First Baptist Messenger V OLUME 7 ISSUE 1

Transcription

1 First Baptist Messenger V OLUME 7 ISSUE 1 F EBRUARY

2 How to Walk in Integrity The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9 NIV) The issue of integrity and excellence in the Body of Christ is increasingly becoming of great importance. If you haven t noticed, the heat is on and, like gold, the Church must pass through the process of purification. The Lord is cleansing his house which is badly infected with moral and spiritual decay. The enemy is attacking churches all over the world, putting in question their credibility and integrity. As we are Embracing Our Faith-Life, here are a few things I want you to ponder on, and after reading let me know (by calling me or text message) how it has helped you. If you don t have anything to share, simply text me #EMFL to let me know you re striving to Walk In Integrity. People with integrity live by fairness, even when fairness puts them at a disadvantage or causes them great difficulty. They fight fair even when those around them do not. People of integrity consider their word their bond, allowing their yes to mean yes and their no to mean no. People of integrity are authentic and transparent; they act the same, no matter who is present. Their lives are what you see is what you get. People of integrity are straightforward in their conduct. They don t hide what they re doing, and they don't say one thing and do another. They are people in whose spirit is no deceit (Psalm 32:2 NIV). People with integrity explain the facts in an even-handed manner, not in a way that makes them look better than the other person. They are respectful, helpful and gracious to everyone and anyone. People of integrity go the extra mile with a smile. They do more than is required of them. People of integrity are not afraid to ask for help. They re not afraid to let God be their strength. They re able to handle tough situations, knowing God is at work in them. People of integrity focus on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, anything at all that is excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8 NIV). Yours in the faith, Pastor Whit #EMFL Page 2 V OLUME 7 I SSUE 1

3 A Word From Our First Lady C o n A A A A A W o r d n e c t Recently a family member experienced a miraculous encounter. For this article his name will be called Bob. Bob and his family encountered a situation that should have taken their very life. But through and by the grace of God their lives were spared. This miraculous encounter was a wakeup call for Bob and also a realization that God still performs miracles. When Bob and I spoke after this miraculous encounter we discussed how God s hand of protection had been on he and his family and that it is apparent that God has a special plan for their life. In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells us of the plans He has for us; For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. So many times in life we get so caught up in our own day to day plans that we don t take time to reflect on God or His will for our lives. Yet, in all of our dreams and plans for today and the future, we must remember and depend upon the plan of God. We must be mindful of the need to please Him in everything we do. When we please Him we will find that our lives are more complete and fulfilled than ever before. A statement I hear often is, If it s the Lord s will. When I thought about this I realized that this statement is a reminder to not only the one saying it, but also to those on the listening end. that ultimately our plans must come into submission of the Lord. We all are busy, but let us not become so busy that we miss what God wills for us to do. He has a specific plan for each of us, and these plans are for good! Let us not get so busy in our own plans that we miss the plan He has for us. Be Blessed, Sis. Whit Page 3

