TFWB • July 2015 by Free Will Baptist Press

July 2015

From toddlers through preteen, no one gets left out!

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Early Elementa ry Teacher’s Convenience Ki t $44.99

Middle Elemen tary Teacher’s Convenience Ki t $29.99

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July 2015 University of Mount Olive Month This is a calendar of denominational events and regular holidays and special days/seasons of the Christian year.

Sunday

Monday 28

As times/dates may change, you can scan the QR code above for a more complete and up-to-date list.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 3

Independence Day

Youth Frontier Conference (June 29–July 3)

Michael English Concert (by ticket only) (see ofwb.org)

Pee Dee Youth Conference (July 6–11)

General Youth II Conference (July 13–18)

General Youth I Conference (July 20–25)

Young People’s Bible Conference (27–31)

A God of Justice By Noel Thomas “Tommy” Manning I admit to being a biased old man of 75, and conservative in most of my views. Having set the stage thus, I want to comment about all “the feel good” sermonizing that is apparent in many televised megachurch “productions.” Moreover, that comfortable style of service is evident in many churches across our nation, and even in many, both large and small, here in San Antonio, Texas, where I have lived for decades. It appears obvious that some ministers are trying to present themselves as politically correct and often sidestep some problems that face mankind, when they should be addressing those concerns. I want to make it clear, however, that I recognize the fact that there are numerous ministers who are true to the Word, who indeed preach the Gospel in season and out of season. And I hasten to acknowledge that it is not ministers alone who are guilty. Many Christians (loyal and faithful members of churches with sound doctrine) and lay speakers like me, who do not like to offend, would rather not confront some issues. Yet, when we fail to chastise where reproof is needed, we appear to offer acceptance to what used to be soundly rebuffed. That should not be the case—especially when one considers the whole Word, as given by our Father in Heaven. We all know that God is a God of love, but we sometimes forget that God is also a God of wrath. He metes out justice and punishment as surely as He loves us to Heaven through His Son Jesus. Jonathan Edwards, the Colonial theologian of mid-1700s New England, did not shy away from preaching condemnation for those who lived a sinful, godless life. Note this passage from his famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God:” “Your wickedness makes you as it were heavy as lead, and to tend downwards with great weight and pressure towards hell; and if God should let you go, you would immediately sink and swiftly descend and plunge into the bottomless gulf….” We are told that some members of the congregation of his church, as they sat under the preaching of this mighty sermon, fell to their knees in repentance, and cried out, even screaming for God to save them from the bottomless pit. So strong was this sermon, so the story goes, that many actually passed out under the stress of emotion, as they envisioned what lay ahead for unrepentant souls (including themselves). Today’s society, with its fringes and subcultures, can—and often does—destroy what generations of moral conduct has accomplished.

Even our organized churches are falling prey to the disorder of the universe—evil abounds, and, in many instances, remains unchecked. Until mankind returns to the God of our fathers and reverences Him and His rules of deportment, there will never be the utopian dream of tranquility about which we’re studied and upon which we’ve placed our dreams. With a lessening of moral constraint and an ever-growing acceptance of whatever is the “catch-cause” of the day, we find ourselves enmeshed into what once we disdained, disowned, and dishonored. Ultimately, the hope on which we’ve built our trust will fade into oblivion. Indeed, God is a God of love first (as rightly stressed), but He is also a God of wrath. Grace is sufficient, yes; and while it may be “greater than all our sins,” grace cannot protect us from an angry God. We simply have to check ourselves, our nation, our country, and our world. We have to refrain from that which is sinful, that which is dishonorable in the face of almighty God. No, we should not judge; but we should see sin for what it is, and we should flee from it—and we should preach against it, in speech and in action. I am not certain that we need to return to the fiery preaching of Jonathan Edwards, where congregants were scared almost literally to death; but we do need to return to the courage of identifying sin for what it is—and to recognize its consequences. Further, I believe we should preach the whole Word of God and not soft-pedal the truth— the truth that there is a price that must be paid for our violations of God’s directives. Certainly, we find salvation through our Lord Jesus, as we receive Him as our personal Savior, through His shed blood and Resurrection, and as we draw close to Him and ask Him to come into our hearts and save us from condemnation. This He will certainly do; and as much as one may dislike the bluntness of it, He will also cast us into Hell, if we remain heedless and unmindful of His teachings. We simply must hold on to our faith, and flee from sin. Remember, the Bible teaches that God is not slack concerning His promises. He promises love, yes; He promises many wonderful things for us, according to His riches in Heaven; but He also promises everlasting condemnation for those who reject His Son. Ministers and laypersons alike should preach—and live—the whole Word of God. In so doing, we have much to gain and little, if anything, to lose. Let us all take heed: Our God is a God of Justice!

A graduate of East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, Tommy Manning served the Free Will Baptist Press as Editor of Literature/Managing Editor from 1967–1980 and earlier as Staff Artist. Born and reared in Ayden, he has been a lifelong Free Will Baptist, and a church organist since the age of 16, serving in this capacity at Bethany FWB Church, Ayden, Ayden, and for 12 years at Reedy Branch FWB Church until late 1980, when he moved to Texas to become Managing Editor and Director of Publications for a Christian-based private foundation in San Antonio, Texas—a position he held until his retirement in 2010. He serves currently as worship organist and lay speaker at Bellaire Baptist Church in San Antonio, and continues to write Christian-based essays, plays, articles, poems, short stories, and musicals. 2

Managing Editor Darren Davenport editor@fwbpress.com

jerry@fwbpress.com

Circulation, Customer Service Andrew Mozingo

July 2015

Volume 133 • Number 7 ■ FEATURES & COLUMNS Reflections: A Guest Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

andrew@fwbpress.com

Web Administrator, Online Customer Service Andrew Mozingo customer.service@fwbpress.com

Editorial Assistant Carlton Oakley Graphic Designers Jerry Goff, Nathaniel Ingram Production Ronnie Jones

Psalms for the Soul with Linda Herring. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Caring for the Soul with David Morrow. . . . . . . . . . . 13 Pondering the Past with Celia Hales. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fun and Encouraging Thoughts with Freddie Pierce. . . . 22 Dr. Pepper’s Book Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Lesson Inner View with Adrian Grubbs . . . . . . . . . . . 33 A Sling and a Stone with Marc Boswell. . . . . . . . . . . 36

■ DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRIES www.fwbpress.com President Jeff Daughtry

jeff@fwbpress.com

Vice President Darren Davenport darrend@fwbpress.com

Board of Directors Mike Scott (Chairman), Eastern Mark Hobbs (Vice Chairman), Central Kelley Smart (Secretary), Central Joe Ballance, Cape Fear • David Pooser, Albemarle Richard Cuddington, Western 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>. © 2015 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.

University of Mount Olive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Cragmont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Foreign Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Home Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Children’s Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

■ ANCILLARY MINISTRIES NC Foundation for Christian Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . 28 Camp Vandemere. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Youth Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

■ COMMUNITY CONNECTOR . .

. . . . . . . . 4

ON THE COVER: Kelsie Smart, daughter of Kelley and Marci Rollins-Smart, joyfully reading about what’s going on with Original Free Will Baptists in TFWB Magazine.

Contents

Production Manager Jerry Goff

Community Connector

One Meal at a Time

By Kirsten Ballard, Goldsboro News Argus (Reprinted with permission—May 3, 2015 edition) Mackenzie Hinson proves there is no age requirement to change the world. The 10-year-old opened the Make a Difference Food Pantry at Black Jack Free Will Baptist Church in Goldsboro ApriI 16. Her mother, Paige Hinson, estimates that they served 35 families. They arrived on the first Thursday to a waiting line. During Mackenzie’s homeschooI lessons, she was startled by the grim numbers of childhood hunger in Wayne County. “No one could survive (hunger), and I knew it had to be stopped,” she said. Her mother helped her research some of the effects of prolonged hunger on childhood development, including detrimental effects on brain, physical, and behavioral growth. They found that there were only two other food pantries in Wayne County. “I’m the one that wanted to start it,” Mackenzie said, Her favorite part of the opening was providing fresh fruits and vegetables to accompany the canned food. Mackenzie pays special attention to nutrition and quality of her pantry. Her mother has always put an emphasis on community service, as a way to pay blessings forward. Mackenzie hosted fundraisers at the Zaxby’s® in Smithfield to raise money to support her food bank, she was granted 501(c)3 status for her charity.

Mackenzie Hinson, 10, and her mother, Paige Hinson, unpack food items for the Make a Difference Food Pantry, which Mackenzie opened at Black Jack Free Will Baptist Church.

On May 30, she will host a Dancing With Purpose workshop at Alicia’s School of Performing Arts in Benson. Instructors from North Carolina, Virginia, and New York will teach ballet, modern, rhythm tap, musical theatre, jazz, and clogging. The class will cost $65. In her quest to start the food bank, Mackenzie spoke in front of the entire Black Jack Free Will Baptist Church in Goldsboro. The church donated a building for the food pantry. The Hinsons do not even pay for electricity.

Mackenzie said she was nervous to speak in front of the congregation, but knew it had to be done. The family has been welcomed into the parish. She has also spoken with North Carolina State Sen. Don Davis about hunger in Wayne County. “She asked him why every child couldn’t get a free breakfast,” Mrs. Hinson said. Davis told them he did not know, but that Mackenzie should ask the governor. So, Mackenzie wrote Gov. Pat McCrory a letter. continued on next page

White Oak Grove Church News Andrew Smith, a 20-year veteran of the US Army, was the guest speaker in observance of Memorial Day at White Oak Grove Church on May 24, 2015. Smith is married with two children and has performed active duty in Panama, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He also served as a peacekeeper in Bosnia and spent a year in Korea on the DMZ. Smith spoke of his service to his country, his honor as a military man, and the sacrifices of those who have fallen fighting for our country. To elaborate on his belief that we are all involved in a conflict much more important and with much more at stake than our earthly lives. Smith shared with the members that his friend had died in Iraq, but he had not accepted Christ. “He is a hero and we rightfully honor him for his service to our nation, but he went to his Lord having willfully chosen to not accept the gift of Salvation.” Prior to his death and during several conversations his friend told Smith, including the night before he died, that he knew that “Jesus Stuff” was real but he had an understanding with God. He’d live his life how he wanted to, and after he’d finish having his fun he’d “get right with Jesus.” He died without a moments notice…no time to repent or to accept Jesus Christ. Smith appealed to the members not to go to their maker condemned with anything but what was accomplished in this life, and to accept the free and complete salvation offered by our loving God. Smith and his family attend North Topsail Shores Baptist Church in Snead’s Ferry, NC. Smith is the nephew of Bob Smith, the pastor at White Oak Grove Church at La Grange.

One Meal at a Time continued from previous page

The food pantry has been approved as a partner with the Central North Carolina Food Bank. Mackenzie will be able to purchase food in bulk at a reduced price from the central bank. Food Lion has also sold her food at cost to help offset the cost of operating the pantry. “Food lion has been phenomenal,” Mrs. Hinson said, Mackenzie’s 4-H club and Southern Wayne High School ROTC are hosting food drives to benefit the pantry. “The more people involved, the bigger we can grow.” Mrs. Hinson said. The Make a Difference Food Pantry is open the third Thursday of every month from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. In the Summer, Mrs. Hinson says they hope to open every other week, to help aid school-age children. People visiting the pantry must bring a state driver’s license or identification card, but the Hinsons hope not to have to turn anybody away. And her project is meant to send a message as well to those who hear about problems like childhood hunger and wonder what they can do—and to other children who might think they are too young to help, Mackenzie said. “There are so many children in Wayne County that don’t have enough food,” she said. “No matter what age, or what height you are, you can make a difference.”

