JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

JUNE 15, 2006 VOL. 60 NO. 12

On The Web at msbaptist.org

Email editor@msbaptist.org

Celebrating

200 Years

1806 - 2006

BMA of Mississippi

July 4-6

SOAR 2006SOAR 2006SOAR 2006SOAR 2006SOAR 2006Vintage – “Of Old,Recognized, EnduringInterest, Importance orQuality”

SOAR 2006 promises to be anevent to remember! SOAR has be-come a Vintage marker in the BMAof America. SOAR is a conferencethat has evolved and changed withthe times but has never lost sight ofits mission and purpose to proclaimthe gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel is Vintage! The Gos-pel of Jesus Christ is a message thatis timeless. It is always relevant.Even though it is a message that isthousands of years old it never goesout of style and it has the power toredeem lives from death to life!

SOAR speakers are DavidDickson, Donny Parrish, Josh andLuke McCown, Scott Attebery, andSteven Carroll. Sessions on the Pur-pose, Power, Passion, Plan, andPurity of the Gospel of Jesus Christwill be presented. In addition, thegroup Shane and Shane, who havean amazing heart to see the Gospelproclaimed, will lead a session. Theywill weave music and message thatpromises to be an incredible time forSOAR attendees. The SOAR bandwill lead in worship with David

Attebery and Aaron Williams.The SOAR villages will feature

themes from the five purposes of theSOAR conference including, Wor-ship, Discipleship, Missions, andFellowship. Student Pastors andtheir youth groups are designingthe villages. These villages will in-clude fun events, great teaching,and give students a chance to getsome great resources to take homewith them.

Late Nights will feature the LivinIt Skate Team and pianist AlisaTurner. Livin It is Christian profes-sional skateboarders who will per-form a 45-minute demonstration andshare their faith with students. Alisais an incredible pianist and up andcoming Christian artist. She will sharesongs she has written bringing gloryto the Father.

The deadline for early registra-tion is June 9th. Go towww.dcmstudents.org to print offSOAR information and register on-line or print your registration form tomail in. Hotel information and otherdetails will be available there as wellin the weeks to come such as park-ing, ideas for places to eat, studentdrop off, registration, etc… Checkfor information in the weeks preced-ing SOAR 2006. For more informa-tion call the DCM office at 501-513-3726.

SOARJuly 4 - 6, 2006

Adam's Mark Hotel, Dallas, TXRoom Rate $79 @ 800-444-2326

Registration $50 ~ June 9 Deadlinewww.dcmstudents.org or DCM @ 501-513-3726

Are You Making Disciples?By Jerry Burnaman

BMA of Texas Missions DirectorOur great challenge in ministry

and starting new churches is to re-produce ourselves so that we ag-gressively reach our society withthe Gospel. Thus, I am sharing a fewthoughts from the Great Commis-sion, (Matthew 28:16-20).

What is the basic way of learninga new task or process? How does achild learn to walk? The child watchesadults walking around and the ideaof walking is implanted in the youngmind. Then one day, after crawlingfor several weeks or months, thechild pulls up using a table or chairand begins to walk. The child learnsfrom someone else,

Our CommandThe same process is necessary

for making disciples. The commandin the Great Commission is not "go"but "make disciples." Here is theidea: "While you are going makedisciples." The term "disciples" wasthe most popular name for the earlybelievers. Being a disciple meantmore than being a convert or churchmember. Apprentice is a goodequivalent term. A disciple attached

himself to a teacher, identified withhim, learned from him, and lived withhim.

A disciple, then, is one who hasbelieved on Jesus Christ and ex-pressed faith by being baptized. Heremains in the fellowship that hemight be taught the truths of thefaith (Acts 2:41-47). He is then ableto go out and win others and teachthem to become mature reproducingbelievers, This is the pattern of theNew Testament church (2 Timothy2:1-2).

There is one thing Jesus tells usthat is crystal clear: He commandsus to "make disciples." As one of hisdisciples, you know very well whathe means.

Our ModelWhen Jesus called the disciples

from a secular vocation to followhim, it was a bold change. His wordsto Simon and Andrew in Mark I were"Follow me;" a simple phrase, yetone loaded with meaning.

Living with Him.Jesus expected them to leave what

they were doing in order to physi-cally walk after him. For three years

after this call the 12 disciples livedwith him, walking the dusty trails ofPalestine to many different placesand sought food and shelter in vari-ous ways.

They saw Jesus in the morningwhen he got up and at night when helaid down. They watched him pray,heal, preach and teach. They ob-served Jesus in his dealings withdifficult people. Through all of theirexperiences with him, they learnedthat Jesus' lifestyle was radicallydifferent from the one they hadlearned from birth. They were chal-lenged to a new life.

Learning how to be his disciple.This new life did not come easily

to them. Naturally, they were brash,selfish and uncaring. Jesus had toteach them to be gentle, giving andcompassionate. On many occasionshe took the disciples aside (for ex-ample, Matthew 5-7) in order to in-struct them. When he told parables,he would explain the meaning tothem after the crowds had departed.The disciples were as "deaf' as thecrowds when it came to understand-

continued on page 4

Finishing StrongBy Steve Crawley

Director of Church MinistriesSpringhill Baptist Church

Greenbrier, ArkansasNational Brotherhood Sermon

(Courtesy of the Baptist Trumpet)I have been taught to preach from

the overflow, and I have to share ablessing with you. We’re staying atthe Ramada Inn here in Mobile, andlast night after the meeting I wastalking to the clerk at the hotel andasked her if anybody had ever toldher what Jesus had done for her.

Someone had. I don’t know if anyof you were the one, but someonewith the BMA had given her a tract.

As we began to talk about the tract,I opened my Bible and shared thegospel with her again. I said, “I knowyou’re on duty and we don’t havemuch time, but I’m going to go to my

room and getyou anothertract.” And I did.

I waited untilthere was a lullat the desk, thenI went throughthat tract withher and sharedthe gospel onceagain. As I left, Igave her my

number and asked her to call me ifshe had any questions.

About 10:30, the phone rang andshe said, “Thank you so much forsharing the gospel. I’ve just prayedto receive Christ.” Praise the Lord;that’s what it’s all about!

“Wherefore seeing we also arecompassed about with so great acloud of witnesses, let us lay asideevery weight, and the sin whichdoth so easily beset us, and let usrun with patience the race that is setbefore us.

Looking unto Jesus the authorand finisher of our faith; who for the

Steve Crawley continued on page 2

2 June 15, 2006 • Mississippi Baptist

e'srld

on

Family ArkMinistries

Travis Plumlee

www.travisplumlee.com

Ages 10-12: The Weird yearsI call these the weird years be-

cause your child is in a major transi-tion period. They are not little bittykids anymore. They are not teenag-ers. Sometimes they can act so ma-ture and be so loving. In the verynext moment, they can seem like atwo year old and be pitching a hissyfit. (For those of you not from thesouth, pitching a hissy fit is not thesame as throwing a wall-eyed fit.)Both are unacceptable behaviors.

As with all age groups, you mustemploy the Ephesians 6:1-3 prin-ciples. Verse one is an action. Verse2 is an attitude. Verse 3 is an assur-ance. You must have your childrenhonor and obey you at all times so itwill go well with them in life. Failureto teach your children to honor andobey you is tantamount to socialand spiritual child abuse. It is socialchild abuse because your child willgrow up never respecting authorityand get in trouble with teachers,police and in the future, a boss in theworkplace. It is spiritual child abusebecause if they don't honor andobey you, how can they ever beexpected to honor and obey God.You are to apply God's governmenthere on earth in the life of yourchildren.

This is a very critical age. All of ahuman being's morals and convic-tions are largely in place by age 10 or11. It doesn't mean that people can'tlearn new things. It doesn't meanthat people can't continue to grow.We all do our entire life, but theguiding principles we carry throughour life, right or wrong, are set inthese years. You don't have to tell ateen that it is wrong to cheat, lie orsteal. They know these things. Youhave to help them make good deci-sions. But in these years before 13,you are setting the foundations oftheir life. So much of what they cometo believe in their heart is set in

concrete at this age. All the rest oftheir life, whether for good or bad,these ethics, morals and convictionswill shape who they become.

Parenting is hard work. It is thesingle most important job you willever have. Be sure that you are de-

voting adequate time and resourcesto this job. You must make depositsin your child's memory bank everyday. You must make sure that theiremotional tank stays full of love,affection, mercy, grace and a love forthe laws of the Lord. These are criti-cal years to teach why Christiansdon't do certain things. It isn't be-cause we don't want to get a whippin.It is because we don't want to dis-honor or disobey God. It is out of ourlove for God that we obey His Word.If your kids simply obey out of fearof punishment, then when they getolder and away from you more, theywill be prime targets to be led astray.Obedience is born out of love.

