THE WEST VIRGINIA June, 2010 VOL. 40, NO. 5 SOUTHERN BAPTIST A Cooperative Program ministry gladly sharing the truth and gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the stories of our Lord s work in and through the churches of West Virginia Southern Baptists. Celebrating our 40th year as a convention. June 2010
From the Executive Director: Executive Director Terry Harper I began the day like any other. I got up and went into the kitchen for a bowl of Frosted Flakes and as I sat down to the table I noticed that my left hand was numb. I thought that was odd, as I did not remember sleeping on my hand the previous night. As I continued my breakfast I realized that my arm was numb as well. I had promised my wife that I would go to Charleston with her to see our convention s statewide youth choir perform that afternoon. As we drove East on I-64, I noticed that my left leg was becoming numb also. I fi nally decided that I should let my wife in on what was THE WEST VIRGINIA SOUTHERN BAPTIST (USPS 097-990) Greg Wrigley, Editor gregwrigley@wvcsb.org Published nine times per year by The West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists Number One Mission Way Scott Depot WV 25560-9406. happening. She responded by saying we did not have to go if I did not feel up to it. I told her that I thought it had something to do with the way I slept the previous night and that I should be fi ne. After we left the mall where the concert was being presented, we drove home and by this time our youngest daughter was there and of course my wife told her about my condition. She insisted that we were going to the hospital immediately. I said that I was not sure that I wanted to go to the hospital, but the little Drill Sergeant said, Well, we are going, so get in the car. Since I had just noticed that my face was getting numb as well, I decided not to protest any longer. We drove to Cabell Huntington Hospital and they took us in immediately and put me on stroke alert. The hospital staff began running tests and administering to me right away. That evening they did a CAT scan and it did not show anything. The next day they did an MRI and it showed a signifi cant stroke in the right Thalamus of the brain. Fortunate for me, I have the numbness associated with a stroke, but I do not have the paralysis. I am able to move and use my arm and fi ngers as well as my foot and toes on the left side of my body, but they are very numb (It feels like I have needles in my arm, like when your foot or hand falls asleep). Another symptom of this kind of stroke has been weakness and a feeling of being tired. So, I have spent several days resting. I am slowly getting back to my schedule but will likely not travel to a great extent for another week or two. I appreciate more than I can say the many acts of kindness and expressions of concern and love, which I have received. But my primary reason for writing about this is to say that I have realized afresh and anew just how fragile life really is. I got up on Saturday, April 24 with several things I had planned to do that day. But in the blink of an eye, that all changed dramatically. Regardless of what I had planned for that Saturday and Sunday that followed, as well as the next few days, it had to be put on park. Sometimes we get the notion that we are in charge of certain things and we know how they are going to happen. The fact of the matter is that we are in charge of nothing! If the Lord wills, it will happen. Do I think that God decided to send a stroke to zap me that day? No, I do not, but for some reason He did not choose to stop it, but I believe that He did keep it from being nearly as serious as are most strokes. I am recovering fi ne and so grateful for another day of life and truly grateful that God has allowed me to continue doing the work that I love to do. In fact, I would say that I am a more grateful person in general. As of this writing, I have only been back to work for part of two days, so I am not totally aware of the effects of this event on my work and life. But, I know that it will affect me in a number of ways: I will practice gratitude more as I walk through life. Though I have tried in the past to make every day count, I know that I will take that even more seriously, because we do not know how many more days we have here on earth. I will acknowledge more that God is in control and I am not! And, I will seek to rejoice more in the small blessings of life and even thrill at the laughter of a little one. So teach us to number our days, O Lord, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (Psalm 90:12) Sincerely, Terry L. Harper www.wvbaptists.org Note: No paid advertising or subscriptions accepted. This paper is fully funded by Southern Baptists in West Virginia. Periodicals Postage Paid Scott Depot, WV 25560 and additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Number One Mission Way Scott Depot, WV 25560-9406 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
Mission Trip to Tyrone, Pennsylvania July 17-24, 2010 WHAT-----assisting with Backyard Bible Club using the SaddleRidge Ranch VBS material, and helping with the Bible stories, the music, crafts, recreation; maybe some painting or yard work; other community service projects WHEN-----need to be in Tyrone on Saturday, July 17, mid afternoon; a group will leave from the Convention Office at 9 AM. WHERE---Emmanuel Baptist Church, Tyrone, Pennsylvania, Conemaugh Valley Baptist Association, I-99 north of Altoona, PA HOW MUCH---no more than $150 per person; will be less if you can ride with someone else; some meals will be provided; some meals on your own; housing provided [sleeping in the church building] REGISTRATION---deadline to sign up to go is Wednesday, June 30, 2010. Space is limited to about 30 people because of the sleeping space and by the number of workers needed. I need your name, mailing address, best phone number to reach you, email address, the church you attend, and [if under18] your age. Or, contact me for a registration