JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

AUGUST 15, 2011 VOL. 65 NO. 16

Search CommitteeAnnounces Deadline

The Missions Director Search Com-mittee has set September 15, 2011,as the deadline for receiving re-sumes for the position of Director ofMissions for the BMA of Mississippi.

Resumes should be mailed toHarold Floyd at 19 Pat Holifield Rd.,Laurel, MS 39443.

Jacksonville, TexasJacksonville, TexasJacksonville, TexasJacksonville, TexasJacksonville, Texas - Twenty-four stu-dents attended the fifth Motion Classof the summer, Biblical Evangelismand Discipleship. The class, taught byDr. Elton McCann, Dr. Philip Attebery,Dr. Charley Holmes, and Dr. DavidErickson, were held in Jacksonville,Texas, on July 25-29. Throughout theweek, students learned valuable skillsof evangelism and discipleship. Withinthe first two days of the class studentshad already presented the Gospel to97 different individuals and saw 39people profess faith in Christ. OnWednesday, July 27, the students andprofessors traveled to Grand Saline,Texas, where they ministered in thecommunity surrounding First BaptistChurch. Dr. David Erickson reportedthat the evangelism teams attemptedto visit every home in the neighbor-hood and then expanded to reach

people in other areas of the town.Masters student Michael Hight of

Little Rock, Arkansas, explained theimportance of evangelism. Referenc-ing I Corinthians 1:21 he stated, “TheBible tells us that it is the foolishnessof men—preaching the Word—that

God uses to draw people to Himself.That word does not mean preachingfrom the pulpit. It means teaching theGospel.” As a third level evangelismstudent, he expressed gratitude forthe opportunity to train others in Evan-gelism Explosion. “When you can teachsomething to someone else, you knowthat you really did learn it,” he said.

New student Allen Pierce reflectedon the kingdom impact of the week:“During my drive home after the [fi-nal] exam, I reflected on the events ofthe week. I literally wept and could notstop. I thought about "R and S," whomI met on Monday, who were weepingopenly as they realized their brokencondition and need for Jesus in theirlives. On Tuesday, as "B" hugged andsqueezed me crying after she prayed,she told us that she had been blamingGod for the death of a close loved one,

but wanted to be free from that bur-den. On Wednesday, "S," a slave in aworld of drugs, wept as I shared withher how Jesus had given me thestrength almost 30 years ago to turnmy back on drugs. She wanted to spendeternity with her mom in heaven, butknew she would not; yet she chose notto pray to receive Jesus. And then onThursday morning, I can hardly evenwrite or think about it without becom-ing overwhelmed with emotion, "L,"crying out loud to heaven weeping,thanking Jesus for saving her—notonly from her sins, but the act she wasabout to commit: to take her own life.I will never be the same. That's what itwas all about. It is all about Jesus.“

Other students echoed the excite-ment of Bro. Pierce. MDiv studentClint Covington reflected on one mean-ingful experience, “It was a great ex-perience to see the excitement of awhole family coming to Christ.”

Please be in prayer for the men,women, and children who received theGospel during the evangelism class.Some of them will be contacted by localstudents and professors in order tofollow up and offer discipleship. Praythat they will begin growing in Christ.

And pray for the students who wereimpacted this week, that they will takethe knowledge and skills gained andimplement them in their own churchesand communities. To God be the glory!

October is 'Pastor Appreciation Month'An open letter to Church Deacon Boards

Dear Deacon Chairman,Dear Deacon Chairman,Dear Deacon Chairman,Dear Deacon Chairman,Dear Deacon Chairman,I hope this letter finds you and your

church family enjoying the very best ofthe Father’s blessings. On behalf ofDonny Parrish, Kevin Clayton and theentire DiscipleGuide staff I want tosay “thanks” for the faithful serviceyou give to Christ and His church. Thechurches of the BMA of America areblessed to have men like you assistingpastors in the work of ministry.

Not only has God blessed Hischurches with faithful laymen likeyourself, He has also given us wonder-ful, God-called pastors who faithfullyand unselfishly lead His churches.Many times we take for granted thesacrificial service they render to theFather and to us. We may never know,this side of heaven, how many timesour names are called-out to God inprayer by our pastor-shepherd as he

“stands in the gap” for us. I, for one, amvery thankful to have a God-calledand God-anointed man to call my pas-tor.

How can we express our apprecia-tion, thanks, and love to our pastors,staff and their spouses. There are manyways but I want to mention just one.October has been designated as “Pas-tor Appreciation Month” across ournation. It is a special month set asideto let our pastors know how much theyare loved and appreciated. In recogni-tion of Pastor Appreciation Month,DiscipleGuide Conference Ministryhas scheduled our annual PastorsOasis for October 11-13, 2011. PastorsOasis is three days of inspirationalteaching, outstanding music, relax-ation and wonderful fellowship. Thelocation for this year’s Oasis is thebeautiful Chateau On The Lake in

Branson, Missouri. The cost for theconference is $75 per person ($85. ifpaid after September 10 or $95 if youstay off-site). Additional costs for yourchurch include: hotel ($125 per nightfor 2 nights), travel, and a few meals.Hotel accommodations can be securedby calling the Resort at 888.333.5253by September 10.

Because your pastor would neverask the church to send him and hiswife to the Oasis, we are asking you, asthe Chairman of Deacons to lead yourchurch in sending them. Would youplease use your leadership and influ-ence to lead your church to presentthis trip as a gift to your pastor andstaff? A gift such as this will meanmore than anything you can do forthem.

BMA Seminary Stresses Evangelism

continued on page 2continued on page 2continued on page 2continued on page 2continued on page 2

2 August 15, 2011 • Mississippi Baptist

News articles shouldcontain information that will beof interest to the general public

who are not members of thechurch that is reporting.

CHURCHNEWS

At Pastors Oasis your pastorwill enjoy the inspiring teach-ing of Dr. Voddie Baucham, Sr.Pastor of the Grace FamilyBaptist Church in Spring,Texas and Director of VoddieBaucham Ministries. Dr.Baucham is a gifted speakerand one of the most influentialvoices for God in our countrytoday. In addition to the greatteaching we will enjoy inspira-tional singing with Neil Dumas,laugh with Comedian, DennisSwanberg, concerts by CrystalRiver & Undivided Heart, anda banquet to honor our pastorsand their wives with GuestArtist, Larnelle Harris.

