cook, Calvary had been praying for a church planting partnership before Sean came on staff, and now they are the Pasleys’ sending church.
For a long time, however, especially while attending seminary, Sean says, “I had a problem with the term missionary because mission trips seemed to only be about humanitarian aid and Instagram pictures. It wasn’t until I met a missionary to Central Asia whose ministry was focused on evangelism and church planting (caring for people’s spiritual needs rather than solely their physical needs) that I changed my mind.”
Also, when God first gave Sean the desire to go abroad for mission work and a heart for French people, he had a lot of “yeh, buts” for God; however, the following cultural realities changed his thinking:
But don’t they have a lot of churches already? Yes, there are many churches, and the overwhelming majority of them are empty.
But don’t they have plenty of people to reach them? No, the number of evangelical Christians is almost zero.
But aren’t they a wealthy country? Yes, but they lack the riches of Christ.
With that positive missionary experience and those questions answered, he felt even more burdened to leave the U.S.
Laborers are Few
Sean’s mother is a native of France, so he is familiar with French culture, but, he says, “We never truly realized how little the people of France knew of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ until recently. We were grateful to learn of the work that God is doing through His people in France, and we believe that He would have us labor alongside them.”
France is the most historically Catholic country in the world, and Catholicism is their national identity. However, only 4% attend mass, go to church or carry a Bible. About 46% of the French population claim that they have no religion and identify as atheist, agnostic or nonbelievers — that’s 25-32 million people.
French-speaking Muslim immigrants from North Africa make up 5% of the population and live in southern France, the largest percentage of Muslim immigrants in all of Western Europe. The population is less than 1% Protestant, so there are really no evangelicals, only small churches of 50-60 regular attendees, which in France would be considered a megachurch.
Gospel Hindrances are Many
Very few of the 67 million people of France have any understanding of the good news of the gospel. It is estimated that as many as 50 million French people have no real link with any Christian church at all. When that statistic is combined with the fact that Christian beliefs and values are seen as antiquated roadblocks to progressive thinking, the French are practically an unreached people group.
Basically, secularism is the unofficial state religion of France. While similar to the United States Constitution’s first amendment, France’s secularist policies effectively grant freedom from religion.
But the real roadblock seems to be a completely anti-Christian culture, one where the occult is prominent and Bibles are almost non-existent.
Sean tells the story of a church planter in France whose wife began a Bible study, but no one had ever even touched one, much less owned one. They even seemed fearful of doing so, as if it was prohibited.
In addition, Sean explains that, “Occult practices are everywhere. There are more palm readers than preachers, pastors, or missionaries. Witchcraft and ‘dark arts’ businesses are on every street, but the answer to all that darkness is the gospel.”
Thankfully, he says, there has been an increase of evangelical churches in recent years, but the need continues to increase with a growing immigrant population and a youth population that is largely uninterested in the gospel.
Their Call is God-Given
“While we love our ministry in the States,” Sean says, “we believe the Lord has work for us in France. Through much prayer and reliance on Scripture, we are obeying God’s call to move our family overseas for the sake of His gospel. There are obvious challenges facing gospel ministry in Europe, but we are ready to spend our lives participating in God’s plan.”
The Pasleys will be living in Albertville, France, where they will search for like-minded churches in which to get a foothold in an area where missionary work is not encouraged.
Their five-year ministry plan begins with one to two years of language school, cultural acclimation and evangelism. In the next three to four years, they will prepare for church planting and partner with a local church in discipleship… then they begin the process of planting churches.
Sean says studies have shown that it takes 10 years from the time they hear the gospel for French people to believe and accept it, but he knows that their plans are in God’s hands.
Sean requests the following prayers:
• Please pray for the salvation of French people, and that God would prepare hearts to receive the gospel even now
• Please pray for our family as we prepare to live and minister in a foreign culture.
• Pray that the Lord allows France to soon become a beacon of light and life for His glory.
If you or your church would like to partner with the Pasleys, email them at pasleyjs@gmail.com or go to app.securegive.com/BMAMissions/main/donate/category.
In This Issue
Continue Learning Through Podcasts (pg. 2)
CBC: Leadership Scholar Program (pg. 2)
Embracing God’s Gift of Limits (pg. 3)
Follow the Science - Part 1 (pg. 5)
Spotlight on Missions (pg. 5)
Cross Cultural Considerations For Missionaries
By Executive Director John David Smith
In cross-cultural missions, there are basic cultural issues that come into play. We affirm that the Bible is always authoritative over culture; however, in order to bear much fruit (John 15) and have more sheep (John 10), it is necessary to understand our own culture and the culture in which we will do ministry.
Jesus walked into a very specific culture of religiosity with the Pharisees and the other religious sects in first-century Israel. At times, He used culture; at times, He challenged culture; and at all times, He understood culture. One of the first characteristics of American culture is individualism. Most all of our historical heroes — Daniel Boone, Superman, John Wayne, the Lone Ranger and others — are solitary heroes who did it all alone.
In American culture, we have many customs and mechanisms that demonstrate our “self-reliance,” as opposed to most other cultures in the world who are “collectivistic” where the extended family and the group goals are more important than the individual achievements. You can imagine how a missionary walking out of an individualistic culture and into a collectivistic culture can struggle mightily to adapt, build relationships and do ministry.
We are thankful for the many who have crossed those cultural lines and still do it today in order to see the gospel, which is greater than culture, transform lives all over the world.
The vast army of ChangeMaker missionaries around the world is a testament to this life-changing power of the gospel and the Spirit-given power to cross cultures and fulfill the mission of Christ.
Consumerism is the belief that “stuff” can ultimately mark our identity and measure our self-worth. In its practical outflow, consumerism can be a plan of salvation for people. Consumerism allows us to veil our real need and purposes, while “stuff” and the endless pursuit of more stuff becomes the temporary anesthetic to the real source of our pain or the distraction from our purpose.
We know this false friend from our own lives, but it can also deeply influence churches that have an unhealthy identity based on numbers and buildings. Upon arriving in West Africa as a missionary, I was amazed to learn that materialism/consumerism was not only a Western issue. In the West, we tend to worship the things we have and the next things we desire. In developing countries, they worship stuff they do not have, believing that it will “save” them.
