Searchlight MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Vol. 67 - Issue 5 October 2016
Arkansas State Association Meeting of Missionary Baptist Churches November 3-4, 2016
Arkansas Convention Center Texarkana, Arkansas
General Fund Report August 2016
Table of Contents
Income Offerings Memorials
$34,938.00 377.00
Fees & Tuition
7,276.24
Reimbursement/Refunds
1,000.00
Searchlight Donations Church Subscriptions
24.00 1,379.00
Individual Subscriptions
410.50
Dorm Rent
500.00
Apartment Rent Investment Income Earned Total Income
1,734.04 0.14 47,638.92
Expenses Office Supplies
612.24
Teaching Supplies
150.87
Postage
404.75
Technical Support
718.03
Property & Liability Insurance Library Expenses General Maintenance Custodial Supplies Internet Access & Website Utilities (Main Building) Payroll Expenses
37.94 486.15 1,868.96 151.52 592.77 1,994.47 37,339.60
Searchlight Expenses
1,744.48
Apartments
2,171.11
Laundromat Expenses
303.60
Men’s Dormitory
813.60
Total Expenses Net Income
49,618.99 (-1,980.07)
3 Editor’s Notes 5 Notes from Dr. Harris 6 Faculty Column 7 From The Academic Dean 8 News & Notes 10 Missionary Spotlight 12 Texarkana Reports 14 Women’s News
In Loving Memory
Bro. L.D. Perdue
Lynn McBryde
By:Zella Mae Jones J.R. Thomas
By:Darrell & Angue Perryman Bonnie McBryde
Franklin Shepard
Mrs. Jean Shook
Helen Clinton
Mrs. Gearline Moser
By:Phillip & Mary Shepard By:Norman & Ina Faye Payne
In Honor
By:Zella Mae Jones
By:Norma Williams
Mrs. Lena Fuell Mrs. Juanita Crutchfield Mrs. Becky Ashley Mrs. Juanice Pumphrey By:Norma Williams
Missionary Baptist Searchlight 5224 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 Telephone: 501.455.4588 Fax: 501.455.4589 Searchlight: searchlight@mb-seminary.net; Mission Reports: drdavidharris@hotmail.com Editor: Dr. Roger Copeland Assistant Editors: Dr. Caroll Koon, Dr. David Harris Layout Editor: Ashley Diggs OWNERSHIP: The Missionary Baptist Searchlight is owned by the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, Arkansas. The seminary is owned and operated by Antioch Baptist Church. Published Monthly. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: One Year $8.00. Church group subscription rates are available.
ADDRESS CHANGES: Please notify us of any change of address. The Searchlight is charged fifty cents for each returned paper. You may clip the mailing label on page one, make the necessary changes, and send it to the address given above. Changes must be made A MONTH IN ADVANCE to correct the next issue. SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES: Articles of general interest are welcome. The deadline for material to be in the office is A MONTH IN ADVANCE. The submission of an article grants editorial privileges. Opinions in published articles are those of the writers and are not necessarily the views of the Missionary Baptist Seminary or Antioch Baptist Church.
From The Editor God’s Work God’s Way Dr. Roger Copeland
If we are going to be involved in God’s work, we must do it God’s way. We can’t very well assume God’s work is our work and we will do it the way we want it to be done or think it should be done. That is not our call to make. If we are going to serve God, we have to do it His way. We can’t call Him Master and then not do what He tells us to do. The ingenuity of man is like a leaking, dripping faucet compared to the rushing river of God’s wisdom. Doing God’s work God’s way cannot be improved upon though some have tried. I was recently in a foreign country visiting a missionary friend. While I cannot speak for anyone but myself, I will speak for myself. These trips have a way of rebuking my heart. I see in other countries missionaries who have so little, yet they do so much. Then, I see in my own life that I have so much, yet do so little. Such a moment brings reality crashing upon my head. The reality is that a lack of resources is not necessarily a liability in the work of the Lord. If we had more resources, there is no guarantee that would translate into a greater work for the Lord. We are terribly misguided and deceived if somehow we excuse our inactivity in the Lord’s work because we don’t have certain resources. It’s just not true. Our lack of work in the service of the Master is not a resource issue; it is a heart issue. While visiting with my missionary friend, I saw once again the wisdom in doing God’s work God’s way. Dr. S.E. Anderson clearly wrote what all true Baptists have believed, “Christ summarized His authority and orders to us in Matt. 28:18-20. ‘‘All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the age. Amen.’’ Then no pope, bishop, council, convention or any other organization has authority over us!” God’s plan is for His churches to go into all the world to preach the gospel. No one, no organization, no entity of any kind can do the work of the Lord the way His churches can. That is His plan. We may fellowship together and cooperate together for the sake of getting the gospel to the world, but the churches must be in the front, not lagging behind some association, board or convention. While on this trip, I visited with a missionary who is not part of our associated work. In the course of our conversation, the statement was made by this missionary that there were certain advantages to being sent out by a church. This missionary was not sent out by a church. This missionary said you are here visiting your church’s missionary and he will be encouraged by that. The people of the sending church are involved in his life and that of his family. Several other advantages were mentioned. I felt sorry for this missionary. The church connection was not there and it appeared to me to have devastating results. The wisdom of God can be clearly and easily seen in the church sending the man. The missionary is accountable to God and the church who sends him. He is encouraged and blessed by the church who sent him. T.P. Crawford argued for doing God’s work God’s way. T.P. Crawford, originally from KY, was a missionary who served in China in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. He argued for the churches to come to the forefront in mission endeavors. He eventually wrote a pamphlet entitled, Churches to the Front. Sadly, his words and writings were basically ignored by those to whom they were addressed. We should do God’s work God’s way not just for the benefits we can ascertain. The missionary is encouraged and accountable when sent directly by a church. There are other advantages that could be enumerated. However, while these advantages are obvious the work of God should be done God’s way because God’s way is the right way. 3