Your child at this age may start tonot want public displays of affec-tion from you. However, they stillneed tons of it. You need to hug your12 year old just like a newborn. Theyneed lots of affection. You still needto spank them if they are just askingfor it. However, this is also the agethat you can start adding things likegrounding or removal of privileges.You may keep them from doing funthings if they haven't done theirhomework or chores. Again, if youdon't believe in spanking your chil-dren, then you have a problem withGod. He clearly mandates this inProverbs 13:24 and Proverbs

23:13,14. Spankings are just one ofseveral options available to this agegroup.

You want your children to learnand be taught why something iswrong. Don't forget also to teachthem things to do at this age. Theyare old enough now to learn whatChristians do with their life. Theycan serve others. Help others. Shareand think of others. They should betaught to not be so selfish and self-centered. Get them started in a min-istry. They can help out at the churchor be involved in helping out in thecommunity. They need to be taughtto serve others. Help them learn tonot blurt out everything that comesinto their head. But also remember,they are learning. They don't knowhow to interact perfectly with othersin a group. You can help teach them.This is best done by talking to themin private after something is saidthat wasn't quite right. That avoidspublic humiliation. Love them un-conditionally regardless of theirbehavior.

Girls will mature more quickly atthis age and actually start caringabout hygiene. With boys, forget it.They do not want to take showers atthis age, and will not dry off afterbeing forced to take a weekly bath.They have no qualms about runningaround in their underwear and willbe fascinated with restroom func-tions. Don't worry. They will out-grow it until they become husbands!Kids this age still need 8 to 10 hoursof sleep per night, and many behav-ioral problems such as whining, oc-cur from sleep deprivation.

When you don't know what todo, look up. Pray up. God is on yourside. The Holy Spirit will lead you asto what to do. Always seek Godbefore you seek an expert. God aloneis wise. Discipline must be accompa-nied by love. 10 hugs a day will keepthe therapist away! Be sure theytake an active role in church duringthese formative years.

Sofilthy's Atticby Barbara White

Bewilderment of the Eyes"Anyone who has common sense will remember that the

bewilderments of the eyes are of two kinds, and arise from twocauses, either from coming out of the light or from going intothe light..." Plato, The Republic.

I realize that "Sofilthy's Attic" is the last place you wouldexpect to find a quote from Plato,but I read that the other day and it set meto thinking.

Have you ever been blinded by coming into a dark room from thesunshine? Or have you had the same experience with a bright light comingat you from the darkness? (curses on Hallogen headlights!) I heard abouta fellow who was blinded by an extra bright light in the middle of the day.Remember Saul/Paul? He later wrote to us via the Corinthians, "In whomthe god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lestthe light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, shouldshine unto them."

Just think about it!

joy that was set before him enduredthe cross, despising the shame, andis set down at the right hand of thethrone of God.” (Heb. 12:1-2)

The writer of Hebrews (whom Ibelieve to be the apostle Paul) wasaddressing a group of people whowere very weary and worn, who hadstarted out strong in their faith butover the years, had begun to wane.They had come to the monumentalmoment in human history that all theOld Testament looked forward toand all of the New Testament lookedback to — the coming of the Mes-siah. They were finding themselvesfalling back into the trap of Judaism,and Paul was addressing the situa-tion with this group of believers.

Sally Robbins was a member ofthe 2004 Summer Olympics Austra-lian rowing team. They made it aboutthree-quarters of the way throughthe race when, with only 400 metersleft, she suddenly stopped, let heroars drop into the water and slumpedin her seat. As she was interviewedafter the race, she said, “I gave allthat had until I had no more and, intotal exasperation, I just quit.”

I’m afraid that depicts manychurch members today. They havecome out of the starting blocks andhave started strong, but all of asudden, for some reason, they’vejust quit and have slumped in theirpew.

The apostle Paul often usedsports analogies in his writings. Heoften referred to the Christian life asa war. He tells us to “Put on thewhole armor of God,” in Eph. 6:11and that we’re involved in warfare.In I Cor. 9:26, he says, “…so fight I,not as one that beateth the air.” Hewas referring to the sport of boxingwhich was very popular in his day.

One of the figures of speech Paulwas most fond of was that of run-ning a race, and in our text he istalking about running a face andfinishing that race strong. There arethree things we must do to prepareourselves to run that way. May weunderstand that holiness is a race inwhich we must give all for the causeof Jesus Christ.

I. We Need MotivationIn order to finish the race and

finish it strong, we need motivation.One way to find that motivation is tolook back at the saints who havegone on before us.

From Old Testament Saints“Wherefore seeing we also are

compassed about with so great acloud of witnesses.” (v. 1) Who arethese witnesses Paul is talkingabout? They are listed in the previ-ous chapter (Hebrews 11).

• (v. 4) Abel — “By faith Abel

offered unto God a more excellentsacrifice…”

• (v. 5) Enoch (who “walked withGod,” Gen. 5:22) — “By faith Enochwas translated that he should notsee death…”

In verse 6, Paul reminds us of avery important principle, “…with-out faith it is impossible to pleaseGod.” We must understand that ifwe’re going to finish the race, andfinish it strong, faith is the key. Faithis paramount.

• (v. 7) Noah — “By faith Noah,being warned of God of things notseen as yet, moved with fear, pre-pared an ark to the saving of hishouse; by the which he condemnedthe world, and became heir of therighteousness which is by faith.”

• (vs. 8-9) Abraham — “By faithAbraham, when he was called to goout into a place which he shouldafter receive for an inheritance,obeyed; and he went out, not know-ing whither he went. By faith hesojourned in the land of promise…”

• (vs. 11) Sara — “Through faithalso Sara herself received strengthto conceive seed, and was deliveredof a child when she was past age…”

• (v. 20) Isaac — “By faith Isaacblessed Jacob and Esau concerningthings to come.”

• (v. 21) Jacob — “By faith Jacob,when he was a dying, blessed boththe sons of Joseph; and worshipped,leaning upon the top of his staff.”

• (v. 22) Joseph — “By faith Jo-seph, when he died, made mentionof the departing of the children ofIsrael; and gave commandment con-cerning his bones.”

• (v. 23-29) Moses — “By faithMoses… endured, as seeing himwho is invisible…”

• (v. 30) Joshua — “By faith, thewalls of Jericho fell down, after theywere compassed about seven days.”

• (v. 31) Rahab — “By faith theharlot Rahab perished not with themthat believed not, when she hadreceived the spies with peace.”

“These all died in faith, not hav-ing received the promises, but hav-ing seen them afar off, and werepersuaded of them, and embracedthem, and confessed that they werestrangers and pilgrims on the earth.”(Heb. 11:13)

In Heb. 11:32-38, Paul talks aboutthe conditions of the race in whichthese Old Testament saints had torun.

There are times when we think weface difficult situations. We mayhave to endure some criticism orpersecution, but think about the racethat we run today in comparison tothe race they had to run in the OldTestament.

“And what shall I more say? forthe time would fail me to tell ofGedeon, and of Barak, and ofSamson, and of Jephthae; of Davidalso, and Samuel, and of the proph-ets: Who through faith subduedkingdoms, wrought righteousness,obtained promises, stopped themouths of lions, Quenched the vio-lence of fire, escaped the edge of thesword, out of weakness were made

strong, waxed valiant in fight, turnedto flight the armies of the aliens.Women received their dead raisedto life again: and others were tor-tured, not accepting deliverance;that they might obtain a better resur-rection: And others had trial of cruelmockings and scourgings, yea, more-over of bonds and imprisonment:They were stoned, they were sawnasunder, were tempted, were slainwith the sword: they wandered aboutin sheepskins and goatskins; beingdestitute, afflicted, tormented; (Ofwhom the world was not worthy:)they wandered in deserts, and inmountains, and in dens and caves ofthe earth.” (Heb. 11:32-38) How muchmore value do you think God puts onour comfort than He did theirs?

When I see the type of race theseOld Testament saints had to run,and the way they were faithful intheir race, it motivates me to a higher

FinishingStrongfrom page 1

continued on page 3

3June 15, 2006 • Mississippi Baptist

SoutheasternBaptist College4229 Highway 15 NorthLaurel, Mississippi 39440, (601) 426-6346 Dr. Medrick Savell

President

BPH Makes Advances in Curriculumand Resource Development

By Bobby L. HudgensAs I have visited with pastors

and church staff in different areas ofour work, I have often discoveredthey are unaware of several BaptistPublishing House (BPH) products.Also, improvements and develop-ments often go unnoticed. I thinkthe primary reason is that we couldhave been more effective in gettingthe word out. We have formulatedplans for addressing that need thatwill result in your being more regu-larly updated on advances in cur-riculum offerings and in the intro-duction of new resources. But fornow I want to take this opportunityto make you aware of some of thosechanges that either have recentlyoccurred or will occur in the nearfuture.

