A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Inside This Issue Fellowship Foundations
Volume II, Issue 3 2,4
Stillwater Missions
2
Immanuel, Westbrook
2
Granite City Conference
2
Men For Christ
3
MBA Advance Report
March 1, 2008
3,4
Willmar Friendship Banquet
3
Mrs. Lucille Jess with the Lord
3
Calendar March 3: MBA Board; 10 a.m., Executive Committee; 12 p.m. Full Board March 8: TC Association Meeting at Berean, Brooklyn Park. Noon Registration. March 14-15: MBA Ladies Retreat April 7-8: PBBC Board Meeting on Campus April 11-12: National Youth Conference, PBBC Campus
Pastor Art Odens With the Lord By: Pastor
Donald Odens, Liberty Baptist Church, Eden Prairie
Arthur Odens passed from this world into the presence of his Savior on Sunday morning, January 13, 2008. Arthur was born to John and Jennie Odens on July 8, 1916, on a farm near Adrian, Minnesota. He grew up on a farm northeast of Pipestone, Minnesota, where he attended a one-room country school and later graduated from the Ruthton Public High School. Arthur was born-again into God’s family while a student at St. Paul Bible Institute in September, 1937. His life verses were Romans 10:9–10. He devoted his life to serving the Lord. Arthur married Marie Helen Toews on August 16, 1941. After completing graduate studies at Bethel College the young couple served in ministries in Montana. Arthur was ordained to the ministry in 1945. Arthur and Marie dedicated forty-three years of their lives to serving the Lord and people in pastoral ministries in Cambria, Lake Benton (& Elkton, S.D.),
Jeffers, Preston, Artichoke Lake, Ortonville, Redwood Falls, Fairmont, Normandale, and Wells, Minnesota. Arthur served in numerous capacities in local associations and in the Minnesota Baptist Association. He served as a trustee of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College for many years and maintained a lifelong interest in the college. Arthur leaves a loving family numbering 92. He was the patriarch, leaving his wife Marie, 7 children and spouses: Donald and Gloria Odens (Eden Prairie, MN), Joyce and David Goodwin (Owensboro, KY), Marjean and Marcus Moffitt (Sheldon, IA), Carmen and Robert Allen (Maxwell, NE), James and Jill Odens (Oak Park Heights, MN), Cindy and David Allen (Laurel, MT), Paul and Linda Odens (Long Lake, MN); 26 grandchildren and spouses, and 36 great-grandchildren. He loved America and wrote frequently to the President and lawmakers about principles dear to his heart. He wrote numerous letters to the editor of
local newspapers. After retirement, Arthur continued to encourage and minister to young pastors. Arthur adopted and lived by the following life motto: “It matters not the path on earth my feet are made to trod. It only matters that I walk obedient to God.” A memorial service was held Saturday, January 19, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Westbrook and included a music concert by family members.
May 2: PBBC Graduation Concert
First Baptist, Marshall, Installs Pastor Greg Linscott
May 3: PBBC Commencement
First Baptist Church of Marshall announced that they will hold an Installation Service to formally recognize the beginning of the ministry of their new pastor, Pastor Greg Linscott. The service will be held at the
May 19-20: PBBC Board Meeting on Campus June 23,24: MBA Annual Meeting in Willmar
church on Sunday, March 16 at 2:30 p.m., with a cake reception to follow. The main speakers for the afternoon will be Pastor Todd Mitchell of First Baptist Church, Granite Falls, and Pastor Chris Humburg of the Al-
toona Regular Baptist Church in Altoona, Iowa, where Brother Linscott served as a member and an Associate Pastor from 19952003. Any pastors able to attend, should contact the church as soon as possible.