Missionaries transitioning from an affluent reality to a survival context usually struggle mightily at first to simplify their lives and to redirect their object of worship from stuff to Christ. Our ChangeMakers remind us that the pain of people who need the gospel and our purposes demand that we not be consumed by our consumerism.
May God grant us the clear understanding that we have been blessed to be a blessing!
Sports
News
By Erik Holth
Women’s Golf
• Olathe, Kan., Oct. 19 — Dropping into the fifth-place match, CBC looked to beat William Penn on the final day of the Wildcat Match Play at Prairie Highlands Golf Course. CBC would wind up sixth, losing to William Penn 4-0 in the match.
Men’s Golf
• Olathe, Kan., Oct. 19 — After splitting on the first day of the Wildcat Match Play, CBC was back on the Prairie Highlands Golf Course competing against Evangel for a third-place finish. The Mustangs and the Valor tied their match, 2.5 apiece, before the Mustangs won in a playoff to capture third place.
Women’s Soccer
• Conway, Oct. 19 — Looking to make history, CBC hosted the #16 Cougars of Columbia College in an American Midwest Conference (AMC) match. CBC (2-11, 1-5 AMC) was shutout, trailing 2-0 at halftime before falling to CC (11-3, 6-0 AMC).
• Conway, Oct. 22 — Looking to end a four-match losing skid, CBC hosted the Trojans of Hannibal-LaGrange in an AMC tilt. CBC (3-12, 2-5 AMC) led 2-1 at the break and beat HLGU (5-10, 2-6 AMC) 3-2 for their third win in a row in the series.
Men’s Soccer
• Conway, Oct. 19 — Taking on the #4 team in the NAIA, CBC hosted the Cougars of Columbia College (CC) in an AMC showdown. CBC (7-7-1, 3-1-1 AMC) was down 1-0 at half and ultimately lost to CC (10-1-2, 5-0-1 AMC).
• Conway, Oct. 23 — Chris Orellana’s golden goal eight seconds into the first overtime period put CBC back into the win column in an AMC match over Hannibal-LaGrange. CBC (8-7-1, 4-1-1 AMC) got two second half goals after trailing early in the half before the winner over HLGU (5-7-1, 1-4-1 AMC) gave CBC their third win in the last four matches.
Volleyball
• Conway, Oct. 21 — Returning home for a midweek non-conference match, CBC hosted the Tigers of Champion Christian at Reddin Fieldhouse. CBC (10-9) took care of business, sweeping CCC (1-9) in straight sets and sweeping the season series as well.
• Henderson, Tenn., Oct. 23 — Playing their final road non-conference match of the season, CBC took on the Lady Lions of Freed-Hardeman University at the FHU Sports Center. CBC (10-10) could not hold down FHU (8-16)’s offense, allowing 13 kills in each set of a straight set sweep.
• Conway, Oct. 25 — Returning home after a trip to Tennessee, CBC hosted the Toppers of Blue Mountain College at Reddin Fieldhouse, looking to snap BMC’s 13-match winning streak. CBC (10-11) couldn’t stop BMC (25-5), falling in straight sets and getting swept by Blue Mountain on the season.
Men’s Basketball
• New Orleans, La., Oct. 25 — Opening their 2021-22 season, CBC took on the Bleu Devils of Dillard University at Dent Hall. CBC (0-1) trailed 40-26 at halftime and couldn’t turn the tables in the second half, falling to DU (3-0) 90-75.
Central Baptist College
1501 College Ave. • Conway, Arkansas 72034
(501) 329-6872 • (800) 205-6872 • www.cbc.edu
Twitter: @CentBaptCollege and @tkimbrow
Profile
Terry Kimbrow
President
The CBC Leadership Scholar Program
The mission of CBC is to transform lives through the integration of Christian faith and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. Part of the transformation students can experience at CBC is in leadership development. We believe Christian Higher Education is a great means to develop strong Christian leaders for all career fields and to ultimately fulfill the Great Commission.
Students are challenged, engaged and inspired to embrace God’s will for their lives during their time at CBC and in the future. From classroom projects to student led discipleship groups. From the music stage or the athletic field, students are challenged to use their talents to lead others to serve God and His people.
A practical way CBC is fostering Christian student leadership development is through the Leadership Scholar program. Three new students are selected for this honor each year. The students are selected through an interview process by the Scholarship Committee. The selected students earn a full tuition scholarship that renews annually. The students serve the Admissions Office or other selected staff departments weekly throughout the academic year. Leadership scholars have the honor of serving as campus tour guides to prospective students on personal campus visit experiences and Stampede Preview Day events throughout the year. They also assist the personal admissions officers by contacting prospective students to share their CBC experience and encourage them to visit campus and become Mustangs! Leadership Scholars are also challenged to engage and connect other students to campus life activities throughout the year.
To learn more about the Leadership Scholar Program and to apply, visit cbc.edu/leadershipscholar or contact the Admissions Office at admissions@cbc.edu or (501) 329-6873.
Priority Scholarship Deadline
December 10 is the fall 2021 priority scholarship deadline. Prospective students considering applying for the fall semester should do so before the priority deadline.
Priority deadline application benefits include a quick priority admissions application decision and scholarship award package. In addition, students are offered the highest scholarship awards possible. As the academic year progresses, scholarship awards become more limited.
To qualify for the priority deadline, students are required to complete the entire application process. Completed applications include the online application and submission of all documents such as educational transcripts, ACT/SAT score and a completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Once these items are submitted, our admissions team will process the student’s application as soon as possible. Don’t miss out; lock in your best scholarship package today!
Prospective students should visit cbc.edu/apply to start the application process today. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@cbc.edu or (501) 329-6873.
Student Ministry
Matters
Phone: (479) 790-7808
bmayouthdepartment@gmail.com
www.StudentMinistryMatters.com
BMA of Arkansas Youth Department
1410 North Porter Rd. • Fayetteville, AR 72703
Dan Carson
Director
Continue the Learning Through Podcasts
If you have been following us for any length of time, you know that Student Ministry Matters is all about those in ministry continuing their education. While that can look like schools such as Central Baptist College or the BMA Theological Seminary, there is a need to continue the learning even after the degree work is done. One way I have really embraced over the last few years is podcasts. These are bite-sized seminars that allow me to think about a subject and perhaps learn something new.