Appeal for Photos of FWB Minister’s Conferences For many years (probably 60–65) the N.C. Ministerial Association of OFWBs have held its annual meetings/conferences at Cragmont Assembly. During the conferences it has become a tradition to have a group picture made of those in attendance, on the steps of the main building at Cragmont. Over the years, the FWB Historical Collection has been given a number of these group pictures, but there are several years missing. These are valuable items for historical reasons and the individuals in these photos have been identified. This database of ministers’ names is available on the Historical Collection web page. Often this may be the only photo available in the Collection for a minister. Below you will find a list of the years for which group photos are needed. If you should have any of these missing years it would be good if you could donate the photo or a copy (the Collection can easily make a copy if you could provide an original). In the earlier years the photo may not have the Minister’s Conference and Year labeled on the photo, but in later years carry that information on the picture itself. The earliest group photo in the Collection is 1955, but there could have been some earlier as the conference began meeting at Cragmont sometime around 1950. If you have photos or questions, please contact Gary Barefoot, Curator, FWBHC, University of Mount Olive, at (919) 6587827 or <gbarefoot@umo.edu>. Years needed: Any before 1955 (if made); 1958–1960; 1962– 1964; 1966–1972; 1974; 1981; 1987; 2006; 2011–2014. 5

 Teresa Grubbs Receives  Life Membership Award by may pittman

Each year during our Auxiliary Convention, we honor one of our members with a Life Award. The selection this year was made by a committee composed of Miriam Lamm, Gail Hooks and me. Since 1971 we have honored 46 women with this Award on our State level and there have been countless more honored on the District and Local levels. This Award exemplifies the role of a dedicated auxiliary member. As we honor our recipient today, I would like to ask those of you who have been honored with a Life Membership Award by your Local, District, or by our Woman’s Auxiliary Convention, to please stand. Thank you. The Life Membership Award program was begun by the North Carolina Woman’s Auxiliary in the 1950s and since then, there have been many women honored on the state, district and local levels as you have just seen. According to our Manual of Methods of the Woman’s Auxiliary, the Award is to honor outstanding mem¬bers who exemplify the following traits: She must be an active OFWB member and an active member of the Woman’s Auxiliary, one who has given of herself and her talents untiringly to the cause of Christ through the Woman’s Auxiliary and the OFWB Church, one who understands and appreciates the work of the Woman’s Auxiliary at all levels, and a woman who has inspired others to greater Christian service. Such is the woman we come to honor today with a Life Membership Award—she fills all of these qualifications and is very special. She, of course, is a North Carolina girl, born near the coast and has lived in many different places. She was reared with siblings of three brothers and a sister and attended high school and college. She has a January birthdate and was married in the month of June. She has enjoyed attending retreats at 6

Cragmont and I have fond memories of her attending Cornerstone. She always enjoyed participating in fun time and in skits her group would do. Not only has she enjoyed attending retreats, she especially enjoys attending Cinderella Sisters and is always willing to participate and to be helpful in any way she can. She is great at stoking the fire in the fireplace and John has to cut a couple extra trees each year for her to feed it because she likes to keep it hot. One of her hobbies is knitting, which she enjoys, and also enjoys cooking very much. She attended a Mount Olive College retreat in Oriental in 1974 where she met her future husband, although she might not have known it at the time. Paul, will you please escort your wife, Teresa C. Grubbs, to receive the 2015 Woman’s Auxiliary Life Membership Award. Teresa was born on January 10, 1958 as the oldest child of Lottie and Reggie Caroon. Following were three boys and the youngest, a girl, Angel. Angel, by the way, is in Durham receiving cancer treatments and

Lottie is there with her. They both would like very much to have been here today to share this with you. Lottie was proud to tell me that four of their five Caroon children attended Mount Olive College. (And yes, I know it is University of Mount Olive now, but at the time they were there, it was Mount Olive College.) Paul also attended Wake Forest Seminary. Teresa graduated from Pamlico County High School and attended Mount Olive College, graduating in 1978 with a degree in Business Administration. Paul was preaching at Pantego and he would come to Lottie and Reggie’s home and spend Saturday night with them and when he went to Pantego the next morning to preach, Teresa would go with him. They were married June 4, 1977 and their family grew as they welcomed three sons: Nathaniel, the oldest, who lives in Durham; Matthew, who is married to Amy and are the parents of four children and live in Goldsboro; and Andrew, married to Mary Ann and live in Wake Forest. continued on next page

speaks to us but the Psalms speak for us. Psalm 84:11 says “The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who T hedo Bible what is right.” When God knows something is good for you He says yes, and when it is not He says no. Why would God

say no to you? Maybe the timing is wrong, or He has something better in mind. Gratitude comes when you realize what could have happened, but did not because God intervened. The Bible says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act” (Psalm 37:4–7). The more spiritually mature you become, the more you begin to see how wise your heavenly Father is and the more you learn to trust Him. What a picture: God leading you, God feeding you, God protecting you, God watching over you. That is because He loves you. God has something better for you. 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.

Grubbs Award continued from previous page

— To All Literature Collectors — This quarter ends on Sunday, August 30, 2015, therefore all literature will need to be collected and delivered to me or to the building beside Wilber’s Bar-b-que by the end of September. Because of health issues, I am unable to continue this ministry. The people in foreign lands who receive this material are very appreciative. I am praying and asking that the Lord places on someone’s heart a desire to take this ministry. It could also be a ministry for a Sunday School Class, Auxiliary, Youth Group, etc. If someone would like to speak with me concerning this ministry, please call me at (919) 7350769. As of Wednesday, July 1, 2015, a sign will be placed on the door, on the building beside Wilber’s that no more deliveries can be dropped off there. ——————————————————

Thank you for all that you have done, Jacquelyn K. Flowers

Teresa and Paul served as missionaries in the Philippines with Fred and Linda Baker and Willem and Lydia van der Plas from 1986–1989 and in Bulgaria from May 1992–November 1993. They have served pastorates beginning in Friendship in Middlesex before they went to the mission field. When they returned, they pastored at Sidney, St. Paul in Elizabeth City, First Church in Plymouth, Oriental and are presently at Oak Grove in Craven County. She is now employed in the U. S. Post Office in Bayboro. Teresa has been active in the Auxiliary for a long period of time. On the district level, she was Study Course Chair (1997–2001), Missions Chair (2004–2008); on the state level, she was Missions Chair (1998–2004), Corresponding Secretary (2004–2008) and is presently Recording Secretary since 2008. She is a Resource Speaker for study courses on Evangelism and Missions. She is a member of Oriental Church in Craven County. You can see that she is a “Busy Bee” in the Auxiliary. Your Life Award Certificate reads, “This is to certify that Teresa C. Grubbs of the Woman’s Auxiliary Convention of Original Free Will Baptists is hereby awarded this Certificate of Life Membership as a reward for her faithful and loyal service, with the heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of her co-laborers.” And it is signed by Becky Jo Sumner, President, This the 14th day of May, 2015. 7

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

University of Mount Olive 8

La Grange Native Bailey Sutton Sings Praises of Her College Experience La Grange native Bailey Sutton is a rising senior at the University of Mount Olive. The daughter of Joseph and Tracy Sutton, Bailey grew up attending La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church, one of the University’s sponsoring churches. So, when it came time to choose a college, UMO was a natural choice. “I chose to attend UMO because I liked the small class sizes and the scholarships that are offered for Free Will Baptist students,” said Sutton. “Also being able to double major in vocal performance and psychology helped me to commit to UMO.” Sutton’s mother, Tracy Sutton, also sang as a hobby when she was younger, which influenced Sutton to begin singing in the choir at her hometown church. Over the years, her love for music and ministry has grown tremendously, and now she sings soprano for the La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church Choir, and the UMO Concert and Chamber Choirs. “Since I was little, I’ve always liked to sing. At age 10, I did my first church solo and then I started singing in the middle school choir,” said Sutton. “Now I lead the Fresh Start Contemporary service, which is a convergence of modern, contemporary, and historic Christian worship at First Baptist Church. By leading Fresh Start, singing in the choirs, and studying vocal performance, I’ve had the opportunity to simultaneously learn and practice my musical skills.” Sutton has cherished her experiences at UMO and appreciates how close she has grown with others in the Psychology and Music Departments. She also feels as though her faith has grown with the help of her academics.

“Being a vocal performance major has allowed me to expand my skills in singing and performing, which is reflected in my choir singing. Also, being a psychology major has helped me strive to understand people and relationships better, which is a necessity in spreading my faith,” said Sutton. “I like to be a witness of Jesus in all aspects of life. Letting Jesus shine through me at UMO is a part of that, and it’s a good way to reach many different kinds of people.” Sutton’s busy schedule also includes working at the Christian Soldier bookstore in Goldsboro, participating in the UMO drama club (La Belle Epoque), participating in the psychology honor society, Psi Chi, and holding the position of president for the UMO Ballroom Dance Club. In the future, Sutton hopes to apply her knowledge from UMO to graduate school. She is currently deciding whether to pursue music, psychology, or religion at the graduate level. Most importantly, Sutton plans on continuing to spread her faith through music and relationships.

…being a psychology major has helped me strive to understand people and relationships better, which is a necessity in spreading my faith

Educational Opportunities New Freshmen Plan to Attend Trojan First: UMO Bound. Accepted and deposited new Freshmen planning to attend UMO in Fall 2015 will be attending an orientation day especially designed for them. The purpose of Trojan First is to provide information about admissions, scholarships and financial aid, athletics, and campus life. Students will also complete their Fall 2015 class schedule. Trojan First is scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2015. To be sure you are eligible to attend: 1) Complete the online application at <www.umo.edu>. 2) Have your high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores sent to: Admissions Office, University of Mount Olive, 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC 28365. 3) Pay confirmation fee: $50 for commuters; $100 for residential students. 4) To register for this important day, go to <https://www.umo.edu/admit-student-form> or contact <admissions@moc. edu> or call (800) 653-0854. Other admitted student days are also scheduled. Choose the best date and get registered. Limit of two guests per student. College is possible! All students, regardless of age, can complete the FAFSA free application for federal student aid to gain eligibility for grants and loans for college. It is best to complete your taxes for the calendar year 2014 before completing the FAFSA. The IRS data retrieval tool, which is a part of the FAFSA form, will enable you to use your tax information to complete many of the FAFSA questions. If you want to do the FAFSA prior to filing your taxes, please gather your W2s and other tax information before attempting to complete the form. • Go to www.fafsa.aed.gov to find the online form. Call UMO at 800-653-0854 for assistance. • Institutional Scholarships for traditional students are awarded based on high school and/or college achievements (merit), talent (athletic, music, art) or financial need. Some scholarships are available for students majoring in special programs, also. Consult with your admissions representative to learn more. <www.admissions@umo.edu>. Transferring credits from a community college to complete your four year degree? UMO offers working adults, who started their education at a community college, the opportunity to transfer their credits toward their next degree. Academic advisors located at all UMO locations will assess the transferability of credits. Locations in Wilmington, Washington, Research Triangle Park (RTP), Jacksonville, New Bern, Smithfield at JCC, Fayetteville at Partnership for Children (early childhood only) and Evening College in Mount Olive, provide convenient assistance for admissions and enrollment. Seated, one night a week, and online formats are available in accelerated formats. Undergraduate programs offered include the associate degree in general studies, and bachelor degree programs with majors in business administration, MIS (online), accounting (online), human resources (online), healthcare administration, criminal justice (online), early childhood, religion, and leadership. Contact <admissions@umo.edu> to learn more about when and where programs are offered and for start dates to accommodate your schedule. Online programs at UMO: The University now offers several programs that are totally online, with 24/7 access: • Master of Business (MBA): admissions requirements can be reviewed at <www.moc.edu/programs-of-study/online/ mba>. Contact Darrius Douglas, MBA online admissions representative, at <ddouglas@umo.edu> for assistance. • RN to BSN: applicants who have completed their two-year degree in nursing and are licensed nurses wishing to complete the bachelor degree in nursing online can contact Nina Ciric at <nciric@umo.edu> for more information. • Criminal Justice: applicants wishing to complete the criminal justice and criminology degree online can contact Joe Reynoso, admissions representative at <jreynoso@umo.edu> for more information.