We invite you to prayerfullyconsider sending your entirepaid staff along with theirspouses to the Oasis. To regis-ter your pastor and staff online,go to www.DiscipleGuide.organd follow the prompts or printand fill out the registrationform and mail to DCM by Sep-tember 12. DCM will send yourchurch a special certificate topresent to your pastor during aworship service.

Thanks in advance for hon-oring and blessing your pastorand wife in this special way!We look forward to hearingfrom you.

Kirk SheltonPastoral Ministries &Church Growth Consultant

DeaconsDeaconsDeaconsDeaconsDeaconsfrom page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1

TAKE TIME TO PRAYEditor's Note: My friend Dr. Tony Cleaver is a prolific writer andis gracious in his sharing his thoughts with us. For the next fourissues we are highlighting excerpts from a project he is workingon. As you read these prayers, let them be an inspiration to youto strengthen your own prayer life.

Tony Cleaver

Lord, God of my life; please hear me as I pray this prayer.It seems there are big sins and little sins. By some

accounts, if I commit enough little sins, they will soon beenough to comprise a big sin. I don't know if You work thatway with Your count. Your Word tells me that lust is one ofthose big and major sins I commit with great energy andease. My church's historic message says thesame thing about lust: it is one of the majorsins. I am guilty of major sin.

When I think of lust, I think of yearn,desire, hunger after, or really ache in mybones I want something so badly. It is easy forme to say, "I don't lust after those things otherpeople lust after. I'm not as bad as 'they' are."The fact of the matter is I do lust like otherpeople. The difference is I probably lust moreoften and with greater intensity. I am guilty of a major sin.

Since I am guilty of a major sin, I confess this to You. Idon't have to wait for the little sins to mount up to one bigheap before I am lost and in trouble. I am lost and in troublenow. I yearn after those things that are not in my bestinterest. I ache in my bones to have the "things" that do meno good. I set my heart on positions of power that are subtlytransitory-and You know it!

Lord, have mercy on me, the sinner. I am one who lustsafter the things of this life and the things of this world andthe bright lights of humankind fabrication. Forgive me forseeking last the Kingdom of God and righteousness fromYour Son. Lord, have mercy on me. I turn from lust. Irepent-that is I turn around with Your power toward Jesus.

In the name of Jesus, I pray this prayer. Forgive me oflust. Amen.

Laurel Church seeks YouthLaurel Church seeks YouthLaurel Church seeks YouthLaurel Church seeks YouthLaurel Church seeks YouthMinister & Children’s DirectorMinister & Children’s DirectorMinister & Children’s DirectorMinister & Children’s DirectorMinister & Children’s Director

Positions for Youth Ministerand Children's Director are openat First Baptist Church of ShadyGrove. If interested, please sendresume to: First Baptist Church ofShady Grove, 4514 Hwy 15 North,Laurel, MS 39443, attn: Bro.Danny Pitts, or call 601-426-6098.

Dykes Chapel toDykes Chapel toDykes Chapel toDykes Chapel toDykes Chapel tocelebrate Homecomingcelebrate Homecomingcelebrate Homecomingcelebrate Homecomingcelebrate Homecoming

On Sunday, August 28th, DykesChapel Baptist Church inRichton,.will have homecomingservices. After morning worshipservice we'll have lunch in thefellowship hall. Please bring a cov-ered dish and join us for lunch. At1:30 p.m. there will be singing andcelebration. Music will be enjoyedwith members, visitors, andfriends that wish to participate.Past members, pastors, family,and friends are invited to join usfor a joyous occasion.

Mid-Central Association ReportMid-Central Association ReportMid-Central Association ReportMid-Central Association ReportMid-Central Association ReportOn July 16, 2011 the Mid-Cen-

tral Association held their regularmeeting at Rock Creek Mission-ary Baptist Church with 28 in at-tendance. Bro. Wayne Stockstilllead the congregation in a songand Bro. Ricky Smith opened inprayer. April Ezell blessed us in

song with “In The Gloryland Way”and Brenda Smith with “FromHeaven’s Point of View”.

Bro. Bill Raines delivered themessage from Genesis 12:1-9. TheMinutes were read by RonnieWilliamson. The Treasury Reportwas read by Ricky Smith. Bothwere voted and approved. TheMissionary Committee agreed tomeet at 8:00 A.M. at the Annualmeeting at Broadmoor Mission-ary Baptist Church. Bro. BillRaines gave a report on the BibleCrusade. Bro. Kent Grice gave abrief report on Lifeword. We votedto change the times of the regularmeetings from 7:00 P.M. to 6:00P.M. The meeting was closed inprayer by Bro. Gary Smith.

We were blessed with a greattime of food and fellowship afterthe meeting. Our next meetingwill be held at Broadmoor Mis-sionary Baptist Church on Sep-tember 17, 2011 at 9:00 A.M.

Jimmy Harrison, ModeratorJoyce Williamson, Reporter

Ten Mile Association MeetingTen Mile Association MeetingTen Mile Association MeetingTen Mile Association MeetingTen Mile Association MeetingThe Ten Mile Association Meet-

ing was held at Vardaman StreetBaptist Church in Wiggins onMonday the 8th of August. Therewere 11 churches present. Themessage was brought by Bro. Greg

Wells, from 2 Kings 6:1-6.The next meeting will be held

Saturday the 17th of Septemberat First Baptist Church of OrangeGrove. This will be our annualmeeting. Service will begin at 9:30am.

Christopher Flynn, ReporterWallace Williams, Moderator

Tombigbee AssociationTombigbee AssociationTombigbee AssociationTombigbee AssociationTombigbee AssociationThe Tombigbee Association met

at South Green Baptist Church onAugust11. Bro. Gary O’Nealopened in prayer. A gracious mealwas served by the host church.The special music was brought byGeorge Emison. A great messagewas brought by Bro. Blake McCain"What is man's greastest need?”with the text taken from Romans10:1-10.

We had 10 churches repre-sented with a total of 63 present.Reports were given by Bro. BobbyElliott on the new mission inBurnsville along with reportsgiven by Bro. Akers on Southeast-ern College. Bro. Dale Broomasked for prayers and support forhis work in Ghana, West Africa.Bro. Wexford reported on missionsand Bro. Elvis Garcia reported onhis work.