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North Star Update
Fellowship Foundations By: Rev. I was privileged to present the ministries of the MBA and preach on Sunday, January 13th at the First Baptist Church, Adrian, Minnesota. Pastor Tim Barr and the folks there were very friendly and gracious. Subsequently, the pastor notified me that the church voted to seek fellowship with the MBA. PRAISE THE LORD! On Monday the 14th we traveled to New Ulm for the 10:00 a.m. MBA Executive Committee meeting. Thanks to
Robert J. Fuller, Interim State Missionary
Dr. Fuller and the church for a delicious supply of pizza for lunch. On January 24, we attended the Pillsbury Alumni Banquet arranged and hosted by Pastor Loren Bjokne and the Lighthouse Baptist Church at Cottage Grove. It was a very encouraging and informative time. It was particularly entertaining to see pictures of young students who are now older. On January 28th and 29th I attended the Pillsbury College
Board of Trustees in my exofficio capacity as Interim State Missionary. On February 7th, at the invitation of President Crane, Pastor Dave White and I traveled to Pillsbury to present to the students and faculty the past and present activity of the MBA in church planting and church assistance, and to briefly inform them of the plans moving forContinued on page 4
Grace Baptist, Stillwater, Missions Conference Grace Baptist Church of Stillwater will have their annual Mission's Conference on the Sundays of March 2, 9, 16 and 30. Missionaries to be with us are Paul and Joanna Harmon,
Brazil; John and Sylvia Kallin, Brazil; Rev. and Mrs. Bob Fuller, Sr., MBA; and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Mielke, Pillsbury College. There will be a pot
luck dinner each Sunday for additional fellowship with the missionaries of the day. We look forward to these Days of Challenge.
Immanuel, Westbrook Happenings At their annual meeting, members of Immanuel Baptist, Westbrook honored retiring deacon John Van Loh with a plaque for his faithful service. He has served forty-five consecutive years as a deacon, and at the age of eighty-seven, did not seek re-election.
Also, the anniversary committee is busy making plans for the 100th anniversary celebration of Immanuel Baptist Church. Mark November 15 and 16, 2008, on your calendars, and make plans to attend some or all of the festivities.
Coming Events at Granite City Baptist Excitement for spring is synonymous with the annual Missions and Soulwinning Conference. Well, mid-March is almost spring in Minnesota. And coming to Minnesota from March 16-19th is Dr. Dennis Walton from Decatur, Alabama. Dr. Walton is the Assistant to the Executive Director of Baptist World Mission, and in addition represents the Mission office as he travels to preach God’s Word and to promote the cause of world-wide missions. A second presentation will be
provided each evening by one of four missionaries representing Canada, France, Ireland, and Uruguay. Come join us in support of those seeking to comply with worldwide evangelism, “… how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?...”(Romans 10:14-15). The Conference is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 16-19th.
The February 15th Valentine Banquet was attended by nearly 100 individuals, including a good number of prospects. There were favorable comments regarding the special music, the Fireside Room decorations, the excellent skit (“Creature in the Closet”), as well as the food and fellowship. Dr. David Sorenson of Northstar Baptist Church in Duluth provided a refreshing challenge on “Walking in Love”, from Ephesians 5.
Volume II, Issue 3
Page 3
Men For Christ at Fourth Baptist, Plymouth Fourth Baptist Church is hosting the annual Men for Christ Rally for men and their sons on Friday afternoon and Saturday, March 28-29. The 2008 keynote speakers include: Dr. Douglas McLachlan, Dr. James Maxwell, Dr. Tim Jordan and Dr. Ken Hay. For registration and other information go to
www.menforchrist.us or you may contact the Men For Christ
home office at 773-238-4475.
Report From MBA State Advance By: David Men from around Minnesota & neighboring states gathered at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College Friday and Saturday, February 15-16, to fellowship and hear preaching from God’s Word. Kevin Brownfield from Northland Baptist Bible College challenged the men in three messages to be Men of Focus (I Peter 1:13-16), Men of Prayer (Colossians 4:12), and
Men of Purity (I Thessalonians 4:1-7). The men enjoyed watching the Pillsbury Comets Basketball team win their game and then some of the “younger” folks enjoyed playing 4 on 4 basketball while others watched the film When Things Seem Impossible, A story of A Night Escape and a Miracle Release from Guerrillas. As in all events at Pillsbury the food was great.