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By: Dr. Carroll Koon President Seminary Faculty
We all have people we hold in high esteem for guiding or helping us or investing some time into our wellbeing. Preachers and church members are no different. I well remember the preacher who won me to the Lord. He came to my house when I was seventeen and told me I was a sinner and desperately needed Jesus Christ. I was saved. After I was saved and baptized and joined one of the Lord’s churches, I remember sitting under the preaching of some great men of God. When God called me to pastor, I attended the Missionary Baptist Seminary and was trained by the finest men in our work. They patiently taught me the truths of God and gave me wisdom so that I could fulfill God’s purpose. I made friends with fellow disciples and pastors. These men have counseled and given me valuable advice. I have opened my heart to them and revealed to them my troubles and heartaches. I have had close relationships with church members who took me under their care and were father figures in my life. God has enriched my life through these men and women, and I thank God for them. I don’t think I would be a pastor now without their encouragement and sometimes criticism.
“Heros Have Clay Feet”
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scriptures to depend upon them. It has been my experience when men become heroes, they will always have clay feet. Too many preachers and church members have become disillusioned in God’s work because someone they trusted and leaned on failed. Those hurt develop not only disdain toward their hero, but also toward God. You should thank God for sending godly men and women into your life to keep you from falling into the trappings of the world, but don’t make them a god. Jesus Christ must be your Hero and your God. The Word of God must be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. Then, if someone who taught you faithfully the Word of God fails, you know God and His Word will never fail. The object of your faith must always be God and His eternal Word. When we look to Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith, then men and women of God who impacted our lives become our cheerleaders in the faith, not gods. Our faculty at the Missionary Baptist Seminary are men of God and servants of the Lord. They will mentor our students and give them wisdom from above. May our students appreciate and thank God for them. May they never become heroes.
In the Old Testament Joshua had Moses to guide and instruct him. Once when two men were prophesying at the Tent of Meeting, Joshua went to Moses and criticized them for doing what he thought only Moses should do. Perhaps Joshua had made Moses his hero. But the wise man of God informed Joshua that he wished everyone could prophesy, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29). The apostle Paul had men he called sons in the faith. He told Timothy, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). Timothy and others needed the tutelage of Paul. God used Paul to guide these men to spiritual maturity. As much as we admire those who mentored us, no man should be our hero. Draw a line between hero and those who guided you in your life. Make a distinction between God and them. Don’t make them gods. They are fallible men, and no one should allow their faith in God and the 4
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
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“The Gift of God”Ephesians 2:8,9
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By: Dr. David Harris
Assistant Editor Seminary Faculty
The means of salvation has been debated throughout time. In the final analysis, it is either by works or it is by grace. The Bible is abundantly clear: salvation is by grace; it is the gift of God. Paul said, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
true, could not we hold God responsible for the unbeliever’s failure to believe? Could we not say that he did not believe because God did not give him the faith?
By Grace (verse 8a). Grace is the undeserved, unearned, unmerited favor of God. If mercy means God does not give us what we do deserve, then grace means God does give us what we do not deserve. No one deserves to be raised up together with Christ and seated with Him in His throne, but grace makes it possible. It was in His infinite grace that God the Father provided the means whereby we can have a personal relationship with Him and enjoy a home in Heaven throughout eternity. He did it because of His grace. There was nothing in man that deserved it; it was altogether His doing.
The Gift of God (verse 8c). Salvation “is the gift of God.” It does not find its source in man. It does not find its source in works. Salvation is of God. It is His gift. God first gave His Son to die on Calvary, and he subsequently gives eternal life to those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior (John 3:16). As with most every other gift; the gift of salvation can be accepted or it can be rejected. The gospel can be believed or not believed (Acts 7:51). Those who believe are saved eternally. Those who refuse to believe are condemned eternally. Jesus said, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).
