The Gathering CBFNC Newsletter - December 2008

The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry

December 2008 Volume 13, Issue 6

Special Missions Edition Page 3 CBFNC Churches on Mission in 2008 Page 4

Offering for Global Missions God is at Work in India

by Linda Jones

Page 5 From One Family to a Whole Congregation

by Mack Thompson

Pieces of the Puzzle

by Stephanie Miller

Page 6

Multi-Faith Delegation Visit Opens Dialogue on Religious Freedom

by Lance Wallace

Trans World Radio Crosses Barriers

by Linda Jones

Page 7 Celebrating Our Partnerships with Belize Baptists

by Larry Hovis

Page 8

Adding to the Conversation about Illegal Immigrants

by Jose Luis Villasenor

Page 9 You Shall Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

by Natalie Aho

Have You Purchased Travel Insurance?

by Len Keever

“Teacher,whichisthegreatestcommandmentintheLaw?”Jesusreplied: “LovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheartandwithallyoursouland withallyourmind.Thisisthefirstandgreatestcommandment.And thesecondislikeit:Loveyourneighborasyourself.AlltheLawandthe Prophetshangonthesetwocommandments.”Matthew22“ForIwas hungry,andyougaveMesomethingtoeat;Iwasthirsty,andyougave Mesomethingtodrink;Iwasastranger,andyouinvitedMein;naked, andyouclothedMe;Iwassick,andyouvisitedMe;Iwasinprison,and youcametoMe.”ThentherighteouswillanswerHim,“Lord,whendid weseeYouhungry,andfeedYou,orthirsty,andgiveYousomething to drink? And when did we seeYou a stranger, and inviteYou in, or naked, and clotheYou?When did we seeYou sick, or in prison, and come toYou?”The King will answer and say to them,“Truly I say to you,totheextentthatyoudidittooneofthesebrothersofMine,even the least of them, you did it to Me.”Matthew 25“Teacher, which is thegreatestcommandmentintheLaw?”Jesusreplied:“LovetheLord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.Thisisthefirstandgreatestcommandment.Andthesecondislike it:Loveyourneighborasyourself.AlltheLawandtheProphetshang onthesetwocommandments.”Matthew22“ForIwashungry,andyou gaveMesomethingtoeat;Iwasthirsty,andyougaveMesomethingto drink;Iwasastranger,andyouinvitedMein;naked,andyouclothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.”ThentherighteouswillanswerHim,“Lord,whendidweseeYou hungry, and feedYou, or thirsty, and giveYou something to drink?

And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, andclotheYou?WhendidweseeYousick,orinprison,andcometo You?”The King will answer and say to them,“Truly I say to you, to theextentthatyoudidittooneofthesebrothersofMine,eventheleast ofthem,youdidittoMe.”Matthew25“Teacher,whichisthegreatest commandmentintheLaw?”Jesusreplied:“LovetheLordyourGod with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Thisisthefirstandgreatestcommandment.Andthesecondislikeit:

December 2008

The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

phone: 336.759.3456 • phone: 888.822.1944 • fax: 336.759.3459 • cbfnc@cbfnc.org • www.cbfnc.org

Larry Hovis........... Executive Coordinator LHovis@cbfnc.org Rick Jordan.......... Church Resources Coordinator RJordan@cbfnc.org Linda Jones.......... Missions Coordinator LJones@cbfnc.org

Jack Causey....Ministerial Resources Coordinator JCausey@cbfnc.org Jim Hylton..... Business Administration Coordinator JHylton@cbfnc.org Wanda Kidd....College Ministry Consultant asyougo5@aol.com Nancy Parks..... Programs Manager NParks@cbfnc.org

Natalie Aho..... Communications Manager NAho@cbfnc.org Gail McAlister...... Financial Assistant GMcalister@cbfnc.org Laura Barclay....... Administrative Assistant LBarclay@cbfnc.org

Coordinating Council Greg Rogers, Greenville, Moderator Gail Coulter, Hendersonville, Past-Moderator Steve Little, Marion, Moderator-Elect Glenda Currin, Wilmington, Recorder Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Treasurer Ray Ammons, Gastonia Mack Dennis, Mount Gilead Carolyn Dickens, Raleigh Don Gordon, Durham Gary Knight, Winston-Salem Glenn Phillips, Goldsboro Bert Young, Bladenboro Janice Young, Whiteville

Faith Development Ministry Council Blythe Taylor, Charlotte, Chair Elizabeth Edwards, Nashville, Chair-Elect Jennifer Baxley, Henderson Garin Hill, Burlington Cindy Joy, Oxford Rebecca Husband Maynard, Elkin Kathy Naish, Hickory Tony Spencer, Forest City John Vestal, Wake Forest Allen Winters, Hillsborough

Missions Ministry Council Shirley Kool, Sylva, Chair Kenny Davis, Wise, Chair-Elect Kent Cranford, Gastonia Jim Everette, Wilmington Christopher Ingram, Smithfield Judy LeCroy, Lexington Alicia Porterfield, Wilmington Susie Reeder, Fayetteville Jose Villasenor, Durham