form. Contact Greg Wrigley, State Sunday School Director, West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists if you want to participate. gregwrigley@wvcsb.org OR 1-800-411-5758 ext. 118 Check the website for more information: www.wvcsb.org Or, contact Wrigley for information and registration forms. Find some pictures of Tyrone at our webside at www.wvcsb.org. GOD S GREAT OUTDOORS Ministry Conference Saturday, August 28, 2010 9 AM - 4:30 PM Wayside Baptist Church RR 3 Box 369 B Brushyfork Road Buckhannon, WV 26201 304-472-7412-----church office TOPICS How to conduct a wild game dinner/sportsmans banquet How to utilize several outdoor activities for engaging lost people Resources for conducting outdoors ministries How to witness in an outdoor setting More!! COSTS $25 per person for a WVCSB church member [$50 for others] Lunch and snacks provided; door prizes Materials and resources for outdoors ministry provided Guest speakers: Hank Parker, Jr., Dr. Bill Brown, Brad Jerman, Steve Kemper, Steve Rockey, Mike Peters Send registration and registration fee by August 18, 2010, to God s Great Outdoors, 8193 West Emerick Road, West Milton, OH 45383 937-698-3656----phone; call if you want to pay by credit card email------ggoutdoors@aol.com LET S CELEBRATE! If your church or association is celebrating a signifi cant anniversary this year, please let us know so we can tell everyone in the Convention about it. Mountain State Baptist Association--- 45th year First Baptist Church, Ft. Ashby---30th--- September First Southern Baptist, Fairmont---May 2, 40th anniversary Grace Baptist, Parkersburg--50th---September 26-27 ---you will want to mark this down: SHEPHERDING THE SHEPHERD AUGUST 9-11 PIPESTEM STATE PARK Be looking for the registration forms WVCSB Calendar WVCSB Calendar June 4-6 - Campers on Mission Training 11 - Men & Boys Golf Tourney 12 - Crossover, Orlando 15-16 - Southern Baptist Convention, Orlando, FL 20 - Father s Day 20 - Baptist Men s Emphasis 27 - Mission: Dignity Sunday July 4 - Independence Day 4 - Citizenship & Religious Liberty Sunday 5 - Office Closed 12-16 - Go Tell Youth Camp 25 - Missions Camp Orientation 26-30 - Missions Camp August 1 - Social Issues Sunday 2-7 - Music Training Week 8 - Living with Urgency: Student Evangelism Day 8-11 - Association Missionaries Retreat 9-11 - Shepherding the Shepherd 11-12 - CGA Retreat 15-21 - Church Music Emphasis Week 21 - Foundation Directors Mtg September 5 - Single Adult Sunday 6 - Labor Day (Office Closed) 11 - WVCSB Exec. Board Mtg 12-19 - Week of Prayer for State Missions & Ola Cox Offering 17-18 - WMU Officers Council 17-18 - Men & Boys Retreat 19 - Anti-Gambling Sunday 20 - Discipleship Rally 24 - WVCSB Nominating Comm./ Committee on Committees 25 - Multi-housing Ministry Training October 3 - Sunday School High Attendance 3 - On Mission: Sharing the Good News Sunday 7 - New Ministers Orientation 10 - World Hunger Sunday November 3 - Assoc. Missionary Update 4 - WVCSB Exec. Board Mtg 4 - Pastors Conference Ministers Wives 5-6 - WVCSB Annual Meeting June 2010 3
ASSOCIATIONS HAVE INSPIRATIONAL EVANGELISM RALLIES Many of the associations in West Virginia conducted evangelism rallys in the month of March. The Rallies became a motivational event to emphasize the importance and opportunity presented by the Across West Virginia emphasis. Across West Virginia is the strategy that focuses attention on the West Virginia mission field for the next ten years. The goal is simple: every household in West Virginia by the end of the year 2020 will have been prayed for, presented the gospel, and an opportunity given to receive Christ. Enough materials have been ordered for every household in West Virginia to receive a gospel tract. Churches can use the materials prior to special Sundays [like Easter] or special events [like VBS or revival meetings] or at any time, to invite people to church and to present the gospel. Praying, engaging, sowing, and harvesting, are the key activities for implementing Across West Virginia. There is no particular time table. The key is to determine the church s evangelistic area of responsibility, praying for the people in the area, then go to those people with a clear gospel presentation and invitation. There are about 730,000 households in West Virginia which house the 1.9 million people who live here. If 10% of those accepted Christ, that would be 190,000 people. We will need to begin hundreds of churches just to meet the needs of this 10%. It is indeed a time for Southern Baptists in West Virginia to hear the Holy Spirit s call to church planting, missions, and leading Bible studies. [left] a praise team from Highlawn Baptist Church helped provide music at the Greater Huntington Baptist Association Rally. [right] Dr. Frank Page [L] brought the message at the Greater Huntington meeting. He stands with Association Missionary, Doug Virgin. [left] James Smith [R], Association Missionary, stands with the preacher [L] Jacob Atchley and the music leader, Jason Lovins, for the rally in Monongahela Association. When the invitation was given, dozens of people came forward to commit themselves to prayer and to witnessing to their neighbors in the months ahead. [right] Pioneer Baptist Association held its rally on Monday night, March 15. Pastor Seth Polk (L), Cross Lanes Baptist Church, brought the main message. Also, several people shared how they had opportunities to share the gospel in a variety of settings. The praise team from Good Shepherd Baptist and North Charleston Baptist Church, which hosted the event, helped to both lead the music and to provide special music. Raleigh Sadler (R), Campus Evangelist for the Charleston area college campuses, told how he was able to share the gospel with one of the students. Most of the associations held their rallies on Sunday night, March 14. Monongahela had its rally on Wednesday, March 17, and Coalfields did their rally on Sunday night, March 21. About 1400 people participated in the eight rallies. 4