Through Faith (verse 8b). Salvation is by grace “through faith.” Faith is the avenue through which God’s grace is appropriated and by which God’s gift is received. While it is true that the grace of God that bringeth salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11), it is not true that all men are saved. The good news of the gospel must be heard and believed (Ephesians 1:13). Throughout the book of Acts, it is recorded that some believed and some did not when they heard the message of the apostles concerning the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Was it man’s fault, or God’s that some refused? It certainly wasn’t God’s fault. God created man in such a way that he has the capacity to either believe or not believe. He can receive (John 1:12), or he can resist (Acts 7:51). Each individual is personally responsible for his or her choice. Salvation is by grace through faith; “and that not of yourselves.” The pronoun that refers to salvation, not to faith itself. Some will say faith is not of ourselves. They will say that God must give us the faith to believe. In my mind, this position opens the door to Calvinism. Moreover, the pronoun that is neuter in gender while the noun faith is feminine in gender. According to rules of Greek grammar, the direct antecedent of the pronoun must agree in gender. Thus, that which is “not of yourselves,” cannot refer to faith. It refers rather to the general context of salvation, which is the “gift of God.” Some will argue that God must give us the gift of faith before we can believe. But if that is
Not of Works (verse 9). The free gift of salvation is, “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” The bottom line is that there are two opposing philosophies in the religious world. One says we must work or earn our spot in Heaven. The other says it is totally and completely by grace; that we cannot work for it, earn it, buy it, or join it. All we can do is receive it by faith (John 1:12, 13). The idea that one can work for the gift of salvation is irrational as well as unscriptural. How can one work for a gift? If salvation is by grace, if it is a gift, then it cannot be earned. In another place, Paul wrote, “And if by grace, then is it no more of
Salvation is by grace, not of works.
works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work” (Romans 11:6). Grace precludes works. Salvation is by grace, not of works, “lest any man should boast.” Salvation is wholly the gift of God in order that He will receive all the honor, glory and praise for it (Ephesians 1:12, 14). If men could save themselves, or in some manner earn salvation, it would be a testament to man (Romans 4:2). However, there is nothing in salvation that brings glory to man. All the glory is to God alone. 5
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By: Dr. Lynn Harris Seminary Faculty
“The Preacher’s Sermon Preparation”
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Every week the preacher has the responsibility of preparing multiple messages that will spiritually feed and edify his listeners. This is not a matter of merely exercising a “gift of gab,” commenting on the latest cultural trends, advancing political causes, or regaling the audience with entertaining anecdotes. A sermon should direct attention to what God has said, give a good understanding of what it meant, be shown to have current application, and finally, challenge hearts to be changed with a consequent change of behavior. How should the preacher come up with, prepare and deliver this unending supply of sermons to deliver? The preacher starts by being a student of God’s word. He has a personal interest and habit of seeking to know the Lord more fully by studying His word. This is where he learned of sin and salvation. These are the words of the one who called him to preach. This is the place where his hope for eternity is described. The preacher does not merely study his Bible to come up with sermons. Sermons develop as he prayerfully studies God’s word. The best sermons are the ones the preacher has first taken to heart himself. He strives to understand all he can about the passage to be preached. He wants to know the characters involved, the geography, the political entities, the cultures, what led up to that passage, where the Scripture goes from that passage. He uses insights gained from the original languages, and anything else that can broaden his understanding. Once he thoroughly understands the context of the passage, he takes care to clearly understand what is happening or being said. He outlines the passage, follows the logic, and makes sure to stick with the context. Many a bad interpretation is made (and ultimately applied) when context is abandoned in favor of a popular notion or personal vendetta. Preachers do not have the authority to adapt a passage to their own personal agenda. Arriving at a sound interpretation of the passage, he then applies the principles therein to the circumstances of the audience. Culture and technologies change, but the truths of God do not. Sound interpretation without valid applica6 tion falls way short of spiritual edification. He does not
want the audience wondering what he was trying to say, but to clearly understand the point and know they have been challenged to let the Lord change their hearts in such a way that they must respond. Illustrations can be very effective in communicating the truths being preached. The Bible itself provides a multitude of illustrations from which to draw, and most of them continue to speak in the current world. Other illustrations can be useful, but the preacher takes care to avoid misleading illustrations, or to let illustrations take over so that God’s Word becomes the modifying element. The listeners should not leave remembering the illustrations rather than the message. The preacher prepares himself prayerfully. He prays when he begins his study. He prays through his study as he works to correctly interpret the Word. He prays as he determines how it applies to his audience. He prays as he structures his sermon to be easily understandable. He prays as he prepares to preach. He then preaches the sermon with a conscious dependence upon the grace of the Lord to carry him through. The preacher must have time to give himself “continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). This can allow the Word to increase and disciples to multiply. The preacher who will “labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Tim 5:17) should be honored.