Something Brand Newfor Adult Curriculum

An entirely new resource, theAdult Teacher’s E-Kit, will be of-fered starting this fall. Each churchwill receive a free introductory E-Kitin its fall literature shipment. The E-Kit is a CD containing electronicfiles of the visuals available in printform in the Adult Teacher’s ResourceKit. The reproducible handouts inThe Advancer are also repeated inthe E-Kit along with a chart on “TheQuarter at a Glance” and links tosome helpful Web pages for SundaySchool teachers.

If you have access to a computer,the necessary software, and a TV orvideo projector, you can incorpo-rate the visuals into a presentationfor your class.

You can order the E-Kit regularlyon your literature order form begin-ning in winter 2006-07 for just $5.99each.

Exciting New Changes for Youth Sunday School

1-to-1: Life Prep, the Bible studycurriculum for teens and college stu-

dents, is experiencing a major trans-formation. A new student andteacher Web site, 1-to-1: Online, willdebut on September 1, 2006. For theteacher, the Web site will offer ar-ticles and tips for personal enrich-ment and improving classroom tech-niques.

The student section of the sitewill feature the 5 X 5 Blog for teens.This online daily devotion will list a

scripture reading and provide a dis-cussion question five days per weekfor students to discuss online withother teens.

In spring 2007 the interactive Biblestudies will be packaged in full-colorweekly leaflets. After researchthrough a focus group and field-testing by churches in six states, weare confident they will provide aquality Bible study that is easy touse in the classroom.

In September 2008 a new curricu-lum cycle will be introduced. Thoughstill published in thirteen-week pack-ages, the Bible studies will provideshorter study series that will betterrelate to the attention span of stu-dents. These changes will also maxi-mize the teaching opportunities forstudents to cover essential biblicalmaterial and emphasize critical life

issues needed to prepare them forlife. It’s sure to be a hit with yourteachers and students!

Victory Series forChildren Now Complete

About eight years ago work be-gan on developing a totally newSunday School curriculum for chil-dren called the Victory Series. Thisseries has now been complete forone and a half years and the re-sponse to it has been very favor-

able. It consists of a student book, ateacher’s guide, and a set of VictoryVisuals. Age groups are providedfor by Champion (Grades 5 and 6),Conqueror (Grades 3 and 4), Adven-turer (Grades 1 and 2), Voyager (Ages4 and 5), and Explorer (Ages 2 and 3).Minor revisions continue to be madeon a regular basis.

Drive-Time:Another New Media Resource

Grow as you go with Drive-Timedevotionals on CD. Not yet a yearold, Drive-Time is a series of three-minute Scripture readings with com-mentary on CDs from Rick Lemons,pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church.Fellowship is a growing BMAAchurch in Forney, Texas, near Dal-las. The CDs are designed for use inyour car as you commute to or fromwork and go through the Bible start-ing with Genesis.

Drive-Time is available from BPHon single CDs (one month’s worth)or at a discounted cost in packs ofthree on the Sunday School plan(three month’s worth). You’ll findaudio samples and all the instruc-tions and forms needed on the BPHWeb site (www.bph.org). Readingsare from the NIV.

MLM Training ModuleMakes Huge Impact

In recent years with Americansconducting training conferences forSunday School workers in Russiaand Ukraine, it became clear thatsuch an approach would be never-ending.

This caused Dr. Larry Silvey toinitiate a new strategy through whichBPH would focus only on trainingfuture trainers in these countries.The benefit of this approach is thatwe would identify and prepare Rus-sian and Ukrainian trainers whowould accept full responsibility fortraining in their countries. Thesenational trainers would begin to trainSunday School workers regionallybut also continue preparing addi-tional trainers to do the same.

This strategy was built around anew tool developed by BPH throughMissions Literature Ministry – theInternational Teacher Training Mod-ule. It consists of three levels. At thethird level the trainees become na-tional trainers themselves and con-duct a conference under the super-vision of Americans. From that pointon these countries will be respon-sible for their own training.

The module will be used in othercountries as well, including theUnited States.

There are more developments wecould talk about if space permitted,but I think you can see that BaptistPublishing House is on the move,striving to provide cutting-edge re-sources through which we can meetneeds. Keep us in your prayers.

Baptist MedicalMissions International

Schedule

June 23 – July 2 HaitiJuly 5-13 RomaniaJuly 19-27 BoliviaJuly 22-29 Guatemala *August 4-12 Dominican

RepublicAugust 28-September 7 JordanSeptember 14-23 GhanaOctober 6-19 ChinaOctober 20-30 BoliviaNovember 8-18 GhanaNovember 30 - December 13

Cambodia

2007January 22-31 Cape VerdeApril 2-11 Armenia*Team is fully staffed.

level of commitment in the 21st cen-tury race I have to run.

From New Testament SaintsI am also motivated when I see the

faithfulness in the way Paul and hiscontemporaries in the New Testa-ment lived and died:

• The apostle Peter was crucifiedupside down.

• James was beheaded by KingHerod.

• John was banished to the Isle ofPatmos.

• Andrew died on a St. Andrew’scross.

• Phillip died a martyr inHeropolis.

• Bartholomew was filleted todeath.

• Matthew died a martyr in Ethio-pia.

• Thomas died a martyr nearMadros.

• James the less was crucified inEgypt.

• Jude died a martyr in Persia.• Matthias died a martyr in Ethio-

pia.• Paul was beheaded by King

Nero.When I think of the lives and the

races in which these men ran, itmotivates me today in the race inwhich we are to run.

From Modern Day SaintsAs I look to our last century, I can

think of no better example than thefive missionaries who put their liveson the line to go down to Ecuador.

Busy SummerTwo summer classes are being

taught in June. Work is being donein the ladies’ dorm to open up somerooms on the second floor as theyare needed. Assessment of the lastyear is being made for reports and tomake preparation for the new year.

Correspondence is being madewith prospective students for thefall semester.

A new catalog is being printed.

Special EmphasisPreparation is being made for the

Special Emphasis in July and Au-gust. We must have a good Empha-sis offering to get us through thesummer. Special Emphasis materialwill be mailed soon.

I look forward to meeting with allthe associations that I can in the nexttwo months.

We are planning to expand ourmusic program by beginning an en-

semble group this fall. To do this, wewill need to begin a music fund forthese expenses.

Please pray with us that all theseefforts will be successful.

Memorial GiftsMemorial gifts have been sent to

the college library recently in memoryof Mr. Billy Harrison, Mrs. BarbaraMarie Rarick, and Dr. Jentry WarrenBond. Memorial books have beenplaced in the library in their honor.May the Lord bless these families.

Other memorial gifts have beensent recently to the SoutheasternBaptist College Foundation inmemory of Dr. Jentry Bond.

Serving ChristWith a

Biblical World ViewIn A

Christian Atmosphere

Finishing Strong from page 2

On Jan. 8, 1956, at approximately 3p.m., these missionaries, includingNate Saint and Jim Elliot, were spearedto death because they were willingto run their race with endurance andgive all for the sake of Christ.

Four of these men had been inEcuador for several years and hadministered to tribes there. Yet therewas one tribe that was feared by all,including the headhunting tribe —the Auca Indians, those who hadisolated themselves on the west sideof the country, on the Pacific rim. Noone wanted to mess with the Aucas,but these men had a burden for theirsouls so they put an expedition to-gether and went in to share the gos-pel. They were eventually able towin these people to the Lord, but itcost them their lives.

But the story doesn’t end there.The rest of the story tells us thatElizabeth Elliot (Jim’s wife) andRachel Saint (Nate’s sister) wentinto the area after the men were killedand set up a homestead among thosepeople. And they were eventuallyable to share the gospel and win thattribe to Christ, but here’s why.

Members of that tribe who wereactually part of that massacre in 1956later said, “The reason we killedthese missionaries is that we didn’tknow why the white man wanted tocome in unto us. We didn’t under-stand it. But after we attacked them,we realized they had weapons andcould have killed us, but they chose

continued on page 5

4 June 15, 2006 • Mississippi Baptist

Don J. Brown, EditorE-Mail - editor@msbaptist.orgWeb site www.msbaptist.org

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Postmaster: Send address changes to the Mississippi Baptist Paper,P.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS 39441-8000.

Editorial

Don BrownEditor

60th Anniversary60th Anniversary60th Anniversary60th Anniversary60th AnniversaryCelebrationCelebrationCelebrationCelebrationCelebration

Bro. Vernon and Mrs. Lela Phillipswill celebrate their 60th weddinganniversary and 54 years of ministryon June 24, 2006. Everyone in in-

Vernon & Lela Phillips

vited to join them, their family andthe membership of Zion BaptistChurch near Anquilla, Mississippi,on Saturday, June 24, for this time ofcelebration. A reception will be heldfrom 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m.

