TFWB • June 2015 by Free Will Baptist Press

June 2015

From toddlers through preteen, no one gets left out!

Toddlers & 2s Teacher’s Convenience Ki t $37.99

Early Elementa ry Teacher’s Convenience Ki t $44.99

Middle Elemen tary Teacher’s Convenience Ki t $29.99

HeartShaper ® Distinctives Kids take five age-appropriate journeys through the Bible by the time they reach 6th grade. The Quick Steps™ activities are easy to prepare and teach—they require no materials other than the curriculum and common classroom supplies. New this fall: Look for the Special Needs Friendly symbol in each lesson to find activities that work well with all kids— including those with special needs.

OFF your first quarter trial offer

Each Quarter You’ll Get • Carefully chosen Bible stories and topics that are age-appropriate for each classroom level • Integrated Bible skills that help kids develop the ability to find God’s answers themselves • Bible memory activities so kids can learn one Scripture verse or passage in each unit • Teacher Guides • Teaching Resources • Student Activities • Take-homes • Online Helps and Related Resources

Available from

1-800-849-3927 www.mycrossandcrown.com

June 2015 Cragmont Assembly Month This is a calendar of denominational events and regular holidays and special days/seasons of the Christian year.

Sunday

Monday 31

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

Tuesday 1

Wednesday 2

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Minister’s Conference (May 31–June 4)

Dayspring Retreat (10–13)

Flag Day

Christian Cadet Conference (15–20)

Father’s Day Summer Solstice

Cragmont Youth Conference (22–27) 29

Youth Frontier Conference (June 29–July 3)

Father’s Day By The Reverend Richard E. Cuddington, Jr. Father’s Day comes and goes each and every year. We get dad a goofy tie, a shirt to go with it, or a gift card from Lowe’s and say: “We’ve honored dad!” Have you ever found yourself running around the Saturday before Father’s Day wondering what to get the man who has everything he needs or when in need just goes out and buys for himself? Isn’t it funny? Ironically, we are all probably a little guilty of that to a degree! Now, I must admit that I’m not one to go overboard or spend a lot of money on Father’s Day. Just in case you thought it…yes, I love my dad! Yet, I have sarcastically told my wife that all of these little holidays or special recognition days in each month were created in order to remove the American consumer from their money! Every month has a day to celebrate, except for January and only because Christmas just ended! Think about it: February has Valentine’s Day. March is reserved for St. Patrick’s Day—even if you aren’t Irish! Traditionally Easter is celebrated in April, but Christ is almost incessantly replaced by the Easter Bunny and those delectable little “Peeps!” May is for moms, Cinco de Mayo, and the start of the “Summer Travel Season.” Of course, June is for dads. July is recognized for the 4th and not necessarily Independence Day, and

August is now that famous holiday, “Back to School.” Funny, I don’t remember it to be so joyous when I was in school! In September, we have Labor Day, where you can get a great deal on a car or a mattress. Why is that? October is cordoned off to recognize Halloween, heaven forbid, in order to sell costumes and candy, while November and December are for shoppers only; never mind Thanksgiving or Christmas. We need to make sure all of those retailers make it through Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or “The Holidays!” Call me a little bit of a curmudgeon, yes, but how about let’s make these special days what they were meant to be, acknowledgement of someone or something important! All of the attempts to pry consumers from their pocketbooks is really annoying! No, I am not in any way against free enterprise, but enough is enough! Back to Father’s Day. This year, don’t just go out and buy dad a tie, a tool, or a shirt. Make an effort to do as commanded in the scriptures—honor him. Try something different; make your father something personal and special he will never forget. Surprise him with a visit or take him for a coffee and let him know how much his life has influenced yours. Let dad know his godly legacy left with you is important and lasting. Perhaps this could be the

best and most meaningful gift! After all, each of us wants to know our life really mattered. If you look in Exodus 20, you’ll notice that honoring one’s father and mother is the fifth commandment, but the very first one that deals with human relationships. This tells me it’s pretty important to God, so it should be to us as well! As the Israelites received the Ten Commandments, God gave them instructions on how to live with Him and how to live with each other and this all-important relationship with one’s parents was at the top of the list. In the New Testament, Paul reiterated the fifth commandment in Ephesians 6, telling us that honoring one’s father or mother is the first commandment with a promise. This means that God seriously takes into account our efforts when we honor mom and dad and rewards us. Perhaps this reward is earthly, maybe it is eternal, but there are great rewards for those who honor mom and dad! So…on dad’s special day this June, remember the scriptures and the word “honor” and what it means: “respect that is given to someone who is admired” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). As an alternative this Father’s Day, show your dad the love, respect, and admiration you have for him in a different sort of way and say “No” to the tie. Just a thought—Happy Father’s Day!

The Rev. Richard E. Cuddington, Jr. serves as Senior Pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church of Wilson. He and his wife of 21 years, Dana, and their two children, Jacob and Anna reside in Kenly, NC. Rev. Cuddington has a background in banking and agri-business and has been a full-time minister since 2010. Rev. Cuddington holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Barton College and a Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University. He previously served at Northeast Free Will Baptist Church in Mount Olive, NC and as Campus Pastor of the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home in Middlesex, NC. 2

Managing Editor Darren Davenport editor@fwbpress.com

jerry@fwbpress.com

Circulation, Customer Service Andrew Mozingo

June 2015

Volume 133 • Number 6 ■ 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

Pondering the Past with Celia Hales. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sanctified with Andrew Mozingo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 From a Woman’s Heart with Nora Koonce Avery. . . . . . 20 Caring for the Soul with David Morrow. . . . . . . . . . . 21 A Sling and a Stone with Marc Boswell. . . . . . . . . . . 23 Dr. Pepper’s Book Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Psalms for the Soul with Linda Herring. . . . . . . . . . . 28 Lesson Inner View with Adrian Grubbs . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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.

■ DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRIES Cragmont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Children’s Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Foreign Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 University of Mount Olive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

■ ANCILLARY MINISTRIES NC Foundation for Christian Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . 26 Camp Vandemere. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Youth Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

■ COMMUNITY CONNECTOR . .

. . . . . . . . 7

ON THE COVER: Visit www.mycrossandcrown.com for all your gift giving and church supply needs.

Contents

Production Manager Jerry Goff

Greene County Churches Join for Community Revival By The Reverend Kelley Smart Revive us again; Fill each heart with Thy love; May each soul be rekindled With fire from above. Hallelujah! Thine the glory. Hallelujah! Amen. Hallelujah! Thine the glory. Revive us again. Such are the well-known words of one of the great anthems of the Christian faith, Revive Us Again. Ever since William McKay penned these words in 1863, they have proven to offer voice to a deep longing within the lives of congregations worldwide. Few, if any, would argue against the tremendous need our world has for revival. However, with time, it certainly seems as though revival has taken a back seat to the many distractions that call 4

for the attention of so many Christians these days. Distractions which have allowed the Body of Christ to lose sight of what is most importantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;our calling to love God with all of our being, our neighbors as ourselves, and to participate in the expansion of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kingdom to people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and social standings. In recent years, congregations of all sizes and denominations have begun to question the relevance of revival services for the life of The Church. Congregants are quick to point out how fewer and fewer people attend the services, the decreasing number of preachers who are willing to conduct revivals, and the status quo which resurfaces soon after the guest speaker(s) have returned home. The fact of the matter is: revival calls for much more than having a congregation vote on a series of dates, calling in a certain evangelist, and lining up the best musicians. All of these ingredients can be strategically placed together and genuine revival may not take place. Revival is a transformation that God brings about within the lives of individual believers and, as such favorable changes occur, individual Christians work together to have an impact on the life of the local church and its surrounding community. Perhaps this is where revivals of recent

years have fallen short; they are so focused on what God can do for “a church” rather than how God may touch the community through a church’s witness. A secondary consideration may be that the way revivals have traditionally been formatted could be leading to a decline in their impact within the local church and its target audience. These were just a couple of the motivating factors that led a number of congregations in Greene County to plan the 2015 Greene County Renewal for April 19–22 with an emphasis on “Seeking Unity and Building Community.” In the fall of 2014, one Original Free Will Baptist congregation had the idea of branching out from their traditional revival planning and decided to contact a few of their sister churches in an effort to work together for the common good of God’s Kingdom. It seems like there is a tendency within Christianity for each church to function as its own entity to the neglect of fellowship and comradery with other brothers and sisters in Christ. When the seed was initially sown, it was with the intention for Original Free Will Baptists in the county to coordinate a series of worship experiences and to invite the general public to enjoy some good preaching, singing, and Christian testimonies. However, it quickly became evident that in order for this event to be

