JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

www.msbaptist.orgMarch 15, 2016 VOL. 70 NO. 6

Missions Hot Spots In Mississippiby Larry Geraldson, Director of Missions for the BMA of Mississippi

Seminary FriendsDinner Cancelled

We are aware that the latest editionof the Mission:World included an ad forthe BMA Seminary Dinner at the BMAAmeeting in Gatlinburg. Due to the leadtime to get information in theMission:World, the dinner ad was sentthe first of September 2015.

Since that time, due to difficultymaking suitable arrangements for thedinner, we are not going to be able tohave the dinner at the meeting inGatlinburg.

Lifeword Community RadioCreating a Culturally-Relevant Swahili Broadcast

“And when he had taken the book,the four beasts and four and twentyelders fell down before the Lamb, hav-ing every one of them harps, and goldenvials full of odours, which are the prayersof saints. And they sung a new song,saying, Thou art worthy to take thebook, and to open the seals thereof: for

thou wast slain, andhast redeemed us toGod by thy blood outof every kindred,and tongue, andpeople, and nation;And hast made usunto our God kingsand priests: and weshall reign on theearth.” Rev 5:8-10

How do we define a “Hot Spot” whenit comes to missions in Mississippi?Most often the determination of a good

“people groups” based on ethnicity andlocation. But, this definition can inhibitus when setting goals for mission activ-ity in the State of Mississippi.

A fixation on “Going…[to] all na-tions…” without a clear biblical under-standing of the entirety of the “GreatCommission” which includes our Lord’sinstruction in Acts 1:8, “…and ye shallbe witnesses unto me both in Jerusa-lem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria,and unto the uttermost part of theearth.” can result in a distorted orunbiblical view of missions, which re-sults in poorly adapted missions goals.

A close look at Rev 5:9-10 reveals theredemptive plan upon which the com-mission was given, “…Thou art worthyto take the book, and to open the sealsthereof: for thou wast slain, and hastredeemed us to God by thy blood out ofevery kindred, and tongue, and people,and nation; ….” Rev 5:8-10

A measure of success in Missionscannot be based on just how many wesend or how far we send them or howmany we reach in far off locations,rather it must be measured on whetherwhat we do is in accordance with theredemptive plan of our Lord and Savior,which is to redeem, by His blood, soulsfrom every “…kindred, and tongue, andpeople, and nation;…” His redemptiveplan is in perfect harmony with thecommission that He gave us. Any view

Jackson - Mississippi's Capital City

by Rick Russell(If you’ve ever been curious about

Lifeword’s broadcasts and what theysound like, the following article byRick Russell will explain how differ-ent formats are used for different cul-tures. Continue to pray for the al-ready-recorded Swahili broadcast,which should go live in April or May,making Swahili the 37th Lifewordlanguage.)

“Bro. Rick, there has never been aSwahili radio program like this. Ibelieve the people will like it a lot!”Those were the words of one of ourSwahili broadcasters at the end of ourfirst day of training in December 2015.

The idea for this format came fromour Garifuna brethren in CentralAmerica. At their first opportunity tocreate a broadcast format all of theirown in 2009, they did something that no

American broadcaster would ever do,which may be exactly why it works so

well in their culture. The Garifunaprogram has eight pastors sittingaround a table, all talking at once!When Lifeword Program Director LuisOrtega questioned the advisability of somany voices talking at once, it was

explained, “This is how the Garifunaalways do!”

Since the Garifuna people group hasits origins in Africa, Luis and I sus-pected that a similar format mightwork well in the Swahili culture. Sureenough, in our planning conversa-tions last year with Renatus Kanunu,we discovered that there is a well-known Swahili custom for makingvillage decisions. The chief calls to-gether the heads of the various fami-lies and presents the issue. One byone, they offer possible solutions. Ifthe group cannot come to a consensus,it falls to the chief, as the village’s

ultimate authority, to render a deci-sion.

In Lifeword’s new Swahili programNenoUzima (WordLife), the Bible is

location to plant a church is not basedon the propensity of people to accept thegospel, rather it isbased on the per-centage ofunreached people ina specific area.

Targeting PeopleTargeting PeopleTargeting PeopleTargeting PeopleTargeting PeopleWhen referring

to “people groups”missiologists differon how they definethe term. Somedefine “peoplegroups” based onethnicity, others,based on language.Still, others define them based on loca-tion. In Christendom, an unreachedpeople group can refer to an ethnicgroup without an indigenous, self-propa-

gating Christian church movement.Often we hear the term “Nations” used

synonymous with “people groups,” pri-marily because Matt 28:19 says, “Go yetherefore and teach all nations…” Youcan see how we arrive at a definition of

Larry Geraldson

continued on page 2

continued onpage 4

2 March 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Baptist Missionary Associationof Mississippi

Department of Missions and Revolving Loan FundState Missionaries and Wives

601.428.8616 www.bmams.org

Larry GeraldsonDirector

Anders & CarlaLee

Bob & Edie Burch Kenneth & CarolePollock

Bobby & LesaElliott

Danny & BrendaBartlett

Sidney & BeckyFarmer

Wesley & HolleyMartin

Phillip & DawnBurns

Estuardo &Yasmine Marroquin

Elvis & WendyGarcia

Ed & PatriciaDuVall

that missions done ‘near’ is proportionally less impor-tant than missions done ‘far’ is just not biblical.

Sinking ShipsSinking ShipsSinking ShipsSinking ShipsSinking ShipsHere is a variation of an illustration that I read

recently that might help explain the challengeschurches face in trying to maintain a balanced andbiblical approach to missions. Suppose there were twoships sinking at the same time, and you were in chargeof a team of ten rescuers in two large boats. You arriveon the scene of the first sinking ship and find yourselfsurrounded by hundreds of screaming people, somegoing down before your eyes, and some fighting over

scraps of debris, others ready to jump into the waterfrom the sinking ship. Several hundred yards fartheraway, the very same thing is happening to the peopleon the other ship. Your heart breaks for the dyingpeople. You long to save as many as you can, so you cryout to your two crews to give every ounce of energy topull as many as possible from the water. There arefive rescuers in both boats and they are working withall their might. They are saving many.