The Phillips’ have been faithfulservants of the Lord and active inthe work of the BMA of Mississippiand America. We honor them on thisspecial day.Letters From Our Readers

Northside Baptist Church, Conroe,Texas seeks informationDear Editor,

We know there may still be manystorm related needs for churchesand families that continue to recover.We offer our prayers and support tothose in need. Our family has givento the national and local funds. Weask that you keep us informed ofother other specific needs for fami-

lies and churches. Perhaps there isan opportunity for us to assist. Weare currently without a Senior Pastorand would ask prayers as we seekthe man God has prepared for ourchurch. We greet you in the name ofJesus, our Savior.

Bro. Steve Sinclair, deaconsand membersNorthside Baptist Church,Conroe, Texas

God-fearing people in the towns asJesus had done, and they learnedwhat ministry was all about. In beingsent out from Jesus, they learnedever more about how to imitate theirteacher.

Copy the ModelThe disciples learned how to think

and act based on their relationshipwith the master disciplemaker. Theyin turn began to duplicate this kindof ministry after Jesus ascended toheaven.

In spite of tremendous persecu-tion, the church had an exciting timeand experienced rapid growth.Peter's sermon in Acts 2 broughtthree thousand new believers intothe church in one day! As a result,new believers combined with otherdisciples worshipped in some placeevery day. Just imagine the uproartheir meetings caused.

From the beginning the churchmet in small groups because it wasdifficult to find a gather place forlarge numbers, and small groupsfacilitated discipleship. The dis-ciples went from house to house,visiting small groups in homes and

taught them the fundamentals of thenew life (Acts 5:42).

The early church needed the"house church" for its survival.There were periods of intense perse-cution for the first few centuriesafter Christ, and they relied on themore protective environment of thehome to nurture and protect theGospel in the lives of believers. Some-how (to our surprise) the churchmultiplied without large buildings,mass meetings, and a plethora of"how to" books!

Believers in the 21st century arein the direct line of the original dis-ciples in the first century. In 2 Timo-thy 2:2, Paul illustrates the processof disciplemaking in the followingway: "And the things that you haveheard from me among many wit-nesses, commit these to faithful menwho will be able to teach othersalso." Thus, all disciples of Christhave been entrusted with the Gos-pel message which they are to con-tinually invest in the lives of others.Instead of ending with us, the pro-

Making Disciplesfrom page 1

continued on page 5

Special ThanksAt our midyear meeting last month in Mantachie,

this editor reported that our computer equipment was quite old and that itneeded updating. While this was a need, we were hesitant to make any majorpuchases at this time. Operating costs have increased, and even though ourfinances are relatively good, we did not want to spend funds that will nodoubt be needed later for operating expenses.

A few days after our meeting, a pastor called and said he had somethingfor me. He came to the office the next day and presented this ministry witha check for $1,000.00. He explained that a member of his church had givenfunds to be used for special needs as they arose.

While the individual wishes to remain anonymous, we do want topublicly thank him and his pastor for considering this ministry worthy.

We have updated our computer equipment and are grateful that the Lordhas used this person to support His work.

May God continue to bless this individual for his generosity and hispastor and church for their thoughtfulness.

ing parables! He asked questions ofthem, taught them, admonishedthem, prodded them to take steps offaith, nurtured them, and loved them,

Theirs was a special relationshipthat went much deeper than the oneJesus had with the crowds that fol-lowed him for two reasons. First,Jesus committed himself to the dis-ciples in every way. He made himselfaccessible to them and confided inthem. Jesus had great expectationsof them.

The second reason for this uniquerelationship is that the disciples werecommitted to Jesus in return. SinceJesus supplied the brains and pur-pose for the fledgling Christian move-ment, the disciples were not able toadd much to the process. What theydid bring was a growing love forChrist and an awakening desire to beobedient and loyal in everything.They struggled with their faith, sinand weaknesses, but they wanted tobe faithful. They loved Jesus andbecame willing to give up every-thing (eventually most of them evengave their lives) for this man fromGalilee.

Preparing others to hear the GoodNews.

A good disciple is able to do whatthe teacher instructed, even whenthe teacher is not present. Knowingthis, Christ trained his disciples byencouraging them to take steps offaith on their on.

As the disciples traveled withJesus, they were helpful with somethings, but they spent most of theirtime observing the master at work.Then, Jesus sent them out two-by-two to prepare towns for his coming.They preached as they had seenJesus preach. They sought faithful

Coordinating Council MeetsMay 15-17, 2006

A meeting of the Baptist Missionary Association of America Coordi-nating Council was held May 15-17, 2006 at Lakeview Camp in Waxahachie,Texas. Chairman Richard Smith called the meeting.

Those in attendance included BMAA officers Richard Smith, DavidWatkins, and Dr. Philip Attebery. Counsel members attending wereVernon Lee, Ronald Morgan and Dr. Larry Silvey. Executive directors ofthe BMAA departments also attended. These were Ronnie Chesser,Ronnie Green, Grady Higgs, Dr. Charley Holmes, George Reddin andJames Speer.

Ronald Morgan led devotional and prayer sessions based upon thetheme: "What does the Lord Require of Thee?" Biblical texts usedincluded Micah 6:8, Proverbs 4:5 and Daniel 2:21.

Most of the council's work dealt with its purpose to cast a unified visionand to promote cooperation between the departments and agencies of theBMAA. According to the BMAA Statement of Principles of Cooperation,the purpose of the BMAA "is to provide cooperating departments andagencies that will inspire a mission vision and assist each local church incarrying out the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20)."

It was agreed that the making of disciples is the essential commandmentof the Great Commission and that BMAA departments and agenciesshould have a unified vision to work with churches, the council and eachother to train and encourage the making of disciples (i.e., obedience to theGreat Commission). Prayerfully, council members are working to developstrategies for maturing pastors, maturing churches and maturing theassociation(s) to accomplish the purpose of the BMAA.

Future meetings have been set for August 22 and November 2, 2006.Individuals are encouraged to pray for members of the council, pastors,churches and ministries of the BMAA.

5June 15, 2006 • Mississippi Baptist

Schedule

Tuesday, July 4

11:00 am - 2:00 pm Registration2:00 - 4:00 Session #1 - Purpose of the Gospel

SOAR Band and Donny Parrish7:00 - 9:00 Session #2 - Power of the Gospel

SOAR Band and David Dickson9:00 - 12:00 SOAR Villages Open10:00 - 11:00 The Livin It Skate Demo12:00 Midnight In Rooms

Wednesday, July 5

9:30 am - 11:30 Session #3 - Plan for the GospelSOAR Band and Josh & Luke McCown

2:00 pm - 4:00 Session #4 - Passion for the GospelSOAR Band and David Dickson

7:00 - 9:00 Session #5 - Shane and Shane9:00 - 12:00 SOAR Villages Open10:00 - 11:00 Concert by Alisa Turner12:00 Midnight In Rooms

Thursday, July 6

9:30 am - 11:30 Session #6 - Purity of the GospelSOAR Band andSteven Carroll, Scott Attebery

Sold Out And Radical

SOAR is for all youth groups in the Baptist Missionary Association of America. It is a time of worship, Bible study andfellowship with other youth groups across the United States. The theme for SOAR is “Vintage”. The Gospel is “Vin-tage”! It is an old message that has enduring interest and importance from generation to generation. It has never beenout-of-date and has always been relevant and true. It is a “Vintage” Message that has just as much importance today as itdid the day it began. Make SOAR a priority this year and invite others to join us.

Adam’s Mark Hotel

400 North Olive Street, Dallas, TX 75201Hotel ph: (214) 922-8000 / fax: (214) 922-0308

Individual Reservations: (800) 444-2326 • www.adamsmark.com/dallas

Group rate for SOAR is $79 with up to four to a room. Group rates will be honored three days beforeand after event based on availability. Make your reservation by the June 9 cut off date to secure yourrooms. Check-in is by 3:00 and checkout is 12:00 noon. Half price parking for SOAR is $6 per day.You can visit the Adam’s Mark web site for more hotel details.

Session Speakers Worship

Vintage “Of Old, Recognized, Enduring Interest, Importance or Quality” SOARJuly 4 - 6, 2006

Registration

Your $50 paid registration will cover all Conferences Sessions, Concert, Villages, Late Nights and SOAR t-shirts. All inattendance are expected to pay registration. Fill out a registration form and mail to DCM along with your payment by theJune 9 deadline. After the deadline registration will be $60 and for groups who choose to stay at an off site hotel the feeis $70. You may also register on line at our new student web site at www.dcmstudents.org or print a registration form.Paid registration is non-refundable after the deadline and you are not considered registered until payment has beenreceived. If you have any questions call the DCM office at 501-513-3726.