The fact of the matter is…revival calls for much more than having a congregation vote on a series of dates, calling in a certain evangelist, and lining up the best musicians. All of these ingredients can be strategically placed together and genuine revival may not take place. community based it also needed input from other congregations beyond the Original Free Will Baptist tradition as well as voices from the African American and Hispanic communities. Soon, a contact committee was formed for the purpose of reaching out to each congregation within Greene County that proved to be a monumental task in itself with some 70 different churches within the county lines. By early February, the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. There was little doubt among those at the intial planning sessions that this would be a major undertaking which would require not merely pastoral leadership, but the participation of the laity as well. Throughout February, March, and April a number of meetings were conducted at

the Snow Hill Fire Department for the purposes of prayer, brainstorming, making contacts, designing an order of service, and public relations. Every Tuesday evening during those months an average of 40 to 50 pastors and laity gathered not only to share ideas and make plans, but also grow closer to one another. In all, about 17 churches contributed their support to the planning efforts of the first Greene County Renewal. These churches were of various traditions including: Original Free Will Baptist, Southern Baptist, United Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal Holiness, and non-denominational. Perhaps the greatest blessing during the planning process was the feeling that everyone could express their ideas, concerns, and thoughts in a way that was proactive and enabled them to take ownership in the event. A key to the success of this year’s Renewal was the fact that everyone was able to find his or her place. It was not “all about the pastors,” but rather built upon the strengths of each layperson. Some lined up greeters and ushers for each evening, others formed a parking committee, some arranged for four local ministries (Young Life, The Refuge, Greene County Cares, and Greene County Interfaith Food Pantry) to set up concessions, and still others assisted with set up and sound. As the planning unfolded, an important question was related as to where such a community worship experience might be held within the Snow Hill area. It was decided the old South Greene School, now Lenoir Community College Workforce Development Center (LCC), would serve as an ideal location. Following only three months of planning, the event came together and proved that denominational 5

barriers can be relaxed and people can work together when they allow themselves to be used of God. Mind you, there were many who initially thought there was no way such an endeavor could come together so quickly. But from day one, all of the efforts were saturated with prayer within each local congregation and also at the opening and closing of each planning session. Some 5,000 flyers were printed by the Free Will Baptist Press in both English and Spanish, newspaper advertisements were placed, door-to-door contacts were made, and a few pastors were invited to the studio of 88.7 WAGO to share about the Renewal. It was truly amazing to see how the Lord opened doors and provided all of the necessary resources for each aspect of the planning process. Churches made contributions, individuals anonymously provided for the advertising, businesses offered various goods, Home Missions and Evangelism loaned their sound equipment, local Gideons arranged for English and Spanish New Testaments to be shared, and even staff from LCC were present to assist when needed. There was no doubt that the Spirt of the Lord was present each evening of the Greene County Renewal. Prior to the services, a prayer team assembled in the hallway to lift up the speakers, musicians, and everyone who had volunteered and would attend each night. As the congregation assembled, they were invited to enjoy a variety of concessions donated by local congregations and hot dogs provided through other donations. 6

No charge was associated with these concessions, but buckets were in place for a free will offering to support the four aforementioned community ministries. While the food proved to be a welcome addition to help families and those rushing in from work, it also brought together a wonderful season of fellowship. People gathered, laughed, talked, and enjoyed Christian community as they prepared to worship. This aspect of the Renewal offered a genuine experience of a “Sweet, sweet Spirit being in this place.” All of the worship services were planned with diversity in mind (not only in the sense of traditional and contemporary elements, but also African American and Hispanic influences). Each service opened with special music followed by a personal testimony, congregational singing, and the message. While each service had a common overall flow, they were different in many ways from one night to the next. The guest speakers included The Reverends Al Warrick (OFWB), Anthony Jones (nondenominational), John Gumbo (United Methodist from Zimbabwe), and Brian Rogers (Pentecostal Holiness). Special music was offered by Revolution (Hispanic praise team), Blended Hands, Ernest Silver, the Rev. Spencer Owens, and New Direction Gospel Choir (from Greene Central High School). Testimonies proved to be a tremendous source of inspiration from David Sawyer, Adam Tyndall, Debra Monroe, and Eusebio Montalvo. The praise band from Ignite Church in Greenville led the congregational singing all four nights.

From 7 p.m. until about 9 p.m., people representing multiple congregations and generations worshiped the Lord together. There were many who had not attended traditional revival services in some time, who indicated they were touched in a number of ways through the community approach to the Greene County Renewal. No doubt, individual lives were impacted as God’s Spirit spoke through a variety of people including pastors, laity, and musicians. However, one of the greatest blessings may have been that for the first time Christians in Greene County of many backgrounds, life experiences, and ethnicities were able to be together as the Church should be together. When the services ended, an average of about 500 people had worshiped each night and by working together each of the four community ministries was blessed with a love gift of $1,000. You may notice that the names of the Greene County churches and pastors have been left out of this article and that is by design. You see, all along the Greene County Renewal was never about one church or one denomination. It was never about “pastors versus laity.” The event was even held on neutral ground. The Kingdom of God requires people of all types faithfully fulfilling their part in God’s vision for a world that reflects his love, righteousness, and unity. It is difficult for the Great Commission to unfold when every person and every church does their own thing. Rather than competing against each other, it is imperative for the members of the Body of Christ to work with one another. In Greene County, the 2015 Renewal was hopefully a step toward reviving the unity God longs for amongst God’s people. Without a doubt the enthusiasm is high after the first such event and it is the prayer of all involved that this spirit will not soon die out. The Lord is beginning something good among the churches in Greene County and plans are already being made for the 2016 Greene County Renewal to be held April 10–13. As the churches go forward hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart, it is our sincere prayer and invitation for God to “Revive us again.”

White Oak Grove Church News

Irene Herring is all smiles as she receives the 2014 Administrative Professional of the Year Award that was presented to her from the La Grange Chamber of Commerce. Herring is a data control specialist at La Grange Elementary School and excels in service delivery to the staff and to the parents. She is involved in the community and in White Oak Grove Church.

Community Connector

Mary Dudley, the Director of the Sunday School Ministry of Original Free Will Baptists, visited the members of White Oak Grove on Sunday to personally see the innovative programs being used to attract visitors to Sunday School and to the morning worship service. White Oak Grove OFWB Church is a beacon of light shining for Jesus Christ in the middle of a cornfield. Regardless of its surroundings, the church is a thrilling sight for the hikers participating in the North Carolina Mountains to the Sea Hiking Trail and all visitors are welcomed to come and hear the teaching of God’s Word. Sunday School begins at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 11 a.m.

Church & Ministry Positions Available • Ordained Minister (38 years experience) is seeking opportunities to serve. Will fill in for vacations, sickness, interim, or pastoral. Available now. Please contact: Braxton Carter at (919) 553-7246 [H] or (919) 868-5923 [M] or by e-mail at <preacherbrack@aol.com>.

Do you have a church website? Please add links to: www.fwbpress.com and www.mycrossandcrown.com 7

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

Cragmont Assembly 8

What’s Happening at Cragmont? Children As the time for summer camp is rushing toward Cragmont, I have spent some time thinking about children. I spent much of the school year picking up two girls from the extended Cragmont family from school each afternoon. Recently with the younger student already in my car we were waiting for the middle school student to be dismissed. My third grader and I found our car in the line between two of her school friends. This provided great excitement and joy for my young rider. Even though she had only left these classmate’s minutes before at her school, they each sat in the open window of their respective cars and excitedly conversed with each other. Their conversation weren’t earth shattering or problem solving. They discussed their lack of an after school snack, where they were going next and what tomorrow would bring for them. We, the adult drivers, sat silently and listened and drank in the sheer joy of being in the presence of these young, excited and happy girls (or at least I did). I thought, soon Cragmont will be filled with joy-filled excited voices. I will hear other children and teens talk

about meals and fun and tomorrow. Cragmont counselors will need lots of prayers, patience, and wisdom to channel all that excitement into Christian service. Outside our line of waiting cars a group of boys gathered tree branches and plastic pipes and with limitless imagination fought pretend battles and defeated imaginary foes that were only visible in their fertile imaginations. I saw in my imagination racing, tumbling Cragmont campers. I saw the wonder of young minds open to instruction from the Master Teacher. Among the many avenues of service at Cragmont teaching a young life the wonder of the Savior’s love and sowing in the field of those impressionable minds the desire and hunger to service is one of Cragmont’s greatest callings. About then my middle school opened the car door and “fell” in. She was all excited with her words tumbling over each other in her rush to “tell it all” in one giant breath. She rambled on about her wonderful, marvelous, special friend and in the same sentence about her first “praise team” singing practice she was attending that evening at church. I experienced her wonder and happiness. My thoughts again

2015 Cragmont Summer Schedule Ministerial Association of OFWB • May 31–June 4, 2015

Josh Whitfield • 1079 Beaver Creek Road • Deep Run, NC 28525 • (252) 286-3014 • deeprunpastor@gmail.com

Dayspring Retreat • June 10–13, 2015

Joan Little • 7063 Stantonburg Road • Farmville, NC 27828 • (252) 753-3217 • jlittle@nc.rr.com

Christian Cadet Conference • June 15–20, 2015

Joey Williams • 139 Windyfield Drive • Goldsboro, NC 27534 • (919) 734-9080 • jwilliams@stoneycreekchurch.net

Cragmont Youth Conference • June 22–27, 2015

Angela Mattox • 1469 Wintergreen Road • Cove City, NC 28523 • (252) 671-7176 • cragmontyouthconference@gmail.com

Youth Frontier Conference (YFA/AFC) • June 29–July 3, 2015

Frankie Baggett • 5403 Weyerhaeuser Road • Ayden, NC 28513 • (252) 746-7850 • frankiebaggett@embarqmail.com

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 22–25, 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 raced to Cragmont and the wonder of summer camp friends that last a lifetime and music sung by young voices that drift straight down from Heaven. Seeing these local children reminded me anew that “our campers” would start arriving soon. Cragmont is ready and waiting for this anticipated rush of laughter and excitement and for the tears of homesickness and of Christ-touched lives. Cragmont is ready and waiting. Why not send your children and teens for a Cragmont week this summer?