The University of Mount Olive and James Sprunt Community College Partner to Enhance College Transfer The University of Mount Olive (UMO) and James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) have reached a partnership agreement that will enhance and expand options for community college students. The University of Mount Olive will provide current students and recent graduates guaranteed admission and acceptance of appropriate transfer hours, up to 64 credits from specified AAS programs with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. JSCC graduates will be eligible for consideration of the full range of academic programs at any of the University of Mount Olive seven locations. The University of Mount Olive/JSCC partnership enhances the University of Mount Olive’s relationship with the North Carolina Community College System, as a participating member of the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement.

Cumberland County Early Childhood Educators Now Have Expanded Opportunities The University of Mount Olive (UMO) and the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, Inc. have reached an educational agreement that will expand UMO’s bachelor’s degree completion and licensure programs into the Cumberland County area for students seeking educational opportunities in the Early Childhood Education field. “There are about 450 childcare facilities in Cumberland County that benefit from the services of the Partnership for Children,” says Dr. Paul Rutter, director of the Evening College at the University of Mount Olive.” “Through our agreement, employees of these facilities have the potential to earn their bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from UMO, while still maintaining their employment.” “Several decades of research clearly demonstrate that high-quality early childhood programs produce short and long-term positive effects on children's social development,” explained Buck Wilson, the Partnership’s Board Chair. “The strongest indicator of quality is the education level of the teacher. We are excited to enter into this agreement to offer more educational opportunities to early care and education professionals.” 10

UMO Alumni Association Makes Awards Presentation The University of Mount Olive Alumni Association recently honored Heather McPherson of Clarendon with the Lorrelle F. Martin and Michael R. Pelt Excellence in Teaching Award. Heather graduated from UMO in 2008 and immediately began her career as a science teacher at West Columbus High School in Columbus County. During the current school year, McPherson was recognized as the West Columbus High School Teacher of the Year for the second time in her teaching career. In Heather’s nomination for the award, the person nominating her wrote, “There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Heather loves her alma mater and wants to see other students attend the University of Mount Olive. She exemplifies the best in what the University of Mount Olive seeks to do for a student. One of the most outstanding characteristics of her teaching career is the concern she shows for the students she teaches. She helps them in the classroom, out of the classroom, and beyond the classroom as she guides them to further their education and fulfill their dreams.” Heather is an active member of Beaverdam OFWB Church in the Pee Dee Association, and she is the daughter of Keith and Willa Dean McPherson.

UMO at New Bern Holds Open House and Meet the Director Event The University of Mount Olive at New Bern held an Open House and Meet the Director Event on Tuesday, April 14. The gathering was well attended by UMO faculty, staff, students, and alumni, as well as Chamber members and area business representatives. University of Mount Olive Alumnus Luis Miranda has taken the helm as director of the University’s New Bern location. As an alumnus Miranda is excited to return to his alma mater to assist students in their pursuit of receiving a quality education. Miranda graduated from Mount Olive College as an Honor’s student, receiving his bachelor’s degree in religion in May of 2008. He then earned his master’s degree in management and leadership from Liberty University. He is the first person in his immediate family to attend and graduate college, and he is the only person in his immediate and extended family to receive a master’s degree. “I am honored to be able to return to The University and help others achieve their goal of earning their education,” said Miranda. Miranda is an ordained minister in the Southern Baptist Convention and is currently the senior pastor at Rivermont Baptist Church. Previously, he served as youth pastor at Rivermont Baptist Church, Seven Springs Baptist Church, and Deep Run First Baptist Church. In addition to these churches, Miranda served as youth coordinator for the Neuse Baptist Association.

Pictured from left to right are: PBL Advisor Sonya O’Brien, Eric Roughton, Charquele Simien, Justin Tomlinson, Natalie Calderon, and Jasmine Phillips

UMO PBL Chapter Recognized at State Conference University of Mount Olive students and professors involved in Future Business Leaders of America—Phi Beta Lambda (FBLAPBL), the largest and oldest student business organization, were recently recognized at the 61st Annual Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference in Charlotte, NC. Five UMO students earned respective spots in the competitive events at the conference. In addition, the University of Mount Olive Phi Beta Lambda chapter received the Gold Star Chapter recognition from the State and won first place in the Eastern Region for their large chapter affiliation. The UMO students also received the prestigious Terry Lowrance Leadership Award for completing state goals for local chapters. The students were led to the event by Sonya O’Brien, academic advising administrator, who was also acknowledged statewide in appreciation for her work to North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda. 11

PTA and FEA Collects and Donates School Supplies to Brogden Primary School The University of Mount Olive Prospective Teachers Association (PTA) and Future Educators Association (PTA) members recently gathered at Brogden Primary School to deliver school supplies. UMO Department Chair for Education Dr. Ruby Bell said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;PTA and FEA members are required to volunteer at a local school as a part of the education program. Students who volunteer gain new experiences and insights into the educational process. Volunteering also encourages students to give back and to help others. Pictured from left to right are: Department Chair Education Dr. Ruby Bell, Assistant Principal Karla Smith, FEA President Ashley Brewer, PTA Vice President Nolvia Ramos, FEA Secretary and Treasurer Alex Galloway, PTA President Raychel Barwick, and Principal Youlonda Wynn.

UMO Hosts Southeast Region FFA Rally Over 450 FFA members from across the southeast region recently descended onto the University of Mount Olive campus for the Southeast Region FFA Rally hosted by the University of Mount Olive. Over 30 high schools participated in the event that included competitions in parliamentary procedure, creed, prepared public speaking, extemporaneous public speaking, job interview, ag-mechanics, forestry, talent, introduction to horticulture, floriculture, and nursery landscape. 12

with David Morrow

Who Is Your Coach? Vince Lombardi. Phil Jackson. Dean Smith. Don Shula. Sparky Anderson. These are the names of great coaches who have led others to great success and supported some individuals through great struggle. Last month’s article shined a spotlight on the common struggle of procrastination. If you had someone in your life that provided the encouragement, accountability, affirmation of your strengths, and highlights of your growth areas, would you be more efficient at accomplishing your goals? Is there someone that you are coaching? Everyone needs “a Barnabas,” and everyone needs “a Timothy.” Take a moment to think about the life of the Apostle Paul. He was a persecutor of the Church when Jesus spoke to him and told him to go on into the city of Damascus for further instructions. Once in Damascus, Paul became the one other Jews wanted to kill. So, Paul left there and went to Jerusalem. Barnabas introduced Paul (Acts 9) to the other Christ Followers, who were afraid of Paul. The Bible does not tell us how Barnabas and Paul knew each other prior to this introduction. Regardless of the context of their meeting, the introduction of Paul by Barnabas, and the early Church’s acceptance of Paul following this introduction, greatly influenced Paul and his ability to grow as a young follower of Jesus Christ. After Paul left Jerusalem due to additional threats on his life, Barnabas later went to

Paul in Tarsus, and invited him to join the first missionary journey. It is interesting to read the biblical text and notice that Barnabas was mentioned first in Luke’s description of the first missionary journey on four occasions. Yet, Paul is mentioned first twice. Barnabas allowed Paul to speak on Cyprus and to respond to the challenge of a false teacher. Barnabas did not feel the need to always have the spotlight. Rather he was assisting Paul in developing as an early Church leader. It would have been so interesting and fascinating to watch this relationship between Barnabas and Paul develop. Paul and Barnabas eventually separated their missionary partnership over a disagreement about the priority of taking John Mark. This opened the door for new relationships to develop, including Paul’s relationship with Timothy. Biblically, we meet Timothy in Acts 16 as Paul is leaving for his second missionary journey. Once Paul was in a Roman prison, he wrote letters to Timothy that provided instruction, encouragement, and affirmation of Timothy’s abilities. Unlike the relationship between Barnabas and Paul, in a very real way we do have the opportunity to observe the coaching relationship between Paul and Timothy through Paul’s two letters. Paul taught by his example: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,

persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured…” (2 Timothy 3:10–11 niv). Paul encourages Timothy to follow his example and continue in the faith. What about you? Who is your coach? Who is your student? Do you have someone who helps you define your goals, discover obstacles to achieving those goals, holds you accountable for the steps necessary to achieving those goals, and who provides encouragement to you until you accomplish the goal? What would it be like for you to have a meeting with someone who is going to ask you if you have made progress on your professional goals, your personal goals, your health goals, your relationship goals, and any other goals you want to set? Some people do this informally, and others do it through scheduled meetings with someone that is formally trained in coaching. This is a service that is offered at CareNet Counseling East. Regardless of where you choose to get your coaching, recognize the value of having a coach, and also being a coach. Through having a coach, and being a coach, you will be able to say with Paul “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7), and know that you have helped train someone to continue the message.

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. 13

Cragmont Assembly

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

What’s Happening at Cragmont?

— A Tale of Two Holidays — As I write this article, Memorial Day has just passed but you will be celebrating Independence Day. These two holidays commemorate ultimate commitment, sacrifice, and celebration for our nation. You, your family, and your community may have remembered these days with grand celebrations including cookouts, picnics, and fireworks. Your remembrance may have been rather small or even private in nature. Whatever the size of your Memorial and Independence celebrations, you probably “remembered” someone or some happening that was important in your life. For many, Cragmont is that “remembered” someone or happening. Memorial weekend in May brought Cragmont an engagement celebration. The future groom popped the “big question” in the chapel. Velma’s Hearth provided

the perfect place to celebrate the bride’s “YES!” It was a joyful, happy event and at its foundation were the voices of commitment to a future together. A future that on occasion might require some old fashion selfsacrifice. Memorial Day found Cragmont’s staff busy completing the final jobs getting everything ready for summer campers. That’s another example of commitment, a commitment to a job and a calling to serve. As you read this now during the beginning of July, the commitment to that calling service must still be present. There is a new, yet old, table in the lobby of the main building. This table was originally used in the dining room of the three-story, white building that was on the Cragmont property when Free Will

Baptists purchased the site in 1945. When the old main building was demolished the Cragmont managers, The Rev. and Mrs. Doug Skinner, saved this table. It has been used in various places since then. This past spring Daniel and Brenda gave the old table a facelift and it took its place of honor near the front door. Speaking of old things, this fall will find two of the original rocking chairs from that same old white building refinished and ready for rocking by the fireplace at Velma’s Hearth. I do not have a great love for things just because they are old, but I have a special place in my heart for old things that carry within themselves a history I know and value. These “old things” that have been preserved, remind us of commitments made long ago to provide a place of spiritual renewal and refreshing for Free Will Baptists. From its beginning a primary commitment of Cragmont has been to provide a summer Christian retreat experience for children and teens. We are in the midst of continuing that commitment this July as Cragmont offers a place for young people to laugh, play, sing, study, and step closer to their Lord. Memorial Day and Independence Day celebrates the lives of men and women who committed their all to a cause in which they believed. These holidays speak of our country’s commitment to the cause of freedom. Through commitment and self-sacrifice Cragmont Assembly came into being and by commitment it continues its journey of service that shows the way to eternal freedom through Christ, our Savior. Continue to join us on this journey through your prayers and gifts.

