Messenger. The West Virginia State Bible, Music, & Arts Festival. The West Virginia. This Issue is a tribute to:

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1 The West Virginia Messenger Summer 2014 Volume 14 Number 2 West Virginia State Association of Free Will Baptists This Issue is a tribute to: The West Virginia State Bible, Music, & Arts Festival

2 INPERSPECTIVE with the promotional director I can identify with the Psalmist David when he said in Psalms 103:2, Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. The Lord has truly blessed me and my family since our last Messenger printing. We have had the opportunity to attend three conferences, preach in two of our March for Missions revivals, and teach in a seminar for ministers and deacons at the Central Free Will Baptist Church, Huntington, West Virginia, as well as preaching in several churches. We are excited about our State Association being held in Oceana, WV, at the Oceana FWB Church where Rev. Jackie Grimmett is the pastor. We are looking forward to seeing our Brothers and Sisters that make up our State Association. God has truly blessed us with some great men and women who have influenced our lives and ministries over the years. I encourage all of our churches to send information about your church that you would like to see placed in our state paper, to Brother Adam White or myself. You will find his phone number and address as well as mine in this issue. Our goal this year is to promote more our local churches and conferences news in the Messenger. We pray that as many of our ministers/ deacons and their wives will plan to attend the seminar we will be hosting at the Twin Falls State Park near Mullens, WV, this July 19, if approved by the State Association. Details will be available and announcements made if approved. Please continue to pray for us as we travel our state to promote His Kingdom. Have a great summer and please do not forget your church attendance during the this season. Rev. Carl Lilly State Promotional Director 78th NATIONAL CONVENTION J uly 27-30, 2014 At the Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston Street, Fort Worth, Texas. The Principles of Sowing & Reaping For more informaton go to

3 Message from the Moderator I want to dedicate this column to my Missouri friend, Bro. Jon McNay. Bro. Jon came to our state in 1996 and since that time has been a full fledged Mountaineer. It has truly been a joy to labor in the Kingdom of the Lord with this dear brother and his good wife. He has been a friend at all times. Bro. Jon has served the State of West Virginia in many capacities. He has labored faithfully in the Eastern Panhandle, doing whatever was needed. In the State Association, he has served on practically every Committee and Board in the State. He was Editor of the Messenger from He has served on the Audit Committee from 2009-present. Bro, Jon will be leaving us after the State Association to return to his home state of Missouri. West Virginia Freewill Baptist will certainly miss Bro. Jon and Sis. Cindy McNay, who I feel honored to call MY FRIENDS. Rev. Earl White Moderator Beckley: Aug 1 & 2 Brotherhood: July 12 Christian Fellowship: July 26 Eastern Panhandle: Aug 9 Elk River: Aug 16 Fayette: July 26 Freedom: Oct 17 Greenbrier County: Oct 11 Greenbrier Nicholas: July 26 Guyan Valley: Aug 16 Huff Creek: Aug 16 Kanawha: Aug 15 & 16 Liberty: July 25 & 26 Logan: Aug 2 Mingo #1: Sept 13 Trinity: Aug 1 & 2 Tug River: Aug 9 Unity: July 25 & 26 Upper Ohio Valley: July 26 Wayne: Aug 9 Wyoming: Aug 1 & 2 upcoming conference dates 2