Oohs and Ahhs Everyone enjoys hearing about a job well-done and so does the Cragmont staff. Every compliment on the renovation work done this winter has been a wonderful stroke of loving approval to our spirits, but a weekend group in April went a step further. Twice as the group waited for a mealtime, they gave in unison a beautiful, loud, musical “ooh and aah” for the renovated dining area. Come check out the work throughout the dining/kitchen area and add your own “ooh and aah”! 9

Oak Trees in Ayden I heard the news with undisguised displeasure, even righteous indignation. I had come in for a weekend visit with my grandparents and great-grandmother, a weekend in Ayden, North Carolina. I was just 27, now working for Mount Olive College (now University of Mount Olive), and already a former resident of Ayden, having lived there for the months I had worked at the Free Will Baptist Press. I had learned proactivity in admissions work at Mount Olive. I was soon to put this new personality trait into practice. “They’re going to cut the tops out of the oaks,” my grandmother said, disdain in her voice. The “oaks” were 100-year-old trees planted by my great-greatgrandfather and his civic-minded friends along the main streets of Ayden. The oak trees were stately creatures with a proud history, though now the trees were knobby from missing limbs. I had long known the story of their planting; it was one of my favorite stories from our family history. I had played hopscotch on the sand under those trees, throwing a carefully chosen flat rock into the blocks of the hopscotch pattern that I had drawn there. “They” (as in the City of Ayden) had already topped the trees on three out of the four major streets. East Second Street was the fourth street, and now those trees, trees that still formed a beautiful arc over the street, were slated to be mutilated. Why do this? Fear of lawsuits against the City from citizens who might have limbs fall on the vulnerable roofs of their houses. “Who is doing this?” I asked, feeling my anger rising. “The mayor,” my grandmother said angrily, naming him. I thought of childhood stories of William Franklin Hart, my great-great grandfather, toiling with his friends to create beauty in Ayden in the form of long-living, but slow growing, oak trees. He and his friends would never live to see the oaks all grown up, mature trees that I had played under as a child. “I’m going to go talk to the mayor,” I remember saying decisively (I was still young enough to be brash), and talk to him I did. My grandmother told me where to find him, and I called him up at his downtown store, asking politely if I could come to talk to him. He readily agreed.

I found myself sitting across from the mayor of Ayden in a quiet part of his store the next afternoon. When he found out why I was there—to save the trees—he seemed amused. He was very nice to me though, showing respect, but with a bit of humor ill-concealed in his eyes. “We’re just going to trim the tops, just a little, so there’s no danger of limbs falling on houses.” He presented this as if it was no big deal. I told him the story of my great-grandfather’s good deeds for future generations. I told him about my play hours under those trees. He smiled, but he made no concessions. We shook hands after he had heard me out. I returned to my grandmother’s house and gave her a full report. I found out that, in the meantime, she had called her next-door neighbor, Maggie Lee McGlohon, with the story of my visit to the mayor. Maggie, it turned out, didn’t want the trees topped either. Weeks passed. Nothing happened to the trees. My grandmother talked to her neighbor Maggie again. Then she heard the whole story. Maggie had called all up and down the street, talking to all the neighbors about the tree situation. Then the mayor started getting calls from concerned citizens, citizens who would vote in the next election, citizens who protested the topping of trees. I can imagine that the major realized that if these citizens, whose houses lined East Second Street, were calling him to protest, then the chance were slim for a lawsuit from a limb that might damage a roof. So the major called off his buzz saws. The trees were saved for another day. Years later, the trees were quietly topped. I had moved away, and the citizens who had called the mayor had moved away or died. So now there is no danger of limbs falling on houses. But the beauty is largely gone. What inspirational can we say about this story? Stand up for your beliefs. Sentimentality matters. History matters. And even a 27-year-old, brash, young woman can start a groundswell that will change the intentions of the governmental establishment. I imagine that William Franklin smiled.

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). 10

Fathers Though I am not one yet, I imagine every father desires to leave a lasting impression and legacy for his children. Hopefully this means fathers want to lead a godly Christian lifestyle putting their faith in Christ for salvation that leads their children to do the same. My father committed suicide when I was 12-years-old. It nearly destroyed my family and me. I spent years with built up anger and rage towards both him and God. But now, it is by the grace and love of God that I found peace and comfort with the outcome of his decision. For the first time, I recently visited the place where he took his last breath before he was ushered into the presence of God. Most might think I would look at the spot where it happened, fall to my knees, and weep uncontrollably “Why Daddy, why?!” However, that is not what happened. I simply reflected on the life he lived. When I think back about who my father was when he died and who he was when I was much younger, it feels like I knew two different people. A few years before his death he trusted in Christ as his Savior and the fruits of his life changed completely. I remember him joining the

local church, being baptized, serving in the church, witnessing to strangers, cutting sin out as much as possible, partaking in communion, and trying so very hard to be the example of the man he wanted me to grow up to be. His legacy will be everlasting in my heart. And I am thoroughly and completely impressed. The thought of my dad’s death is not peaceful. I am not comfortable with his means of death. However, I have peace and comfort in knowing he is with Christ. My father left behind many things in the wake of his death. The best thing he ever left me was a Christ-like example to follow. Fathers are important in the life of a child. I have seen too many children and teenagers, and even adults, struggle with issues they quite possibly would never have had if they had their father around. And ‘being around’ does not mean you are there for them. There are many fathers who are there as their children grow up and mature, but they never really give that love and affirmation a child needs to have the confidence to succeed. Then there are too many fathers who are just not there at all. They left the mother to tend to the

children. And maybe she remarried and the stepfather was not prepared for the children that came along with her. I pray that: 1. Fathers will dedicate their lives to Christ and lead their families by example. 2. Fathers will be dedicated to their wives so that their children learn by example. 3. Fathers will be fathers, dads, comforters, defenders, playmates, bedtime story readers, superheroes, boo-boo kissers, and anything else a child needs as they grow and mature. 4. The children of absent fathers will trust in Christ to guide them through the dark days of this absence. That they will grow and mature and be better and different for their own children. They will be able to overcome this issue or problem and use it as a testimony and witness for Christ. Be set apart to be the father, or mother, God has called you to be. Be set apart to love the fatherless.

Andrew Mozingo resides in Kinston, North Carolina and is employed with the Free Will Baptist Press. He is currently the Associate Pastor of Student Ministries with Greater Vision Baptist Church in Kinston. He is studying religion with a concentration on Christian Ministries as a student of Liberty University Online in Lynchburg, Virginia. After finishing his bachelor’s degree with LUO, he plans to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for further training. Andrew is engaged to Michaela Dixon of Kinston, North Carolina with a wedding date set for fall 2015.

Spreading the Word. For Life!

with locations in

Ayden • Kinston • mycrossandcrown.com 11

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

Children’s Home

Church Round-up Representatives from the Fellowship Sunday School Class of Hopewell recently visited the Children’s Home, bringing with them a truck load of paper products, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene supplies for our campus. Silver Creek and Jean Sauls of Piney Grove also made donations to The Home of toiletries and luggage, respectively. The Joy Sunday School Class from Shady Grove (Spivey’s Corner) took a tour of the Children’s Home following a Sunday lunch at Parker’s. They had a good time and learned a great deal about current events that are happening at The Home. Ritchie Hogg, pastor of Pine Level, presented the message to our teens on Easter Sunday. His children, Ashlyn and Cameron, also participated in the service with a responsive meditation and special reading. St. Mary’s Grove Church’s youth spearheaded their annual project of Easter Baskets for the kids at the Children’s Home. The baskets were given to the teens on Easter Sunday following our church service.