----more (above) Pastor John Harden, New Hope Baptist Church, Madison, shared some of the amazing things that God has been doing through the church. The church building is located in the downtown area. So many people with difficult lives have been able to hear the gospel. Many teams from Florida and other states have been able to help with the outreach, ministry, and construction needs of the congregation. (below) Coalfi elds Association Missionary Charlie Minney (c) stands with host pastor for the Coalfields Association Rally, Bob Norman (r), East Williamson Baptist Church, and with guest speaker Duane Blue. Blue shared how God saved him and delivered from a lifestyle totally devoid of God to one of an evangelist. (below) Tri County Baptist Association s rally was held at Westview Baptist Church. Pastor Don Chandler, South Berkeley Baptist Church, helped to lead the program, as did Pastor Larry Tomlinson (r), Emanuel Baptist Church. WMU Missions Celebration by Aimee Scalf Westview Baptist Church of Martinsburg hosted our 2010 annual WMU Missions Celebration where over 80 attendees enjoyed meaningful worship, challenging messages and engaging missions encounters. Our weekend included IMB personnel serving in the North Africa and Middle East Region (NAME), Refugee Sewing Society of Atlanta Leadership, National WMU Foundation Leadership, West Virginia Convention Leaders, North American Missionaries and so much more! Amy Cornett [center] of the Refugee Sewing Society of Atlanta works with women relocated from refugee camps by the United Nations. Volunteers at the center teach classes such as bead work, sewing, and crocheting. We were treated to shop hundreds of items hand made by women from across the world. The majority of these women are of non Christian faiths such as Hindu, Buddhist, and Islam. The hope of the center is to earn trust, build relationships, and share the love of Jesus with the women. Each item sold profi ts the individual woman and allows her meaningful income for her family. Each item also comes with a tag stating the name of the woman and her country of origin allowing us to pray for her by name. We were blessed to hear the heart of Amy and the volunteers at the center. We also heard from Rianna Freeman from the WMU Foundation about making lasting impactful contributions through our Mary Ida Tidsworth Missions Endowment. We can touch tomorrow today. Our state is 5th in the nation in giving to our endowment and has grown faster in its beginning stage than any other state in the country. Kerri Johnson, our state leader for MITME, has a goal of West Virginia reaching $50,000 in 2010. Dividends from MITME are used to help new WMU groups form, educate leaders, and invest in our emerging generation of leadership. We had the incredible privilege of watching a family grow in front of us. Frank Pilcher, one of our North American [above L to R --Cheryl, Hannah, and Frank Pilcher] Missionaries and the Tri County Associational Missionary, and his family, shared their heart for adoption and impacting children here and around the world with the hope of a loving family and a home that leads them to the cross. They shared the story of a little girl not so far away that was in a desperate situation. They began to pray God would provide a family and a forever home for her, never intending for God to choose them, but just days before the Missions Celebration, that is exactly what He confi rmed she belonged with them. We heard from one of the Pilchers daughters a story of a man throwing starfi sh back into the ocean, when hundreds lie on the beach, a seemingly hopeless task. When asked about it, the man said it matters to this one. The Pilchers won our hearts, prayers and support with their abundant love, generosity and obedience even when it changed the fabric of their lives. As you can tell just from these small accounts, we all came away from Missions Celebration changed, challenged and charged to invest in one person. We called to love, called to invest in one woman, share hope, share life and share Christ. West Virginia WMU invites you to do the same, we can change the world one child, girl, teen, woman, man at a time just by showing we care. If you missed Missions Celebration in Martinsburg this year do whatever it takes to come next year. Join us in Princeton, WV, March 2011, when we discover what it means to be unhindered. [below: Rianna Freeman (L) stands with Kerri Johnson] June 2010 5
Dr. Richard Land spent the afternoon of March 9 at the state convention offi ce sharing news and views of ethical and polical events in our nation. Dr. Land serves as the President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Dr. Land s grasp of current events and historical context captivated the audience. Randy Spurgeon [far right] and Tommy Snyder [black vest] led deacon training events in several associations during February. The two dodged snow storms in order to make it to Upper Ohio Valley, Monongahela, and to Witcher Baptist Church. Snyder rode with Spurgeon to within about 30 miles of North Fork Baptist Church, which is near Seneca Rock in the Potomac Highlands Association. Because Randy had some resources provided by Cooperative Program giving and from LifeWay, he was able to give to each of the three associations the resource kit The Deacon I Want to Be, by Johnny Hunt. Above, Spurgeon presents the resource kit to Sol Carr, a member and deacon at Faith Baptist Chapel, Dailey Phil and Cindy Waugh worked with Randy Spurgeon to lead the Marriage Retreat. The Retreat was held at Canaan Valley State Park. About 70 couples attended the March 13-14 event. Joshua and Mindi Spurgeon provided music for the weekend. As you know, many of our SBC International missionaries serve in sensitive areas, or serve with people in sensitive areas. That has recently become the case for one of our West Virginia families. News about them will be kind of sketchy because of the need not to provide a trail to those with whom they work. We will keep WV Southern Baptists informed as best we can of the ministry of your missionaries. Did you know that we have four full time church planters; three campus evangelists; three state convention staff; eight association missionaries; and a resort minister, that are substantially funded by the Cooperative Program in partnership with the North American Mission Board? In addition, many of the church planters receive funding from NAMB, also. 6