HOW TO CONTACT US 501-455-4588 5224 Stagecoach Road Little Rock, AR 72204
searchlight@mb-seminary.net www.mb-seminary.com
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“The Seminary, It’s Serious!”
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School - an organization that provides instruction; the process of teaching or learning; a building dedicated to teaching and learning; a group of teachers and students (Meriam-Webster Online Dictionary). With all the hustle and bustle and newfangled devises and software, we can get lost in the process and lose sight of what we are doing. Sometimes we need a Vince Lombardi, “Gentlemen, this is a football,” speech so that we do not lose sight of what we are doing. So here is mine for the Missionary Baptist Seminary. What is the core purpose of the Missionary Baptist Seminary?
By: Dr. Phillip Miller
Academic Dean Seminary Faculty
can arrive at the original intent of God through His inspired Bible writers. They must practice effective teaching methods to transfer what they learn from the Bible to the students they teach. They must possess sound, godly wisdom to make appropriate, modern-day applications for their students. They must teach sound, hermeneutical principles so that students can arrive at these appropriate, biblical applications. They must be skilled homileticians who show students how to develop and deliver powerful, passionate sermons. They must live Bible truths before their students, affirming to them that they believe what they teach. They must do the work of an evangelist, sharing the Gospel in the classroom and on the streets. They must care deeply about the students they teach. They must be personally dedicated to God, their teaching responsibilities, and their students.
The Seminary is a serious Bible school dedicated to teaching the Bible to serious students who take serving the Lord seriously. We are not a coffee-drinker’s club of men who sit around a table and causally talk religion. We are not a mail-ordered degree service where people can purchase a few capital letters to print after their names for personal prestige. We are not a fast-track service to receiving a piece of parchment paper with Bible Diploma written on it. We What does it take to be a serious seminary? It takes serious are not an academic hall filled with theory, rhetoric, and students, students who are willing to sacrifice and put in the time it takes to learn the Bible. It takes students who are saved, called to serve, and hold strong convictions about We are a school dedicated to living obediently for the Lord. It takes students who are serious, in-depth Bible study to serious about the call of God on their lives to preach and to pastor. It takes students who are teachable, students who be applied in serious service show up on time to class every day, ready to learn, focused on the subject of the class. It takes students who will spend to the Lord. late hours in reading, memorization, and absorption of bibscholastic research that elevates the human intellect over lical information. It takes students who will give up TV, the influences of the Holy Spirit. We are a school dedicat- social media, and leisurely hobbies to free up much time ed to serious, in-depth Bible study to be applied in serious for learning. It takes students who are dedicated to God and service to the Lord. Primarily that service is preaching the serving Him, students who will travel far to preach, and Word of God and pastoring the Lord’s churches. What does witness near in their neighborhoods. It takes serious stuthis take? dents who believe that the Bible is their authoritative rule of faith and practice. They pattern their lives after the Bible It first takes dedicated, well-studied teachers, teachers who they study. It takes students whose goals are set on serving are serious about Bible study. They must have the convicthe Lord with all of their lives for the rest of their lives. tion that the Bible is the only God-authored book and is authoritative on all matters of faith and practice in the obediThe Missionary Baptist Seminary is a serious Bible school. ent-to-God life. They must do the hard work of digging out If you are serious about getting a Bible education, we want biblical concepts to teach their students. They must model you. We want you to get started now. Enroll and take the effective Bible study methods, teaching students to correctfirst step of getting a serious Bible education! Call us at ly implement the abundance of Bible study tools available (501) 455-4588, or you can email me at pmiller@mb-semto them. They must teach the correct use of the original laninary.net or our Dean of Students Mark Harris at guages and historical context of the Bible so that students 7 dean@mb-seminary.net.
Clarification of a Motion Made at The ABA
By Bobby L. Sparks It appears there has been some misunderstanding of the motion made at the recent A.B.A. meeting to allow brethren to use our outdated literature and publish it into foreign languages. I wish to clarify the wording of the motion so we will have the same understanding. The motion read: “Motion that the editorial department of the Baptist Sunday School Committee be instructed to provide the files of outdated literature, excluding any art files of copyrighted material, to those of our fellowship who have a signed agreement intending to translate and print the material into a foreign language not otherwise being published by the Baptist Sunday School Committee.” The confusion seems to be whether anyone can publish material in a foreign language in which the Baptist School Committee is currently publishing. We have at least one person publishing material in Spanish and the Sunday School Committee is also publishing in Spanish. The key is the statement “… print the material into a foreign language not otherwise being published by the Baptist Sunday School Committee. The intent of the wording is to prevent someone from being in competition with the Sunday School Committee. If the Sunday School Committee is printing a certain item in a foreign language already, such as Spanish, then no one else can compete with them and print the same material. However, if the material is not being published in Spanish by the Sunday School Committee, then someone else may publish it in Spanish. One brother is printing outdated literature in Spanish. He is printing literature that the Sunday School Committee is not providing in Spanish. Any literature that the Committee is not publishing in Spanish will be made available to this brother. On the A.B.A. website, under the Baptist Sunday School Committee, the following statement is made: “The goal of the Baptist Sunday School Committee is to offer timely and productive resources that can and will be used in meeting widespread spiritual needs of churches.” The churches in foreign countries likely make up as many churches of the 8
ABA as the churches located in the continental United States. Unfortunately, either these churches do not have the resources or else the numbers are too small to justify the cost of producing their own literature. Thank God, we have brethren who have the skills to step up and raise funds and print literature in several continents of the world that otherwise would have no Bible literature. It behooves us to work with them and cooperate in every way possible.