2015 Cragmont Summer Schedule Pee Dee Youth Conference

July 6–11, 2015 Heath Connor • 727 Mount Olive Road Bladenboro, NC 28320 • (910) 740-4454 heathkellieconner@yahoo.com

General Youth II Conference

July 13–18, 2015 Brad Williamson—Director: (252) 244-0207 Wilma Parker—Registrar: (252) 522-0967 P. O. Box 6423 • Kinston, NC 28501 wilmaparker@embarqmail.com

General Youth I Conference

July 20–25, 2015 John Hill, David Currie, Todd Sutton—Directors Todd Sutton—Registrar: (252) 747-7567 6801 NC Hwy 222 E • Stantonsburg, NC 27883 toddsutton1@gmail.com

Young People’s Bible Conference July 27–31, 2015 Chuck Owens • 218 Wildwood Road Havelock, NC 28532 • (252) 733-9031 copo22@nc.rr.com

Cornerstone Woman’s Conference August 2–7, 2015 Joan Little • 7063 Stantonburg Road Farmville, NC 27828 • (252) 753-3217 jlittle@nc.rr.com

Emmanuel Woman’s Mini-Conference September 11–13, 2015 Joan Little • 7063 Stantonburg Road Farmville, NC 27828 • (252) 753-3217 jlittle@nc.rr.com

Cragmont Staff: John, Arlinda, Phyllis, Brenda, Daniel, Becky Jo, Stephanie 15

OFWB International

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

Dedication of Church and Sunday School Building By Letecia J. Segay

Jesus said to Peter, “…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18 niv). The church and Sunday School building in Dumangueña, Narra, Palawan was dedicated to the glory of God. This is an outreach of the Plaridel First Free Will Baptist Aborlan, Palawan where the Rev. Jimmy L. Ombang is the pastor, together with his very supportive wife Diosa Ombang. They have witnessed a great growth in the ministry of God in this place. The Rev. Andrino R. Segay was the speaker during the dedication service of the building. While the Rev. Marcos P. Taladro was the one who prayed for the dedication of the Sunday School building. It was a successful victory for the believers attending the dedication that the Lord had been glorified with the message entitled, “Gratitude for Deliverance and Victory” from the book of Psalms chapter 18. It was really a meaningful and inspiring message to be remembered for a long time. Pray for us as we continue to build His Kingdom on the earth and bring honor and glory to Him.

Liberia Mission Report BY THE REV. DARLINGTON GNININTE

We want to be thankful to God for His meaningful blessings He has continued to bestow upon us as a Church. We went for the formal Harvest Program of our farm project. The harvest was encouraging for us as a church, but most important I was glad as I took a tour of the town, I saw huge piles of rice before almost every house. The citizens of the town were rejoicing that this year the harvest is plentiful. Then I asked what the cause of the greater harvest was? They could not answer me personally but told me the chief or chairman was on his way to meet me. In less than 45 minutes, the chief and his assistants arrived to where I was staying for the night. They came to thank me and asked me to extend their thanks and gratitude to OFWB International in America for the assistance given them. It was due to the power tiller, they were able to make huge farms and also on time. Once they have the tool like the tiller and the rice is planted within time, you should expect a greater harvest. We are thankful to all who helped purchase the power tiller, and to God for using us as instruments of his blessings. The Bible declares, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19 esv). And who are those sons of God? You and I who have vowed to do the will of God and make the earth to feel his presence. They further went on appealing to me to ask the church if one more tiller can be given, as well as a threshing machine, it would increase productivity and help alleviate poverty. Here is more good news from the farm: we were able to harvest the rice and distribute and share with our churches and communities. A few bags have been stored for the use of our schools. Still more good news: our church was featured on TV and Radio for buttressing government’s effort in helping the poor farmers who are depending on farming as their source of living. Liberia after the Civil War has two bread baskets (areas where agriculture products come from to supply the market). But this year, 2014, due to the Ebola crisis, the northwestern part was not able to produce anything; only the northeastern part where our farm is located. This really got many people’s attention to what we are doing in the nation. Here is the appeal: the older tiller, which was purchased in 2011, has now collapsed, and only the newer one is operating. We have been appealed to extend the farmers and local government’s gratitude to OFWB International, and appeal for an additional tiller and a threshing machine. Indeed in the year 2014, we were able to achieve our goal, by driving the farmers and people from hunger to harvest. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to making this a reality. (Since this article was written, the Central Conference Layman’s League has raised enough funds to purchase another tiller.) 17

I Am With You Always “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20). We need patience in realizing that Jesus is with us always. Most don’t really believe him. We don’t see how he could clone Himself to be anywhere or everything, whenever called. But there are many things in Heaven and earth that we don’t fathom. If we stand on the promises of Scripture, we can have a reassurance that is denied us when we doubt that Scripture. I get a great deal of reassurance out of the promise that Jesus is with me whenever I make one unequivocal call for Him. His presence is assured to me, for I believe His promises in the Gospels. Often, at night when I am having trouble sleeping, I start mentally talking to Jesus, assuring Him that I truly do need and want Him, being certain that He has my best interests at heart. And I virtually always find myself drifting off into sleep. Jesus doesn’t mind. He knows me; He knows my habits. I am not using Him, though. I know that He knows that I need sleep, and if reassuring me of His presence is enough to woo sleep, I think that He is all for it. Once, years ago, when I was 22, I was in a very bad way in regard to my emotions. I had just gone through the hardest semester of college work that I had ever known. Now the pressure was off, and, ironically, my emotions plummeted. I needed Jesus very badly indeed.

And He was there for me, though I saw nothing nor even felt anything. I prayed long into the night, offering my total surrender to a Force greater than myself. And He heard me. That was the beginning of my closer walk with Jesus and with God. I have never forgotten that bleak night. And I have been grateful that when I prayed as I never had before, and that I never have, since. I once read that sometimes we truly pray only once or twice in our lives, but if it is sincere enough, and if it is deep enough, then we are OK. I believe that word from inspirational literature. That night of darkness in my prayer life changed my life. From then on, I knew that I was never alone. It had been a long haul. It wasn’t until the following September, more than six months later, that I truly became a believer in the afterlife. But the gem of that faith had been born in me in January of 1969. Why was I 22 when I began seriously to believe the promises of my religious upbringing? I don’t have the answer to that question. Surely I had been primed rightly, and so it was only a matter of time before I would become a solid believer. But this outcome was never assured. There are many who go through a lifetime being unsure of Jesus and of God. What can I say to you, if that is your experience? Just open your mind to the possibility that when you call, Jesus is right there, with us always. Just open your mind. What do you have to lose? Go deeply within, in a quiet place inside, to your deepest mind and spirit.

Sincerely ask if there is “something more” that you have been missing. Then get up, wash your face, and go about your business. In the next few days, watch for openings. A quiet thought, a gentler spirit, an assurance that you are not alone. In my experience, this sincere asking works. Jesus already knows about your difficulties with faith. There is no reason to hide anything. Just open your mind, tentatively and objectively, to the fact of a larger existence outside this worldly realm. Ask if it is true that there is “something more.” Tell Jesus that you sincerely want to know, that you are willing to be open to finding out. Jesus does not ask us to have blind faith. He takes us where we are and builds upon that foundation for something better. You may feel led to read a particular book, or have a particular conversation with a particular individual. These are all potential openings. And if asked sincerely and with a modicum of faith, that is enough to start the process for a deeper spiritual life. “Lo, I am with you always.” Yes! Do you believe it? Contemplate the majesty and the beauty of such a belief. We have never been meant to make our way in a solitary and independent fashion through this difficult world. Jesus would have us learn the real truths. Let’s enlarge our minds to wonder if what Jesus has promised in Scripture just might really be true. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

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). 18

Intersection Initiative Challenge

Home Missions & Evangelism

The HARVEST is GREAT

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

HELP WANTED $100 per church in addition to current giving as a part of

GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY • April 26, 2015 Being freed from the bondage of sin is in and of itself an amazing act of grace towards ALL people and worthy of great praise. That wondrous grace doesn’t stop there! We are also given the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Christians in the field of HARVEST. There are a number of ways that you—yes you—can be a part of the harvest. 1. Prayer Gathering participant: Luke 10:2 says “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Joining together in prayer that God would send the labor needed to reap the harvest that is before us is the foundation upon which we may do what God has called us to do. 2. Contribute Financially: Matthew 10:41 encourages those that are limited in other ways to be a part of the harvest: “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” You may not be called to go or be unable to go, but, you can encourage those that God has called to serve. 3. Your Church can be a MOTHER CHURCH. In Acts 13:2–3, God gave to us a formula for mothering other church plants. “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Your church does not have to be a large church to give birth to a church! You must only possess a vision and desire. YOUR Home Missions and Evangelism Ministry is launching INTERSECTION INITIATIVE. This initiative is structured to train, equip, and encourage church plants and the revitalization of our struggling churches. We are looking for volunteers to be a part of Good News Evangelism Teams to serve as launch teams to reach our goals of new church plants. There is a place for your gifts and talents in the harvest of God’s Kingdom! You may contact us for more information at (252) 5269908 or online at <www.homemissionsandevangelism.com> or by e-mail at <homemissionsandevangelism@gmail.com>. 19

Strengthening THE CHURCH

Home Missions and Evangelism of Original Free Will Baptists

43rd Annual Report Home Missions and Evangelism

2600 West Vernon Avenue Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 526-9908

2015 Convention Evangelism You may contribute electronically on either of these secure sites: E-mail: homemissionsandevangelism @gmail.com Online: www.homemissionsandevangelism.com

Intersection Initiative Challenge 1. PRAY: The first and most powerful way to help is PRAY! As simple as that may sound Jesus instructed us to pray for the field of harvest and the laborers to bring in the harvest. A paraphrase of E. M. Bounds: “We have enough programs, we need more PEOPLE OF PRAYER!” In Luke 10:2 it says, “…The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Be intentional in your prayer time. Set an alarm to remind you to pray every day at 10:02 for God to send forth laborers into the the great harvest of today. This prayer does not require great length or religious dialect, simply ask God for help in the harvest! A second way is to attend a PRAYER GATHERING event in your area for a night of prayer. If you would like to host or sponsor a prayer event in your church, conference, auxiliary, Bible study, class, or association, Home Missions would be glad to provide you an outline for a PRAYER GATHERING EVENT. A third way you can join with us in prayer is to accept our invitation to attend a special NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER event on May 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. This event will be at the headquarters for Home Missions and Evangelism in Kinston. 2. GIVE: April is Home Missions and Evangelism month as set forth by our Convention in order to recognize and show support for our evangelistic ministry. Sunday, April 26th is designated as GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY. The support we receive at this time is sincerely appreciated, and we would like to say thank you in advance for every contribution made! There are several challenges that exist each year by nature of the ministry that takes places under Home Missions and 20

Evangelism. Our director has issued two specific challenges that cover six years and a lot of hard work. The first relates to planting churches and reviving struggling ones. The second impacts Harvest Connection Disaster Relief. The need to become a first response team requires equipment upgrades and training. Therefore, another way you can give is for each man in each church give seven dollars. This will go a long way towards providing the funding needed to reach the goals of each challenge. Another form of giving is joining “THE SOWER’S CLUB.” By joining The Sower’s Club, you provide a consistent form of giving for work in Home Missions and Evangelism. 3. PLANT: “The most effective way of evangelism is church planting” (Thom Rainer). If it is not the cattleman that gives birth to the cow, but the cow. If it is not the shepherd that gives birth to the sheep, but the sheep. Then it is the church that gives birth to the church. Every healthy church should be preparing to mother a church. It isn’t about reaching a certain size, then we plant. It is about a vision, ministry, and a heart to see souls saved. The ministry of planting churches is sustained by a mother church parenting a daughter church. This cycle continues even today. Home Missions and Evangelism is launching an INTERSECTION INITIATIVE to train, equip, and encourage church planters. We need volunteers to become a part of GNET. GNET is Good News Evangelism Teams serving as launch teams to plant new churches and work with mother churches to birth new churches. We need volunteers to work with with music, children’s ministry, teaching, and leadership to be a part of GNET…maybe YOU!

