BMA of Arkansas State Missions
Missionaries
Michael Hight, Hispanic Coordinator; (501) 326-0198
Ruben Isturiz, Misión Ebenezer, West Little Rock; (501) 707-5388
Carter Pearce, Grace, Green Forest; (870) 688-7412
Juan Carlos Posadas, Misión Creciendo en Cristo, NLR; (501) 712-8752
Jim Tollison, Mustard Seed, Cain; (870) 370-3938
Chad White, Connection Point, Brookland; (870) 243-4683
Darrin Smith, Life Journey, Fort Smith; (479)-763-8909
Johnny Shew, Faith Chapel, Flippin; (870) 421-1984
Clinton Morris, Not Alone, Springdale; (870) 316-1519
Office Location: 10712 Interstate 30 • Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 565-4601 • E-Mail: bmaofarkfrontdesk@gmail.com
Mailing Address: PO Box 195514, Little Rock, AR 72219
Director’s Email: arstamis@comcast.net
www.bmaofarkansas.com
Facebook.com/ArkansasMissions
Paul White
Executive Director
Christ-mas
Some people think that the coming of Jesus is a New Testament happening — something that started when the angel appeared to Mary. Friends, if that were all the proof we had, that alone would be enough because the Word of God is without error. It says what it means, and it means what it says.
All through the Old Testament, we see time and again, the mention of the coming of Jesus to Earth. I want to go all the way back to the book of Genesis. Yes, back past the gospels, back passed Micah. In fact, there are some 127 Messianic predictions involving more than 3,000 Bible verses.
“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him (shall) the gathering of the people (be)” (Gen. 49:10). Here we see the prediction of Jacob concerning the promised Messiah. This verse gives the Christian those solid proofs of the authority and divinity of our Christian faith. His coming was predicted some 1,700 years before His incarnation. In this verse, He is referred to as Shiloh (which means peace) and this appears to have a threefold signification:
• Messenger or one who is sent — Jesus was sent of the Father, the messenger of God’s love and mercy to us. “Jesus answered and said unto them; this is the work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29). “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38).
Jesus came for the redemption of the world. We are told that, in the fulness of time, God sent him forth. The Holy Spirit descended upon Him and afterwards He began His public ministry as a peacemaker. “The Spirit of the Lord (is) upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). This strikingly agrees with the prophecy of Isaiah — “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 6:9) and the song of the angels — “Peace on Earth” (Luke 2:14).
Sin exposed our guilt to the wrath of God. Jesus came to make a way of reconciliation. He offered the perfect price to the insulted justice and holiness of God. As the perfect Savior, He was sent of God to be the Savior. He became a Savior through making peace for us. Only Jesus alone possesses the qualification to be man’s savior. “He is mighty to save” (Zeph.3:17). “He can save to the uttermost” (Heb. 7:25).
• The appearing of the Messiah — “Until Shiloh come.” This sent of God, this blessed peacemaker and perfect savior was to come. He was of the tribe of Judah as spoken of by both Matthew and Luke.
• The work of the Messiah — “Unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” This is very much like Eph. 1:10, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him.”
The death of Christ was the great attractor, for Jesus tells us “If I be lifted up...” (John 12:32). Peter lifted up Christ on the day of Pentecost, and 3,000 were saved. Afterward, the Apostles went everywhere through the known world and gathered out of all nations a people to the Redeemer’s praise.
In every age, souls have been gathered to Christ. So it is now, the good news of the gospel has gone forth into all accessible lands of our world, for the purpose of gathering men to Christ. They are gathered to the foot of the cross as the source of salvation, to His church as the visible friends of His Kingdom and to His cause as devoted followers. Jesus is the promised Shiloh. His name, work and glory are His own. He claims the praise and the love of our redeemed race.
Let me close — salvation is being gathered to Him as wandering sheep brought to His fold, and just when you think it couldn’t get any better, it does! We are to be called into His presence. He is to set up His Kingdom and we are to be forever with the Lord.
Merry Christmas.
From Our Missionaries
Arkansas Hispanic Missions: Michael Hight writes, “The Pandemic has made group meetings a difficult chore, but I continue to maintain conversations with our missionaries via phone and email. We had a nice Christmas celebration for the men in Little Rock on Friday, and everyone was there except for Guilmar and Sal. It was a breath of fresh air to spend some time with them.
“We have not made any advancement on our potential Hispanic candidate in Northwest Arkansas due to COVID-19 illnesses. I will keep you posted.
“Please keep these guys in your prayers, they are fighting an uphill battle and Satan is using COVID-19 to discourage many from coming to church. In fact, all of our pastors are struggling during this time, so keep us all in your prayers!”
Connection Point, Brookland: Chad White writes, “We had a good week at Connection Point. Sunday, we enjoyed a good day. Our numbers were up, and we had some first-time guests with us in our service.
“We have enjoyed worshipping with some seasonal songs this Christmas. We have also been going through a Christmas sermon series. It is such a blessing to be able to celebrate the holidays with our church family. The people of Connection Point would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to each of you. May you be healthy and happy this season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus!”