Endowment Management Board Tom Smith, Greensboro, Chair A. G. Bullard, Raleigh Joe Harris, Mocksville Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem Drag Kimrey, Laurinburg

Financial Report:

Leadership Development Ministry Council Steve Zimmerman, Mebane, Chair Burke Holland, Belhaven, Chair-Elect Mark Ashworth, Kernersville Larry Glover-Wetherington, Richlands Rendell Hipps, Charlotte Terry Honeycutt, Rutherfordton Scott Hovey, Durham Jerry Richards, Apex Sheila Russ, Winston-Salem Mari Wiles, Murfreesboro

August 2008 Contributions

CBF National Council Members from NC Lee Canipe, Murfreesboro Scott Hagaman, Marion Betsy Newton Herman, Raleigh Don Horton, Zebulon Crystal Leathers, Hickory Jim McCoy, Weaverville Mickie Norman, Leland

Undesignated - $63,850; Designated - $120,794

September 2008 Contributions Undesignated - $96,640; Designated - $126,937

CBF Announces Newly Endorsed Chaplains from North Carolina Katherine Higgins, Winston-Salem Part-time Chaplain

2008-2009 Monthly Budget Goal: $90,746

Children’s Choir Festival

Youth Choir Festival

February 21, 2009 First Baptist Church, High Point

March 13-14, 2009 First Baptist Church, Greensboro

Register by February 3.

Register by February 20.

Melissa Kremer, Charlotte Part-time Chaplain David Wilson, Chapel Hill CPE Resident Learn more about chaplaincy and pastoral counselors at www.cbfnc.org or www.thefellowship.info.

2 • The Gathering – December 2008

Both Festivals cost $10 per singer ($135 max per choir) and $5 per person for food. Find more details and register at www.cbfnc.org.

Churches across our state sent in stories of their mission experiences for 2008.

You can read their stories in full at www.cbfnc.org.

CBFNC Churches on Mission

During the month of July 2008, the Youth Group from FBC, Wilmington sent 76 teenagers and youth leaders on mission to the mountain community of Nada, Kentucky. The relationships that were built with these families were the highlight of the trip. Each evening the group spent time in worship and fellowship, and they shared with each other their experiences during the day and how God allowed them to share the love of Jesus with the local people.

Jeff Porter of Arden FBC shared, “Our mission trip to Perry County (Marion), AL, was a beautiful picture of the body of Christ. We had 11 year-olds to 78 year-olds participating. One night we shared communion together. The elements were served in drink coolers and paper bags (familiar items on the work sites) in order to symbolize the presence of Christ with us on mission. It was an awesome experience to share the Lord’s Supper as a body of believers.”

Chowan Students Serving in NC

Dr. Bill Greenwood, pastor of Danbury BC again joined an Operation Mobilization’s International Team of some 48 people from a dozen different countries working with the Morningstar Christian Fellowship of Toronto, Canada, a multi-ethnic Baptist church with over 70 nationalities in the congregation. Daily they reached out in teams to the equally multi-ethnic surrounding neighborhoods, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

ge Group

e Colle FBC Boon

in DC

Hayes Barton BC, Raleigh, participated in several trips this summer to Asheville, Belize City, Belize, and Helena, AR. Kristen Muse reported, “In Belize, we were amazed how we would drive up in the white van, and children as young as two would stand outside in their fields waiting to come to camp. The final day of camp, we saw a particular child smile for the first time all week. Our girls’ faces lit up, because that was something they wanted to happen before we left.”

Chowan University students willingly sacrificed their summer rest for hard work and dedication to God’s love, spreading His word. Many students chose ministering to youth for the summer in the form of work at Christian camps around North Carolina. Chowan students love to show how CU shares Christ’s ministry across the nation near and far.

In June, the Oxford BC Youth Choir and Ringers sang and rang their way to Brooklyn, New York. Arriving in Brooklyn, the choir connected with Greater Restoration BC. The youth and adult chaperones spent two days working in the community and assisting Greater Restoration in preparing for their summer camps in the Albany Community including hosting and performing at a block party.

Oakmont BC, Greenville, along with the Baptist Campus Ministry of East Carolina University, went to Chisinau, Moldova. Steve Harding shared, “We Dr. Bill Greenwood in Toronto worked at a state-run orphanage summer camp. Several of us are now sponsoring children from the camp to provide all the children with their basic needs and a little something special once in a while. Though most of us had no idea where Moldova was before we went, it is a place etched on our hearts forever.”

Members of the FBC, Boone, College Group (all students at Appalachian State University) spent their spring breaks ministering among the poor in Washington, DC with CBF missionary Eric Bebber.

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Oxford BC in Br

Churches in Davidson County participated in an ecumenical Christian missions effort called Touching Davidson County with Love in the spring. The community-wide effort involved 13 area churches, 6 service agencies and nearly 900 volunteers. They hoped to make the lives of the clients being served at 100 project sites better not only on the project day but also throughout the year.