ABMA
Sponsored by Holly Springs MBC, Star City, Arkansas J. C. Patterson Pastor Quarterly Report August 2016 We missed a report this past quarter due to the activities of the summer. We have four projects at this time with good reports coming from each of these. It is exciting to see the Lord's blessings upon His mission work, and nothing would be possible without the hand of the Lord in it. We continue to desire your prayers for these projects that we are working with, and for Holly Springs and the ABMA that we can continue to be used in the work of the Lord. Madison Avenue Baptist Church of Kentwood, Michigan has completed their construction work on their new educational building. They report that the Lord is blessing their work, and that this new building has created interest from their community. This building project has created a lot of excitement in the work there. Logos MBC in Hattiesburg, Mississippi moves closer to the completion of their building. We look forward to hearing, in the not too distant future, that they are ready to occupy their building. Old Time MBC in Fredericktown, Missouri has paid their loan off. Faith MBC in Greenwood, Indiana has just completed their renovation program. The cost was a little more than they had anticipated due to unexpected requirements by the city. Bro. and Sis. Maxey both have had health problems and stand in need of your prayers. New Beginnings MBC in Brownstown, Indiana continues their service for the Lord. We are thankful for the building and the property that the Lord provided for them. We thank you for your prayers and support of these mission efforts and for ABMA and the work that it is doing. May God bless you for being a part of this effort.
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2016 State Mission Work Report
By: Bro. James Calhoun State Treasurer
Promotional Director of Arkansas State Mission Project
Four men were recommended by the messengers at the 2015 annual state association meeting in Mt. View to serve as state missionaries on salary for the 2015-16 associational year. In addition, the Arkansas State Mission Builders and Arkansas State Mission Project, both of which are local church endorsed ministries giving great support to the state mission work are recommended for support by the churches. The following men served this past year through the state association. Each of these men need and deserve our prayers and financial support. All were recommended for full salary. Bro. Jeremy Flanagan is recommended and sponsored by East Union MBC of Hensley. He is working with Pathway Baptist Mission of Fayetteville. Pathway has had another year of growth not only in numbers, but in Spiritual growth of the membership. They continue to strive to pay off their building debt. Pathway continues to contribute to Bro. Flanagan's salary and looks forward to the time they can be self-supporting. Bro. Chuck Roach is recommended and sponsored by First Landmark MBC of Clarksville. He is working with Libby Road Baptist Mission in Heber Springs. They have been in their new building for a year and a half and have their debt paid down to about $300,000. They continue to have visitors most weeks and have had several additions to their fellowship. They hope to be debt free and self-supporting soon. Bro. Jewel Vance was recommended and sponsored by Faith MBC of Arkadelphia. He is working with First Baptist Mission in Berryville. This work has struggled again this year, but has seen some progress in recent months. They have had baptisms this past year and others have joined by letter. Bro. Kenny Williams is recommended and sponsored by Calvary MBC of Sheridan. He is working with Solid Rock Baptist Mission of Bentonville. They moved into their new building in February and currently owe less than $500,000. Being in their new building has resulted in many visitors and several additions. It is anticipated that the ones listed above will be re-recommended for support. In addition, Bro. Joe Brown working with New Hope Baptist Mission of Rogers will be recom-
mended for partial salary. There is also the possi bility that new missionaries might come recommended for support at the state meeting in Texarkana. Arkansas State Mission's Day in May helped replenish the state treasury. Also, some of the mission works are contributing more toward their missionary's salary and with only four missionaries for the year, the need was less. At the end of August the balance in the state mission treasury was about $133,000. Please consider supporting state missions monthly or give during the May Mission Emphasis next year. The Arkansas State Mission Project (ASMP), which is sponsored by First Baptist Church of Cave City, continues to be a great asset to the mission works in acquiring land and buildings and paying off the debt on these items. More churches sending even $25, $50, or more each month to ASMP would help us do even more for our mission works through ASMP. Currently about $35,000 is being raised quarterly. For 2017 we have set a goal of raising $50,000 per quarter for the land, building, and debt needs of works in the State of Arkansas. The Arkansas Mission Builders continue to assist the mission work and churches with their building needs. This group of men and women sponsored by