HELP WANTED Harvest Connection Disaster Relief Verily I say unto you…as ye have done it unto one of the least of these… (Matthew 25:40)

The First 72 Hours I. First Responders: We thank everyone who has been a part The Harvest Connection Ministry in helping us to help untold numbers of people who have been affected by a disaster. Since the beginning, The Harvest Connection Ministry was not designed as a first responding team. Therefore the ministry has been a long-term relief ministry. Now is the time for The Harvest Connection to step up to the forefront and become a first responding ministry. We have been there to help in the short and long range recovery when our people have called us to help. Now is the time for this ministry to become part of the First 72-Hour Responders following a disaster.

II. What are our needs to fulfill this Vision? A. Volunteers! We will be trained by the State of North Carolina to be Community Emergency Response Teams (C.E.R.T.) as well as certified to train our own people. This will help us to set up regional teams. Therefore we are in need of coordinators in six regions of North Carolina along with South Carolina and Georgia. We are seeking at least three “First 72-Hours Response Teams” for each region, if more are available then the greater we can help in times of need. This will involve at least 6 to 12 people per team. B. Equipment! An upgrade of some existing equipment as well as the addition of utility trailers (30’), skid steerer with multi-function bucket, chainsaws and safety equipment, dump trailers, extension ladders among other items. C. Funding! Through Home Missions and Evangelism we are asking each church to give $100 above their budget for Good Shepherd Sunday in April. We are also challenging each man to give $7. These funds will greatly assist us in seeing this vision come to reality.

Fun and Encouraging Thoughts to Ponder with Pastor Freddie Pierce

Hello everyone! This is my first opportunity to serve our denomination through the printed word. I praise God for this space in our magazine to share some humorous, yet purposeful, thoughts with you. Feel free to share this with your friends, neighbors, congregation members, and even in newsletters you might share with others. Recently, I was reminded of this story. As my brother and 1 were playing in our backyard on a nice Sunday afternoon after Church, we heard a frantic, thrashing of bushes that grabbed our attention. All of a sudden, out bounded our dog “Matt,” ferociously shaking a black and white lop-eared rabbit. Matt could not have cared less, but my brother and I knew the rabbit belonged to Mrs. Johnson, the widow next door. There was nothing to do but tell our Dad. We knew he had little talent for mending fences, fixing screen doors, or changing spark plugs, but faith and history had taught us that he never encountered a problem that he wasn’t up to. “Everything is simple…don’t panic…don’t get excited. Take a second look at situations!” he used to say. He never knew disappointment, never experienced despair, and never acknowledged failure (according to the world’s interpretation). We took our rabbit problem to Dad. He studied it in his usual unconcerned manner and told us not to worry. “Just hose the little fellow off real well so he looks nice and clean. Brush him down with this towel, and stick him back in the cage. Mrs. Johnson is still at the Church. When she comes home and discovers her rabbit, she’ll be a little upset, but she’ll figure he just died a natural death. Oh yes, be sure and tie up the dog.” We did exactly as we were told and then hid in the bushes to get a good vantage point to observe the widow when she noticed her rabbit. Sure enough, just as Dad had promised, we saw her

come out of her back door and head for the rabbit cages. All of a sudden, we heard the worst screaming you could imagine! Mrs. Johnson went on and on hollering, shrieking, crying, yelling, and asking God all kinds of questions. My Mom and Dad came running out of the house and into her back yard, pleading with her to stop and tell them what had gone wrong. They finally got her to calm down a little and again asked her to explain what had happened. In between her sniffs and sobs she finally got it out, “I buried that rabbit three days ago!” Now to me, that's a great story! But it brings to mind a real person that came back to life four days after he was buried. Of course, I'm talking about Lazarus. Jesus made Mary and Martha wait until He could arrive to perform this miracle. If you remember, Martha was most upset with Jesus. She had wanted Him to come immediately to heal her brother while he was still living. But Jesus knew that it would be a far greater miracle if He waited until after Lazarus had died, and then bring him back to life. Jesus was not working on Mary and Martha’s time frame; He was working on God’s time frame. We all know that He is an “on-time God,” but do we often expect Him to do His will on our timeline? The Bible dearly tells us to, “…wait upon the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31). But just as Mary and Martha found that almost impossible to do, we sometimes feel the same way. Sometime, In the near future, when the opportunity arises in your life to, as the Bible also tells us, to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), think about how, in Lazarus’ situation, Jesus knew that the right time for a miracle was four days later…or in the case of the “resurrected” rabbit, only three days later!

Freddie Pierce is the Youth and Associate Pastor at Pleasant Grove OFWB Church (also known as, “The Grove”) In Pikeville, NC. He travels both near and far from home, speaking at events of all kinds. For more information, visit <www.fredspeaks.com> or you can contact him by e-mail at <piercefreddie@ gmail.com> or by phone at (919) 344-6499. He is on Facebook too! Just type in “Freddie Pierce.”

Sunday School Ministry

The Reverend Raymond Sasser

On September 10, 1940, the North Carolina State Sunday School Convention was organized at Little Rock OFWB Church in Lucama, NC. In 1989, it was dissolved and the OFWB Sunday School Board was established as a member of the ministries of the denomination. The centralized Sunday School work has been functioning for 75 years with institutes and other activities. We would like for our churches to set aside Sunday, September 13, 2015 as a day to remember and celebrate this event. If you would like for someone from our Sunday School office to come to your church and talk about this very important work, please do not hesitate to call and set up an appointment. If you do have a special activity arranged for that day, let us know so we can advertise the activity. This would be a good opportunity to keep alive the memory of The Reverend Raymond Sasser, first president of the Sunday School Convention.

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

STRIKE UP THE BAND!

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

Children’s Home

Fun Day at St. Mary’s Grove

St. Mary’s Grove FWB Church recently hosted the teens and staff of the Children’s Home for a fun-filled afternoon of games, worship, and eating. The kids were buddied up with a member of St. Mary’s Grove to get to know and to help them find their way around. The church had tons of projects, crafts, and games for everyone to do and play. Several of our girls enjoyed decorating cakes and making picture frames with lots of glitter and sparkle. They also dressed up for funny pictures and played corn hole and other games, while snacking on popcorn and slushes. The teens were entertained by the “Spin Man” who gave his testimony while spinning up to 12 basketballs at the same time. The eventful afternoon was capped off with a fantastic dinner of BBQ chicken, several vegetables, strawberry salad, rolls, and tea. As if that wasn’t enough, dessert consisted of chocolate éclairs, brownies, and banana pudding. Happy and content, the kids loaded the vans for the trip back to campus. Everyone had a great time and was thankful to St. Mary’s Grove for inviting us to fellowship with them.

Dinner at the Lowell Mill Restaurant Stony Hill FWB Church recently took the teens from the Children’s Home out to dinner at the Lowell Mill Restaurant in Kenly. The kids were thrilled at the opportunity to dine off-campus and at the vast amount of choices the restaurant offered. They enjoyed fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, vegetables, banana pudding and more. One young lady commented that “in the cottage we have to eat healthy, it was fun to just eat what we wanted without worrying about whether it was good for you or not.” Stony Hill members Joyce and Robert Matthews arranged for the restaurant to make a special cake in celebration of one of the girl’s birthdays.

She was so excited to be honored this way and shared her cake with everyone. This young person later commented that she had never had a homemade cake for her birthday. Many of our teens have never experienced things that we take for granted, such as dining at a restaurant and birthday cakes. By providing our kids with these opportunities, we are demonstrating our love for them and helping them build social skills that will aid them in life. The teens and staff from the Children’s Home truly enjoyed this time of off-campus fellowship with the church members.

Change for Children

Cottage Corner Prom Night

Thank you to all our churches, groups, and individuals who collected change for our annual Change for Children campaign. We are continuing to receive money from this event, so if you haven’t send yours in—it’s not too late. If you took pictures of your church or group with their blue bags, we would love to see them. Please post them to our Facebook page or email them to Carrie Brown at <cbrown@fwbch.org>.

The Children’s Home had five girls to attend the prom this year; these young ladies were elegantly outfitted for the event and had a great time. The teens at the Children’s Home are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the high school experience. Several of our young people have played sports, been in clubs/groups, and attended prom and other events through their high school. Just this school year we have had students running track and playing soccer and softball.

Special Recognition The Children’s Home was presented an “Excellence in Ministry” plaque during the FWB Convention on May 20, 2015 at the University of Mount Olive. The Children’s Home took in its first children, a group of four siblings, on May 23, 1920. The plaque was given in recognition of 95 years of “Love and Service to the Family of God”. The Children’s Home is truly grateful for all the support, love, and prayers that have been bestowed upon us during this time period and look forward to many more years of serving children and their families. We are also appreciative of the Free Will Baptist Convention and Buddy Sasser, Convention Services Director, for recognizing the work that we do for our teens with the help of the Free Will Baptist Denomination. Without you, we would not be able to help so many children. In a recent staff meeting, the staff of the Children’s Home gathered for a group picture to commemorate our 95th anniversary. Whether they work in the cottages, the administrative offices, or in building maintenance and grounds, they are all vital parts of the lives of our kids as are all of you.

Church Round-up This has been an extremely busy month on campus with many churches and groups visiting the Children’s Home to tour, help out, and fellowship with the teens. The Woman’s Auxiliary of the Central Conference (top picture) met at the Children’s Home for a study course on stewardship and a tour of the campus. Our teens and staff were treated to a pork chop lunch courtesy of Milbournie Church. They enjoyed the lunch plates during their picnic in the park at the center of campus. The kids at the Children’s Home were blessed to have several different pastors and churches join them in May for Sunday evening services. Richie Hogg from Pine Level (Pine Level), Bill Brantley and Free Union (Spring Hope), and the Reverend Eric Narron and Union Chapel (Middlesex) all visited on various Sunday nights for service. A group from Mt. Zion Church (Nashville) recently toured campus and donated personal hygiene items to our teens. The Primetimers group from Stoney Creek (center picture) visited the Children’s Home to learn more about our kids, tour, and donate items to be used for birthdays and awards. Members of Lee’s Chapel (bottom picture) spent a Saturday on campus revitalizing the gazebo and picnic tables in the park. National Day of Prayer was celebrated in quiet prayer and meditation in Memorial Chapel; the chapel was open throughout the day for everyone to enter and spend time in prayer. 25

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

Billy Graham, Nearing Home Thomas Nelson, 2011. 181 pages. ISBN 978-0-8499-4832-9.