On a recent Student Ministry Matters podcast, Chris Vines and I shared a number of podcasts that we are listening to, and I would encourage you to check out the episode if for no other reason than to look at the show notes. We list a large number of podcasts if you are trying to find a place to start. This week, I want to share some sound podcasts from BMA voices:
• The Preaching Lab — Their motto is simply “Healthy Preachers. Healthy Pulpits.” Led by Dr. Clif Johnson, the team shares words of help for those that preach the Word in their local church setting. Sometimes, they share encouragement for the minister in his personal life. Other times, they speak of how they handle specific passages. They have a heart for the bi-vocational pastor who can’t get away to the conference and stand ready to help. Other members of their team include Adam Thomas, Dustin Wisely and Jason Goodwin. In earlier episodes, you will also hear from Scott Attebery. They can be found on Apple Podcasts as well as at PreachingLabPodcast.com.
• The Healthy Church Podcast — Hosted by Larry Barker and Drew Cline, the Healthy Church Podcast pours out of the BMAA Missions office and their desire to see our churches grow and thrive. Larry and Drew share from their personal experiences as pastors and leaders in our work. It can be found at HealthyChurchPodcast.com as well as other major podcasting platforms. It is a part of HealthyChurchSolutions.org.
• Chair 2 Leaders Podcast — The Chair 2 Leaders Podcast is hosted by Dr. Ben South and Danny Smith. It can be found on iTunes and Spotify. It serves to encourage and equip Chair 2 Leaders and those who work with them. Dr. South serves as the Associate Pastor of Education and Missions at Central Baptist Church of Conway. He is a graduate of Central Baptist College and received his Doctor of Educational Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Given that most in student ministry serve in a secondary leadership role in the church, this is a great podcast for those working with students.
• Student Ministry Matters — This is our crazy podcast. We cover a wide range of student ministry related topics through interviews as well as discussions with our team. While Chris Vines is my consistent co-host, Micah Powell and Zac Lee have also helped us as we have continued the conversation about youth work. It can be found through StudentMinistryMatters.podbean.com, StudentMinistryMatters.com or through most major podcasting platforms.
Lifeword also shares their video shows in podcast form. Day by Day from Lifeword and The Lori Cline Show from Lifeword can be found online at lifeword.org. Their short format allow you to quickly listen as you are on the go.
Podcasts can be great, especially if you want to continue learning but have to mow the lawn, wash the dishes or get in some exercise. My only word of warning is to evaluate who you are listening to, and if they have a certain bias, be aware. However, don’t let that frighten you from finding some and to continue learning.
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Stand Firm & Live Epic
Helping you navigate such a time as this.
By Jake McCandless
jake@standfirmministries.com • standfirmministries.com
End Times Smokescreens
Turn on the news and it’s easy to feel this world has gone crazy. Likely, every other conversation you have jumps to a hot button issue that’s impacting our lives. When we see these news headlines, it’s easy to jump to considering the end times, and it’s good if we do, but I want to offer a warning that often what we list as an end time sign or event is a smokescreen and we’re missing the true signs. Like any good illusionist who is deceiving the crowd to the reality of his/her magic trick, we’re often distracted from watching the true signs.
Now I know it’s dangerous for someone who enjoys writing these articles and feels blessed the Trumpet is running them to dive into end times stuff. It’s dangerous because, even within our BMA tribe, there are several different views. That division often keeps us from addressing it, but for us to accurately divide the Word of God we must deal with Bible prophecy because one-third of the Bible is prophecy.
I hold to the premillennial eschatological view, which is the predominant view in our association. It’s the view that holds that prophetic events that haven’t been clearly fulfilled will be fulfilled in the future and that Jesus returns before a period called the Millennial Kingdom. Revelation 20:1-6 talks about Jesus returning and establishing that 1,000-year kingdom or millennial kingdom. I share this as a disclaimer — there are multiple views.
Though nearly all the headline events in the news will impact our lives and any of them could be a catalyst for the end of the age, the Bible is clear that the main stage for the end of the age is in the Middle East. Centerstage is Israel, and in particular Jerusalem. There’s not enough room in this article to provide all the evidence and Biblical support to defend this, but I take the time to make this point because when we get wrapped up in American politics or even COVID itself as the ultimate end time event we’re missing the centerstage of Bible prophecy.
Now these smokescreens are very real and may impact us directly, yet we sell the story of Scripture short by getting distracted by the smaller pieces of the end times puzzle. There are so many passages I’d like to share, but again there’s not enough room. Here’s are few of them:
“I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves” (Zech. 12:2-3 NIV).
“A day of the Lord is coming, Jerusalem, when your possessions will be plundered… I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured…Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south” (Zech. 14:1-4 NIV).
“The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East… They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty… Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon” (Rev. 16:12-16 NIV).
These are just a few passages that show that centerstage at the end of the age is Israel, and especially Jerusalem.
I believe it’s important that we accurately know the “whole story” of Scripture and the unfolding of the end of the age, but the reason I share prophecy is because my hope is we will each stand firm in the challenges now and then. To do so, we must know something about it.
A starting point to knowing about these future challenges is recalibrating our thinking and being reminded Jerusalem is centerstage, therefore watch out for end times smokescreens.
Jake is available for revivals and preaching learn more at standfirmministries.com.
Healthy Church Solutions
Embracing God’s
Gift of Limits
Are you a doer and a fixer by nature? While planting a church in the early 90s, I turned to my wife and said, “When did I become a workaholic?” I expected her to console me, as she so often did, and assure me that I was a hard worker but always kept things in balance. Instead, she said, “I’m trying to remember when you were not!” The reality is that many of us in ministry spend most of our time focusing on fixing things and solving problems. We spend much of our time putting out fires and reacting to the challenges that arise almost daily. We remain focused on manipulating our external realities.
There is a great need for leaders to plan, strategize and remain focused on moving things forward through prayerful planning and seeking God’s face. You should not only be reactionary, but proactive in carrying out God’s mission through the biblically sound vision He places upon your heart. God’s commanded mission is your compass to carry out His Great Commission. The mission of God is the road your church is to be traveling upon, while Biblical doctrine and theology are the guardrails to keep you on the road of carrying out His commands and being about His business.
God’s mission is your compass. Vision is your travel brochure, giving your congregation a clear picture of God’s preferred future for your church. Becoming proactive in discovering His vision for your church is what helps you determine what you will do and what you will not do. There are four vision dynamics involved in this. It is God’s vision, through your church, in your community and for such a time as this. Your local church includes the people of God, saved by the power of God, for the purposes of God. You are called to deploy and express the fullness of God into every corner of culture.