David Dickson - Passion and Power of the Gospel • Donny Parrish - Purpose of the GospelJosh and Luke McCown - Plan for the Gospel • Steven Carroll & Scott Attebery - Purity of the Gospel

Shane and Shane • David Attebery and Aaron Williams - Worship

David

Dickson

Donny Parrish Josh and Luke

McCown

Steven Carroll Scott Attebery Shane and

Shane

David

Attebery

SOAR Villages

• Worship

• Discipleship

• Fellowship

• Missions

Late Nights

• The Livin It

Skate Demo

• Alisa Turner

Making Disciples from page 4

cess must begin again with us, aswith each new generation.

Catch the Vision!How, then, can we continue the

process of making disciples in thiscentury? The following are a few keyprinciples for today's disciplemakersto follow.

Disciples are made intentionally.Just as chlldren do not grow up

without personal care, nor do theylearn mathematics on their own, sodiscipleship will not occur withoutfaithful Christians being intentionalabout it. It is essential for us to teach

new converts personally and in smallgroups. They will never learn thebasic principles of the Bible in a largeassembly.

Disciples are to be like Christ.Have you ever watched a group

of people, perhaps children, who aredevoted to a particular celebrity anddress, talk and walk like the indi-vidual they idolize? It is only naturalto emulate someone you respectand look up to. And since "disciple"means imitator," disciplemakers be-come models to those who are learn-ing to follow Christ. But who de-cides what it means to be like Christ?

not to do so. When you shared thegospel with us and told us that JesusChrist had died in our place — wehad seen that lived in the lives ofthese missionaries and we believedit with all of our heart.”

Praise God for these men who rana faithful race. When I think aboutthese men it motivates me to a higherlevel of living today.

From Our ContemporariesBut I don’t even have to go to the

last century because there are manyof you in this congregation rightnow that have motivated me to ahigher level of commitment. When Ithink of so many of you who havegiven your lives for the cause ofChrist, started mission churches andworked time and time again in faith-fulness and are finishing your racestrong, I am motivated to a higherlevel of commitment.

I love old Bro. Rufus Crawford.“Bro. C” comes by the office often

Finishing Strong from page 3and he always gives me a theologi-cal lesson before he leaves. He’s 80years old and he’s still runningstrong. When I look to Bro. Rufusand other men like him, it motivatesme to run the race God has set beforeme.

When I was down in Ft. Lauder-dale, Fla., two years ago for anEvangelism Explosion training, oneof the two ladies who gave me on-the-job training was 77 years old.We went out on the beaches of Ft.Lauderdale. (And for those of youthat don’t know that area very well,it’s one of the most hideous places

on the East Coast. It’s a homosexualhaven and you can see just aboutanything you can imagine!)

As I watched this little 77-year-old lady go up to anybody and ev-erybody, no matter what they lookedlike or how intimidating they seemed,and witness with boldness, she revo-lutionized my life. Today when Iwitness I think about that little ladyand it motivates me!

There’s a man in here right nowwho is probably the best friend Godhas ever given me — Ken Riley. Hewas saved just three years ago. Weled Ken to the Lord at VardamanStreet Baptist Church there inWiggins, Miss. He wasn’t raised inchurch and he didn’t care anythingabout the ways of God. As a matterof fact, he would often persecute hiswife for taking their children tochurch. But one day, Ken met theMaster and it changed his life.

Ken is the former MississippiState bench press champion. Weused to work out together and I’dget my workout just putting hisweights on the bar. He bench pressesover 500 pounds. But today Ken isstrong in the strength of Jesus Christ.And when I see what God has donein the life of Ken Riley, how this manstands and teaches a class of some40 or 50 people every Sunday, itinspires me to keep running the raceand to finish strong.

Then there’s Bobby Gilmore, Mike

Gray and Todd Swann — three guysback at our home church. In August,Bobby (who built our house in Green-brier) told me he had a burden toshare the gospel with the painterwho was painting my house, but hedidn’t know how; so he asked me togo with him to talk to him, and I did!

We started Evangelism Explosionin January at my church, Springhill(Greenbrier) because we had a bur-den for lost souls in our community,and the three men I mentioned tookthe class. Since Jan. 8, when westarted this at Springhill, we’ve seen16 souls come to Christ. Bobby andMike Gray (who is about 6’5” andwears a handlebar mustache — he’san intimidating figure) go out everyweek. Not just one night; any timethey have an opportunity they goout and witness.

About three weeks ago, I got aphone call one night and caller IDdidn’t identify them. All I could hearwas yelling on the other end of theline. When I said, “What in the worldis going on?,” they told me — theyhad just won two souls to the Lordand they were so excited theycouldn’t contain themselves! WhenI see the passion these men have forlost souls, it motivates me in the racein which I am to run today.

II. We Have An ObligationThe “baton” has been passed

continued on page 6

Is there anywhere to go for answers?Yes! We can go to the textbook fordiscipleship, the Bible.

Disciples are made in relationships.From the beginning of our lives

we learn by watching others andthen imitating them. This is the rea-son for church, small groups, andvarious ministries so we may buildrelationships and influence othersto follow Christ, and eventually be-come mature disciples. This is theonly way we can reach our commu-nities and the millions of unchurchedAmericans.

God has opened a door of oppor-tunity for us and by faith we mustwalk through it. Are you makingdisciples?

6 June 15, 2006 • Mississippi Baptist

Mississippi State W.M.A.Donna Lawrence, President

1621 Hildreth RoadColumbus, MS 39702

Corresponding SecretaryMrs. Shirlene Smith, 730 Hwy 533

Laurel, MS 39443Lawrence

WMA holds midyear meetingby Donna Lawrence

Our State W.M.A. had a greatMidyear meeting at First BaptistChurch of Mantachie, Mississippion May 22 and 23. Although few innumber we still had a great meetingin the Lord. Second Vice-presidentMrs. Chris Smith chose the scripturefrom Ephesians 4:29. The title of theprogram was “Silver Boxes” that areto be used for the encouragement ofothers. It takes so little to take a fewminutes to speak an encouragingword to others. It will also give youthat warm and fuzzy feeling inside,try it and see if it doesn't work.

A motion was made and carried tomove our Annual State WMA Meet-ing to a night meeting only, whichwill begin at 6:00 P.M. We hope thiswill encourage more to attend, espe-cially those that have to work. Aword of encouragement to our

younger women, we would love tosee you there - a nursery will beprovided for this meeting.

Our project for 2006 will be thebuilding fund for Homestretch Mis-sion at Cleveland, Mississippi, withBrother Ed Duval as our missionary.75% of the proceeds will go for theproject and 25% to the WMA gen-eral fund. All you need to help withthis project is a heart for missionsand a desire to see souls saved. Let'sall give liberally! Please send projectmonies to Mrs. Shirlene Smith, 730Jasper Highway 533, Laurel, MS39443.

The program committee for our200 anniversary would like for eachdepartment to purchase a banner tobe displayed at the annual meetingOctober 16-18, 2006. A motion wasmade and carried for the WMA to

purchase one banner and put theWMA, GMA and Sunbeams all onone. We would be able to use it manytimes over as we do not plan to dateit for 2006, but instead date eachprogram as to the date it was started.We will also have a display table atthe meeting. We are planning tohave a booklet that can be takenhome of the history of the WMA. Ifyour district failed to receive a letterfrom me requesting a brief (one page)history of your district, please takethis opportunity to respond to thatrequest. Please send your informa-tion to Mrs. Jean Knight, 27 Para-mount Church Road, Perkinston, MS39573 or Mrs.Louise Crawley, 32Bobby Hunt Road, Wiggins, MS39577. Please get this information toone of these ladies as soon as pos-sible. We need it no later than Au-gust 15, 2006. Thanks in advanceyour cooperation.

The Annual Mississippi StateLadies Retreat will be September22nd and 23rd at the Jackson Hilton.Registration will be $60.00 with roomrate at $109.00 per room that sleeps4. The speakers are Sister Kim Smith(wife of Brother John David Smith)they are our missionaries to CapeVerde, Africa and Sister DarleneCarey our missionary to the Philip-pines. Hope to see each of you there.Expect a great blessing from theLord and ye shall receive. Ye havenot because you ask not.

