"It's Worth It" - Highlights of 2016 National Meeting In Gatlinburg

Transcription

1 JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI May 1, VOL. 70 NO. 9 "It's Worth It" - Highlights of 2016 National Meeting In Gatlinburg By The Editor The 2016 Annual Meeting of the Baptist Missionary Association of America was held April in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 445 churches were represented with 245 sending only letters and 200 represented by 440 messengers attending. 182 visitors were recorded for a total attendance of 662. These attendance numbers indicate a continual decrease in participation of both churches and messengers at our annual meetings. To have only 445 out of over 1200 churches to participate sends this writer a dire warning concerning the overall health of both our churches and our association. The distance to this year's meeting most certainly contributed to the limited attendance, but the decline has continued over the past few years. The rotation of meetings to be held in three strategic locations of Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi should hopefully help with both attendance and participation. Former Missions Director Grady Higgs (at podium) leads in commssioning prayer at 2016 Annual Meeting. New missionary families who were approved were joined by current missionaries present as well as chaplains and missions directors and personnel. The commissioning service and prayer ends the annual meeting each year. Future Meetings The Association accepted the recommendation of the Committee on Arrangements that the 2019 meeting be held May 6-8, 2019, at the Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas Hotel and Convention Center in Rogers, Arkansas. The Embassy Suites will be our lead hotel. The 2017 meeting will be held in Arlington, Texas. New Church North Lake Baptist Church of Smithville, Missouri, petitioned the Association for membership. Time was given during each day to meet and greet Department Directors, International missionaries, and North American missionaries. Highlights Inspirational Time The 2016 meeting included 'breakout President Jason Aultman gave his sessions' in various areas. Topics included Transformational Teaching, Corinthians 15. He stated that, "All address on Monday evening from I Resolving Conflict in the Church, Protecting Churches from Lawsuits, How Worth It All". that we do, sacrifice, serve, etc. - It Is Small Churches Can Make a Big Difference, The Importance of Women in ris presented a concert on Wednesday Gospel recording artist Larnelle Har- Ministry, and Recruiting and Keeping afternoon that was truly a blessing. Volunteers. Those attending these seminars stated they were very informative and led the messengers in worship and Harris is an awarding winning artist and inspiring. praise. His presentation of the gospel through his music proved to be a truly Reports worshipful experience. Department and Commission reports Dr. Johnny Hunt, pastor of First were shortened this year to make room Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia, Newly elected officers for are President Paul White, I VP Jeff Swart, II VP Mark for additional program participation. Livingston, and clerks Greg Medenwald, Jerome Cooper, and James Ray Raines. continued on page 3

2 2 May 1, 2016 Mississippi Baptist Larry Geraldson Director Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi Department of Missions and Revolving Loan Fund State Missionaries and Wives Bob & Edie Burch Kenneth & Carole Pollock Bobby & Lesa Elliott Danny & Brenda Bartlett Sidney & Becky Farmer Wesley & Holley Martin Anders & Carla Lee Phillip & Dawn Burns Estuardo & Yasmine Marroquin Elvis & Wendy Garcia Ed & Patricia DuVall First BMA of Mississippi Hispanic Missions Conference by Estuardo Marroquin BMA of Mississippi, Hispanic Missions Manager On April approximately 140 people from two churches and four missions gathered at Westover Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to participate in the first ever BMA of Mississippi statewide missions conference. The program included preaching from Bro. Estuardo Marroquin, BMA of Mississippi Hispanic Missions Manager; Bro. Byron