A Cooperative Program ministry gladly telling the stories of God s work in and through WV Southern Baptists

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1 THE WEST VIRGINIA SOUTHERN BAPTIST A Cooperative Program ministry gladly telling the stories of God s work in and through WV Southern Baptists DR. STEVEN SMITH, Assistant Professor of Preaching, Associate Dean for the Professional Doctoral Program, and James T. Draper, Jr., Chair of Pastoral Ministry Education. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Liberty University in 1989, a Master of Divinity Degree at Southeastern Seminary in 1994, and his Ph. D. in Communication from Regent University in He is married to Ashley. They have one daughter. October-November 2008 VOL. 38 NO. 9 MARVIN MATTHEWS returns with music that will inspire, encourage, bless, and stir your soul. The West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists Annual Meeting Friday, November 7 and Saturday November 8 meeting at fairlawn baptist church 215 fairlawn drive parkersburg, wv Friday night we will hear from TOM AND NANCY JONES, Emeritus Southern Baptist Missionaries, having served with the International Mission Board. Tom was born in Martin, Georgia; Nancy was born in Toccoa, Georgia. They have three children. Tom earned a chemical engineering degree from Georgia Tech. Nancy earned a RN Diploma from the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. The Jones served thirty years in Kenya and Tanzania. October/November 2008 Tom and Nancy have deep ties with West Virginia, and with the Parkersburg area. We moved to the Parkersburg area in We were the fourth family to join the Parkersburg Baptist Chapel, later Grace Baptist Church. We saw Fairlawn start in Fred Morgan s garage. I preached for the fi rst time at Marietta when we started a church there. In 1964, I was asked to serve on the State Missions Committee which was formed to develop plans for a fellowship of Southern Baptists in West Virginia. We later organized a General Association. I was chosen President for the year. In 1976, John Snedden asked me to promote the Cooperative Program in WV churches during our stateside time.

2 Executive Director Terry Harper I think I have said before in this column that fall is my favorite season. It just seems to be a time of new beginnings. A new church year, new Sunday School classes, new officers are elected, and so forth. It is also a time when there is a chill in the air and we have football games and get out our sweaters and enjoy the turning of leaves. It is just an exciting time to me. It is also time for the annual meetings of the local associations. I hope to attend several of them and will look forward to seeing many of you. THE WEST VIRGINIA SOUTHERN BAPTIST (USPS ) Greg Wrigley, Editor gregwrigley@wvcsb.org Published ten times per year by The West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists Number One Mission Way Scott Depot WV Note: No paid advertising or subscriptions accepted. This paper is fully funded by Southern Baptists in West Virginia. Periodicals Postage Paid Scott Depot, WV and additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The West Virginia Southern Baptist Number One Mission Way Scott Depot, WV From the Executive Director: Just as soon as those associational meetings are over, it is about time for the annual meeting of the State Convention. I always look forward to the time when we come together and share what God has done in the past year and look forward to what He is going to do in the days ahead. This time has become like a family reunion or a Homecoming. West Virginia Southern Baptists love the Lord and we love each other and we enjoy getting together as one big family. That is exactly as it should be. How I rejoice in the harmony and unity we have enjoyed in recent years at our annual meeting. Once again this year we will hear a report from our Credentials Committee, presented by Tom Rentfrow, that several churches have made application to be received into our convention. These will be presented in the opening session. Stephen Smith, Professor of Preaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, will also lead us in Bible Study in each session. Dr. Smith is a gifted expositor of the Word of God and his Bible Studies will surely bless us. Stephen was for several years a pastor in Virginia before he moved to Texas to teach at the seminary. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Bailey Smith, the Executive Director of Bailey Smith Real Evangelism Conferences. We will also hear a report from a husband and wife team of missionaries to Africa. Tom and Nancy Jones, who previously served in the Parkersburg area before going to the mission field, will be speaking during the missions emphasis on Friday evening. Many of their former friends will enjoy catching up with them and hearing how God has been working in their lives. A challenging message is sure to be presented from a great leader in Southern Baptist Convention life, Frank Cox. He is the Pastor of the rapidly growing North Metro First Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Frank will speak in the final session on Saturday. Bringing the annual convention sermon in that same session will be David Mellquist, Pastor of the First Southern Baptist Church in Fairmont, WV. So many of you commented on how much you enjoyed the music of Marvin Matthews last year, that the planning committee decided to invite him back to minister to us in music again this year. In addition, Rick Morgan of Fairlawn Church and the State Convention Director of Music, Randy Spurgeon, will lead the congregational singing. If you have questions about the sessions or if you need assistance in making hotel reservations, please call our office. I will look forward to seeing many of you at our annual meeting. Terry L. Harper State Convention November 7-8, 2008 Fairlawn Baptist Church, Parkersburg Pastors Conference, Nov. 6 The WVCSB is Building Strong Foundations for a Strong Future We are focused on ministries that Build the Kingdom: Missions and Evangelism Prayer and Spiritual Renewal Communication and Public Relations Strengthening Churches Fellowship...Fulfilling the Great Commission 2 The West Virginia Southern Baptist

3 Ministers Wives Annual Meeting & Dinner Thursday, November 6, 2008 Registration & 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Fairlawn Baptist Church, 215 Fairlawn Drive, Parkersburg, WV Theme Seeking the Face of God in Humility Scripture Verse II Chronicles 7:14 Guest Speaker Nancy Jones, Missionary to Tanzania Testimony Denise Varndell Special Music Fairlawn Quartet Please fill out registration cut off section at bottom of flyer & mail with your check to WVCSB, Number One Mission Way, Scott Depot, West Virginia COST: $5.00 per adult & $2.50 for children s Happy Meal. Child care will be available. Deadline to register for dinner is October 26, 2008 MOTELS IN THE AREA OF THE STATE CONVENTION Holiday Inn Express (8.6 miles from church) 80 Old Nicholette Road Mineral Wells Comfort Inn (6.2 miles from church) th Street Parkersburg Hampton Inn (same exit as Holiday Inn Express) 64 Elizabeth Pike Mineral Wells Comfort Suites (12 miles from church) 167 Elizabeth Pike Mineral Wells Yes, I plan to attend Name Number of adults for dinner ($5.00 ea.) Church Number of children for dinner ($2.50 ea.) Fairlawn Baptist Church, Parkersburg, WV Thursday, November 6 5:00 p.m. Total Amount Enclosed $ Contact person: Florence Ann Ballard (800) or (304) , Ext. 100 FAX (304) ; florenceballard@wvcsb.org The State Convention is scheduled to begin at 9 AM on Friday morning and dismiss at 11:30 AM on Saturday. Dr. Craig Culbreth is scheduled to bring greetings from the Florida Baptist Convention. He serves as the Partnership Director for the Florida Baptist Convention. He is married. They have three grown boys. Members of First Baptist Church, Welaka, Florida, used a week to work with George Secrist at New River Baptist Church. The mission team s work was part of the 52 Days of Evangelism emphasis. Members of churches from Walton Baptist Association, Florida, worked with Jim and Grace Davis at Harbor Light Baptist Church, Oceana. This was the association s fi rst mission trip. Sonny Pritchett is the DOM. October/November

4 centrifuge 2008 july 7-12, 2008 wv wesleyan college buckhannon, wv 389 registered for camp total participants games, activities, relationship builders, sports, competitions, and just silly stuff make up the recreation times Adult leadership is a key component to a successful Centrifuge. many opportunities for learning new skills were presented to the campers. arts & crafts, games, video development, music, and other possibllities were offered. Over $2,000 given to missions through mission offerings. over 50 life changing decisions made, and many more to follow... a centrifuge in west virginia provides a place for students from many other states to attend. this group is from connecticut. also represented were Kentucky, ohio, pennsylvania, and north carolina. West virginia convention of southern baptists churches provided scholarships for over 145 students through cooperative program giving. this amounted to over $17,000 to help students to go to camp. watch your mail and for important scholarship information for centrifuge centrifuge wv wesleyan college---buckhannon---july scholarships for west virginia convention of southern baptist churches will be available 4 The West Virginia Southern Baptist