Heaven as Our Final Home Billy Graham Americans know Billy Graham as a Christian crusader who has preached in stadiums all over the world and been a confidant of presidents. Trained at Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College) on the outskirts of Tampa, he began his preaching career as a pastor with Youth For Christ (YFC), carrying him in 1945 to Soldier Field in Chicago. His last crusade was in 2005 at the Greater New York Crusade held at Flushing Meadows (164). His late wife Ruth Bell was born in China to the medical missionaries, Dr. L. Nelson Bell and Virginia. Married for 63 years, Billy and Ruth had three daughters, Gigi, Anne, and Bunny, and two sons, Franklin and Ned (74). Today Billy Graham reports forty-three grandchildren and great-grandchildren (121). He lives quietly in his home at Little Piney Cove, recognizing that his age of 93 years gives him the authority to write a book about moving closer to death (164).

Title: Nearing Home At 93 years old, Billy Graham admits traits of growing old: muscles growing stiff, mobility lessening, hearing and eyesight deteriorating, physical stamina fading (83). He has watched friends and family die and finds himself nearing home (2) to be with God. When a journalist from Newsweek asked him to make “a statement about death” (93), he notes: “I commented that I had been taught all of my life how to die, but no one had ever taught me how to grow old” (93). His new book, Nearing Home, is all about how to grow old by learning to cope with grief, developing and building a strong faith in Jesus Christ, connecting more intimately to family, and believing in the promise of Heaven.

Learning to Cope With Grief Old age and the reality of death bring us face-to-face with grief. Billy Graham has lost his parents, his wife of 63 years, his brother Melvin, his sister Catherine, and his wife’s parents. At the age of 93, Graham recommends coping with grief by accepting grief as a process that makes us feel numb at first. Acceptance should be followed by focusing not on the past, but on the future. Graham insists: “God is not finished with us; He still has a plan for the remainder of our lives” (103). 26

Coping with grief also includes helping others and turning to God. Graham insists: “Even when you don’t feel His presence, it doesn’t change the fact that He is with you every moment of the day” (105).

Developing and Building a Strong Faith in Jesus Christ To enjoy old age, Billy Graham stresses building a faith in Jesus Christ by seeing a “fear of the LORD” as the “fountain of life” (Proverbs 14:27). To Graham, fear of God is “a reminder to be in reverential awe of God, to love Him with our whole being and commit ourselves joyfully to Him in all things” (80). As Jesus Christ is the “life-giving fountain” (Proverbs 13:14), the Messiah becomes the “Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” the one who gives the “fountain of the water of life” (Revelation 21:6–7). Building a strong faith in Jesus Christ includes reading and studying God’s Word (108), helping others through sharing burdens and encouragement (104), developing the spiritual fruits of “honesty, integrity, discipline, and hard work” (120), making an effort with forgiveness (126), seeking a life with a strong foundation built upon a faith in Christ Jesus so that old age and personal crisis stand upon “something deeper and unshakable, something that will see us through life’s hard times” (135). The foundation beneath us is only as “solid as that bedrock” (136) holding us up. Graham insists: “Jesus Christ is the bedrock on which we need to build our lives” (136). In his emphasis upon building a strong faith, Graham finds himself asking readers evangelical questions: “Have you committed your life to Jesus Christ?” (139). His fiery rhetoric echoes his earlier crusade preaching when he urged people in the stadium to make a decision for Christ. In writing, Graham stresses: “We need to make a decision—a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and His will for our lives” (139). A foundation built upon Jesus Christ includes gifts: the gift of God’s Word (151), the gift of the Holy Spirit (154), the gift of prayer (156), the gift of fellowship (157), the gift of service (158), the gift of living in the here and now (165), and the gift of hope in dwelling with God in Heaven (171). continued on next page

Book Corner continued from previous page

Connecting More Intimately With Family Old age allows Graham to connect more intimately with family. How? He lists six ways: (1) “Pray consistently” (122) with family members. (2) Keep in touch with the scattered members of the family. (3) Encourage members of the family, build them up (123). (4) Avoid creating conflict or causing tension (124). (5) Be an example of “peace and joy” (124). (6) Make an effort to demonstrate a “forgiving spirit” (126).

Believing in the Promise of Heaven Billy Graham believes that he is nearing home which is Heaven, his final home—the place where Christians “will be spending all eternity” (170). Graham sees Heaven as God’s promise and believes Heaven is “glorious,” “perfect,” “joyous,” “active,” and “certain” (171–177). He believes Christians will be united with loved ones and that the transformed bodies will have “unlimited energy to serve Christ” (176). Graham writes: “Heaven is our home—our final home—our ultimate place of complete peace and security and joy forever” (178). In aging, Graham believes he has a reason to be joyful as he is nearing home in Heaven where Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for him (180).

the largest stadium, but the Word of God travels to the farthest corners of the earth, proclaiming the Good News of salvation” (3). (2) “Our constant goal should be seeking God’s direction for what lies ahead” (44). (3) “We shouldn’t spend time thinking about ourselves and how weak we are. Instead we should think about God and how strong He is” (73). (4) “To recognize the voice of the Lord, we must belong to Him” (74). (5) “Jesus taught that death was a passage for the spirit into the presence of God” (97). (6) “When the family is destroyed, society eventually disintegrates” (113). (7) “For those of us nearing home, our steps may indeed be slow, but they need not be without purpose” (130). (8) “Americans spend almost sixty billion dollars a year on antiaging products” (135). (9) “The root of God’s love will grow deep in the hearts of all who will desire the Water of Life” (141). (10) “People can become so encumbered with being connected to information that they disconnect from others” (144). (11) “Prayer is really a place, a place where you meet God in genuine conversation” (157). (12) “The church is a storehouse of spiritual food” (158). (13) “We were not meant for this world alone. We were meant for Heaven, our final home” (166).

Dazzling Lines to Contemplate Billy Graham drops dazzling lines to contemplate in his new book, Nearing Home. Among some of his inspiring lines are these: (1) “A baseball may be driven into the farthest corners of

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.

The Board of Home Missions and Evangelism wishes to recognize the late:

Reverend Jamie Proctor For his dedication to God, his family, and church. We would like to thank his wife, Janet, his son Cody and daughter Victoria for sharing him with us. August 17,1963–June 3, 2015 You will be missed 27

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

NC Foundation for Christian Ministries

Lee’s Chapel Honored at the 10th Annual Meeting

t a regular business meeting on July 28, 2010 the congregation of Lee’s Chapel Original Free Will Baptist Church made a monumental and wise decision. A motion was made and the church voted to establish an endowment through the North Carolina Foundation for Christian Ministries. The Foundation was still in its earliest years, so it was an innovative step. Thanks to the reassuring counsel of Dr. William Burkette Raper, the president of The Foundation at that time, and the grace of God, the church saw the potential and the vote was unanimous. Included with the decision to begin an endowment was the plan for initially funding it with unused gifts from the church’s memorial fund. Some of those funds had been held securely by the church for decades until an appropriate, permanent, and acceptable use for the funds could be identified. Such a high level of accountability and respect is admirable but it was becoming increasing difficult to find suitable ways of honoring those who had been remembered. After consulting with the surviving family members of those memorialized, a total of $8,511.74 was identified as potentially available to help initiate the fund. Once the decision was made to proceed with plans for the endowment, the church homecoming service was selected as an appropriate time to officially establish it. This gave the church time to raise the additional money needed to reach the $10,000 minimum required. Excitement began to build and new gifts were added. At Lee’s Chapel’s 118th homecoming celebration, on October 10, 2010, a check for $11,691.74 was presented to The Foundation and the Lee’s Chapel Endowment Fund was officially born.

Success of the Fund The best part of the story of this endowment fund may be what has happened since. At the original meeting when the church voted to establish the endowment, the body also voted that all future memorial gifts to the church would automatically go into the endowment fund. This would prove to be a significant decision. During the first year after the endowment was established, while it was still fresh in everyone’s mind, a system was implemented to provide appropriate recognition for those honored or remembered via gifts to the fund. Each time a gift was made an appropriate but conspicuous acknowledgment was made in two consecutive week’s worship bulletins. The bulletin announcements provided the immediate recognition that was appropriate for such a gift. However, most people also want the gift to be remembered on into the future. To fulfill this desire, a leather binder was purchased

and a new leaf was added each time a new gift was made to denote the gift, the giver, and person being honored or remembered. This served as a tasteful, permanent, and displayable archive of each gift.

Recognition at the Annual Meeting The success of the Lee’s Chapel Endowment Fund was no accident. By God’s grace, a thoughtful process for establishment and continued funding was part of the original plan established by the church. Also, by God’s grace, the fund has grown rapidly beyond its initial establishment. In light of the success of the fund, the church was recognized at The Foundation’s 10th Annual Meeting on May 5, 2015 with an award plaque for Exemplary Growth of a Group Endowment Fund. The fund has grown to over $35,000 in less than five years. That is over 200% growth beyond the initial amount.

Future Benefits The Reverend Brad Williamson, D.Min. (left) receives a special recognition on behalf of Lee’s Chapel from Foundation President Donnie Lassiter (right).

Through gifts to the Lee’s Chapel Endowment Fund, the work of the church will be supported, beyond our lifetimes, in the good names of those honored or remembered today.

Contact The Foundation Today Many other churches, ministries, or organizations could benefit from the service of the North Carolina Foundation for Christian Ministries. To learn more, contact us at (919) 658-5250 or <admin@ ncfcm.org>. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization serving Christian, educational, and community purposes.

The Foundation gratefully acknowledges these gifts given during April and May of 2015 in honor or memory of those listed.  In Honor of  The Reverend Ricky Warren . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Bertie A. Sanders

Mrs. Carolyn Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Bethel Woman’s Auxiliary

Dr. Sam and Connie Weeks . . . . . . . By Mr. and Mrs. William Frank Sutton

Mrs. Anne Hamm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ricky and Angela Warren

The Reverend Ricky Warren . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Mrs. Jennifer Merritt

Mrs. Linda V. Lassiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Bertie A. Sanders

Ms. Dianne B. Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Mrs. Nancy Yates

Mrs. Linda V. Lassiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ricky and Angela Warren

Mr. and Mrs. Danny Taylor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Mrs. Nancy Yates

Mrs. Lottie Boykin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Miss Nancy C. Boykin

Ms. Mary Holloway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Mrs. Nancy Yates

Mr. Gary Barefoot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Dianne Brown Riley

The Reverend Dustin Bannister. . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Bertie A. Sanders

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Ackiss. . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Dianne Brown Riley

The Reverend Dr. Marc Boswell . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Bertie A. Sanders

Ms. Linda Greenwood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Dianne Brown Riley

The Reverend Vickie Parker-Medlin . . . . . . . . By Ms. Bertie A. Sanders

Miss Irene Weldon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Dianne Brown Riley

Mrs. Nancy Yates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Dianne Brown Riley

Ms. Belle Cook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Dianne Brown Riley

Mrs. Carolyn Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Mrs. Margaret J. Grice

 In Memory of  Mrs. Ida Mae Satterfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Dianne Brown Riley

Mr. Fred Boykin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Miss Nancy Boykin

Mr. Cecil Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Dianne Brown Riley

Mr. Jack Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . By First FWB Church of Goldsboro

Mr. George T. Sharp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Ms. Dianne Brown Riley

Morning Star Retreat Woman’s Auxiliary

— April 10–12, 2015 — As day breaks on a glorious day, even if it was a cloudy Friday morning, everyone’s heart was filled with joy and anticipation, hungry for the wondrous blessings awaiting them up on a mountaintop at Cragmont. After much preparation and planning the time had finally arrived for the 2015 Morning Star Retreat. With bags packed, women (and a few men) stuffed their luggage in their car, van, or bus and headed out West. Craigmont’s mountains and God’s word awaited to fill all with love and blessings. Because of the different distances traveled the arrival times varied, leaving time for fellowship, shopping and food before the opening service. May Pittman, director, welcomed everyone and introduced the staff for the 2015 session of Morning Star. A scripture reading of Psalm 121 and prayer by Carol Pittman opened the service. A few housekeeping items were taken care of before May began her Opening Program.