It is far too easy to end up relying only on your gifts, talents and experience to guide and direct you, more than seeking God’s face. Competency and charisma can be valued over character. You can become so focused on what you are doing that you forget about what is far more important — being with Jesus. You can become so busy for Jesus that you miss Him in the journey. Never allow your activity for Jesus to rob you of your adoration of Jesus. The beauty of this pursuit is that it allows the Great Commission, biblical doctrine and the leadership of the Holy Spirit to guide you in the areas in which your church will be involved.
This involves embracing the gift of God’s limitations. There are certain things you must say “no” to, and also things you probably should say “no” to. Pastor, you cannot do everything. You can easily be tempted into thinking your church must be all, do all and try all that is suggested by a well-meaning member or because another church is doing it. You begin to see God’s limits as a curse instead of realizing that His limits are actually a blessing. Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve ignored the one limit God placed upon them and they decided they knew what they needed better than He did.
The biggest step to this is being willing to surrender to God’s limitations on you spiritually, emotionally and physically. You cannot do everything, and the beauty is that God never expected you to. God established the Sabbath and said, “It is a sign forever between Me and the Israelites, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed” (Exod. 31:17). Are you willing to say “no” or even “not yet” to the things that are beyond God’s plans and expectations of you? Let me get a little personal — are you practicing any kind of sabbath in your life?
God’s limits are good, and so is rest. Please allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through Mark 6:30-31: “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” Did you see it? Get some rest. He did not say to work harder! Don’t you dare stop or sacrifice your family, health or sanity. Jesus coached them to practice what He practiced regularly by getting alone with the Father and being refreshed.
Are you surrendered to His limits on you spiritually, physically and emotionally? Do you have a spiritual awareness to focus on your relationship with Him to ensure that your being with Him is sufficient enough to sustain what you are doing for Him? Do you have a physical awareness of knowing that your body is a major prophet? It lets you know of trouble ahead when you are overtaxing yourself. It signals that you need a break from the stress and tension. Do you have an emotional awareness that you have reached your limit because your patience is extra thin and joy has left? Do you realize that you need to be refreshed and renewed?
Spiritual fullness occurs when there is a healthy balance between being with Jesus and doing for Jesus. If you are not spiritually healthy by abiding in Him and finding your rest in Him (Matt. 11:28), you will engage in activities that your spiritual reserves cannot sustain. Are you receiving more from Jesus in your daily walk with Him than you are doing for Him? Are you making sure that your cup is full enough to enable endurance and perseverance? Are you focusing on abiding in Christ at least as much as you are attempting to achieve for Christ?
P.O. Box 878 • Conway, Ark. 72033-0878
(501) 455-4977 • larry@bmaam.com
Larry barker, Director of Operations North America
BMA of America Missions Department
healthychurchpodcast.com • healthychurchsolutions.org (coming soon)
Homecomings
70th Anniversary, First, North Lewisville, Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m.; Lane Garner (message); potluck lunch; Jerry Evans, interim pastor.
Revivals
Kaley Hill, Quitman, Oct. 29-31 (brush arbor); 7 p.m. Fri. (Daniel William, evangelist); 6 p.m. Sat. (Miles Evans, evangelist); 11 a.m. Sun. (Jim Goodson); Jim Goodson, pastor.
First, St. Charles, Nov. 3-5; 7 p.m.; Luke Watson, evangelist; The Walker Sisters, music; Wayne McLean, interim pastor.
Grace, Wynne, Nov. 13; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; J.E. Hughes; Michael Hight; Farrell Eoff, Don Lewis (evangelists); lunch provided; David McDougald, pastor.
First, No. Lewisville, Nov. 21-23; 6 p.m. Sun. (Jared Askew, evangelist); 7 p.m. Mon. (Adam Rogers, evangelist); 7 p.m. Tues. (Kenneth Bobo, evangelist); Jerry Evans, interim pastor.
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Journey with Jeff
By Executive Editor
Jeff Herring
A Busy Season
This past weekend brought the end to the time of year that is filled with visits to local associations across the state. I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet many people and report on the ministry of the Trumpet. With the disruption in usual activities caused by COVID last year, it was nice to be able to connect with the people of the BMA of Arkansas once again.
There are 16 local association meetings that took place across the state, and I want to thank a few people that helped make sure the Trumpet was represented at each meeting. This was a difficult task since there were four meetings scheduled for one day! Associate Editor Allan Eakin and Editor Emeritus Diane Spriggs were able to make most meetings that I could not attend, and two of the Publication Committee members — Hershel Conley and Chris Vines — were able to cover the two meetings that none of us could attend. I want to say thank you to each association for giving us an opportunity to share and for your continued prayers and support.
Annual Publications Committee Meeting
Allan and I were able to meet with the Publications Committee last week to share an update about the ministry and prepare the recommendations for the state meeting in a few weeks. Each member of the committee was able to attend either in person or virtually. I am so thankful for the faithful support of each person on this committee and for their willingness to serve.
Two of the committee members are rolling off this year — Hershel Conley and Doug Brown (clerk). They have served faithfully for three years and have helped provide steady leadership through the transition to a new editor. These two men, along with the other committee members — Micheal Hight (chairman), Carolyn Colvert (assistant clerk), Chris Vines (vice chairman) and David Inzer — are always willing to help the Trumpet any way they can.
State Meeting
In next week’s issue, I will share more about what the committee is recommending but let me share here what we have been sharing at each local association we attended. After being elected as the new executive editor last November, Allan and I began putting together a working budget for the coming year and also analyzing current expenses. We ultimately divided all expenses into two categories — production and post-production costs. Production costs are all things “in-house” that it takes to produce the paper each week — salaries, building expenses, computers, software, etc. Post-production costs include everything it takes to get the paper to your mailbox once we send it out — printing, sorting, labeling and postage.
Production costs are 46¢ per issue per subscriber and post-production costs are 43¢ per issue per subscriber, for a total of 89¢ to get each issue of the Trumpet to your mailbox. Our current subscription rates are $23.50 per year for individual subscribers (52¢ per issue) and $20.25 per year for church plan subscribers (45¢ per issue). With 88% of our subscribers being a part of a church plan, that means that we bring in an average of 46¢ per issue per subscriber, which leaves a deficit of 43¢ for each paper that is produced.