Morales, Pastor of Way Truth and Life in Ripley and Bro. Humberto Regalado, Missionary Pastor of Way, Truth and Life in Tupelo. The conference was organized by Bro. Elvis Garcia, BMA of Mississippi Hispanic Missions Coordinator. Six men surrendered to missions and two new mission fields were identified. At the end of the conference, a missions offering was received totaling $ El Camino in Laurel provided lunch for the attendees and a good time of fellowship was had by all. A second conference was planned for October God continues to bless the growth and expansion of Hispanic Missions in Mississippi. Harmony Meeting The 2nd quarter meeting of 2016 for the Harmony Association was held at Big Oak Baptist Church in Fulton on April 8. After the evening meal, Dr. John Adams presented a message entitled Colors of my Soul and also reported on the work of the Moral Action Committee. There were 8 churches and a total of 35 present with 2 visitors. Treasurer Scott Johnson emphasized that all associational support checks should be mailed to him at Robbie Gregg Dr., Aberdeen, MS Motion was made and passed that Bro Mavious Phifer, long time pastor and supporter of the BMA work and Harmony Association would be honored in the new directory. The 3rd quarter meeting will be held at Central Baptist in Corinth with the church providing the speaker. Reports were given by Dr. Kenneth Pollard at his work in a new field in the Oxford area. He asked for prayer support in getting the church established in this new area. Reports were also given by Bro. Elvis Garcia, Bro. Byron Morales, and Luis Huchin on their work in the Hispanic community in Ripley, New Albany and Oxford. Bro. Bobby Elliott gave a report on the work at Freedom Hill. We were blessed to have Bro. Doug and Sister Diane Lee, Music Professors and Missionaries reporting on their work in the Philippines. Bobby Elliott - Moderator Tony Marolt - Reporter Reports for March 2016 High Attendance Membership Total Offerings Mother Church Bob Burch (Caledonia) $3, East Fulton Bobby Elliott (Burnsville) $1, Forked Oak Sidney Farmer (S. Forrest County) $5, Paramount Danny Bartlett (Clinton) $3, Wilderness Phillip Burns First Bay 30 9 $1, (Sumrall) Springs Wesley Martin (Diamondhead) $2, Campground Anders Lee (Southaven) $17, Charity Kenneth Pollock First Baptist 12 5 $ (Batesville) Mantachie 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 church plants listed below.) El Camino Marciano Montalvo $5, (Laurel) Leo Adan (Hattiesburg) $1, El Camino Rodolfo Galicia (Biloxi) 14 3 $55.00 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 & Life Byron Morales $5, (Ripley) Humberto Regalado (Tupelo) Luis Huchin (Oxford) Hispanic Missions Conference at Westover Church, Hattiesburg $1, $1, Way, Truth & Life Way, Truth & Life BMA 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 $2, (Cleveland) James Cook $1, Homestretch (Olive Branch) Collectively, our missionaries reported 256 new contacts, 154 opportunities to share the gospel, and witnessed 18 professions of faiths, and 2 baptisms and 16 joined by letter in March. Reports for April 2016 High Attendance Membership Total Offerings Mother Church Bob Burch (Caledonia) $3, East Fulton Bobby Elliott (Burnsville) $1, Forked Oak Sidney Farmer (S. Forrest County) $7, Paramount Danny Bartlett (Clinton) $3, Wilderness Phillip Burns First Bay 29 9 $2, (Sumrall) Springs Wesley Martin (Diamondhead) $5, Campground Anders Lee (Southaven) $14, Charity Kenneth Pollock First Baptist 6 5 $ (Batesville) Mantachie 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 church plants listed below.) El Camino Marciano Montalvo $4, (Laurel) Leo Adan (Hattiesburg) $1, El Camino Rodolfo Galicia (Biloxi) 7 3 $8.00 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 & Life Byron Morales $4, (Ripley) Humberto Regalado (Tupelo) Luis Huchin (Oxford) $1, $1, Way, Truth & Life Way, Truth & Life BMA 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 $4, (Cleveland) James Cook $1, Homestretch (Olive Branch) Collectively, our missionaries reported 207 new contacts, 65 opportunities to share the gospel, and witnessed 8 professions of faiths, and 1 baptisms and 16 joined by letter in April.

