SOUTHERN BAPTIST THE WEST VIRGINIA. April, 2009 VOL. 39, NO. 4

THE WEST VIRGINIA April, 2009 VOL. 39, NO. 4 SOUTHERN BAPTIST A Cooperative Program ministry gladly telling the stories of God s work in and through WV Southern Baptists April 2009

Executive Director Terry Harper THE WEST VIRGINIA SOUTHERN BAPTIST (USPS 097-990) Greg Wrigley, Editor gregwrigley@wvcsb.org Published ten times per year by The West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists Number One Mission Way Scott Depot WV 25560-9406. 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 From the Executive Director: Dear Friends; Cheryl and I just enjoyed a great weekend with our Bi-Vocational Pastors and their wives at a retreat held at Stonewall Resort located in Roanoke, West Virginia. These folks make a real sacrifi ce to serve some of our churches here in the Mountain State. They are a sweet group of people who work a full time secular job and also serve one of our churches which as you know is also a full time job. In an effort to minister to these folks and as a way to show our appreciation to them we provide this retreat each year. We are also appreciative of Vernon and Jean Beachum who serve as volunteer coordinators for this group and for this event in particular. This year we had the largest group ever to attend this event in the eleven years it has been held, with 40 in attendance. It was a sweet time of fellowship, learning, sharing and eating together. Please pray for this group of faithful servants as they serve God and the WVCSB. As you may know, we also hold a retreat for all other pastors and church staff in August, that we call Shepherding the Shepherd. This year that event will be August 10-12 at Pipestem. Dr. John Sullivan and Rev. Steve Freeman will be our leaders for that event. If you are a pastor or church staff member, please put this on your calendar now and plan to be present if at all possible. I know you will be refreshed and renewed in your service to the Lord and His church. We want to welcome Jimmy and Diana Bledsoe as he has joined our staff as Director of Evangelism/ Youth. If there is any way he can be of assistance, please feel free to call upon him at the Baptist Building. He is open to visit your church or your youth group and offer assistance in training or other areas. This has been a year of transition in some ways for your state convention as we have had some very normal change and turnover in the state staff. Jacob Atchley transferred to the Eastern panhandle as a church planting strategist for us. This is an area that has long needed some serious attention by our convention. Jacob will not only be planting a church, he will work with our Associational Missionary Frank Pilcher to prepare for future church plants in this very rapidly growing area of our state. In addition, we received a retirement announcement from Maxine Bumgarner to be effective at the end of November. Maxine has done an amazing job for thirty years as our leader in this area of missions and mission s education. She has built a wonderful program. Her s will be really big shoes to fi ll. However, I believe that God will have just the right person as we pray and seek His face to go forward in this great area of ministry. Our Evangelism Celebration is being held in two different areas of the state this year, in an effort to make it more accessible to more people. You can attend the one closest to you or that fi ts your schedule better. You can even attend both, if you are so inclined. They will be held on April 23 at Burke Memorial in Princeton and on April 24 at Temple Baptist in Moundsville. I hope to see many of you at these events. If I, or any or our staff can be of assistance to you in any way, please give us a call. Because of your gifts to the Cooperative Program, we are available without cost whatsoever. Cheryl and I love serving you and the Lord here in this beautiful state. Thank you for allowing us to be your servants. Terry L. Harper, Executive Director 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

WVCSB Calendar WVCSB Calendar April 4 - WVCSB Exec. Board Budget/Calendar Mtg. 5 - SBC Seminaries Sun. 10 - Good Friday (WVCSB Offices Closed) 12 - Easter 12-16 - Baptist Doctrine Stdy 18 - Sunday School Builders Training 19 - Life Commitment Sun. 23-24 - State Evangelism Celebration 25 - Youth Sing Celebration 26 - Cooperative Program Sunday A Christian Leaders Conference. Registration is $59. Send name, address, phone, and email to Thomas Road Baptist Church innovatechurch 09 One Mountain View Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 OR register online at www.innovatechurch.us LET S CELEBRATE!! Several of our churches are celebrating special birthdays this year. If your church is celebrating a significant year please let us know. Cross Lanes, Pioneer Association 50th March 8th North Charleston, Pioneer Association 50th June 7th Calvary, Ravenswood, Immanuel Association 50th June 28th Immanuel, Princeton, Mountain State Association 60th July 19th Hillcrest, Spencer, Immanuel Association 35th August 16th May 1-2 - Ministers Wives Retreat 2 - Disaster Relief Summit 2 - Children s Missions Day 3 - Senior Adult Sunday 3-10 - Christian Home Week 9 - Children s Bible Drill 10 - Mother s Day 14-15 - Ministry Training 14-16 - CWJC/CMJC Training 17-23 - On Mission in Baptist Associations 25 - Memorial Day 29-31 - Campers on Mission Spring Rally 31 - Day of Prayer/Fasting for World Evangelization June 12 - Men & Boys Golf Tournament 20-21 - Crossover, Louisville 21 - Father s Day 21 - Baptist Men s Emphasis 21-24 - SBC Annual Meetings, Louisville, KY 28 - Mission: Dignity Sunday July 3 - WVCSB Offices Closed 4 - Independence Day 5 - Citizenship & Religious Liberty Sunday 13-18 - Centrifuge 26-27 - Missions Camp Orientation 27-31 - Missions Camp April 2009 3