Moderator Bro. Matt HudsonReporter Debbie Franks

Family ArkMinistries

Travis Plumlee

Equipping Your Teen For SchoolSometimes we parents get

so caught up in all the task toperform in getting our kidsready for school, that we forgetto set aside time for the reallyimportant aspect of back toschool preparation. We musttalk to our teens about goingback to school, and what toexpect. Your teens may actlike they have it all together.They may want you to thinkthat they don’t need you any-more. However, that is just afacade of adolescent individua-tion. Beneath that confident,sometimes cocky, exterior is thesame little boy or girl that youhave helped teach things aboutlife ever since that first day.Inside, they are a jumbled messof emotions, hormones and ac-tually a lot of fears and insecu-rities.

They may not tell you howthey feel, but what they arefeeling is a normal part of hu-man development. They will

not be near as anxious or fear-ful inside if you communicateclearly with them what theyshould expect when they go toschool. The “unknown” causesa great deal of concern to analready stressed out time oflife. Find some quiet time totalk to them about severalthings.

The best time to talk to teensis when they go to bed. They

usually are finally unpluggedfrom all of their external stimu-lation. It usually is a time theyreflect on their day and the daythatlies ahead, much like we adultsdo. Don’t make it sound likeyou are preaching to them. Justhave a conversation. Some-times it helps by starting outyour conversation sharingsome fears or anxieties you hadas a teen. Let them know thatthey are not weird or crazy forhaving these feelings. They stillmay not acknowledge to youthat they have these feelings,but inside they are sighing withrelief that they are not the onlyones to ever feel this way.

I remember when my daugh-ter was starting middle school.It was a huge middle schooland very different from the el-ementary she had been attend-ing. I told her, “I guess youknow I am just a little bit afraidfor you going to that big schooltomorrow.” She said, “I guessyou know I am just a little bitafraid of going to that big schooltomorrow also.” That launcheda conversation about our ex-pectations of the school yearand our fears and anxieties.

I wanted to help her knowthat you don’t have to knoweverything and have it allmapped out ahead of time. Re-siliency means the ability toadapt to change quickly. Inother words, I wanted her toknow that you can’t know ev-erything. You sometimes justhave to roll with the flow. Sharewith them that is how you feelsometimes about work even atyour age. It helps their vulner-ability.

Here are some things youneed to discuss with your teen

going into another year atmiddle school or high school. Ifthis is their first year there, itis even more important thatyou extend the conversation.

1. Bullies. All schools todayhave policies against bullying.But it doesn’t mean that yourchild will escape this. You haveto explain that there will al-ways be mad people and meanpeople in the world. We need tohave compassion on some ofthese kids because they are thatway because of their home life.Maybe they could even reachout to them with Jesus andgive them hope.

It is always a good thing tobe able to take a bully and turnthem into a brother. You must

3August 15, 2011 • Mississippi Baptist

The Great Escape CruiseFebruary 6-11, 2012 Attention all Youth Pastors, Volunteer Youth Leaders and Spouses!The Great Escape is for you! Carnival’s 5-Day Western Caribbean Cruise departs from New Orleans, Louisiana aboard the Elation with ports of call in Cozumel & Progresso Yucatan, Mexico. Booking begins August 15th and goes through August 29, 2011. The Carnival reservation phone number and group booking reference will be posted on our web site on August 15 at www.DiscipleGuide.org. Cruise cabin prices range from $330 - $370 per person. A $200 deposit per person is due at

Registration with DiscipleGuide Conference Ministry is $50 per person.

Guest Speaker – Shawn HammontreeNetwork with other leaders, Gain leadership skills,Fellowship, Refresh, Time with spouse

Join us for The Great Escape!

February 6-11, 2012

The Great Escape CruiseThe Great Escape Cruise is

designed as a getaway andgrowing experience for paidand volunteer youth leadersand their spouses. Great Es-cape is an opportunity for youthleaders to network, gain lead-ership knowledge, fellowship,relax and be ministered to for achange. Carnival’s 5-day West-ern Caribbean Cruise departsfrom New Orleans, Louisianaon the Carnival Ship Elationwith ports of call in Cozumel &Progresso Yucatan, Mexico.

Once the group is booked onAugust 14, you will have twoweeks to secure your cabin andthat is why we want to get theinformation to you in advanceof booking the group. You maybook your cruise through Car-nival August 15-29, 2011. Thecost may vary $10-$15 per per-son. The estimated cost is $330per person for an interior cabinor $370 per person for an oceanview cabin. If you are a past

cruiser and there is an earlysail price available when youbook, they will adjust your rateaccordingly. Cost includes alltaxes, port charges, meals, en-tertainment, lodging and portsof call. Additional cost wouldbe for soft drinks, gratuitiesand any port excursions. Whenyou book your cabin you willneed to pay a $200 deposit perperson to Carnival with finalpayment due December 9,2011. Details may changeslightly at booking, but the datewill not change. We will pub-lish the Carnival reservationphone number along with thegroup number you will need tosecure your spot. Watch youre-mail and our website atwww.DiscipleGuide.org.

Registration for the GreatEscape with DiscipleGuideConference Ministries is $50per person and will be expectedby the August 29 cutoff date.Carnival has the option to ex-

tend our group booking dateaccording to how our pickupgoes. You can register online ordownload a form and mail toDCM with your check. GeneralSessions will be held when pos-sible while at sea with wellknown youth leader, ShawnHammontree from AntiochBaptist Church in Conway,Arkansas. Along with worship,fellowship and on-board activi-ties, Great Escape Cruise prom-ises to be just what you need tostart the year off with somefresh ideas. More details willbe available as cruise datenears. You may e-mailtriciak@conwaycorp.net or callthe DCM office with any ques-tions at 501-513-2159.

Get ready to set sail for theGreat Escape Cruise 2012. Youwill cherish the time with yourspouse and the many friend-ships you will develop at GreatEscape.

See you on the Cruise!

Ministers Resource ServicesMinisters Resource ServicesMinisters Resource ServicesMinisters Resource ServicesMinisters Resource ServicesRETIREMENT AGENCY OF THE BMA OF AMERICA

RON CHESSER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTORAs I sit down to write an article for our BMA state papers, I am

not sure what to write but I feel I must say something. These areperplexing times in our nation and world. It seems that everyday more bad news is delivered to us by the media. Yet in themidst of a bad economy and the unbelievable battle going on inWashington, we as believers know that our sovereign God is stillin control.