We are so thankful to have many churches and individuals that give to the Trumpet on a regular basis, and we average $1,600 per week in regular offerings. This calculates out to about 20¢ per issue per subscriber. That still leaves 23¢ of the deficit that must be made up for with Special Emphasis offerings or some other way just to keep the ministry of the Trumpet moving forward.
After meeting with the Publications Committee last week, we have a plan to alleviate this deficit for the coming year. I will share the details of this plan in next week’s issue.
Please continue to pray for us as we seek to inform and inspire with each issue of the Trumpet that is produced. My goal for this ministry is that it will continue to be the go-to source for BMA news, important information and inspiration for years to come. Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we build for the future of the Baptist Trumpet.
BMA of Arkansas Meeting
Nov. 4-5
Central Baptist College • Conway
For more information visit baptisttrumpet.com
Trumpet Notes
By Executive Editor Jeff Herring
Russellville Affirms It Is
A Sanctuary for the Unborn
On Oct. 21, the Russellville City Council voted 5-3 to pass a resolution affirming that it is a Pro-Life City and a sanctuary for the unborn. It is the 13th Pro-Life municipality in Arkansas.
Arkansas has seen a rapid expansion of pro-life resolutions passed at the local level this year — Washington, Benton, Crawford, Cleburne, Pope, Jackson, Saline, Faulkner, Perry, and Sebastian counties have approved pro-life resolutions since last spring and the cities of Mariana and Springdale also have affirmed that they are Pro-Life.
Earlier this year, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 392 of 2021 by Rep. Kendon Underwood (R/Cave Springs) and Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R/Branch) that affirms that cities, towns and counties in Arkansas can designate themselves as Pro-Life.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that municipalities can adopt pro-life policy positions. Any city, town or county can pass a pro-life resolution like the ones that these communities have passed.
We know from public opinion polling that the vast majority of Arkansans believe abortion ought to be either completely illegal or legal only under certain circumstances. With that in mind, it makes sense that communities in Arkansas would vote to affirm that they are Pro-Life.
We look forward to future communities passing their own resolutions declaring that they are Pro-Life — just like the City of Russellville and these other municipalities have done.
If you would like to learn more about how you can pass a pro-life resolution in your community, give us a call at (501) 375-7000 or visit www.familycouncil.org to download the Pro-life Cities and Counties Toolkit. (familycouncil.org)
“Father of Contemporary
Christian Music” Dies at 94
Often called the “father of contemporary Christian music,” Ralph Carmichael left his mark on the music industry in seven decades and at least as many genres. Carmichael died Oct. 20 at the age of 94.
Planning to become a pastor, Carmichael attended Southern California Bible College. But he pursued music instead and became head of the school’s music department. The innovative, contemporary arrangements he did with the school’s various music groups and ensembles won him notoriety, but churches often found them too worldly.
In the 1950s and ‘60s, Carmichael crossed easily between working with gospel greats like George Beverly Shea and arranging for jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole. And all the while, he was composing music for TV shows, including “I Love Lucy” and “Bonanza,” films like the 1958 hit “The Blob” and many others.
In 1966, he founded Light Records to give voice to the growing Jesus Movement. Artists he signed, like Andrae Crouch and The Winans, soon became major players in a whole new kind of music.
Many more Christians were exposed to Carmichael’s work in film scores he wrote for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association — 20 in all, including 1970’s “The Cross and the Switchblade.” And still others might remember singing his songs — like “The Savior Is Waiting,” “He’s Everything to Me,” “Reach Out to Jesus” (recorded by Elvis Presley) and “Love is Surrender” (recorded by the Carpenters).
Perhaps his best known, most enduring work was 1960s “The Magic of Christmas,” an album of mostly sacred Christmas songs by Nat King Cole. Carmichael’s tender, lush arrangements can still be heard just about anywhere each Christmastime, and his and Cole’s version of “The Christmas Song” is considered a classic. (baptistpress.com)
Supreme Court Allows Texas
Abortion Ban to Remain
On Oct. 22, the Supreme Court refused a request by Joe Biden and abortion businesses in Texas to block the Texas abortion ban that has saved thousands of babies from abortions. The nation’s highest court agreed to review the pro-abortion lawsuits against the abortion ban and set oral arguments for Nov. 1. That means the ban will stay in place for several more days — likely saving anywhere from 50-100 babies each day from abortions.
The court, in its order, said it would consider the following questions: whether “the state can insulate from federal-court review a law that prohibits the exercise of a constitutional right by delegating to the general public the authority to enforce that prohibition through civil action;” and can “the United States bring suit in federal court and obtain injunctive or declaratory relief against the State, state court judges, state court clerks, other state officials or all private parties to prohibit S.B. 8 from being enforced.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented and said the Texas abortion ban should be blocked while the lawsuit continues. She falsely called killing babies in abortions health care and made it appear that pregnant women are harmed if they can’t get abortions — even though abortion harms women in a myriad of ways and mothers who give birth experience more joy and less harm by keeping their baby.
The Supreme Court needs just four votes to agree to review a case, but five votes to issues a ruling — meaning SCOTUS reached those two thresholds to both review as well as to decide to leave the Texas abortion ban in place. In a prior ruling on the Texas abortion companies’ request to block the ban, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to allow it to stay in place, with Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s three liberals dissenting and saying it should be blocked.
About a dozen states have passed heartbeat laws to protect unborn babies from abortion, but Texas is the first to be allowed to enforce its law. Whether the law will remain in effect or ultimately be upheld as constitutional in court remains uncertain, but pro-life leaders are hopeful now that the U.S. Supreme Court has a conservative majority. (lifenews.com)
Two-Year-Old Girl Dies After
Government Overrules Parents
On Oct. 18, Alta Fixsler passed away after the government of the United Kingdom sentenced her to death. She committed no crime or wrongdoing. She was just two years old, innocent as could be. But Alta suffered from a severe hypoxic ischemic brain injury.
Doctors at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Manchester, United Kingdom, concluded that Alta’s life was not worth living. Her parents, both devout Hasidic Jews, objected to the decision since their faith requires them to protect and uphold the dignity of every life.