JIMMY BLEDSOE BEGINS WEST VIRGINIA MINISTRY Jimmy Bledsoe began his ministry as Director of Evangelism and Student Ministries on March 15, 2009. He was born in Indiana. He and Diana were married in May of 1996. The Bledsoe s have two sons, Caleb and Isaac. He was ordained for the ministry in April, 1996, by First Baptist Church, Sellersburg, IN. Bledsoe brings a wide range of experience to his new ministry. He is concluding a two year service with the International Mission Board. He worked in Tanzania with church planters and volunteer teams. His work in Tanzania is being used in his doctoral studies at Southern Seminary. He anticipates graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in December of this year. Bledsoe completed a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, in May, 1995. He continued his studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He completed a Master of Divinity degree in May, 2001. His focus of study was in church growth and evangelism. Jimmy and Diana met while in college at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. Jimmy says, I like to spend time with my family. I also like to fi sh, watch sports (since I can t play them all that well) and try to play guitar. WV-FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP DIRECTORS MEET The Florida Baptist Convention is continuing to strongly support its partnership commitments. There has been a severe drop in giving by Florida Baptist Convention churches during the last three years. Florida was one of the fi rst to be hit in the current economic downturn. When the housing market crumbled, it took many other businesses with it. Craig Culbreth (L) reported to the West Virginia partnership leaders that Florida s commitment to both fi nancial and mission team assistance will remain strong. (L) Dr. Craig Culbreth and (R) Rev. Gene Wilbanks met with the WVCSB partnership team January 29 to review the status of the partnership. Dr. Culbreth serves as the Director of Partnership Missions for the Florida Baptist Convention. Gene Wilbanks serves as the coordinator for WV mission trips with the Florida Baptist Convention. Gene and his wife, Margaret, spend serveral weeks a year in various parts of West Virginia visiting churches, pastors, participating in a variety of events, and greeting as many Florida teams in West Virginia as they can. When he is in Florida, he encourages churches to participate in the West Virginia partnership, answers questions about West Virginia, and helps to link people in Florida to the requests from West Virginia. Everyone agreed that the partership was benefi cial to both states. Dr. John Sullivan, the Executive Director of the Florida Baptist Convention, remains supportive of the work in West Virginia. Dr. Sullivan is from Ansted, WV. Dr. Sullivan attempts to visit West Virginia each year, too. He plans to be at Shepherding the Shepherd in August. [pictured to the right] Craig Culbreth hands the check from the Florida Baptist Convention to Terry Harper. The money is used primarily for church planters salary support and church planting supporting events. Delton Beall (far right), as State Director of Missions, serves as Partnership Director. Contact Delton or Terry Vaughan (not pictured) if you want to have a team from Florida. MARSHALL BSU NEWS Our campus missionary at Marshall University, Shay Osborne, gives this report: Marshall University s Baptist Student Union started the spring semester strong in 2009. Our weekly meeting is averaging 50-60 students on Monday nights. This semester we are answering questions that students send in about the Bible, relationships, and life in general. Each week we present a biblical view of the topic along with some practical application for their lives. The Gospel is the center of what we do so each topic is ultimately brought back to Jesus Christ and the cross. You can listen to any of the messages at www.marshallrevolution.mypodcast. com or search for them in itunes. Check us out on the web at www.marshallrevolution.com Thank you for your support and prayers. (a Cooperative Program ministry) BLOGGING, ANYONE? Some of our pastors have blogs. Below are the ones of which I am aware. Pastor, send me your address and I will be happy to put the word out for you. Jim Drake----- http://brushforkbanner.blogspot.com Dan Biser------http://dbiser.blogspot.com/ Seth Polk------http://sethnpolk. blogspot.com/ CJ Adkins-----http://cjablog.blogspot.com/ 4