To encourage meeting new sisters in Christ, May passed out a sheet of paper to everyone present that had a list of 10 tasks to accomplish. “Find a Friendly Person Who has ____” was the title. Some of the choices to fill in the blank were: a birthday this month, blue eyes, a son who loves basketball, three grandchildren, etc. Each sheet had 10 things to find but none of the answers could be from your group, May led in a service based on Isaiah 40:8. Jesus is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. His love for us never changes. A handout of a miniature bottle of bubbles was given to everyone as a reminder of Jesus love for us. Just like a bubble never changes, his love never changes. Susan Faircloth led the group in singing, before dismissing everyone to the dining hall for refreshments of cookies, fruit, tea, coffee, and fellowship. Saturday morning welcomed us with a cool, crisp and sunny morning. Our day

began with morning devotion presented by Gail Hooks and titled “Loyalty to God.” The text was taken from Proverbs 3:1–4 that says God is Loyal; Exodus 34:14 tells us that God Needs Loyalty; Luke 16:13 states that we cannot serve two Masters—God must be first; Proverbs 17:17 tells us that we should love at all times; 2 Corinthians 7:5–7 and 1 Samuel 18:1–4 conveys that we should be loyal to friends; and Revelation 2:25–26 states we should be loyal until his return. To show our loyalty, our daily walk with God should include prayer, love, reading His word, and being true to him in everything we do. Breakfast was next on the agenda! Coffee!! Coffee!! Coffee!! With the recent renovations in the Dining Hall, there is no longer a need for “A” and “B” groups. We can now all eat and fellowship at one time in the beautiful new facilities. After breakfast, we all met on the front steps to have our picture taken.

Religion or Relationship: “I’ll Have What John’s Having!”

Susan led the group in singing to start the morning session off. Carol introduced our speaker, Kathy Hayes. Session I was titled “Let’s Meet the Man.” The man in this case is John. John is the author of five books of the Bible (John; 1, 2, and 3 John; and Revelation), the youngest disciple (also a disciple of John the Baptist), a member of the inner circle (Peter, James, and John) was the disciple that Jesus loved. He walked with Jesus everyday regardless of what transpired, he never left Jesus’ side. He had a close relationship with Jesus. John was the first to recognize Jesus when He first appeared after He arose from the grave. Although Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were biographies of Jesus, 90% of the information found in John 30

cannot be found anywhere else in the Bible. As an example, there are eight miracles that Jesus performed that are only revealed in the book of John. All of the other disciples died a horrific death; but because of his relationship with Jesus, John dies of natural causes. Gary Hayes (Kathy’s husband and member of Legacy) sang, “If you Knew Him” to close out Session I. After a short break to stretch our legs and get a drink of water, Carol once again introduced Kathy to commence Session II. “It’s Never as Easy as It Looks.” Relationships are hard work. Religion is easier that a relationship. A non-relationship with God leads to a routine (gets into a rut, does not make any changes and takes things for

granted). Do not let your relationship with God become stagnant like a hamster on a wheel running but not going anywhere. John’s relationship with Christ was a real relationship. He wanted to be a servant. To be a servant you must want to serve God—not yourself. Do not create jobs for yourself but wait for God to tell you where to go and what to do. John listened, Jesus talked, and John did. And John sacrificed to serve Christ. He gave with joy so the best could come. What is the cost of your relationship with Christ? God will reveal to you what your sacrifice is. No relationship is possible without service and sacrifice. After Carol’s presentation Gary sang, “For God so Loved” to close Session II.

When we returned from a short break, Susan led everyone in singing before Kathy began her final session. “What’s the Point?” John’s relationship with Christ transcended the grave. The book of John has twice as many verses on love than any other gospel. John was the most like Christ out of all 12 disciples. He followed Jesus through all things good or bad. John said that he was the disciple that Jesus loved, and God gave him wisdom. In finding our way to Christ, we should respect one another; believe that grace is for everyone; and believe that God loves us unconditionally. Those who love Christ the most will serve the most sacrificially. The truest meaning of love is ensuring others happiness, comfort, and well-being is greater than your own. God is love. The inability to love keeps you from a relationship with God. The only thing that matters is our RELATIONSHIP with God—NOT our religion. “I want what John’s having!” Gary closed out session III with “Who am I.” After closing prayer and grace, we all assembled in the dining hall for another delicious meal. The afternoon was spent in various ways: shopping, sleeping, playing cards, fellowshipping, visiting the local coffee shop and even taking a boat tour of Lake Lure. Everyone assembled for the much anticipated evening meal, which did not disappoint anyone. After enjoying our meal, we again gathered for our evening session. Barbara Mooring opened with prayer following singing led by Susan. May gave us the statistics for this year’s retreat. There were a total of 69 present (four of which were men); our youngest was 17 our oldest was 89; 10 first timers (eight women and two men). The Western Conference had the most representation. John Williams gave us an update on Cragmont. Phase II of the Dining Hall remodeling is complete, which included a new HVAC system, retaining wall, hot water system, new roof, and renovation of the old dining room. To date they were only $23,000 in debt. With this being Cragmont’s 70th Birthday, John is asking for 70 new Club members, that would put them well on the way to financing Phase III. The goal of Phase III is to purchase some much needed new equipment, such as a new range hood, a double convection oven, a double oven with smoker, and/or a tilt skillet. An estimate of $35,000 was given for this phase of work. Before John finished, he gave everyone a

bracelet with “…I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 esv) engraved on it for us to think about before his sermon on Sunday. Brenda Batts began our Sunday School lesson: Love One Another. The lesson was taken from John 13:31–35 and 1 John 3:11–24. After reading the scripture we were asked to hug our neighbors. This act of love brightened the spirits of everyone in the room. John loved Jesus; the book of John is on love; he told the little children to love one another. John’s letters to the church (1, 2, and 3 John) tell of the denial of Jesus’ existence, the denial of sin in our lives, the total lack of love for one another, and false teachers. Both John and Hebrews state that we are to love one another and our main goal is to lead others to Christ. There is a need for love, not hate; when we give of ourselves we are showing His love; we must give a blessing in order to receive a blessing; doing small things often has the greatest meaning to others and no blessing is too small. We must all believe in Jesus and “love one another.” After May prayed the closing prayer, Susan led us in singing. Sunday morning brought sunny skies and warm temperatures for Sunday morning services and the trip back home. The group was blessed with beautiful weather for our retreat to praise God and renew our relationship with Him on the top of the mountain at Cragmont, After satisfying our need for food and coffee with another delicious meal, Donna George (our very talented pianist for the weekend) welcomed us with some very beautiful music in the morning services.

Brenda Tyndall opened the services with prayer. May thanked all who helped to make this year’s retreat a success; Daniels Chapel presented the welcoming scripture (Carol Pittman), morning devotion (Gail Hooks), main speaker (Kathy Hayes) and Sunday school lesson (Brenda Batts); music director (Susan Faircloth—Robert’s Grove); pianist (Donna George—First Church, Greenville, NC); and registrar (Joan Little—Kings Cross Roads). Threads from the Heart (from First Church Greenville, NC), presented two lap quilts (hand made by the group) to two ladies for their service: Hattie May Everton and “Blossom” (Arlenda Williams’ mother), Sandra Brown gave the offertory prayer, which was followed by Gary singing, “Scars in the Hands of Jesus.” John Williams delivered the morning message from John 20:19–29. Our faith dwindles as doubt develops, but Jesus is not far and he walks through barriers of doubt to keep our faith strong. He comes through all barriers and says “Peace be with You.” Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus has been through all circumstances to relieve all our doubts. Have no doubt that Christ is there—no doubt is too strong for Him to come through. If you stand still and let God move, He will give you peace. Always remember “…I [the Lord] have called you by name, you are mine.” Susan closed with prayer. Everyone that attended sends a HUGE thank you to John, Arlinda, and their staff for their hard work preparing delicious meals and making sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. Your hard work is appreciated very much! 31

Please join us for the 11th Annual

Paper Products Drive Friday, July 17, at 7 p.m.

Carolina Mudcats vs. Winston-Salem Dash All Church groups registered in advance will receive $7 Box Seat Special (regular price—$11) **$1 from each $7-ticket purchased benefits the FWB Children’s Home** Discounted tickets must be ordered by July 7. Discount is not available at the gates. Tickets are mailed within 10 days prior to game. Donated items will be collected at the gates.

   Stay for the post-game FIREWORKS!    Seating is limited to specific sections.

_____ Tickets @ $7.00

= $_ _________

(Prices include all per ticket fees)

Shipping & Handling Fee

= $ ___3.00__

TOTAL Amount Enclosed

= $_ _________

Make check payable to: Carolina Mudcats Baseball Club

Credit Card (check one): VISA ___ MC ___ AMEX ___ DISC ___ Card #__________________________________ Exp. Date_ ___________ Signature_______________________________ Sec. Code____________

Order Early for the Best Seats! Order with check by mail or fax:

Carolina Mudcats Baseball Club:

Attn: Paper Product Drive P. O. Drawer 1218 Zebulon, NC 27597 Fax: (919) 269-4910

Deadline for orders: Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Name__________________________________ Phone #______________ Church Name_________________________________ e-mail________________________________ Mailing Address_______________________________ City_________________ State______ Zip_____________ Billing Address________________________________ City_________________ State______ Zip_____________ Have any Questions? Please contact a Group Sales Associate at (919) 269-2287