5 DISASTER RELIEF ACTIVE IN WEST VIRGINIA by Phil Toothman, Assistant Director of Disaster Relief In West Virginia we presently have about 300 trained volunteers. A trained volunteer is a person who has had the course Involving Southern Baptist in Disaster Relief. Volunteers do not receive any compensation for their time or labor. We have 12 units. Units are generally individual trailers dedicated to one specifi c function, such as feeding or chainsaw work. Each unit is obtained and equipped by volunteers. We have 1 recovery unit, 7 mudout/ chainsaw units, 1 Chaplain unit, 1 shower unit and 2 command and communication units. West Virginia has been represented in several of the many disasters this year such as the fl oods in the Midwest and the tornadoes in New Hampshire. There was a total of 245 disaster related calls for help last year to Southern Baptist disaster workers. The history of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief dates back to 1966 when the Southern Baptist Convention authorized $50, for the Home Mission Board to use in relief efforts. That was the beginning of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. In 1967 Hurricane Beulah ravaged the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico. Robert E. (Bob) Dixon had just moved from the First Baptist Church of Memphis, TN. to work with Royal Ambassadors and Texas Baptist Men. Following the devastation of Hurricane Beulah, Dixon used camp craft skills and turned 10-gallon cans into miniature stoves called buddy burners, which were used to prepare hot food for people affected by the disaster as well as the volunteer workers. Texas Baptist Men again provided hot meals and the love of God to disaster victims in response to a tornado that cut a deadly swath through Lubbock. Later, the men aided those harmed by Hurricane Celia s devastation of Corpus Christi. Today we have 83,000 trained volunteers in Southern Baptist Disaster relief. Another development in the operational leadership of disaster relief was the institution of the Disaster Operations Center (DOC) in The DOC is located in the NAMB Volunteer Mobilization Center and becomes operational during a multistate response. The national offsite coordinator is housed at the DOC and provides technical and logistical support of the operation. In addition to the activation and deployment of volunteers and units, the DOC allows for the most effi cient use of personnel, materials and supplies. The DOC is staffed by members of the Adult Volunteer Mobilization Unit and many DR volunteers Even with 83,000 trained volunteers Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is in need of many more trained volunteers. Many volunteers have responded to several events and are just tired. Others can only get off work with advance request and can not respond. The cost of fuel has also limited the distances that volunteers can travel to respond Partial Activity Report of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Number of Disasters Responded to by State Conventions 245 Meals Prepared 1,046,089 Buildings Repaired 1,238 Chainsaw Jobs/Yards Cleaned 8,565 Mudout Jobs 1,357 Roofs 186 Children Cared For 823 Showers Provided 64,587 Laundry Loads 4,547 Water Purifi ed (gallons) 206,511 Messages (Ham radio) 3,686 Chaplain Interventions 9,186 Gospel Presentations 6,297 Professions of Faith Recorded 508 Other Decisions Recorded 124 Trained Volunteers 83,000+ The whole purpose of Disaster Relief is to show the love God has given us and to invite others to share His love. In Matthew 25 Jesus tells us that whatever we do to others we are doing to Him. Whatever we do to the least of those around us we do to Him. May God speak to you to share His love to those around us who fi nd themselves in a disaster! From the Iowa state disaster relief team: We say Thank You to one and all from your state convention that responded to Iowa disasters this year. Your responses have made us stronger and given hope to countless of thousands of people in Iowa. Your spirit of cooperativeness and in many cases your willingness to go the second and third mile was astounding. This has greatly ministered to folks that didn t know us as Southern Baptists and corrected a lot of folk s attitudes of just who we are as a family of God called Southern Baptist. October/November