3 2016 Annual BMAA Meeting from page 1 brought a message on Wednesday evening. He stressed points concerning salvation. He talked about the experience and blessing of being saved, the burden of being saved exhibited, and the business of being saved enjoyed. Missionary Commissioning After Dr. Hunt's message the Missions Department presented its report. Executive Director John David Smith explained the expected shortfall in missions offerings and income for the 2016 fiscal year. Contingency plans were in place to care for such a situation and these have been implemented. A few office positions were eliminated and replaced with part-time employees. Dr. Smith stated that finances must be curtailed in some areas but emphasized that no missionaries are being terminated or brought home. Policy concerning national missionaries being on indefinite salary will be addressed. He noted that the current policy of 65/35 funding has allowed the association to send more missionaries to the field. Dr. Smith addressed the current financial shortfall in a video report two COMMISSION ON Senior Adults weeks ago. This video is available by going to the missions website at bmamissions.org Annual Meeting The 2017 Annual session will be held in Arlington, Texas. Donny Parrish was selected to bring the 2017 annual message with Cliff Johnson as the alternate. Doctrinal Statement Change and Recommendations Approved Recommendations approved by the messenger body for each department and commission are listed below. The doctrinal statement change presented at the 2015 meeting was approved by the messengers at the 2016 BMA of America meeting. The change is listed below. Article III CREATION C. Man As the crowning work of His creation, God created humankind (male and female) in His own image (Psa. 8; Gen. 1:27; 2:7). Consequently, every person from conception is of inherent dignity and worth and merits the respect of all other persons (Psa. 51:5; Psa. 139:13-16; Gen. 9:6; Matt. 10:28-31; Jam. 3:9). D. Marriage God created marriage (Gen. 1:27-28; 2:23-24). Jesus Christ declared the Creator s intention for marriage to be the inseparable and exclusive union between a man and a 4226 Highway 15 North, Laurel, Mississippi Kenneth Flynt Director North Mississippi Conference Set For May 10 in Fulton The King is coming, and what a day that will be. The theme for the North Mississippi Senior Adult Conference points us to the soon coming of the king, the Son of God, returning to gather His children to Himself. It s going to be a great conference and you don t want to miss it. A video memorial to the memory of Bro. Gary Smith will be of interest to all. Bro. John Lewis, new pastor at East Fulton will open the day s activities with a devotional and door prizes will be presented. Dr. John Adams will bring the morning message and the Dorsey Friendship Fire Department will cater the noon meal. It will be a great day for God s people to be together. Call in numbers from attending churches are provided to inform of the expected number attending from your church. This will help the caterers in preparing for the noon meal. The numbers to call are or The registration fee is $15 per person. On this day, May 10, 2016 saints will gather at East Fulton Baptist Church with registration beginning at 9:00 am and the program beginning at 9:30 am. Let s pray for a great day in the Lord at East Fulton, Bro. Bryson Haden and the Gaither Choir as they will bless our hearts with an afternoon of Gaither-style Homecoming music Thanks to all the pastors in North Mississippi who are helping promote this special day for the seniors of our churches. We look forward to a great time of worship, fellowship and just plain old praising the Lord. Special Recognition will be given to the oldest man and woman present and the church with the most in attendance (excluding the host church). woman (natural man and natural woman) (Matt. 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9). Marriage testifies of the union between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:31-32; Rom. 1:25-27). Department & Commission Recommendations Approved at 2016 Meeting Moral Action Recommendations 1. That our local associations, our local, state and national WMA and Brotherhoods, and our local churches be encouraged to give a financial gift or budgeted monthly gifts to Moral Action. These funds will strengthen this ministry. We desire to do much more. 2. That our churches and pastors embrace and support our nation by participating and promoting the National Day of Prayer (NDOP), Thursday, May 5, Join other Americans in prayer for our nation. Meetings can be conducted at town halls, city halls, county courthouses, flagpoles, state houses and churches. 3. That all our BMA churches schedule June 26 and July 3, 2016; as the Moral Action Freedom Offering Sunday. This is an opportunity to honor and give memorials to our soldiers, both past and present. 4. That the BMA family celebrate September 11, 2016 as Grandparents Day and honor their influence. 5. That Dr. John M. Adams, Executive Director, represent the BMA of America in Washington, DC at the Watchmen on the Wall Conference. 6. That our Baptist Missionary Association of America reaffirm and approve the five (5) Moral Action resolutions and that we sincerely pray for our nation and homes. 7. That we humbly request that these resolutions be printed in our BMA State Papers. 