Then someone cries out from the other ship, “Comehelp us!" What would love do? Would love leave itslabor and go, if, in fact, it is fully engaged saving peopleright where it is? Love puts no higher value on distantsouls than on nearer souls. In fact, love might well

reason, that in the time it would take to row across theseveral hundred yards, a net loss of total souls savedwould result. It might also reason that the energy ofthe rescuers would be depleted, which would possiblyresult in a smaller number of individuals being saved.

All The World ‘Near’ and ‘Far’All The World ‘Near’ and ‘Far’All The World ‘Near’ and ‘Far’All The World ‘Near’ and ‘Far’All The World ‘Near’ and ‘Far’It might be easy, from a human perspective, to

assume that this illustration would enlighten us as tothe plan of God concerning missions. It might be thatit sounds reasonable that we should stay where we areand only focus on those around us. But, biblically, thework of missions demands that we divide our forcesand launch out in hope of reaching those that are ‘far,’as well as, with equal resources and energy continueto reach those that are ‘near.’ The paradox to this

illustration is that missions ‘near’ has almost all butbeen defined out of the word “missions” and replacedwith the word “ministry.”

When we see the world as proportionally a largeplace and the world around us, as a small place, ourefforts, both financially and physically will reflect ourview. But, when we remember that our God is biggerthan everything; that He gave his commission tomany churches, not to just one church, we rememberthat the world ‘near’ and ‘far’ is proportionally thesame to God and His commission contains no propor-tional expectations. The key word used by Jesus inMatt. 28:18-20 is, “All.” He says, “All power…”; “…allnations…”; “…all things…”; “…al –way…”. The word

means each and every, the whole. Obviously, ourLord’s emphasis is equally on each and every person inthe whole wide world without regard to ethnicity,language, or location.

Left On Their Own?Left On Their Own?Left On Their Own?Left On Their Own?Left On Their Own?Sadly, what appears to be our view of missions

‘near,’ seems to suggest that we feel confident thatthose who are drowning are sufficiently capable of

reaching safe haven on their own. After all, there areplenty of available ships waiting to receive them andthey just need to get on board. Therefore, our interestoften shifts away from these perishing souls to thosewho are father away. The thought is often propagatedthat if we just put more ships in those father awaywaters, the people will enthusiastically climb aboard.All of these notions shape how we define missions, werewe place our emphasis, and how we allocate our energyand resources.

A view that success in missions is measured bysome hypothetical formula which produces an alloca-tion of resources into a tiered proportion that expandsand grows naturally in size and significance thefarther away we go from our location is erroneous.That is, unless we can support biblically that God’sexpectation of missions’ activity, given in the GreatCommission, implies a tiered, proportional outcome.No such evidence is found in Revelation 5:8-10.

The ‘Tribe’The ‘Tribe’The ‘Tribe’The ‘Tribe’The ‘Tribe’The measure of success in missions is not how much

we give and do ‘far’ vs ‘near.’ Rather, whether we haveequally expended our energy and resources to reachpeople “…of every kindred, and tongue, and people, andnation;…” for this is what God has specifically in-structed us to do. I know you agree with me, that achurch should not boast when it is sending people andmoney around the world, but is all but disengaged inreaching people around its own door steps. We mustrealize that obedience demands that every churchmust equally divide her resources and equally deploy

Mission Hot Spotsfrom page 1

Oxford, Mississippi

Edwards, Mississippi

Carthage, Mississippi

Starkville, Mississippi

Ridgeland, Mississippi

continued on page 8

3March 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Leave It To CleaverDr. Tony Cleaver is a retiredU.S. Army Chaplain and Di-rector of Distance Learningfor BMA Seminary. You maycontact him atjstmcleaver@embarqmail.com

Cruise Observations from an Old SaltA few years ago my wife and I were

able to fulfill a lifelong dream of going ona cruise. Our adult children recentlyinsisted we go on another cruise. Weenjoyed the first cruise so much thatour compliance with our children’swishes was a no brainer. I would like toshare with you someof the “people watch-ing and listening”events I encounteredaboard ship.

The award for thebest T-shirt went toa lady I saw in theelevator. The shirthad a picture of a ship with these wordsbelow it: “I have no cruise control; thecruises just book themselves.”

Passengers and crew are affableonboard. They speak to each othereasily as they pass in the halls and onthe decks. I observed one man dressed

in brown khakis (I figured out the browncolor represented the engineers who“fix” things on board). He was kneelingwith his body half into a large electricalpanel. I stood behind him and quietlysaid: “The green cord connects with thered one; the black one connects with the

blue board; the yel-low line goes into thewhite connector.”Without missing asecond, he pulled hishead from the panelopening to respondwith a large smile:“Thank you. I’m color

blind!”There was a reception where the

passengers got to ask questions of thecrew who “drove the boat.” Here aresome of the winning inquiries (Yes,there were more like this):

· “Has this ship ever sunk before?”

· “Are we cruising at sea level?”· “Do the workers (cabin attendants,

culinary staff, etc.) go home at night?”The elevators onboard have large,

very large, arrows on them to indicatewhich direction they are going - that isup or down. (One lady wanted to knowif it would take her to her cabin downthe hall.) As passengers wait for theelevator, the large arrow, I mean largearrow, indicates this car is going up orthis car is going down. Inevitably thedoor would open (with me inside in ahurry to go to my next sit down if notreclining position) with the people wait-ing to get on with these words: “Is thiselevator going up or down?” By the endof the week those of us inside the eleva-tor going only one of two ways wouldpoint to the large arrow on the outsidepanel-of course we rolled our eyes to oneanother with great smugness.