Mississippi ChristianLadies RetreatSeptember 22 & 23, 2006September 22 & 23, 2006September 22 & 23, 2006September 22 & 23, 2006September 22 & 23, 2006

Jackson HiltonJackson HiltonJackson HiltonJackson HiltonJackson HiltonRegistration Fee $60.00

Speakers...Kim Smith & Darlene CareyKim & John David Smith are missionaries to Cape Verde

Darlene is missionary to Philippines.Please send pre-registration to:Please send pre-registration to:Please send pre-registration to:Please send pre-registration to:Please send pre-registration to:

Peggy Thomaston20600 Busby Rd

Vancleave, MS 39566

down by the Old Testament saints,to the New Testament saints and,down through the ages, it has beenpassed to us. Now we have an obli-gation to run the race and “…layaside every weight, and the sin whichdoth so easily beset us…” (Heb.12:1)

Lay Aside Your WeightsPaul said we have to lay aside the

encumberments (anything that is aweight; a mass that holds youdown.) If you watch ABC or NBCsports on Saturday or Sunday after-noon, you may see runners in whatis called sprints (a short race run attop speed.) But you’ll never see a300 pound sprinter because thatweight inhibits him from running therace. Typically when you see asprinter it’s an individual who hasabsolutely no body fat on him what-soever because that speed comesfrom being lean. Paul tells us wemust cast all the things (the weights)of this world aside in order to run thespiritual race that is before us be-cause the things of this world, thethings that weigh us down, sap ourenergy and drain us.

What weights is he talking about?Your weights are going to be differ-ent than my weights, but one of thethings I see in society today is thatwe live in a “recreation crazed” world.I think a lot of the weights we havetoday revolve around recreation.

The NBA, NFL and PGA aren’t badin themselves, but to many Chris-tians today they have becomeweights. Think about the time weinvest in watching sports comparedto the time we invest in sharing thegospel of Jesus Christ. If it’s more,it’s a weight.

What about hunting and fish-ing? There’s nothing wrong withthat, but if we spend more time inthese activities than we do in theways of God — reading and study-ing His Word, sharing the gospel — that has become a weight and Paulsays we must cast it aside.

The weight that probably affectsmore of us than any other weight isthe weight of materialism. So manyof us give our lives for things of theworld and Paul says we must castthose things aside. Materialism is anillusion and Satan is the master de-ceiver. He puts those things beforeour eyes and makes us think if wecould only obtain “things,” we wouldbe happy. But it’s an illusion.

I read the story of a Harvard MBAwho went down to Mexico on vaca-tion and was standing on the pier asa small boat came in and in it werethree yellow-fished tuna and a Mexi-can. “So, how long have you beenout?” he asked the fisherman.“That’s a nice catch.”

He said, “Oh, about an hour orso.” When the man asked him whyhe didn’t stay out longer so he could

catch more fish, the fisherman re-plied, “I have all I need to take careof my family.”

“Yeah, but what do you do withyour time?” the Harvard man asked.

“Well, I have a very busy life,”the fisherman replied. “I sleep late,play with my kids, go fishing, comehome and take a siesta with my wife,Maria. Then I walk into town, sip teaand play guitar with my amigos.Very busy life.”

“Yeah, but if you’d stay out longeryou could catch more fish and withthe proceeds from more fish youcould buy a bigger boat. Then withthe proceeds from that you couldbuy a fleet of boats and, before long,you could sell directly to the proces-sors and skip the middle man. Thenyou could buy the cannery. Youwould have to move to Mexico City;then, probably, Los Angeles; andultimately, take your enterprise toNew York ”

When the Mexican asked howlong that would take, the Harvardman said, “Oh, probably 10-15years.”

“Ten to fifteen years,” the fisher-man pondered. “Then what?”

“Oh, well, that’s the best partThen you could take your companypublic. And,” he said, “you couldmake millions and millions of dollars”

“Millions of dollars. Hmmm. Thenwhat?”

“Oh, then you could retire andyou could sleep late, play with yourkids, take a nap with your wife, walk

into the village in the evening andplay guitar with your amigos.”

The point I’m making is simplythis: what we desire, we already haveand it’s in Jesus Christ. Happiness isphysical and fleeting, but joy is spiri-tual and will only come from a lifethat is dedicated to Jesus Christ — a life in which we run the race welland finish strong. To do that, wemust lay aside some things that en-snare us — the weights.

Lay Aside Your SinsPaul said we must “…lay aside

your sins.” Another word for “sin”is “entanglements” — somethingthat gets around our feet and trips usup, stymies us, from doing what Godwould have us to do. Paul says wemust lay those things aside.

Now what sins is he talkingabout? All sins ultimately fall intoone of three buckets — the lust ofthe eye, the lust of the flesh and thepride of life.

The lust of the eye is somethingwe have to deal with often today.With the advent of the internet andthe video-crazed society in whichwe live, we are constantly bom-barded with the lust of the eye. Thoseare things Satan throws in our wayand we need to lay them aside.

The lust of the flesh — there’s anarea where men, especially, need tobe very careful because Satan oftenattacks the sensual desires of man topull him down, ensnare him and triphim up on the race God has called usto run. Jesus warned Peter, in Luke22:31: “…Satan hath desired to haveyou, that he may sift you as wheat.”Later in his life Peter warned: “Besober, be vigilant; for your adver-sary the devil, as a roaring lion,walketh about, seeking whom hemay devour.” (I Peter 5:8)

Understand, Satan is doing ev-erything he can to trip us up andknock us off course on our race forChrist. We must be “sober and vigi-lant and cast aside the sin that soeasily besets us.”

Run With PatienceAfter these two warnings, Paul

gave us an exhortation to “run withpatience the race that is before you.”That word is actually better de-

scribed as “run with endurance.”This is not an easy race. As a

matter of fact, the Greek work inwhich we get our word “race” is“agon” which is where we get theword “agony.”

Those of you who have run knowit is agonizing. Aaron Daily is one ofour engineers at Lifeword, and I lovehim to death. This guy has the bestattitude of anybody I’ve ever seen.He is such a hard worker, dedicatedand will use everything he has withhis job. Typically, I’ll go run on mylunch break — it keeps me from eat-ing.

Aaron asked if he could run withme, and of course, I said, “ Sure, man;come on ” So he showed up with asack with his running clothes in it,and we went out to the running trackon our lunch break. Keep in mindthat while Aaron is a great worker hewasn’t used to running. So, when hetook off, he just took off in a sprint.I called out, “Hey, Aaron, you maywant to pace yourself, brother. Youknow we’re going to run three mileshere. Just stay with me.”

So he slowed down, but he wastalking “90 to nothing.” For the firstquarter of a mile, he wouldn’t hushbut I wasn’t saying a word becauseI needed all the breath I could pos-sibly keep. I reminded him again tobe quiet, but he just kept talking.

He made it fine until we got to thatthree-quarters of a mile mark and, allof a sudden, Aaron started lookinga little bit green and he said, “I don’tfeel so good.” What had happened?The endurance wasn’t there

The reason Paul said we need torun our race with patience is that wemust run that race every day of ourlives. If we just choose to run therace of godly living occasionally,when we want to, we’re going tosuffer. We’re going to feel sick andwe’ll quit. Paul said we are to run ourrace with endurance — for the longhaul — and to do that we must havethree things.

• Discipline — In Gal. 2:20, Paulsaid, “I am crucified with Christ:nevertheless I live; yet not I, butChrist liveth in me: and the life whichI now live in the flesh I live by the

Finishing Strong from page 5

continued on page 7

7June 15, 2006 • Mississippi Baptist

Central Baptist College invitesresumes and applicationsfor the following position

Instructor in Missions

Qualification: Doctor's degree preferred with missions experience aplus.

Responsibilities: Beginning with the fall semester 2006 developmentand instruction of missions curriculum including evangelism andchurch planting, coordinate student training with BMAA missionsoffice and missionaries, lead student missions trips, work with othersin development of on-line missionary training, and contribute posi-tively to the overall missionary spirit of the campus.

Candidates must be a member of a BMA church and support theChristian mission of the college and demonstrate mature faith,Christian lifestyle, and agree with the doctrinal statement of the BMAof America. Interested candidates should send a resume to CentralBaptist College, ATTN: Dr. Joel Slayton, 1501 College Avenue,Conway, AR 72034. Application Deadline is July 1st.

2006 DCM Schedule

June13-27-Volunteer Student MissionsGhana H & Ghana L23-24-Church Renewal Conference(Phase 3)Temple, Rogers, AR

July4-6-SOARAdam's Mark Hotel, Dallas, TX11-25-Volunteer Student MissionsPhilippines M & Ukraine F31-August 12-Volunteer StudentMissionsUkraine K

September12-East Texas Senior Adult DayFirst, Livingston, TX29-30-Josh HuntYou Can Double Your Class In TwoYears Or LessCentral Baptist College, Conway,AR

October3-5-Pastors OasisChateau on the Lake, Branson, MO30-Nov.1-National Senior AdultConferenceChateau on the Lake, Branson, MO

Executive Director-Donny ParrishBMAA Department of Church Min-istries, Inc.P.O. Box 10356, Conway, AR 72034501-513-3726 E-mail:triciak@conwaycorp.netDCM Web Site: www.bma-dcm.orgStudent:www.strangersandaliens.comAn Agency of the Baptist Mission-ary Association of America

faith of the Son of God, who lovedme, and gave himself for me.” WhatPaul is saying is that there must bea funeral every day of our life — afuneral of the flesh. We must crucifythe flesh and put it aside so we canrun our race with endurance.