8. That Dr. John M. Adams stand as a nominee for Executive Director of Moral Action. 9. That the proposed budget be approved for Lifeword Recommendations 1. That we adopt the proposed operating budget for May 1, 2016 Mississippi Baptist Gospel Recording artist Larnelle Harris in concert 3 2. That Sunday, October 23, 2016 be set aside as Lifeword Sunday. 3. That the housing allowance be set at $2,500 per month for the chief broadcast officer, production team leader, program director, and executive director. 4. That the executive director be paid a base salary of $45,846, a housing allowance of $30,000, one-half of Social Security/Medicare, health & dental insurance, retirement at 6% of salary and an auto provided. Note: The recommended compensation is based on an independent evaluation of the executive director position by Phillip Blount & Associates, an independent compensation consulting firm used by a number of Baptist groups. Compensation levels are determined through a three-step process job analysis, job evaluation, and extensive market research. The recommended amount is at the 25th percentile level. 5. That Steve Crawley stand as a nominee for executive director. Ministers Resource Services Recommendations 1. That Ron Chesser stand as nominee for Executive Director of Ministers Resource Services. 2. That $18, of the Executive Director s salary be designated as housing allowance. 3. That the budget of $257, be approved. 4. We urge each church to enroll her pastor and church staff in the BMA Retirement Plan at Ministers Resource Services. 5. We urge our pastors and their wives to enroll in the Ministers Benevolent Society and Auxiliary. 6. We urge each church to include Ministers Resource Services in her monthly budgeted offerings to the various departments and agencies of the BMA. BMA Seminary Recommendations 1. Affirmation of the proposed budget 2. Re-affirm the appointment of Dr. Charley Holmes as president 3. Each church observe Sunday, May 15, 2016, As Scholarship Sunday with: continued on page 7

4 4 May 1, 2016 Mississippi Baptist Opinion Don Brown Page Journal of the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi Don Brown - Editor Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi DEPARTMENTS & COMMISSIONS Mississippi Baptist Paper P.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS The 2016 session of the BMA of America was held a week later than normal. The timing of these meetings and reporting do not always occur at convenient times. We attended the meeting in Gatlinburg and traveled back home late last week. The date of the meeting clashed somewhat with our publication schedule. This paper is a few days late, but does include reports from the meeting. Meetings On Tap The annual Missions and Evangelistic meeting is Friday, May 6 at South Forrest Mission. This is an exciting move since the "missions" conference will be held at an actual "mission". Dates and Changes Senior Adults The North Mississippi Senior Adult Conference meets on May 10 with East Fulton Church. This is always a great time of worship and fellowship. Midyear Meeting The midyear meeting of the BMA of Mississippi will be held at East Amory Church in Amory on Monday & Tuesday, May 16&17. The Brotherhood and WMA meet on Monday evening at 7:00 P.M. and the Midyear business session will be held at 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 17. Attendance The attendance at many of our meetings has been dropping off in recent National WMA & Brotherhood Officers years. The national meeting just held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a prime example. Our state meetings have not been as well attended recently. May we all have the enthusiasm that is seen when the Senior Adult Conferences are held. What a good example they have set for the rest of us! Oak Grove Association to meet by Ed Steele, Reporter The Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Association will convene at Calvary Baptist Church in Purvis at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday night, May 12. The messengers from our churches are reminded to arrive early for a time of food and fellowship that should begin shortly after 6:00. We are looking for a blessed and spiritual time together in conducting the Lord's business. Staff Positions Available Southeastern Baptist College 4229 Highway 15 North State Youth Department 4226 Highway 15 North Baptist Children's Home 118 Lowe Rd., Laurel, MS Missions & Revolving Loan Fund 4226 Highway 15 North Commission on Senior Adults 4226 Highway 15 North History & Archives Commission 4229 Highway 15 North Moral Action P.O. Box 88, Mantachie, MS Above - Newly Elected Officers of the National WMA Below - Brotherhood Officers for Laurel Church Seeking Pastor First Baptist Church of Shady Grove, Laurel, Mississippi, is searching for a pastor. Any interested individuals should send a resume to Pastor Search Committee, c/o First Baptist Church, 4514 Highway 15 North, or to fbcshadygrove@yahoo.com. Phone inquiries should be made to Don Brown at Pastor Search Tombigbee Baptist Church in Mantachie, Mississippi, is seeking a pastor. Those interested are asked to contact James Jones at (redjones@nexband.com) or Sid Kirksey at (kirksey@nexband.com). Church Seeks Music Director Lebanon Baptist Church is in need of a part-time music director. This person would be over leading worship service Sunday morning and night, as well as doing cantatas and other special music. We are looking for someone who is able to incorporate both hymnals and contemporary style music. All interested persons who have questions or would like to send their resume may do so by ing Adam Parker at parkeradam288@gmail.com. USPS P.O. Box 8181 Laurel, Mississippi Phone PRICE $20.00 Per Year by Mail $15.00 Per Year by CHURCH PLAN $ 1.30 Per Month per Family Don J. Brown, Editor - editor@msbaptist.org Web site Published on the 1st and 15th of each month by the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi. Periodical postage paid at Hattiesburg, Mississippi Postmaster: Send address changes to the Mississippi Baptist Paper, P.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS

5 May 1, 2016 Mississippi Baptist 5 BMA Seminary s 59th Commencement The Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary of Jacksonville, Texas will hold its 2016 commencement exercises on Saturday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the seminary s Dorman Memorial Chapel. BMA Seminary is located at 1530 East Pine Street in Jacksonville. This year s graduating class will be the seminary s fifty-ninth. Graduates will receive Associate, Bachelor and Master s degrees during the ceremony. Dr. James C. Blaylock, Library Director for the BMA Seminary s Kellar Memorial Library and Pastor of the Corinth Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Texas, will present the commencement address. Blaylock has been involved in Gospel ministry since 1960, including 50 years of service with the seminary s library and 45 years as a pastor in Cherokee County, Texas. In February 2016, the BMA Seminary faculty chose to recognize Blaylock s work in keeping records and archives by naming an 18th Century Sefer Torah after him. Blaylock has been selected to Who s Who in Religion four times and to Who s Who in the Southwest three times. He has authored several books including The History of Buena Vista Baptist Faithful Workers to Retire Dr. Jim and Carol Shine of Jacksonville, Texas, will retire from 30 years of service to the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary. The Shines moved to Jacksonville in 1974 so he could enroll in BMA Seminary s Master of Divinity program. He completed the degree in 1978 and both Shines returned in 1986 to begin working for the seminary. Mrs. Shine worked as an assistant in the seminary s business office from and She served as business manager from Since 2009 she has served as assistant to the seminary president. In appreciation for her years of service, the seminary will award her the honorary Master of Arts in Church Ministries degree during its 2016 Commencement Exercises on May 14. Carol Shine Dr. Shine accepted a teaching position as Professor of Biblical Studies and has served since 1986 as the seminary s primary professor of biblical Greek language. In addition to his M.Div. from BMA Seminary, Shine s educational accomplishments include a B.A. from Central Baptist College, Conway, Arkansas, and the M.A. (English) from Church, The History of First Baptist Church of Maydelle, and Glimpses from the Past. Blaylock earned the A.A. degree from Southeastern Baptist College of Laurel, Mississippi and both the Th.B. and M.R.E. degrees from the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary. He also Dr. James C. Blaylock earned the B.A. from the University of Texas at Tyler and the M.S.L.S. degree from the East Texas State University. In 2011, BMA Seminary awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree. BMA Seminary provides accredited theological education to qualified individuals by seeking to equip them for Christian service and leadership roles. The seminary supports the educational needs of the Baptist Missionary Association of America and other groups who share a like commitment to the authority of Scripture. Stephen F. Austin State Univers i t y, Nacogdoches, Texas. Following significant Ph.D. studies at Baylor University, the Dr. Jim Shine BMA Seminary awarded him the Doctor of Divinity in The Shines married in 1964 and have two daughters: Kelly and Keri. Individuals wishing to send congratulatory cards or letters may send them to the BMA Seminary, P.O. Box 670, Jacksonville, Texas Sharon Baptist Church Revival Sharon Baptist Church near Laurel will hold revival services June 12-15, The speaker will be Bro. Justin Cameron. The church will hold regular Sunday morning services at 10:30 with lunch at the church and an afternoon service at 1:00 p.m. Nightly services will be at 7:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Pastor Joe Watson and the Sharon Church family invite all to come and worship with them. The church is located in the Sharon community at 4346 Sharon Rd., Laurel. Southeastern Baptist College Danny Pitts - President 4229 Highway 15 North, Laurel, Mississippi 39440, (601) Danny Pitts Serving Christ With a Biblical World View In A Christian Atmosphere 2016 Graduation Set For May 12 Everyone is invited to graduation services at Southeastern Baptist College. Commencement will be at 7:30 on May 12th. Below you will find listed the May 2016 graduates with the degrees which they are receiving. Bachelor of Science Church Ministry Jason Bryant Jeffrey Carney Jeremy Clearman Josh Daniels Bachelor of Science Business Administration Denise Whitfield Patricia Wilkins Associate of Bible