At the end of July the Dow closed at over 12,000 and six tradingdays later it closed under 11,000. What must one do – panic? Idon’t believe so; remember God is still in control. In my almosttwelve years as executive director of Ministers Resource Ser-vices, I have seen the market go up and down several times. Ihave seen the Dow trade as low as 6,000 and as high as 13,000.During the down times folks in the BMA Long Term Growth atMRS observed that their account took a significant hit, but as themarket turned around they always gained back what they hadseen dwindle away plus they had a nice gain in the value of theiraccount. I encourage you who are in LTG to be patient duringthese times if you have five to seven years till retirement.

There is an option at MRS for folks who cannot stand thevolatility of the market. Manning and Napier Advantage Corp.of Rochester, New York, manages not only our Long TermGrowth, but also our Fixed Income portfolio. Our Fixed Incomeis not tied to the stock market making it a more stable invest-ment. We are currently paying 3% annually on Fixed Income. Ifa participant chooses, they can diversify between LTG and FixedIncome giving them a more balanced and protected portfolio.

In the midst of all the bad news in our world, there is alwayssome good news and things that we can give thanks to God. OurBMA Retirement portfolio has exceeded 12 million dollars,closing several days in July at over 12.4 million. In the past eightplus years we have grown over 9 million dollars in retirementassets. In the past eight years our LTG has averaged a return of8.35% annually. In 2009 we averaged $3,000 dollars daily beingdeposited to retirement accounts. In 2010 that jumped to a dailyaverage of $5,000 dollars and thus far this year, 2011, it has goneto an average of $7,000 dollars daily being deposited toparticipant’s accounts in our BMA Retirement.

You may contact Ministers Resource Services, the retirementagency of the BMA of America, at P. O. Box 2866, Texarkana, AR75504, by phone at 870-774-2654 or email Executive Director,Ron Chesser, at RChesser6365@aol.com. If you have an accountat MRS, why not contact us and let’s discuss your account andfinancial situation for retirement. Let’s see what is best for you!

Guiding Children toGuiding Children toGuiding Children toGuiding Children toGuiding Children toUnderstand God’Understand God’Understand God’Understand God’Understand God’s Ws Ws Ws Ws Wordordordordord

by Amelia Beasley, children’s editorby Amelia Beasley, children’s editorby Amelia Beasley, children’s editorby Amelia Beasley, children’s editorby Amelia Beasley, children’s editorDiscipleGuide Publishing MinistryDiscipleGuide Publishing MinistryDiscipleGuide Publishing MinistryDiscipleGuide Publishing MinistryDiscipleGuide Publishing Ministry

This fall teachers and students will see a meaningfulchange in the Victory Series curriculum. Printed verseswill be from the New King James Version. This changewill present God’s Word forstudy and memorization usingour standard daily English lan-guage.

You will find that someverses have no changes atall. Other verses reflect stan-dardized English spellings and capitalized pronounsshowing reference to God. Our goal is to teach the Biblein the most meaningful way possible to guide children tofully understand God’s Word.

4 August 15, 2011 • Mississippi Baptist

Opinion PageJournal of the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi

Don J. Brown, EditorE-Mail - editor@msbaptist.orgWeb site www.msbaptist.org

USPS 353-960P.O. Box 8181

Laurel, Mississippi 39441-8000

Phone 601-426-3293Fax 601-763-4430

PRICE$20.00 Per Year by Mail

$10.00 Per Year by EmailCHURCH PLAN$ 1.30 Per Month

Published on the 1st and 15th of each month by the Baptist MissionaryAssociation of Mississippi. Periodical postage paid at Hattiesburg,Mississippi 39402.

Postmaster: Send address changes to the Mississippi Baptist Paper,P.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS 39441-8000.

Church of the Covered Dish BY THOMAS TAPP

Don BrownEditor

Thomas Shroads IIBro. Thomas (Tommy)

Shroads II surrendered to theministry several months ago. Heis the son of Thomas and Dor-othy Shroads, Music Director andPianist at Westview BaptistChurch in Oxford. He haspreached several sermons lo-cally. He is available for pulpitsupply and can be reached at662-934-2375 or 662-563-4810.

DiscipleWay - A Good Way!I was recently able to undergo the DiscipleWay

Training Process at Magnolia Church, Hattiesburg.Approximately 40 individuals were present tolearn and study the 7 disciplines of DiscipleWay.

A number of trainers were present to lead usand help us get ready to be "trainers".

We each learned how much we really did notknow about Bible Study, witnessing, leading,prayer and other areas of our Christian walk.

All of the attendees enjoyed this effort and wecarried away a sense of enthusiasm about thiseffort to disciple others.

The training is intense, but well worth the effort. I encourage eachof our pastors, lay leaders and churches to make every effort toattend one of these sessions. For more information contactDiscipleWay coordinators Tommy & Judy Wallace atwallace@discipleway.com or by calling 501-724-3193 (Home) or501-281-3886 (Cell).

Above - The trainees undergoing the DiscipleWay Training process atMagnolia Baptist Church in Hattiesburg.

Below - Coordinator Judy Wallace delivers each participants individualtraining material. The next training session is scheduled for Arkansas inSeptember. Contact Judy Wallace using the information listed above to bea part of this session.

Tommy & Judy Wallace arethe DiscipleWay coordinators

Dr. Philip Attebery (right) teach-ing Pastor Bob Burch the basicsof the guitar and demonstratingbasic teaching techniques.

Below, Burch uses what helearned to teach student VernonNewman how to play the guitar.

AVAILABLEFOR SERVICE

Eyeglasses for BMMI Tripsby Shirley Laddby Shirley Laddby Shirley Laddby Shirley Laddby Shirley Ladd

Mrs. Ladd & her husband Dr. John Ladd serve as BMAAMissionaries in Mexico

Her eyes opened widely as she exclaimed, “Yes! Yes! Now I cansee the eye of the needle”, and she slipped the thread rightthrough it!“No, No, the letters are still very blurry.” Suddenly, with a bigsmile on his face, he exclaimed, “That’s clear! I can read it!”

On the two mostrecent BMMI trips toMoldova and Domini-can Republic, readingglasses were a big partof the ministry. ManyChristians were ex-cited about now beingable to see wellenough to read theirBible. In DominicanRepublic over 260 ofthe 500 pairs of read-ing glasses taken on the trip, went home with happy people.