Cheryl Harper hosted the Ministers Wives Retreat, March 26-27, at Rippling Waters Retreat Center. Some of the ladies who attended are pictured on the left. Below, Cheryl stands with Brenda Jicka (R) who was the guest speaker for the retreat. Gary Jennings, LifeWay Christian Resources representative to our area, visited in several areas in West Virginia March 22-23. Jennings and Greg Wrigley visited with Dick Howie, Immanuel Association Director of Missions, John Foster, Associate Pastor for Education at Cross Lanes Baptist Church, and with John Cain, Pastor, Big Springs Baptist Church. Jennings wanted to get an idea of the needs, goals, and visions, of some of the churches in West Virginia. Pastor Cain shared his ministry vision for the church utilizing the school they were recently able to acquire. Pictured above (L to R) are John Cain, Gary Jennings, Larry Reagan [pastor, Adams Chapel, in Tennessee], Wayne and Linda Perkins [DOM in Weakly Association, Tennessee], Charlie Minney [Coalfi elds Association Missionary], and Kevin and Angie Mullins, possible church planters in the Coalfi elds area. Pictured below is the mission team from Brenton Baptist Church with some of the youth from Emmanuel Baptist Church, Tyrone, PA. The Brenton youth visited in Tyrone the weekend of March 27-28 as an exploration trip prior to the mission trip planned for July. Rebecca Salyers (far right) led the team from Brenton. (more pictures can be seen at www.wvcsb.org) Pastor Jerry Rice (c) stands with the Mountain State Baptist Association Bible Drill competitors. There were six in the Childrens Drill and one in the Youth Drill. All seven students qualifi ed to attend the state Bible drill at Southern Baptist Fellowship in Summersville, May 1. Pastor George Secrist, New River, (R) welcomed the 60 people who attended the Easter Sunrise Service at the New River Gorge upper overlook. Many attended the breakfast provided by Graydon Baptist Church, Paul Syner, Pastor. The service is sponsored by some of the area churches. [Allegheny Association] WVCSB CHURCHES CAN BE A COMPELLING POLITICAL VOICE (by Ron Branch, Chairman, Christian Life Committee) Once, when our oldest son and his family were trying to eliminate a house mouse, fi ve year-old Justus remarked, I know all about mouse hunting, Daddy. They live in holes. They run really fast. And, they like to sneak your cheese. In no small way, the child s perspective serves as a descriptive corollary to contemporary political actions as proposed and debated each year in the West Virginia State Legislature. Invariably, during each yearly session, political agendas are forwarded that potentially sneak the cheese from the most basic of moral standards espoused by the churches of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists. Furthermore, social-engineering policies are frequently proposed that cater to elitist social interests to the detriment of exclusive Bible-based principles for marriage. Fortunately, however, certain lobbying groups and moral coalitions muster a pro-active and persistent presence before legislators, emphasizing and promoting policies to secure West Virginia from being totally swept away by radical departures from moral grace and common sense. Some of these include Jeremy Dys (West Virginia Family Policy Council), John Carey (Heritage Communications), John deblecourt (Believe in West Virginia), and Karen Cross (West Virginians for Life), to cite some. These individuals and their representative organizations are motivated to be compelling political voices. But, a daring question asks: should not the at-large Church in our state be a compelling political voice? Why should we not, the 200 plus churches of the WVCSB, be a compelling political voice, too, in the public square? To be sure, certain objections arise that stand in opposition to political involvement by churches. The most critical objection has to do with the IRS tax-exempt status, legally identifi ed as 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Concerning churches, this ruling permits exemption from corporate income tax. It also allows that donations by church contributors may be deductable for federal tax returns. However, there remains an IRS-imposed stipulation: in order for the above tax status to remain in force, the primary mission of the church should not be that of one-sided political endorsements. The necessary question then be- June 2010 7
comes at what point does political involvement by any local church become one-sided? Without ever clearly answering the question, many churches purposely forego any political involvement whatsoever for fear of losing their 501(c)(3) status. Certain secularists want churches to stay pinned to that point, too. Tami Fitzgerald, who serves as staff attorney for the North Carolina Family Policy Council, wrote in the May/June 2008 issue of the Family North Carolina Magazine ( Churches and the Political Process ) that there are those actively and purposely threatening churches with the loss of the tax-exempt status if they do not remain silent on shaping public policies. Fitzgerald stated, Many churches are receiving letters from groups such as Americans United for Separation of Church and State that attempt to keep churches silent on critical social issues and elections. Filing complaints with the IRS the goal is to intimidate people of faith and undermine the church s impact in the public policy arena. Fitzgerald concluded that churches become reluctant to participate in the political process vital to America s elective form of government. But, even without such outside threats, the Church herself