Home Missions’ Biker Prison Ministry Visit

Many churches, woman’s auxiliaries, and youth groups ask us what they can do to help the Children’s Home. Our kids frequently go on day trips during the summer months and often bring a picnic lunch with them. The following is a list of pantry staples that we can use during the summer for their lunches and snacks.

The campus “roared” to life Saturday morning with the arrival of the Biker Prison Ministry, a part of the Free Will Baptist Home Missions Ministry. The teens on campus were treated to motorcycle rides on the campus driveways—an exciting and terrifying first for many of our kids! After everyone had a chance to ride, the group adjourned to Heritage Hall for a meal of hotdogs and hamburgers with all the trimmings. Dr. Timothy Webber, Biker Prison Coordinator, shared his testimony with the teens, talking about times in his life when he was not living as he should or not paying attention to certain things. He encouraged the kids to let this be an example for them, and to accept Christ and make good decisions in their lives. It was during this time of testimony and worship that seven from the Children’s Home made a decision for Christ and rededicated their lives to the Lord! The Biker Prison Ministry is an outreach program that visits prisons, detention centers, churches, schools, and other organizations to spread the Word of God by mobilizing the church. 12

Summer Recreation Program Pantry Needs

• Pasta (all types) • Toaster Pastries • Popcorn • Individually Packed Snack Items: (fruit cups, cheese nips, pretzels, chips, trail mix, crackers) • Hot dog Chili • Canned Salmon, Tuna, and Chicken • Graham Crackers • Brownie, Cookie, and Cake Mixes • Texas Pete • Apple Cider Vinegar • Bottled Water • Can Soft Drinks • Juice Boxes/Pouches • Fresh Fruit • Beach Towels

3rd Annual Children’s Home 5K—Home Run On April 25, a record of 120 participants and numerous spectators gathered on campus for the third annual Children’s Home 5K Home Run. Though the air was damp and chilly, the rain held off until all the events of the day were completed. Everyone converged on the campus to celebrate The Home and our teens by running, or walking, a 3.1-mile course that took them around campus and by rolling pastures and curious cattle. Despite the dreary weather, everyone was in good spirits and excited for the race to begin. The participants varied from serious runners to leisurely strollers and even a few characters from a popular kids’ movie. Groups from Stoney Creek, Bethlehem, Faith (Four Oaks), and Mt. Zion (Pamlico County) churches participated in the run. Stoney Creek and Bethlehem each had at least 10 people to walk/run; while eight

people from Faith participated in the event. Mt. Zion’s group not only dressed alike in matching hot pink shirts, but as each person finished the race they headed back down the course to run or walk with those who hadn’t yet crossed the finish line! The Children’s Home had a record 18 teenagers running and walking in this year’s 5K—including one young man who captured the medal for third place overall finisher. In addition to these groups, there were many other individuals from area churches who participated in the run. Stoney Creek member Phil James completed the course while pushing his wife, Melody, in a wheelchair. Gary Lee, president of the Children’s Home and member of Faith Church, earned a medal, as did Dale Belvin, pastor of Mt. Zion (Pamlico County). The Rev. Ed Thornton, pastor of Daly’s Chapel (La

Medal Winners

Thornton Family

Grange), captured the medal of oldest participant, while his granddaughter took home the youngest participant title. There were many others who earned medals for their various divisions. This annual event is an excellent outreach to churches and the community; not only does it help us provide for the kids, but it also allows people to become more familiar with the kids and our campus. Several of our runners and walkers partnered with teens from The Home while on the course and they encouraged one another to keep going. There are pictures from the run on our website, as well as on our Facebook page. The Children’s Home would like to thank everyone who came out for our 5K. We hope to see you again next year, and we challenge everyone to bring someone new with them. Our goal is to have 150 participants next year!

Stoney Creek

Mt. Zion

Characters on the Run

Keep up-to-date with the Children’s Home: Visit us online at: www.fwbchildrenshome.org • Like us on Facebook: Middlesex Childrens Home 13

Daily Vacation Bible School Manila, Philippines

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

OFWB International

BY PASTOR ARNEL CUBA

The First Free Will Baptist Church Philippines, Manila Chapter, has a passion for the little ones; to help them know Christ as their Lord and Savior. That is why we have our DVBS every year in the month of April. We first started our DVBS with only three women who committed themselves to support the daily snacks for the children. We met together to have a one week plan and with God’s help our first DVBS graduation was successfully done in May 2010. We have had a Daily Vacation Bible School every year since then. All the members do their part to share food. Every day one or two families are assigned to share food for the children, and especially during graduation. A special thanks goes to those family members and all the members who have committed their lives for the ministry of the Lord. The Lord will bless them generously more than what they have given. Thanks also to the parents who send their child/children to attend DVBS so that their kids can learn God’s Word, while they are young. God Bless us all!

Vacation Bible School

2105

— Caleb’s Dollar Ministry — WITHOUT FOOD HUNGER RETURNS For the past two years, we have asked the Vacation Bible Schools across our denomination to give their weekly offerings to help support Caleb’s Dollar Ministry, to feed the children in our schools in other countries. For many of the children, it is the only meal they receive each day. We know how other projects are attractive, but without food hunger returns. This is a ministry that must have consistency year after year. We are, therefore, asking each Vacation Bible School to make this your project for 2015, and for the years to follow. Each meal only cost 10¢, but for the dear children who receive the meals, it is a blessing beyond words. We are currently providing meals for 600 children each day in our Christian Schools in Liberia, West Africa, at a cost of $60 per day. This amounts to 3,000 meals per week at a cost of $300. Please share this with the Vacation Bible School Director in your local church and encourage them to adopt this as a permanent yearly project. The kids will be blessed and so will the churches. Thank you on behalf of the children.

With a grateful heart,

Harold Jones, Executive Director 14

Sevjihan is a mother of five children. Her husband is in Greece to find work, but she has not heard from him for five months. She gets 120 Leva a month (which is $77 USD). She often says: “I know it is not your duty to help me, but to whom else can I go?” The last time she came to the office, she fainted of hunger and cold.

Zehra is among the poorest in our community. She says: “Each day is a struggle. I thank the Lord every time when I have bread and am worried about the bread for tomorrow.”

Mehmed often comes hungry from school, and gets some bread and milk in the office. He lost his father when he was 3-years-old.

Our Labor Is Not In Vain — Balchik, Bulgaria — BY TEZDJAN MURTAZOVA

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). The problems the Corinthians were facing were not much different than the problems churches face today. Even though at times ministers can be tempted to surrender, the Apostle Paul did not throw his hands up over these issues. Instead, he encouraged them saying, that efforts to solve problems are not in vain. The power of the Gospel gives strength in the work of the Lord.

To end poverty and extreme poverty is such a hard task— it seems impossible. Bulgaria is a European Union country, and even though it is not among the top 20 poorest countries in the world, such as Liberia and Congo, it is among the poorest in the Union. Many people come daily to the office asking for bread, to feed their families and medicine, mostly for their children. They are hardly able to buy their food and we thank the Lord that through your support and compassion we are able to help some of the poorest in the church.

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

University of Mount Olive

Loss of Father Inspires UMO Student to Succeed A college journey can signify something completely different to every student at the University of Mount Olive. For Allison Kee of Concord, it marks a complete transformation. A college journey can signify something completely different to every student at the University of Mount Olive. For Allison Kee of Concord, it marks a complete transformation. After battling personal hardships, Kee is set to received her bachelor’s degree on May 2. When reflecting on her journey at the University of Mount Olive, Kee attributes her success to her trials, professors, and experiences at the institution. When Kee was a freshman at Central Cabarrus High School, her father passed away. It was heartbreaking for Kee to grow up without her father, but the experience only made her stronger. “Being an only child, losing my father, and having a single parent who wondered how we would even pay for college was scary,” revealed Kee. “Ultimately, my dad’s passing has shown me that I can accomplish anything as long as I work hard.” Kee and her mother, Lisa, worried about college expenses as Kee approached high school graduation. Kee knew that she wanted to pursue a career in the agriculture field. She applied to the University of Mount Olive and received scholarships that made her college decision an easy one. “I receive the McCorkle Family Scholarship, the Merit Scholarship, and the UMO CFFA Scholarship. Without these scholarships I would not have been able to attend the University,” said Kee. “These scholarships have allowed me to focus on my studies rather than the financial aspects of college. Most importantly, I knew that UMO was home when I visited the campus. I wanted to be a part of a small community and knew I could succeed greatly at this institution.” Kee stepped onto the campus of UMO for the first time as a college student in the fall of 2011. She quickly adapted

to her classes and found a home away from home within the Agriculture Department. “The relationships that I have developed in the agriculture program will follow me in years to come. One of the most influential relationships that I have gained is with Dr. Sandy Maddox,” said Kee. “She has pushed me to be the person that I have become and has given me more opportunities to build my character than I can count. She knows how much I have struggled; yet she has always been there to support me in everything that I have done. She inspires me to be the strong, independent, hardworking, determined person that I am now. I chose to be an agriculture teacher because I want to influence the lives of students just as my high school advisors did for me,” smiled Kee. “After being in the classroom and seeing how many lives I have changed during my student teaching experience, I could not dream of doing anything else.” Director of the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center, Dr. Sandy Maddox said, “When I first met Allison I knew that she had great potential. The only thing I had to do was help her to realize her passion and help her to believe that she was capable of achieving it. Allison has a spirit and a work ethic that sets her apart both scholastically and as a leader. I have enjoyed very much watching her grow and know she will be successful in all that she pursues.” With the help of Dr. Maddox, Kee immersed herself into the opportunities available at UMO. She has participated in the Collegiate FFA, Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers, and the Student Government Association. Kee also gained her Pork Quality Assurance, Transportation Article continued next page