The following strengths were most used: 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 3.00,3.25, and 3.50. Of course, everything in between is useful also.Glasses like the ones that are sold at Dollar Tree….yes, only $1per pair….are filling the needs of many people. If your church,Sunday School class, WMA, youth group, Brotherhood, or VBSwould like to be a part of this ministry, you may either buy theglasses yourself or send a designated offering for “Eyeglasses” toBMMI, P.O. Box 30910, Little Rock, AR 72260.

5August 15, 2011 • Mississippi Baptist

Moral Action Committee

Baptist Missionary Association of AmericaDr. John M. Adams,Director

P.O. Box 305, Mantachie, MS 38855 - 662-231-3863Email - fbcdjmaj@yahoo.com

John Adams

Compass Study Guide

Compass Point Study Guide

Resources You Can Trust

Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C. - Mrs. Adams and I represented the BMAfamily at the Family Research Council’s “Watchmen on the Wall”Conference in Washington, D.C., May 23-27, 2011. The confer-ence hosted six hundred (600) attendees who were part of the“Bring Back America” agenda. Included in the conference wereelected officials, pastors, lay leaders, and moralists of our day.

Mrs. Adams and I participated in several of the sessions whichincluded a Prayer Walk for the United States Senate and Houseoffices. We had the opportunity to meet Senator Jim DeMint ofSouth Carolina. Senator DeMint, 60, is a Christian conservativeand has an outstanding Christian testimony.(www.JimDemint.senate.gov)

We also had the pleasure to meet and share with Presidentialcandidate and United States Congresswoman, Michele Bachmannof Minnesota www.michelebachmann.house.gov )

Congresswoman Bachmann was a principal speaker at theconference. She gave her Christian testimony and presented heragenda for this nation. Priority one is to turn our great nationback to God and a true democracy. Her speech included thoughtsof our nation assuming spiritual and financial responsibilities.Mrs. Bachmann’s husband is the owner of a Christian Counsel-ing Center.

We thank our BMA churches for allowing us to share with somany of our national leaders. Continue to pray for the USA.

Above - Dr. & Mrs. John Adamswith Congresswoman MichelleBachmannBelow - Meeting with SenatorJim Demint

Freedom Offering as of August 3, 2011Freedom Offering as of August 3, 2011Freedom Offering as of August 3, 2011Freedom Offering as of August 3, 2011Freedom Offering as of August 3, 2011Thanks to each church, individual and organization that gave

so willingly to Moral Action. Below are the memorials andhonorariums for 2011 followed by memorials and honorariumsfor 2010. These are also published in the BMA Annual Reportsand Recommendations Handbook.

2011 Freedom Offering:2011 Freedom Offering:2011 Freedom Offering:2011 Freedom Offering:2011 Freedom Offering:ALABAMAHelton Road, Theodore 100.00

ARKANSASAntioch West, Magnolia 200.00Beacon, Gravette 200.00Beech Street, Crossett 100.00Bethel, Forrest City 145.00Big Creek Valley, Jonesboro 115.00Blackwell, Atkins 100.00Bodcaw, Rosston 100.00Calvary, Fayetteville 210.00First, North Lewisville HONOR:

Wade Adams; Kevin Mahar, Brandon Bentley 116.00First, McNeil 325.00First, Magnolia 1,000.00Grace, El Dorado HONOR: Justin Rodgers 198.75Grace, Bee Branch 250.00Knighton Chapel, Lewisville 200.00Liberty, Stamps 133.00New Friendship, Kingsland 176.00New Hope, Junction City 100.00North Hills, Sherwood 25.00Wilson, Todd or Jennifer 50.00

ILLINOISFriendship, Caseyville 109.00

KANSASCrossroads, Ottawa 86.00Mt Olive, Giraud 251.00

continued on page 7

6 August 15, 2011 • Mississippi Baptist

CHILDREN'S HOME118 LOWE ROAD, LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI 39443 - (601) 426-3928

SIDNEY DAVISDIRECTOR

Revival ServicesRevival ServicesRevival ServicesRevival ServicesRevival ServicesWe had revival services at our home church the

week of July 24-27 with Bro. Jerry Jolly fromArkansas serving as the evangelist. We arethankful for faithful servants of God who con-tinue to deliver the Word of God in its truth andpurity.

School Has Started BackSchool Has Started BackSchool Has Started BackSchool Has Started BackSchool Has Started BackOn August 8 everyone got back into the routine

of getting up and getting back in the schedule ofschool. The girls and boys enjoyed their summer, but it seemsthey were eager and ready for school to begin.

Continue to remember our girls and boys in your prayers eachday that the Lord will be their source of strength and help in thedays in which we live.

National GMA OfficersNational GMA OfficersNational GMA OfficersNational GMA OfficersNational GMA Officers

Back Row: Haven Townsend, Olivia Fairley, Susan Campbell,Sidney MeriweatherFront Row: Addie Bender, Jessica Glasscock, Emily Luck, notpictured; Sarah Hammontree

Alternate Junior MissAlternate Junior MissAlternate Junior MissAlternate Junior MissAlternate Junior MissGMAGMAGMAGMAGMA is Carley Crisp ofArkansas

Alt Miss and 2011-2012Alt Miss and 2011-2012Alt Miss and 2011-2012Alt Miss and 2011-2012Alt Miss and 2011-2012National GMA PresidentNational GMA PresidentNational GMA PresidentNational GMA PresidentNational GMA Presidentis Jessica Glasscock fromTexas

A Matter of the Heartby Bro. Danny Pitts, pastorby Bro. Danny Pitts, pastorby Bro. Danny Pitts, pastorby Bro. Danny Pitts, pastorby Bro. Danny Pitts, pastor

First Baptist Church of Shady Grove, Laurel, MississippiFirst Baptist Church of Shady Grove, Laurel, MississippiFirst Baptist Church of Shady Grove, Laurel, MississippiFirst Baptist Church of Shady Grove, Laurel, MississippiFirst Baptist Church of Shady Grove, Laurel, Mississippi

“Keep thy heart with all dili-gence; for out of it are the is-sues of life” (Proverbs 4:23)

My dad had always seemedthe picture of vigor. Very rarelydid he even have the flu orcolds. He seemed invulnerableto health issues. It appearedthat he would live forever. Thenthe day arrived that he experi-enced pain in his chest andarms while mowing the lawnwith a push mower. Shortlythereafter, relatives rushedhim to the hospital. The diag-nosis was a heart attack. By-pass surgery corrected block-age in three or four arteries.The condition of his heart hadbrought him near to death. Butwith exercise and a careful diet,he lived nearly ten years morebefore he had additional hearttrouble. After another heartattack and surgery, he endedup on the heart transplant list.Following another heart attack,he went to be with the Lordbefore a heart became avail-

able.Prior to the last heart at-

tack, his heart function wasmeasured to be about fourteenpercent. During his last yearDad stayed in the hospital orconfined at home most days. Inhis weakened condition hemoved slowly and was limitedin what he could do. On severaloccasions he was rushed to thehospital during the middle ofthe night to remove fluid thathad built up around his heart.So much of his lifestyle wasshaped by the condition of hisheart.