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

This month (Unit 2) our Sunday School lessons are from the book of Micah. Like Amos, Micah lived in the southern kingdom of Judah. Amos preached to the people in Israel; Micah preached in Judah. And both were prophets in the 8th century B. C. Amos was sent to preach for a short time in Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. The major powers, Assyria and Egypt, were pre-occupied with matters close to home, so Israel and Judah were able to expand their reach and enjoy a half-century of relative peace. But about the time that Jeroboam II died, Tiglath-Pileser III (referred to in the Bible as “Pul”) rose to the throne in Assyria. Israel had six kings after Jeroboam II, and four of them were assassinated, which reflects the instability of the government in Israel. Pul immediately settled matters at home and began to reclaim dominance throughout the region. In 732 b. c. Damascus was taken, and Syria ceased to be a buffer for Israel. Pul died a few years later. Hoshea, King of Israel, revolted against the new king of Assyria, who then put Samaria under siege for three years but died before he could complete the campaign. However, his successor, Sargon II, razed Samaria and came to the doors of Judah. This seems to be the time that Micah appeared in Jerusalem. Amos was from the village of Tekoa, about ten miles south of Jerusalem; Micah was from the town of Moresheth, about twenty miles SW of Jerusalem. Micah shared the same concerns as Amos, who was before him, and of Isaiah, who was his contemporary— social injustice among God’s people. Our real beliefs are revealed in how we live. As with Amos and Isaiah, Micah did not belong to a gild of prophets or the king’s prophets, but was sent by God to deliver God’s message to His people. Our study in Micah begins at Chapter 2. In Chapter 1 Micah calls the court into session to hear the charges against Israel, with the Lord God as witness. Samaria and all Israel has been

with Adrian Grubbs

laid waste for her sins because she did not repent. Now God’s judgment has been brought to the gate of Jerusalem in the form of Assyria. Chapter 2 begins as a funeral dirge; but instead of recounting all the good qualities of the deceased, the obituary recounts only the evil and wickedness of those who are about to be brought to justice. One of the primary charges against Judah has to do with the unjust confiscation of property. The land belongs to God, and He has allotted certain portions to each of the tribes of Israel for them to maintain. But unscrupulous men have been seizing property to add to their wealth, leaving women and children homeless (2:9). For this, their captors will parcel out their lands (2:4). Verse 6 implies that he was told not to preach such stuff; in verse 11 he says that what they want is a drunk who preaches for wine and liquor. Chapter 3 (lesson 2) directs the charges against the rulers who cannibalize the people (3:1–4), and the prophets who speak for profit. Then in verse 11 the priests are included with rulers and prophets whose only concern is money. Chapter 6 (lesson 3) begins by calling on the mountains and hills to hear the Lord testify against Judah. The Lord reminds them of what He has done for them and what He expects of them. Verses 6–7 speak of various sacrifices: 1) Whole burnt offering: some sacrifices involved giving a portion to the priests for food, another was a communion sacrifice where the supplicant shared a meal with God, but the whole burnt offering was offered entirely to God; 2) Thousands of rams: only a king was able to be so lavish; 3) First-born: child sacrifice was forbidden for God’s people (Deuteronomy 18:10); the first-born son was to be redeemed (Numbers 18:15). What God expects is justice, kindness, and humility (see verse 8). Chapter 7 (lesson 4) reminds us that the purpose of God’s judgment is to bring about restoration and renewal.

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. 33

Youth Convention 34

Annual Youth Convention of Original Free Will Baptists is Held Over 339 children, youth, and adults from 30 churches covered the campus of the University of Mount Olive on Friday, May 15–Sunday, May 17 for the Annual Youth Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. With a theme of “We Were Made to Thrive,” the weekend focused on teaching the children and youth that God wants us to do more than just “survive”—God wants us to THRIVE! The theme verse for the weekend came from John 4:14, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.” The theme song for the weekend was “Thrive” by Casting Crowns. The weekend was filled with worship services featuring the band, Newborn City, from Vanceboro, and Jeff Smith, director of Salt and Light Ministries from Richmond, Virginia. Jeff has performed throughout the world as a featured performer and master teacher at local, state, and national training conferences and seminars in drama, worship arts, music, ministry, teacher training, children’s ministry, and creative arts. Saturday night’s worship service also featured dramas and music from youth groups from Blended Fellowship, and Little Rock. Sunday’s worship service featured singing and dramas the different age groups learned throughout the weekend. The music in the worship service was led by the Pee Dee Youth Praise and Worship Band from Beaverdam, Mt. Calvary, Cypress Creek, and Mt. Ariel’s Churches. On Saturday morning, each age group participated in a walk-a-thon to raise money for The Fountain of Youth Endowment. Everyone together walked a total of 400 miles around the University’s campus and raised a little over $2,500. The Fountain of Youth Endowment was established with the NC Foundation for Christian Ministries in 2012 by the Commission on Youth & Student Ministry Leadership and the Original Free Will Baptist Youth Convention. Instead of churches contributing to one project to benefit one ministry each year, once $10,000 has been given to this endowment an annual distribution of the interest earnings will be given to all of the ministries of the OFWB Convention. Long after we have left this earth our giving will continue through this established fund. After the initial amount of $10,000 has been received, an annual distribution of the interest earnings will be given

Youth Officers: Front row, from left to right: Caden Keech, Naomi Jenkins, Coy Oliver, and Peyton Overbee. Second row, from left to right: Adam Edmonds, Jacob Cottle, Daniel Watson, Xavier Stokes, and David Norris II. Not pictured: Katie Young, Sarah Richards, and Savannah Seay.

to the ministries. To date, approximately $6,500 has been received toward this Youth Project. Children and youth also enjoyed various other activities throughout the weekend including woodworking, crafts, drama classes, special speakers, games, inflatables, and water slides. The Saturday night worship service also featured the installation of the 2015–2016 officers and representatives and announcement of Bible Bowl winners and Elizabeth C. Hansley Outstanding Youth Program Award Recipients. This year’s officers are: President—Jacob Cottle of Juniper Chapel (Eastern Conference), Vice President—David Norris II of Yelverton Grove (Cape Fear Conference), Recording Secretary—Naomi Jenkins of Little Rock (Western Conference), Corresponding Secretary—Coy Oliver of Union Chapel (Albemarle Conference), Program Prayer Chair—Daniel Watson of Marlboro Church (Central Conference) and Missions Chair—Sarah Richards of Cypress Creek (Pee Dee Association). The representatives this year are: Katie Young of Free Union (Albemarle Conference), Peyton Overbee of Tee’s Chapel (Cape Fear Conference), Xavier Stokes of Marlboro Church (Central Conference), Adam Edmonds of Whaley’s Chapel (Eastern Conference), Savannah Seay of Beaverdam Church (Pee Dee Conference), and Caden Keech of Little

Rock Church (Western Conference). Youth selected by their districts serve as representative for one year and then serve as officers the following year. Little Rock Church (Western Conference), Robert’s Grove Church (Cape Fear Conference), and Sound Side Church (Albemarle Conference) were each awarded Gold Level Elizabeth C. Hansley Outstanding Youth Program Award Recipients. This award is named in memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Hansley, affectionately known as “Ma Hansley,” who dedicated much of her life to working with the children and youth of our denomination. The main purpose of this award is to encourage youth group leaders and members to plan, implement, and evaluate activities that provide positive spiritual growth for youth in a variety of areas. The secondary purpose is to recognize those groups that reach a certain level of achievement in this process. Recipients of the Award receive either Gold, Silver, or Bronze level recognitions. Applicants completed an application documenting activities their Youth Program completed from May 2014–April 2015 in the following areas: Development of Individual Youth Members (Christian Leadership; Health & Well-being; Spiritual Growth); Development of the Total Youth Program (Recruitment; Financing; Denominational Leadership); Development of the Church (Cooperative Efforts; Facility Maintenance and/or Improvement; Congregational Ministry); and Development of the Community (Community Outreach; Physical Improvement; Citizenship). There is no way we can possibly list all the volunteers who helped plan and carry out the Youth Convention! It takes MANY people from many different churches and districts all coming together and using their gifts and talents for God to make the weekend the success that it is! The individual age group portions of the Youth Convention were planned and organized by: Cherubs— Barbara Avery (Core Creek), Donna George (Greenville First), and Susan Lackey (Mosely’s Creek); AFC—Faye Bryant (Cypress Creek), Teresa Harris (Kings Cross Roads), and Lynn Watson (Marlboro); and YFA—and Angie Toler (Juniper Chapel) and Leigh Ann Norris (Tee’s Chapel). Others assisting with the weekend were Hope Fields (Beaverdam), Todd Sutton (Saratoga) and Jonathan Whitford (Free Union, Central Conference). The 2014–2015 representatives and officers helped plan the Youth Convention as well as carry out the events of the weekend. The outgoing officers were: President—Marshall Jenkins from Little Rock (Western Conference), Vice President—Peyton Overbee of Tee’s Chapel (Cape Fear Conference), Recording Secretary— Morgan Edmonds of Whaley’s Chapel (Eastern Conference), Corresponding Secretary—Jordan Cobb of Kings Cross Roads (Central Conference), and Program Coordinator—Tyler Britt of Union Chapel (Albemarle Conference). Plans are already being made for next year’s Youth Convention. Mark your calendar for May 20–21, 2016 so you don’t miss it! Keep a look out in The Free Will Baptist and denominational emails for more details! You may also visit our website at <www. ofwbyouthconvention.weebly.com> or find and join our group Facebook page (OFWB Youth Convention).

Saturday afternoon was filled with lots of outdoor activities for the children and youth of all ages. There was a water area, several large inflatables, volleyball, corn hole, and other activities available.

The Pee Dee Youth Praise Team featuring young people from Beaverdam, Mt. Calvary, Cypress Creek, and Mt. Ariel Churches led us in worship on Sunday morning.

Children and youth of all age groups enjoyed different small Alex McCarter, Youth group classes. Crafts is one of the Minister at Elm Grove, most popular classes. participates in a competition during one of the YFA sessions. 35

On Young Adults and the Church Much has been written over the last several years about the status of young adults and the Church. Authors, bloggers, and pastors have described the alarming demographic trends. A sort of cottage industry has cropped up around folks who have the answers: speaking prophetic truths, insisting on the integrity of ancient traditions, or putting in place the old guard who supposedly are causing the demise of the Church. Mostly, folks seem to think the health and vitality of a congregation or the Church Universal rises and falls with people in their late teens and twenties. I wonder about this. Having had both of my feet in liberal mainline and conservative evangelical churches for the past nine years, I’ve seen young adults who grew up in both traditions leave the Church. Sometimes, former evangelicals find a home in a more progressive mainline denomination. Some former mainline young adults leave the Church altogether or experiment with an evangelical tradition. I’ve seen other young adults leave the Church in their late teens, only to arrive back, babies and spouses in tow, some five to ten years later, when they want their kids to receive a moral upbringing. Others stop attending a local congregation because it’s boring. Others stop believing in a literal Hell, after which point the impetus for church attendance seems less threatening or necessary. Others, unlike the immediate generations before us, realize that their job prospects and social standing do not ride on their church affiliation, position on the deacon board, or being a Sunday School teacher. If the social pressure and social benefits are no longer present, then why bother? Still other young adults return to the Church because being an adult is difficult. Navigating tough decisions about career, family, and self-identity can seem overwhelming, such that some find themselves longing for a community that reaffirms their orientation in the world. Others face health crises—troubled pregnancies, the deaths of their parents or the deaths of friends. With their finitude

squarely before their eyes, they begin to consider the benefit of attending to their spiritual lives. Or, at least, they want the proverbial “fire insurance,” doing the bare minimum to make sure they’re in good standing with “the big Guy upstairs.” Others think the Church is anti-gay, and, thus, they leave. Others think the Church is the only institution left that takes a strong stand for so-called traditional family values, and, thus, they stay. Others want a place to remind them of how evil the world is and to provide cultural substitutes—alternative schools, alternative music, alternative youth recreational leagues. These communities function as homogenous spaces in which a person doesn’t have to think too hard or too long about cultural difference. Still, other young adults find congregations teeming with diversity, inclusiveness, and a sharp, critical mindedness about matters pertaining to faith and communal life. Young adults gravitate to both types of community. So why are young people leaving (or staying in) the Church? It depends on who they are; where they grew up; if they went to college; what values they now hold; what values they no longer hold; if they want to be challenged to think; if they want a place in which they do not have to think too hard; if they have children; if they think God will send them to Hell for not attending; if they want to give themselves to some bigger reality; if they’ve been faced with certain difficult situations; if they know a place is welcoming and affirming; if they feel they won’t be judged; if they want to judge others and establish a sense of self-righteousness. The point is, the motivations for leaving and returning and staying are various, and they’re probably not unlike the variety of motivations of preceding generations. If there’s a word of hope or direction here, it’s that God’s movement in the world has persisted for several millennia, and I trust that it will continue to do so even in the midst of these, our times.

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. 36

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