The Gathering – December 2008 • 3

Global Missions

The CBF Offering for Global Missions goes to field personnel salaries, benefits and ministry expenses. This Offering is the PRIMARY way CBF field personnel are funded, making your gifts an essential part of spreading the Gospel and meeting physical needs in the world. Through the Offering, CBF churches participate together to do things we could never do alone.

This year’s Offering goal is $6.1 million, and you are a vital part of reaching that goal and keeping field personnel in ministry. There are two major ways to help - by giving to the Offering and by encouraging others in your church to give to the Offering. Learn more and download resources at www. thefellowship.info.

God is at work in India through the Body of Christ!

by Linda Jones, CBFNC Missions Coordinator This past May, I traveled to India with my husband Joseph, Mike Womble and Denise Scearce of Winter Park Baptist Church, and Heather and David Webb, Campbell Divinity students. We were there to assist Jay and Cokie Westfall, CBF Global Missions Affiliates. We had a busy week as we led two medical clinics, held VBS, visited various NGO’s (Non-Government Organizations) and just enjoyed the sights and culture of India.

India is a difficult country to live in. The Hindu caste system is ingrained in all levels of life. The upper caste believe God made them the upper caste and the lower caste lower. Therefore, no need to care about the lower caste at all! The streets are dusty; the needy people are everywhere trying just to live. Yet, when we lovingly cared for their needs, when we held their children on our laps, when we talked to the teenagers as they were practicing their English, we connected, and God’s love was given and received. A friendship was formed! Hear from my fellow travelers: During the medical camps we were able to provide physical, mental and spiritual care to 100+ patients.

4 • The Gathering – December 2008

From the young to the old, the Hope of Jesus was shared tangibly in the form of band-aids, medicine, and professional counseling. Sharing the hope of Christ alongside Jay and Cokie gave us many opportunities to provide healing to people’s pain beyond their physical needs. Through smiles, hugs, prayers and worship, we were blessed far beyond anything we imagined simply by loving our neighbors in India. ~ Mike Womble All of the people I counseled wanted prayer about poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence. Many of these Indian people suffer from body pain, the effects of polio, leprosy, rickets, and anemia. Socially, they expressed worry about financial debt and a desire to be educated, hoping for the opportunity to leave behind the hopelessness and desperation they feel. Prayer was often the only resource I could use. ~ Denise Scearce When someone who is used to being excluded is finally included and treated well, it is a powerful expression of the love of Christ that speaks louder than any sermon ever could.

Seeing “K’s” frown turn into a smile, made the long trip to Bangalore and the challenges of India fade away! ~ Heather Webb When I came to India, I was not very sure I had anything to offer. However, during my time in Bangalore I quickly learned that God does not waste anything. He uses everything. He takes every experience, skill, gift, and talent; then uses them to glorify His name and accomplish His purpose. ~ David Webb To learn more about the Westfalls and their service in India, visit ccwestfall. wordpress.com or www.cbfnc.org.

From One Family to a Whole Congregation

photo courtesy of CBF

by Mack Thompson, Pastor, Ridge Road Baptist Church, Raleigh Ridge Road Baptist Church in Raleigh began a ministry to one Burmese/Karen (pronounced Kah Rin) family that grew into a ministry with a Burmese/Karen congregation.

The church adopted a family of five in August of 2007 and coordinated their re-settlement. They were one of many coming to America from a refugee camp of 50,000 people on the Thai border where they have sought refuge from the military dictatorship of their homeland now called Myanmar. An apartment was provided and also furnished by the church. Volunteers helped get the three children enrolled in school and provided transportation for medical, dental and government agency appointments. Assistance was provided in helping them understand grocery shopping,

public transportation, etc. Working with this family led to another opportunity. When Ridge Road became aware that Karen people in the area had outgrown the apartment space where they had been gathering for worship, the church quickly moved to invite them to use its multi-purpose room.

They began holding services every Sunday afternoon in the Karen language conducted by their own pastors.

One of highlights of the year took place this summer when the Ridge Road and Karen congregations shared a worship service. It was important to the Karen pastor that his people should mark the anniversary of the day when Adoniram Judson stepped on Burmese soil and brought the gospel to their land. On July 13, 2008 these two congregations worshipped together, marking the 195th anniversary of that occasion.

CBFNC Churches on Mission The two congregations became one as they prayed the Lord’s Prayer and sang hymns simultaneously in their own languages. Karen pastor Saw Gentle Crown Taw brought a message. As pastor of Ridge Road, I brought a message and was also asked to baptize six young men and boys. It was a thrill to hear these Karen Christians sing hymns with such enthusiasm, to hear their prayers of thanks and joy, and to wear a garment like their pastor wore that had been sewn especially for me.

Ridge Road has been blessed by this experience. It is a joy to see the family now: new jobs are allowing them to be on their own; children are doing well in school; and a Karen congregation has found a place for worship.

Read more about the Karen people and how you can help at www.cbfnc.org.