In a spiritual sense a corre-sponding truth surfaces: “Keepthy heart with all diligence; forout of it are the issues of life”(Proverbs 4:23). The entire lifeof a believer will be shaped bywhat he allows in his heart.The wise person will carefullyguard the influences that comeinto his heart.

In this context the word keepmeans “to guard.” The prin-

ciple in this verse is to guardyour heart carefully. The heartis the seat of the emotions. Theterm heart expresses the es-sence of who you are. You arewarned to stand as a guard andbe careful what you allow intoyour heart. You must do thisbecause out of your heart is-sues (or pours forth) the kind oflife you live. It will determinewhat kind of person you be-come. Because wise parentsrecognize this truth, they con-trol the materials and situa-tions in which their childrenare exposed. Undeniably whatyou allow in will come out. Incomputer language, if trash isallowed in, trash will come out.The other side is just as true;godliness in, godliness out. Notonly does this principle pertainto children, it affects adult ex-perience as well

-From Life Issues From aWise Father on page 35 of theChristian Growth Ministry(Taken from bulletin of FBCShadyGrove)

I Hate SnakesGuest Commentary byGuest Commentary byGuest Commentary byGuest Commentary byGuest Commentary by

Bro. Ritechus N. DignationBro. Ritechus N. DignationBro. Ritechus N. DignationBro. Ritechus N. DignationBro. Ritechus N. DignationI hate snakes. I have never

stepped on a snake, but havecome close a couple of times. Ihave stepped by snakes, aroundsnakes and over snakes. I haveeven had snakes fall on me.But I ain't never stepped on asnake. I hear they don't taketoo kindly to being stomped onand will bite you. I oncepreached a revival in GreeneCounty, Mississippi, and theygot rattlesnakes all over theplace down there. One night,before the service, a man tookme and my son to look at a deadrattlesnake in the back of hispickup. He had just knockedhim in the head on the way tochurch. We looked that snakeover real close as I explainifiedto my son the dangers of rattle-snakes. When we got out ofchurch that night, the deadsnake was alive and well andon top of the toolbox in the backof the truck. The guy knockedhim in the head again, but thistime, a mite harder. If I hadeven thought that critter wasstill alive, when lookin' at itearlier, I wouldn't have gotwithin 15 feet of it.

Would you rather err on theside of righteousness or

unrighteousness? Would yourather get close to a snake orremain at a distance? Chris-tian liberty may say, "I can doit, I have a right, it's allowed",but Christian maturity says,"For me to live is Christ and Ilove God and want to protectmy testimony." It has alwaysamazed me at the length towhich people will go to get nearsin, but won't even begin to paythe price to get near God. If youare more interested in gettingcloser to sin than in gettingcloser to God, something iswrong. Getting near a snakedon't mean you will be bitten,but it increases your chances.

It bothers me when Chris-tians spend more time lookingfor loopholes that allow themfreedom to indulge in, or takepart in that which is question-able for Christians. It just tellsme they are more focused onthemselves than on God. Plus,there is always potential dan-ger, for sin can bite like a snake.

I once preached at a churchin the city and was grieved atwhat I saw. Several womenwere half naked. It can be hardfor a preacher to focus on righ-teousness with so much skinshowin'. People who know mewill say, "Well there he goes

again, harping on dress, whenthere are more importantthings." There certainly aremore important things, butdress and appearance also havea place of importance. Loop-hole seekers are always turn-ing attention away to "moreimportant" things. And even ifI DO harp on certain things,it's usually because everyoneelse's harp is broken, and theyare silent on certain issues.There is a direct connectionbetween nakedness and in-flamed lust. There is also adirect connection between goin'into the woods or to a lake andfinding a snake. Going wheresnakes live increases thechance of finding and even step-ping on snakes. Staying awayfrom the pond decreases thepossibility of seeing and step-ping on snakes.

Hungering and thirsting af-ter God, with a desire to pleaseHim, decreases opportunitiesto sin and dishonor Him. WHYare Christians so concernedwith this world, it's styles andfashions, programs and all ithas to offer when they couldfeast on the things of God andthe genuine peace, joy and ful-fillment that comes only fromdedication to Him?

Legalist? Legalism? Theword has to do with adheringto law. I'll take law any dayover lawlessness. And watchout for snakes.

7August 15, 2011 • Mississippi Baptist

MISSISSIPPIBerean, Soso 250.00Calvary, Taylorsville 100.00Central, Corinth 100.00Cresswell, Jimmy & Ann 10.00East Amory, Amory

IN MEMORY: Gene Aldridge; Clevert Berryhill; J.B. Edwards; CasyFooshee; Clay V. Foster; Melvin Gibbs; Robert Kyukendall; Charles DMcCollum: Woodie Morrow; Elmo Powell; Charles Ratliff; Troy Thornton

IN HONOR: Richard Culver; Roy Bottorff; Bobby Jolly, Ralph Kuykendall;Dennis Tate; Russell A Taylor; Tommy Thompson; Ray Warren 250.00Emmanuel, Tupelo 200.00First, Calhoun 500.00First, Mantachie 932.00First, Shady Grove 217.00Harmony, Hurley HONOR: Randall Sexton, III; Allen Sexton 75.00Herndon, M/M Clayton 20.00Leakesville, Leakesville MEMORY: Ford Hodges 126.00Lebanon, Laurel 476.00Liberty, Belzoni 245.00Little Creek, Perkinston 100.00Paramount, Perkinston 483.50Parkview, Laurel 50.00Ramsey Creek, Saucier 200.00Unity, Guntown 284.00

MISSOURIFaith, Independence 35.00Harmony Heights, Independence MEMORY: Lilburn C Hurd 130.00Oak Hill 300.00