4 Choices - Messenger Devotional with Assistant Moderator, Bro. Mike Smith In the scripture we find people making choices that are either of blessing or sorrow. When Jesus visited the house of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38) Martha received him into her house, but Mary sat at his feet and heard his words. Martha is a picture of many today who have received Jesus into their house but neglect to spent time with him and never really enjoy the joy of His presence. Mary on the other hand sat at his feet and heard his words. All of us feel the pressures and demands of life we have to be careful that we don t let them rob us of the joys of knowing Christ. We need time to hear his words - we need that precious time in prayer, reading of his word, and fellowship of our Christian brothers and sisters. Do you remember how wonderful it was when we first met the Lord and made up our minds to follow him? Such as Ruth when Naomi was leaving the land of Moab she said to her two daughters-in-law turn back to your mother s house, I have no more sons for you. All of us have heard the voice that says stay where you are, but by the great power of God we, like Ruth, were able to overcome the voice and leave the land of death and sorrow. Orpha kissed Naomi and went back weeping, but Ruth clave unto her she said intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me (Ruth 1:16-17). Ruth is a beautiful picture of faithfulness and obedience working in the field of Boaz gleaning in the harvest. God has provided for us; as he did for Ruth, a place, a redeemer, and life. The choice is ours as to what we will do. We have already chosen not to be Orpha and we also need not be Martha. Such as Ruth received instruction from Boaz about the work in the field, we need that time like Mary spent at the feet of Jesus so we can receive instruction and strength from his word. We will encounter those as we labor for the Lord who are not willing to part with earthly possessions to take up the cross. We will also meet those who will be almost persuaded. Let me say we are all like Naomi, we can t save people, all we can do is lead them to God who is the savior of all men. Jesus said, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9: 37-38). One thing I would like to say about Boaz - he commanded the reapers to leave behind for Ruth handfuls on purpose and not to rebuke her, I am so glad we have found such a redeemer as Boaz, only greater. Rev. Mike Smith Assistant Moderator 3 THE MESSENGER SUMMER 2014

5 FIAITHFUL MEN Years of Pastoring John T Vance, Lewis Hall, and Ray Taylor These three pastors represent over 150 years pasturing West Virginia Free Will Baptist Churches. They have served on the boards of their local, state, and national conferences as well. Rev. John T. Vance was my pastor at the Holden #21 Memorial FWB Church. He preached the night I was saved and married my wife Paula and me on May 21, Rev. Dr. Lewis Hall was present when the West Virginia State Association was first organized. He is the former pastor of the Rockhouse FWB Church in Ragland, WV. He is pastor emeritus and continues to help Rev. Scott Erwin at the church. Rev. Ray Taylor is the pastor of the Nolan Free Will Baptist Church at Nolan, WV. He and Rev. Earl White have worked together for years at the church as well as the Nolan Christian Academy. This picture was taken at the Parsley Bottom FWB Church during this past March for Missions Revival. I thank God that we have men such as these all over the State of West Virginia preaching the same gospel that was entrusted to them by faithful ministers before them. I pray that our young ministers will do the same. Rev. Carl B. Lilly PierPoint FWB Bro Luther Dingess True Word of God Evangelistic Ministry Visit on the web: P.O. Box 911 Fort Gay, WV luther@truewordofgod.org RADIO BROADCASTS Daily 5:00 AM and Sundays 2:00 PM WEMM FM Huntington, WV - Tune-in or Listen LIVE at - Sundays 10:00 AM and Saturdays 12:30 PM WFGH 90.7 FM Fort Gay, WV - Tune-in or Listen LIVE at - Pierpoint Freewill Baptist Church has many reasons to Celebrate Easter this year. They have been blessed with new beginning in the Nursery Class. Under the guidance of the Nursery Sunday School Teacher; Drema Sturgill the young blessing will start out early learning about Adam, Noah, Jonah and last but defiantly not the least Jesus the true way. We all are praying that as she teaches them that one or all will become great workers for Jesus. PS. Several of our smaller blessings were not included in the photo. Delilah Gillespie drgillespie1983@yahoo.com 4