Pieces of the Puzzle

by Stephanie Miller, Wingate Baptist Church June 21, 2007 - If you stepped out your door in Wingate at 10:04 am, you might have heard the WBC group in Bucha, Ukraine yell a resounding, triumphant cheer of victory. Our team leader, Bill Hargett, knocked off the last brick from the second floor of a building that would one day be a cottage for a family living in the Village of Hope. After a week of tearing down those second floor walls, it was an awesome feeling to see that last brick fall.

June 17, 2008 - After traveling, a three-hour church service, and an Orthodox holiday, this year’s team was good and ready to get to work.

Before we started, Bill Mason put the project in perspective saying, “Your work is a piece of the puzzle.” Our task this year was to build brick walls on the second floor of a cottage. Yes, the same cottage. All I could think was that this sure is an odd puzzle; we are rebuilding the walls we took down!

Walls that were originally constructed in a place for children to learn the Communist way of life were demolished and replaced by walls made of love to give children who have unspeakable pasts a better life. Our team combined with the team from McGill BC, Concord, to help the Ukrainian brick masons lay nearly 50,000 bricks! Pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. Bricks and mortar took up the majority of our time at the VOH; however, the real reason we all went half way around the world to take down then build walls greeted us with smiling faces and a twinkle in their eyes as

we entered the Village after lunch each day. They came running into our arms full of excitement, wanting to play and soak every bit of love we were willing to give.

These children, each of whom has experienced things worse than many of us can imagine, now have families who care about them and a safe, happy place to live.

The puzzle is far from complete, but the big picture is crystal clear. The faces of children that light up a room and brighten your day, complete the picture and show where the puzzle pieces go.

Learn more about the VOH at www.cbfnc.org.

The Gathering – December 2008 • 5

CBFNC Churches on Mission

Multi-Faith Delegation Visit Opens Dialogue on Religious Freedom

photo courtesy of CBF

Some 15 months ago, work was begun on a unique project to bring the religious leaders of China’s five recognized religions to the United States for dialogue with U.S. religious, political, business and civic leaders.

The overarching goals of this religious exchange were to increase bi-lateral understanding regarding the role of religion in both societies, explore from a multifaith perspective the contributions organized religion offers, and discover new directions and opportunities for dialogue on the status of religious freedom, practice, and diversity in China and the United States.

Forest Hills Baptist Church letter Dialogue and increased understanding were the results of the first leg of a 10-day, two-city tour by a delegation of Chinese religious leaders and their American counterparts that began in Atlanta Sept. 5.

The delegation included the leaders of the five government-recognized religions in China – Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism and Taoism. Hosted by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Ministry to Internationals of Forest Hills Baptist Church in Raleigh, and World Pilgrims of Atlanta, the delegation visited Atlanta religious sites such as the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Martin Luther King National Historical Site, Al Farooq Mosque and SecondPonce de Leon Baptist Church.

“People in the United States have stereotypes of the way religion is treated in China and vice versa,” said Davis “Dee” Frober, minister to internationals at Forest Hills Baptist Church and the chief organizer of the trip.

in part by Lance Wallace, CBF Communications

“The best way to overcome these misconceptions is to meet face to face, eat together, sit at the table together and build relationships.”

“Trusting relationships are being formed in these few short days,” Frober said. “Dialogue about substantive issues has taken place, and vision and dreams for the future are being cast that will form new realities to help us accomplish these goals.”

CBFNC provided financial support for an intern at Forest Hills who had been working to coordinate the visit of the delegation, and we sponsored

a dinner for the delegation in Atlanta attended by Linda Jones.

Linda says, “We celebrate with Forest Hills who initiated this exciting endeavor with CBF National. Sitting at the Friday night welcome dinner with the China delegation who had just arrived in the U.S. was enlightening. There were Taoists, Buddhists, Catholic priests, Protestants, and Muslims all eating and fellowshipping. I’m sure it pleased God to see his children all together!”

Read more at www.cbfnc.org.

Trans World Radio Crosses Barriers

by Linda Jones, CBFNC Missions Coordinator I recently became acquainted with the world-wide Christian radio ministry of Trans World Radio (TWR) through Shirley and David Hall’s (FBC Elon) friendship with Willi Epp, a leader in TWR’s Central Asian ministry.

TWR is the most far-reaching Christian radio network in the world. It broadcasts in more than 200 languages and dialects from 14 super-power transmitting sites, by satellite, and via the Internet. TWR crosses geographic, political, religious, and educational barriers - oftentimes in places inaccessible to missionaries or where open evangelism is risky, restricted, or banned.

One story gives insight to the need in Central Asia. A brother, Oibek (name changed), arrived to a TWR group with a bad headache. A few days earlier as he was leaving his home, men carrying machine guns had knocked him to the ground, put a sack over his head, shoved him into a van and drove away. His wife watched helplessly from their apartment window and called for help. People search for him, but no one knew where he had been taken.

6 • The Gathering – December 2008

He was set free several days later when the kidnappers discovered he was not a terrorist - only a disciple of Jesus Christ. This happened because Oibek is a pastor of the underground church that meets in small cell groups.