appears determined within the ranks to frown on church activities that raise a compelling voice in the public square on behalf of God s moral standards. The Life Way Research blog administered by Ed Stetzer provided the results of a survey concerning Politics and the Church (2008/09). It revealed specifi cally that 74% of respondents strongly disagreed with any church endorsements concerning politics during a church service. But, that is not necessarily the case as it should be. This 2010 election year is considered to be critical to the moral direction of the state and nation. Noninvolvement by the Church should not be an acceptable proposition. Do you keep on allowing the mouse to sneak the cheese? If we of the WVCSB believe the Word of God that states righteousness exalteth a nation, how shall we presume to think legislators are going to stay close to a Bible-based world-view on critical moral issues if the corporate Church does not conduct herself pro-actively? A Bible-based world-view simply means that our opinions and perspectives for any matter or issue in life are based upon the absolute truths of God s Word. If there will ever be Biblical truth addressed to moral issues of the day within the political and governmental 8 context, the Church herself must weigh in on the conversation. FIRST, for the WVCSB to be a compelling voice, individuals active within our corporate association must exercise the freedom to vote. The Iowa Christian Alliance in Should Christians Be Involved in Politics points out, During the 20th Century, many Christians vanished from the public policy arena By the time the danger to our once-great institutions was recognized, the bright lights of the nation once known as the shining City on a Hill began to dim Clearly, our nation s founding fathers expected people of faith to participate in the political process. The people of Church can and must effectively participate in the political process through voting. The Christian should prayerfully seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit concerning the casting of a vote, and ask for spiritual discernment concerning support for or, at least, response to proposed or passed legislation. SECOND, for the WVCSB to be a compelling voice, our corporate willingness to be informed is essential. One of the annual committees cited in the WVCSB constitution is the Christian Life Committee. Although this committee lapsed into inactivity over the years, our current Executive Director-Treasurer, Terry Harper, possessed the insight, wisdom, and determination to stir this committee to action nearly four years ago. The constitutional directive of the CLC is to study moral, social, and cultural conditions of society, and bring reports and recommendations to the convention as it may deem advisable. It shall report to the convention leadership current matters of public affairs relating to the realm of Christian life. It shall seek to assist churches and associations in educational programs to inform them of moral issues and Christian Citizenship responsibilities (the writer s emphasis). The current appointees serving on the CLC include Amy Bowers, Pastor James Morton, Jr., Valerie Rogers, and Pastor Ron Branch. In coordination with the service of the CLC, and as it specifi cally concerns legislative issues critical to our churches, the WVCSB has enlisted the services of Mr. John Carey of Heritage Communications. Mr. Carey watchdogs emerging legislative proposals and signals at what times the people of the WVCSB churches should take action. Notices are communicated from the state offi ce, which leads us to a further consideration about being a compelling voice. This has to do with communicating support or opposition to our elected offi cials. As we are informed about associated issues, then our voice becomes most compelling when we directly state our opinion to our elected offi cials. Letters and e-mails are useful, but a simple telephone call to the offi ces of our representatives probably is best. It is pointed out that when House members receive eight to ten calls concerning an issue that it is attention-getting. When Senate members receive twentyfi ve calls it is attention-getting. The basic phone call should briefl y and politely state support or opposition to urge the representative to support or oppose accordingly. This activity in no small terms lets our representatives know that we are holding them accountable. A FINAL matter of our churches becoming a compelling political voice involves the incorporation of education as to how and in what ways churches can participate in the political process in accordance to the law without the threat of losing tax-exempt status. The following is a summary (not all inclusive) of what churches can do and what churches cannot do as taken from the James Madison Center For Free Speech, which states, This overview summarizes the requirements of the Federal Election Campaign Act and the Internal Revenue Code as they apply to churches and pastors: Churches may not do the following: 1. Endorse candidates directly or indirectly from the pulpit on behalf of the church; 2. Contribute funds or services directly to candidates of political parties; 3. Distribute materials that clearly favor any one candidate or political party; 4. Pay fees for partisan political events from church funds; 5. Allow candidates to solicit funds while speaking in church; 6. Set up a political committee that would contribute funds to political candidates. On the other hand, churches may: 1. Conduct non-partisan voter registration drives; 2. Distribute non-partisan voter education materials, such as voter guides; 3. Host candidate or issue forums where ALL candidates are invited to speak; 4. Allow candidates and elected offi - cials to speak at church services. If one is allowed to speak, others should not be prohibited from speaking; 5. EDUCATE MEMBERS ABOUT PENDING LEGISLATION (the writer s emphasis); 6. Lobby for legislation and may spend no more than an insubstantial amount of its budget (no more than 5%) on ----continued on p. 12
