North Star Update A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Inside This Issue: Fellowship Foundations
2
First Calvary Parent-Teen 2 Conference Camping Facilities for MBA Events
3
Calendar May 8, 10:30 am: Central Seminary Commencement June 25, 2 pm: MBA Executive Committee 4 pm: MBA Full Board Meeting June 25-26: MBA Annual Meetings at Coon Rapids Baptist Church August 2-7: MBA Family Camp
Volume IV, Issue 3
April 18, 2010
Training Leadership in India By: Dr. Daniel Short term mission trips provide a blessing for both the traveler and the host. Such mission trips need a specific purpose, often intending to provide something to the mission field that missionaries cannot easily do for themselves. I had the opportunity to spend two weeks this January with Dr. Sam and Molly De in Kerala, India. My former church in New Jersey supports Dr. De, and our friendship goes back almost twenty years. Dr. De is an alumnus of Central Seminary, a missionary with Baptist World Missions, and a familiar face to many in Minnesota churches. I am grateful to Fourth Baptist Church and others who helped pay for my travel expenses. Pastor Matt Morrell traveled with me most of the trip. I do need to say that my trip had no direct connection to Central Seminary. At Dr. De’s invitation, I went to begin a Doctor of Ministry
R. Brown, Central Baptist Theological Seminary (DMin) program for Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary in Cochin, Kerala, India. I have the privilege (and responsibility) of being the director of the program. As director of the program, I recruit American teachers and oversee the curriculum, ensuring both quality and depth of instruction. Dr. De cares for the student recruitment and oncampus needs of the classes. I taught classes for six students in two one-week modules. Both courses dealt with expository preaching with the intention of helping these men in their ministry. Five students enrolled in the program and the sixth will transfer the credits to a regionally accredited DMin program in America. Three men are teachers at the Bible school with significant local church ministry responsibilities. Three pastor in other Indian states. Two courses will be taught each year, the timing dependant on when
teachers are available. Surviving 8+ hours a day of teaching in the 90˚+ heat and humidity was a challenge for everyone. Sam and Molly now live near the college in their own home that God wonderfully supplied. They no longer commute over an hour each way through harrowing traffic. Consequently, both appear significantly more relaxed and refreshed. Emmanuel Baptist Church, after years of meeting in the De’s home, rejoices in a beautiful new building in Cochin. Construction at the college continues as workers erect the library above the chapel. We helped dedicate and open the new building used by the DMin program. Please continue to pray for the ministry in Cochin and the DMin program in particular.
Lakeview Baptist, Orr February is a great time to leave the cold and snow of Minnesota and take a two week vacation in sunny, beautiful Hawaii. And that is exactly what Pastor Jim Rockensock and his wife Melba of Lakeview Baptist at Orr did. Preparing to be gone for two Sundays, Pastor Rockensock contacted MBA Interim State Missionary Robert Fuller. Brother Fuller was able to fill the pulpit one of the days. He
and his wife ministered Sunday, February 14 for Sunday school and the morning service. Brother Fuller also shared with the church the activities of the MBA. After the morning service many from the church went downtown to the world famous Patten’s Café for a great dinner and a time of visiting. The next Sunday, February 21, Brother Tim Sherman ministered in Sunday school and the morning service. Brother
Sherman is the executive director of “In Pursuit Ministries.” He shared the challenging and exciting ministry to law enforcement and to jail and prison inmates. Tim is on the front lines involved with people in real life and death situations. After the morning service everyone had a good time of fellowship and dinner at the church, “pot-bless” style. The church held its first Continued on page 4
Page 2
North Star Update
Fellowship Foundations By: Rev. Robert NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST. We tough Minnesota Baptists survived, and came through victoriously, another MINNESOTA WINTER. With so many things happening that concern our fellowship of churches, every new month seems like the beginning of a new year. We learn over and over that God does not show us the culmination of things, but as we walk by faith, He leads us step by step. Since the last Update – February 24 – Bible Baptist, Otsego, Pastor Doug Ro-
Fuller, Sr., Interim State Missionary
man (Julie) hosted the meeting of the committee appointed by the MBA President and charged by the Executive Committee to develop thoughts and ideas regarding church planting in our State. March 6 – I was able to attend the meeting of the TwinCities Baptist Association at Normandale Baptist, Bloomington, Pastor Charles Raichert (Polly). We were introduced to several local church community ministries so very important para-local church endeavors. It was a very full program, but as
Interim State Missionary I was allowed some time to give a brief report regarding Statewide ministries. March 12 – Due to illness, I was unable to attend the gathering of pastors and wives to tour Camp Friendship to consider possible usage in some of our ministries. Those who attended have given good reports of the meeting. March 21 – Immanuel Baptist, Westbrook, Pastor Rob Adams (Debby). During his short vacation, I was invited to Continued on page 4
Parent-Teen Conference at First Calvary On January 29-30, 2010, it was our privilege to host the 4th annual Parent-Teen Conference at First Calvary Baptist Church. Dr. Rand Hummel (The Wilds Christian Camp, Brevard, NC) led us through a powerful weekend of teaching on How to Live Pure in an Impure World. Over 210 parents, teens and church leaders gathered for main sessions, workshops, worship, food, skits, games, and fellowship. What a blessing to be a part of something that will, Lord willing, have eternal benefits as it impacts our families, churches, and communities for Christ. The messages from all
main sessions can be accessed at www.1stcalvary.com. We would like to invite all MBA churches to the 2011 ParentTeen Conference, Digging Deeper with Evangelist Aaron Coffey, on January 28-29, 2011.