Oibek has been persecuted, imprisoned, and beaten and has fled his home and his country.

Oibek is not the only one suffering for his faith. Many Christians throughout the Central Asian region are experiencing severe persecution and yet Christ’s church is continuing to grow. They are in desperate need of spiritual encouragement and help to reach out to the lost.

With God’s help, TWR is able to offer programs giving spiritual food and encouragement to the leadership of the underground church and evangelistic programs to show non-Christians the way to faith in Jesus Christ.

Want to help? Learn more at www.twr.org.

Celebrating Our Partnership with Belize Baptists

by Larry Hovis, Executive Coordinator, CBFNC

CBFNC and Belize

O

n October 2-6, 2008, Linda Jones and I traveled to the small Caribbean country of Belize as part of CBFNC’s partnership with the Baptist Association of Belize (BAB). Accompanying us were Brenda Hipp, a member of FBC Lexington, and Linda Winslow, a member of FBC High Point. Brenda serves as the Lay Coordinator for Church-to-Church ministries, following in the footsteps of her late husband, Dennis, who was a pioneer in this partnership. The primary reason for our trip at this time was to participate in the first graduation of the Baptist Bible School of Belize (BBSB) and in the annual meeting of the Association.

The partnership began in 2003 at the leading of FBC Lexington, which had been working in Belize for several years, and was the catalyst for other North Carolina churches being on mission with Belize Baptists. CBFNC’s partnership with the BAB involves 3 major components: church-to-church ministries; the BBSB; and support of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer (EST).

Church-to-Church ministries involve teams of adults and/or youth from churches in North Carolina traveling to Belize to participate in construction efforts (churches, camps, and schools), medical/dental ministries, Vacation Bible School, and other outreach efforts. If your church is interested in exploring ministry in Belize, contact Brenda Hipp for more information (336-707-7838, BelizeBaptistPT@cs.com).

Education is a huge need in Belize. Much primary and secondary education is provided by churches. Many pastors have no formal theological education. Under the leadership of Dr. Bob Lamb, founding dean of the divinity school at Gardner-Webb University, CBFNC, in partnership with the BAB, established the BBSB. Dr. Lamb recruits teachers from the U.S. to travel to Belize three times per year to provide intensive oneweek modules of study on three subjects at the Baptist Training Center in Camalote, near Belmopan, the capital of Belize. Students continue to study at home between sessions and take exams when they return. Those who complete the twenty-one course program are awarded a Certificate in Pastoral Ministries. Five pastors (Rev. Henry Baizar, Mr. Levi Bahadur, Rev. Wayne Lopez, Rev. Caleb Nicholas and Rev. Alves Wright) were awarded certificates during the first graduation ceremony on October 3. It costs $1,200 per student per year to operate the school. If you are interested in teaching or in providing scholarship support, please contact Dr. Lamb (704-434-9392, rlamb12@carolina.rr.com). Linda and I also had a very productive meeting with Rev. Norman Willacey regarding a vision for expanding theological education and ministerial training in Belize.

In order for both the Church-to-Church ministries and

the BSSB to run smoothly, Belizean leadership is needed. The Executive Secretary-Treasurer (EST) provides a necessary link between CBFNC and the BAB. The EST not only works with the president and elected leadership of the Association to support pastors and churches and lead the work of the Association, but they also help coordinate the partnership with CBFNC. Because most Belizean pastors are bi-vocational and the churches have limited funds, CBFNC provides financial support for the EST. Rev. Antolino Flores served as the first EST and resigned earlier this year to devote more time to his church. Linda Jones and I had a very productive conversation with Rev. Ashley Rocke, current president of the BAB, about the process to call a new EST. We are happy to announce Rev. Henry Baizer has been appointed to this position.

Another exciting development in this partnership is the addition of Eric and Julie Maas to Baptist work in Belize. Eric and Julie, along with their two small children, were appointed as CBF Global Missions Affiliates and moved to Belize this summer to become the Administrators of the Baptist Training Center.

The Training

Center is a wonderful camp environment which hosts Belizean church group events, U.S. mission teams, the BSSB and other ministries.

Eric and Julie have already become acclimated to the country and have established a strong network among Belize Baptists and other Christians. We are fortunate to have this passionate, devoted, Spiritfilled young couple ministering on our behalf in Belize. They can be reached at director@belizebtc.org.

I continue to be amazed at how God leads our fellowship into avenues for mission and ministry. The work in Belize is one example of the myriad of ways our fellowship is making a difference for the Kingdom of God from North Carolina “to the ends of the earth.” Thanks be to God for entrusting our fellowship with His mission, and for empowering us to fulfill that mission through the gifts of our churches and committed servant-leaders.

Read more about Belize including an article from Dr. Lamb about the BBSB at www.cbfnc.org.

The Gathering – December 2008 • 7

CBFNC Hispanic Ministry

Adding to the Conversation about Illegal Immigrants

I speak to the issue of illegal immigrants from my own experience as a Latino immigrant, as a Protestant Christian, as an evangelical pastor, and as a head of household of a Latino family. Immigrants come to this country for different reasons. I was brought here by my mom to protect me from the civil strife of my country of birth. One of my brothers was killed by the military at age 16 and another arrested by the military at age 17. I was 15 when I left El Salvador to come here.