The Mustard Seed, Cain: Jim Tollison writes, “Despite the weather, attendance at the mission was very good. Becky and I were in Oklahoma for our grandson’s, Logan Harper, wedding. We experienced a pretty good snow fall just in time for the wedding.
“Kenneth and Carolyn Colvert graciously filled in for us. Kenneth did the preaching, and Carolyn was in charge of the music. I have heard only good things from our folks about the services. Thanks, Kenneth and Carolyn, for your help.
“Becky and I have some family members who are experiencing COVID-19 at this time. We are hoping we missed any exposure. We know that God is still in control. Please remember us in your prayers. God bless you all during this Christmas season.”
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “Last week, we held the Christmas Mall event. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, those who had registered came to collect five gifts for each of their children. Each parent or guardian came at the time and day indicated, and we had the opportunity to evangelize 15 mothers and saw 6 receive Christ as their Lord and Savior! We give the Glory to God.
We believe that this is not the result of the event itself, but rather it is a product of the work that God has been doing in their lives throughout the year in the programs that are being developed, both with the distribution of food and the donations from City Serve. Some people have commented to us that they have been very impressed since they have seen that we not only serve people who attend our church, we serve the entire community regardless of religion or race. God has been glorified, and we are happy.
“We pray asking God that this year will not be remembered only as the year of the pandemic, but that it also be remembered as the year of the beginning of the awakening of the church. We pray that God will give us the wisdom to capitalize on all the social work carried out with spiritual growth of the community, that everyone can see Christ and have the opportunity to be exposed to the gospel and surrender at His feet, asking for forgiveness for their sins. We pray that the congregation will be able to show the love of Christ so that the community will be motivated to follow Him.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “It has been very difficult to plan in this time of a pandemic. God has led us to change from week to week, to seek His direction moment-by-moment.
“This Sunday we have planned our candle service, and we hope in God that it is a good time to remember that the reason for our celebration is Jesus Christ. We will do it in the fellowship area, with chocolate, sweet bread and other Latin traditions.
“Online Berean Groups (cells) are growing. We now have two — one of those is in Colombia and one for those in Chile. Henri Forcella directs both of them and I try to help with the Group from Chile that has been growing. We have identified a person of peace (Karol) and she has mobilized her acquaintances so now there are nine in the group. Please pray because none of them are Christians, but they have a thirst for spiritual things. Join us as we pray for the salvation of each one who attends a Berean Group. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “What a wonderful week here at Faith Chapel! We had our second highest attendance ever on Sunday — the highest since our first service — and we had five first time visitors. It was a great day, Thank You Lord!
“After the service, we had our first Christmas/fellowship potluck meal. Some of our visitors stayed, some didn’t, but all of our members did, and, oh, what a wonderful time we had!
“If there is one thing that Satan is robbing us of with his COVID-19, it is fellowship with each other. I would just encourage each of you, even if you have to find creative ways to be safe or social distance, don’t give up those opportunities to lift each other up in joyous fellowship with each other and with Jesus. Thank You for your support and your prayers.”
Personality
Profile
Clinton Morris
Full Name: Clinton Barrett Morris
Address: 2305 Christine St., Springdale, Ark. 72762
E-mail Address: mrrsclntn@gmail.com
Mission field I’ll be serving in: Northwest Arkansas
Primarily, my ministry will include starting a house church, development of a community (coffeehouse meetups, boardgame events, and everyday interaction), witnessing to the immediate neighbors and ultimately growing a church, then finding a common place to meet, and become self-supporting.
Wife’s name and maiden name: DeAnna Clark
Children’s names and ages: Max (6); Paxton (4); Bearrett (3); Catalynna (11 mo.)
My favorite hymn is “It is well with my soul.”
My favorite subject in school was History.
The best advice I ever received was: Try all foods, you never know when you will find one you will like; and what is your end goal? Discover it, so that you will know what you are working toward.
Guests at my “fantasy dinner” would be: Jesus, Peter, Paul, Philip, Martin Luther and Charles Spurgeon
My favorite book (other than the Bible) is: Scifi, Ender’s Game; Fantasy, Hobbit; Christian, Spiritual Leadership.
My hobbies are: road biking, painting, boardgames, designing boardgames and continual learning.
I would love to visit Ireland.
My “pet peeve” is wet socks and wet toilet seats.
My most embarrassing moment was: while racing road bikes, my shorts ripped and I finished the race mooning everyone.
The best thing about my ministry is I get to build real and meaningful relationships with people, and introduce them to Jesus Christ.
The worst thing about my ministry is my life is always on display, and the realization that just living a Christian testimony speaks volumes to the world.
The greatest need in this ministry is the bravery to continually talk to more people. (I am an introvert at heart). The continual faith that God will lead and direct.
Something most people don’t know about me is I am a published boardgame designer.
I want my children to remember to always follow where God leads, even if it is going to push you out of your comfort zone, because God knows what ministry He has created you to do.
I’d give anything to have met Philip James and Elisabeth Elliot.
I have always wanted to travel overseas.
I’d like for my epitaph to read, “He was a steadfast Christian who loved his family and Jesus Christ.”