4 Why Did You Make Me Black Lord? Lord... Why did you make me black? Why did you make someone the world would hold back? Black is the color of dirty clothes, of grimy hands and feet... Black is the color of darkness, of tired beaten streets... Why did you give me thick lips, a broad nose and kinky hair? Why did you create someone who receives the hated stare? Black is the color of the bruised eye when someone gets hurt... Black is the color of darkness, black is the color of dirt. Why is my bone structure so thick, my hips and cheeks so high? Why are my eyes brown, and not the color of the sky? Why do people think I'm useless? How come I feel so used? Why do people see my skin and think I should be abused? Lord, I just don't understand... What is it about my skin? Why is it some people want to hate me and not know the person within? Black is what people are "Labeled" when others want to keep them away... Black is the color of shadows cast... Black is the end of the day. Lord you know my own people mistreat me, and you know this just isn t right... They don't like my hair; they don't like my skin, as they say I'm too dark or too light! Lord, don't you think it's time to make a change? Why don't you redo creation and make everyone the same? GOD's Reply: Why did I make you black? I made you in the color of coal from which beautiful diamonds are formed... I made you in the color of oil, the black gold which keeps people warm. Your color is the same as the rich dark soil that grows the food you need... Your color is the same as the black stallion and panther, Oh what majestic creatures indeed! All colors of the heavenly rainbow can be found throughout every nation... When all these colors are blended, you become my greatest creation! Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool, such a beautiful creature is he... I am the shepherd who watches them, I will ALWAYS watch over thee! You are the color of the midnight sky; I put star glitter in your eyes... There's a beautiful smile hidden behind your pain... That's why your cheeks are so high! You are the color of dark clouds from the hurricanes I create in September... I made your lips so full and thick, so when you kiss...they will remember! Your stature is strong, your bone structure thick to withstand the burden of time... The reflection you see in the mirror, that image that looks back, that is MINE! So get off your knees, look in the mirror and tell me what you see? I didn't make you in the image of darkness... I made you in the image of ME! Page 4 V OLUME 7 I SSUE 1

5 Calendar and Annoucements Black History Program First Baptist Church will hold a Black History Program February 3pm The Martinsville High School Gospel Choir will bless us through song. We will also have different speakers on the program. Calendar February 8:15pm Pastor at Cherrystone Center, Danville Va March 7pm Pastor at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Fieldale Va. First Baptist Church Pastor Charles Whitfield One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don t invest any energy in them, because I know who I am. Michelle Obama Page 5

6 New Members Welcome to the Williams Family! Edward and LaShanda are the proud parents of 4 children, 2 of which still reside in Wilkesboro, Penn. Edward is employed with Memorial Hospital,while LaShanda works at Blue Ridge Nursing Home. Their daughters, SaNai,13 and SaMya,12 are students at F-C Middle School. Both girls have been very active in praise dance, choirs, a youth group and served as ushers. SaNai enjoys playing basketball, while SaMya enjoys just staying active. The Williams first heard Rev. Whitfield preach at a funeral and decided to find his church so they could hear more. They enjoy hearing the word and the growth they receive as Christians. Even when LaShanda is working her daughter lets her know what she missed! The Williams would like First Baptist to know how much they appreciate the love and friendliness that has been shown towards their family. Pamela Brown Webster is no stranger to First Baptist. She is often seen showing her love and devotion to her mother Mrs. Althea Brown. Pam said she feels right at home and the friendly welcome she has received is very comforting. Pam is the proud mother of 3 and the grandmother of 3 with a 4th on the way. After she completes new members class she is considering joining the choir or ushers. Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." - President Barack Obama Page 6 V OLUME 7 I SSUE 1

7 Congratulations!!! Chas Whitfield received the Bassett High School Band of Distinction 2016 Game Changer Award. This award is given to one who has made a great impact and difference in the band. Chas wears many hats within the band and does what is asked of him without hesitation. Band of Distinction placed 5th out of 100 bands at Lucas Oil Stadium in the Bands of America Grand National Championship. The Henry County 4H Public Speaking contest was held January 17th at the New College Institute. We congratulate Tyrese Antoine Perkins for winning 1st place for his speech, I HAVE A DREAM. The 5th grader from Axton Elementary School also wrote the speech. At First Baptist Tyrese is a member of the Youth Voices of Praise and serves as an usher. " Our communities are hurting. Our systems need fixing. We can t wait on the government, institutions, social programs and policies to meet the needs of our communities. It is in our hands. Ludacris Page 7

