TFWB August 2014 by Free Will Baptist Press

Grimsley Church

August 2014

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August 2014 Heritage Month This is a calendar of denominational events and regular holidays and special days/seasons of the Christian year.

Sunday

Monday 27

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Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

Hope for Camp Vandemere Benefit Fundraiser 6 p.m. @ Antioch Church

Cornerstone Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Retreat @ Cragmont (August 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8)

TODAY IS THE DAY By The Reverend Al Warrick “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18 kjv) The first recollection I have as a Free Will Baptist was in the “Card Class” at Johnston Union FWB Sunday School. My teacher was Ms. Esther Fowler. Ms. Esther and many other teachers, preachers, and spiritual leaders, gave me the foundation for my Christian beliefs. But, I am Free Will Baptist because I was born into the Free Will Baptist Church. While I might have visited other churches, without a doubt, the Free Will Baptist Church was my home and where I became comfortable doctrinally. But, that was over 60 years ago and sadly, the demographics of the Original Free Will Baptist geographical footprint have changed. The “urban flight” of young people from Eastern North Carolina in search of jobs has left our small rural churches in limbo…and some in the throes of death. Fewer and fewer children are being “born” into our churches, therefore, it is more important than ever for us to find ways to attract new members, or we will perish. At the 2014 Convention of Original Free Will Baptists I issued a challenge for every member of our denomination. We must seek a way to become more relevant Christians—spreaders of the Gospel—if we are to insure the Original Free Will Baptist Church’s place in the future. We have the divine message and a strong doctrine; but

that will not make any difference if there is no one in the pews. My personal opinion is that we have an ever-shrinking window of opportunity to develop a vision for the future of our denomination. Many of our churches may already be past the “point of no return.” We, the leaders of the denomination, and you, the members, must decide if we are going to allow God’s work to diminish. Or, will we do what is expected of His people and develop a vision for the future so that others may someday write of their experiences as children within the Free Will Baptist Church? Can we be more than a small factionalized denomination that seems to revel in how different we are than “those others”… whoever they might be? Can we take our wonderful doctrine and stand together to develop a plan to attract those from the darkness to its life-giving light? Socrates wrote: “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new!” Can we do that? I pray that we can! In fact, if we don’t, I believe that we are facing extinction. Today is the day for us to begin building the new and improved Original Free Will Baptist Church. To do this, we first must evaluate what we are doing and how we are doing it. We must develop a Master Plan that we all can agree upon to strengthen our denomination and its attraction to the

unchurched and those seeking relevant and enlightened churches. To help us with this process, we have asked lay-leaders from each conference to develop a planning vehicle wherein we all can participate. Everyone is invited to participate in the assessment process to decide what we are “good” at and what we need to “work” on. We will seek to identify the “opportunities” that we might be missing; and, the “threats” that we need to defend against. Following the assessments, the Task Force will draw up concluding statements and questions that our denominational and conference/association leaders can use to develop strategic goals and objectives. These goals will be brought to the Convention for ratification. When the Convention has approved the goals and objectives, we can then begin to develop “action plans” that can be quantified and evaluated annually. Hopefully, we will all be moving in the same direction as a denomination, and, with God’s help, become a growing denomination again. I believe that failure to take action is not acceptable in God’s sight. I pray that everyone reading this article will participate in the strategic planning for our denomination and will promote the participation of others in your church. May God send His blessing upon this work! Today is the Day!

The Rev. Al Warrick retired from Johnston Community College as Dean of Advancement after serving in the field of education for more than 34 years. He is now the full time pastor at Micro OFWB Church in Micro, NC. He has degrees from Mount Olive Junior College, Atlantic Christian College, and East Carolina University with further studies at Appalachian State and NC State. Recently elected President of the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, he is a fifth generation Free Will Baptist. He is married to the former Debby Pollard of Coats, NC and they have three adult daughters and five grandchildren. 2

August 2014 Managing Editor Darren Davenport

Volume 132 • Number 8

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Circulation, Customer Service Amy Stokes

■ FEATURES & COLUMNS Reflections: A Guest Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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Casting A Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Web Administrator, Online Customer Service Andrew Mozingo

Mrs. Lorelle Martin: A Graduation Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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Sanctified with Andrew Mozingo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Pondering the Past with Celia Hales. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Caring for the Soul with David Morrow. . . . . . . . . . . 22 From a Woman’s Heart with Nora Koonce Avery. . . . . . 23 Dr. Pepper’s Book Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Lesson Inner View with Adrian Grubbs . . . . . . . . . . . 30 A Sling and a Stone with Marc Boswell. . . . . . . . . . . 32 Psalms for the Soul with Linda Herring. . . . . . . . . . . 36

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■ DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRIES University of Mount Olive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Home Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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Cragmont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Board of Directors

Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Frank Flowers (Chairman), Central Mike Scott (Vice Chairman), Eastern Royce Reynolds (Secretary), Albemarle Joe Ballance, Cape Fear • Kelley Smart, Central Nancy Hardee, Pee Dee • Mark Hobbs, Central Linda Weathersby, Central • MeLinda Edwards, Western The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies, and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation and the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the beliefs and policies of the editor or of The Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given the person whose name appears under the title or to the person submitting said article.

For information on subscription rates, submission and photo guidelines, advertising rates and guidelines, and more, visit <fwbpress.com>. © 2014 The Free Will Baptist • All Rights Reserved. The Free Will Baptist is edited and published monthly by the Free Will Baptist Press, P. O. Box 159, 3928 Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0159. Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina (USPS 2094-4000). POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Free Will Baptist Press, P. O. Box 159, Ayden, NC 28513-0159.

Foreign Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Convention News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Children’s Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

■ ANCILLARY MINISTRIES NC Foundation for Christian Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . 28 Camp Vandemere. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Woman’s Auxiliary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

■ COMMUNITY CONNECTION . .

. . . . . . 34

ON THE COVER: Grimsley OFWB Church (circa 1762) It is believed that Grimsley took its name from the Grimsley family home place that hosted the congregation until a sanctuary could be built in 1784. The Grimsley home place, (now Raspberry House), can be seen behind the current church, across a field, and on the west side of Highway 258 North.

Contents

Production Manager Jerry Goff

Casting A Vision Presented by Pastor Al Warrick 2014 Minister's Conference at Cragmont

Scripture Texts: • Proverbs 29:18 kjv—Where there is no vision, the people perish… • Proverbs 29:18 nkjv—Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint… • Proverbs 29:18 nlt—When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild… • Ephesians 2:10—For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. • Philippians 3:14—I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. • Jeremiah 3:15—And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

1. April 18, 2012 by FOOTSOLDIERS4CHRIST 2. Winston Churchill, during World War II. Leadership, Vol. 16, no. 1. 3. Richard J. Foster, Christian Reader, Vol. 31. 4. Phil Grant. Leadership—Vol. 15, no. 3. 5. Max DePree, Leadership Jazz. Leadership, Vol. 15, no. 3. 6. Bits & Pieces, March 3, 1994, p. 16 7. Terry Fullam, Leadership, Vol. 5, no. 1. 8. Stephen Covey, First Things First, p 103. Fireside; Reprint edition, January 1996. 9. Winifred Newman, Leadership, Vol. 15, no. 3.

Introduction Helen Keller was asked once “What would be worse than being born blind?” to which she replied “Having sight without a vision.” 1 It is obvious to me that vision is vital to the growth and success of God’s work. I believe that the ability to “cast a vision” is one of the most important things that we do as “General Practitioners” of the Faith. While some of us might consider ourselves evangelists, or counselors, or master teachers of the word, or leader/mentors; most of us do not have the luxury to be able to specialize in our ministry. Most of us pastor small congregations, therefore, we have to wear many hats and one of the most important is the ability to lead people to a greater work than they think that they are capable. This is what I call “vision casting.” As we read in our scriptures; the people need vision… we are the leaders of the people; therefore, we need to have vision; and, God’s vision for us is that we are to be the “vision casters” for the people. There are many wonderful books on the need for change in the church and for vision casting; Visioneering by Andy Stanley; The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren; Turn Around Strategies for the Small Church by Ron Crandall; etc. They are excellent reading and give us a lot of material on how to lead with a vision. Tonight, I want to just touch on a few things that have been helpful to me as I have tried to cast a vision for our church in Micro; and, hopefully for our denomination for the next couple of years. What Is Vision? C. George Barna writes in his book, The Power of Vision: “Vision for ministry is a reflection of what God wants to accomplish through you to build His kingdom.” I Believe To Cast the Vision: First, You Must Have a Burden! In Crandall’s book, Turn Around Strategies for the Small Church, he tells us that to have a vision, you must have a burden. You have to realize that something is wrong. We may be very efficient in the things that we are doing; but we are no longer effective. The things that we do, we might do well; but are they the right things? When I took over as Women’s Basketball Coach at Mount Olive College, I had been a very successful boys high school coach. But, suddenly, I had to coach with a “shot clock” in the mix. The “slow-down” style of my coaching was no longer efficient and very unsuccessful. While I could be very effective at what I had been doing, the efficiencies were lost on the new game that I was forced to play and coach.

We must take an honest assessment of our situation. Are we happy with the state of our ministry? Are we unwilling to change what we do? If you are content with your situation, your ministry, your church, your denomination; then there is no vision to cast. You’re already there. There is no destination to seek. Winston Churchill, during World War II stated; “The great thing is to get the true picture, whatever it is.” 2 Someone wrote that “vision is hope with a blueprint.” If you are where you want to be, then you don’t need a plan. If you know that you need to change, you must plan for that change!

Secondly, You Must Have an Attitude of Divine Purpose! “God has to help us let go of our tiny vision in order to release the greater good He has in store for us.”—Richard J. Foster 3 I do not have to wonder or strive for a vision for my life. God has ordained me a minister. I don’t know why He did that. I am certainly unworthy; but, as I read the scriptures, I find that most of the major characters of the Bible had major character flaws. God shared His vision with each one of them to raise them up. And I thank Him that He has forgiven me my flaws. “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15). I believe that those of us on this mountain this week have been given a divine vision and commission to lead God’s people to become a more relevant church in our communities. I do not believe that God can be defeated. We have to have the attitude that our calling is a divine calling and our mission is of God. Our vision must take a prominent role in our lives. Phil Grant wrote in Leadership magazine, “A vision is the dominant factor that governs your life. It determines all the choices you are making. It’s what’s left after all the layers are peeled away like an onion. Clinging like glue to the inside of your rib cage…. It’s what your mind naturally gravitates toward when it is not legitimately concentrating on something else. It’s…what determines your friendships and your relationships that you are cultivating…. It’s what your prayers are about—what you dream about and are giving money toward. 4 Thirdly, You Must Have the Courage to Act! Max DePree writes, “The tenders of vision are often lonely, usually unpopular, and frequently demand that others change. People with a vision inject ambiguity and risk and uncertainty into our lives.” 5 Dr. Martin Luther King once stated: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” If your church is not the church that you believe it should and could be, then it is up to you to cast a vision that leads your congregation to where it needs to go. That takes courage,

patience, commitment, a lot of prayer, and hard work. And, then it takes PERSEVERANCE! Someone once asked Paul Harvey, the journalist and radio commentator, to reveal the secret of his success. “I get up when I fall down,” said Harvey. 6