In a related elevator incident whenwe were on the highest deck of the ship,I asked a lady standing at the elevator

if she was ready to go down. “No, I’mgoing up,” she said. I replied, “Unlessyou are going to meet Jesus, I don’tthink so. We are up as high as we cango.” She sheepishly boarded the eleva-tor with us to go down.

One of the best things about cruisingfor me is to be still and quiet. It is goodfor me to reflect on the good things theLord has done and is doing in my life. Ilike to utilize the Nicene Creed in mydevotional time. One of the phrases thatreally struck me on this cruise werethese opening words of the creed: ”Webelieve in one God the Father Almighty,maker of heaven and earth, and of allthings visible and invisible….” Therewere many visible things about Hiscreation I observed on this cruise, fromgorgeous sunrises to a magnificent ris-ing red moon. With all that was visibleto us, I understand why humankind isstill pondering those things we cannotsee.

Until next cruise…

Johnny Hunt to be Featured at BMAA National MeetingJohnny Hunt, pastor of First Baptist

Church in Woodstock, Georgia, will bethe featured keynote speaker at thisyear’s BMAA National Meeting at 7p.m. on Wednesday, April 27. Accord-ing to BMAA president Jason Aultman,“His love for and knowledge of churchrevitalization will deliver a timely mes-sage for our churches. Hunt’s messagewill be an excellent complement to ourmissionary commissioning thatevening.”

In his twenty-nine years as pastor ofFirst Baptist Church, Hunt says his

focus has been on“others.” Whilethe church hasexperienced sig-nificant growthunder his lead-ership, it isgrowth of theperson, not theplatform thatcontinues to en-ergize a minis-try that sees its best days ahead.

Foremost among the "others" he lives

for are his wife of forty-five years JanetAllen Hunt, his two daughters DeannaCarswell and Hollie Hixson, and hisfour grandchildren Katie, Carson, Hopeand Addie.

Before coming to Woodstock, PastorJohnny served at three churches inNorth Carolina: Lavonia Baptist Churchin Mooresboro, Falls Baptist Church inWake Forest, and his home church,Longleaf Baptist Church in Wilmington.

Pastor Johnny's educational creditsinclude a B.A. in Religion from Gardner-Webb College where he was voted Min-

isterial Student of the Year in 1979. Hecontinued on to Southeastern BaptistTheological Seminary where he earneda Masters of Divinity in 1981. South-eastern honored Pastor Johnny in 1997by naming him Chair of Biblical Preach-ing in 1997. He has also received severalhonorary doctorates over the years forhis work in ministry.

For more information on the BMAAnational meeting, go to bmaamerica.org/nationalmeeting.

Johnny Hunt

Dedication of Torah Donated to BMA SeminaryThe Baptist Missionary Association

Theological Seminary hosted its 2016Spring Lectures on Tuesday, February11, at its main campus in Jacksonville,Texas.

The multi-faceted event in-cluded two formal lectures, anexhibit of ancient biblicalscrolls, and the dedication of arare 18th CenturyAshkenazi Torah that wasdonated to BMA Seminary’sJacksonville campus by Kenand Barbara Larson.

Dr. Scott Carroll presentedlectures on traditions and ac-tual practices related to thecreation of scrolls. Carroll,renowned expert on AncientBiblical Manuscripts, earneda Ph.D. in Ancient Historyfrom Miami University and an M.A. inChristian Backgrounds and Early Chris-tianity from the Trinity EvangelicalDivinity School.

Scrolls displayed in the exhibit in-cluded one of only five complete Isaiahscrolls that date after the Dead SeaScrolls. Researchers concluded that each

scroll displayed in the exhibit had sur-vived threats from Nazis during theHolocaust.

The Larsons have placed retired To-

rahs in selected evangelical seminariesfor almost two years. The dedication ofthis 18th Century Torah to the semi-nary added to the Larsons’ October

2015 gift of a 19th Century To-rah donated to the BMA Semi-nary Arkansas Site.

During the dedication, theseminary announced the nam-ing of the Torah: the Dr. JamesC. Blaylock Sefer Torah. Theseminary’s faculty chose thename in recognition of Dr.James C. Blaylock’s work inkeeping records and archivesfor the Baptist Missionary As-sociation and particularly forhis fifty years of service to theinstitution’s Kellar MemorialLibrary. Blaylock also formerlyserved the BMAA as director of

the Baptist News Service.The scroll will be used as an educa-

tional resource for BMATS studentsand faculty. Unrolled Scroll

Left to right: James Blaylock, Ken and Barbara Larson,and President Dr. Charley Holmes

4 March 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Letters FromOur Readers

Letters reflect the opinion of thewriter and not necessarily this publication or

the BMA of Mississippi

Opinion PageJournal of the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi

Don Brown - EditorDon Brown

www.msbaptist.org

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

USPS 353-960P.O. Box 8181

Laurel, Mississippi 39441-8000

Phone 601-426-3293

PRICE$20.00 Per Year by Mail

$15.00 Per Year by EmailCHURCH PLAN

$ 1.30 Per Month per Family

Published on the 1st and 15thof each month by the Baptist Mis-sionary Association of Mississippi.Periodical postage paid atHattiesburg, Mississippi 39402.

Postmaster: Send addresschanges to the Mississippi BaptistPaper, P.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS39441-8000.

Baptist MissionaryAssociation of Mississippiwww.bmaofmississippi.com

DEPARTMENTS & COMMISSIONS

Mississippi Baptist PaperP.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS 39441

601-426-3293

Southeastern Baptist College4229 Highway 15 North

Laurel, MS 39440601-426-6346

State Youth Department4226 Highway 15 North

Laurel, MS 39440662-397-6832

Baptist Children's Home118 Lowe Rd., Laurel, MS 39443

601-426-3928

Missions & Revolving Loan Fund4226 Highway 15 North

Laurel, MS 39440601-428-8616

Commission on Senior Adults4226 Highway 15 North

Laurel, MS 39440601-729-2613

History & Archives Commission4229 Highway 15 North

Laurel, MS 39440601-729-8098

Moral ActionP.O. Box 88, Mantachie, MS 38855

662-282-7425

Writer concernedabout trends in worshipDear Sir,

From a recent article in the Missis-sippi Baptist I would like to respond.The article by Joe McKeever entitled“What to do when your church changes”,I answer ‘I do not retreat from theworshipful holiness of the old churchmusic.’