Paragould MBC of Paragould saves our churches millions of dollars in building costs. Ifyou ever have a need for their services you can contact me and I will put you in touch with them. They do work for churches as well as missions. Please pray for our mission works in the State of Arkansas. If you have any questions concerning the state mission works, please contact me. Also, if your church or auxiliary organization would like a visit and presentation of the state mission works, call me at 870-403-1960 or email me at jcalhoun3@suddenlink.net. A full report including finances will be given to the messengers at the state association messenger meeting November 3 & 4 hosted by Northern Hills MBC of Texarkana. For more information including state letter forms, go to www.armissionarybaptist.com and plan to represent at the state meeting. 9
Missionary Spotlight on Adolfo Gonzalez Leon, Mexico
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Support for the Gonzalez Family can be sent to: Northern Hills Missionary Baptist Church 6000 Sammy Lane, Texarkana, Arkansas 71854
Mission Reports Interstate Missions Mike Jones Fayetteville, NC The Month of August was, for lack of better words, “AMAZING.” God sent 12 firsttime visitors and 8 returning visitors into our Sunday worship service through the invitations of our people. We had a high attendance for the month of 49, and had one of our visitors, John Bruner, come forward to join the church by baptism. The acronym G.R.O.W (God Rewards Our Work) is forever present in my mind. Jason Hebert Acadiana Missions For the month of August, we have averaged 12 in morning worship with 3 local firsttime visitors and we have averaged 7 in our home Bible study with 2 new local firsttime visitors. We are also very excited to share that we have received our first member this month, two on promise of letter and one after baptism. Jerry Baker Navajo Missions August 31st marked the end of three months since we have been on the field full-time. We have major structural repairs to do on the interior of the building due to the shifting water-soaked ground on the west side of the building. Hopefully, we will be able to get that work accomplished over the next few months. Kevin Amburgey Ashland, MO The past two months at Heartland has been amazing. Our attendance has grown and we have had about 8 first time visitors and many of those continue to worship with us weekly. Praise the Lord! September 7 we began our first midweek service. This is a big step for us and we are praying that God will compel the hearts of His people to come out for a time of prayer, digging deeper into the Word of God and praising His name for His goodness. George Dever Dexter, ME We had our Northeast Landmark Mission-
Rusty Denny New Mexico Never underestimate to ability of ladies to get a job completed regardless of the job to do! The Lord sent us 6 “angels” from Delight, Arkansas with a desire to do work projects. I put them to work helping build a tractor shed. They were responsible for building the center beam that carries the weight of the roof. I have been on the roof after the work was done and it is very solid! This is a project that I have been putting off for a while. They were very helpful during their stay here and we really enjoyed having them. Hopefully, they will consider coming back next year! ary Baptist Association meeting which was hosted by Heritage Baptist Church in Cayuga, New York. It was a blessing to be with the Lord’s people. We traveled almost ten hours to take part in this meeting and enjoyed the fellowship of God’s people. Our churches in the Northeast are few and far between. Scott Bourland Bloomington, IN In the early stages of the work here God brought us the Haynes family. Unfortunately, they were soon relocated and we did not get to serve with them very long. Recently, in God’s providence, they were brought back to Bloomington and they reconnected with us immediately. They are an answer to our prayers, as they are faithful, and committed to service and support of the church.
Foreign Missions Shin Kamoda Japanese Missions In July, I prepared church newsletters to our community and, with members, publicized Vacation Bible School and Youth Fellowship. I renewed the church website and created a new media to publicize our church events on Facebook. It’s another means to connect with the public. Landol Swinney New Zealand Greetings from Christchurch, New Zealand. I posted our Newsletters in the Mission Report World-Wide. As stated our new sponsoring church is now Bethany MBC in Atkins, AR,
Pastor Eddie Rogers. We are excited about this adventure. (Offerings to be sent to Eddie Rogers 1533 Bakers Creek Road, Russellville, AR. 72811. If your church would be interested in supporting us, or want more information concerning the work here in Christchurch, please e-mail me at landolswinney@yahoo.co.nz. Roger Watkins Solomon Islands The 2016 Malaita Missionary Baptist Church Association Meeting was held at First Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Maluu, Malaita with 22 churches represented, and 63 representatives present, with many other men and women that came to the meeting. The meeting went very smoothly with two days of seminars teaching pertinent subjects on church organization and doctrine.