6 MISSIONS CAMP was a great week of Bible study, worship, recreation, relationship building, and mission activity. Several campers came to know Christ. At least two committed their lives to the ministry. We had a cake to help celebrate the RA s 100th birthday! The RA Derby was exciting. Recreation and craft time is part of camp, too. Camp leadership spends many hours planning and preparing for the various activities. The great thing about Missions Camp is that campers learn about and do missions! They learn and practice new skills, abilities, and relationship building. MISSIONS INVOLVEMENT HAS DOUBLE IMPACT Oceana, West Virginia can be found on a map, but you re more likely to fi nd it in the center of my heart. My name is Sarah Wood, I m from Georgia, and my church has been coming to West Virginia on mission trips for years. This year, however, my sister, Rebekah, and I, had the opportunity to stay for two whole weeks. We didn t know until we arrived at HarborLight that the kids would be working on songs and dramas to perform at local churches, and on their mission trip next summer, but God knew, and He had prepared us. We were able to teach them interpretive sign language to the song, My Savior My God, by Aaron Shust, along with several others. This picture is of the girls before they ministered in church one Sunday by presenting a drama. Seeing the kids so eager to learn was such a blessing! We were also able to help pass out fl iers, work in Vacation Bible School, and attend Revival services that our church, Centennial Baptist, sponsored. The kids, and people of West Virginia are still very much on our minds, and in our prayers, and we cannot wait to come back. TriCounty Association Uses Block Party Trailer Baker Heights held a block party and a Backyard Bible Club. A block party targeting a new work area was held at North Jefferson Elementary School. New Vision Baptist Church began Sunday Services August The West Virginia Southern Baptist

7 SHEPHERDING THE SHEPHERD---A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE mark it down--shepherding the shepherd August 10-12, 2009 at pipestem The Christian Life Committee is a West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists Committee charged with bringing moral, social, and cultural concerns to the attention of our churches. The Christian Life Committee is presently staffed by Alicia James, Jimmy Morton, Dennis Lewis, and Ron Branch. The CLC is committed to conveying pertinent information to the WVCSB membership at large. Pertinent matters about which we need to respond will be channeled through the state Executive Board. Furthermore, information will be channeled directly to WVCSB pastors, churches and others via from the state offi ce. With the number of WVCSB churches, potential is great for a Christian infl uence in the political and social issues in West Virginia. The CLC urges the churches and members to be alert to forthcoming updates about which we all may stand for Christ.---Ron Branch Ron is pastor, Faith Baptist Church, Mason, WV CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS Sunday, November 2 Move back one hour Are you making plans for JANUARY BIBLE STUDY? The 2009 study is Living In Awe of God studies in Exodus October/November

8 Mark it on your calendar! Find a ride. Make your plans. Start telling your friends! Tentative Schedule: 10/11 - Saturday Speaker Morning (8am - 11am) No Session Afternoon (1pm - 4pm) Opening Prayer for Conference Evening (6pm - 9pm) Opening session with John McGregor 10/12 - Sunday Morning (8am - 11am) John McGregor Afternoon (1pm - 4pm) Prayer Time Evening (6pm - 9pm) Dan Biser 10/13 - Monday Morning (8am - 11am) Afternoon (1pm - 4pm) Evening (6pm - 9pm) 10/14 - Tuesday Morning (8am - 11am) Afternoon (1pm - 4pm) Evening (6pm - 9pm) 8 John McGregor Dan Biser John Franklin Dan Biser John Franklin TBA 10/15 - Wednesday Morning (8am - 11am) Afternoon (1pm - 4pm) Evening (6pm - 9pm) 10/16 - Thursday Morning (8am - 11am) Afternoon (1pm - 4pm) Evening (6pm - 9pm) 10/17 - Friday Morning (8am - 11am) Afternoon (1pm - 4pm) John Franklin Al Whittinghill Sammy Tippit TBA Sammy Tippit Al Whittinghill Sammy Tippit Closing Session with Al Whittinghill Have a question or need more information about the conference? Download the conference brochure or contact Dan Biser at The West Virginia Southern Baptist

9 West Virginia Prayer Focus Your state convention staff meets each working day for a brief time of prayer. We pray for missionaries, campuses, associations, churches, and chapels by name each day. We invite our readers to pray as well. New Work: Brian Harmon is pastor of a new work, Nehemiah Baptist Church in Cool Ridge. This new church has a vision for planting other churches. They have adopted one of the targeted areas identified by Mountain State Association for a new work in Glen Daniel. Pray for church planter Scott Holland. Pray for them as they seek core members for this exciting new opportunity. Pray for a building or a room that can be used to begin reaching the people in this growing community in Raleigh County. Ministry Focus: Cooperative Program and Stewardship ministries in churches as they plan budgets for Scripture: So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, NKJV) Weekend Prayer Focus: Family Bible Study and prayer Resources: Prayer 101: What Every Intercessor