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: Tri County Association, Frank Pilcher, associational missionary. Pray (1) for laborers who have a heart for this area. (2) for those who have contacted Frank wanting to start new works, but have no Southern Baptist background; (3) that Frank will have wisdom to discern what the Lord wants to do and to know how to respond to these folks; (4) that the Lord will raise up fi nancial partners to help sustain the needs of new works. Church Planting: We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:4-5 HCSB) As the church planters push back the darkness with the Light of God s Word in the name of Jesus, the Light of the world, ask that they preach ALL of the Word of God. Pray that they will preach in the power of the Holy Spirit. Plead that they will preach boldly and without fear. Pray that God s Word be central and absolute in all their messages.* Scripture Promise: I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me would not remain in darkness. (John12:46,HCSB) Ministry Focus: Your local school---as schools get ready for the summer, there is much to do around the campus. Consider volunteering to help teachers put their classrooms in order; maybe your church could provide a couple hours of special recreation for the students [related to VBS!]; or provide lunch for the teachers one day during their postplanning. Weekend Focus: Help your children, or children in your neighborhood plan a Thank You treat for the teachers and staff at your local school. Include Scripture and an invitation to your church in the treat bag. Resource: Missions Moments 2: 52 Easy-to-Use Missional Messages & Activities for Today s Family, by Mitzi Eakers, order from www.wmustore.com $12.99 (*Prayer Closet ministries) Date June 1 June 2 June 3 June 4 June 7 June 8 June 9 June 10 June 11 June 14 June 15 June 16 June 17 June 18 June 21 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 28 June 29 June 30 July 1 July 2 July 6 July 7 July 8 July 9 Association 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 Campus Bluefield State Charleston Area Concord Univ. Marshall Univ. Mt. State Univ. WVU Morgantown Bluefield State Charleston Area Concord Univ. Marshall Univ. Mt. State Univ. WVU Morgantown Bluefield State Charleston Area Concord Univ. Marshall Univ. Mt. State Univ. WVU Morgantown Bluefield State Charleston Area Concord Univ. Marshall Univ. Mt. State Univ. WVU Morgantown Bluefield State Charleston Area Concord Univ. Marshall Univ. Church Southern Baptist, Philippi Southside, Parkersburg Spring Valley Freedom Temple, Moundsville Trinity, Buckeye Trinity, St. Albans Twentieth Street, Kenova Twin Lakes Victory, Belmont Wayside, Buckhannon Wayside, Franklin West Charleston West Ripley Westmoreland Westview, Caesars Mountain Westview, Martinsburg Wharton White Sulphur Springs Williams Creek Willowbrook Witcher Zoar, Burlington Zoar, St. Mary s Abundant Life, Triadelphia Altizer Amazing Grace, Capon Bridge Ansted Avondale Chapel Centerpointe, Hurricane Chinese Mission The Church at Martinsburg Crossroads, Burnsville Faith, Winfield Faith Fellowship, Athens Friendly Gateway, Peytona Glade Community Grace, Pleasant Valley HarborLight Harmony Highland Faith Fellowship Hope, Richwood Lifesong Lighthouse, Ivydale Living Hope, Petersburg Living River Marland Heights Ministry of Salvation New Life, Arnoldsburg New Vision Solid Rock South Wheeling Wheeling Community Abundant Hope The Bridge Carpendale June 2010 9
GREATER HUNTINGTON ASSOC. The drama team from Altizer Baptist, The Scripts, performed the Everything skit, and two people accepted Christ through this ministry. The youth participated in a spring retreat with Spring Valley Freedom Church. The Young Adult Sunday School Class is running a food pantry, which has helped approximately twenty people in a month. Cledith Campbell is the pastor. During February Eastwood Baptist s pastor Brady Lipscomb, along with Pastor Paul Harris from Abundant Hope Baptist Church, took a trip to Israel. They had the opportunity to see many of the places where our Lord walked and taught during His time here on earth. Hamlin Baptist Church, where James Caldwell is pastor, now has a website: www.hamlinbaptistchurch.org. Their youth visited two churches in Kanawha County this spring, taking their black light show and musical talent, with their youth minister, Will Basham, preaching. Highlawn Baptist Church reports that Rev. Matthew McKenzie, Minister of Music & Administration, and his wife Susan, Director of Children s Ministries, have accepted the call to be the interim pastor of a church in Kentucky. Ricky Ray is Highlawn s pastor. Several members of First Baptist, Kenova, traveled to Galveston, TX, in February to repair a church devastated by Hurricane Ike. They returned and gave the congregation a testimony of how not only were the church and pastor in Galveston blessed, but how they too were blessed. Steve Willis is Kenova s pastor. The WMU of Locust Grove Baptist Church, where Randall Robertson is pastor, sponsored a back-pack drive along with Christ Temple for an Indian reservation in Arizona. Two-hundred back-packs were fi lled with items needed for the children there. The BSU at Marshall University sent a group of students to Ocean City, MD, to assist church planter Kyle McDaniel with starting a satellite campus for Sonrise Church, SBC. In April, students organized a night of outreach where different events were planned all over campus as a way to have gospel conversations. Shay Osborne is the Campus Ministry Director. On a related note, SBC church plant, Marshall Community Church, made some ground on the campus this semester. Their Easter preview service had about 150 in attendance. They also have small groups meeting around Huntington every week. They had about News from West Virginia Churches sixty in attendance in small groups. Steve Willis is the pastor. IMMANUEL ASSOCIATION Condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Stergel