First, I believe the Lord deserves thebest that we have. If I had an appoint-ment with the governor of Mississippi Iwould not choose to wear jeans, a teeshirt and tennis shoes. I would try tolook my best. Why should I do anythingless when I go to God’s house to fellow-ship with the One who went to Calvaryfor me?

Now considering the Praise Musicthat seems to you acceptable today, thehymns that have been sung throughthe ages is the greatest music in theworld. Those who do not appreciate thisshould be educated, not appeased.

Thanks AgainWe have received additional funds for

our 2016 Special Emphasis Drive sinceour last report. We do appreciate eachand every amount given. It is neededand will be used to continue to provideour churches with news concerning theLord’s work in Mississippi and fromaround the world. May the Lord blesseach individual and church who hasgiven.

2016 Special EmphasisChurch TotalAntioch Baptist Church .............. $150.00Bethel Baptist Church ............... $200.00Buffalo Baptist Church ................ $100.00Canaan Baptist Church ............... $300.00Cypress Creek Baptist Church ..... $100.00Ed Crockett ............................... $300.00First Baptist Church .................... $327.00First Baptist Church Of Calhoun . $500.00First Baptist 0f Shady Grove ....... $700.00Forked Oak Baptist Church .......... $92.00Hopewell Baptist Church ............. $53.00Leakesville Missionary Baptist ..... $250.00Liberty Baptist Church ............... $100.00Linda Collins ................................ $50.00Little Creek Baptist Church ......... $177.50Magnolia Baptist Church ............. $300.00Mantachie First Baptist Church .... $200.00Mary B Rhoden ........................... $25.00New Bethany Baptist Church....... $34.00Parkview Baptist Church ............ $200.00Red Creek Baptist Church........... $100.00Riverside Baptist Church ............... $95.00Shiloh Baptist Church ................. $100.00South Green Baptist Church ...... $250.00Spring Hill Baptist Church .............. $62.58Stephen Howell ........................... $50.00Steve & Daura Crawley .............. $100.00Washington Baptist Church ........ $209.75Westover Baptist Church ............ $50.00Total ................................. $5,175.83

The greatest composers of all timegave their sweat and tears to tell thewonderful story of Christ and His love.

There is no greater disservice to thesegreat men and women that what isbeing done today in our churches. Theredundancy of the praise music lacksthe inspiration and beauty of the oldhymns from our hymnals.

The folks that built their churches,loved the Lord, and spread the gospelthrough the past years do not need to bethrown under the bus. Don’t play intothe devil’s hand. He is duping you intoa lesser way of worship.

Sincerely in ChristDick SteadmanRidgeland, Mississippi

personified as the words of our “chief”. Itis his directives and principles whichwe look to in order to make the properdecisions in all aspects of our lives.

The first thing we do on each week’sprogram is to have the discussion leader(personifying the chief) explain the is-sue or question under discussion. Thepastors then take a couple of minutes toput forward “man’s answers”, prefacingeach statement with things like, “Myfather used to say…”, or “It’s alwaysbeen the Swahili custom to…”, or “Somereligions say….” Then relevant Biblepassages are introduced. In the last fiveminutes of the program, the “chief”correlates the instruction of those verses,allowing the Bible to interpret the Bibleand bringing the group to agreementregarding the Bible’s instruction onthat particular question. The programthen culminates in a prayer thankingGod for providing his Word as the trust-worthy guide for our lives.

After BMA Productions puts the fin-ishing touches on the broadcast, TWRwill broadcast NenoUzima by short-wave and satellite and we will find localFM affiliates in as many cities as pos-sible where the churches of the TaborahBaptist Association are located (widelydispersed across western Tanzania andinto Burundi and Rhwanda).

Pray that NenoUzima will be used byGod in a powerful way to touch the livesof Swahili believers and non-believers tobring his light to this still-unreachedpeople group.

Lifeword Radiofrom Front Page

Bits and Piecesiting with them and learning moreabout their work.

Your prayers for a safe and produc-tive trip are appreciated.

Late NewsWe received news that Bro. Mavous

Phifer passed away on Sunday, March6. His funeral will be at Forked OakChurch, Booneville, on Tuesday. Ourprayers for his family. We will havemore information about Bro. Phifer andhis ministry in a later issue.

Meeting InformationOn page 6 of this issue we have listed

information concerning our NationalBMA meeting in Gatlinburg next month.

Information concerning hotels for ourstate Midyear meeting has also beenprovided on page 7 by Bro. Roger Akers.This meeting will be held in Amory,Mississippi at East Amory Church onMay 16-17, 2016.

This issue is being completed onMonday, March 7. Our printer will bemailing it on Monday, March 14. Theearly work is due to our mission trip tothe Philippines. Bonnie and I will beleaving on Tuesday and flying out ofMemphis early Wednesday morning,March 9.

We will be visiting the PhilippineBible College and a number of ourchurches and missionaries. Doug andDiane Lee, music professors at the BibleCollege, are our hosts. A number ofMississippians are missionaries in thePhilippines and we look forward to vis-

5March 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Serving Christ With a Biblical World View In A Christian Atmosphere

Danny Pitts - President4229 Highway 15 North, Laurel, Mississippi 39440, (601) 426-6346

SoutheasternBaptist College

Danny Pitts

Sofilthy's Atticby Barbara White

The TripJust thought I'd tell you about a trip I made a few weeks ago.A friend called and asked if I would drive her to New Orleans to attend

the funeral of a friend of hers. Well, I'm the type of person who eagerlysays "yes" and then begins to wonder about "how", "what", "when",and "where". (Same as when one is asked to write an article on a

regular basis for a paper!)My friend had this little GPS device, but the woman inside it was terribly confused

because every time we came to an exit on the freeway, she told us to turn around andgo back. (We should have listened.)