But the government decided that it has the power to decide if Alta’s life was worth living. A British High Court ignored the Fixslers’ wishes and upheld the doctors’ decision. When Alta’s parents appealed to the European Court of Human Rights, it too upheld the decision.
Alta did have a chance at life, just not in the United Kingdom. Both Israel and the United States offered to assess Alta’s state and provide treatment. Alta was not only a child of God; she was the daughter of an American citizen.
Her parents fought hard for relocation and secured a visa for Alta to come to the United States. But for no discernible reason, the British and European courts denied her the opportunity to travel to America or Israel for continued care. Instead, they sentenced her to death.
The U.K.’s High Court of Justice wrote“that there was a risk that, once (Alta) was transferred to Israel, the decision of the judge that her treatment should be withdrawn would be reversed, contrary to her best interests.” In other words, the court deemed living was not in her best interest. (lifenews.com)
Methodist Pastor Says Killing
Babies in Abortions is “Moral”
A United Methodist Church (UMC) leader is promoting the notion that killing an unborn baby in an abortion is okay as long as the mother makes a “thoughtful and prayerful” decision first. Pastor Robert Vaughn Jr., director of the General Board of Church and Society for the UMC, told Baptist News Global that the denomination takes a “reluctant pro-choice” stance on abortion. And his board is in charge of supporting that position.
“Terminating a pregnancy isn’t just a medical decision; it requires advanced pastoral care so that a person can look at the whole picture,” the Herndon, Virginia pastor said. “The United Methodist principle requires you to think through a decision, to seize the whole complexity of the question. It’s not as simple as some easy slogan.”
Vaughn said he once counseled a young, woman who became pregnant while she was taking medication that meant “she couldn’t carry the pregnancy to term,” according to the report. Rather than give her child a chance at life, she aborted her unborn child — a decision that Vaughn said was “moral.”
Vaughn described abortion as “health care” — though thousands of medical leaders and professionals disagree. He also brought up the struggles with poverty and other problems that pregnant women face — though aborting an unborn baby does not solve any of them.
The United Methodist Church believes: “Governmental laws and regulations do not provide all the guidance required by the informed Christian conscience. Therefore, a decision concerning abortion should be made only after thoughtful and prayerful consideration by the parties involved, with medical, family, pastoral and other appropriate counsel.”
The denomination’s official statement on abortion recognizes it as a “tragic conflict of life” but does not explain why it is a tragedy, namely because it kills a unique, living human being created in the image of God. The UMC believes abortions are okay in certain circumstances as long as abortion is not used for birth control, sex-selection or eugenics.
Christianity teaches that unborn babies are valuable human beings. The Bible recognizes unborn babies as valuable human beings in multiple passages, and condemns the shedding of innocent blood and the harming of children. True Christianity rejects violence and raises up the most vulnerable. It defends the defenseless and offers compassion to the suffering. This is what pro-life advocates, secular and religious, do every day for mothers and babies across the world. They offer struggling families true blessings by reassuring them that every life is valuable. (lifenews.com)
Spotlight On
Missions
Send offerings to BMA Missions
P.O. Box 878 • Conway, AR 72033-0878
501.455.4977 • www.bmamissions.org
Michael & Laura Beth Strong • Minneapolis, Minn.
I am grateful and praise God for each of you. Your prayers and support have been a great encouragement throughout our time of transitioning to missionaries. God has been reminding us of His great care through you. Because of your prayers and support, we have been able to trust God as He carried us through considerable adversity and extreme challenges in the last couple of years. He is still growing our faith by showcasing His faithfulness in all kinds of areas and situations where we had fear and anxiety. The faithfulness of God is growing us and helping us take new steps in the work He has for us to accomplish. He is bearing fruit and letting us enjoy watching the growth only He can bring while we work to sow, water and harvest along the way.
You might notice our reports are getting fewer and a bit more far between. That’s actually a good thing. God has been opening lots of doors to minister the gospel and make disciples. He is also opening the door to spread a passion for church planting.
I’m happy to report we have two unique potential church planting groups meeting weekly. One group meets for worship together and the other is in the pre-launch stage. We are not in a place to merge the two groups yet. We are praying through that process since we believe it will require great wisdom and a few other mature members and their families to complete the process. In the meantime, we are laboring in various ways to help each person take steps of faith as we invest our lives in them. Each group has a minimum of eight regular attendees (including me).
Currently we have one house church started and another church in the planning process. I am working through the theology of the church and church planting with eight men in the potential church in pre-launch stage. What I mean by pre-launch is they are not meeting for weekly worship yet. I am training the guys to study the word, prepare teaching, and learn how to preach and teach. So far, we have had five men (other than me) teach or preach in our group at least once. Some have done this multiple times at this point. They’re hungry to reach the world and their passion encourages me as well. They also desire to see those they reach discipled, not just converted. They are growing in their burden for specific people and we are listening to God as He shows us what to do next, including how to identify our target community and a strategy to reach them. Some are parts of other churches and are impacting their current church culture with what they learn and a passion for planting. God is moving. We praise God for all of this and we ask that you praise God with us and also pray for us as we invest our lives in these men, women, and children to reach the world for God’s glory. As we grow, the spiritual opposition naturally increases.
You can also help by praying about a long-term, ongoing commitment to partner with us, not just as we plant the first church, but as we dedicate our lives to plant churches as long as the Lord employs us. It is truly a gift to have the partners we have and we praise God for you all. We know you already understand the need for long-term commitments to the work we are doing. You know there is no such thing as an “instachurch” or a “church in a box.” It takes time to lay a proper foundation and raise up a generation of mature believers, including elder qualified men who we can witness God carry through testing. If you have interest in partnering with us long-term, or desire to see your church partner with us, feel free to contact me at brothermike@nnccmpls.com or at (501) 838-9673. I would love to talk and pray with you about the opportunity to lock arms on mission.
I am looking to take our groups on a mission trip to Mexico to visit and serve alongside the Rose family for a week or so this summer. I am new to this process and will need to help our people get what they need to travel internationally, plan and fundraise for the trip.
If you are able to help, I could definitely use the help you have available.
A Sip From
The Saucer
By Valarie Fish
P.O. Box 66 • Emerson, Ark. 71740 • dvfish@swat.coop
Part 1: Follow the Science
We have heard the phrase used quite often over the past several months — follow the science. But what does that even mean?