OKLAHOMAMoorewood, Leedey 2,400.00Port City, CatoosaHONOR: Richard Privitt 50.00

TEXASBeech Grove, Jasper 500.00Camille Acres, Longview 200.00Central, Bronte HONOR: Steven Hill 20.00Circle Drive, Bridge City 150.00Corinth, Jacksonville 100.00Enon, Iola 100.00Enterprise, Jacksonville 113.00Farley Street, Waxahachie 500.00Fellowship, White Oak 100.00Macedonia, Pittsburg 100.00New Bethlehem, Conroe 140.00New Hope, Mineola MEMORY: Joshua Powell 200.00Richland Heights, Grand Saline 32.00Rosewood, Gilmer 120.00Sheridan Terrace, Palestine 40.00South Park, Ft Worth 200.00Sunset, Lamesa 100.00Tabernacle, Jacksonville HONOR: Adrian Laney; Josua Rae 100.00Wyatt Drive, Ft Worth 100.002011 TOTAL $14,738.25

2010 Honorarium/MemorialCalvary, White Hall, AR HONOR: Justin Wilson 153.00Central, Mineola, TX HONOR: Eddie Holcomb, Rob Stedry, Don Mewborn 75.00Faith, Newport, AR HONOR: Roland Coleman 60.00First, Mantachie, MS HONOR: Hudson Riley; Bill Tolleson; H.R. McFerrin;AJ Morrell; Ruben Bustamante, SR; Darryl DeReamer; Greg Nolan; JerryJones; Carlos Silva...MEMORY: Emilo Briones; LD Sherffield; W.S. Boyd

3,070.80Harmony Heights, Independence, MO

Memory: Carl Holke, Spofford Sloan, LC Hund 450.56

Moral Moral Moral Moral Moral Action GivingAction GivingAction GivingAction GivingAction Givingfrom page 5from page 5from page 5from page 5from page 5

Excessive Celebrationby Bro. Chuck Leeby Bro. Chuck Leeby Bro. Chuck Leeby Bro. Chuck Leeby Bro. Chuck Lee

Chuck Lee

It was third down and short,maybe a yard to go for the firstdown, and every player on thefield was bunchedtight together wait-ing for the snap ofthe ball. Sweatdripped into theireyes while their ach-ing legs poised tospring into action.The signal was given;the ball pushed intothe outstretchedhands of the quarter-back, and for whatseemed a mere blinkof the eye, the playwas fulfilled in its entirety.

Defensive players startedbutting each others helmets,several pointed toward thestands, while others struckwhat would be called “a Pose”.But for the simple fact that hewas wearing cleats and the fieldwas, well, a field, the linebackercould have successfully done a

“moonwalk”. I thought for aminute that it was halftimeand the home team dancers

had taken the field. Ialmost went for abathroom break anda coke until I noticedthe punter coming onto the field.It was at this mo-

ment that I began torealize something,which seemed to meas odd because I gen-erally watch thegame without tryingto think. Why werethese grown men act-

ing like children? Sure, youcould make the argument thatthey were playing a game andthus their actions were war-ranted. But weren’t these mensimply doing their jobs? I’mnot a football genius, but itseems to me that the defensiveplayers’ job is to keep the offen-sive players from scoring. I can

understand some elation overa job well done, but this wasexcessive. If this were a once ina while activity, maybe itwouldn’t have caused me towonder about it, but these cel-ebrations happened every timeone side or the other done theirjob.

Would the mechanic do adance every time he fixed anautomobile? He would prob-ably have a better chance ofmoon walking on an oil slickedgarage floor than the footballplayer on the fifty yard line.

It would take fifty foreversto get through the check outline at the department store ifthe cashier high-fived some-one every time an item beepedacross the scanner. As it isnow, it already takes fortyforevers.

Next time someone at workdoes something well, try slap-ping them on the rear end andtelling them “good job!” Just besure you are bigger than theyare, can run faster, or have thepower to fire them if they don’taccept your enthusiasm over ajob well done.

As silly as this sounds, I feelGod believes in excessive cel-ebrations. Try reading the fif-teenth chapter of Luke andimagine the celebration thatoccurs in Heaven when one sin-ner gets saved. I wonder whatit was like when the five thou-sand believed.

Having a Baptist back-ground and Baptist beliefs, you

may never see me jump a pewor do cart wheels down the aisle,but if I accidentally crack asmile when a sinner repents,just remember this; even Godcelebrates the finding of a lostsheep.

-Lee is pastor of Pine GroveBaptist Church, Purvis, Mis-sissippi

There is a declining depth ofcommitment among born-again Christians to their faithover the last 20 years, accord-ing to a “State of the Church”study by the Barna ResearchGroup released this week.

In interpreting the study,which shows a drop in churchattendance, Bible reading, andpriority in faith, research groupfounder George Barna warnedthat American Christians havebecome complacent.

The study in regards to thoseidentified by Barna Group asborn-again Christians showedthat:

Attendance at weekendchurch services has declinedamong this group by seven per-cent since 1991, falling from 66percent to 59 percent.

The proportion of born-againadults who read the Bible dur-ing the week, not includingwhen they are at a churchevent, has decreased by ninepercent since 1991. The weeklyaverage is now at 62 percent.

Volunteering at church dur-ing the week for those identi-fied as born-again Christianshas dropped from 41 percent in1991 to 29 percent today.

The study also found thatthose who self-identify asChristians are 10 percentagepoints more likely to be un-churched than in 1991. The 31percent who fit this profile havenot attended any church ser-

vice during the past six months,excluding special services suchas weddings or funerals, ac-cording to the study.

Barna Group clarifies the“born-again” category as com-prised of people whose beliefscharacterize them as born-again and not based on peoplecalling themselves “born-again.” This group is now at 41percent of all Americans, anincrease of six percent since1991.

Even with the increase inborn-again Christians over thelast 20 years, what has not in-creased is the participation intheir faith, Barna said in hisanalysis of the study.

“As the number of born-againadults has increased, the en-gagement in the Christian lifeseems to have waned – a com-mon problem when a product,service, movement, or perspec-tive gains massive numbersand velocity,” Barna stated.

Barna called the areas thatdipped substantially in the last20 years, such as church atten-dance and Bible reading, “criti-cal reflections.”

“In the past decade, even theproportion of born-again adultswho say their faith is vitallyimportant to them has dippedsubstantially,” he noted.

Barna concluded his analy-sis of the born-again Christiansegment of the study by sayingthat such a spiritual condition

reflects the “pursuit of cheapgrace,” described by theologianand martyr DietrichBonhoeffer. Barna said the con-dition “fits America all toosnugly today.”