Jeremy Clearman Sandy Heidelberg Jeremy Wilkerson Associate of Business Lindsey Walker Associate of General Education Josh Daniels Dr. Aaron Parker will present this year s Commencement Address. His retirement as Dean made him a natural choice to speak again this year. He has served SBC sacrifically for many years, but he tells us that he is looking forwarded to fishing more while teaching. Summer Courses The two online classes offered this summer will be taught by Dr. Parker. They are OT-435, Old Testament Poetry (Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon) and OT-436 (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Lamentations). Call Monday through Wednesday at and speak to Ronnie Kitchens about registering for the summer classes or to pre-register for the fall schedule. College Day The staff declared that our College Day was the best one in years. We had about a dozen good prospects who showed up at different times during the year. Some prospective students sat in on chapel and classes. All gained more information about the school. A great meal was served at lunch. Even if you missed College Day, call SBC for information about the Fall semester. Meridan Extention The two teachers from our Meridan extention were present. Dr. Melvin Hendricks, a retired Naval Chaplain, teaches pschology. Johnny Qualls, a graduate with a masters from our BMA Seminary, teaches Old Testament Survey. They are pictured here with the president. Sofilthy's Attic by Barbara White Hospitality Curtis Coleman used to say that his Daddy used to say to people who came to visit in their home, "Make yourself at home, if you're not at home, you oughta be." Then I read a little saying the other day: "Hospitality is the art of making guests feel like they're at home when you wish they were." I've known several people through the years who had the gift of hospitality and it is always fun to go visit them. We are told to be hospitable to each other. That's just a way of saying we love and care for each other. Romans 12:13 says plainly that we are to be given to hospitality. If you don't feel like you are good at it - practice up!

6 6 May 1, 2016 Mississippi Baptist Ghana Bound A marathon of Shepherd Bags Shipments! by Fonda Norris EIM Shepherd Bags Coordinator I m happy to add this update to my previous Shepherd Bags article that I reported on in many of our BMAA state papers in February. Since that report, Evangelistic International Ministries (EIM) has had yet another shipment of Shepherd Bags. We shipped 16,068 Shepherd Bags to Ghana, West Africa! To say we ve had a banner year in our Shepherd Bags Ministry would be an understatement. A more accurate statement would be we ve had an extremely busy, but blessed five months here at the assembly warehouse in Warren. BUSY in that we ve had large shipments go out to three different countries from December 2015 to March 2016 as well as two churches taking the Shepherd BLAHHH! After my last doctor's visit, I have come to the conclusion that perhaps I should have listened to wiser voices in my younger years. Now, I won't say that my younger years were fraught with carelessness and a tendency to imbibe in unhealthy habits, but then again, I won't say they weren't either. That will be mine and my parole officer's little secret. Since I have moved away from my childhood acquaintances, I will simply blame everything unwise on them. There was a time I never thought twice about running everywhere I went. I still don't think twice about it, but I don't run anywhere either. If you are with me and I start running, don't ask questions. Just find the nearest person, trip them, and take off, because there is immediate danger in the vicinity. I remember days of roaming through the woods and wading through the swamps. I have been waist deep in muck and mud and called it fun. I have gone all night and the next day and still retained a resemblance of energy. I can recall scaling rock edifices and swinging from limb to limb in the tops of trees. I can remember waking up from a nap and having my head shaved. There were days that I hmmm, never mind. Boiled crawfish, fried catfish, and chicken and sausage gumbo all feared me. Purple onions, onion rings, blooming onions, and sautéed onions used to quiver when my name was mentioned. But, alas, no more. I have entered the period of life known as the Blah age. I'm too young to not care about my health, and too old to recuperate from strenuous exertion. Salt is no longer the friendly face I meet when I sit down for supper. Oatmeal is the reminder of things less pleasant every morning. I have a pill box for every day of the week so I don't forget and take too many of the same pills through the course of a day. I never thought I would reach an age when I didn't seek excitement. It really kind of snuck up on me. I hope this age doesn't last long. I feel like I can excel in the old codger age if I make it that far. I could perhaps do well as a curmudgeon. But for now, I'll just well, I'll just ummm well I can't think of anything. Man, I hope this age doesn't last that long. Bags with them on their mission trips. BLESSED in that in addition to last month s shipment to Ghana, we ve assembled and shipped a total of 55,150 Shepherd Bags in five months! That is a record in our 17 years From The Mind of Chuck Lee Lee pastor's Pine Grove Baptist Church, Purvis. He may be reached by at