Sixty-First Spring Commencement The University of Mount Olive graduated 325 students on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Sixteen Original Free Will Baptist Students received their diplomas. Kenney Moore (President and Founder of Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes, and Fries) was the UMO commencement speaker. Moore graduated from Mount Olive College with an associate’s degree in 1983 and transferred to Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) to earn his bachelor’s degree. He opened his first 1950’s themed restaurant in 1991 in the Goldsboro Mall at the age of 28. Today the company has more than 100 restaurants in 8 states and 2 countries. He has also recently released his new book, Behind the Drive: A Story of Passion, Dreams, Demons, and Hwy 55, the World’s Next Favorite Burger Joint. Throughout the years Moore and the Andy’s Charitable Foundation have generously supported the University of Mount Olive including being a central force in funding the Moore– Williams Baseball Fieldhouse, named for Moore’s parents, Dal and Nancy Moore, and his in-laws, Jimmy and Frances Williams,

Students Receive Volunteer-of-the-Year Awards

and most recently contributing to the University’s campaign to construct a Track and Field/Lacrosse Complex. The speaker at the Commencement Worship Service was Bishop Rose S. O’Neal. O’Neal is senior pastor at Koinonia Christian Center Church Ministries. O’Neal is a 2007 graduate of Mount Olive College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in religion with a minor in business management and organizational development. As the founder and presiding Bishop of Koinonia Fellowship of Churches and Ministries (K. F. C. M.), Bishop O’neal covers 20 churches both stateside and internationally. A giver by nature, Bishop O’neal has tirelessly counseled pastors, churches and people from all walks of life. Because of her “keep-it-real” approach to ministry, churches and pastors are drawn to her genuine spirit and approachable attitude. She both encourages and instructs by sharing knowledge and information that has transformed ministries and impacted lives.

During the Annual Wayne County Partners in Education Volunteer Reception, two University of Mount Olive students were recognized for their volunteer efforts. Music education major and PTA member Deanta Thomas of Goldsboro received the Partners in Education Volunteer of the Year Award from Goldsboro High School. Elementary education major Alexander Galloway of Black Creek received the Partners in Education Volunteer of the Year Award from Carver Elementary. Alexander’s home church is Daniels Chapel in Wilson County, and he is the son of Jeffrey and Janie Galloway. Both students were recommended by the principals of the school for having gone above and beyond the call of duty to support the schools. “We are grateful for the priceless contributions these volunteers make to our students and staff members,” noted Goldsboro High School Principal Brian Weeks. Pictured (left to right) are: UMO Education Division Chair Dr. Tommy Benson; UMO Education Department Chair Dr. Ruby A. Bell; Carver Elementary Principal Lori Goodman; UMO Elementary Education Major Alexander Galloway; UMO Music Education Major Deanta Thomas; and Goldsboro High School Principal Brian Weeks.

Allison Kee continued from previous page

Quality Assurance, Beef Quality Assurance certifications, and is now a Certified Plant Professional. Kee has also watched the institution grow tremendously over her four years of attendance. “Seeing UMO expand has been one of the most rewarding things to experience throughout my four years. The

Agriculture Department has impressed me the most, because we originally had a little garden out behind the baseball field, and now we have a farm, a mechanics shop, and an arboretum.” “Being able to walk across that stage in May will be one of the biggest accomplishments in my life, and being

able to do it at a school that I call home is so rewarding. It is truly an honor to graduate from the University of Mount Olive considering the struggles that I have endured, and I think it will make my dad proud.”

Educational Opportunities Scholarships and financial aid: Make your college attendance affordable! All college students, regardless of age, should complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) each year in order to maximize the assistance they can receive to offset the cost of attending the University. • 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>. New Freshmen Plan to Attend Trojan First: UMO Bound: New Freshmen planning to attend UMO in Fall 2015 who have been accepted and have paid their deposit are requested to attend one of the following special days especially designed for them. The purpose of Trojan First is to provide information to accepted students about their admission status, scholarships and financial aid, athletic programs, and campus life. Students will also complete their Fall 2015 class schedule. Trojan First is scheduled for Friday, June 19 and Friday, July 17, 2015. New freshmen should choose the date that best suits their schedule. 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. Early Childhood Program to be offered in nontraditional format at Fayetteville Partnership for Children beginning in Fall 2015. Contact the Evening College Admissions team for more information. 844-UMO-GOAL. The #1 Value in Adult Education Programs is at the University of Mount Olive. Programs are available in seated, one-night-a-week options and online at locations near you in Research Triangle Park, Wilmington, Jacksonville, New Bern, Washington, and Evening College in Mount Olive and at Johnston Community College in Smithfield and now in Fayetteville. Early Childhood Program to be offered in nontraditional format at Fayetteville Partnership for Children beginning in Fall 2015. Contact the Evening College Admissions team for more information at (844) UMO-GOAL. Program offerings at UMO locations 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.

Awards Night at UMO Samantha Futrelle of Mount Olive received the Handy Mart Business Scholarship. Futrelle is a sophomore business management and accounting major. The Handy Mart Business Scholarship is sponsored by E. J. and Judson Pope who select two rising juniors majoring in Business Administration who best exhibit excellence in academics, university and community service and civic responsibility. Samantha’s home church is Daly’s Chapel OFWB Church of Seven Springs in Lenoir County and she is the daughter of The Reverend George Futrelle and Renee Futrelle. Kaylabeth Gudac of Pine Level, North Carolina received the Psychology Student of the Year. Gudac graduated May 2 with a psychology degree. The Psychology Student of the Year is awarded to a senior with a 3.0 GPA or higher. The student should demonstrate quality independent research project or clinical proficiency as demonstrated by internship site supervisor’s and university supervisor’s evaluations. The student should also display a commitment to the department/major by participating in clubs, seminars, panels and events. Kaylabeth’s home church is Pine Level OFWB Church in Johnston County and she is the daughter of Tim and Julie Gudac. Anna Strickland of La Grange received the W. Burkette Raper Religion Student of the Year at the University of Mount Olive’s Annual Awards Ceremony. Strickland graduated May 2 with a degree in religion. The W. Burkette Raper Outstanding Student in Religion is given to an outstanding graduating student on the basis of academic excellence.This award is given in memory of Dr. W. Burkette Raper, president of The University of Mount Olive from 1954—1995. Anna’s home church is Walnut Creek OFWB Church in Wayne County and she is the daughter of Becky Strickland.

Congratulations UMO Graduates!

Alexis Golden

Kayla Gudac

Paige Herring

Christopher Evans

Karen Babb

with Nora Koonce Avery

What is a Virtuous Woman? When I opened the door and stepped out of the house, a refreshing breeze bathed my face. The warm sun felt so good. Soon will be time for some fun under the summer sun, I thought. Then I reflected back to what a typical day at the beach would be like: Kids romping in the sand building sandcastles and sprinting in the surf, couples holding hands while taking a leisurely walk on the beach, young women in various stages of undress…WHOA! What’s that? Have you taken a good look at the swimsuit selection in any department store lately? Thankfully, there are a few one-piece suits and the new two-piece tankinis that cover the complete torso, but you don’t have to go far to see what a lot of young women choose as their beach fashion. A friend of mine described them best: two strips of cloth. Not too long ago I saw a young lady on stage receiving an award at her high school. Her skirt was so short and so tight that she appeared afraid to move and walked in short clipped steps. This was not a mature woman—this was a young teenager.