Never having driven in New Orleans, I was a "little" intimidated. Now I can handlethis Bay Springs rush-hour traffic, but New Orleans is another story! I was a stroke justabout to happen the entire time.

Did I mention that the funeral was for a Hindu? Can you imagine two Baptistpreacher's wives trying desperately to not look conspicuous? I'm not sure we pulledthat off!

But it was a learning experience and I am definitely thankful for God's guidance andprotection during the entire trip.

Isaiah 58:11 "And the LORD shall guide thee continually......"

God Is GoodHave you ever been to a service where the Pastor or Worship Leader opens

with the statement, “God is good,” and the congregation responds, “All thetime.” Then he says, “All the time,” and the congregation responds, “God isgood.” This opening is repeated several times. Hopefully this great newsreaches the hearts of those who assembled to worship the Lord. Of course,balancing truth would require that some services begin with other proclama-tions such as “God is holy” or “God is just.”

Non Degree ProgramsIn addition to the associate and bachelor degrees, Southeastern Baptist

College also offers three programs of Continuing Education. They are: 1)Certificate of Christian Leadership (12 hours); 2) Diploma of ChristianLeadership (24 hours); and Diploma in Bible (42 hours). The hours are from theregular courses taught through Southeastern.

Some students do not want to pursue a degree from our school. This may bethe situation with those who already have a degree or those who only want theknowledge and never plan to use the hours in further study. Contact the schoolat 601-426-6346 for more information about the courses included in eachprogram.

New TechnologyA special offering by Big Creek Baptist Church of Soso and by Salem Baptist

Church of Bay Springs was given to Southeastern for a screen which wasinstalled in the chapel room. Justin Rhodes is pastor of Big Creek. Clay Smithis pastor of Salem. Of course, this addition will be valuable during services forvideo and PowerPoint presentations by chapel speakers. Also the room can beutilized for classes. The built in Wi-Fi will allow Internet projection.

Big Creek’s offering came from their annual Change for a Chance. For a fewweeks during the morning services, the kids went around to the congregationand collected coins and dollars. Some other churches are using this as a methodof raising special offerings for some of the departments in our work.

SOAR 2016 ConferenceRegistration Now Open!

by Thomas Mobly- Chief of Operations

Registration for the SOAR 2016 student conference is now open!

Thousands of students will gather July 6-8, 2016, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas,Texas, to discover God’s heart for the nations at SOAR 2016. Conference messageswill inspire students to engage the world with the gospel while the global village willprovide hands-on mission experiences.

SOAR 2016 will cover the subject of global missions. A heart for Christ mustinclude a heart for the world. From the beginning, God has proclaimed his desireto be glorified around the nations. Every believer should be involved in the globalcause working together to see people from every tribe, tongue, language and nationcome to Christ! SOAR 2016 will uncover the biblical story of God’s heart for the worldand challenge students to become passionate about his global glory.

This year’s guests will include speaker Clif Johnson, worship leader AaronWilliams, conference emcee Jordan Bowen, and concert artist We the Union.

For more information on SOAR 2016, including conference registration and hotelreservations, visit gosoar.com. Early registration is only $110 per person. Earlyregistration and hotel room rates are available for a limited time. Don’t miss out onthis year’s SOAR conference. Register your group today.

6 March 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Women's Missionary AuxiliaryPresidentLinda Smith

2816 Old Bay Springs Rd.Laurel, MS 39440

601-470-1398

Corresponding SecretaryMrs. Shirlene Smith

730 Hwy 533Laurel, MS 39443

601-729-5638

Girls Missionary AuxilliaryState Youth Auxiliary Director

Beth Caldwell166 Twin Creek Rd,Lucedale, MS 39452

601-947-6011

State GMA PromoterBecky Farmer

464 Churchwell RoadHattiesburg, MS 39401

601-596-1005becky@southforrest.org

Prayer Week 2016by Victoria Clark, State Pianistby Victoria Clark, State Pianistby Victoria Clark, State Pianistby Victoria Clark, State Pianistby Victoria Clark, State Pianist

GMA Camp is coming up soon, and Ijust wanted to ask everyone to pray fora few specific things throughout theweek camp:

March 13March 13March 13March 13March 13: Pray for our state officersand advisory council. We are reallyexcited about camp, and we look for-ward to seeing all that God has in storefor us this year.

March 14: March 14: March 14: March 14: March 14: Pray for ALL of the girlswho will be attending camp in a fewdays. Pray that every single girl whosteps foot on the camp ground has apositive attitude and an open heart.Also pray that those attending who arenot saved, will come to know Christ bythe end of the weekend.

March 15:March 15:March 15:March 15:March 15: Pray for all of our coun-selors coming to camp as well. Theseladies are the only ones who are morethan willing to put up with all of ourcraziness away from home. THEYNEED YOUR PRAYERS…

March 16:March 16:March 16:March 16:March 16: Pray for our camp pas-tor, Bro. Bryson Haden, as he studiesand prepares for our services at camp.

March 17:March 17:March 17:March 17:March 17: Pray for our house partyand other activities while at camp. Thehouse party is a time when all of thegirls attending camp will learn moreabout God and enjoy a little talent showas well. Throughout the entire weekend

the Word will be taught. Pray for oursafety and that everyone in attendancewould come expecting to learn some-thing and have a little bit of fun whiledoing so.

March 18March 18March 18March 18March 18: Today, churches from allover the state of Mississippi will betraveling to Camp Garaywa in Clinton,MS. Pray that all of our girls, theircounselors, and their drivers arrive atcamp safely, and also that they willhave a safe trip home tomorrow after-noon.