VBS Has SBC Bragging Rights By Polly House NASHVILLE, Tenn., 2/5/09 -- Vacation Bible School continues to be Southern Baptists most impressive form of evangelism. According to fi gures from 2007, one in 16 children ages 5-12 in America enrolled in a Southern Baptist VBS. The evangelism potential for VBS is unbelievable, said Ken Marler, network partnership specialist with LifeWay Christian Resources, who led sessions on engaging the entire church in VBS preparation and the importance of VBS follow-up during the VBS Preview event Jan. 29-31 at LifeWay in Nashville, Tenn. We enrolled more than 2.9 million people in VBS [in 2007] and about 2 million of those were ages 5-12, Marler said. When you realize that there are 32 million children in America who are between ages 5-12, it s staggering to think about one in 16 children in that age group was enrolled in a LifeWay VBS in a Southern Baptist church. VBS typically accounts for about 25 percent of the professions of faith leading to baptisms in Southern Baptist churches. VBS is a ministry of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. jacob, lindsey, india atchley begin new ministry February 23, 2009 Friends and Ministry Partners, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation for the partnership we have had over the last few years. Together we have labored in the field to reach our fellow West Virginians with the hope of the Gospel. Planting our lives in West Virginia has proved to be one of the greatest decisions Lindsey and I have made. During our time here God has given us a child, family, friends, and a support system for our life and ministry. It is with a mixture of emotions that I write this letter. Working out of the State Convention offi ce has afforded me the opportunity to travel and connect with many churches in the past few years. Those connections will not cease; they will merely change. We live in a world that has been flattened by technology and modes of travel. Lindsey and I, along with the church we are planting, will seek to discover various ways of communicating all that God is doing in and through our lives and the life of this burgeoning church plant. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the churches here in West Virginia and to be sent by the churches of West Virginia to plant churches in our great state. As I transition from the Director of Evangelism to a church planting missionary I hope and pray that the friendships and working partnerships we have worked hard to develop will fl ourish and grow as we move forward in reaching our state, nation, and the world with the Gospel. In regard to forms of communication we have set up the following: *Website www.martinsburgchurch.org-this site will be live and online on 4/1/09 *Online Newsletter and Prayer Needs available on www.martinsburgchurch.org *Email jacob@martinsburgchurch.org *Physical Address and Phone Numbers will be available at www.martinsburgchurch.org Additionally, I would be honored to continue partnering with you for preaching and revival services as you have need or desire. Please contact me as you are led. Again, thank you for this great opportunity to serve and be served here in WV. Our family plans to invest our lives in this great state. We have fallen in love with WV and it has quickly become our home. Thank you for allowing us to become a part of your family. Lindsey, India, and I are deeply indebted to you. We love you and look forward to a continued partnership as we seek to proclaim the Gospel and reach those far from God. If you know friends or family who are unchurched in the Martinsburg area please send me their contact information and I will get in touch with them. Until the Nets are Full, Jacob B. Atchley Beall s appointed Delton and Jeannie Beall were appointed to serve as North American Mission Board missionaries in a service February 22. Delton was commissioned to serve as the State Director of Missions for the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists. The commissioning ceremony was held at First Baptist Church, Rincon, Georgia, which is near Savannah, Georgia. The Beall s were members of the largest group of missionaries commissioned at one service by the North American Mission Board. Delton serves as State Director of Missions. His primary responsibility is in the area of church planting. He also works with the associations and the association missionaries to help them carry out their ministries. Another role Beall has is serving as the leader for disaster relief work in the state. He works with the North American Mission Board and the associations to conduct proper training and to coordinate relief efforts. Beall also is the director of partnership missions for the convention. His major task is to work with the Florida Baptist Convention. He works to make sure the many events on which the two conventions partner operate smoothly. But he also assists churches or associations connect with partners in order to meet the ministry needs and goals of those groups. Beall has other missions areas in which he works, too. He works with Campers On Mission, Mission Service Corp, and assists people looking for mission trips. In addition, he assists churches with missions education needs. Delton and Jeannie serve with about seventy-fi ve other North American Mission Board appointed personnel in West Virginia. All of these missionaries are able to serve in West Virginia because of gifts through the Cooperative Program and through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for home missions. April 2009 5