Fourth, and most importantly, you must change the “Me” to “We!” I read an illustration somewhere of a minister that brought a new idea to his deacon board and did his best to convince them that the church needed to head in that direction. Following his long plea, the board voted and all twelve deacons voted against it. The Pastor was so disheartened. The chairman then reporting that there was no more business and called on the minister to close the meeting with prayer. The pastor, still smarting from the vote started off his prayer; “Lord, I have brought your vision to this board tonight and they have dismissed it. Lord, please do something to show this board that this is your will and not mine!” Suddenly, a huge bolt of lightning shot through the ceiling and blew the table in half scattering the deacons all over the floor. The Pastor looked at the Deacon Chair and said, “Well Brother, the Lord has spoken!” Upon which the deacon dusting off his pants replied; “Well, Preacher, it’s still 12 to 2.” The Vision Should Belong to Everyone: “If vision is going to be owned by the people, it has to be more than something we talk them into.” 7 We have to lead the people into change. They cannot be driven and they aren’t going because you said so. To be a leader two things have to happen: 1) you must be in front, and 2) you must have followers. Give your people the opportunity to be part of the process so that they have ownership in the outcomes. Conclusion In his book, First Things First, author Stephen Covey writes about Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychologist who survived the death camps of Nazi Germany. Frankl made a startling discovery about why some survived the horrible conditions and some did not. He looked at several factors: health, vitality, family structure, intelligence, and survival skills. Finally, he concluded that none of these factors were primarily responsible. The single most significant factor, he realized, was a sense of future vision—the impelling conviction of those who were to survive that they had a mission to perform, some important work left to do. Survivors of POW camps in Vietnam and elsewhere have reported similar experiences: a compelling, future-oriented vision is the primary force that kept many of them alive.” 8 “Vision is the world’s most desperate need. There are no hopeless situations, only people who think hopelessly.” 9 It is up to YOU to cast the vision for God’s Church! Will you accept this challenge? 5

Mrs. Lorelle Martin A Graduation Service

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 • By Willis Brown If anyone has any doubt that there are angels on earth, they have not known Mrs. Lorelle Martin! Phrases such as “Words cannot begin to express” or “Preaching to the choir” really do apply to any praise of Mrs. Martin. Knowing that, I cannot thank Dr. Virginia Martin, her daughter, enough for this opportunity to “Preach to this choir” of fans who adore her wonderful mother, our teacher, honorary mother, grandmother, friend, and more. It is no problem finding wonderful things to say about her. We were in Louisiana this past weekend celebrating a family reunion and they are very familiar with Mrs. Martin and our relationship that they have shared for the past 47 years. I was talking with Jerry and my sister about our memories of times spent with Mrs. Martin. I said that following this special celebration I was really looking forward to seeing you people and talking further about our wonderful friend. Jerry said, Willis, if you try to tell them everything you have talked about even this weekend, the only thing you will hear as the last person leaves is “Please turn out the lights and lock the doors, it is midnight and I have to be at work early Thursday morning.” How many of us have memories of Mrs. Martin: • In a Mount Olive College classroom? • In a classroom before 1957 (Calypso High School, Mount Olive Elementary, etc.)? • First Baptist Church Sunday School class? • Serving on the Board of Deacons at First Baptist Church? • Read-to-Succeed at Carver Elementary School? I feel sure that each of you is saying, or at least thinking, “I would love to be doing this.” “I would love to be the one to tell everyone what a wonderful person Mrs. Lorelle Martin is and what she has done for me, my family, my children, and the influence she continues to have in all my relationships.” If it were possible for each of your thoughts to be flashed up on the screen or up on our ceiling, I feel sure that each would look at these with thoughts like “I wish I had said that since that is exactly what I was thinking.” When the person in Mrs. Martin’s hospital room said that the doctor’s diagnosis was “an enlarged heart,” I thought “That is not new information—we all new that Mrs. Martin’s heart was larger than any we had ever encountered.” That was neither fault nor deficiency—it was something that made life richer for all of us. That heart engulfed those persons most precious in her life: her husband, Robert; and her children, Virginia and Bob; her sister, Marguerite (aka “rite,”); and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Franck. She always had a most special place in that heart for her sister-in6

law, Rachel; and Robert’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin. However, that large heart of hers also spent so much time encompassing those of us from her Calypso High School days, her Mount Olive College days, her First Baptist Church days, her Read-to-Succeed days at Carver Elementary School, and especially those recent days while receiving visitors in that beautiful Harrell’s Hill Road home. Regardless as to where she was found, those beautiful, sparkling eyes and that captivating smile were always present. My first contact with her was on a cold, windy day in April 1967. Dr. Ray Carson, academic dean at MOC, met me at the airport in Goldsboro to take me to a job interview at Mount Olive College. He took me by the biology lab at the College and then to the Southern Belle Motel to check in for the stay that evening. Mrs. Martin was in a meeting; I think it was a faculty meeting, so I did not meet her until that evening over dinner. I walked in to the Southern Belle Restaurant and this smiling, energetic 51-year-old woman rose from the first booth on my left. She hugged me and the job interview was over for me—I would have signed right on that table full of fish and French fries (if I remember correctly it was a Friday afternoon). My and my family’s lives have not been the same since. She was then, and remained so for as long as I have known her, the absolute best person for putting you at ease in her presence. The biology lab that afternoon was full of Atlantic Ocean specimen; buckets all over the lab desks—which was my introduction to Mrs. Martin’s philosophy of field trips—go and go often. She believed that first-hand experience was the most valuable way to study God’s world. She had taken a summer semester of classes at the Duke University Marine Lab and this influenced her classes the rest of her teaching career at MOC. Those lists, field-trip notes, and lab quizzes on all those marine plant and animal examples arose from that summer at Beaufort. That first invertebrate class with Selma Gray and Mac Wallace reviewed a lot of that Duke class for all of us. Mrs. Martin and I taught that class together. She was just at home with persons on the state and national levels of science education. We went to many seminars, conventions, and other functions of these organizations. It was amazing watching her easy and friendly introductions to and interactions with persons at all levels in these groups. Mrs. Martin served many years as a driving force within the Collegiate Academy of the North Carolina Academy of Science. She took students year after year to sessions where they presented papers to some of the more eminent scientists in our state. Throughout her years at

MOC she was recognized as one of the most outstanding science educators in our state. She was so proud of her daughter, Dr. Virginia Martin, who continued this tradition with her service to Tri Beta (the National Biological Honor Society). The first national trip we took together was to St. Louis for biology education convention. That first night we went to eat with three nuns that we met at the afternoon session. We found out later that they had tickets to a baseball game between the hometown St. Louis Cardinals and some other team. The three nuns enjoyed Mrs. Martin and her wonderful sense of humor so much that they elected to eat and talk well into the time of that baseball game. I think that we kept up with each other for the next several years. Mrs. Martin was a classroom marvel— the best teacher I have known. This was contributed to and carried out because of: 1) That wonderful, beautiful voice, 2) Something unique for each class (lectures always well prepared), 3) Books, or series of books—including reports on these, 4) Magic tricks in her chemistry classes and labs, 5) Fresh materials for each lab, 6) Displays, 7) Her experience drawn from many resources, 8) Humor, and 9) Gatherings at her family’s beautiful home (ice cream parties, Henderson Science Club parties, Christmas parties, etc.). She was not only an expert at creating a learning environment for her students. She was excellent at translating to the public what went on in her classroom. There was a time when there was a certain amount of criticism of Mount Olive College coming from a small group of persons. Several of these appeared in Mrs. Martin’s office one afternoon. The spokesperson informed Mrs. Martin “We realize that you know much about biology, geology, chemistry, and other sciences; but what do you know about Jesus Christ?” Mrs. Martin calmly and immediately replied “I know him as my Lord and Savior.” The group gave a collective “Oh,” and quietly left her office. The Martin Lecture was begun, and funded, by one of Mrs. Martin’s former students. This student was exceptionally shy and really did not think that he

could even complete her class, much less complete two years of a college-level course of study. Due to Mrs. Martin’s unique and highly successful teaching style, he not only completed that class successfully, he completed the two-year requirements as well as earning 4-year and PhD degrees. He retired recently from teaching biology within the University of Maryland system. Stories like this are too numerous for telling at this time. However, one other amazing example was that of a blind girl enrolling in Mrs. Martin’s biology class. The first difficulty overcome by Mrs. Martin was one of the genetics lessons of describing what chromosomes and genes were. Coming into the lab on the afternoon of that exercise, I saw Mrs. Martin and this student sitting at one of the lab desks long after the lab session was scheduled to be over. On that table were 24 pieces of clay in the shapes of human chromosomes. Placing each of these into that blind student’s hands while describing each of them was a lesson that during the next lab spilled over into a description involving the nonblind members of that class. This resulted in everyone understanding that genetics lesson far better than the “traditional” lesson would have accomplished. Field trips to the Atlantic Ocean and Cliffs of the Neuse were met with smiles and much happiness. While speed-walking to and from the sites to be visited, she handed out the outlines of what was supposed to be accomplished on these trips. This always left announcements

of future field trips being met with less enthusiasm. Her ability to outwalk all of us never stopped. Dr. Thomas Morris funded programs including the Outstanding Teacher Award at MOC. Mrs. Martin was the only logical choice as recipient of the first one of these awards. As long as she was a faculty member it was understood that she was the most outstanding teacher, but there were also others qualified to actually be presented with the award. The recipients of that award always seemed to be pleased to finish that close to the example set by Mrs. Martin. The example set by her at her church was shown as she taught her Sunday School class, quietly became the first woman of the Diaconate to serve communion, and continued to show us and others that women can actually show the way to a relationship with God as well, or in many cases, much better than others. For a very long time I have felt that the face of God must include many of the expressions I have witnessed on the face of Lorelle Martin. This seems to be the ultimate Graduation exercise for Mrs. Lorelle Martin—the graduation music is most appropriate So, let me end as this Eulogy began: If anyone has any doubt that there are angels walking the face of the earth, they have not known Mrs. Lorelle Martin! Oh, and by the way, if you ever see me and we cannot find a conversation topic— please ask me about Lorelle Martin! 7

634 Henderson Street • Mount Olive, NC 28365 • 1 (800) 653.0854 • www.umo.edu

University of Mount Olive

UMO Launches New Liberal Studies/ Interdisciplinary Studies Degree The University of Mount Olive will launch a new bachelor’s degree this fall. The liberal studies/interdisciplinary studies degree will be offered through the School of Arts and Sciences. This 126-semester hour degree will offer students the opportunity to strengthen their communication and critical-thinking skills and gain an insightful worldview. Dr. David Hines, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, said, “The liberal studies/interdisciplinary studies degree is not for the person who does not know what he or she wants to do. Rather it is for the person that knows what he or she wants to do and cannot find a traditional program to fit that need.” According to Hines, the degree breaks down the barriers between humanities and social sciences, providing students a broad educational foundation that will be required in 21st century careers. “One of the real challenges in higher education,” Hines added, “is preparing students for jobs that do not currently exist. Technology is exploding. A narrowly focused curriculum will not equip students with the skills to adapt to a changing work environment. Regardless of the specifics of future careers, there will be no substitutes for the ability to think creatively and critically, the skill to work collaboratively, and the knack for effective communication.” The liberal studies/interdisciplinary studies degree core will foster these skills and help students to examine the insights from the social and physical sciences, history, literature, and religion. Hines encourages students interested in the program to ask themselves, “Do my interests extend beyond a narrowly focused degree? Am I looking for a degree that can be personally enriching as well as enhancing career options? Am I interested in discovery and understanding of the world around me in more profound ways?” Hines said, “Often colleges and careers require individuals to specialize and narrow their focus, yet to understand the complexities of the real world students must reach beyond established boundaries.” Dr. Robert Fisher, assistant professor of Criminal Justice and a big proponent for the new degree program, said, “A strength and attraction of the liberal studies/ interdisciplinary studies degree major, is the many options it provides for students to organize a study program that is both personally interesting and professionally relevant. Moreover, such a major sharpens awareness of art, history, philosophy, and technology and the impact of these disciplines on contemporary issues. In doing so, the liberal studies/interdisciplinary studies degree increases students’ abilities to think and to communicate clearly.”

Fisher went on to note that many individuals also use the degree to improve their current employment standing. “In addition to receiving significant and positive life changes as a result of a liberal studies/interdisciplinary studies degree, these graduates report pay raises and promotions as tangible benefits to receiving their degree,” he said. The University of Mount Olive has many areas in which courses are offered to prospective liberal studies/ interdisciplinary studies students that form the basis for the development of a student’s ability to examine issues in a critical manner. The core courses for the liberal studies/interdisciplinary studies degree insure a student will develop their analytical and evaluative abilities in several areas. A few examples are the requirement to take courses in philosophy, art, biology, religion, and sociology, psychology, or criminal justice. Fisher adds, “Small classes with dedicated faculty mean that all students will have the opportunity to pursue individual interests while learning the concepts and skills employers expect.” When asked how the UMO program differs from other liberal studies/interdisciplinary studies degree programs at similar institutions, Fisher said, “In designing this degree program, the committee examined numerous programs at colleges and universities throughout the United States. One thing that seemed to be prevalent was that most of these programs limited students in their pursuit of specific areas of concentrated study. While there was great diversity in courses required, many programs left little ability for individual design in the education process. We decided that by working in coordination with a student to develop their area of interest, a concentration could be created that provided the student with all of the advantages of a liberal studies/interdisciplinary studies emphasis, and still allow them a degree of specialization in an area of interest.”