Vincent, the founding pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Parkersburg, who passed away February 4, 2010. He was preceded in death by his wife Zella. Brooksville Baptist Church held a deacon ordination service for Howard Williams. Rev. Fred Basnett, pastor of Calvary Baptist, Ravenswood, preached the Ordination Sermon. Mac McDonald is Brooksville s pastor. West Ripley Baptist Church, Jack Miller pastor, ordained Jim Mahan and Ray Broscious as Deacons. Jackson Avenue Baptist Church baptized three young ladies this winter. The church s Food Pantry has been helping the community in these diffi cult economic times. Johnny and Ruth Hayman, Billy and Mickie Painter, and Josh Turner work to make this happen. On average, 100 families come each month to receive free groceries. Joe Nott is the pastor. MONONGAHELA ASSOCIATION Southern Baptist, Philippi, has called John Dixon as pastor. He and his wife Donna are from North Bend, Oregon, and will be assuming the pastorate in late June. He is currently serving with the Coast Guard and is scheduled to retire in June. They have two grown sons and a daughter who graduates from high school this year. MOUNTAIN STATE ASSOC. Jeanette Baptist Church has called John Monasmith as pastor. TRI-COUNTY ASSOCIATION The Church at Martinsburg, Jacob Atchley pastor, dropped 10,000 Easter eggs from a helicopter at Poor House Farm Park on April 3. There were over 8,500 people in attendance. Director of MCM at WVU, Michel Boyer brought a group of students to assist with this ministry. Jacob and Michel are both funded through Cooperative Program. MOUNTAIN STATE ASSOCIATION A group of 1st -6th graders from Shawnee Baptist Church, Kegley attended Children's Mission Day on April 17th at Cross Lanes Baptist church in Cross Lanes, WV. The group had a wonderful time hearing from the Missionaries and helping in a missions project by making get well cards for children in the hospital. Ron Richards is the pastor. God's people do it again! On Wednesday, March 31st, during prayer service, Rev. James Preveaux [left] & Dr. Kimmett Lott [far right], presented a gift to Pastor Mason Perry [second from left] and deacon Donny Stacy [third from left]. The gift was a donation from eleven churches and ten individuals for the amount of $10,589.57. The money was given to install a new metal roof on Isaban Southern Baptist Church, Isaban, West Virginia. For over sixty years Isaban has provided a constant witness to the people of this little coal mining community. With the exception of two former pastorates of Rev. Lott, Fairview & Washington St., and a church in Norway (Homeward Bound), all of the money came from within the Orangburg-Calhoun Association. Shawnee Baptist Church, Kegley, held a deacon ordination service on March 28 for David Dunford (L) and Daniel Fanning. Ron Richards is the pastor. 10
News from West Virginia Churches Dear friends, Thank you for praying for our recent ladies tea in which I invited the moms from Ellie's 2nd grade class, about 40 mothers. The Lord held off the mosquitos long enough for us to have a nice time for a little over 2 hours in our backyard. About 20 mothers came and one mom, Silvia, helped co-host it. Silvia is Uruguayan. She has a humble and sweet spirit. She was very generous to bring her special coffee maker and assorted coffees (Nespresso) to share! Many of the women ended up drinking the Nespresso instead of the Starbucks. I gave away some "door prizes" like 4 of our precious packs of Kool-Aid and a small bag of butterfi ngers, baby ruths and kit kats. The kit kats are available here, but the Kool-Aid and other candy bars aren't available. The grand door prize was a Clinique bag with some cosmetics inside that my mom had sent. They loved it and I enjoyed giving it! While we sat around the table, one of the moms asked what we were doing here. This gave me the opportunity to share a little bit of our testimony. So, I shared some of our story with the 6 or 7 women that were seated at the table around me. Please pray the Lord will use this and other things for His glory. There are a few new moms at Woodlands and the three that I have met I already feel like the Lord has placed in my life for a reason. Continue to pray for the moms at Woodlands, that God will give them a true hunger to know Him. I had 4 tables fully prepared, but we pushed them together to make one table. Uruguayans insist on sitting all together around one table. I have fi nally learned the lesson!! Love to you all, Tasha Clary [Tasha and her husband, Henry, serve with the IMB in Uruguay. Their family is supported through your Cooperative Program giving. Tasha is from Liberty, WV. Tasha is on the far right in the picture.] COALFIELDS ASSOCIATION MISSIONARY REFLECTS ON MINISTRY AT MINE On April 5, 2010, in the Upper Big Branch Coal Mine, 29 men lost their lives. I read the news on the computer and thought to myself that I had to do something to help. So I started making phone calls to everyone I knew who might have a contact that could get me admitted into the area. I got permission around 11:30 Tuesday morning. They needed chaplains to come and just be with the families. I made some calls to pastors in the Coalfi elds. We made the drive from Logan to Whitesville. Though a native of West Virginia, I have no experience with mines, so this was totally new ground for me. We went to the room where the families were located. It wasn t long before three men walked in and the whole room fi lled with people. You could have heard a pin drop. This was my fi rst briefi ng from the leadership of those trying to save the lives of the men. It was at this point we knew it was not going to be over that night. There were around 15 chaplains from all types of denominations at the site. Brian Warden, pastor of Horsepen Southern Baptist Church, suggested that we get the chaplains together to decide how to best minister to the families. I took the midnight shift. When I returned at 12 am there was another briefi ng, the fi