our troops hear gospel in dangerous places The following email comes to us from Chaplain Jack Miller. Miller serves as a military chaplain. He also serves as pastor of West Ripley Baptist Church. Miller and other Southern Baptist military chaplains are supported through your Cooperative Program giving. Hi. I thought I would give you an update on what s happening on my side of the globe; feel free to share the information if you couldn t speak of it, I wouldn t be emailing it. And some of it is worth sharing. My location is in one of the most oppressive nations in the world as far as treatment of non-host nation nationals, women, and of course those of our faith. Before I arrived, a 13 year-old girl was executed for converting to our faith; this was done by beheading. Her parents turned her over to the religious police. Women are not allowed to speak in public and must wear the full Islamic dress; they don t drive and they don t take their eyes off the ground in public. Only a handful of people are allowed off of the Installation; I am one of them, it is too dangerous otherwise. I leave once a week, with an armed security team in an armored vehicle, travel to the U.S. Embassy in civilian clothes and diplomatic credentials the purpose is for a meeting where I speak only the truth. In this meeting, there are several leaders of the underground in this nation. I have 4 other such meetings a week; not counting the Word studies which total 4. Amazing things have happened by Divine plan and hand; I am just feeling really blessed to be here even with gear on. The reason on Good Friday, I will be taking at least 20 new brothers/sisters swimming for the fi rst time. That number will probably rise; it grows every day as seeds are planted and watered I ll tell you this, I am in awe. In the words of the hymnist, I stand amazed in His presence. There are a lot of reasons why this venture has been so successful; least of which is my presence. I would credit it to two things: The power of prayer there is an untold network of people on their knees over this. Secondly, the work so many have done before me in the people s lives. I can t really speak of much else without giving away threat levels and such; but when I get back, I do have more ministry type of stuff to tell that can t be included here. I will say this: I am the only military SBC chaplain in WV. If some of our people only could see what I have seen and been a part of what I have been a part of in this God forsaken country; there would be an infl ux of others. There s no doubt in my mind the fi re would be lit. I hope all things are going well. Have a wonderful day. clary s report satan s attacks in uruguay The following is an email from Henry and Tasha Clary from Uruguay. Tasha is from Liberty, WV. The Clary s are serving with the International Mission Board. Tuesday, 17 Feb 2009 Hello dear friends: We've been here in Uruguay about 2 months now. Many things have gone very well and we feel very much at home here. Henry and I were just refl ecting the other day that we felt we were born to be here. However, we have a very real enemy who has noticed us and has been making life here diffi cult in many ways. We are asking for your prayers for protection of our family. Many strange things have happened, more than just the "normal trials of life" that Dr. Gene Mims has spoken of in one of our favorite sermons. As a short review, since we left the States for the fi eld, I, Tasha, have begun to have health problems and am still having problems (more later if they worsen). We have experienced a pregnancy and miscarriage and my grandpa just died. These things happen, but we've also had many things around the house break and other things pop-up that keep us from being able to do ministry well. Today was a particularly hard day. I plan to work in children/youth ministry and feel like Satan has actually been using our teen and some others to try to discourage us. Without all the details, we have felt attacks increasing over the last 2 weeks and have been particularly bad today. I felt these attacks coming on, so I started reading Charles Stanley's book, When the Enemy Strikes. It is as if that has only provoked more activity. All of this is to ask for your increased prayers. We know we are called here at this time, but we're seeing Satan working in very real ways here, even through our children. Please pray for us. Love, Tasha and Henry, Hugh, Mark and Elise (The Clary s are supported by your Cooperative Program giving) coleman prepares to serve in africa Melissa Coleman is a member of North Charleston Baptist Church. She felt God s call to serve in international missions several years ago. She pursued several possibilities before the doors for service opened through Wycliffe Bible Translators. Wycliffe is not directly associated with the Southern Baptists International Mission Board. However, on the mission fi eld the two groups many times work together on projects. Melissa works in a Charleston area business. Her training and gifts are in the computer area. Wycliffe has a place for her in Cameroon, Africa. She will be helping with data compilating and organization related to translating languages. One of the requirements for her to go on the fi eld is to learn the language of the local people. In the case of Cameroon, it is French. Melissa will spend a year in Europe attending language school. Another requirement in serving with Wycliffe is that she has to raise her own funding for her time in language school and on the fi eld. If you want to contact Melissa you can do so at Melissa_Coleman@wycliffe.org. 6