March 19: March 19: March 19: March 19: March 19: Pray for our BusinessMeeting. At this point in time, everyoneis near the point of exhaustion, butthere is still work that must be done.Pray that everything goes smoothly,and God will give us clear minds as wemake preparations for camp next year!

Our theme for camp this year is“Anchor in Hope” and our theme verseis Hebrews 6: 19. I’m really excitedabout what God has in store for campthis year! Our state officers, Mrs. Becky,and our Advisory Council have workedreally hard to make sure GMA Camp2016 is a huge success. I cannot wait tosee what God has in store for each andevery one of us this year. Hope to see yousoon!

Northeast WMA Reportby Martha Duncan, Reporter

The Northeast District WMA metFeburary 16 at East Amory MissionaryBaptist Church. A delicious meal wasprovided by the East Amory ladies of theWMA. After opening prayer our meet-ing began with Beverly Beane singing"Love Lifted Me” with Anita Akers play-

ing the piano. Stacy Smith gave a reporton the Ladies Retreat. The retreat willbe April 23, 2016 at East Amory. Ournew project is Evangelical InternationalMinistry (EIM).

Our program speaker was KarenCarroll with "Lessons from Grandma &the Braided Rug”.

by President Jason AultmanGreetings to the churches of the BMA of

America! I hope 2016 has gotten off to awonderful start and proves to be a yearthat overflows with God’s abundant bless-ings on you and your church family.

I wanted to remind you that on April25–27, we will gather in beautifulGatlinburg, Tennessee for the annualmeeting of our national association. Ihope you will make plans to be there forwhat I believe will be an enjoyable andexciting few days together.

As an added feature at last year’smeeting, opportunities were offered toattend workshops on various topics. Thehope was that this would provide attend-ees a time to receive practical instructionand help, allowing us all to return to ourfields of ministry better equipped to serveand lead effectively. The response wasoverwhelmingly positive, and we lookforward to offering additional workshopsat the upcoming meeting. Of course,

these are provided in addition to the timesof conducting business and opportunitiesto gather for worship.

A preliminary schedule for the meetingin Gatlinburg is below. I trust this over-view will be helpful to you in planning yourschedule and travel.

If the Lord returns before April 25, I willsee you in Heaven. Otherwise, I lookforward to seeing you in Gatlinburg!

BMA OF AMERICA MEETINGApril 25-27,2016

Gatlinburg Convention CenterGatlinburg, Tennessee

with Special GuestsJohnny Hunt and Larnelle Harris

Monday, April 257 p.m. – Worship Service / President’s

Message (Dr. Jason Aultman)

Tuesday, April 268 a.m. – WMA, Brotherhood9:30 a.m. – Committee Meetings11 a.m. – Breakout Sessions –Dr. Mark Livingston: How to Deliver

Transformational TeachingDr. Mike Smith: How to resolve conflict

within the ChurchKurt Hetherington: How to Protect Your

Church From a LawsuitPaul Bearfield: Small Churches Can

Make a Big Difference

Noon – Lunch12:15 p.m. – Minister’s Wives & Wid-

ows Lunch(Hosted by WMA)2 p.m. – General Session3:30 p.m. – Breakout SessionsJerene Reddin: The Importance of

Women in MinistryDr. Mike Smith: How to resolve conflict

within the ChurchDr. Mark Livingston: How to Deliver

Transformational TeachingBryan Atwood: How to Recruit and

Keep Volunteers

4:30 p.m. – Dinner7 p.m. – Worship Service / Annual

Message (Jeff Swart)

Wednesday, April 279 a.m. – General Session11 a.m. – Breakout Sessions –Kurt Hetherington: How to Protect Your

Church From a LawsuitPaul Bearfield: Small Churches Can

Make a Big DifferenceJerene Redding: The Importance of

Women in MinistryBryan Atwood: How to Recruit and

Keep Volunteers

Noon – Lunch2 p.m. – General Session3 p.m. – Larnelle Harris Concert5 p.m. – Dinner7 p.m. – General Session (Mission’s

Report)Commissioning ServiceJohnny Hunt, Guest Speaker

BMA To Meet In Gatlinburg, Tennessee GatlinburgHOTEL INFORMATION

The Committee on Arrangementshas made its review and plans for the2016 annual Association meeting. Thefacilities and hotels are looking for-ward to our meeting there. There isplenty of space for all of our meetingsand lodging.

We hope that you will make yourreservations early. Most of the hotelscan make your reservations either byphone or online, but you must identifythat you are with the Baptist Mission-ary Association of America.

• Glenstone (HeadquartersHotel):

$85; (800) 362-9522Group code: BMA 16

2 block walk

• Edgewater:$95; (800) 423-9582

2.5 block walk

• Graystone:$95; (800) 451-9202

5 block walk

• Gillette:$95; (865) 436-5601

across from conventioncenter

• Bearskin:$90; (865) 430-4330

4 block walk

• Old Creek:$90; (865) 430- 7200

3 block walk

• Clarion:$114; (865) 436-5656

2 block walk

7March 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST

CHILDREN'S HOME118 LOWE ROAD, LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI 39443 - (601) 426-3928

SIDNEY DAVIS - DIRECTOR SIDNEY DAVIS

Christ Liveth In MeChrist Liveth In MeChrist Liveth In MeChrist Liveth In MeChrist Liveth In MeIt is so good to know that one is saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus

our Lord. Not only is it good to know we are saved by His grace, but we also canallow Him to live His life through us. This was Paul’s own personal testimonyin Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, butChrist liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faithof the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Christ liveth in me. What a tremendous thought! Christ helps me to thinkright thoughts. Christ helps me to keep my body under control. Christ helpsme to keep going even though things are tough. Christ helps me to glorify Godthrough my life. And just think, because of His resurrection all of the resourcesof heaven are available to the believer who allows Christ to live His life throughthem. Have a happy Easter! Celebrate the risen Savior! Let Him live His lifethrough you!