For more information about the liberal studies/interdisciplinary studies degree program, contact Dr. Fisher at: <RFisher@moc.edu> or the Admissions Office at: (919) 658-2502.

Getting to Know…

Ruby Thomas R

uby Thomas is an Early Childhood Education (ECE) major at UMO at Wilmington. The 59 year-old Rocky Point resident was recently named the ECE Student of the Year at the University’s annual awards event. A daycare administrator for over 36 years Thomas is working to earn the degree to add to her hands-on childcare knowledge. She eventually wants to reopen her own childcare facility. Thomas is the mother of Yalaunda Michelle Thomas and Tya Charnell Thomas. Read below as Ruby Thomas answers a few questions about her educational journey at the University of Mount Olive.

■ Everybody has a story. What is your story? My mother brought up four children with little or no income after separation from my dad. She taught me that you can succeed if you just ask God, and not let anything stand in your way. She managed to further her eighth grade education through Cape Fear Community College adult program and obtained a nurse’s aide certificate there. I got married young. I have two daughters and helped bring up my sister’s two children before I married. I volunteered at my daughter’s daycare and fell in love with all the children. I was there so much that the owners offered me a job. That is where my plight to serve children to the best of my ability first began. I left that daycare after 21 years. Then my brother and I opened a daycare facility on Princess Place Drive. After 15 years of service and the NC budget cuts, I prayed and decided to close the doors. This closure presented the perfect opportunity for me to pursue my bachelor’s degree.

I know that with God, all things are possible and that is where my faith is, in Him. At UMO, I’ve learned not to fear the unknown territories. If I think I can, therefore, I can. This is the same information I have shared with my children and other children and now, I’m taking that advice myself.

■ What previous college experience did you have? I attended Cape Fear Community College. I received an associate degree, a Medical Coding certificate and Bank Teller Training certificate. ■ What made you decide to return to College to get your bachelor’s degree? I decided to pursue my degree because of new state mandates and a need to find out what was new in the world of education, and most of all, to challenge myself. ■ What is one thing that you have learned thus far, that you will definitely use in your new profession? I know that with God, all things are possible and that is where my faith is, in Him. At UMO, I’ve learned not to fear the unknown territories. If I think I can, therefore, I can. This is the same information I have shared with my children and other children and now, I’m taking that advice myself. ■ Why do you think it is important for children to get an early start in education? I know from my career in daycare, that children comprehend a great deal, that we as adults do not give them credit for understanding. If we help them grow their present knowledge from what they know into what they are able to know, we have given them their first keys to success. ■ Who are your favorite UMO professors and why? I would say Dr. Jillian Ardley and Professor Harold Griffin. Dr. Ardley is prayerful, so when she opened her class with prayer, I knew God put me in the right place. Professor Griffin, because he believes in you and makes you believe in you. He lets you know that he is there to help you succeed. Both of these people believe in students’ success. 9

Come and Celebrate UMO With Us! Soon it will be time for our annual University of Mount Olive dinners. Below is a list of the Planning Sessions to prepare for the fall dinners. At this brief meeting, plans will be made for the dinner in your county. We would love to see you there! Be sure your church has a representative come with your pastor to the planning session for your county. • Jones County Wednesday, August 6, 3:00 p.m. Friendship Church near Trenton • Greene County Thursday, August 7, 7:00 p.m. Hull Road Church near Snow Hill • Beaufort County Friday, August 8, 7:00 p.m. Memorial Church near Chocowinity • Nash County Sunday, August 10, 3:00 p.m. Free Union Church near Spring Hope • Lenoir County Monday, August 11, 7:00 p.m. LaGrange Church, LaGrange • Wayne County Thursday, August 14, 7:00 p.m. First Church of Goldsboro

• Onslow-Brunswick Counties Friday, August 15, 7:00 p.m. Folkstone Church, Folkstone • Pitt County Monday, August 18, 7:00 p.m. Reedy Branch Church near Winterville • Duplin County Tuesday, August 19, 7:00 p.m. Cabin Church near Beulaville • Washington, Martin, Tyrrell, and Pasquotank Counties Thursday, August 21, 7:00 p.m. First Church of Plymouth • Carteret County Friday, August 22, 7:00 p.m. Crab Point Church, Morehead City

For additional information, please contact Jean F. Ackiss, Director of Church Support, at (919) 658-7744 or <jfackiss@imo.edu>, or Sharlene Howell, Assistant Director of Church Support, at (919) 658-7786 or <showell@umo.edu>.

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COMING EVENTS at the University of Mount Olive August 25–October 12 Larry Lean Art Exhibition

Teresa Pelt Grubbs Art Gallery

August 21 27 Annual Michael Martin Golf Tournament th

Southern Wayne Country Club

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• Pamlico County Sunday, August 24, 3:00 p.m. Rock of Zion Church, Grantsboro • Wilson County Monday, August 25, 7:00 p.m. Daniels Chapel Church near Wilson • Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberland Counties Tuesday, August 26, 7:00 p.m. Oak Grove Church near Newton Grove • Craven County Thursday, August 28, 7:00 p.m. Saint Mary’s Church, New Bern • Johnston-Wake Counties Tuesday, September 2, 7:00 p.m. First Church of Smithfield

Contact: Neil Price at (919) 738-7072 or e-mail: <neil@friendlymartinc.com>

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Educational Opportunities Fall 2014 Openings are available for new students at all University of Mount Olive locations. If you are a recent high school graduate, a college transfer, or adult wishing to enter or complete college, UMO has a place for you. Visit <www.umo.edu> to learn about our programs at the associate, bachelor, and master’s degree levels. Click on admissions to choose the type of student you want to be—new freshman, new transfer, adult, online, military, MBA. Need help? Call 1-844-UMO-GOAL or contact Admissions at <admissions@umo.edu>. New Freshmen arrive on campus for orientation on Saturday, August 16, 2014, and New Transfer student orientation follows on Monday, August 18, 2014. Daytime students begin classes on Tuesday, August 19, 2014. To find out what you need to do to get enrolled, Call 1-844-UMO-GOAL or contact Admissions at <admissions@ umo.edu>. The deadline for enrollment for nontraditional accelerated classes, seated and online, is August 18, 2014, and classes begin the following week, August 25–28, 2014. With locations in Wilmington, Research Triangle Park (RTP), Mount Olive, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, New Bern, Washington, NC and online, there is a place for you at UMO. Check out the location nearest you to transform your life.

Student Volunteers The Management 311 students in Professor David Hill’s class at the University of Mount Olive recently volunteered their time with two area non-profit organizations. The purpose of the project was to give students real-world organizational experience. One group of students volunteered at Area Churches in Action located in Mount Olive. These students cleaned, organized and assisted with minor repairs of the facility. Another group of students volunteered at Saint Mary’s Soup Kitchen in Kinston. These students

helped prepare, serve lunch, organize the food pantry, and clean the facility. Pictured: Stephanie Matthews, Kenneth Colie, Wendy Wilkins, Cheryl Williams, Michelle Sutton, Gloria Borja, Carmen Hargrove, India Frett, Bryan Darden, Michael Garner, Alberta Dogbe, Zachary Peterson, Sara DeVane, Patricia Whaley, Rita Jones, Michael Moore, Keisiva Ward, Toby McIntyre, Lee Yarborough, Pauline Leonard, Patricia Johnson, and Pamela Rogers. Not pictured: Jessica Outlaw 11

2600 W. Vernon Avenue • Kinston, NC 28504 • (252) 526.9908

Home Missions & Evangelism 12

On Our Way (This article is derived from a series of messages named “On Our Journey to the Cross”) By The Reverend Tim Heath What is our value…our worth? Well, physically the sum of our parts really isn’t worth that much, really! Collectively—now that’s a different story—a story that begins with man being formed from the earth’s dirt and receiving the infilling breath of God to become a living soul. From that time forward our value should be estimated through the eyes of God. For example: What value would you assign to a pristinely restored vintage car? The ultimate answer is whatever some person would be willing to give or redeem it for. You see, through God’s eyes He valued you and I so much that He was will to give His only Son! He purchased—redeemed us—through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ at a great price. With that stated, I find it equally awesome that God knows my name. Isaiah 43:1 says: “…thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” For many of us the most logical response to the awareness of our great value is to submit our obedience to the one that redeemed us, yet we still stammer along not sure which step, what turn, or how far on our way through this journey we rush into the welcoming arms of Christ! Our decisions have a great deal to do with how much progress we make on our journey. The first great decision is to heed to the call to REPENT—to realize we are sinners and that we need a redeemed, and that redeemer is Jesus! To make the decision to turn away from our sinful nature and seek after the regenerative power of God’s grace is a step in the right direction. As that decision is made we quickly find ourselves being challenged by the knowledge and wisdom found within the pages of God’s Holy Scriptures. This knowledge builds within us a courage and conviction

that presses us forward to realize that we are bondservants of Christ. In Philippians, Paul reveals the results of a rightly focused child of God. In Philippians 1:21, Paul makes a profound announcement that should awaken the mind of every follower of Christ, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” The consecration of this servant of Christ is to know that he wins either way! If the servant of Christ lives then it is for the fruit of the spirit (v. 22) to reach others with the saving power of Christ, mend the broken hearted, set free the captive to sin and comfort the down trodden. Accordingly, Paul clarifies for us that we are not left here to fill OUR garages with bigger and nicer toys and belongings but to bless others! The hard part at this point is to decide which we would prefer—to be with Christ our Redeemer receiving the promised rewards of eternity, or stay here and participate in doing more for Christ thereby making a difference in lives that God intersects us with. Further down in that passage Paul digs a little deeper into our pride and concentrates on our focus. What are we focused on? Paul writes: “Nevertheless to (remain) in the flesh is more needful for you.” (v. 24) Our focus seems to be on how this all benefits self. Is the fruit of our labor going to be reflected in what is worn, driven, occupied, or spent? Our journey must be spent with our concentration being on how I can benefit others by God’s grace through me! When we understand our commission—our calling to that of a witness to the sovereign Redeemer, Christ our journey becomes more about the opportunities around us and less about the stress of our existence. I have often heard church leaders and others say I HAVE TO teach this study, preach this message, go to this place, or do that thing. When we realize we don’t “have to”…we get to do these things.

A Night with

David Ring Join us for a night of worship and special music with speaker David Ring! Come learn more about the upcoming L-14 Disability Summit with this special fundraising event!