• Determination — If we’re goingto run a race and finish strong, wemust be determined. Paul said, “Knowye not that they which run in a racerun all, but one receiveth the prize?So run, that ye may obtain. I there-fore so run, not as uncertainly; sofight I, not as one that beateth the air:But I keep under my body, and bringit into subjection: lest that by anymeans, when I have preached toothers, I myself should be a cast-away.” (I Cor. 9:24, 26-27)

Paul was saying that we must bedisciplined in the race in which werun, and we must also be deter-mined. We should be in the race towin, but so many Christians todayare just lackadaisically going throughthe race. Paul said, “Don’t run thatway… run to win ” God has notcalled us to be the victim, but to bethe victor through the power of theHoly Spirit of God that lives in ourlives.

There was a coach who had ayoung recruit, a young graduateassistant, he was going to teachhow to coach and he was puttinghim in charge of recruiting. He said,“Son, you know those guys that getknocked down, get up, then getknocked down again and they don’tget up? We don’t want them.

“You know those guys that getknocked down, get up, get knockeddown again, get up, then they getknocked down again and they won’tget up? We don’t want those either.

“But then there are guys who getknocked down, get up, get knockeddown again, get up... They getknocked down seven times, but theyget up eight times.” The young re-

cruit said, “That’s who we want,isn’t it, Coach?”

The coach said, “No I want theguy who is knocking them down ”

When it comes to our spirituallives, we don’t have to be the victim.By the power of the Holy Spirit ofGod that lives in us we can be deter-mined to run the race with patiencebecause of the power of God.

• Devotion — A well-run race alsorequires devotion. That simplymeans we must “sell out for thecause of Christ.” Anything in ourway has to get out of the way

When I played high school foot-ball, there were times when the de-fensive coach would say, “All right,guys, you know who we’re playingtonight. You’re going to have tosellout.” He meant that we weregoing to have to give our all andsacrifice our bodies if need be for thesake of the team. As Christians, ifwe’re going to run our race andfinish strong, we have to sell out tothe cause of Christ.

III. We Will Have A CelebrationWe must look to the past and find

our motivation. As we look to thepresent, we find an obligation. Butthe last thing I want to share withyou is that as we look to the futurewe will see the celebration: “Look-ing unto Jesus the author and fin-isher of our faith…” (Heb. 12:2)

They tell runners: “As you run,don’t look to the left, don’t look tothe right and don’t look at your feet.You look straight ahead.” If younotice the sprinter, his head neverbobbles; he keeps his eye on thefinish line. And Paul said we are tolook “unto Jesus the author and thefinisher of our faith; who for the joythat was set before him, endured thecross…”

“In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God, and theWord was God. And the Word was

made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld his glory, the gloryas of the only begotten of the Fa-ther)…” (I John 1:1, 14) He’s not justthe author of our faith, He’s thefinisher of our faith. On the cross ofCalvary, He finished the task, Hefinished His race and He endured tothe very end.

As He hung suspended on thatcross, He used what I believe to bethe Aramaic term, “tetelestai” whichis interpreted, “It is finished.” Somepeople would tend to believe thatthe connotation Jesus used wassaying, “My life is over.” But theword He used was an accountingterm that actually meant that thedebt had been paid in full. Jesusendured to the end for the joy thatwas set before Him. What was thejoy?

Certainly it couldn’t have beenthe cross because He prayed, “Fa-ther, pass this cup from me if it be thywill.” The joy was the fact that Hewas accomplishing the will of theFather and there was a celebrationcoming and it brought joy to Him.“Looking unto Jesus the author andfinisher of our faith; who for the joythat was set before him endured thecross, despising the shame, and is

set down at the right hand of thethrone of God.” (Heb. 12:2)

Paul said, “I have fought a goodfight, I have finished my course…Henceforth there is laid up for me acrown of righteousness, which theLord… shall give me at that day…”(II Tim. 4:7-8) Yes, my friend, it will bea day of celebration.

ConclusionWe all have a race to run. We

have a unique race called the will ofGod for your life. Your race is differ-ent than my race. If we’re going torun our race and finish well, may weunderstand we can look to the pastfor our motivation. We can look tothe present and see that we have anobligation — that baton has beengiven to us to run the race and tofinish strong. And, in the end, therewill be a celebration when we hopeto hear those words, “…Well done,thou good and faithful servant…”(Matt. 25:21)

The world is a better place todaybecause Michelangelo didn’t say,“I don’t do ceilings.”

Finishing Strong from page 6The world is a better place today

because Martin Luther didn’t say, “Idon’t do doors.”

The world is a better place todaybecause Noah didn’t say, “I don’tdo arks.”

The world is a better place todaybecause David didn’t say, “I don’tdo giants.”

The world is a better place todaybecause Jeremiah didn’t say, “I don’tdo weeping.”

The world is a better place todaybecause Peter didn’t say, “I don’t doGentiles.”

The world is a better place todaybecause Paul didn’t say, “I don’twrite letters.”

The world is a better place todaybecause Mary didn’t say, “I don’tdo virgin births.”

And, praise God, the world is abetter place today because our Lordand Savior Jesus Christ didn’t say,“I don’t do crosses.”

Will the world be a better placebecause each one of us ran the racethat God gave us and we finishedstrong?

families have committed to doing so, andI am praying that the other five will joinin as well. How exciting would it be tobring a motion to the floor to increase ourbudget by $500.00 and then to say, butit is already paid for by our LeadershipTeam? WOW! God is an amazing God!

Thanks again for the opportunity toserve as you missionary to DeSotoCounty. There is truly on other place Iwould rather be simply because this isexactly where god wants me and myfamily to be. “To God be the glory, greatthings He had done!”

Kevin Marr

Missionary Edward DuvallDear Brethren:

Greetings from your brothers andsisters in the Mississippi Delta. We arebeginning to reach our community inways other than through church mem-bership. We had a team from ChildEvangelism Fellowship come down andthey did a workshop on child evange-lism. We had a good participation fromother churches. The workshop wasquite informative and we had a great timeof fellowship.

We are conducting an outdoor cru-sade on the 29th of June til the 1st ofJuly. We are praying that many soulswould be saved during this time. We areasking God to send us just one goodfamily.

I will be taking seven children tochurch camp in July. Church camp is aministry that is foreign to most of thechildren here. I pray that I might be ableto take a bus full of kids to camp nextyear.

Another way I want to reach thiscommunity is by starting a BMA insti-tute one day or offering courses that isaccredited through one of our BMAschools. I am open to any suggestionsor help in this area.

MissionsReportfrom page 8

Continue to keep us in your prayersfor I know God is doing a great work hereand one day we will be able to clearly seeit.

Thanks for all your prayers and fi-nancial support.

Missionary Wallace WilliamsGreeting Church Family,

God is so faithful to us and hasblessed us richly. When I say “us” Iinclude you also. Thank you so much foryou prayers and support. The missionis slowly coming back up since thestorm. Attendance is slow and the workon the building is slow, but that is thestory of everyone on the coast. I thankGod He is always on time and is verymuch aware of what is happening. Wehave to keep reminding ourselves thatJesus is the builder of the Church. Nowthat does not excuse us of doing our partin serving Him. We must make ourselvesavailable and in due time we will reap ifwe faint not.

Our average Sunday morning atten-dance for May was 33 and we had ourfirst member from our Deaf Ministry tojoin and we praise God for him. We arehoping that will be the first of many tocome. We are still meeting outside as wework on our new building. So fat it hasbeen comfortable but I know summerheat is coming. Wednesday nights are alittle bit uncomfortable due to the mos-quitoes and gnats. It could be worse!

We need another work day to finishthe frame work around the pulpit area,rough-in the electrical, place the insula-tion in the walls and then get an inspec-tion so we can begin the sheet rock, andetc.

I want to thank you all for help usplant a church in the Long Beach ears.We could not do it without your sup-port. So many of you have given somuch and you continue to give. May theLord bless you with abundance. Thankyou Washington Association for yourspecial gift this month. Our hearts areoverwhelmed by the kindness shown tous from the BMA of Mississippi. Youare truly mission minded and God isplease with that.

News articles shouldcontain information that willbe of interest to the generalpublic who are not members

of the church that is reporting.

CHURCHNEWS

8 June 15, 2006 • Mississippi Baptist

BMA of Mississippi

MISSIONS DEPARTMENT4226 HIGHWAY 15 NORTH, LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI 39440 - (601) 428-8616 - RAYBURN FREEMAN, DIRECTOR

Riverside, Ellisville Holds RevivalRiverside Baptist Church,

Ellisville, will begin revival servicesJune 25-28, 2006. Sunday morningservices begin at 11:00 a.m. withlunch at noon. Afternoon serviceswill begin at 1:30. Evening servicesMonday through Wednesday willbegin at 7:00 p.m. Bro. Frank Panzrinowill be the evangelist.