Rally for HomeRally for HomeRally for HomeRally for HomeRally for HomeThe Gulf Association had their annual rally for

the Home on February 11. This meeting was withthe North Gautier Baptist Church in Gautier andPastor Johnny Williams. We would like to expressour appreciation for the good response to this rallyby the association, each church, and individual fortheir support of the Home and its ministry.

Student RecognitionStudent RecognitionStudent RecognitionStudent RecognitionStudent RecognitionThis past month Alden, our twelfth grade stu-

dent, was recently recognized as making the firstteam 5A all district team. He also committed toplay soccer for Jones County Junior College nextyear. Congratulations Alden.

Desi, our ninth grade student, is a member ofthe West Jones Show Choir. This past year in thefour competitions her group participated in theyreceived first place in each event. CongratulationsDesi!

Remember in Prayer and Focus VerseRemember in Prayer and Focus VerseRemember in Prayer and Focus VerseRemember in Prayer and Focus VerseRemember in Prayer and Focus VerseContinue to remember the ministry of the Home in your prayers. “He is not

here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”Matthew 28:6.

Hallelujah! He Arose!

Congratulations Desi

Alden signing scholarship to play soccer at Jones Junior College

Mt. Gilead Sets RevivalPastor Dewitt Bain and the members

of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church of Colum-bia, would like to invite all to revivalservices March 20-23 .Our guest speakerfor the week will be Bro. R.D. Cline. Wewill have regular Sunday School andmorning worship with lunch afterward.There will be an afternoon service about1:30 and evening worship will be omit-ted Services Monday through Wednes-day will be at 7:00 PM.

We look forward to your being withus, but if you are unable to attend wetrust you will keep the services in yourprayers.

REVIVAL

Motel Information forMississippi midyear

state meetingThe following information is provided

by Bro. Roger Akers for those attendingthe 2016 midyear meeting of the BMA ofMississippi in Amory on May 16-17 atEast Amory Baptist Church.

Briarwood Inn(approximately 1/2 mile from church)

662-256-2120 King single = $52.95

Queen double = $54.95

Heritage Inn & Suites(Newest motel and is approximately

2 1/2 miles from church)662-256-7760

Queen single (also handicap room) =$67.57

Queen double = $77.20Suites (2 queen + queen sofa

sleeper) = $86.62

How To Handle An Atheistfrom Revivlist Newsletter

Some years ago Charles Bradlaughwas the outstanding atheist in England.He was ever challenging the validity ofthe claims of Christianity. Down in oneof the slums of London was a ministerby the name of Hugh Price Hughes. Hewas a real personality and all Londonwas aware of miracles of grace accom-plished at his mission.

Charles Bradlaugh challenged Mr.Hughes to debate with him on the valid-ity of the claims of Christianity. Lon-don was greatly inter-ested. What would Mr.Hughes do? He immedi-ately accepted the chal-lenge, and in doing soadded one of his own. Hesaid in substance:"Since we know, Mr.Bradlaugh, that 'a man con-vinced against his will is of thesame opinion still,' and since thedebate as a matter of mental gym-nastics will not likely convert any-one, I propose to you that we bringsome concrete evidences of the validityof the claims of Christianity in the formof men and women who have been re-deemed from lives of sin and shame bythe influence of Christianity and byatheism. I will bring one hundred suchmen and women, and I challenge you todo the same.

"If you cannot bring one hundred,Mr. Bradlaugh, to match my hundred,I will be satisfied if you will bring fiftymen and women who will stand andtestify that they have been lifted upfrom lives of shame by the influence ofyour teachings. If you cannot bringfifty, I challenge you to bring twentypeople who will testify with shiningfaces, as my hundred will, that theyhave a great new joy in a life of self-respect as a result of your atheisticteachings. If you cannot bring twenty.I will be satisfied if you bring ten. Nay,Mr. Bradlaugh, I challenge you to bring

just one man or woman who will makesuch a testimony regarding the uplift-ing of your atheistic teachings. Myredeemed men and women will bring anunanswerable proof to the saving powerof Jesus Christ in the lives of those whohave been redeemed from the slaveriesof sin and shame. Perhaps Mr.Bradlaugh, this will be a real demon-stration of the validity of the claims ofChristianity."

Again London was stirred. Whatwould Mr. Bradlaughdo? For answer,Charles Bradlaugh, ingreat discomfiture andchagrin, publicly with-drew his challenge forthe debate and Londonsmiled.Though we live in anage when scoffers makemockery of God and Hisexistence to those of uswho are saved, weknow that we serve a

living risen Saviour. The Word of Godsays, "the fool hath said in his heart,There is no God" (Psalms 14:1)

Men may speak boldly against Godand deny Him, but that does not destroyHis existence. They probably wish hewere dead or did not exist, so they couldescape Him in the day of Judgment.The Bible says, "It is appointed untomen once to die, but after this thejudgment." (Hebrews 9:27) Are you readyfor this appointment? If not, remember"today is the day of salvation...now isthe accepted time." (2 Corinthians 6:2)Trust the living and Coming Christnow before it is toolate.

- From Gospel Truths

8 March 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Mission Hot Spotsfrom page 1

her energy to do missions ‘near’ and ‘far.’That word “kindred” in Revelation 5:9, is most often

translated “tribe” and gives us the idea of a familyconnection or family unit.

I’ll never forget an experience I had during the Iraqwar. I was traveling into an area that was very riskyat best, but I had a person traveling with me that toldme not to worry. He told me he was the tribal leaderof the town we were approaching. I must confess I wasnervous because this town had a reputation of notbeing friendly. I expressed my concern to my friend,whose first name, by the way, just happened to beOsama, but his last name was not Bin Laden. Hecontinued to assure me that everything would be fine.Our first stop was a small store which displayed as itsdecor AK47’s, bandoleers of ammo, grenades, andvarious other things one would expect to find in a smallconvenience store in some middle eastern towns.