Friday, October 10, 2014 @ 7:00 p.m. La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church La Grange, North Carolina Admission is Free; a Love Offering will be received for the L-14 Disability Summit. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact:

Reverend Scott Broadway (252) 286-7949

scott@wheelsonfireforchrist.com

I Am To Be Content I love my job. I love my coworkers. I love the experience my job is providing. And, I most definitely love my paycheck. However, this position I work now is not the position I aspire to work in as my career. My dream job and position is to be a pastor. In fact, it is so much more than a dream, it is a calling God has placed on my life. I am sure there is probably someone out there reading this, or who knows someone, who is not working in their dream job or achieved the ultimate calling God has placed on their life. But take heart, I know we are not alone. The Bible gives us instruction. In Philippians 4:11, Paul writes to the people of Philippi telling them that he is content no matter his situation. Now admittedly, Paul was more than likely living his dream job and fulfilling the calling God had placed on his life. In fact, Paul mentions several times in his letters that he loves doing the work of the Lord. Though Paul is speaking of a different earthly scenario about contentment, we can take a message from him since we all find ourselves on

the same stage of wanting or desiring something we cannot have or cannot yet reach. For me, it is my career and calling to be a pastor; for you it may be the same, similar, or completely different. The world is always telling us to chase our dreams and reach for the stars. But, what if our dreams are not the desires God has for us. Throughout my college experience I changed my major and concentration about 20 times—literally. It was not until I realized the plans God has for me that my education really started to come together. I desired to be so many different things that I was not seeing the one thing God desired for me. Once I surrendered to Him, He gave me full clarity. Now, I am working on my education but still have not reached the position I want and the position I know my God wants for me. What do I do? Give up? Curse God and die? Absolutely not! I find contentment in my situation. God would not have brought me to this job if He did not have something in store for me to

do here. There are a multitude of things I can do for God in the position I currently hold. But the number one thing I can do for God is to give Him thanks and honor Him. That’s what this whole ride is about anyway, right? Just as you, there are days where I long for something I cannot quite have yet. But I have to pray and get my mind right. I always tell myself, “God’s timing, not Andrew’s.” God places us all in certain areas and places for a reason. While this is a time of waiting for me and maybe for you, too, seek God’s will. Ask Him to reveal to you what He would have you do in the place you are in right now. Like I previously said, I love my job. I truly do. But I want to be a pastor and I am not yet there. So while I wait for my opportunity—while I wait for God’s timing—I will make the most of where I am. Find contentment in your situation, no matter the scenario or the stage you play on. You will never be able to honor God while you are sour about where He has currently placed you.

Andrew Mozingo resides in Winterville, North Carolina and is employed with the Free Will Baptist Press. He is studying religion with a concentration on Christian Ministries as a student of Liberty University Online in Lynchburg, Virginia. After finishing his bachelor’s degree with LUO, he plans to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for further training. His aspirations are to become a youth pastor and eventually hold a full-time pastoral position. Andrew is engaged to Michaela Dixon of Kinston, North Carolina with a wedding date set for fall 2015.

Church & Ministry Positions Available • Hickory Chapel Church in Ahoskie, NC, is seeking a full-time pastor. For more information, contact Sandy White by phone at (252) 395-1025 or by e-mail at <bands1@centurylink.net>. You may send résumés to: Hickory Chapel Church, Attn: Sandy White, 531 NC 561 W, Ahoskie, NC 27910. • Ordained Minister (38 years experience) is seeking opportunities to serve. Will fill in for vacations, sickness, interim, or pastoral. Available now. Please contact: Braxton Carter at (919) 553-7246 [H] or (919) 868-5923 [M] or by e-mail at <preacherbrack@aol.com>. 14

Farewell to a Cragmont Friend

On June 11th we were honored to have the funeral service for Mrs. Frances Sneed in the Cragmont chapel. The service was the Cragmont staff’s gift to Frances and her family. John presented a beautiful message, Cragmont’s two Daniels helped carry her to her final earthly resting place, Monty played a collection of old hymns ending with “The Cragmont Song” and John and Monty sang. In conclusion Cragmont did what FWB truly do well, we joined with the family in fellowship meal in the dining room and kitchen that will always know her wonderful presence. For Miss Frances, working at Cragmont was a family affair, as through the years her family became a part of the extended Cragmont family. Her son Alan worked in the Cragmont store, her granddaughter Amber still works on weekends and many of you know her daughter Brenda who works in the kitchen. Miss Frances began her commitment to Cragmont

The Cragmont Blessing Game

Cragmont Assembly

As long as there has been a Cragmont there has been the huge poplar tree at the campfire area. It has silently spoken of God’s beautiful creation during morning devotions, shaded afternoon fun time activities and through its leafy boughs we have gazed at God’ Amazing star-studded sky during campfires. This spring its branches failed to bud and leaf. It did not become that wonderful canopy of green gently swaying in the breeze and furiously dancing to stormy gusts. There was no doubt our great old friend had made its final journey to God’s eternal “tree heaven.” (If God’s people go to Heaven why not His trees?) Thanks to some “mighty fine” Cragmont friends, Joe and Angela Mattox, Neal Cox and Kevin Poplin, and the craftsmanship needed for cutting down the tree was provided at no cost. The limbs and top of the tree have been cleared away and at the time of this writing the huge circular hunks of the massive trunk are being split for firewood. These huge rounds of tree trunk provided a wonderful place for campers to climb over and sit on during busy camp days. If by any chance you make it to Cragmont for a visit before all the wood is removed, take a moment or two to sit on a hunk of history and remember the past and dream of the future of Cragmont.

as a summer employee during her time off from the Black Mountain Primary School cafeteria. She baked countless delicious apple cakes and cheese biscuits for Cragmont campers. She will be remembered as part of the Cragmont kitchen each time we opt to serve from the pot in which the food was cooked (which she would never allow us to do.) She will come to mind every time the trashcan is overly full because of her tendency to leave no empty space in a trash bag. Someone in the kitchen will invariably say, “Miss Frances has been in the kitchen,” as they struggle to remove the bag. My favorite memory is the time she was carrying the potatoes to the serving line and slipped and spilled the potatoes. We were all concerned about injuries and possible burns but she was concerned about having enough potatoes for the meal. Jesus multiplying the fish and bread had nothing on Cragmont because Frances always said He multiplied the potatoes that night. She was love personified. She never baked a pan of brownies that a small amount wasn’t cooked separately without nuts for a very special little girl. That small gift of brownies without nuts speaks of her greatness in this world. She taught each of us who knew her to give what you can to make this world a happier place for someone else. No matter how small the gift, if it is filled with your love, it will stretch through the years never ending.

1233 North Fork Road • Black Mountain, NC 28711 • (828) 669.7677 • www.cragmontassembly.com

Farewell to a Familiar Friend

Everyone has spent time counting their blessings. This summer the kitchen staff has developed their version of this activity. The best “blessing” so far came from Brenda. On Friday after lunch she stated the invention of pizza was a blessing. This blessing was not based on her love for pizza because she does not like pizza at all. The concept of pizza’s invention being a blessing is build upon the fact that on most Fridays during summer camp we serve pizza to the campers and if we serve pizza Brenda does not have to work that meal. So it’s a blessing! The kitchen staff has had some very convoluted blessings but this one wins.

Correction:

The gift of new towels for Cragmont listed in our May article was from Lorraine Hines of the First OFWB Church of Greenville. 15

Remembering My Grandfather At breakfast this morning my husband Paul and I talked about gardening. I related the story of how my loving grandfather, Ed Hill of Ayden, North Carolina, carefully planted tomatoes for me when I was about 10 years old. I had had a tomato crop the year before, and I had done all the labor myself, but this time my 67-year-old grandfather bent low to the ground and carefully planted a dozen tomato plants for me, sparing me the work. I was a sensitive child. I understood that my grandfather wanted to do something nice for me, and so I didn’t tell him— ever—that I actually wanted to do all the work myself. Paul said, “He loved you.” And I nodded. My grandfather asked only one thing of me in all my years with him, and he lived to be 92, dying painlessly of pneumonia

when I was 36. He said to me every time I left him to return home, “Be sweet!” and he gave me a great big bear hug. My grandfather was the only family member who never asked me to achieve. My other much-loved family wanted me to make good grades, to develop my talents, to get in a good college, to get a master’s degree—but my grandfather just said, over and over, “Be sweet.” When Paul and I went through my mother’s house in Zebulon, after she relocated to Oxford, Mississippi (where we live), we found—carefully saved—my grandfather’s wallet. It had his personal papers, including his driver’s license, and so there was no doubt that it was his. It had two other things we discovered—a small picture of me at age 16, a junior in high school; and, tucked away in a secret compartment, a $50 bill.

I like to think that he left that money to me, so that I would never run out of money. I have that $50 bill still, the very same one. And I have not run out of money. Looking back, I own a charm bracelet given me by my family about the same time that the picture of me in high school was taken. One charm was paid for by my grandfather—a carefully folded $1 bill in a silver box. My mother always said that that charm from my grandfather was given me so I would always have some money. With inflation, maybe the $1 somewhat needed to be augmented by the $50, now, almost 50 years later. The money from my grandfather is not important. His constant refrain of “Be sweet!” still echoes in my memory.

A former religion librarian at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Celia now lives with her husband Paul in Oxford, Mississippi. She was previously employed at both the Free Will Baptist Press and Mount Olive College (now known as the University of Mout Olive).

 Joyful Junction Shopping Spree      Free Union OFWB Church 2535 Firetower Road • Walstonburg, NC September 6, 2014 • 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Specialty Vendors • Bake Sale • Local Crafts Lunch Will Be Available.

SUNDAY

September 21, 2014 This is the single largest annual community outreach event in the United States. It is geared toward sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ to everyone in America. It is in its sixth year. This campaign empowers the church and its membership to witness to everyone through different community activities sponsored by the church.

Sunday School Ministry

CHURCH

P. O. Box 39 • Ayden, NC 28513 • (252) 746.4963 • www.ofwbsundayschool.org

National BACK TO

Visit the website: BACKTOCHURCH.COM

P. O. Box 39 • Ayden, NC 28513 • (252) 746.4963 • www.ofwbi.org

OFWB International

å A Tribute to z

Mrs. Lucy Ann Timmons July 6, 1926–June 23, 2014

Mrs. Lucy Ann Timmons went to be with the Lord on June 23, 2014. She would have reached 88 years, if she had lived until July 6. Mrs. Timmons was a wonderful lady who loved and served the Lord all her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. J. E. Timmons, in November 1981. This couple was the pioneer missionaries for the Original Free Will Baptists work in Mexico. They started the work in Piedras Negras in 1963 and the work continues today. After Mr. Timmons death, Mrs. Timmons thought her missionary service had ended. When we started the Short Term Missions Program in 1995, Mrs. Timmons was asked to join us and she was delighted. It became her life. She told Sandra that when I called her it was like taking a double handful of cold water and splashing on your face and head on a hot summer day and letting it drip over your whole body. It was so refreshing. The Short Term Team ministry refreshed her soul. She served as translator for the Vacation Bible Schools and Women’s Bible Studies. She was always very expressive and always made sure that the children and ladies fully understood the lessons. She loved to go to Camp Morelos, a campsite in the desert, where accommodations were rather crude, but she loved it. Many times we would see her calling a child aside and giving them a pair of socks, or notebook paper, or pencils. She was always sharing the love of Jesus with others. It was a joy to serve with her. She loved the Mexican people and they loved her. She never complained no matter how bad she might feel. She was one of the most humble persons I have ever met. She thanked us over and over again for allowing her to join us in this ministry. We also thanked her, because she was such a vital part of the teams. Micah 6:8 comes to mind when I think of Mrs. Timmons. This verse reads, “…what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Mrs. Timmons lived this verse. Great is her reward and she is now rejoicing with the One who loved her and died for her and surely she has heard these words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” The funeral for Mrs. Timmons was held in Laredo, Texas on June 26, 2014. I attended to represent the Board of Foreign Missions and all Free Will Baptists who loved and appreciated her. — Harold Jones —

å A Tribute to z

Mrs. Lucy Ann Timmons Medellin OFWBC Philippines BY The Rev. Camilo T. Pestano

We continue to aid people who were affected by Typhoon Yolanda that struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013. These pictures are of the house construction for Sister Lorna, a member of the Medellin OFWB Church (her home was totally destroyed). The roofing is almost done. We would like to thank God for Brothers and Sisters in Christ for extending God’s hands to help Typhoon Yolanda victims. Through your giving we were able to purchase the needed construction materials. Thank God for Nehemiah Builders (skilled members of the church). They are all volunteers, giving their skills and even their time in rebuilding this home. To God be the glory. 19

P. O. Box 39 • Ayden, NC 28513 • (252) 746.4963 • www.ofwb.org

Convention News 20

Strategic Planning An Exciting Approach to the Future I hope that by the time you begin to read this that you have already heard about our Convention’s recent support for measures that are intended to enhance and grow our denomination. There is sufficient data that supports the notion that we do not need to postpone the implementation of a plan to expand the influence of the Original Free Will Baptist church. Since our break away from the National Association our membership level is essentially unchanged. Over that same period of time the population of our state has more than doubled. Strategic planning is not a foreign or novel concept. We all do it on a regular basis. It is simply the act of choosing a course of action. If you have children you have or will aid in their plans for college, or marriage, or any of the other important events that are a part of their life. Building or buying a new home or car requires planning. Retirement requires planning. Even the act of writing your last will and testament is part of a strategic plan. We can see the value of a strategic plan by studying the scriptures. First the Garden of Eden, later a Tabernacle in the wilderness, later still a temple, then the ultimate – a cross and a resurrection. What a plan! The task force has been working diligently to facilitate a method to begin the process that will lead to a strategic plan. At this point we have scheduled several meetings at various locations to garner the thoughts of our membership regarding the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) that currently exist. This information will

be gathered primarily from our “pew” for the purpose of initiating a strategic plan that will allow our denomination to not just remain, but to remain as a more vibrant and growing force for the kingdom. The meetings are “pewbased” in the sense that we are seeking mass input of our lay people [as well as our professional leaders]. The task force is comprised of lay people. That being said, ministers must be a part of this process. This process will take all of us giving all we can. Meetings are being planned in each conference by the conference representative on the SPTF.