Dr. Medrick Savell, Pastor

Springhill to hold revivalSpringhill Baptist Church will be

in revival June 25-28. The serviceswill begin 9:45 a.m., Sunday June 25.WE will enjoy a time of lunch andfellowship after the morning ser-vice. We will have an afternoon ser-vice immediately following lunch.Our Monday through Wednesdayservices will begin at 10:30 a.m. and7:00 p.m.

Our evangelist this year is BrotherKeith Ulmer, pastor of First BaptistChurch, Louin. We are excited aboutour upcoming revival services. Aspastor I would like to invite you tocome and worship the Lord with usat Springhill. Please be in prayer thatlost souls would be saved and Chris-tians would be revived.

Love in Christ,Steven Clark, pastor

First Baptist, Calhounto hold revival

First Baptist Church of Calhoun(near Laurel) invites you to join usfor revival services beginning Sun-day, June 25, 2006. We will continuethrough Wednesday, June 28. Bro.Greg Bennett will be our evangelist.We will have our regular Sundaymorning services, lunch at the churchand then an afternoon service be-ginning at 1:30 p.m. Weekday ser-

vices will begin at 7:00 p.m. eachevening.

Cherie Dearman, clerk

Pineview, LucedaleDr. Jerry Rice has resigned our

church at Pineview, Lucedale andwe would like for you to pray for himand Sister Rice as they go on an-other field. We covet your prayersfor our church while we are withouta pastor and that God would lead hisman to us the He would have as ourpastor.

We will have our VBS June 19-23with Dorinda and David Wall as ourdirectors. We will also have a churchwide fish fry on June 17.

Thanks for praying for us and ifanyone feels led apply for the posi-tion as pastor, please contact us at601-947-8790.

Oak Grove Associational MeetsThe associational meeting was

hosted by Rocky Branch Mission-ary Baptist, and Rev. Mike Williamsat the May meeting. The welcomewas given by Bro. Dale Broome andBro. Greg Bennett responded. Therewere 12 churches represented. Thevision for the association is betteryouth attendance, reaching morepeople for the Lord, and that indi-vidual churches grow and continuein the Lord's work. Brother WallaceWilliams was guest speaker. He hada wonderful message about God'swork being done on the MississippiGulf Coast since Katrina. We wereall invited to the fellowship for agreat meal, served by the ladies ofRocky Branch.

Central Baptist Church, CorinthGreetings to all from Central. The

Harmony Association Monthlymeeting was held at Central BaptistChurch on Friday night June 9th.Following the reports, Bro. JamesWilson brought a good message onHoliness.

Everyone is invited to come toour revival beginning Sunday June25 through Thursday June 29. Ser-vices will begin at 7:00 p.m. eachnight wtih Bro. James Wilson as ourevangelist. We ask that you all prayfor our services.

Remember: Jesus is right for what-ever is wrong in your life.

Thelbert Hill, PastorBrenda Lankford, Reporter

Listing of names does notindicate endorsement.

This column is forinformation purposes only.

AVAILABLE

FOR SERVICE

Neal HeltonBro. Neal Helton is available for

pastoral service were ever the Lordmay lead. He 25 years of age and hasbeen marred to his wife Aliesha for5 years. He and his wife love to workwith the youth. And he is a memberof Midway Baptist Church,Leakesville, Mississippi. He may bereached at 601-508-4319. For infor-mation about Bro. Neal you maycontact Leo Sketo at 601-947-7751.

Kenneth LoftonKenneth Lofton is availabe for

pulpit supply. He may be reached at601-729-5592.

Larry PierceBro. Larry Pierce is available for

pulpit supply as the Lord leads. Hehas been in the ministry since 1996and is a 1997 graduate of Southeast-ern Bible College, Birmingham, Ala-bama. He may be reached by calling601-947-3531.

Geraldsons back in statesand available for service

After serving a number of yearsas a self support missionary in theMiddle East countries of Bahrainand United Arab Emirates, spon-sored by Central Baptist Church inConway, Arkansas, I have returned

Larry & Cherita Geraldson

to the States. Cherita and I wouldvery much like to let folks know thatwe are available to serve, whereverthe Lord leads. Anyone interestedin contacting us, can do so at ourhome in Conway, Arkansas at 501-733-3591 or at Plant720@aol.com.

SOARJuly 4 - 6, 2006

Adam's Mark Hotel, Dallas, TXRoom Rate $79 @ 800-444-2326

Registration $50 ~ June 9 Deadlinewww.dcmstudents.org or DCM @ 501-513-3726

Special Mission EmphasisThe Bi-centennial Special Mis-

sions Emphasis offerings for Apriland May have begun coming in andit looks good. We have six mission-aries on the field who are doing awonderful work toward buildingstrong churches. With the Lord’sleading and a good special empha-sis we are looking forward in the nearfuture to having other missionarieson the field.

We will be giving an update onour special emphasis in the nextissue of this publication.

In Christ,Rayburn Freeman, Dir.

A Report from Lamb Boulevard Bap-tist Church. This church is in abuilding program furnished by theBMA of Mississippi Revolving LoanFund.

Dear Brethren:We are currently awaiting the

results of our “civil” surveys re-garding electrical and water sup-plies to the property. We pray thatour current utility supply is ad-equate.

The lord has blessed us with 15additions by baptism. We continueto give Him the glory. On EasterSunday, we had to park cars in thedirt field and we had approximately115 in service.

Continue to pray for us as weseek His will in all things.

In Christ,Harold Hamilton, PastorLamb Missionary Baptist ChurchLas Vegas, Nevada

Missionary Kevin MarrDear Brethren:

As I talked with one of our mem-bers recently, I was reminded pfGod’s desire to use our past to min-ister to people who are a part of ourpresent. Johnny is 14 years old andlives in a home with his brother, hisbrother’s girlfriend and a baby, andhis mom who seems to have a newboyfriend every other month. He isin desperate need of love and atten-tion from a man and for instruction

on how to truly live a life for God.God has placed this young man atLifePointe, so that we collectivelycould meet that need, and our mensee it and understand the role thatGod has given them!

Johnny is just one of the reasonsthat LifePointe is a success-storythat God continues to write. Thisteenager received Jesus while ridingin my car to a Men’s Retreat inHerber Springs, Arkansas. Thoughno one else in his home attendschurch regularly, Johnny is faithfulon Sundays and never misses ourTEENLife Group that meets on Mon-day nights. He is one of the manyreasons that God moved my familyto Hernando, and one of the reasonsthat God chose to build His churchat LifePointe!

As God teaches us how to be “achurch whose heart is people,” Istand amazed at who He brings ourway and the opportunities He pro-vides us in their lives. Last Sunday,Morgan Patrick attended our churchfor the first time. Why did he come?God had been working on him for atleast four months, and then Morganjust showed. I met his sister at SandHill Baptist Church in Lucedale atleast four months ago, and she prom-ised to tell her brother about ourmission. He promised to be backnext week! It is fun to watch Godbuild His church!

TEENLife GroupThis is our newest Life Group,

and one that we really did not planon starting this quickly. WithJohnny and another family with twoteenage girls attending regularly,we could not ignore the fact that Godwas giving us a small youth group,so we followed His lead and begana TEENLife Group which meets onMonday night at 6 P.M. We startedwith six teenagers and have seen asmany as eight attend so far. Eachweek is completely different as wemeet from house-to-house and learnmore and more of the teenage cul-ture. It is exciting to watch theseteens grow in their walk with Godand in their relationships with eachother.

We have put together an excitingweek of Youth Camp which will meetin Herber Springs, Arkansas, on thelast week of July. We are lookingforward to taking about twenty teen-agers with us for a week of fun, food,and deep Bible study. We are pray-ing for God to radically change the

lives of each teenager and each adultwho is present. Kent Cox, a BMA ofTexas church planter, will be outfeatured speaker and will be leadingthe music for our camp.

Our First Town Hall MeetingThis Sunday evening at 5 P.M.,

LifePointe will hold her first everTown Hall meeting to discuss thepurchase of the property that we arenow renting at 50 Getwell Road South.This property is currently owned bythe BMA of Mississippi and hasbeen offered to us at a price between$130,000 -$150,000 with an additional

$100,000 available for remodeling oradding an additional building. This,of course, is a huge step for us, butone that our Leadership Team seesas a necessity for future growth.

As our Leadership Team dis-cussed and approved taking thisplan to the body for a vote, one of thewives spoke up and suggested thatthe ten families present add $50 totheir monthly giving to make up thedifference between our rent and theamount of the mortgage on the build-ing would be. So far, five of the ten

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