rst of many ups and downs. As I looked around the room all I could see was hope, faith and love. Hope that God was going to allow this to be over, faith that God was going to save their loved one, and love for those in that mountain. I spent that night making new friends. We laughed and smiled together and talked through some struggles. I heard stories of miners who loved what they did, even with the knowledge of the price they could pay. I heard of faith in God that was carrying people through. I watched a teenage boy sit up all night just wondering what his daddy was going through. You could always tell when it was near the two hour briefi ng mark: the room would fi ll with people and it normally started to get quiet. I had heard so many great stories that it was no longer just a disaster I was working. These people were now friends. I knew some of those men in the mine. I would go to the restroom or my truck when I needed to cry and just get it out. I thought if they see the chaplain crying it could raise more concern for them. I m not sure if that was right or wrong, but I couldn t put any more pressure on those friends. My shift ended at 8 am, but I couldn t leave. I had to stay and help. I had friends that needed loved on so that s what I did. I did not leave the mine until 6pm on Friday night. I had been the associational leader in the Coalfi elds for 6 months when this took place. Canaan Valley Baptist Church [Potomac Highlands] burning of their note. Pastor Mark Joseph said "It is a great joy to be debt free. This will allow us to do more ministry to our community and reach more people with the love of Christ" In the picture [L to R] Roy Helmick, Pastor Mark Joseph, and Tena and Don Black. The Helmicks and Blacks were part of the original group that signed the note. Calvary Baptist Church [Mountain State] held a Pinewood Derby on April 10. We started our day with a Bible lesson on victory in Jesus presented by Big Creek Outfi tters. Pastor Travis Hyde cooked hot dogs on the grill. Volunteers treated participants to a picnic on the church grounds followed by a very exciting race. Race cars were donated by Mr. Frank Green of Make Tracks in Sparta, TN. Each participant decorated his/her car at a youth activity in March. There were 21 racers with three divisions. First place winners in each division won medals and each racer received a trophy. It was a grand time at RACE DAY in War! Loving, caring, praying and sharing is what we do as ministers, it s not always easy to do. I watched as ministers from all over the state came from many other associations to help. I send out a great big THANK YOU. As a Southern Baptist, be proud of what you did during this disaster. You may not have been able to come, however you provided a way for many others to come through your CP giving. I will never forget my time in the blue building learning about our God who supplied peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving the great Coalfi eld Association in the best state a person could ever live. ---Charlie Minney June 2010 11
Becoming a Church Messenger The Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention consists of representatives, or "messengers," from cooperating churches, who gather to confer and determine the programs, policies, and budget of the Convention. Each church may be represented by up to 10 messengers, depending on church size and Cooperative Program giving amounts, ensuring equal accessibility for small and large congregations alike. Messenger cards which certify the information required by Article III of the SBC Constitution and SBC By-Law 8 can be obtained by any church from the state convention with which they are affi liated, or from their local association. Members interested in becoming messengers should contact their pastors. Online Pre-Registration Once registration opens, you can pre-register online your church messengers for the 2010 SBC Annual Meeting. It's easy and convenient. No more waiting in long lines, fi lling out cards, writing your name, verifying your church, etc. How does it work? 1. When you pre-register a messenger online, each messenger gets a unique 8 digit "Registration code." 2. Write down, or print out the registration details, and give it to your church messenger. 3. When your church messengers go to the 2010 SBC Annual Meeting, they can use our "Express Lane." 4. The church messenger gives the registration code to us, we type it in the computer, and print out his name tag. And you're DONE! Note: Be sure to verify and fi ll-out any missing or incorrect information in your 2009 church information. Otherwise, the information that will be printed on your messenger's registration card will be incorrect. For further information about online registration and hotel choices for the SBC annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, visit www.sbc.net. West Virginia persons planning to serve as messengers to the SBC can either preregister online or request messenger cards from Susan Carpenter, WVCSB, One Mission Way, Scott Depot, WV 25560, or call toll free 800-411-5758 as soon as possible. The SBC meets June 15-16 in Orlando, Florida Celebrating our 40th year as a convention. ----West Virginia Southern Baptist Churches Can Be A Compelling Political Force from p. 8 direct lobbying activities; 7. Endorse candidates in their capacity as private citizens. A pastor does not lose his right to free speech just because he is an employee of a church; 8. Participate fully in political committees that are independent of the church. These constitute parameters that protect tax-exempt status. Each congregation would be wise as a serpent and remain harmless as doves to learn about all the details for church participation on political issues. As a matter of fact, the churches of the WVCSB can, on the other hand, be open and clear as a compelling political voice bringing honor and glory to God while simultaneously standing expectant of political leaders and issues to refl ect the basic expectations of God.