Needs to Know, Elaine Helms, Director, Prayer Office, North American Mission Board Date Oct. 6 Oct. 7 Oct. 8 Oct. 9 Oct. 10 Oct. 13 Oct. 14 Oct. 15 Oct. 16 Oct. 17 Oct. 20 Oct. 21 Oct. 22 Oct. 23 Oct. 24 Oct. 27 Oct. 28 Oct. 29 Oct. 30 Oct. 31 Nov. 3 Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 6 Nov. 7 Nov. 10 Nov. 11 Nov. 12 Nov. 13 Nov. 14 Nov. 17 Nov. 18 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 21 Nov. 24 Nov. 25 Nov. 26 Association Monongahela Mountain State Pioneer Potomac Highland Tri-County Upper Ohio Valley Allegheny Coalfields Greater Huntington Immanuel Monongahela Mountain State Pioneer Potomac Highland Tri-County Upper Ohio Valley Allegheny Coalfields Greater Huntington Immanuel Monongahela Mountain State Pioneer Potomac Highland Tri-County Upper Ohio Valley Allegheny Coalfields Greater Huntington Immanuel Monongahela Mountain State Pioneer Potomac Highland Tri-County Upper Ohio Valley Allegheny Coalfields Campus Church Malden Memorial Mineral Wells Mountain View Mountaineer Mt. Calvary Mt. Hermon Nehemiah Nettie New Beginnings New Covenant New Creek New Day New Hope, Rock Cave New Hope, Madison New Hope Tabernacle New Life, Cowen New Life, Weston New Richmond New River North Charleston North Fork Northgate Old Fields Open Door Petersburg Peytona Pineville Restoration Fellowship Riverside Riverview Riverwood Rowlesburg Ryerson South Wheeling Second, Keyser Second, Martinsburg Shawnee Shrewsbury Chapel HarborLight Harvest Time Hope, Richwood The Journey Lighthouse, Charleston Lighthouse, Ivydale Living River Marland Heights New Life, Arnoldsburg Oak Creek Pipestem Solid Rock South Wheeling So. Bapt. at Salt Rock So. Bapt. at Wayne Abundant Hope The Bridge Carpendale Centerpointe Chinese Mission Crossroads, Birch River Faith, Winfield Faith Fellowship, Athens Freedom, Charleston Friendly Gateway Glade Community Greater Things HarborLight Harvest Time Hope, Richwood The Journey Lighthouse, Charleston Lighthouse, Ivydale Living River Marland Heights New Life, Arnoldsburg Oak Creek October/November

10 Amazing Grace Baptist, Capon Bridge, baptized two in August and added one new member. Canaan Valley Baptist had its first church-wide mission trip with sixteen going to help a church in Pennsylvania. Mark Joseph is pastor. Covenant Baptist, Romney, where Quentin Simpson is pastor, added five families to their membership in addition to several baptisms this summer. First Baptist, Brandywine, had a great Vacation Bible School with 79 enrolled and three saved. Congratulations to charter members Jack and June Weaver who celebrated their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary with a picnic on August 9. Bob Cornwell is the pastor. First Baptist, Burlington, completed VBS and baptized seven this summer. Sam Biser is pastor. First Baptist, Fort Ashby, where Vernon Beachum pastors, is making progress toward finishing the interior of their Family Life Center. They celebrated their anniversary on September 14 with a church picnic. New Day Baptist in Fort Ashby, Merdie Shryock pastor, had a great time in VBS with 17 children in attendance this summer. The church family pulled together and manned the entire VBS when a mission team cancelled at the last minute. The Baptist Men s group at North Fork Baptist was busy this summer with the completion of three wheelchair ramps and a roof for families in need in the area. This summer s VBS went well and four more people have been baptized. The church completed the home Bible study Live Like You Were Dying. A total of fifty people were enrolled in groups that met in homes, and two of the groups continue to meet. Pastor Mark McAllister notes that the response to this ministry has been wonderful. Old Fields Baptist Church celebrated its 35th Anniversary on August 10 with a full day of worship and fellowship activities. Vacation Bible School had an enrollment of 150. Another 99 were involved in the first round of outreach Bible clubs for children, with 100 or more expected in the second round of clubs. A mission team of nineteen went to Clintwood, VA, to help Clintwood Baptist Church News from West Virginia Churches with construction, a block party, servant evangelism and food pantry. Carrie Langley has completed her first year as a Mission Service Corps/NAMB Missionary at Old Fields. The church reports that she has done an outstanding job there in developing children s ministries and a host of other jobs as well. Dan Howard is the pastor. Second Baptist, Keyser, had a successful VBS and baptized two recently. Sam Biser is the pastor. Wayside Baptist in Franklin completed an exciting Vacation Bible School with 49 enrolled. The entire VBS was done by the Wayside church family. Hoy Lambert is serving as Interim Pastor. Abundant Hope held a free car wash in Barboursville. They