I remember having a difficult time adapting to a new home, new culture, and new life. Language was different, relationships were different, values were different, living for the first time in my life with my mom was different, etc. I was unhappy and angry at everything that was happening to me. I wanted to go home, my real home.

Two identities were new to me in this culture. First, I learned that I was a Hispanic person. The church I attended was Hispanic, my mom’s friends were Hispanic, my friends at school were Hispanic, the places we ate, the TV channels we watched, the places we bought groceries were all Hispanic. Second, I was an illegal alien. I didn’t feel much different than other Hispanics.

But nevertheless I knew not to tell to strangers I was an illegal.

In 2001 I immigrated to this country again. I was no longer a newcomer but my wife was. In an instant she lost all of her support networks and felt disconnected and isolated. She became overly dependent on others for things that she used to be able to do alone (go to the market, ride the bus, attend church, make a phone call, meet people, etc.).

As a Latino pastor, I hear from Latinos who are struggling because they are not able to find a job or receive services available only to legal people. Many Latinos live with the fear of being deported and separated from their families. There is fear of raids from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at job sites or homes. I hear from people who wrestle with feelings of humiliation, of not being appreciated, of not belonging. People who tell me that no matter how hard they work and how many sacrifices they make, their quality of life is diminishing.

What are we to do as Christians? The most important word we can share with illegal immigrants is that they are children of God. This ‘child of God’ identity is an unequivocal truth. Divine recognition of the dignity of the human person, so much so that God didn’t withhold even his only Son, uplifts people who feel disenfranchised and provides a sense of purpose and belonging again.

To know that I’m a child of God before I’m anything else is the strength and foundation of my existence. Yes, I 8 • The Gathering – December 2008

by Jose Luis Villaseñor, Church Planter, Reino Hoy, Durham

was born into Salvadoran citizenship and became an U.S. illegal alien. Yes, I became a Permanent Resident and am now a Naturalized U.S. citizen.

These identities have shaped who I’ve become. But nothing is more important to me than to know I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ and a citizen of God’s new people. No matter how many borders I cross, that identity stays with me.

It is through Jesus’ Lordship and teachings of the Kingdom of God that we can discern how to best respond to the challenges and opportunities of our own context. We don’t get to choose our parents, birthplace or time. But in the new birth of the spirit we can experience a new life in Christ, and invite and equip ALL to follow Jesus in transforming the world.

The life on earth of Jesus can enlighten our dialogue. Jesus, himself a Jew, grew up not protected from the guarantees of class or citizenship.

As a newborn of a common Jewish family, Jesus and his parents immigrated to Egypt to escape a government policy that would have ended with Jesus’ life. As a Jewish adult, when judged for his teachings by the religious and political powers of his day, Jesus couldn’t appeal to Caesar (like any Roman citizen) and was sentence to death overnight. Yet,

Jesus’ understanding of his Sonship, his conviction that God was with him even on the cross, allowed him to overcome any temptation to give in to hopelessness. He conquered his own fears and transformed his own religious tradition. He spoke radically to his contemporaries about a new kind of life (a new order), teaching his visions of the “Kingdom of Heaven,” of a new citizenship committed to God’s will.

“Our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body...that it may be conformed to the body of his glory by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself” (Philippians 3: 20-21).

Our nationality, ethnicity, culture, economic status, experience of God, and theological interpretation will inform our opinions on issues like this one. And that’s OK. We enter this conversation not from a void but from a real self. As we engage in dialogue, let us seek God’s Kingdom first and in so doing, seek the Spirit’s guidance and power to transcend our own limitations and prejudices to carry on the ministry of Jesus.

Join in the conversation about Hispanic Ministries. Contact Linda Jones at 888-822-1944 or visit www. cbfnc.org.

…You shall love your neighbor as yourself…Matthew 22:39

by Natalie Aho, CBFNC Communications Manager

Missions

Have You Purchased Travel Insurance?

by Len Keever, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Dunn First Baptist Dunn recently traveled to Ukraine and realized the value of travel insurance.

We initially lost 16 of 18 bags. Of 18 bags, when we came home, 11 were still missing. Our insurance provider, Adams and Associates (www.aaintl.com), jumped on the case for us. We had reimbursement money in a matter of weeks, whereas the airline did not reimburse for months.

When bags did arrive, they were damaged and most of our contents damaged or missing. Very little was usable or worth keeping. Bags were torn, had been wet and were full of mildew. The people at Adams and Associates were extremely helpful, understanding, and prompt in helping settle our claims.

I added the cost of the travel insurance to the final cost for our group. You should have heard the relief in the voices of our team members when checks began to arrive quickly for the value of their contents. Some in our group received payment of over $2,000 for the loss of their luggage and the contents we were taking for gifts to the Village of Hope children and workers.

I know this is nowhere near the stories of the value of such insurance for medical purposes.