PIONEER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Executive Board meets monthly to carry out the work of the association. Jimmy Morton, right, serves as Moderator. Bernard Toppings, next to Morton, is the Association Missionary. Toppings also serves as pastor of Witcher Baptist Church. Sherri Milam is the secretary and treasurer for the association. Danny Cunningham (next to Sherri) serves as Multi-Family housing consultant. Norm Cannada (L) works with church planting and other ministries. Not pictured is Rev. Stephen Button, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Winfi eld, who serves as Vice-Moderator. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)--Registration for messengers and local hotels is open for the June 23-24 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. SBC President Johnny Hunt has selected "LoveLoud -- Actions Speak Louder Than Words" (Matthew 5:16) as the theme for this year's sessions. Hunt, pastor of the Atlanta-area First Baptist Church in Woodstock, told Baptist Press he hopes the LoveLoud emphasis will "challenge our denomination to demonstrate to our communities, our country and around the world the difference Jesus Christ makes in our lives and in our churches." The annual meeting is being held in Louisville in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the founding of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. (For a list of SBTS sesquicentennial events, go to www.sbts.edu/about/sesquicentennial.) Churches can register their messengers online at www.sbc.net to avoid waiting at the counter upon arrival at the convention. By registering online, the SBC website gives a church a messenger reference number form to be printed out and presented by each messenger at the SBC registration booth in exchange for a nametag and a set of ballots. The appropriate church-authorized representative must complete all online registrations. The traditional registration method also is available for those churches that are unable or may not opt to access the online registration. Registration cards are available from state convention offi ces. Each year's SBC annual meeting includes a Crossover evangelistic outreach across the local community (June 20 in Louisville); the Pastors' Conference, Woman's Missionary Union celebration and numerous other meetings of SBC-related organizations; child care and age-appropriate programs for children and youth. Details will be appear in April in SBC Life, journal of the SBC Executive Committee, and in Baptist Press. For further information about online registration and hotel choices for the SBC annual meeting in Louisville, visit www.sbc.net. Compiled by Baptist Press editor Art Toalston. 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 as soon as possible. April 2009 7

DISASTERS HAVE MANY FACES by Phil Toothman [This is the fi rst article of a two part series concerning the nature and classifi cations of disasters.] While for some a broken fi ngernail may qualify as a disaster, the disasters we deal with in Disaster Relief are much more serious. When we pass a pile of furniture set out for collection after a fl ood or other disaster, it looks just like a pile of furniture, but for the survivor it may be all they have in this world. It may look like junk to us, but it may have been a valuable heirloom from their ancestors. Try to imagine how you would feel if you came home and found everything you owned was destroyed, maybe even some family members gone. Where or how could you begin again to establish another home? Where would you start? Why has God allowed this to happen? Those are some of the questions we are asked as we minister in Disaster Relief from those who have survived. We are there to help them, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The material for these articles is taken from the introductory course for Southern Baptists Involving Southern Baptists in Disaster Relief. A disaster is an occurrence which causes human suffering or creates human needs that the people involved can not alleviate without assistance. A disaster can be either man made or naturally caused. No matter the cause, the devastation can be the same. A disaster normally affects more than one person. Typically, there is an element of danger associated with disasters. Types of Disasters Disasters may be classifi ed in three ways: 1. Natural/man-made 2. Extent of destruction 3. Primary/secondary 1. Natural/man made type of disasters Some examples of natural disasters are: Blizzard High wind Drought Hurricane Earthquake Ice storm Famine Tidal wave Fire Tornado Flood Typhoon We can not prevent natural disasters. They will occur no matter what we do. All we can do is take precautions to minimize or prevent the effects of the disaster event. The following are examples of disasters that can be or are caused by man made factors: Boat accident Highway Accident Bombing Industrial Accident Bridge collapse Nuclear Accident Chemical spill Riot Crash Terrorist Attack Drowning Transportation Accident Explosion Natural Gas Leak Fire Power Failure Flooding I m sure most of us have experienced at least one of these disasters, most likely more than one. We may not have even classifi ed it as a disaster. In theory, we could prevent all man made disasters. That is if we had not created or did not create or use the elements which are involved in the disaster there could not be a disaster. Examples of this: If we did not develop or use chemicals there would not be any chemical spills. If we did not use boats or automobiles there would no boat or highway accidents. West