The meetings will be structured as follows: • Individual assessments will be completed by all respondents, clergy and lay persons. • Individual assessments will be collected and small groups will be formed in break-out sessions. Segregation into small break-out groups will place all ministers together, all youth together and non-clergy adults by age groups. • Each small group will discuss the assessment with the intent of reaching a corporate assessment that represents the group. • The task force is currently considering the age group definitions. • Following the break-out session, all groups will come together again, and the spokesperson for each group will report its corporate assessment. Governance for the meetings has not been finalized.

We currently have scheduled the following dates, times, and places along with conference representatives and their contact information. Albemarle Conference James Cahoon • (252) 796-7676 jamescahoon@gmail.com • Union Chapel OFWB, Plymouth Saturday September 6 @ 9:30 a.m. Cape Fear Conference Angela Warren • (910) 591-7856 awarren@harnett.org • Robert’s Grove OFWB, Dunn Sunday August 17 @ 7:00 p.m. • Robert’s Grove OFWB, Dunn Tuesday September 9 @ 7:00 p.m.

Central Conference Genevieve Taylor • (252) 531-3939 genevieve.taylor@hotmail.com • Free Union OFWB, Walstonburg Tuesday September 9 @ 7:00 p.m. • First OFWB, Greenville Thursday September 11 @ 7:00 p.m.

Pee Dee Association Danny McPherson • (910) 840-6225 dmcpherson@horrycountyschools.net • Beaverdam OFWB, Chadbourn Sunday September 14 @ 3:00 p.m.

Eastern Conference Pam Braxton • (252) 568-4641 pambraxton@suddenlink.net • Deep Run OFWB Church, Deep Run Monday July 28 @ 6:30 p.m. • Antioch OFWB, New Bern Thursday August 28 @ 6:30 p.m.

Western Conference Ed Croom • (919) 291-8969 edcroom@gmail.com Rick Watson • (919) 901-7852 rw@rwats.com • Pleasant Hill OFWB, Pikeville Tuesday September 2 @ 6:30 p.m. • Milbournie OFWB, Wilson Thursday September 25 @ 7:00 p.m.

You are invited to attend the meeting place that suits you best regardless of your personal conference membership. Please know that we have no agenda other than to assist with a strategic plan for the growth of our denomination. We are not about trying to influence any policies of the Convention, any conference, any church, any ministry, any minister, or group. That being said, if the process deems the will of its members necessitates change then some policies may be revised. That would constitute a result of the people, not the intent of the SPTF. A review of our membership numbers from 1964 (29,447) to 2011 (29,156) indicates no growth. North Carolina’s population according to census records in 1960 was 4,556,155. 2010 census records indicate our state’s population to be 9,535,483. Statistically we have remained flat while our state has grown by more than 100%. According to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management the projected population of our state in 2034 is placed at 11,979,767. Our denomination is diverse in the fact that we have pockets of a conservative mindset, pockets of a liberal mindset, and pockets somewhere in between. Nothing in the work of the SPTF seeks to change that. • Is it fair to say that our numbers represent similar successes and failures regardless of our mindset?

• Is it fair to say that the implementation of a strategic plan in 1990 could have yielded us greater impact today? • Is it fair to suggest that the implementation of a strategic plan going forward can provide those who follow us with a road map to greater success than they will realize in the absence of such a plan? Your involvement with this process is essential to the implementation of a viable strategic plan. Currently your assistance is needed most to support the creation of the SPTF and encourage your congregation to engage the process. We hope to build a substantial mailing list, but that will not ensure that you will receive our correspondence. Talk it up with your congregation. Let them know the benefits of strategic planning. Find the positives in this effort. Include your youth. Exercise your position as a member of the “pew” to encourage those with whom you fellowship to participate in one of the meetings.

— Thank you — Rick Watson

OFWB Strategic Planning Task Force

AUGUST is OFWB Convention Promotion Month August 24 is Heritage Sunday. Say “Thank You” to your Headquarters through your fervent prayers and with a generous support offering. 21

with David Morrow

Sitting With Job Please allow me to begin this article with a personal story. When I was around 5 or 6 years of age, I enjoyed spending time with my Dad. He was a pastor of a church, and was well respected in the community. We lived in a church parsonage, and I would often walk across the yard to go see Dad while he was in his office at the church. I usually wanted him to come play baseball with me. Many times he would. Sometimes he needed to go make “visits” and he allowed me to go with him on most occasions. These visits were in hospital rooms, nursing homes, and private homes. Dad always told me what to expect. I completely trusted my Dad and knew that I was safe. Sometimes we went to the homes of elderly individuals who were not able to come to church. Those people loved it when Dad would come, but they usually asked where I was if I were not with him. Once Dad and I went to visit a lady, and I had not been with him on the most recent visit. She jokingly told me that she told Dad, at the end of that previous visit, that he should not come back without me. Other times we went to the homes of individuals that had a loved one who had recently passed away. Many times I knew the person who had died. I remember him saying, “Now, we are going to see the family, and there

may be people crying, but it will be ok. You can cry too if you want to. We need to be with this family and see if we can help.” Dad and I would walk into the home and the people would just start to smile, even if they were also crying. Dad and I did not say anything that caused them to smile in the middle of their struggle. It was just the fact that we chose to come. Looking back now, I will always be grateful to my Dad because I never developed a fear of being with people who are suffering. I also realize that an individual’s presence with someone who is suffering or struggling is much more valuable than anything the person can say. Dr. Leigh Conver was one of my pastoral counseling professors in seminary. He used to say, “Job had three friends. They did great for a week, and then opened their mouths and messed it all up.” For that week, they just sat with him. Every individual has experiences in life that are real life struggles. Sometimes those difficulties are experiences that the individuals create; some are the results of the actions of other people, or struggles that happen accidentally or by some genetically pre-dispositional illnesses. When situations like that occur, often times others want to go and see that

person to provide support. Yet, they do not because they don’t know what to say. As long as a person does not say anything that is rude or completely inappropriate, what that person has to say is not that important. We probably cannot answer the difficult questions about why things happen any more than Job’s friends could. Only God can say, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the world?” The goal of your visit is to give a person comfort, a sense of belonging, and the assurance that he or she is not struggling alone. The presence of another person is what provides that, and not what that individual has to say. In our society today, we have millions of people in long-term care nursing facilities. Statistically, 85% of those, who do not have family members that live close by, almost never have visitors. Be encouraged not to worry about what you might need to say, and just go to see someone who is struggling whether that individual is in a nursing home or is a friend who lives nearby. Once you get past the fear of seeing someone struggle, your presence will give him or her joy that he or she cannot get any other place. You also will have “peace that passes all understanding” because God will use your presence as an instrument of healing.

David Morrow is a graduate of Campbell University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned a Master’s of Divinity in pastoral counseling. His is a licensed marriage and family therapist and also an ordained minister. He has 23 years of experience in the mental health field and works for CareNet Counseling East. His offices are located in Greenville, and Kinston, North Carolina. In his spare time, he enjoys playing music, spending time with his family, and playing golf.

with Nora Koonce Avery

That One Soul My friend, Tammie, is one of the most giving individuals that I know. Three years ago, she heard about an elderly gentleman that needed too much care to live alone, but didn’t want to go into assisted living. He was the friend of a friend, and Tammie felt that attending for this man was something the Lord was leading her to do. “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:” Matthew 25:35 After clearing it with her husband, Chuck moved in with them. From the start, there were problems. Chuck’s speech was peppered with profanity and blasphemy. She calmly explained to Chuck that the kind of language he was using wasn’t allowed in their home. There wasn’t a change overnight, but gradually Chuck started apologizing after his outbursts. Then one day Tammie realized it had been a while since she had heard him curse. Chuck had suffered terribly in his life. He had been seriously injured in the Vietnam War, and untold terrors dogged his sleep from post traumatic stress disorder. Screaming out in terror during the night and even during daytime naps was a normal occurrence, but Tammie learned by trial and error what worked best to make it easier for Chuck to recover from them.

One way that helped with this problem was to avoid violent or disturbing TV shows. That ruled out most of the evening news. This didn’t eliminate the problem, but helped to lessen the effects. Tammie makes a habit of reading from Psalms every morning, and Chuck took notice of this. One morning she had neglected her quiet time and Chuck reminded her, “Aren’t you going to read something?” Then he started joining in with her morning devotions. The first chapter she read to him was Psalms 37. He started asking questions, wanting to learn more about her God (Chuck was a worshiper of Buddha). One day during a discussion about spiritual matters he told her that he didn’t have a soul. Tammie explained to him that everyone has a soul. She reminded him that he knew how to show love to others, and that proved it. He asked her how she knew God existed, and she took him outside where there was a breeze blowing. She explained that the wind cannot be seen, its effects could only be felt, and that faith is what gives us the assurance that the wind exists. She told Chuck that it’s the same way with God. There is evidence everywhere of His existence, and faith is believing in that existence as fact. He then said, “But I don’t know how to

pray.” Sensing that Chuck’s wall of defense against all things Christian was starting to crumble, she explained that praying to God was just like a dialogue with a friend. She took his hand and prayed a simple prayer to demonstrate. She explained that there is no right or wrong way to commune with our Heavenly Father; and that one only had to ask for forgiveness to be assured of eternity in Heaven. After this discourse, she began to see a change in Chuck’s demeanor. At dinner, he made sure no one started eating before Tammie had a chance to say the blessing. Then one day he confided that he prayed to God every night. It was then that she realized Chuck no longer suffered from nightmares. Restful sleep was restored to him, after enduring a lifetime of flashbacks from his wartime service. Chuck’s birthday was coming up, and Tammie asked him what he wanted for his gift. His answer was a Bible. She got him an easy-to-understand version and had his name engraved on it as a tangible connection to the true God that he now worshiped. A few weeks ago, Chuck became seriously ill and passed away after a short hospital stay. Chuck is now in the presence of the Lord that he didn’t believe in three years ago, all because someone cared about what happened to that one soul.

Nora grew up in Trenton, NC and now resides with her husband, Eddie, in Cove City, NC. They are members of Wintergreen OFWB Church, and she serves as the Woman’s Auxiliary Vice President. She and Eddie have two sons and three grandchildren. Nora enjoys photography and reading.

P. O. Box 249 • Middlesex, NC 27557 • (252) 235.2161 • www.fwbchildrenshome.org

Children’s Home

Congratulations Graduates On June 8th, a graduation service was held along with the evening worship service. This year we celebrate the graduation of four young adults. The graduates marched in and were seated up front, awaiting the message from Pastor Richard. One of the graduates, Rae Rae shared a brief speech that she had prepared for her upcoming school graduation service. Following the service, refreshments were served in Heritage Hall, where each graduate had his or her very own cake they could share with those who wanted to stop by a speak with them. A sheet cake had also been provided to share with the group, along with other goodies. We are proud of our graduates and we wish them well on their future endeavors.