handed out 23 packets of church information, VBS information, and shared the gospel with the people who were waiting to have their cars washed. Paul Harris pastors the church. First Baptist, Ceredo, Rodney Hale pastor, had a picnic in July at the CSX Recreational Park in Huntington. Vocal Union, an all-vocal, Gospel group from Nashville, TN, were guests in August. The teens from Eastwood Baptist had a camping trip at Beech Fork Lake. Several of the teens made significant spiritual decisions for their lives during the weekend. A mission team of 19 teens and adults from Augusta, GA, led VBS for Eastwood s daycare children and others in the neighborhood. About 100 children attended each morning. A WV Luau was held on Thursday evening for the parents, with 175 in attendance. At the closing rally on Friday, 28 children made decisions for Christ and 9 leaders made rededication decisions. Hugh Summers and Brady Lipscomb pastor the church. Locust Grove, Randall Robertson pastor, had as special guests Stephen Napier, his wife Esther and their four sons. The Napiers are missionaries to the Sugpiaq people in Paluwik, Alaska. The Woman s Missionary Union hosted the annual Church Family Picnic, held on the church property at the picnic shelter. Twentieth Street Baptist in Kenova has called David Smith, along with wife Nancy, as pastor. Southern Baptist Church at Wayne started Sunday morning worship services in July and average attendance has increased slightly. Darrell Clark pastors this new work. Westmoreland Baptist in Huntington welcomed seven new members in July and one member was received by profession of faith and baptism. VBS was a great success with an average attendance of over 100. Several children accepted Christ as Savior. In August after church each Sunday night the youth went out for snacks and goodies at area restaurants. Pastor C.J. Adkins preached a D.O.G. Days series of messages in August. D.O.G. stands for Depend on God. Vacation Bible School at Malden Baptist averaged about 45 in attendance each night, followed by a picnic on Saturday. Pastor Ron Lee is back in the pulpit after surgery on his vocal chords. West Charleston Baptist has been involved in a Taking It to the Streets ministry this summer in the parking lot of their new building across the street from the church. The Wednesday night events have featured free food and worship. The highlight of the summer event was a cookout where, along with a group from Big Island Baptist Church in Big Island, VA, they gave away more than 400 pounds of barbecue ribs. About 200 stayed and participated in worship that evening. Norm Cannada is pastor. Witcher Baptist, where Bernard Toppings is pastor, had an average attendance of around 100 in Vacation Bible School. A Back to School bash was held in August with free backpacks for the kids, along with a super-sized Slip n Slide and a giant banana split! For the evening service on August 17 the church participated in Prayer Walks for all the local schools. Vacation Bible School at First Baptist, Craigsville, was a great success. There were twelve students who made rededications and first-time decisions for Christ. Average attendance was 105, and a missions offering of almost $400 was received in an exciting competition between the boys and the girls. Three new members were added by baptism in June. David Sommerville is the pastor. Brushfork Baptist baptized seven during July. Jim Drake is the pastor. 10 The West Virginia Southern Baptist

11 Central Baptist in Bluefield, James Beale pastor, had VBS in July with an average daily attendance of 122 children and 10 adults. Eighteen children and one adult made professions of faith. A construction team completed various needed projects on the church. Isaban Baptist had their 59th Homecoming on September 14, followed by revival services Sept with Kimmett Lott speaking. Mason Perry is the pastor. Shawnee Baptist, where Ron Richards is pastor, had a note-burning ceremony on August 17 and is now debt free. The college students from Immanuel Baptist, Princeton, attended the Creation Festival in Mt. Union, PA, this summer, along with 80,000 other people. They had the privilege of seeing God move in the lives of His people, and witnessed over 2600 salvations and around 300 baptisms. In July the youth ministry had their annual mission trip to Pleasureville, KY. The students worked on farms, at peoples homes, cleaned out buildings, cleaned the church, landscaped, painted, mowed grass, and most importantly shared their faith. The students also led VBS for another church in the Princeton area. Josh Johnson is the Youth Pastor, and Dan Jividen is the pastor. Charity Baptist in Wyatt, Dan Adkins pastor, had 38 enrolled in VBS, plus for the first time they offered an adult class and had approximately 11 