leecharles47@yahoo.com of assembling bags! They are currently in the countries of Honduras, the Philippines, Mexico, Nicaragua, and now Ghana being used to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ!! I marvel at what God can accomplish using resources He supplies through His people, willing workers to help and sometimes just a lot of hard physical labor. We are looking forward to being able to go into schools and villages in Ghana this summer with our Overseas Bible School team and distribute many of the bags. It s always exciting to hear BMA Minister and EIM Founder Bro. Rocky Goodwin take the John 3:16 Frisbee (as shown in the photo while in Ghana) and the Gospel story/color book designed especially for our Shepherd Bags and speak to the children of God s love for them and present the plan of salvation using these teaching tools that we place in all of our Shepherd Bags. To date, we have had our John 3:16 Frisbees printed in five languages. When we see them flying around the school yards, remote villages, out in the bush of Africa or the jungles along the Amazon we ask ourselves, God, where will You take Your Word? Only heaven will reveal that awesome truth as we know His Word will not return unto Him void. continued on page 7

7 2016 Annual BMAA Meeting from page 3 a. special prayer for our graduates b. receive a special scholarship offering to support the training of future BMA pastors and missionaries on that Sunday. DiscipleGuide Recommendations 1. We recommend the adoption of the 2016 DiscipleGuide Budget. Dr. Johnny Hunt, pastor of FBC Woodstock, Georgia, bringing message 2. We recommend that Scott Attebery stand as a nominee for the position of Executive Director of DiscipleGuide. 3. We recommend that the executive director be paid a base salary of $49,646, a housing allowance of $32,000, onehalf of Social Security/Medicare, health & dental insurance, retirement at 6% of salary and an auto allowance. Note: The recommended compensation is based on an independent evaluation of the executive director position by Phillip Blount & Associates, an independent compensation consulting firm used by a number of Baptist groups. Compensation levels are determined through a three-step process job analysis, job evaluation, and extensive market research. The recommended amount is at the 25th percentile level. 4. We recommend that churches participate in DiscipleGuide s Kingdom Investment special emphasis on December 18, Outgoing President Jason Aultman presenting gavel to newly elected president Paul White. BMA Foundation Recommendations 1. That the proposed 2016 operating budget be approved. 2. That the Executive Director s compensation be set at $9, That $7,200 of the Executive Director s compensation be designated as housing allowance for income tax purposes. 4. That Charles Attebery stand as a nominee as Executive Director. 5. That members of BMAA churches prayerfully consider tithing their estates with a bequest directed to the BMA Foundation. Missionary Advisory Committee Recommendations 1. We recommend Ashraf Sara for a three-year term as a church planting catalyst among Arabic speaking peoples in the U.S. 2. We recommend Jesse Garrido for a three-year term as a church planting catalyst among Spanish speaking peoples in California. 3. We recommend the approval of the proposed BMA Missions Employee Compensation Policy. 4. We recommend Joe Costa as missionary to the Middle East to be elected in April We recommend that we endorse the ministry We Are Free and that it becomes a partner ministry. 6. We recommend Angel Colon as a North American Church planter to Vidalia, Louisiana. 7. We recommend monthly support for the Hispanic church planting effort in Louisiana with up to $2,000.00, as per budget availability. (Angel Colon). 8. We recommend Carl and Dana Sookraj as self-supporting missionaries to Peru. 9. We recommend the election of Tatiana Tinoco and Susy Galvez from Peru as missionaries to India in partnership with the Peruvian association. 10. We recommend the proposal made by the missions office leadership concerning Larry Barker and North American church planting. We recommend that Larry Barker serve as the leader of North American Church Planting with a monthly part-time stipend from the missions office. 11. We recommend the 2016 budget as presented by the Missions Department. 12. We recommend the re-election of Dr. John David Smith as Executive Director of Missions. 13. We recommend that the Executive Director s salary be set at $44,000. Along with all director s housing allowances set at $24,000. May 1, 2016 Mississippi Baptist MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME 118 LOWE ROAD, LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI (601) SIDNEY DAVIS - DIRECTOR SIDNEY DAVIS Bless the Lord, O My Soul Psalm 103 is simply a Psalm of praise to the Lord. The psalmist is not asking or requesting anything from the Lord. He is just rejoicing in the Lord his God for the many benefits that have been granted to him. Verses 1, 2. Notice that he praises the Lord for His forgiveness, verse 3; for His redemption, verse 4; and His satisfaction, verse 5. Indeed we have much to praise the Lord for, but surely the blessings that have just been mentioned are among the things that are on our praise list. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:1, 2. Bless the LORD, He Still Saves The Lord continues to bless the ministry of the Mississippi Baptist Children s Home in the salvation of souls. I m thankful to be able to report that since my last article, two of the girls at the Home have made a public profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for these young ladies as they grow in their daily walk with the Lord as a Christian. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Praise the LORD! Bless the LORD, Students Progressing in Studies As I mentioned in the last article our girls and boys continue to do well in their academics at school. We are thankful for the first grade boy, second grade boy, and third grade girl for making the Honor Roll (B s or better) this past nine weeks. We give the LORD praise for their progress. School will be out in just a few short weeks. They are looking forward to a good summer! Remember in Prayer and Focus Verses Continue to remember the girls and boys and the ministry of the Home in your prayers. Read and meditate on Psalm 103:1-5. Shepherd Bags continued from page 6 Our unisex Shepherd Bags continue to be a great cost effective tool that not only blesses children and brings many happy faces, but it also opens many doors for EIM to go and make Jesus name known among the nations. Please continue to pray for the Shepherd Bags Ministry as we continue to be faithful stewards of all that God sends our way through your support. We take all monies donated for Shepherd Bags and use it to purchase items to go into the bags, have our EIM Gospel story/ color books printed, and pay all shipping and in-country transportation costs. We always remind everyone that we make bags all year long as long as God provides funds. As of now, due to the large number of Shepherd Bags shipments, we have depleted our funds so we 7 are waiting to allow our funds to build back up. We re praying summer time brings many VBS offerings that will allow us to begin to get back to work soon. If you would like to find out how you can be involved in the Shepherd Bags Ministry, visit our website at and go to the Shepherd Bags link. Or you can call us here anytime at Our summer Shepherd Bags distribution trips are already filled but if you are interested in taking a trip to hand out bags and bless children in Honduras, our next available trip is November 28 - December 2. We book our trips early so don t delay and come with us and watch God work using a simple one gallon zip-loc bag. Please continue to pray that we will be found faithful to what God has ordained for EIM to do and that is preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost all around the world.

8 8 May 1, 2016 Mississippi Baptist Lifeword Community Radio: Part Three of Three At only two years old, Lifeword Community Radio is the youngest of the three parts of Lifeword Media Ministries vision. (Lifeword Broadcasting and Lifeword Media and Leadership are the other two.) For this fifty-year-old media ministry, it is the most exciting and effective tool for church growth that Lifeword has created to date. Above - LifeWord Philippine Director Pete Etabag works with Bible College students on antenna Below - Bro. Etabag demonstrates community radio equipment This project partners with indigenous local churches in third world countries to own and operate their own FM radio stations. Ninetyeight percent of the people who attend the typical third world church will live within five to seven miles of the church and walk everywhere they go. Even though its power is only fifteen watts, to everyone within that range it sounds just as big as any other radio station. Local churches can air Lifeword programs in their own languages or dialects seven days a week if they want, and it encourages the people of each church to create their own original programming to serve the community. As those church-based stations develop programs in their indigenous languages, Lifeword collects the best ones, and soon there will be enough great shows to program a 24/7 radio station in each Lifeword dialect. Using internet streaming to mobile phones, which will soon be a reality in nearly every country in the world, that station could be heard by nearly every person in the world who speaks that language! Lifeword staff members train the personnel to create programs of interest to the community and to weave the gospel message into that communityminded programming. This is a true partnership between the local church and Lifeword. To insure Erecting antenna at church in Philippines success, the people of each local church make the financial sacrifice of $300 to pay for the equipment. Once they invest their own money, Lifeword will invest $1,500 to bring the equipment to the field and train the pastor and the church s broadcast team to install and operate the station. The final step is when that church s broadcasters train other broadcasters, the same driving force Missions uses to teach discipleship and plant churches: Lifeword trains broadcasters to train other broadcasters just as Missions trains missionaries to train other missionaries. Those new broadcasters/missionaries then agree to help other churches do the same thing. This media discipleship is exactly what Jesus did with his disciples and what Paul did with Titus and Timothy. Lifeword Media Ministries is committed to continuing this multiplication method until the whole world hears. Display Area at 2016 BMA of America Annual Meeting