8 Christmas Reflections Christmas Gala The First Baptist Just Because Ministry held their annual Christmas Gala December 10th at the New College. Ticket holders were treated to a wonderful meal catered by Ms. Brenda Stovall and wonderful entertainment. Keith Johnson s comedic performance as Mr. Brown, drew laughter from the audience. The crowd also enjoyed patting their hands and feet as they listened to the music of Psalms 108, which features our own Bro. Pete Morton as vocalist. The Just Because Ministry also sent over 20 people home with gifts ranging from money for the younger children, phone accessories for the in-betweens and beautiful vases and glassware for the adults.. If you missed it please make a mental note to attend this December. It s a perfect time to dress up and if you have younger children show them how to dress and conduct themselves while fellowshipping in a semi-formal environment.. Christmas By The Book We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas production from our children at First Baptist, depicting the birth of Jesus according to the Bible. The play was narrated by T.C. Hagwood, Savannah Brown and Kemya Menefee. We also enjoyed songs and praise dancing. All were under the direction of our Sunday School Supervisor, Sis. Renee Brown. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power. Oprah Winfrey Page 8 V OLUME 7 I SSUE 1

9 Christmas Reflections The ushers held their annual Christmas dinner December 12th at the church. The ushers invite family and friends to enjoy their delicious covered dishes as they fellowship with one another, Thanks to all of our ushers for serving our church faithfully. A Piece of Cake Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this", or "Why did God have to do this to me". Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "sure, Mom. "Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers. "Yuck" says her daughter. "How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!" To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! Life works the same way. Many times we wonder why God would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful! God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. I hope your day is a "piece of cake" Page 9 V OLUME 7 I SSUE 1

10 Prayer Request Martinsville Health and Rehab Mr. Anthony Dillard Bro. William Dillard Bro. Elson Price Blue Ridge Sis. Leutisha Hairston Bro. Matthew Brim Sis. Mattie Hunt Home Sis. Dolly Ann Hairston Bishop Robert Moyer Sis. Beulah Brim Sis. Mildred France Sis. Courtney Wade Sis. Patricia Walton Sis. Virginia Hairston Sis. Nancy Mims Sis. Althea Brown Carrington Nursing Home Sis. Corrine Hairston February March Margaret Diven Georgia Ramey 3 Dale Martin 7 Luecinnie Redd 10 Valerie King 11 Jervell Walker 12 Denise Orange 14 Betty Webster 14 Eileen Ramey 14 Wesley Moore 15 Marcus Eldridge 20 Martha Hairston 20 Alexys Hodge 23 Ben Ramey 23 Ashley Hairston 27 Nick Moyer 28 Corwin Character 4 Giana Character 4 Anita DeShazo 5 Joe Dillard 5 Akilah Carter 8 Juanita Dodson 9 Charlie Martin 10 Patrick Grizzle 14 Toni Wade 14 Bobbie Dillard 17 Rhami Worrell 21 Lorrestine Penn 25 Matthew Brown 26 Eugene Davis 29 Savannah Brown 29 Take responsibility for yourself because no one s going to take responsibility for you. I m not a victim. I grow from this and I learn. Tyra Banks Page 10 V OLUME 7 I SSUE 1

11 A Piece of Cake Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this", or "Why did God have to do this to me". Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "sure, Mom. "Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers. "Yuck" says her daughter. "How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!" To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! Life works the same way. Many times we wonder why God would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful! God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. I hope your day is a "piece of cake" Submitted by Margaret Via As we celebrate Black History Month here are a few famous quotes, and words we can live and help establish our lives by: You know we've come this far by faith, Leaning on the Lord, Trusting in His holy word, He never fail me yet, No turning around, We've come this far by faith, I will trust in the Lord, Till I die, I will trust in the Lord, Till I die, I m goanna stay on the battle field, Till I die, I m goanna treat everybody right, Till I die, Albert A. Goodson "Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated." - Coretta Scott King "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr. " "Freedom is never given; it is won." - A. Philip Randolph "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." - Booker T. Washington In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe. Michael Jackson Page V OLUME 7 I SSUE 1

12 Colossians 2;6-7 First Baptist Church East Martinsville 1043 East Church St. Martinsville, Va (276) (online) Newsletter Staff Maria Turner KenyaGravely Carrie Hairston Chantea Moore Scharlean David Photographer