in attendance each night. Faith Baptist-Dailey held revival services in August with Pastor Herman Jones preaching. Some men from the church attended a Disaster Preparedness Workshop. Some of Kingwood Baptist s Brotherhood worked on the Berean Baptist facility recently. They plan to make this an ongoing project, scheduling the third Saturday of each month beginning in October to work there. The church is rejoicing over two new members and one who accepted Christ. Mountaineer Baptist, Marty Turner pastor, joined them for an evening service and an ice cream fellowship afterwards. Folks from Kingwood traveled to Rowlesburg Baptist, Pastor Ken Lake for the annual Fred North Memorial News from West Virginia Churches State Missions Rally on Sept. 7. New Hope, Rock Cave, pastored by Rick Price, had a couple of folks saved and have five or six awaiting baptism in September at a nearby stream. members of the Silver Springs mission team Eighteen (18) members from Silver Springs Baptist Church returned from their fourth (4th) mission trip to Blue, West Virginia where they assisted Indian Creek SBC with their new sanctuary/gymnasium. They worked to build the stage area. They painted the inside block, among other projects as requested. All received a blessing from being at Blue, as well as being involved in helping to build the Lord s Kingdom here on earth. Over 40 children were enrolled in Silver Springs VBS, with one making a Profession of Faith.. Since May 4th Silver Springs has baptized a total of seven (7). New experiences for our pastor included the baptism of a set of twins during this summer and also a husband and wife were baptized down at the River. Several members from our church gathered at New River where we experienced an old fashioned baptism. Plans are being finalized for a home coming during September or October. Silver Springs is still in search of a new Youth Pastor since Wes Belcher has moved to Saltville, VA. Gerald McKinney serves as pastor. Fairlawn Baptist Church, Parkersburg, reports a busy summer. Childrens and youth activities were highlighted. Their student work has been led by volunteers, but the church is looking for a Student Pastor. For more information, please contact Fairlawn Baptist Church, Pastor Rick Canfi eld reports that over 500 people attended the 2nd annual back pack block party at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Ivydale. The church gave away over 375 back packs, along with school supplies. Thirty-seven people were saved. On September 14 the church plans to baptize fourteen people. So please join us as we Praise Him for the souls that have been added to the Kingdom. This summer we have had 10 teams from all over the country. And this summer through six block parties, twenty-three Backyard Bible clubs, self-defense lessons, Music School, food giveaways, Pro. Wrestling and five county dinners we have seen over fiftyfour people get saved. Our attendance is up, and so are our baptisms. Above, Pastor Canfield addresses group at the back to school back pack give away party. The girls from Immanuel Baptist Church (from left to right) Myah Sheets, Paige Johnson, Jessica May, Joy Sharp (Leader), Patricia Vest (Assistant) Bill Barker (Director of Appalachian Regional Ministries) shared Christmas in August with Bill Barker. The girls collected 38 backpacks and 17 Hygiene kits for Christmas in August project. The Sunday School leadership team from Monongahela Baptist Association led their annual Sunday School training August 26, at Calvary Baptist Church, Grafton. October/November

12 WVCSB Calendar October Single Adult Ministry Trng. 9 - New Ministers Orientation 19 - Bivocational Ministers Day November 2 - Daylight Saving Time Ends 5 - Assoc. Missionary Fellowship 6 - Pastors Conference 6 - Ministers Wives Conference WVCSB Annual Meeting Skills Sharpening Retreat Convention Offices closed for Thanksgiving Holiday 30-Dec. 7 - Week of Prayer and Mission Study for International Missions and Lottie Moon Offering December 25-Jan. 2 - Convention Offices closed for Christmas and New Year s Holidays From the people of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, comes another story of people dealing with life and how the gospel impacts their lives and their decisions. Kirk Cameron plays a fi reman who has saved others from the fl ames while his own marriage is going up in smoke. As he and his wife are seriously considering divorce, the fi reman s dad gives him a challenge. The movie has adventure, romance, comedy, thrills, and a clear presentation of the gospel. It will be in theaters in West Virginia. You need to check with your local theater for details. Check out their website for more information and for ideas on how to use the movie in your outreach plan. The West Virginia Southern Baptist 12