However, for less than $500 (that was less than $36 per person) our group received somewhere in the neighborhood of $5,000 in benefits. The airline we had flown on adjusted my claim and sent me less than 25% of what the insurance paid. Please consider making this an automatic part of your mission trip expense. I promise, it is well worth the investment!

The Gathering – December 2008 • 9

photo courtesy of CBF

On October 9, as I surveyed the room full of pastors, divinity students, missionaries and lay-people, I wondered what brought them to the offices of CBFNC in Winston-Salem to hear Doris Littrell speak about Asset-Based Community Building. Then my thoughts were interrupted as Doris asked the thirty of us to share why we’d come and who we regularly encounter in our communities. I was astounded by the variety of people among whom we work: Slavics, Hispanics, international students, the unemployed, Haitians, urban people, the “emerging” crowd, the homeless, multi-cultural communities and more. Just as striking, though, is that our reasons to attend were almost the same – we wanted to learn how to change our communities, not just patch them up. Doris affirmed to us that community development is a process that involves people deciding what they want their community to be in the future and then learning to work together to make that future happen.

Our time together flew by – we spent much of it in small groups discussing topics, sharing our thoughts and analyzing questions. One of the most eye-opening activities included writing down what we felt we knew well enough to teach to someone else. Then the groups shared aloud and filled the room with possibilities of how our assets could benefit those around us. Did you ever think that teaching someone to fly a kite, write a resume or ride a bus could help change your community?

Another insightful activity was when we compared “charity” with community development. While we were quick to acknowledge that charity is needed – after all, it meets the immediate need – we knew it was just the band-aid. We had to ask, “How can we bring change to our communities?” We begin by looking beyond the hand-out and instead working with instead of doing for. We noted some differences between the two as the symptom vs. the root cause, the single event vs. the longterm change, an outreach vs. an outlook, and the easy success vs. the high risk of failure.

Most importantly, community development is not about those who have doing for those who do not have; rather it is empowering those who do and do not have to do something together.

Some tips that Doris shared with us were that we must form relationships and trust with our community; we need to work together with partners who are already reaching the community – churches don’t have to do it all themselves; we need to find quick success and celebrate immediately when they happen; and we need to view people as assets not liabilities.

Honestly, I left the meeting a little exhausted. Community development is going to be hard work. But in the long run, if we all worked with our communities to bring about lasting change, we would be following in the footsteps of Christ. And isn’t that what this is all about anyway? Learn more about community development at www.cbfnc.org.

CBFNC Events

Save the date for the 2009 CBFNC General Assembly!

March 20-21, 2009 Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Fayetteville Keynote Speaker: Dr. Fred Craddock

The Bandy Distinguished Professor of Preaching and New Testament, Emeritus, in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University; selected by “Newsweek” as one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English speaking world

How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of those who bring good news. Isaiah 52:7

General Schedule

Friday, April 11 Welcome and Orientation Ministry Workshop Sessions * Fellowship Dinner ** Evening Worship Fellowship Reception Saturday, April 12 Ministry Workshop Session Business Session Closing Worship

New this year: for preachers and those who love good preaching The First Annual “Elevating Preaching” Conference, featuring sermons from four preachers and a dialogue with Fred Craddock * Some of the areas of our ministry workshop sessions include Missions, Practical Helps for the Local Church, Bible Study, Religious and Spiritual Understanding, Arts and the Christian Life, Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors, and CBFNC Administration. ** Friday Evening Fellowship Dinner requires a pre-registration.

Childcare for the General Assembly is available by advanced registration.

More ministry workshop titles, details, discounted hotel options and registration available at www.cbfnc.org.

CBFNC Retreats for Clergy and Lay-people

Staff Ministers’ Retreat February 16-19, 2009 Beach Cove Resort, North Myrtle Beach, SC Worship Leader - Mike Queen, Pastor of FBC Wilmington for 22 years and Board Member at Wake Forest University Breakouts - The Spiritual Life of the Minister; Transitioning from One Ministry to Another; Missional Formation; Children’s Ministry Track; Making a Community Impact; Using Technology in Your Ministry; Trends and How They May Affect Your Ministry; and more Price: $399 Private room, $325 Semi-private room Spouse - an additional $150 to the $325 Register by January 23, 2009 with a $75 non-refundable deposit.

View schedule, more details and register at www.cbfnc.org.

10 • The Gathering – December 2008

Spiritual Formation Retreat

“Searching the Psalms: Ancient Texts for Modern Pilgrims” March 6-8, 2009 Caraway Conference Center, Asheboro, NC Retreat Leaders: Dr. Barry Jones, Campbell University Divinity School and Rev. Allen York, Viewmont Baptist Church, Hickory For any and all adults - laity, ministers, male and female.

Fee: $225 per person, single rooms (Price includes 2 nights lodging and 6 meals). Non-refundable deposit of $50 due December 1, 2008.

Balance due February 23, 2009.

Space is limited so register early!

View schedule, more details and register at www.cbfnc.org.