Virginia Groups Assist in Kentucky Pastor John Freeman (L) and Association Missionary Doug Virgin spent a week in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, helping to cut up trees and to remove debris from people s yards after the recent ice storm. Freeman is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Chapmanville. Doug is the Association Missionary for Greater Huntington Baptist Association. The two worked on their own most of the week. Others were assigned to work with them at times. Doug and John cleaned up nine yards during the week. Most of the people they were assigned to help were either elderly or physically disabled. These people were not able to do the strenuous clean up work. It was a great feeling to be able to help these folks out, Brother John said. They were all friendly and most grateful and appreciative for the work we did. Allegheny Baptist Association went to Kentucky the week of February 22. If you have a group that would like to help in a disaster relief situation, contact Delton Beall, State Director of Missions, 800-411-5758, ext 105. MEN S MINISTRY PLANNING MEETING Several of the men s ministry leaders from across the state met at Shoney s Restaurant in Flatwoods, WV, to discuss ideas and events related to men s ministry. There were many topics and ideas discussed. Plans were made for the Men and Boys Golf Tournament and for the Men and Boys Retreat. Discussion concerning use of the 3-D archery targets was held. Ideas for involving men in church and in ministry were shared. (pictured L to R) Robert Miller, Dick Howie, Barry Miller, Robert Brown, Kenny Murdock, and Rick Brown. 8

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: Martinsburg - Beginning in March of 2009, church planter/strategist Jacob Atchley and his family will begin officially working to plant a new church in Martinsburg, WV. The Church at Martinsburg is focused on starting a church planting movement that will impact West Virginia s eastern panhandle and ultimately the nation s capital with the Gospel. Jacob says, This will take place by proclaiming the Gospel, reaching those far from God, making disciples, and rapidly planting churches. Pray for Jacob, Lindsey and India Grace to have a smooth process in relocating to Martinsburg. Pray for wisdom in making initial contacts and finding a person of peace. Pray for wisdom in building relationships. Pray for people in Martinsburg to be responsive to the gospel. Ministry Focus: Church Planting - The purpose of Church Planting is not to just start a church but to reach lost people with the good news that they can have a relationship with God by grace through faith in Jesus. Church planting is pushing back the darkness of sin, evil, Satan, leaving our church planters on the front lines of spiritual warfare. Therefore undergird church planters with fervent prayer support. Pray that ALL their relationships will be healthy and strong. Pray that they and their families will be healthy. Pray that they will stay Kingdom Focused. Pray that they be encouraged even in the midst of depression, loneliness, or feelings of being abandoned. Pray that financial needs be met, especially in light of the economic downturn. Pray that they will stay focused on it s all about Jesus and not about themselves. Pray that they have adequate transportation. Pray, giving thanks for the sponsoring churches and ask that they joyfully give support and encouragement to the church planter as well as the new church. Scripture: But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin s deception. (Hebrews 3:13, HCB) Weekend Prayer Focus: Pray for your church music ministry - choir, soloists, leaders. Resources: Spiritual Warfare The Battle for God s Glory, by Dr. Jerry Rankin, president of the International Mission Board ($19.99 from LifeWay Christian Resources) Date Apr. 1 Apr. 2 Apr. 3 Apr. 6 Apr. 7 Apr. 8 Apr. 9 Apr. 13 Apr. 14 Apr. 15 Apr. 16 Apr. 17 Apr. 20 Apr. 21 Apr. 22 Apr. 23 Apr. 24 Apr. 27 Apr. 28 Apr. 29 Apr. 30 May 1 May 4 May 5 May 6 May 7 May 8 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 Association Greater Huntington Immanuel Monongahela Mountain State Pioneer Potomac Highland Tri-County Upper Ohio Valley Allegheny Coalfields Greater Huntington Immanuel Monongahela Mountain State Pioneer Potomac Highland Tri-County Upper Ohio Valley Allegheny Coalfields Greater Huntington Immanuel Monongahela Mountain State Pioneer Potomac Highland Tri-County Upper Ohio Valley Allegheny Coalfields Greater Huntington Immanuel Campus Marshall 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. Mt. State Univ. WVU Morgantown Bluefield State Charleston Area Concord Univ. Marshall Univ. Mt. State Univ. Church Evangel, Bridgeport Evangel, Weirton Evangel Fellowship, Fayetteville Fairlawn, Dunbar Fairlawn, Parkersburg Faith, Dailey Faith, Mason Faith, Rupert Faith, West Union Faith, Weston Fellowship, Princeton First, Bluewell First, Brandywine First, Burlington First, Ceredo First, Chelyan First, Chester First, Craigsville First, Fairlea First, Fort Ashby First, Hinton First, Huntersville First, Princeton First Southern, Fairmont First Southern, Grandview First Southern, Nemours First Southern, Sutton Foxes Hollow Freedom, Beckley Freedom, Nutter Fort Gilbert Creek Good Shepherd Chapel New Life, Arnoldsburg New Vision Oak Creek Solid Rock South Wheeling So. Bapt. at Salt Rock Abundant Hope The Bridge Carpendale Centerpointe, Hurricane Chinese Missions Crossroads, Birch River Faith, Winfield Faith Fellowhip, Athens Freedom, Charleston Friendly Gateway Glade Community Greater Things HarborLight Harvest Time Highland Faith, Cairo Hope, Richwood The Journey Lifesong, Charleston Lighthouse, Ivydale Living River Marland Heights New Life, Arnoldsburg New Vision, Oak Creek Pipestem April 2009 9