Ministries Wayne Stringer Philippine Mission Development Construction will begin on the building for First Landmark MBC, Iligan City the first of September; this is number ten. We are in the process of wiring $15,000 to the church for the purchase of material to begin work. The church requested that Bro. Abner attend a special meeting to commemorate the beginning of construction. The members are very excited and sent a message requesting I stress their appreciation to the churches that make Philippine Mission Development a reality. 11
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Bro. Bryan Sellers Secretary-Treasurer of Missions “Now when they had gone throughout Phyrgia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia. After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.” Acts 16:6-7. Is it wrong to have a plan when doing the Lord’s work? Of course not! In fact, it’s very wise to have a plan when doing the Lord’s work. But we must always be aware of the fact that at any time, God can change our plans! We are totally dependent on God’s providence when doing His work. It’s not our work, our church, our ministry, it is the Lord’s! We work for Him and with Him! If we will learn this principle, it will help us tremendously as we carry out the Great Commission. The month of August was a busy month of travel. I was privileged to attend the EBA Associational meeting in Michigan, seminary opening days in Arkansas and Louisiana, and a church anniversary in West Virginia. I am thankful for the invitations to share ABA missions and to preach God’s Word. For the month of August, the missionaries reported 1,023 professions of faith and 57 baptisms. Let us continue to intensify our prayers and support for these missionaries and their families. May we also continue to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ, allow Him to lead in all of our ways, and be assured He will direct our paths in His work! Respectfully,
Bryan Sellers
PO Box 1050 Texarkana, TX 75504-1050 Ph. 903-792-2312 E-mail: missions@abamissions.org
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MONTHLY MISSION REPORT
August 2016
Beginning Balance $982,112.37 RECEIPTS: Interstate Salaries $57,457.33 Foreign & National Salaries $49,989.46 Designated $35,740.06 Undesignated $18,708.40 TOTAL RECEIPTS $161,895.25 BALANCE FOR SALARY/EXPENSE $1,144,007.62 DISBURSEMENTS Interstate Salaries $82,547.50 Foreign Salaries $20,997.40 National Salaries $26,752.40 Designated $35,740.06 Salaries & Expenses of Sec-Treas. Office Office Salaries $11,716.63 General Office $3,185.31 Sec/Treas. Travel $36.55 Automobile Expense $543.12 Postage $300.00 TOTAL $15,781.61 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $181,818.97 BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD $962,188.65 Deficit for August (19,923.72)
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According to a Bro. Kyle Elkins recent Pew ReEditor In Chief search Center report, the reading of traditional books has not been deterred by the use of popular e-readers. The rumor that printed materials are on the decline is only that. Traditional books remain the primary choice of people who want to gain information and broaden their understanding. By:
While e-readers have seen a decline, devices such as smartphones and tablets have surpassed them in usage. This no doubt is due to the convenience of these devices. One can carry a smartphone in his pocket and carry multiple Bible commentaries, Bible language helps, Bible dictionaries, sermons and more. It’s no secret that young people rely heavily on digital media.
As fall arrives, Dr. Wayne Sewell so does many of the state associa- Business Manager tional meetings. There are other meetings that provide opportunities to show the Sunday School curriculum. Plans are being made to attend various meetings both to report on the work of the Baptist Sunday School Committee as well as showcase the curriculum to churches that choose to use the curriculum. By:
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The hymnal, “In Spirit and In Truth,� is getting low. Those hymnals must be printed by an outside source since the signatures for the book are larger than the press can handle in house. Therefore, that hymnal was sent out for reprinting. Those should be ready by early October. The sales have slowed some because more churches are using projection to show the words on the screens in the auditorium. But many Traditional print media by Bogard Press is certain and churches are still using the hymnals. guaranteed to continue to be a ministry in which churches can trust. Having said this, however, we do not ignore the The past few months has seen a larger turn over of emimportance of our material ployees than in many years. being in a digital format. A Therefore, we have several slow but steady transition new employees at this time. toward digital media has The warehouse has seen the been going on for several most turn over. All but two years. Currently, practically employees in the warehouse every curriculum book produced by Bogard Press is avail- have not been here for more than one mail out cycle. But able for download at our websites, www.bogardpress.org everyone is getting settled in and the error rate is improvand www.bogardstore.org. Some books and quarterlies list- ing. Each warehouse employee pulls orders using a tablet ed have samples for you to evaluate before buying. that helps reduce the errors as they learn how to pull orders using the equipment. One method of accessing study books and various Sunday School quarterlies is through the Bogard Press app. This The warehouse is also being reorganized at the present time. app is available for download on both Apple and Android The computerized inventory program now provides some devices. On the app one can find current quarterlies and additional features. Because of these features, the inventory study books produced by Bogard Press. On Apple devices, in the warehouse is being reorganized and bin locations are once a book in PDF format is purchased and downloaded, being used. This will enable the staff to control the inventothe potential for underlining or highlighting the text is an ry locations and make the year-end inventory go much easoption. The ability to use sticky notes is available also on ier. All the changes should be finished in time for year end. Apple devices. The Christian Education Bulletin is avail- It should help everyone know where items are in the wareable through the app. I believe you will find it beneficial to house. When the store needs items from the warehouse on use this app. The app is free. a Saturday, they should be able to locate it quickly. Bogard Press Curriculum Conference 2017 Remember that October is pastor appreciation month. The second annual Curriculum Conference will be held Pastors and their wives serve faithfully. Often that service next year on March 4, 2017. This is a new date so be sure to goes without recognition. It would be nice to recognize mark your calendars. The location is also new. The 13 (continued on page 15)