The look on the store owner’s face when I walked inmade my stomach tighten. We stayed in the town fora few hours and just as Osama had predicted, everyonetreated me with extreme, though reluctant, hospital-ity. He told me that His father was the former triballeader of this town and when he died, Osama hadassumed his role.

In Every HouseIn Every HouseIn Every HouseIn Every HouseIn Every HouseMy experience taught me a tremendous lesson

about relationships within a tribe. I witnessed toOsama and his brother-in-law. Just think of theimpact to that entire tribe if just one of these guyscame to Christ. The same is true today of eachhousehold. I may be guilty of reading into the scrip-tures, but I can’t help but think that as it relates to thisword “kindred,” our Lord intended for us to share thegospel with the hope of winning someone in everyhousehold. When Paul and Silas shared the gospelwith the Philippian Jailor, it is clear they expected hisconversion to influence the entire household. Acts 16:31-33 “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And theyspake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that

were in his house. And he took them the same hour ofthe night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized,he and all his, straightway.”

Alarming Statisitcs!Alarming Statisitcs!Alarming Statisitcs!Alarming Statisitcs!Alarming Statisitcs!That said, I confess that it is difficult to persuade

people that there are, in fact, "unreached" people inMississippi who need to be reached with the gospel.Most Mississippians cannot fathom the thought thatapproximates that 1.4 million (some estimate thenumber to be more than 2 million) people in the Stateof Mississippi are unreached. It is hard to get them towrap their minds around the fact that 67% of house-

holds in Mississippi do not have even one born againbeliever.

If a church is to measure her success in carrying outthe Great Commission, I suggest that she measurethat success on the basis of her obedience to carry out,in a balanced way the spread of the gospel and themaking of disciples in every, “…kindred, and tongue,and people, and nation;…”

I would define a “Missions Hot Spot in Mississippi”as a location where a large percentage of the house-holds are unreached. Here a few Missions “Hot Spots”in Mississippi. This is based on the high percentage ofhouseholds that are unreached.

Oxford Oxford Oxford Oxford Oxford - Approximately 70.72% of households areunreached

Hattiesburg Hattiesburg Hattiesburg Hattiesburg Hattiesburg - Approximately 71.12% of house-holds are unreached

Ridgeland Ridgeland Ridgeland Ridgeland Ridgeland - Approximately 72.14% of householdsare unreached

North JacksonNorth JacksonNorth JacksonNorth JacksonNorth Jackson - Approximately 71.51% of house-holds are unreached

Reports for February 2016High

Attendance MembershipTotal

OfferingsMotherChurch

Church PlantersBob Burch(Caledonia)

82 55 $4,308.00 East Fulton

Bobby Elliott(Burnsville)

45 42 $1,997.00 Forked Oak

Sidney Farmer(S. Forrest County)

68 45 $5,789.00 Paramount

Danny Bartlett(Clinton)

16 12 $5,865.00 Wilderness

Phillip Burns(Sumrall)

22 9 $1,236.00First BaySprings

Wesley Martin(Diamondhead)

29 27 $2,561.00 Campground

Anders Lee(Southaven)

151 85 $16,590.00 Charity

Kenneth Pollock(Batesville)

18 5 $1,282.00First BaptistMantachie

BMA of Mississippi Hispanic Missions (Estuardo Marroquin – Manager)

(Estuardo Marroquin is also the Co- Pastor of El Camino, which serves as the mother church for the churchplants listed below.)

El CaminoMarciano Montalvo

(Laurel)132 121 $7,602.00

Church Planters

Leo Adan(Hattiesburg)

32 14 $1,208.00 El Camino

Rodolfo Galicia(Biloxi)

8 3 n/a El Camino

(Elvis Garcia – Coordinator)(Elvis Garcia is also the Co-Pastor of Way, Truth & Life, which serves as the mother church for the church

plants listed below.)

Way, Truth & LifeByron Morales

(Ripley)79 86 $4,512.00

Church Planters

HumbertoRegalado(Tupelo)

28 18 $1,865.00Way, Truth &

Life

Luis Huchin(Oxford)

32 5 $1,175.00Way, Truth &

LifeBMA of Mississippi African American Missions

(Ed DuVall – Coordinator)(Ed DuVall is also the Sr. Pastor of Homestretch which serves as the mother church for the church plants

listed below.)

Homestretch(Cleveland)

22 50 $2,733.00

Church Planters

James Cook(Olive Branch)

12 13 $1,275.00 Homestretch

Collectively, our missionaries reported 241 new contacts, 154opportunities to share the gospel, and witnessed 15 professions of

faiths, and 2 baptisms and 5 joined by letter in February.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Edwards - Approximately 71.27% of households areunreached

Carthage Carthage Carthage Carthage Carthage - Approximately 71.15% of householdsare unreached

Starkville Starkville Starkville Starkville Starkville - Approximately 73.75% of householdsare unreached

This information is specific to individual zip codes.If you would like to know the percentage of householdswhich are unreached in your zip code area, email meat missions@bmams.org and I will send you theinformation. God help us to reach all the people ofMississippi with the gospel.

State Youth Camp - June 6-8, 2016Waukaway Springs, Vossburg, Mississippi

We will once again meet at Waukaway Springs Chris-tian Retreat Center in Vossburg, Mississippi. The datesfor this year's camp is June 6-8 and the cost is $100 perperson.

We are very excited to have Bro. Blake McCain as ourspeaker this year.

One new change for this year is that we are openingup camp for all ages. Many of the children who haveattended our Junior Camps over the years are nowreaching their teen years and we want to continueproviding the camp experience that they have come toknow and love.

For more information and to preregister, contact Bro.Kelby Johnson at 662-316-6233 orkelbyjohnson@yahoo.com.

Phone 662-316-6233 Kelby JohnsonDirector

South MississippiSenior Adult Conference

Tuesday, March 22nd - 9:30 A.M.

Big Creek Baptist ChurchSoso, Mississippi