CBFNC Around the State with Our Coordinators in September and October One of the ministries that our Coordinators gladly perform is preaching, teaching and speaking in churches. Our Coordinators are available for the following: to preach in worship services, for special occasions or to provide pulpit supply in the pastor’s absence; to lead a session on CBF and CBFNC in general or a particular ministry area; to lead retreats for deacons, teachers or other leadership groups; and to consult with church leaders on topics of their expertise. If you would like to schedule a Coordinator to come to your church, contact the CBFNC office at 888-822-1944.

Here are the following churches and organizations where our Coordinators visited in September and October: FBC, Mount Airy FBC, Rutherfordton FBC, Weaverville FBC, Bladenboro Edenton BC Providence, Charlotte WMU NC Millbrook, Raleigh Baptist Children’s Home FBC, North Wilkesboro Calvary, Asheville Boonville BC

Woodhaven, Apex Together for Hope, Kentucky Sharon BC, Smithfield Ardmore, Winston-Salem West Side, Winston-Salem Immanuel, Greenville FBC, Burlington Ridge Road, Raleigh FBC, Lumberton Woodhaven, Apex Campbell Univ. Chapel and BSU UNC Co-Op

Belize and Baptist Bible School of Belize FBC, Tarboro FBC, Goldsboro Sardis, Charlotte Union Grove, Kernersville Westwood, Cary China Delegation Dinner, Atlanta, GA St. John’s, Raleigh Knollwood, Winston-Salem Missions Initiative, Rutherford County Missions Initiative, Madison County Mount Pleasant, Liberty

Ministers on the Move

Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator

Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved: James P. (Jimmy) Brown is the Pastor at First Baptist Church, Carolina Beach.

Col. John J. Cook is the Senior Pastor at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Fayetteville.

Steve Davis is the Pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Youngsville.

Mike Eddinger is the Pastor at Westwood Baptist Church, Cary.

Rendell Hipp is the Minister of Education and Discipleship at First Baptist Church, Hickory.

Misael Marriaga is the Hispanic Pastor at The Memorial Baptist Church, Greenville.

Corey Miller is the Pastor at Blackwell Memorial Baptist Church, Elizabeth City.

Brian Pape is the Pastor at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Durham.

Lee Prophitt is the Minister of Youth at Ardmore Baptist Church, Winston-Salem.

Craig Richardson is the Pastor at Mountain Grove Baptist Church, Hickory.

Zach Roberts is the Minister of Education at Ridge Road Baptist Church, Raleigh.

Lance Rogerson is the Youth Pastor at Winter Park Baptist Church, Wilmington.

Mark T. White is the Pastor at First Baptist Church, Clayton.

When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at jcausey@cbfnc.org.

For vocational placement or search committee requests, visit our vocations page on our website at www.cbfnc. org or call 336-759-3456 or 888-822-1944.

The Gathering – December 2008 • 11

Upcoming Events ~ December Edition Fall Fellowship Dinner November 11, 2008 First Baptist Church, Greensboro Children’s Mission Day November 8, 2008 - College Park Baptist Church, Winston-Salem November 15, 2008 - Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh Youth Ski Retreat Jan. 23-25 or Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2009 Winterplace, WV Details at www.cbfnc.org. Register with CTI at 800-285-7273.

Baptist 400th Anniversary Convocation February 9, 2009 First Baptist Church, Greensboro More details coming soon to www. cbfnc.org!

Staff Ministers’ Retreat February 16-19, 2009 Myrtle Beach, SC Details and registration at www.cbfnc. org. Register by January 23, 2009 with a $75 non-refundable deposit.

Children’s Choir Festival February 21, 2009 First Baptist Church, High Point Details, repertoire, and registration at www.cbfnc.org.

Register by February 3, 2009.

Adult Spiritual Formation Retreat March 6-8, 2009 Caraway Retreat Center, Asheboro Details and registration at www.cbfnc. org. Register by December 1 with at $50 non-refundable deposit.

Youth Choir Festival March 13-14, 2009 First Baptist Church, Greensboro Details, repertoire, and registration at www.cbfnc.org.

Register by February 20, 2009.

CBFNC General Assembly March 20-21, 2009 Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Fayetteville, NC Details and registration coming soon to www.cbfnc.org.

Youth Spring Mission Weekends March 24-29, 2009 - Raleigh April 24-26, 2009 - Asheville More information coming soon to www. cbfnc.org.

Regional New Baptist Covenant Meeting April 23-25, 2009 Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem More details coming soon!

New Contributing CBFNC Partner Churches (September-October 2008)

Lily Branch Baptist Church, Bakersville Grove Park Baptist Church, Clinton

(New MRP* Contributor)

First Baptist Church, Spruce Pine (Formerly CBF only)

*Mission Resource Plan

The Gathering is published six times a year. All questions may be directed to Natalie Aho, 888-822-1944 or naho@cbfnc.org. For story submissions, contact Natalie Aho for requirements and newsletter deadlines.

Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry 8025 North Point Blvd., Suite 205 Winston-Salem, NC 27106 888-822-1944 www.cbfnc.org

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