Reception Held for Pastor Richard Cuddington It was somewhat bittersweet as children and staff gathered in Heritage Hall for a reception with Pastor Richard Cuddington. Mr. Richard greeted everyone as they entered the building. Refreshments were served while the children and staff mingled and talked with Mr. Richard and his family. The reception was being held to show appreciation for Pastor Richard for what he had done for the children and staff of the Home during his ministry here. Staff and children took the opportunity to express their appreciation for the special attention and help he had given them during his time at the Home. Pastor Richard has been called to be senior pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church in Wilson.

Children’s Home Visitors

“June is Busting Out All Over” at the FWBCH with graduation events, church visits, “For Girls Only” and “For Guys Only” along with the Middlesex Pool opening; summer is in full swing. We still have time for visits from our church friends and time to go visit. Lisa Godwin and son Jackson brought food items from the elementary children of Union Chapel OFWB Church near Middlesex. Lisa’s husband Eric had brought a needs list back from the Convention. Since Lisa was looking for a project for the children, it worked out well. The children got the adults involved and it became a church project too. They collected enough items for each of the five cottages to receive two large bags. Thanks guys, and children, keep up the good work. On June 29, we had “Fun Day” 2014 at St. Mary’s OFWB Church near Benson. This was another great event for the children and staff of the Home. The theme for the day was prayer and began with music and prayer in the sanctuary followed by opportunities to pick “fun” things to do, like having funny photos made, cooking desserts in the kitchen, playing games outside, etc. A break in the afternoon included watermelon, (yes, a seed spitting contest added some culture), boys played basketball, while others rested. A Bible trivia game was enjoyed by all; we all got some correct and winners received prizes. Following, was a delicious dinner of grilled chicken, hash brown casserole, garden peas, rolls, strawberry salad and lots of delicious desserts, including ice cream, cookies and the rice crispy treats that were made earlier in the afternoon. We concluded with prayer leaving our requests with St. Mary’s Grove and taking their requests with us. The youth took this opportunity to present their Change for Children offering for the Home. Thank you St. Mary’s Grove for everything. 25

Book reviews in this column are not meant to reflect any theological or political positions.

Marcus J. Borg, Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power and How They Can Be Restored New York: Harper One, 2011. 248 pages. ISBN 978-0-06-197655-1.

Another Look at Christian Words The Christian Language As the Canon Theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, Marcus J. Borg finds himself interested in studying the more ancient and perhaps more “authentic” (2) meanings of Christian words so that the Christian words in our vocabulary may be seen in “their ancient historical contexts” (27). Borg grew up in the Scandinavian Lutheran Church and was quite aware of Martin Luther’s use of Christian words and of the power of the metaphor in Christian language. Such a language has a history that is “perceptive, persuasive, and powerful” (19). This language reveals “insights about the human condition” in order to create an awakening in the way we “experience our lives” (19). Christian language points to a “way of life centered in God and God’s passion for a different kind of world” (20). Christian language “continues to be a sacrament of the sacred, a means of grace, a way the Spirit of God speaks to us, a vehicle whereby our lives are changed” (20). Among the Christian words of great interest to Borg are these: 1) Salvation, 2) God, 3) Jesus, 4) Sin, 5) Repentance, 6) Forgiveness, 7) Faith, 8) Born Again, 9) Mercy, and 10) Trinity.

Salvation According to Borg, the first biblical framework that shaped the meaning of salvation dates back to the “story of the exodus from Egypt” (39) in the Old Testament. The story is set “in the thirteenth century BCE” (39) and tells the narrative of the enslavement of the Israelites to Egypt’s Pharaoh and their liberation from bondage under the leadership of Moses. The words salvation, saved, and savior involve liberation from bondage and nothing about an afterlife. This liberation is threefold: liberation from economic, political, and religious bondage (40–41). Borg traces the Christian word salvation to the meaning of a return from exile, the Jews exiled in Babylonia for about 50 years until the Persian Cyrus conquered Babylon and allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland. The return from exile makes God’s presence as a Savior whose love and assurance is with the exiles returning home. Salvation becomes liberation, deliverance, and rescue—all as a way to enter “a life covenanted with God” (45). Borg insists: “Salvation is about deliverance and transformation” (45). 26

The meaning of transformation in salvation appears in numerous images—from being blind to seeing again, from being dead to rising again in life, from overcoming fear and anxiety to trusting in God, from seeking peace and justice. These reflect the liberation of salvation within a Christian whose life is transformed. Salvation as liberation from bondage, as a return to home from exile, and as an inner transformation all point to a “reconnection to what matters, a center of meaning and purpose—to God” (52). Borg adds: “Salvation is liberation from the Pharaoh within as well as from the Pharaoh without” (52). In essence the meaning of salvation is twofold—transformation within our world outside and within our world inside.

God, Jesus, The Trinity God is central to Christianity and Christians have viewed God as Spirit, Creator, Father, Judge, and Redeemer. The word God also refers “to a sacred presence all around us—a reality that is more than the space-time world of matter and energy, even as it is also present everywhere and permeates everything in the space-time world” (65). In the language of Paul, God is seen in Acts 17:28 as “the one in whom we live and move and have our being” (69). Borg explains: “We are in God. We live within God. We move within God. We have our being within God” (69). Third-century Irenaeus wrote: “God contains everything and is contained by nothing” (70). Paul Tillich spoke of God as the Ground of Being. To Borg, God affirms that reality is “ultimately a sacred reality” (71). God is both transcendent and immanent which means to Borg that “God is more than the universe” and that “God is everywhere” (72). God as a presence is personal. When Moses asked the name of God, the response from the burning bush was, “I AM WHO I AM” (74). Mystics have declared that God is “beyond all language” (74). The Old Testament and New Testament present God as passionate “about personal behavior” (81), wishing for liberation from bondage, for a return to a relationship to His presence, for a world with justice, peace, and well being. Enter Jesus, the “decisive revelation of God” (86). Borg sees the “pre-Easter Jesus” (86) as an historical figure, “born around 4 BCE and crucified around 30 CE” (86). The Gospels combine “memory and testimony” (88) of the historical Jesus while the “post-Easter Jesus” (88) develops the

“abiding presence” (88) of Jesus, giving him titles such as “Messiah,” “Lord,” “Bread of Life,” “Son of God,” “Word of God,” “Light of the World” (89). Jesus becomes the “decisive revelation of God” (90). The word Messiah refers to the “one anointed by God for a special role” (94). The title Son of God refers to a Jewish holy man in an “intimate relationship with God” (95). The phrase “Jesus is Lord” refers in a Roman context as a title of the emperor but in the Jewish context as the one who is the “revelation of God” (95). Savior points to the liberation from bondage. The Trinity as a doctrine was formulated in the Nicene Creed in A.D. 325 when God was seen in three ways—God as creator, God as known in Jesus, and God as the Holy Spirit (203). In A.D. 1054, Christianity split over the way God is known. In the Western church, the Holy Spirit “proceeds” from the “Father and the Son.” In the Eastern church, the Holy Spirit “proceeds” from only “the Father” (214).

Sin, Repentance, Forgiveness Borg clarifies the difference between sin in the singular and sins in the plural. Sin in the singular is “a power that holds us in bondage” (147) and separates us from God, making us captives, prisoners, and trapped both in an external world and an internal world. Sin becomes pride, a centering of life upon the self rather than the liberation of centering a life upon God. Borg notes that sins or acts that keep us in bondage flow from sin in the singular. Only as man develops a deeper “centering on God” can he confront sin in the singular, which centers upon the self. Enter repentance, which means “to turn, to return” (158), that is to make a journey back to the Holy Land where God is, to turn around and return to God. Repentance is all about change, about turning around, about going beyond “the mind that we have” (159) and seeing “things in a new way” (159). God’s forgiveness exists and we “are forgiven, accepted by God” (155), because “God’s love, God’s grace, God’s forgiveness” (155) is given. We too can forgive and then participate in “God’s passion for transformation” (156) in liberating us from the bondage of our past, of our society, and of ourselves.

Faith, Born Again, Mercy The ancient meaning of faith goes back to the Latin words fidelitas and fiducia. The word fidelitas translates as “fidelity” or “faithfulness” (121). Borg suggests thinking of what faithfulness might mean in a human relationship. Would faithfulness not mean “commitment, loyalty, allegiance, and attentiveness” (121)? The word fiducia translates as “trust” (121). Faith in God means then trust in God, making anxiety the opposite of faith. With a “deeper

centering in God,” faith becomes commitment, allegiance, trust, attentiveness, and loyalty to God. The word “believe” is from the Old English be loef, which translates as “to hold dear” (118) or to belove. Belief then becomes the will “to belove Jesus” (119), loving with the heart. To be born again is what Borg calls “a powerful metaphor for the transformation at the center of the Christian life” (167). The phrase appears in the story of the Pharisee Nicodemus who comes to Jesus in the dark of the night who wants to know what it means to be born again ( John 3:1–10). Jesus insists that to be born again or born from above or born anew means to be “born of the Spirit” (168), to be transformed from an old life not centered in God to a new life centered in God. This new life centered in God brings a new vision of the world where the Spirit of God is the center of existence. This inner transformation is translated into an outer transformation. To be born again, Borg insists, “describes our transformation and, ultimately, the transformation of the world, for those who are born of the Spirit of God as known in Jesus share God’s passion for a more just and peaceful world” (169). To Borg, the word mercy implies a position of power and a wrongdoing. The punitive possibility of power is turned into an act of mercy in forgiving the offender. There is a hardness in the word mercy which the word compassion does not have. Borg prefers the word compassion over the word mercy. Why? The Latin roots of the word compassion translate as “to feel with” (127). The Hebrew world for compassion points to the womb. Borg explains: “To be compassionate is to be womb-like: life-giving, nourishing, perhaps embracing and encompassing. To be compassionate is to feel for another the way a mother feels for the children of her womb; she loves them, wills their well-being, and sometimes becomes fierce when their well-being is threatened” (127). Borg prefers to translate the word mercy as compassion in Exodus 2:23–25 where the Jews groaned but God felt mercy. In the parable of the blind beggar in Mark 10:46–52, Borg prefers the translation—”Have compassion on me” (129). In the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29–37, Borg prefers the translation of the one who did the right thing as the one who showed him compassion (129). Borg insists: “Mercy is a reactive virtue; we are called to be merciful on those occasions when we have been wronged. Compassion covers a much larger area of life, indeed, all of life; we are to be compassionate” (130). Borg adds: “God is not primarily a threatening judge to whom we appeal for mercy, but a life-giving and nourishing reality who wills our well-being and the well-being of the whole of creation, just as a mother wills the well-being of the children of her womb” (131).

Pepper Worthington was born in Kinston, NC, and married an OFWB retired minister, Michael Gauker Warning, in 1996. The Rev. Warning served as pastor to Free Union OFWB at Sea Level, NC. She received her B.A. degree cum laude at Meredith College in 1965, her M.L.A. degree at Johns Hopkins University in 1969, and her Ph.D. with Phi Kappa Phi honors at the University of Maryland at College Park in 1976. She has been a professor of English at Mount Olive College since 1979. She is also currently the director of the Mount Olive College Press.

P. O. Box 210 • Mount Olive, NC 28365-0210 • (919) 6 58.5250 • admin@ncfcm.org • rwarren@ncfcm.org

NC Foundation for Christian Ministries

The Emmitt E. & Carolyn A. Jones Endowment Fund Introduction

The Reverend Emmitt E. Jones and his wife Carolyn A. Jones of Goldsboro have established an endowment with the North Carolina Foundation for Christian Ministries. The purpose of the fund is to provide a perpetual source of funding to help Blended Fellowship, a Cape Fear Conference mission church for both hearing and deaf worshippers and Cragmont Assembly, the denominational retreat center in Black Mountain, NC.

Background

Jones, a pastor for 45 years, first heard about the Foundation when Dr. Burkette Raper began the work in 2005. He became interested in the work the Foundation was doing to help support Blended Fellowship and saw the possibility of continuing the support he and his wife were already providing to the mission by establishing an endowment. The couple began the endowment with a donation of their Duke Energy stock that Mr. Jones had acquired through his 40 years of service to that company. Such a plan for giving is often used to maximize the effectiveness of the gift while minimizing potential tax burdens to the donors.