The scientific method follows four major points, each with its own set of sub-points and procedures. When I google “scientific method,” I get articles with four steps, seven steps, 12 steps, etc. but the first step is always the same — ask a question.
I think I have that step down. My brain is always asking questions. Some of them are silly and superficial. Some are profound and beyond my ability. Those closest to me are used to the sometimes random way I think. I can start off a sentence with “You know, I was wondering…” and you can see their eyes roll.
When they begin to form sentences, most children like the “what’s that” and “why” questions. Curiosity is the origin of the scientific method, and children have a wonderful propensity for such things. Somewhere in the process of getting older, we learn to internalize those questions. Perhaps we are hesitant to be annoying, maybe the answers we get aren’t satisfying or we decide there are some things we were never meant to know.
Somewhere around middle school, the pressure to not look stupid overcomes the natural bent to ask questions and adolescence tunes out those who would give an answer our rebellious hearts do not want to confront. The worst response I can remember was the “just because.” My parents didn’t appreciate when I followed up with “My teacher says ‘because’ is not a way to end the answer.” “Because I said so” is the answer you give when you no longer want to hear the questions.
God created us to ask questions. He not only expects us to have questions, but he encourages us to ask questions. Personally, I think that is why Jesus wanted to spend time with the “little children” in Matt. 19:14 and told His disciples to let them be — let them ask their questions — “for such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 7:7 says: “Ask, and you shall receive; Seek and you will find…” but the words actually mean “ask, and keep on asking; seek, and keep on seeking.” That doesn’t sound like a “because I said so” kind of God to me!
Just about all my Bible study subjects start with a question. If you had the chance to look through my scribbles from sermons and sessions, you would find sentences marked at the beginning with a question mark. I’ll hear a statement and make a note to go look that up sometime and test its accuracy or maybe do a little more digging, so I know more than “just because.”
Asking questions and questioning God are two different animals, yet sometimes we think if we ask questions that means we are doubting God. The great thing about the scientific method is that questions are the beginning step — not the end! Once you dive into the research and identify the variables and the constants of your hypothesis, you will find God has all the answers and has been anxiously waiting for you to ask the questions!
Louisiana Baptist Builder
Deryl Jones, Editor • deryl54@yahoo.com
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Greetings from Tech
By Danny Eddy
The Fall Quarter has begun, with its usual flurry of activity. At the time of the writing of this article, we are well into the first week, with activities planned at the ABS center for every night of the week, and classes beginning on Thursday.
On Labor Day, along with other student organizations, we gathered in the quadrangle in the center of campus and helped cook and serve almost 1,300 hamburgers to incoming and returning students. Afterward, there was a joint worship service on the steps of Howard Auditorium. The ABS officers made several contacts during this time. We were joyful over the fact that four visiting students from France came by the ABS center and took part in our Welcome Week activities.
In August, the officer team met for a weekend of planning, idea sharing and letter writing. Things will be a little different this year, as Karan has been diagnosed with cancer and has already begun chemotherapy. Things are going well, but she will have reduced levels of immunity and will be working from home as much as possible. The officers will be staying in touch by text, and taking over some of the cleaning, cooking and other duties.
I am glad to report that our officers are also showing themselves to be faithful in their outreach and carrying out their responsibilities. Our praise team has already met once and practiced several worship songs for our first IMPACT next week, and plans are being made for the first group Bible studies, which also start next week.
We have had a lot of new faces during welcome week, and hope that many of them will return when our normal services and activities begin. As always, thank you so much for all your support of this ministry, and for prayers for Karan as she continues treatment. She is posting updates on her Facebook page and will be glad to accept new friends. ABS updates are posted on LaTech ABS page, as well as live recordings of our worship services.
October Update
The fall quarter is now in full swing, and most of our students have already experienced the first round of exams. Our weekly IMPACT Worship has had an average of 16 thus far, and most weeks we’ve also had that many on Bible study night, but not necessarily the same students. This past week, we also had a volleyball night, and by the end of the week, we had seen 30 different students at our events.
In addition to our worship and Bible study nights, we’ve had one Prayer Breakfast this month and a Friday Game Night. One week at IMPACT, we had Matthew speak about his experiences in Colorado this summer, working with churches on a mission project. We have six students serving on the Praise Team, and they are doing a great job!
There are more things happening on the campus than ever before, and students are busier than ever before, making it harder to get new students to visit ABS. Our students have done a great job of inviting, and we’re seeing some new faces. One morning, we reserved a high traffic area of the student center to give away snacks and meet new people. Please continue to pray for this ministry, that we would be doing what God wants us to do on this campus!
The Goose Story
By the late Jesse Spurlock
As one man put it, “Some stories are too good not to pass on.” I’ve heard the Goose Story several times in the past, but I want to share it with you. I’m unable to give credit to the originator because the copy I have indicates “source unknown.” But whoever came up with it is to be commended.
When you see geese heading south for the winter flying in V formation, consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way:
• As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed in the same way we are.
• When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies the point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs with people or with geese flying south.
• Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. What do we honk from behind?
• Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies. And only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group. If we had the sense of a goose, we would stand by each other like that.
In considering this writing, it seems almost too obvious in the ways it applies to the Christian and other relationships. It almost seems that someone must have “made this up.” However, I have little reason to doubt the validity of the report because God’s classroom of instruction is all around us. He gives us illustration after illustration to keep us on track if we have enough sense to make the application:
• God wants His children to work together, and His appointed place is in a local New Testament church. “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph. 3:21).
• He wants us to worship together. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
• He wants us to help each other during difficulties. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:1-2).
Each of these Scriptures are illustrated by the Goose Story.
Matthew shares about mission trip to Colorado.
ABS Officers with new sign face.
Free
E-Trumpet
Any active BMA military personnel is eligible to receive the Trumpet free. Please send their name, address or email address to P.O. Box 192208, Little Rock, Ark. 72219; or editor@baptisttrumpet.com.
Stroud, Former BMAA Missionary Dies
Glen E. Stroud, 81 of Mesquite, Texas passed away Oct. 16. He was elected as a NABA (prior to being changed to BMAA) missionary to serve in Guatemala in 1964. He served there until health issues forced him to resign in 1975.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.
Survivors include a daughter, Kay Garrison of Carrollton, Texas; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held Oct. 21 at Myrtle Springs Cemetery in Ponta, Texas with Lester Foreman officiating. Arrangements by Autry Funeral Home of Jacksonville, Texas (autryfuneralhome.com).