Volume IV, Issue 3
Page 3
Facilities at Camp Friendship Considered for MBA Usage On Friday, March 12, members of the MBA Executive Committee, their wives, and a few others visited the campus of Camp Friendship near Annandale, Minnesota.
The purpose of the visit was to investigate the appropriateness and workability of utilizing the facilities for some of the MBA events. Those who attended were favorably impressed with the facilities. Camp Friendship’s main mission is to provide camping experiences for special needs children and adults. This mission is accomplished in the summer. During the rest of the year the camp is available for other organizations to stage events. The first part of the tour was of the buildings that house
the sleeping quarters for the camp. Some of the cabins were smaller, others much larger. The larger cabins even had kitchens available. All of the facilities are handicapped accessible. The beds are standard, built in construction with mattresses. Typically, a room holds 2-4 beds, some of which are in bunk formation. Meeting facilities have a wide range of possibilities. Three different options, ranging from about 225 up to well over 300, are available. The Camp also has a full gymnasium. There is also an indoor swimming pool, though it is uncertain as to availability in the fall and winter.
The dining facilities are very complete. Any use of the dining facilities will necessitate
the utilization of their food service staff. There is a great looking lake front. However, due to the time of year of the visit, the lake front was not in operational order. Canoes and paddle boats are available. The committee met over a delicious meal. All those involved were very favorably impressed with the facilities. It was determined that the association would proceed with an agreement to hold three upcoming events on these facilities: the state men’s meeting, the state ladies’ meeting, and the pastors’ & wives’ fellowship for next year. More information will be forthcoming as the events are planned. Watch for the announcements.
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 Fellowship Foundations, continued from page 2 Minnesota Baptist Association Rev. Gerald Stephens, President Community Baptist Church PO Box 212 New Prague, MN 56071 (952) 758-3287 pastor@npcbc.org Interim State Missionary Rev. Robert Fuller, St. 1549 118th Lane NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448 (763) 568-4078 rjfsr4@juno.com MBA Office
preach the morning and early afternoon services, and during the Sunday School, to present MBA current happenings and future directions. We enjoyed a great noon meal with the church family – always a great array of good food from great cooks. We rejoiced to see Dave Van Loh recovering from his recent surgery, and conducting the services. March 24 & 31 – Coon Rapids Baptist, Pastor Will
Peterson (Sharon). Pastor Peterson invited me to bring Bible studies on these two Wednesday evening services while they were on a short vacation and attending a family funeral. March 25 – As interim State Missionary I attended an MBA Board Meeting at Community Baptist, New Prague, pastor Jerry Stephens (Dana). It was a blessing to be with those men who serve our churches so faithfully.
March 29 – Again, as MBA Interim State Missionary, I attended as ex-officio member a special Meeting of the Board of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College meeting in Owatonna. Prayer is paramount in the endeavors to conclude the sale of the Campus. If I can assist you or your church in any way, perhaps with an MBA Day at your church, please contact me.
contact@mbaoc.org Minnesota Baptist Association
Lakeview Baptist, continued from page 1
PO Box 527 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 North Star Update Editor 315 S. Payne St. New Ulm, MN 56073 (507) 354-3323
services in the new building on October 11, 2009. God is faithful and good and so many were so helpful in prayer, providing funds, equipment, material, know-how, and hard work to get the building up and running. Just the huge difference in propane use for heat compared to the original 80 year old building is amazing. Some finishing
touches need to be done, but it is completely usable in every respect. As of this writing (March 21), the old building is down, demolition done by the people of the church. The church anticipates having the old building site converted into a new expanded parking lot no later than the middle of May. The church will hold a
dedication service for the new building on Sunday, June 6, starting at 4 pm. The service will include a concert by the Faithful Men quartet, recognition service, dedication message and a dinner following. Anyone who will be attending is asked to please call 218-7872264, or 218-444-9045.