6 Mission Board of the WV State Association of FWB (Bro. Rickie Holstein) New Board Member: The Mission Board welcomes Daniel Scott as our newest Board member. Brother Daniel is from Williamson-Logan area, and will be covering several Conferences in that area of the state. We have needed someone in that area for several years. Brother Daniel can be reached at Missionaries: Tim & Lydia Awtrey, and Jonathan & Amy Postlewaite are faithfully serving in Bulgaria; a country where less than 1% of the population is Christian. Please pray for them as they labor there, that souls will be saved. Kenneth & Shirley Cooper are ministering in Glenville, W.V. Glenville appears to have a lot of friendly people; but people who are hard to get out to church. Please pray for Kenneth & Shirley as they witness to the folks in that area that the church will grow and souls will be saved. Josue & Christina Rivera, our Hispanic Missionaries are currently in the Charles Town area of W.V. The church there is doing well and many souls have been saved. Continue to pray for them as they reach out to the Hispanics in our state. New Mission Church: Missionary Josue Rivera, will be moving to Huntington, W.V. in June to start a 2nd Hispanic Church in W.V. Josue has been at the Roca de Salvacion Church for about six years. The church is doing well, and on May 17th the church had a special service to introduce their new pastor, Lennox Rankin. The Mission Board is looking forward to seeing Josue move to Huntington, and start a 2nd Hispanic church in W.V. I would ask that everyone would: 1) pray for the Roca de Salvacion Church and their new pastor Lennox Rankin; 2) pray for Josue Rivera and his family as they move to Huntington to start a new Mission Church; 3) pray that souls will be saved. March For Missions: Monies are still coming in for this years March For Missions. The Mission Board set a goal of $50, At this point in time we are a little short of that goal. Please pray that the goal can be met, or exceeded. All monies go to support our Missionaries. Mission Scholarship: The W.V. State Mission Board began a scholarship fund in The Mission Scholarship Fund was set up as a result of the Board s observation that very few young people were answering the call to enter the ministry, as a Missionary or as a Pastor. Jesus said in the great commission (Matt. 28:19-20), Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Paul later said (2 Tim. 2:15), Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. With this in mind the Mission Board, with the help of other generous donors (churches - individuals), has set up this fund to help those attending a Free Will Baptist Bible College. For information go to wvfwb.org... look on top right portion of site... go to more... go to forms... or connect Rickie Holstein at Note: The dead line for this year was April 30th. No one has yet applied for a scholarship, which is quite puzzling. 5 THE MESSENGER SUMMER 2014

7 Mission Golf Tournament The Friends of Missions Golf Tournament is scheduled for September 13th., at the Brier Patch Golf Links in Beckley, W.V. This will be the 20th year this tournament has been held. It is a great time of fellowship and it brings awareness to Missions, as well as raising some much needed support for our Missionaries. For information on the golf tournament connect Rickie Holstein at Hello and God bless from Brother Josue Rivera We want to thank God for these six years in the Eastern Panhandle. It has been a blessed journey. We got to know many people from different parts of Latin America, we connected with many of them and some of them are still here faithful to The Lord, many have gone back to their country with the desire to share the gospel to their families. During this time we have baptized 60 people. This past month of April 2014 we had our last four people getting baptized and it was one that they would never forget. We had it in the Shenandoah River the water was really cold, but they were willing to do it. They did not mind the condition of the water. It was a blessing to all of us, please continue to pray for our family as we prepare to move, the Church is getting ready for the change. We are thankful for the pastor that God has sent to take over in our place, Pastor Lennox Rankin and his lovely family, we know that God will continue to Bless Roca and the Hispanic Community in Charlestown WV, and also Alejandro Flores a faithful member of our church is ready to serve the Lord and he and Lennox will be working together. We would also like to thank every church and every family who donated diapers and wipes to our little twins they were very much needed! We received more diapers then we could count thank you so much for your giving hearts! Greetings in the name of our Risen Savior, Pastor Wayne Peters (Fayette Conference) was led to take a different approach to revival. Instead of nightly preaching and singing at the church, he and church leaders prayerfully decided to schedule three different evangelistic events. These events were to target men, women, and youth who didn t attend church. I, Sister Alice, was chosen to present the Gospel at the women s-only event. Bradley FWB WAC members invited at least 30 unsaved and backslidden women to a local restaurant. The program consisted of songs and a testimony by two of the WAC members, followed by the meal and a presentation of God s marvelous plan of salvation. As the Word was spoken, the Holy Spirit convicted of sin. Five ladies received Christ as personal Savior and six ladies rededicated their lives to the Lord. Let us pray for Brother and Sister Peters and the Bradley WAC as they disciple these ladies and integrate them into their local church family. Your missionary, working until Jesus comes, Sister Alice 6