I decided to do some research while I was shopping in a mall in Raleigh. I wanted to find out what was available in today’s fashion for young ladies. Store after store had mannequins in their windows dressed in outfits with hems that came about halfway between the knee and the torso. Mind you, this was not one store or just a few mannequins. This was store after store, all catering to the teenage and young adult population. When I see scenarios like this, I have to ask myself what kind of role model these young girls have at home. One mother of a teenage girl was heard to say “But it’s hard to say ‘No’ when all her friends are allowed to dress like that!” When young people are allowed to dress, speak, and act like they have no morals, it’s time to put your foot down and set some guidelines. Be prepared for “But why?” “Because I said so” will not cut it as an answer, no matter how tempted you are to say it. It’s time to. “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).

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

From the comfort of your home shop with us online for your personal and church needs, including a WIDER selection of Bibles, books, music, gift items, and more at the new and improved

mycrossandcrown.com 20

with David Morrow

Procrastination Kevin Berryman, who is the Minister of Youth at Koinonia Christian Center Church in Greenville, NC, recently quoted Bishop Rosie S. O’Neal. She said, “Procrastination is the audacious belief that you will have the chance to do tomorrow what you have the opportunity to do today.” Please read that quote again because it is very important. Have you ever noticed that when you procrastinate on something, the task that needs to be accomplished never changes? Sometimes its difficulty increases. If you must complete the task and you do not have the option to delegate it, you are not avoiding the task. You are only avoiding the struggle to get started. In chapter 18 of the Gospel of Luke, a man known only as “The Rich Ruler” approaches Jesus. He asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus replied with what appears to be a standard answer that reflects the 10 Commandments. When this ruler indicates that he has kept those commandments since he was a child, Jesus said that he lacked only one thing. Can’t you just imagine everyone that was listening? I believe that all who could hear were listening with great anticipation. Jesus said, “Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then, come follow me.” The Scriptures tell us that this “Ruler” became very sad and walked away. He began to procrastinate, was even “bound by” the task that Jesus had given him.

Based on your relationship with Jesus, what has He told you to do that you have not started to do? If you have started, is there something about which you are poorly motivated? Jesus told the Ruler to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and then return to follow Him. How do you need to focus on Jesus, and not on the task that is difficult to start? Why is it so hard? Practical suggestions to avoid procrastination include ensuring you have clearly defined priorities, creating a “to do” list that reflects your priorities, designing rewards for completing tasks or even steps toward completing a larger tasks, and keeping the desired end result in your mind at all times. Zig Ziglar said that you need to make a list of the things you need to accomplish each day. Then, number them in order of their priority. Once you have done that, start working on number one. If you spend all day long working on the number one prioritized task on your list, then you have just spent

How often would those things that you prioritized be a reflection of the things Jesus has called you to do?

your day working on your top priority. Ziglar proclaimed, “The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want now.” If you looked back at the end of each day, how often would you see that you placed the vast majority of your time and energy on those things that you have prioritized? How often would those things that you prioritized be a reflection of the things Jesus has called you to do? Christians often boldly express, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Yet, we often struggle to start or finish what Jesus has told us to do. If you knew you could not fail, how would your expressions of worship, your initiation into Goddirected tasks, and your overall sense of yourself as a Christ-follower change? Are you like the “Rich Ruler” in that you are seeking Jesus to find out how to inherit the Kingdom of God, only to discover that God’s priorities and your priorities do not match? Did you notice that Jesus promised the “Rich Ruler” that he will have treasure in Heaven after he sells his wealth and gives to the poor? Whatever it is that you prioritize, remember that we are to “…seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33 niv). Apparently, the “Rich Ruler” had the “audacity to believe” that he would have the “chance to do tomorrow” what he had the “opportunity to do today.

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. 21

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_____________ 22

Have any Questions? Please contact a Group Sales Associate at (919) 269-2287

On The Spirit That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit (John 3:6–8). On May 24 of this year, many Christian congregations will have celebrated Pentecost Sunday. This is a day in which the Church remembers the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Teacher, the One who liberates, the One brings about new birth, insight, creativity, courage, peace, generosity. The Hebrew Scriptures tell about God’s Spirit, also— bringing peace or judgment; emboldening anointed leaders; being poured out upon all people in the last days, causing folks, women and men, to dream dreams, to have visions, and to boldly prophesy. I find it fascinating that there’s an element of unpredictability about the Spirit, as described in the scripture passage above. At times, this leads us to not speak very much about the Spirit. How do we begin to describe that which we may imagine as something ghostly and ethereal— something that seems so “Other” to our

embodied, material existence? There’s elusiveness to what we can say or know about the Spirit’s movement—a stronger element of mystery. We can speak (sometimes too confidently) about Jesus’ words in times of theological debate or in our moralizing, but to say just what the Spirit is up to is a more difficult task. In the Gospel of John, we find Jesus saying this about the Spirit: “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come” (John 16:12–13). In reading this passage, some people would imagine that the Spirit said all the things actually worth saying to those folks who lived immediately after Jesus. Others think that the Spirit is still speaking, still revealing truth, still teaching us things that we could not have imagined or weren’t able to hear at other times and in other places. This makes for a seemingly dangerous dynamic, for what if the Spirit reveals something to us that we’d rather not hear or know. We can think of Peter in the Acts of the Apostles, when he refused to imagine that he should sit and

eat with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, a non-Jew and non-follower of Christ. To do such a thing was considered unclean and sinful. Nevertheless, the Spirit of God revealed to Peter a hard truth—a mystery—a truth which others still found difficult to accept. It’s become something of a cliché to say, “We can’t put God in a box,” yet these passages about the Spirit seem to affirm the idea. Sometimes we want God to get outside of the box, but not too far outside of the box. We want the Spirit to move, but to move in reasonably predictable ways. Still, the Spirit, like the wind, blows where it pleases, teaching things whether we have eyes to see or ears to hear. Thus, we have to keep moving, running after and dancing with the Spirit, being pushed along when reluctant or nervous, being open to conversation and flexibility and that which is new or different. This is the way of faith, a dynamic faith, a growing faith, one through which we can dream dreams and receive visions, yet also cultivate a deep humility which respects the fact that our best theological ideas and claims are always in process…for the Spirit is still moving where it pleases. Thanks be to God.

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.

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

Søren Kierkegaard, The Sickness Unto Death Translated with Introductions and Notes by Walter Lowrie. New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1941; reprinted 1954. Original publication in Danish in 1849. pp. 141–276.

Despair, Sin, and Faith Danish Christian theologian Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was interested in confronting 19th-century rationalism with its emphasis upon explaining the existence of God rather than believing in God as the first step of faith. Factual proofs do not bring the individual to a certitude of God, because it is only through faith, an inward reality, which establishes a relationship with God. Kierkegaard writes that the “particular individual” (216) whether a “man, woman, serving-maid, minister of state, merchant, barber, or student” (216) exists as an individual “before God” (216). Writing his book, Sickness Unto Death, in 1848, Kierkegaard himself saw the year 1848 as his “most fruitful year” (135). His title echoes Robert Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy published in 1621 under the pen name Democritus Junior. Kierkegaard uses the pseudonym Anti-Climacus for his book, The Sickness Unto Death, published in 1849.

What Is the “Sickness Unto Death?” Kierkegaard sees the sickness unto death as despair—what others from Burton on have called melancholy. But despair to Kierkegaard involves a synthesis—man’s infinite self and finite self or soul and body being responsible, conscious, and willing to relate to God or not willing. Either there is a relationship with God or there is a “disrelationship—that is—despair” (149). God as spirit relates to the eternal in man. Man cannot get rid of the eternal within himself, cannot have death as an end of the eternal within, so man despairs when his self is “intolerable to him” (152) and he cannot “get rid of himself ” (152). Kierkegaard writes: “To despair over oneself, in despair to will to be rid of oneself, is the formula for all despair” (153). The eternal within is a power that is stronger and reveals that man “cannot consume his self ” (153), cannot eliminate himself because eternity has made “a demand upon him” (154). The highest demand made upon man is “that he be spirit” (155). Despair becomes “a sickness of the spirit” (157). For Kierkegaard, the self is a conscious relationship of infinity and finiteness, a relationship perceived by relating to God. The self exists in the “process of becoming” (163) more infinite by relating to God (163). Finiteness becomes the “limiting factor” (163) while infinity becomes “the expanding factor” (163). Kierkegaard insists: “The self is in sound health and free from despair only when, 24

precisely by having been in despair, it is grounded transparently in God” (153). The one thing needful is to have “spirituality” (166). Despair comes to the self when the finite—the world, reputation, business, wife, family, job, children, goods—takes over the self and the lack of infinitude becomes an indifferent reality. Less spirit; more body. Despair of finiteness emerges; becoming more infinite has been lost in what might be called “worldliness” (168). Finitude limits the infinite. Then man must face possibility—”whether he will believe that for God all things are possible—that is to say, whether he will believe (171). The fight of faith becomes the belief that “for God all things are possible” (171). The antidote to despair is possibility, for with God all things are possible every instant” (173). Destruction exists, but so does possibility. Philistinism, fatalism, and determinism all reflect the “parrot-wisdom of trivial experience” (174) and the loss of spirit. Once the self becomes conscious of the loss of spirit, despair enters the consciousness. Kierkegaard compares the soul-body synthesis to a house. When a man prefers to live in the cellar, he prefers his bodily, sensual life at the expense of his spirit (176). Man becomes unconscious of his spirit and lives under the delusion that the body is enough until the body fails and the “enchantment” (177) is broken. Kierkegaard views this unconsciousness of spirit as a grave unconscious despair: “In unconsciousness of being in despair a man is furthest from being conscious of himself as spirit” (178). Aesthetic enjoyment of art, knowledge, and crafts of the world may point to enjoyment but not to three realities: (1) consciousness of the self as spirit, (2) consciousness of the self existing before God as spirit, (3) consciousness as “grounded transparently” as God as spirit (179). These three realities may make a movement forward “whereby a self infinitely accepts its actual self with all its difficulties and advantages” (188) as he wills to be himself grounded in the consciousness of his relationship with God as spirit and himself as spirit.