Deaths
Loys Vernon Smith, 89 of Sheridan, passed away Oct. 15. He was a deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church.
Reports from the Churches
Flat Rock, Quitman added two by letter; Myles Evans, pastor.
Grace, Russellville welcomed two by baptism; Roger Pearce, pastor.
Immanuel, Greenbrier gained four by letter; Tony Crocker, pastor.
Trinity, Stamps rejoices over two salvations, one baptism, two by letter, and five by statement since last report; James Cox, pastor.
Union Valley, England received four new members; David Gammel, pastor.
Worden, Bald Knob reports one by baptism; Paul Bearfield, pastor.
First, Mantachie, Miss. witnessed two by baptism; David Long, pastor.
God Is Still In Control
I am excited about our annual meeting coming up in a few days at Central Baptist College (Nov. 4-5). God is moving within the midst of the BMA despite COVID-19 and all the devil is throwing at the church and God’s people.
Not only are there exciting things happening in our state association, but in all the ministries of the BMA. Our time together is a wonderful opportunity to hear of these blessings and to strengthen each other through fellowship.
I hope your church family will be represented. Remember pastors, if you cannot come personally, you can elect messengers to fill the gap. Your State Missions department has a lot to share, and it was all made possible through your love for lost souls. I hope to see you there.
Personal note
As a boy of 18, having just graduated, I married my high school sweetheart, who turned out to be the sweetest, kindest and lovingness wife, mother, nanna and friend I have ever known. Vicki and I celebrated our 52nd anniversary this past Monday. God has truly blessed me with a soul mate and yes, I did marry up. Working on 53!
From Our Missionaries
The Mustard Seed, Cain: Jim Tollison writes, “Thanks so much for your prayers and support. We are doing what we can to get all of our pre-covid crowd back in services. It is like nothing I have ever dealt with in my many years of ministry.
“What can we do? We can’t do anything until we first pray. Prayer can accomplish more in one day than a lifetime of man’s plans. I have challenged our people to pray and believe. An old saying expresses it best, ‘Pray and believe thou wilt receive, pray and doubt you’ll do without.’
“Our folks have agreed to pray together for our missing people. My prayer is that God will send a revival to our mission and this community. Revival would solve every problem. Let’s all agree together to ask God for an old-fashioned, Heaven-sent revival.
“God bless you in your work for His glory.”
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “This weekend, the church, on its own initiative, celebrated Pastor’s Appreciation Day. The brothers expressed words of appreciation for the shepherding they have received. Brother Natividad preached on the Parable of The Sower. At the end of the sermon, we made an invitation to receive Christ as Lord and Savior, and Steven, a 10-year-old boy, made his decision for Christ. Glory to God! Let us pray for Steven and his family. At the end of the service, his mother came to ask for prayer for him.
“Of those who attended, 42 were under the age of 12, and the Sunday School teachers were very busy. We had 7 children under 2 years old, who stayed with the adults since we did not have volunteers for the nursery.
“Please pray for nursery volunteers, since toddlers have great potential for distraction. After the meeting, we went down to the Fellowship Room to eat roast beef and a delicious cake. I thank God for this church and the show of His love for me and my family.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “It has been a week full of activities and blessings.
“Monday, in our Berean Group (cell) in our home, had nine in attendance, and a married couple visited us for the first time. They are from the background of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Please pray that God will prepare their hearts with the Word of God, and that it will bear fruit of repentance.
“Wednesday, there were six in the Berean Group in Bryant and six in the Baseline group. There are several who attend the Berean Groups that do not congregate with us on Sunday. Pray that they will take that step of congregating in our celebration service.”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel! Our numbers were up almost double from last week, but we still have a lot of people out sick and traveling, and some just will not get out yet.
“Great news — the teen that I told you last week was moving to Arizona to live with her father is not after all. She will be staying in Flippin with her mother and, praise God, she brought her mom to church this morning as well as two first-time visitors — her aunt and grandmother — who said they will be back. We had a wonderful time of worship!
“We have a young man in our body that is trying to get into John 3:16 for the cure. He was saved and baptized here, but he still has not overcome his past. Please join us in prayer for him, that the Lord will heal and deliver him from his addiction. He could help so many by truly serving Jesus.
“Thank you for your prayers, for us and Faith Chapel and for the community that we are here to serve. Please continue praying; God is answering them.”
Opportunities For Service
Fairview Baptist Church in Jonesboro is seeking a bi-vocational youth minister. For more information, contact Pastor Gary Henderson at (870) 935-0266 (church office), (870) 935-0266 (cell) or pastorgaryhenderson@gmail.com.
First Baptist Church of Bald Knob is seeking a full-time pastor. For more information, contact Danny Barnes at (501) 724-4177.
First Baptist Church in Palmer, Texas is seeking a pastor. Resumes may be sent to pastorsearch@fbcpalmer.org or PO Box 70, Palmer, Texas 75152.
Friendship Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas is seeking a full-time pastor. Resume may be sent to office@friendshipmesquite.org. Please enter Search Committee in the subject line. Also include a recent video of a sermon, on a DVD or by a website link. You may also mail the requested information to Friendship Baptist Church, 820 Pioneer Road, Mesquite, Texas 75149. For more information visit friendshipmesquite.org.
Meadowside Baptist Church in Pittsburg, Kan. is seeking a full-time pastor. Contact Greg Hardister at (620) 704-6860.
New Liberty Baptist Church in Emmet is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. For more information call (870) 703-0482.
Old Hickory Baptist Church in Hattieville is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. For more information, contact Bob Blackshire at (501) 289-1721 Tuffy Williams at (501) 208-6633.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Just Fall-o-ween Jesus Trunk or Treat, Oct. 30, 2-4 p.m.; Friendship, Greenbrier.
Fall Fun Night Drive-Thru, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.; Immanuel, Greenbrier.
Gospel Concert, Nov. 6, 6 p.m. (no meal); New Start; Faustina, Hampton.
CBC Singers, Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m.; Chenal Valley, Little Rock.
National Senior Adult Conference, Nov. 15-17; Chateau on the Lake, Branson, Mo.
Gospel Concert, Nov. 28, 5 p.m.; Fairview, Jonesboro; offering received.
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