Ministry leader coach ScottCouchenour, founder of Serv-ing Strong based in Ohio, saidhe was not surprised about theresults of the study or Barna’sanalysis.

“Someone is once quoted assaying Americans are truly thepoorest on the earth when itcomes to spiritual wealth,”Couchenour told The ChristianPost. “I think George is right.In America, we have just toostinkin’ much to keep us at adangerous level of comfort, wedon't want to or don't see theneed to surrender at this level.”

Couchenour said the declinein Bible reading could be theresult of a number of things.

“I believe it's because of thetremendous wealth of distrac-tions at our fingertips thesedays,” he said. “We have a gen-eration that is being raised ona steady diet of technology andare used to 140-charactertweets and 160-characterFacebook updates. I was talk-ing with an author the otherday who said most books arenow no longer than 12 chap-ters or say 500 pages.”

When asked about the over-

continued on page 8continued on page 8continued on page 8continued on page 8continued on page 8

Study: Born-Again Christians ComplacentStudy: Born-Again Christians ComplacentStudy: Born-Again Christians ComplacentStudy: Born-Again Christians ComplacentStudy: Born-Again Christians Complacent

8 August 15, 2011 • Mississippi Baptist

Sofilthy's Atticby Barbara White

Just Let Me Know!Tornadoes recently wreaked havoc in our

country, our state, our county, our neighbors'homes, destroying so much for so many!

My heart cries out, "What can I do?" Then I hear there'snot much you can do except pray. Now that's not a small thingand God can take seemingly impossible situations and workthem around for His Glory!

But my heart still wants to help. Reminds me of the sayingwe used to hear. "If you want a gate opened or a bucket ofwater toted, just let me know."

Them are my sentiments!

Mississippi Mission Efforts BlessedNew Heart Baptist MissionNew Heart Baptist MissionNew Heart Baptist MissionNew Heart Baptist MissionNew Heart Baptist Mission held its first service in their new

building recently God bless with good attendance and support.The building is now occupied and the mission and Pastor RayBoone are experiencing new visitors in each service. The photosbelow tell a short story about their progress.

New Heart Mission had its firstbaptismal service in the newbuilding on Sunday, August 14,for Deborah Marasigan.

We are thankful for God bless-ing that another soul has re-ceived the Lord as their Savior atNew Heart. Please pray for usthat the Lord will continue tobless and that we can do hiswork.

We had 175 in attendance for the first service

A group of our men at New Heart

The first service in the new building at New Heart Baptist Mission(Bro. Ray Boone and Bro. Mike Jenkins)

Home Stretch Mission, ClevelandHome Stretch Mission, ClevelandHome Stretch Mission, ClevelandHome Stretch Mission, ClevelandHome Stretch Mission, ClevelandAdditions by Baptism

Bro. Edward Duvall and Homestretch Baptist Church inCleveland, MS recently baptized 14 new converts.

The family moved here from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pleasecontinue to pray for us as we experience growth in this ministry.Front row: Demetrius Duvall, Deidre Duvall, Destiny Duvall, DemetriaDuvall Second row: Aniya Duvall, Brandy Duvall, Demon’te Duvall Thirdrow: Devario Duvall, Deshea Duvall, Trevion Duvall, Michelle Duvall

Not pictured are: Allante Jackson, Deon’te Jackson, ShaquannaVanlandingham

also tell your teen that God didnot create them for verbalabuse. Jeremiah 29:11. Godhas a good plan for their fu-ture. As one of the King’s kids,they were not created to beverbally put down, and theyshould not accept that. Chal-lenge the negative. Don’t letthe negative talk define you.Give them some scriptures tohelp them know who they arein Christ. Psalm 8:5. Psalm139:14. Genesis 1:27 Romans8:37-39. II Corinthians 6:18And sometimes, the bigger per-son is the person who walksaway from a fight.

2. Peer Pressure - Who youhang out with determines whoyou become. You can influencethose around you for Christ.You can have positive peer pres-sure on those around you,rather than you being influ-enced by negative peer pres-sure. Knowing you have a highcalling ( Philippians 3:14) youdon’t have to cave into peerpressure and do something togain someone else’s approval.

You are totally accepted byGod just as you are. Their

future success depends a greatdeal on who they hang out with,and what they do. Be wise.Wisdom should replace rights.Was that a wise thing to do? IfJesus is our Shepherd, and weare His sheep, then sheep don’trun with packs of wolves.

3. Grades. Academics are im-portant. But please help themfeel good about who they areand their future. There aresome kids that no matter howhard they study, textbooklearning is not where God giftedthem. Don’t shame them. En-courage them. All of God’s chil-dren have gifts.

They will someday find thosegifts even when they are notevident now. It may be work-ing with their hands. It may bea career in listening. It may bean artistic talent. As a parent,you know each of your childrenand what they are capable of.Help them achieve their maxi-mum potential, but don’t insistupon certain grades. “Do YourBest” is the best policy foracademic performance.

Your teen will never let youknow, but they need just asmuch love, attention and affec-tion as a 3 year old. Just notout in front of their friends.But at home, love them deeply.Teens gravitate to whomeverencourages them.

Teens ReadyFor Schoolfrom page 2from page 2from page 2from page 2from page 2

all trend of complacency thatthe study reveals, Couchenourcommented, “Perhaps whatwe've done in making church areally cool place, this excellencein all we do kind of thinking, isthat we've allowed the peoplein the pews to evolve into acoasting mode.”

Couchenour, who also worksfor a company specializing inchurch building design, said heoften sees churches putting alot of effort into making surethey have the latest technol-ogy.

“The question I have to askis are we putting too muchemphasis on the ‘wiz-bang’ atthe expense of the real meat ofchurch life? After everything issaid and done, it will alwayscome down to the walk. Andthat walk must be with a fewclose friends who are doing reallife with each other, holdingone another accountable. Jesusmodeled it with the 12 dis-ciples,” he said.

Barna Group (which in-cludes its research division, theBarna Research Group) is aprivate, for-profit organization.According to its website, "Itconducts primary research,produces media resources per-taining to spiritual develop-ment, and facilitates thehealthy spiritual growth ofleaders, children, families andChristian ministries."

Complacent Complacent Complacent Complacent Complacentfrom page 7from page 7from page 7from page 7from page 7