Opposite of Sin is Faith What is the origin of sin? Socrates saw sin as ignorance (219), but Socrates begins with ignorance, then sin is failure to know the good because of ignorance. Socrates’s emphasis is upon continued on next page

Printing is our Passion!

Bookmarks • Brochures • Newsletters Stationery • Business Cards Business Forms • Tracts • Pew Cards Offering Envelopes Church & Wedding Programs • and More!

1.800.849.3927 Book Corner continued from previous page

the intellect, upon “unfruitful knowledge” (221), upon what Kierkegaard calls “the intellectual categorical imperative” (221). What Socrates fails to take into account is the role of the “defiant will” (220) that establishes sin in the singular, sins in the plural to follow. Socrates spoke of a republic, of a new social order, of a new religion—all based on an understanding. What Socrates lacks in Kierkegaard’s understanding is the “transition from having understood something to the doing of it” (224). Christianity begins with the origin of sin “in the will, thus attaining the concept of defiance” (224). The transition from understanding to doing needs faith—which is the opposite of sin. The defiant will in sin confronts the faith that believes. Belief is first. Kierkegaard writes: “As thou believest, so it comes to pass; or, As thou believest, so art thou; to believe is to be” (224). Socrates could not assert that “a man knowingly does what is wrong” (225), because as a Greek, Socrates claimed, “When a man does wrong, he does not understand what is right” (225). In short, to Socrates “he who does not do the right thing has not understood it” (226). Christianity pushes back from not understanding to not willing to do the right thing (226). A man wills to do wrong even though he understands what is right. Sin becomes singular—a will to do what is not right. Faith is a belief and cannot be explained in rational debates. Faith is the opposite of sin, because faith believes in “the essential continuity of the eternal by being before God in faith” (236). Sin as a defiance of the will is a permanent condition, with particular sins as evidence of the defiant will. Sin is a state of being just as faith is a state of being in believing “in the consistency of

the good” (238) but aware at all times of the defiant will and its grave danger in threatening the eternal within by detaching the self from the good.

Faith’s Acceptance of Repentance and Grace Goethe’s Mephistopheles in Faust despairs in his sin of defiance, refusing to accept repentance or grace, because he wills the wrong. Shakespeare’s Macbeth also wills the wrong and thereby loses all repentance and grace. Kierkegaard writes about the consciousness of the self in knowing Christ in six stages: 1) ignorance of having an eternal self, 2) knowledge of having an eternal self, 3) human conception where the goal is man, 4) a self face-to-face with Christ, 5) the more consciousness of the eternal self with Christ, the more self, 6) Christ becoming the goal and measure of the self. For Kierkegaard, sin is not thought but the defiant will. He notes that sin “is a characteristic of the individual” (251) and the individual’s will. Once consciousness of the relationship to God, the individual must face his own will in fear and trembling before the “grounded” transparency of God (262). Faith becomes an act of the will to choose the spiritual, the eternal, and the good as revealed to the self by God as spirit and by God as the ground of spirit. Though the defiant will always exist, it really does not once repentance, forgiveness, and grace become real to the “inmost soul” (261). Let God be born again and again and again.

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

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

NC Foundation for Christian Ministries

Foundation Celebrates 10th Annual Meeting On May 6, 2015 the North Carolina Foundation for Christian Ministries held its Tenth Annual Meeting, the third such consecutive meeting at the University of Mount Olive. Approximately 225 supporters gathered to celebrate the significant accomplishments of the Foundation both this year and since its inception in 2005. Guests were greeted warmly and escorted to their tables that had been colorfully decorated and pre-set with salad, beverage, and dessert. Mr. Earl Worley 3 provided delightful piano music while guests enjoyed warm fellowship and a delicious meal prepared by Pioneer Catering. A highlight of the event was the entertainment provided by the North Lenoir High School Singers 5 under the direction of Miss Marian Kennedy. Long-time friend of Free Will Baptists, the Honorable

James B. Hunt, Jr. 1, the only four-term governor of North Carolina, provided inspiring and challenging remarks to commemorate the occasion. He spoke of his father’s involvement as a trustee during the formative years of the University of Mount Olive. The Governor also spoke warmly of his friendship with the Foundation’s Founding President, Dr. William Burkette Raper, Mrs. Rose Raper, and the rest of the family. 4 He cited Deuteronomy and the journey of the Israelite people as an illustration of the important work and vision of the Foundation. Donor representatives (Johnny Sullivan of Stoney Creek Church 6; Jody Tyson 7; Howard Scott 8; Emmitt and Carolyn Jones 9; and Howard and Gerry Whitley of Wilson First Church and the Kim Whitley Christian Service Fund 10) received framed certificates presented in

appreciation for their vision and dedication to the future of our churches and communities. Roney and Jean Bunn 11 of Marsh Swamp Church were also recognized for their vision and leadership in establishing a charitable gift annuity (CGA) with the Foundation. The CGA is designed to provide the couple with income during retirement and then leave a lasting legacy for their church. Three donors (Bethany OFWB Layman’s League 12; Lee’s Chapel Church 14; and Stoney Creek Church 6) were recognized for exemplary growth of their group endowment funds and three donors (Mary Dudley 13; Marvin and Berta Edwards 16; and Dr. and Mrs. Michael R. Pelt 15 were recognized for exemplary growth of their individual endowment funds. The presentation of first-time distribution checks brought the practical work of the Foundation to the forefront. Checks were distributed to OFWB Foreign Missions from the Fred

and Linda Baker Fund at Robert’s Grove Church 17; Kevin Revees with the New Hope Ruritans 2 for their D.W. Kneeshaw scholarship award; the Foundation Shepherd’s Fund from the L. Marvin and Berta Edwards Endowment Fund 16; and the Foundation Shepherd’s Fund from the Emmitt and Carolyn Jones Endowment Fund 9. These and other worthy charities received a total of $197,894.25 from the Foundation this year, which is an increase of nearly $50,000 over last year’s total distribution. To date, the Foundation has distributed $755,723.71 in this way thanks to the grace of God and the generosity of his people. The next Annual Meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 10, 2016. Join the Foundation as we embark on our second decade of “helping good people do good things.” For more information on the Foundation contact us at (919) 658-5250 or <admina@ncfcm.org>. 27

to us but the Psalms speak for us. A thinking person does not drift through life, making decisions according to T hewhatBiblelooksspeaks or reels best. Acting on the basis of feelings will place a person at the mercy of Satan. The only dependable source

of truth is Scripture. Living by biblical principles protects believers from the enemy’s deceptions. If we make a decision based on an error in our thinking, we are likely to step out of the Lord’s will and into pain or embarrassment. But God has made provision for our weaknesses. He has given us His word and His Spirit so we can fill our minds with truth and live out His principles through divine power. Psalm 119:105 says, “[Your Word] is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Get in the Word. 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.

Why should I switch? HeartShaper® Distinctives Kids take five age-appropriate journeys through the Bible by the time they reach 6th grade. Age-appropriate Bible skills, integrated into each lesson, build on each other from one age level to the next to help kids discover how to study God’s Word on their own. Activity options included in most steps of each lesson can be customized for different kinds of learners and unique situations. The Quick Steps™ activities are easy to prepare and teach—they require no materials other than the curriculum and common classroom supplies. 2+ hours of correlated curriculum for all three early childhood levels—Toddlers & 2s, Preschool, and Pre-K & K. Resources are provided for including children with special needs in the classroom. Starting in fall 2015, special-needs-friendly activities will be integrated in each teacher guide.