The Future

Next year the endowment fund will begin distributing funds annually to the named beneficiaries, fulfilling the wishes of the donors to be of benefit to others long after their passing. But the couple was not satisfied with these efforts alone. They have now made plans to give an additional gift to the fund through their estate.

Planned Gifts

Many Christians support their church and other favorite charities faithfully throughout their lifetime. However, for some reason, most Christians do not remember to give at the most important time, at the settling of their estate. Dr. Raper once said that an estate represented all that God had blessed a person with during his or her lifetime beyond what that person actually needed. Estate gifts are usually the largest and most effective gifts a person will ever make and estate gifts do not put any financial burden on the living donor. 28

The Reverend Emmitt E. Jones and his wife Carolyn A. Jones. Mr. Jones has been the pastor of Bethel OFWB Church in the Cape Fear Conference for 30 years.

Creating a Plan

There are many who could benefit from the peace and joy of knowing that they are leaving behind a lasting legacy. Endowments are a wonderful way to secure that legacy, but for many, financial limits make it difficult to give large gifts. The Foundation can assist in such circumstances by creating a plan for effective future giving that will have little or no effect on the living donor. If you or your family would like to know more about establishing a plan to leave a lasting legacy, please contact the Foundation today at (919) 658-5250 or <rwarren@ ncfcm.org>. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian organization; all contributions to the Foundation are taxdeductible.

The Foundation gratefully acknowledges these gifts given during June of 2014 in honor or memory of those listed.

• In Memory of • W. Burkette Raper

By Mr. and Mrs. Mike Buddin

Donald Thomas Buddin

By Mr. and Mrs. Mike Buddin

Ms. Lottie Pollard

The NC Foundation for Christian Ministries Remembers

Dr. William Burkette Raper September 10, 1927—August 1, 2011

The W. Burkette and Rose M. Raper Endowment for Educational and Charitable Purposes

By The Reverend Frank Harrison and Ms. Barbara Lancaster

Mrs. Peggy Chalk

By Rooty Branch Church Ladies Auxiliary

Shepherd’s Fund Scholarship Applications for Fall 2014 are due August 31.

• In Honor of • Mrs. Mary Moore Dudley

By OFWB Sunday School Board

Mrs. Berta Edwards

By Ms. Dianne B. Riley

Dr. Marilyn Benton

By Ms. Dianne B. Riley

Eligible applicants must:

1. Be a student or graduate of an accredited college or university.

Ms. Judith Kennedy

2. If in graduate level study, be enrolled at an ATS (Association of Theological Schools) accredited Divinity School or Seminary (NOTE: preference will be given to students participating in the partnership between Campbell University Divinity School and the University of Mount Olive).

Mr. James Cahoon

3. Have a letter of recommendation from the Original Free Will Baptist Church of which he or she is a member in good standing (signed by Clerk and Deacon Chair).

Mr. Eugene Jernigan

4. Licensed or ordained ministers must have a letter of recommendation from their ordaining council indicating their good standing with their conference or association.

Mr. Eugene Jernigan

5. Non-licensed or non-ordained lay ministers may be asked to participate in an interview process to determine if they are fully eligible.

Mr. Bob Kornegay

By Ms. Dianne B. Riley By Ms. Dianne B. Riley By Ms. Dianne B. Riley By John and Pat Core

By Bill and Bethel Hall

Mr. Eugene Jernigan

By Sheila and Billy Jackson

Mr. Eugene Jernigan

Request an application by sending an e-mail to <rwarren@ncfcm.org> or by calling (919) 658-5250.

By Oris Tew

Retirement Income Comparison CD Rate 1 (July 3, 2014)

Annuity Rate 2 (At age 70)

0.23%

5.1%

1. National Average 12-month CD rate (Source: Bankrate.com) 2. Lifetime rate from the Foundation for a person age 70 29

A deeper look inside this month’s lessons from the OFWB Foundation Curriculum and commentaries based on the International Sunday School Lessons.

The five lessons in Unit 3 are from 2 Corinthians and will conclude the 2013– 14 lesson series. Keep in mind that in all fourteen lessons this quarter the emphasis is on building community. In Unit 1 the exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon became engrossed with their personal struggles for survival; it was when Haggai called them together to rebuild the temple that they regained a sense of community. In Unit 2 (1 Corinthians) the church at Corinth, reflecting the modern culture around them, allowed their diversities to cause divisions, and they came close to losing their identity as a church. In this unit of study (2 Corinthians) Paul calls on the Corinthian Christians as a community of believers to encourage, support, and forgive one another as Christ loves them. In order to grasp the intense passion of 2 Corinthians, consider the relationship between Paul and the church at Corinth, drawn from Acts 18–20, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. Paul first came to Corinth on his second missionary journey. His stops at Philippi, Thessalonica, Beroea and Athens lasted only a few days or weeks at each; but at Corinth he remained for a year and a half teaching and building the church. From there he returned to Jerusalem and Antioch, then he began his third tour. He traveled by land to the city of Ephesus, just across the Aegean Sea from Corinth. During the two years in Ephesus Paul, his companions

and new converts established six other churches in the region besides the one in Ephesus. It was during this time that Paul received word that the church in Corinth was in trouble. Some antagonists had followed Paul to Corinth, as they always did, and began to stir discord with their false teachings (twisting the Gospel to suit their own purpose) and maligning Paul’s character. Sadly, many Christians were taken in by it. Paul wrote a letter that we do not have, referenced in 1 Corinthians 5:9, then he wrote 1 Corinthians. Afterwards, Paul sent Timothy (1 Corinthians 16:10), made a painful visit himself (2 Corinthians 2:1), wrote a harsh letter (2:4; 7:8), and sent Titus (2:12) in attempts to call the church together. Paul left Ephesus, hoping to meet Titus at Troas, and then traveled on to Macedonia (2:13). Titus caught up with him at Philippi bearing good news from Corinth (7:6). Paul wrote 2 Corinthians (his fourth letter) and sent it ahead with Titus; Paul would arrive in Corinth later and stay with them for three months. The conclusion to Paul’s third missionary journey involved visiting each of the churches to collect their offerings for the saints in Jerusalem (lesson five). Hard times had fallen on the Christians in Jerusalem with many of them living in poverty (Romans 15:25–26; 1 Corinthians 16; 2 Corinthians 8–9). Paul had made an

appeal to the Gentile churches to take up a generous offering for them. He and several travel companions visited each congregation to receive their collection. He encouraged the Corinthians to generously share their bounty with Christians in need (2 Corinthians 8:7). Paul hoped to accomplish several objectives with this collection: 1) to help the needy; 2) to demonstrate that the conversion of Gentiles was genuine; and 3) to create a bond between the Gentile and Jewish churches (they all belong to one body). In the first lesson Paul uses the same word ten times in its noun and verb forms (verses 3–7). The Greek word is related to the same word Jesus used in John 14 referring to the Holy Spirit. “Paraclete” means comforter, helper, advocate—literally, “to stand along side of.” Paul does not identify the sufferings experienced by the Corinthians or himself, but they and he can identify with Christ in His sufferings. They also receive from Christ comfort (consolation, strength); then they can and should comfort and console one another. None of us are islands unto ourselves; when we receive Christ as our Savior, God makes us part of His family, His Church, and we become joined to other Christian believers. A hot coal removed from the fire looses its heat quickly, and a Christian separated from the Church soon loses his way.

H. Adrian Grubbs, Jr., was born in Dade City, Florida, to the Rev. Herman A. and Lillian Kinard Grubbs. The family moved to Mount Olive, NC, in 1959. Adrian was ordained in the Eastern Conference in 1963 and has served eight churches. After a 30-year pastorate at Deep Run OFWB Church he retired in 2007 because of vocal problems. Grubbs has served the denomination as President of the Sunday School Convention, Moderator of the Eastern Conference, member of the Eastern Conference Ministerial Examining Board, and is currently on the Mount Olive College Board of Trustees. Adrian and Jo Ann have one son, two daughters, and six grandchildren. 30

cream at the Dairy Queen. Brother Bobby Owens brought our Tuesday Evening message. After lunch on Wednesday, Rev. Wesley Taylor, Pastor of White Hill Church, delivered a special “Woman of the Year” service. We only had one honoree this year, Nora Avery, from Wintergreen OFWB Church’s Auxiliary. Linda Webber, Lois Wetherington, and Stumpy Quinn honored Nora with a beautiful song entitled “Beyond Tomorrow.” Rev. Michael Bryan, Pastor of Smith’s New Home Church provided the message for Wednesday night. Rev. Bryan and his wife also sang two wonderful songs. On Thursday night, the Rev. Mike Scott from Juniper Chapel brought the message, and we were so blessed again to have inspiring music provided by the Juniper Five, from whom we always receive a blessing.

After the service, we left for home with a new “Leash” on our lives. Linda Webber served as our pianist for the week. Susan Brinkley and Debbie Taylor presented our morning devotion and also the bedtime devotion. Our wonderful cooks were Happy Taylor, Hazel Smith, and Zodie Whitman. Their great meals were enjoyed three times a day. We thank God for the many blessings we received during our week of learning more about our Lord and Savior, and the wonderful fellowship we shared with our camp family. We are already making plans for our 2015 Women’s Conference. Last but not least, we were so pleased to present to Angie Toler, Camp Vandemere’s Treasurer, a check for $1,100 from our collections and donations for the week. God is so good!

Camp Vandemere

We were blessed for another great week at Morehead City for our 2014 Women’s Conference. We were happy to see new faces, and saddened at the loss of others. We are running out of space. We are praying that next year we will be back at Camp Vandemere. After registration on Monday morning, we had the opening session and welcomed everyone. After lunch, Linda Herring began our daily Bible study. The theme for the week was “Getting a New ‘Leash’ on Life.” Monday’s evening worship service was presented by Rev. Reece Blanchett, Pastor of Fort Barnwell Missionary Baptist Church. We were so glad to have 23 of Rev. Blanchett’s church members to share the service and our evening meal with us. After Linda’s Tuesday morning session, we spent the afternoon on a shopping spree, topped off by ice

215 N 3rd Street • Vandemere, NC 28587 • (252) 745-3171 • www.campvandemereinc.org

2014 Camp Vandemere Women’s Conference Held at University of Mount Olive’s Pelletier Creek House, Morehead City, NC

“On Detroit” Last month, my wife and I headed north to the ailing city of Detroit. She was going on business. I was tagging along, earning my keep as chauffeur, unpacker of boxes, and runner of other random errands. When folks heard where we were headed, an expression of bewilderment usually came to their faces. “Why in the world would you want to go to Detroit?” many people playfully, though slightly seriously, asked. Like most folks across the U.S., I’d heard the narrative of decline concerning the Motor City. The infrastructure is crumbling. Industrial facilities sit vacant or mostly empty. Dilapidated houses overwhelm city block after city block. Many aspects of city life prove the narrative of decline to be true. The city has been hit hard over the past several decades, and no immediate, easy route to recovery is clearly discernible. While visiting the city, I spent a few evenings with an advisor and professor friend of mine, James Perkinson, who has now spent several decades there living and working. He often remarks that living in Detroit has provided a crucible-like space in which he underwent (and continues to undergo) a deep transformation.1 Even with many books and articles published, Perkinson is quick to remind listeners that he has long been in the role of a student, learning from the residents of Detroit. For decades folks have had to find ways to thrive and survive in the midst of a devastated city.

As Perkinson has lived and worked with these folks in the midst of such struggles, he remarks that he has been changed by witnessing the “genius” of many residents in their efforts to “[make] desperation yield beauty in spite of itself.”2 In other words, as outsiders looking in, many would expect that folks in such a blighted area would be hopeless, or, at the least, that there would be no measurable presence of creativity, resistance, or spiritual vitality. Perkinson, on the other hand, argues that underneath the narrative of decline and devastation, real as it is, there are also many points of hope and beauty to be found, even as they have to be wrung out of bleak, harsh conditions. The beauty attested to by Perkinson can be found in the faithful prayers of religious folk, the junk art of Tyree Guyton and the Heidelberg Project, art collectives and bazaars housed in empty industrial complexes, the rhythms and words of youth participating in hip-hop and spoken word performances, the growing number of urban gardens springing up in abandoned lots, and in countless other gatherings and community-based projects. On Perkinson’s read, these different ventures illuminate and are influenced by the movement of the Spirit, which ceaselessly works to bring new life and energy to hard hit communities and the individuals just trying to get by who live within them.