News from West Virginia Churches Lighthouse Baptist Mission in Ivydale, WV, ministers to more than 70 children each Friday. The church members prepare snack packs for the children. Each Friday evening before the children go home from school they give the children a snack pack. Pastor Rick Canfi eld is pictured (right) with a van load of packs for the children. (above) On Sunday, Feburary 1, 2009, Brushfork Baptist Church licensed Wes Lambert for the gospel ministry. Wes preached the morning message. Pastor Jim Drake gave the charge to the candidate. Lambert has attended Brushfork since he was a child. He was saved and baptized in the church. He has faithfully fulfi lled duties of teaching Sunday School and Discipleship Training Classes. Lambert serves as the Youth Leader. (below) First Baptist Church, Fairlea, hosted a Christmas Party for the residents of the local Adult Family Care facility. The event was held at the church building. Three of the church s Sunday School classes worked together to sponsor the event. The party was for the residents and for their families. Songs were sung and gifts were provided. Santa Claus even made an appearance. Pictured is Shirley Perrine, dressed as one of Santa s helpers. Shirley read the Christmas Story to the group. Kevin Prevett is pastor. Congratulations to Brian Harmon, pastor of Nehemiah Baptist Church, on getting his Masters Degree in Counseling from Liberty University. 10 (above) Clifton and Sylvia Woodruff brought 40 bicycles to Little Birch Baptist Church in December. The Allegheny Association expressed appreciation to the Woodruff s for such a wonderful ministry. The bicycles were given to children in the community. The Woodruff s live in Selma, North Carolina. picture---pastor Be Be Marshall in the blue hat and Clifton Woodruff in the yellow hat. [to the left] Pastor Bill McClung and his wife, Janet, stand with their daughter, Beth, after Beth was named Homecoming Queen for Mountain View Christian School. Beth will graduate in the spring. She plans to attend North Greenville University to major in music ministry. Brother Bill is the pastor of Lochgelly Baptist Church. Beth has been active in many activities at school and at her church. She plays basketball, has been in the chorus, plays guitar and piano, sings, formed a band, and been on at least three mission trips. She is helping Evangel Baptist Church with their music program. NEW PASTOR WELCOMED AT SOUTHERN BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP Members of Southern Baptist Fellowship Church, Summersville, are happy to announce the appointment of their new pastor, Mike Saunders. A reception was held on February 28, 2009, to welcome Pastor Mike and his wife Georgia into their fellowship. They came to Summersville from First Baptist Church, Bunnell, Florida. Pastor Mike and Georgia are both West Virginians, raised in Lincoln County. He comes back to West Virginia to serve the Lord, having been the pastor of churches in Hamlin, WV, Ashland, Ky, and Florida. Pastor Mike and Georgia are the parents of two sons and have fi ve grandchildren. ---Joyce Cottle

Immanuel Baptist, Princeton, hosted their 7th annual f30 event on Feb. 20 and 21. Fifty-four adults and 102 students attended and fasted for thirty hours, raising over $8400 for the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund. Dan Jividen is the pastor. The Chinese Mission of Highlawn Baptist continues to minister to the Chinese community in the Greater Huntington area despite not having had a pastor for four years. They have had Chinese speakers two or three Sundays each month. On these weekends they also have Saturday evening home Bible studies which are well attended. They celebrated the year of the ox Jan. 25 with a New Years dinner following the church service. Approximately 100 attended the dinner, including a man and woman who had just arrived from China for a sixmonth stay to help with a granddaughter born Jan. 24; two new ladies who teach English in a university in China and who had arrived a few days earlier, several from Charleston, a Christian family from Ripley, and two ladies from Point Pleasant. The church has prepared welcome gift bags containing Bi-Lingual New Testaments, a VCD of The Jesus Film, a colorful mini-mag, and a Chinese copy of the Four Spiritual Laws. These are given to new attendees and taken to workers in local Chinese restaurants. The ministry team at Eastwood Baptist now consists of Brady Lipscomb, Pastor, Ted Keown, Minister of Music, and Linda Kendrick, Secretary and Pianist. Hamlin Baptist celebrated a recent baptism. The Missions & Youth in Action enjoyed a winter outing of pizza and bowling. WMU President Betty Saunders hosted a slumber party for the ladies of the WMU. The five ladies present spent the evening making homemade Valentines to send to the sick, shut-ins, college students, and military. They also enjoyed a wide variety of games. A Men s Breakfast was held in January. The children s choir has begun practicing again, and one young choir member, 