Spreading the Word. For Life! 28

with locations in Ayden • Kinston • mycrossandcrown.com

Camp Vandemere

Praise The Lord! Our camp buildings are steadily being completed, day by day. They will soon be completed and the doors will swing open for the summer camps we have for this summer! Yes, we have four camps that are scheduled to come! We will also be scheduling other events and weekend retreats as folks call in to do so. Yes, that’s a reminder for everyone that reads this article, to tell your friends and families that we will be open for weekend retreats starting in August of this year. If you have, in the past, had events scheduled for the weekends, you can again, call and reschedule if you would like to. Our camp buildings are beautiful and we are very blessed to have them! Thanks go out to everyone that has contributed to our project. We do still need your prayerful and financial support as we get back into a regular schedule here at Camp Vandemere.

215 N 3rd Street • Vandemere, NC 28587 • (252) 670-9775 • www.campvandemereinc.org

News from Camp Vandemere

Our building project is really just getting started. Again, I will mention that we have only built three of the seven buildings that the present Board of Directors has planned to pursue for the future of our camp. We haven’t made a decision yet, but our next building will most likely be a family lodge building that would possibly house up to fifteen families. We desperately need this type of housing so we can operate full time and have accommodations that will encourage families to come and stay together here at the camp. Again, let me encourage everyone that hasn’t taken the opportunity to contribute to the building project and would like to, to do it now as we are getting started back. I know God will bless every gift and every giver! You cannot out give God!

Thank you and may GOD bless you, Rick Price, Camp Vandemere Director 29

Youth Convention

BIBLE BOWL COMPETITION The Commission on Youth & Student Ministry Leadership and the OFWB Youth Convention sponsored the Bible Bowl Competition for the Cherub, AFC and YFA groups on Saturday, April 25, on the campus of the University of Mount Olive. Four churches representing three districts competed. The Bible Bowl Competition Committee consisted of Gracie Jones (Whaley’s Chapel, Eastern), Angie Toler (Juniper Chapel, Eastern) and Faye Bryant (Cypress Creek,

Pee Dee). Judges for the competitions were Jonathan Whitford (Free Union, Central), The Reverend Todd Sutton (Saratoga, Central) and The Reverend John Mark Windley (Pleasant Hill, Central). The Reverend Kelley Smart (Free Union, Central) was the moderator for the competitions. Time keeper was Gracie Jones. Scorekeepers were Faye Bryant and Adam Edmonds (Whaley’s Chapel, Eastern). A special thanks to everyone who helped with this annual event!

Here are the results of each competition:  Cherubs

 AFC

 YFA

1st Place: Beaverdam, Pee Dee Association, First Row (l-to-r): Nikki Grace Buffkin, Madison McMillan, Jacob Godwin, Nolan Thompson, Mason McPherson, Riley Garrell and Brissa Garrell. Second Row: The Reverend Buddy Seay, Nathan Godwin, Jennings Buffkin, Coach Georgeanna Godwin and Kenley McPherson. 2nd Place: Whaley’s Chapel, Eastern Conference (l-to-r): Coach Patricia Taylor, James Stokes, Christian Patterson, Jeremiah Moody and The Reverend Ronnie Taylor. 1st Place: Jackson Heights, Eastern Conference, First Row (l-to-r): Taryn Barnett, Colby Tucker, Carissa Winn and James Kephart. Second Row (l-to-r): The Reverend Justin Barnett and Coach Jan Tucker. 2nd Place: Ormondsville, Central Conference, First Row: Aubrey Beddard. Second Row (l to r): The Reverend Don Ribeiro, Coach Jessica Oakes, Gracie Wrenn Tripp, Hannah Wade, Mary Carson Head and Emma Elks. 3rd Place: Beaverdam, Pee Dee Association, First Row (l-to-r): Kaylee Cartrette, Kelsey Hilbourn, Austin McMillian and Anna Fowler. Second Row (l to r): The Reverend Buddy Seay, Gracie Garrell, William Adams, D. J. Godwin, Dalton Thompson and Coach Starr Godwin. 4th Place: Whaley’s Chapel, Eastern Conference, First Row (l-to-r): Ashlyn Stokes, Charity Jarman and Jasmine Hogan. Second Row: Coach Doreen Houston. 1st Place: Jackson Heights, Eastern Conference, First Row (l-to-r): Camryn Goff, Daniel Kephart and Chasity Smith. Second Row (l-to-r): Coach Patricia Kephart, Arielle Winn, The Reverend Justin Barnett and Joshua Kephart. 2nd Place: Beaverdam, Pee Dee Association (l-to-r): The Reverend Buddy Seay, Cassie Dawson, Kaitlyn McPherson, Savannah Seay, Matthew Garrell, Katie Larrimore and Coach Malette Godwin. 3rd Place: Ormondsville, Central Conference (l-to-r): The Reverend Don Ribeiro, Coach Jessica Oakes, Elizabeth Head, Daniel Jarman, Samantha Elks and Ryan Elks. 4th Place: Whaley’s Chapel, Eastern Conference (l-to-r): Morgan Edmonds, Hannah Moody and Hunter Weston. Not pictured: Coach Wanda Weyant.

Congratulations to these teams on their hard work! The next Bible Bowl Competition will be held in September or October of 2016. Keep a look out for the 2016 Bible Bowl Study Guide in TFWB! 30

Beaverdam Cherubs

Beaverdam AFC

Beaverdam YFA

Jackson Heights AFC

Jackson Heights YFA

Ormondsville AFC

Ormondsville YFA

Whaley’s Chapel Cherubs

Whaley’s Chapel AFC

Whaley’s Chapel YFA 31

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

The fourth quarter Sunday School lessons come from the books of the prophets with the theme, “God’s Prophets Demand Justice.” The first unit consists of four lessons in the book of Amos, the earliest of the writing prophets. In the Bible the prophetic books are not arranged in chronological order but according to the lengths of the scrolls. So Amos is placed between Joel and Obadiah. Amos appeared as a prophet briefly in the mid-eighth century B. C. during the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel. When Solomon died in 922 B. C. the United Monarchy split into two kingdoms, Israel in the north and Judah in the south. There was always friction between them, and both were often caught between much larger and more powerful nations, such as Assyria and Egypt, and had to pay heavy tribute to one or the other. During the time of Jeroboam II (786–746 B. C.) both Egypt and Assyria were preoccupied with internal struggles and paid little attention to Palestine. It was a time of prosperity and expansion for Israel. According to 2 Kings 14:23–28, Jeroboam II was able to expand the borders of Israel considerably. While the nation prospered, the wealthy lived in luxury at the expense of the poor and powerless. “Justice” became what a person could pay for. It was sometime during the reign of Jeroboam II that Amos appeared at Bethel, home of the king’s palace and the royal shrine. They had no temple, but decades before (922 B. C.) Jeroboam I had established several shrines in Israel to keep the people from making pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Amos was a shepherd and gatherer of sycamore fruit (not the same as American sycamore, but a wild fig) at Tekoa in Judah (Amos 1:1; 7:14), but the Lord sent him as a prophet to Israel. Prophets in the Old Testament were called and sent by God to proclaim God’s message. Amos began by announcing God’s judgment on Israel’s neighbors for

with Adrian Grubbs

their sins: slave trade or human trafficking (1:6, 9; 2:6), cruelty (1:3, 11, 13), harsh treatment of Gilead in order to expand their territory (1:3, 13), and Judah for disregarding God’s law (2:4). In each case the Lord would send “fire,” a metaphor for severe punishment. By that time Amos probably had a captive audience, and he turned to the sins of Israel in the next several chapters. Most of their sins have to do with arrogant mistreatment of the less fortunate. Amos 2:6 (lesson 1) and 8:6 (lesson 4) mention selling the needy for sandals. When property was transferred a sandal was handed to the new owner as confirmation of the transaction (Ruth 4:7) (theoretically, no one owned land, they were simply custodians). Amos repeatedly draws a contrast between the Israelites’ dutiful observance of the holy days and worship rites, and their abuse of the poor; they kept the rituals of worship while defrauding their neighbors. In Lesson 2 Amos calls for justice and righteousness (5:24), then in Lesson 3 he equates justice with the “fruit of righteousness” (6:12). Righteousness is the result of a right relationship with God; when we are right with God we treat others justly, according to God’s justice which involves mercy. Lesson 4 begins with a word play that is not obvious in English translations (8:1–2): Hebrew words for “summer fruit” and “end” have similar sounds. Amos pronounces the Lord’s punishment for Israel’s sins; but God’s punishment has a purpose—redemption (3:12; 5:15; 9:8–15). Israel will surely fall, but not all will be lost. In 722 B. C. the Assyrians invaded Israel; many were taken captive and settled in various parts of the empire. Captives from other nations were settled in Israel to live among the Israelites who remained. They eventually built a temple on a mountain of Samaria.

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. 32

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID 28513

USPS 2094-4000