I mention all of this simply to give witness to what I’ve learned from one of my advisors, and what he’s learned from countless individuals who have been committed to “making desperation yield beauty in spite of itself.” While these particular reflections pay tribute to what’s happening on the ground in Detroit, I am suggesting here that we can learn to see the struggles of others as not dissimilar from our own and that we can learn from their creative countermeasures. There are plenty of foreclosed opportunities and struggles to be found in both urban and rural areas, from coast to coast and certainly beyond the shores of the U.S. I hope that we work creatively, wherever we may be, with the same Spirit moving in Detroit. In whatever ways that may be culturally relevant to the reader, I hope that we can find creative and healthy measures to create more just, sustainable communities that are welcoming and affirming for all God’s children. Wherever we find ourselves planted, I hope that we, young and older adults alike, make an effort to learn from and listen deeply to those who have been making a way out of no way with the help of the Spirit, remembering that it is in these places that we most often find Christ present and at work. 1. James Perkinson, Messianism Against Christology: Resistance Movements, Folk Arts, and Empire (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013), xxix. 2. Ibid.

Marc Boswell is from Saratoga, NC, where he grew up as a member of Spring Branch OFWB Church. He is ordained in the Central Conference and currently lives in Richmond, VA, where he is working toward the completion of a Ph.D. in the fields of Theology and American Religious History at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. 32

First Free Will Baptist Church of Greenville Honors Ramona Norman BY Jean Averette

In 1984, she and her husband moved to Greenville, and they soon found First Free Will Baptist Church. She quickly found her niche and began teaching the young adult Sunday school class while maintaining membership in the Crusaders class. In 1988, her employment took her to Tarboro. She and her husband lived there for six years. In 1994, our church was blessed by their return to Greenville. They immediately resumed their involvement in the activities of the church, teaching Sunday school and participating in church functions. For nine years, she led a weekly Bible Study at a local nursing home, taking birthday cakes and ice cream to honor someone’s birthday, and also playing the piano so the people could sing their favorite hymns. She and her husband love to travel and have been on numerous cruises and have traveled in many states. One of her favorite places is the beach or anywhere there is sand and water. When her children were growing up, the family owned a boat and they all liked to water ski. Although she has been in declining health over the past few years, she still likes to be on the go. She especially enjoys shopping with her friends and looking for just the right pair of shoes. The woman we honor today is a true lady and a dedicated Christian. Her love for God is apparent in everything that she undertakes. She is beautiful on the inside and out and has a kind word for everyone. She is truly concerned about the wellbeing of others and she doesn’t hesitate to call when she knows someone needs encouragement. She is indeed a great encourager. In fact, that was her topic when she spoke at Cragmont. Today, June 29, 2014, we are honoring Ramona Spruill Norman, a special lady who is very deserving of this recognition. I am proud to say that she is my friend as well as true friend to all who know and love her. She has been an inspiration and a guiding light to those whose lives she has touched through the years.

Woman’s Auxiliary

The North Carolina Woman’s Auxiliary has been honoring outstanding members by giving Life Membership Awards since the early 1950’s. Our organization has honored many Free Will Baptist women at the state, district and local levels since that time. According to the Manual of Methods of the Woman’s Auxiliary Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, a member must exemplify the following traits in order to receive the award: She must be an active OFWB member and active member of the Woman’s Auxiliary; she must have given of herself and her talents untiringly to the cause of Christ through the Woman’s Auxiliary and the OFWB Church; she must understand and appreciate the work of the Woman’s Auxiliary at all levels; and she must have inspired others to greater Christian service. The woman we are honoring today with a Life Membership Award truly excels in all of these areas. She has faithfully supported the woman’s auxiliary throughout her adult life. She has held auxiliary offices at the local and district levels, has served on various committees, and has attended local, district and state auxiliary meetings on a regular basis. She has attended Cragmont woman’s auxiliary retreats annually, and has only missed a few times over the past twenty years. She has been the key speaker at both the Morningstar and Cornerstone retreats. Today’s recipient grew up in Vanceboro and later moved to New Bern. She was an only child and a member of a dedicated Christian family. She played basketball in high school. Since there were no activity buses at the time, her Daddy drove the players to the ballgames. She went to work two weeks after she graduated with the telephone company. This employment became her lifelong career. She married her high school sweetheart, Noah, and they have been blessed with two children—Terry and Rhonda, four grandchildren—Chris, Matt, Ross, and Sarah, two great grandchildren, and one foster great grandchild.

Community Connection

In Memoriam Powhatan Church in Clayton lost a faithful member and respected trustee on June 24, 2014. Norvelle Coats “Bunk” Cole passed away following a period of declining health. Brother Bunk had been a pillar of the church for many years, always willing to share stories from his past and of how good God had been to his family. He often retold how his late wife Alice had been cured of a goiter before having to undergo surgery after Preacher Coats had held a special prayer service on her behalf. Brother Bunk loved his family and he also loved his country. He served during World War II in Europe and later in Japan. Every Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day were always very special, solemn celebrations to him. He led in planning a military-themed reunion for the Wilson’s Mills School Alumni Association in 2011 and prepared a plaque for Powhatan Church to honor members killed in battle. He retired from NCDOT following a career in road construction and maintenance. Brother Bunk is survived by four children, 13 grandchildren, and 16 greatgrandchildren. His church family will also greatly miss his presence and his loving example.

Sneads Ferry Ladies Auxiliary Mother's Day Luncheon The Sneads Ferry Ladies' Auxiliary hosted a Mother’s Day Luncheon on May 10, 2014 as part of their study course for the year. The ladies held the luncheon in the fellowship hall of the church and decorated the hall as a “Parade of Tables.” A Parade of Tables is where each table is decorated individually with its own theme or motif. The themes used for the Mother’s Day Luncheon included Luau, Christmas, Circus, Spring, and Flowers/Butterflies. Mrs. Gail Heath was the guest speaker for the luncheon. She began by asking the ladies to think about all of the roles we play in our lives—a mother, sister, aunt, daughter, grandmother, etc—and how important each role is. She then talked about Sarah and Rebecca and how their stories can help strengthen us as Christian women knowing that even though at times we may fail, “God’s grace is there to pick us up.” She concluded with a passage from Elizabeth George on faith and discussed that through relying on our faith, God will get us through. The ladies enjoyed a lunch of chicken salad, various salads, desserts, and lemonade. The afternoon was filled with fun, laughter, fellowship, but most importantly a time to worship with other Christian women.

New Sandy Hill VBS New Sandy Hill Church held Vacation Bible School June 22– 27. The theme this year was Agency D3, Discover, Decide and Defend. It was a great week, with classes from Nursery to Adult. The adult class had ten attendees, and there were 41 in the younger classes, another 18 or so volunteered for kitchen duty, registration, audio/visual needs, crafts, and recreation each night. Under the direction of Mrs. Sherry Manning, the church facilities were transformed into an Investigative Agency to help the kids uncover and defend who Jesus really is and if the Bible is true. Each evening the special agents had to pass through a security check zone, complete with lights and buzzer, and yes even men in black, before they were allowed to enter. Red laser beams were down the hallways and other areas where the special agents had to go throughout the week. It was a fun, successful week. Upcoming activities at New Sandy Hill include a Family Fun Day bash on the last Sunday in August with food, games and a bible bowl, and then a Singing on September 14, where Second Edition will be in concert. If you are in the area and are looking a church to attend, please feel free to come join us and Reverend Anderson Barnes at New Sandy Hill OFWB Church as we grow together in His word.

Rains Crossroads Woman’s Auxiliary Project Feed the Children in Bulgaria An exquisite tapestry wall hanging of Psalm 23 was the focus of a Silent Auction held during Rains Crossroads Church Homecoming Buffet Luncheon and was extended into the following weeks due to heightened interest. Mrs. Rose Rhodes (right), machine-quilted the tapestry with free motion foot (sews in any direction), giving the waterfalls the appearance of beautiful cascading water as well as to emphasize the many creations of our Lord. Mrs. Frances Radford (left), former Rains Crossroads Auxiliary President, gave the winning bid. Her bid as well as other donations for the project and the offering from Vacation Bible School realized gifts of $1,000 to feed the children in Bulgaria.

Smyrna Church News ■ Top Picture: Representing Smyrna Church in the Meadow community at the annual Church Family Night on February 1 at the University of Mount Olive are: First row from left to right—Caroline Snipes and Kaytlin Dunn. Second row from left to right—Helen Smith, Kimm Dunn, Brooke Parker, Tina Snipes, and Doris Jean Parker. Third row from left to right— Kenneth Snipes and Timmy Parker. The group enjoyed the variety of food in the campus cafeteria and the girls and boys basketball games. ■ Middle Picture: The Sunday School officers of Smyrna Church who were rcognized on February 16 as a part of Sunday School month activities. Front row from left to right are are: Rose Anderson and Brenda Parrish (song leaders), Doris Jean Parker (secretary), Carolyn Capps and Helen Smith (teachers). Back row from left to right are: Doris Godwin (treasurer), Gayle Whitman (pianist), Ray Anderson (superintendent), and Godwin (greeter). ■ Bottom Picture: Ray Anderson (superintendent) presenting to Doris Godwin a certificate for 55 years of perfect attendance at Sunday School. The presentation took place at the closing of activities for Sunday School month.

Spreading the Word. For Life! 35

The Bible speaks for us but the Psalm speak for us. Your thought life can cause you anxiety and depression, so understand this: 1) Your thoughts are yours. You can think what you want too. Psalm 94:19 says, “My anxious thoughts multiply within me.” 2) You become what your thought life makes you. It is not your circumstances, it is your thoughts about your circumstances that produce your emotions. 3) Random thoughts may be temporarily upsetting, but they do not produce lasting anxiety. 4) You must let the Spirit renew your thoughts to God’s Spirit, allowing Him to approve or renew them with His thoughts. Anxiety and depression cannot continue to control you when you give God control of your mind. 5) People can contribute to your anxiety and depression. Avoid those who speak discouraging words, and hang out with those who speak good words. Be careful who you choose as close friends. Do not let the stresses of the day steal your Psalm. Linda Herring is married to Vernon Herring. They have two children, Amy and Vernon and three grandchildren, Jenna, Jared, and Noah. Linda is an active member of the White Oak Grove OFWB Church in LaGrange, NC. Linda leads a Bible study group, Circle of Friends. She has been a drama director of two dramas that she wrote, They Called His Name Jesus and The Book of Ruth. She is a resource for the OFWB Woman’s Auxiliary. Her outreach ministry includes this column in TFWB, a radio broadcast by the same name (aired on WAGO 88.7 FM), and a weekly devotional article for the La Grange Weekly Gazette and The Sampson Weekly. She also has a devotion book printed by the Mount Olive College Press.

Full-Time Youth Minister Position Antioch FWB Church in New Bern, NC is prayerfully seeking an energetic, motivated individual to fill a Full-Time Youth Minister Position on our ministry staff. This position will be responsible for the development, coordination, and oversight of all church youth ministry programs from nursery to senior high with the goal of helping all youth to experience real life in Jesus Christ through salvation and discipleship. We want the right person with the right skills that is gifted for and called to youth ministry. Applicants should be a team player, and possess strong leadership and organizational skills. A combination of education and experience is required. Prefer candidates to be ordained, or willing to work toward ordination. We have a dynamic and growing youth department with a vibrant and motivated volunteer staff to lead, and exciting opportunities for outreach in the community. Interested candidates should send a detailed resume with cover letter and references addressed to “Youth Minister Search Committee” 281 Mill Creek Lane, New Bern, NC 28560 or by e-mail at <antiochyouthminister@gmail.com>. A detailed yet flexible position description is available upon request by contacting the committee by phone at (252) 514-0070 or email at <antiochyouthminister@ gmail.com>.

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Spreading the Word. For Life!

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