8 WV State Bible,Music, & Arts Festival The West Virginia State Bible, Music, & Arts Festival was held this year at 5&6 Holden FWB Church on April 12, 2014, where Brother Larry Light is the pastor. The church did a marvelous job hosting this event. The was a total of about 80 contestants, in 41 separate entries, from six churches. The six churches participating were; Walnut Grove, Mc- Corkle, 5&6 Holden, Big Elk, Nolan, and Central. Attention All Pastors, Youth Leaders, Parents, Students. Out of 168 churches in the state, there was only 6 who participated in this years competition. It starts now, get together with others in your church and start planning. Out of all the different categories, ever child can participate in something. You can order the competition guideline booklet directly from Randall house, or contact the CEB. Hope to see you next year! First Place Winners Bible Memorization: Grade 1- Ryan Goble - Nolan Grade 2 - Randi Dingess - McCorkle Grade 8 - Hannah Johnson - McCorkle Bible Millionaire: Big Elk FWB Vocal Solo Grades Hannah Staton - Big Elk Grades Kaylee Workman - Nolan Grades Hannah Ward - Big Elk Vocal Duet Grades McCorkle Duo - McCorkle Grades Lacie White and Haley Dove-White - Nolan Vocal Trio Grades McCorkle Trio - McCorkle Choirs Grades Nolan Youth Choir - Nolan Grades Big Elk Youth Choir - Big Elk Instrumental Solo Grade 4 - Kaylee Workman - Nolan Sign Language Grades Big Elk Youth Singers - Big Elk Human Video Grades Simpson, Collins & Collins - 5&6 Holden Puppetry Grades Big Elk Junior Puppet Team - Big Elk Grades Big Elk Senior Puppet Team - Big Elk Drawings Grades Cory Smith - Nolan Grades Hailey Daniels - Nolan Photography Grades Jeremy Johnson - McCorkle Grades Karrah Johnson - McCorkle Grades Anna Spence - Big Elk Conceptual Art Grades Ryan Goble - Nolan Creative Writing Grades Alyson Hensley - McCorkle Interview Grades Trenton Hensley - McCorkle Humorous Story Grades Alyson Hensley - McCorkle Grades Trenton Hensley - McCorkle 7 THE MESSENGER SUMMER 2014

9 Sponsored Annually By: The Christian Education Board 2014 Mark Your Calendars, Next Years Event will be held at Central FWB Church on April 18, Start Planning NOW to Attend! 8

10 The Blood By: Glenna Price Father s ears were tender enough to hear every drop of blood that fell from His Son s body. He heard the drops that fell on the stones underneath the cross; those that fell on the sand; those that fell and absorbed into the wood of the timbers. He heard the last drop fall as death closed in. No embalming was performed on His Son! But Father measured the precious blood that spilled for our sins. Down through the ages many have adamantly refused that blood which was shed for our redemption. Father measures that too, and our refusal weighs heavy in His scales! What have we done with the blood of Jesus? How have we honored such a sacrifice that made even the angel s wince? Rest assured our responses have been duly noted and recorded! As the blood of Abel cried out from the ground, how much louder will His Son s holy blood cry out? To reject the blood is to remain scarlet with sin and unredeemed forever. It wasn t convenient for our Savior to hang on Calvary s cross. Is it convenient for us to praise Him for giving His all on our behalf? A great debt was paid at Calvary. Father is looking for, and indeed expects, payment on that debt by our praise and thanksgiving. God has invested a lot in us---his Son s life! Surely we can offer our returns of sincere gratitude for such a selfless act of love. The cross He bore; the piercing crown of thorns He wore; the warm blood He shed; the life He relinquished---it was ALL for us. Who cleaned Jesus body in preparation for burial? Who cleansed away the blood both dried and wet, from His limp body? No doubt the honor fell to Joseph of Arimaethea.. His caring hands must have been red with the blood of Jesus. Dearest Joseph, did you know He would need your tomb for such a short time? When Joseph s time came to die, perhaps Father thanked him for the loan of his tomb to His Son! Even when God formed the Earth, there was one rock He knew would be hewn out for a short resting place for His Son s body. That great stone could give testimony that the Son of God once lay in its bosom. Indeed, the Roman guards were faithfully guarding an empty tomb for three days! Death stood astounded and defeated at the door of that tomb! Christ came to forgive sins, not excuses. He CANNOT cleanse excuses, nor would Father allow one drop of sacrificial blood to be wasted on our excuses. If we are not careful,, our excuses will be our personal escort through the gates of Hell. Jesus proved His love for us at Calvary. He longs for a little proof of our love for Him. We are betrothed to Him. Can we say, I do? My blood is for your ransom. I will die that you may live. I willingly share My inheritance with you. I will prepare an eternal Home of rest for you. Is there any more we could ask of Jesus? He paid the supreme price to give us a chance to advance from a sinful world, to a Heavenly Place of eternal peace and rest. I am sure that long ago there must have been a sign posted: Vacancy. One slightly used tomb. Lift up your feeble hands, Glenna Price 9 THE MESSENGER SUMMER 2014