Women’s News By: Sister Sandra Cloud “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” Isaiah 40:31. We planned and waited. We prayed and waited. When we wait on God, we trust His promises. When we wait, we learn patience. Waiting on God is never a waste of time. The blessings of God came down at the 21st annual Arkansas ABA Women’s Retreat. Attendance soared to another record of 805 ladies from 109 churches in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Georgia. A wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual renewal was the result of God’s guidance, help and strength to the ladies in planning, praying and participating in this event. Even still, the people of God must rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7). He will give wisdom, grace, courage and peace for the days ahead as we wait and look forward to His glorious return and the eternity that awaits for those who know Him as Savior. The Bible says, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:14). “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
L to R - Susan Vance (pianist), Beth Hambrick (soloist) and Marnie Gregg (speaker) were special guests for theWomen’s Retreat at the Benton Event Center in Benton, Arkansas
Susan Vance sharing her talent on the piano, Beth Hambrick singing during the Friday night session. Left: A group of ladies from Oak Grove Baptist Church in Benton enjoying the Women’s Retreat at the Benton Event Center in Benton, Arkansas Below: A panoramic shot of 800+ ladies gathered together to worship our risen Lord!
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(Elkins - continued from page 13) conference will be held at the Texarkana, Texas Convention Center. This is connected to the Hilton Garden Inn located at 2910 South Cowhorn Creek Loop, Texarkana, TX 75503. Look for information concerning hotel rooms and the schedule in future promotional items, publications and on the website. The conference is an opportunity for churches to come and receive information on the VBS for 2017. VBS 2017 promises to be another exciting series of lessons. Whatever the theme may be, the lessons are always geared toward salvation first and then biblical principles. Ideas on decorations will be presented at the conference as well. This is always helpful for directors and those responsible for putting together the VBS. Please keep the editorial staff in your prayers. The staff is comprised of copy editors, layout designers and graphic designers. This is a dedicated group of employees who do their jobs faithfully while receiving little public recognition. Continue to pray for the writers of the literature. They, too, are to be commended for what they do. Bogard Press has books to help you with individual Bible studies or studies for class settings. Call us at 903-792-2783 or look us up at www.bogardpress.org. (Sewell - continued from page 13) your pastor with a new Bible or set of commentaries. A couple of suggestions include, “Systematic Theology,” by Lewis Sperry Chafer. This is the complete set in four volumes. The ISBN is 9780825423406. The cost is $199.99. Another suggestion would be “John Phillips Commentary on the New Testament.” This set consists of 19 volumes. The ISBN is 082543369X. The price is $429.99. These are just a couple of suggestions. While these make excellent gifts for the pastor, it is also an investment in his ministry that the membership will enjoy as he uses them in his personal study and sermon preparation. Don’t forget to recognize the pastor’s wife as well. She often makes sacrifices so he can minister to the church membership. Let her know that she is also appreciated. Please continue to pray for the staff in Texarkana. They are a good group of hardworking individuals and deserve your prayers. They are dedicated to getting the curriculum prepared, printed and distributed to the many churches that use the curriculum each quarter.
A Gracious Thank You to God’s People For the Pounding
I watched van, after van, after van coming up the Missionary Baptist Seminary drive for the pounding that many of our churches put together for the seminary during the opening weeks of class. Just as the church did in Acts 4:32-37, over fifty of our ABA churches came together to help supply the needs of many of our students here at the seminary and it was definitely a tremendous blessing! I heard many of my fellow peers express their gratitude and amazement at how great a blessing it was to receive such an offering and how much it helped them in their day to day lives. So, on behalf of the student body here at the Missionary Baptist Seminary I humbly give all of the churches that were involved in this pounding my deepest thanks and I hope that all of you were as equally blessed from this pounding as we were! May God bless all of you until His Second Coming. Sincerely & God Bless, Zack Jordan Sophomore Student Senate Representative
Church Seeks Pastor Winan Missionary Baptist Church, located at 222 Golf Links Road in Hot Springs, AR is in need of a full-time pastor who is associated with the American Baptist Association. All who are interested should call Bro. Glenn Wright, chairman of the Pastor Search Committee, at 501-525-4257 or Rick Rowland, member of Pastor Search Committee, at 501.902.4875 15
5224 Stagecoach Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Little Rock, AR Permit No. 2149
Fall Lectures Bogard Chapel - 10 a.m.
October 11, 2016 Speaker: Dr. Roger Stewart Olive Branch MBC Pine Bluff, Arkansas
For more information: 501-455-4588