Van Loh
The Men’s Advance will return to Pillsbury next year. The officers, Chairman Brother Tim Sherman; Co-chairman Pastor Tim Barr; and Secretary/ Treasurer Brother Bob Johnson would like to hear from men to determine what time would be best for next year's Men’s Advance. Another Report on Page 4
Next month Brother Tim Sherman, the State Men’s President for 2008-9, will give a report on this year’s Advance, and also a preview of next year.
Willmar Friendship Banquet Close to 100 people had signed up for the Have-a-Heart Friendship Banquet of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Willmar Saturday night, February 9. Sub-zero temperatures and a 45 below wind-chill kept 25 people from coming. Those coming enjoyed the singing of Mike
and Lori Grismore and six of their eight children. They also sang and played their instruments on Sunday. Interim State Missionary, Robert Fuller, Sr., spoke Saturday night as well as on Sunday. A special offering was taken for Pillsbury Baptist Bible College.
Mrs. Lucille Jess at Home with the Lord Lucille (Lucy) Jess, wife of former MBA Pastor, Ted Jess, passed into the presence of the Lord early Tuesday morning, February 19th. Wednesday evening it was announced by
the family that the funeral for Lucy would be held at the LaCanne Funeral Home, 2280 6th Avenue N., Windom, Minnesota. Visitation was held Saturday, February 23, at 12:00
noon, and the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m.. The Jesses resided in Storden Minnesota, mailing address, P.O. Box 3, Storden, Minnesota, 56174, (507) 4453413.
Presorted Std. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 225 Osseo, MN
A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION PO Box 527 Willmar, MN 56201-0527
We’re on the web! http:www.mbaoc.org
MBA Contacts Minnesota Baptist Association Dr. Julian Suarez, President Faith Baptist Church 1365 Westminster St. St. Paul, MN 55130 (651) 771-5567 pastors@frontiernet.net Interim State Missionary Rev. Robert Fuller, St. 1549 118th Lane NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448 (763) 568-4078 rjfsr4@juno.com
Fellowship Foundations, Continued from page 2 ward for church planting. Pastor Dave White reported the preparations for the new church planting program. On February 9th and 10th the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Willmar invited us to speak at their Friendship Banquet (Saturday evening) and then to preach and teach in the Sunday services. We had wonderful fellowship with Pastor Dave
Rogers and the church family. It was a privilege to attend a meeting of the College Board on the 15th and the Men's State Advance on the campus of Pillsbury Baptist College on the 16th. On the 16th and 17th, at the invitation of Pastor Rob Adams and the Immanuel Baptist Church of Westbrook, we spoke at their Friendship Ban-
quet on Saturday Evening and preached on Sunday. The MBA was presented partially at Sunday School, and during the preaching on Sunday. It is always a joy to revisit the Westbrook church and our many friends there. If I can be of assistance at anytime, call my cell phone (763) 568-4078.
MBA Office Minnesota Baptist Association PO Box 527
State Men’s Advance Report By: Pastor
Willmar, MN 56201-0527 Send Contributions to: Mr. Brian Veth, MBA Treasurer c/o Coon Rapids Baptist Church 11164 Hanson Blvd. Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Send Update Articles and Pictures to: drjfjr@comcast.net Or North Star Update Editor 315 S. Payne St. New Ulm, MN 56073
The Men's Advance was once again a great blessing to our men from Milltown. This is our tenth year coming down to Pillsbury for the two day event. The event started out with friendly, helpful men at the registration table. We were in and out of the line in mere minutes! The meals were well pre-
Marlon Mielke, Milltown, Wisconsin
pared and delicious. Our hats off to the Pillsbury College food prep staff! The pizza and ice cream party on Friday night gave opportunity to enjoy the company of other men. The organized gym activity was Christ honoring, as the men had friendly competition which was in line with I Corinthians 10:31.
The preaching by Evangelist Keven Brownfield went right to the heart of issues facing men in 21st century America! As one of our men said on the way home, "You were not human if you did not have your toes stepped on." Thank you, men of Minnesota, for a truly blessed weekend.