11 Running The Race The WV Women Active for Christ held their annual convention on Saturday, May 17th at the Herndon FWB Church. It was a cause for great celebration! We had a wonderful attendance but above all, the Lord met with us. The theme of the day was Put on Your Running Shoes based on Hebrews 12:1b and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. The Herndon ladies had visual reminders of shoes everywhere you looked! Sis. Roma Marshall, nurse missionary to Uganda, East Africa spoke to us and reminded us that our life s race may go different ways than what we planned but as long as we re following Christ, He ll keep us running in the right direction. We received an offering of $450 to help the FWB ladies in Ivory Coast build a Feminine Center. This facility is needed facilitate helping women believers learn a life skill and in which to have Bible Studies and fellowship. We also received a non-monetary offering of 121 industrial sized cans/containers of fruit, vegetables and condiments for Carpenter s Corner, a faith based soup kitchen in Beckley that serves the homeless. We had 13 ladies groups report this year and of those, they gave approximately $19,000 in monetary and tangible gifts in the past year. Praise the Lord for women who love those around them and around the world! WAC News with Sister Jody Sullivan While we have many churches that have a ladies group, only about a dozen report to our WV Women Active for Christ convention. I would like to encourage every ladies group to come and join us as we serve the Lord. As much as we enjoy our time learning and praising the Lord together, imagine what a time we could have with more of you. Here s your opportunity to join us! Our Fall Retreat will be held at the Sunshine FWB Church in Huntington, WV on September 5th 6th. Sis. Elizabeth Hodges, our National Executive Director, will be with us to share about Waiting for the Earthquake of Grace. Our mission project for the meeting will be to receive an offering for the Donnie Burke family, the Brian Williams family and the Tim Awtrey Family. The offering will be divided between these two Home Missionary families and The Awtrey s in Bulgaria. For more information about retreat you can call me, Jody Sullivan, at Hope to see you at retreat. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! On Saturday, October 18, 2014, join us for our Homecoming Celebration, commemorating 75 years in service to children and families. More details will be forthcoming as this special day approaches. Stay connected with Free Will Baptist Family Ministries Phone: Website:

12 The Messenger c/o Adam White RT 1 Box 75 Williamson, WV PRESORT STD US Postage PAID Permit 229 Huntington WV Published Quarterly by the West Virginia State Association of Free Will Baptists 100 West Elm Street Ashland City, TN Rev. Carl Lilly, Promotional Director Home: Cell: clilly21@zoominternet.net Adam White, Interim Editor and Publisher Cell: (304) adamwhite@suddenlink.net Cover Photo: We would like to give a special thanks to Sister Patty Caraway and Sister Amanda Bragg for the photos of the Bible Competition. Thank You! Messenger Submissions The West Virginia Free Will Baptist family loves reading special news & events from your local church and conference. Please your articles to the.messenger@wvfwb.org. Article deadline for the summer edition is Friday, May 3, By submitting material to The Messenger, you agree all submissions are property of The Messenger, and you agree The Messenger has been granted the non-exclusive right to edit, use, and reproduce any submission. Not all articles received will fit into the space given in each issue, there for we will try to insert unused articles at a further dates.