10-year old Natalie Armbruster, is now their pianist. James Caldwell is the pastor. The AWANAs from Locust Grove Baptist made their annual trip News from West Virginia Churches to Gattiland, with 24 children and 26 adults enjoying the activities and food. The ladies are responsible for starting a new ministry called Mission Meals. They will be delivering meals to the shut-ins and infirm. Teen L.I.F.E. sponsored a Pajama Party at the City Mission. This was a pajama party of a different sort; they presented some of the mission residents (adults and children) with pajamas and pillow cases. Greg Page has been named Associate Pastor. Randall Robertson serves as pastor. Charity Baptist in Wyatt, Dan Adkins pastor, rejoiced over one who was recently baptized and two who were saved. Their quarterly Youth Sunday was held January 25 with the youth providing music and testimonies, including experiences from the WVCSB s Youth Evangelism Conference. Messages were presented by Charles Hart, Assistant Pastor, and Rod Hunter, Youth Pastor. The youth enjoyed a day of roller skating in Bridgeport February 21. The Angel Food Ministry of Faith Baptist, Dailey, is ministering to many families in their area. They have had to start two new classes because they have been blessed with new children attending the church. They have also received four new members. Herman Jones is pastor. Real Life Church in Weston, where Rick Brown serves as pastor, celebrated Valentine s with a free showing of the movie Fireproof along with popcorn, drinks, and snacks. The event was open to the public and well attended. Three new Life Groups have begun studying Experiencing God. Rowlesburg Baptist partnered with a church in Tennessee to host a clothing giveaway to the community. They distributed 14 large boxes of clothing and had 35 people attend. As a result, a new woman in the community has been attending the church regularly, as well as a former member. On Valentine s the community was invited for a night of fun and fellowship. Twenty-eight people attended. Ken Lake pastors the church. Wayside Baptist, Buckhannon, where Don Knotts is pastor, celebrated Valentine s with a Sweethearts of the King banquet. The social committee at Baker Heights Baptist, Raymond Bouchoc pastor, planned a Couples Night Out. They prepared a great dinner and showed the movie Fireproof. Many people who came out were blessed and encouraged to have true love in their marriages. Mountain View had a Valentine s Banquet on Feb. 14, which was enjoyed by all who attended. Tri-County Association Missionary Frank Pilcher was the guest speaker. Joseph Craig is the pastor. Second Baptist, Martinsburg, celebrated the Power of Jesus Love on Feb. 7. The event was well attended. Association Missionary Frank Pilcher was the guest speaker. Malcolm Cadd serves as Interim Pastor of the church. The South Berkeley Baptist WMU, led by Dora Grant, celebrated a Missions Day on Feb. 15. Guest speaker Maxine Bumgarner of the WVCSB spoke about the role of missions in the church and related some interesting stories from the history of the WMU organization. One lady made a profession of faith at the end of the service. A Missions Dinner, with food representing several countries where the IMB has placed missionaries, was prepared by members of the church. Food dishes from the Philippines, Holland, China, Australia, Italy, Honduras, Korea, Germany, Turkey, Russia, Mexico, and the good ol USA were enjoyed by all. The pastor of the church is Don Chandler. The fellowship hall at Berkeley Baptist was transformed into a romantic dinner area on Feb. 21 as couples enjoyed the annual Sweetheart Dinner. An intimate group enjoyed an evening of good food, fun, and fellowship. On Feb. 6, 17 youth and 4 chaperones traveled to Somerset, PA, to join a total of 85 youth for Snow Camp. The Berkeley group experienced three professions of faith! Chariot House is a new church plant reaching out to bikers and others who may feel they do not fit into a traditional church. Five different Christian motorcycle associations have come together for this work which is sponsored by West Charleston Baptist. Since opening its doors on the west side of Charleston on January 11 they have averaged more than fifty. Alfred Hill is leading the ministry. April 2009 11

PASTORS: Would you like some help with worship attendance, Sunday School attendance, increased baptisms, discipleship, and fi nances? Then join us at FREEDOM BAPTIST CHURCH NUTTER FORT SATURDAY, APRIL 18 9 am TO 2 pm to learn how to help your church in all these areas. Space is limited. Register with Greg Wrigley, 800-411-5758, ext. 118. West virginia associations planning vbs clinics allegheny-------saturday, April 4, FBC Craigsville coalfields-------saturday, March 28, 10 AM to Noon, New Covenant greater huntington----------thursday, April 30, 6:30 PM, Altizer ----------------------------------------Saturday, May 2, 9:30 AM, Altizer immanuel---------saturday, April 4, 8:30-12:30, Calvary, Ravenswood mountain state---monday, April 6, 7 PM, Immanuel, Princeton pioneer--------------monday, April 27, 6:30 PM, North Charleston potomac highlands---saturday, April 4, 9 AM to 11:30 AM, Old Fields ------------------------------lunch and childcare provided upper ohio valley---saturday, March 28, 10 AM to 12:30, Temple Baptist, Moundsville, lunch and childcare provided tri-county---tuesday, April 7, 6 PM, Westview Baptist Church