JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

FEBRUARY 1, 2010 VOL. 64 NO. 3

ImportantDates

2010 GMA RetreatCamp Garaywa

Clinton, MississippiFebruary 5 & 6

2010 Senior Adult RetreatsBig Creek Church, Soso

March 2, 20109:15 AM

East Fulton, FultonMay 11, 2010

9:15 AM

State Galilean CampMarch 26-27 2010,Lake Tiak O’Khata

Louisville, MS

2010 BMA of AmericaAnnual Meeting

Fort Smith, ArkansasApril 19-23, 2010

400 Participants Needed For DiscipleWay SurveyThe development team for a disciple-

ship training program being designedfor BMA churches is requesting BMAchurch members to complete an on-linesurvey that will aid the preparation ofthe material.

The training program, calledDiscipleWay, is a joint effort of BMAdepartments and about 50 writers andgraphic designers. It will offer class-room as well as hands-on training inseven key disciplines for growing Chris-

tians, according to Steve Crawley,project manager.

A minimum of 400 participants, par-ticularly lay men and lay women, isneeded to give a meaningful outcome.

The window of time to complete thesurvey is January 25--February 15.The survey will consist of 30 questionsand will take about 10-15 minutes tocomplete.

Participants may access the surveyby going to www.discipleway.org and

clicking on the Survey link.Rainer Research is conducting the

survey. The researchers will presentan analysis and final report toDiscipleWay on March 8.

The Rainer Research group wasfounded by Thom Rainer, president ofLifeWay. Sam Rainer, president, willserve as lead researcher and primarycontact and be responsible for the re-search, analysis and closure, Crawleysaid.

BMAA Cambodia's Medical Ministryby Dr. Fil B. Tabayoyong, Jr.

Happy Heart & Wellness ClinicToul Tompoung 1, Phnom Penh,

CambodiaEmail - docfil@yahoo.com

The Baptist Missionary Associationof the Philippines (BMAP) in Cambodiaestablished the Happy Heart & WellnessClinic at its Coordinating Office at ToulTompung 1 in Phnom Penh, Cambodiaon August 23, 2007. The clinic ad-dresses the health care needs of Chris-tian missionaries and their families,the Filipino community and other multi-nationals, indigent Khmer patients, notonly from the capital city of PhnomPenh, but likewise from adjacent prov-

inces and government employees fromdifferent line ministries.

The Happy Heart & Wellness Clinic

provides curative health care services,pro-life program and HIV-AIDS coun-seling services. It has been duly recog-nized by the Royal Government ofCambodia’s Ministry of Health as acharitable medical facility unit, render-ing quality curative, preventive andpromotive health care services to itsclients. Importantly, from the medicalministry point of view, the Clinic con-tinues to bear witness to its patients byrelating to them the message of Christaside from bringing to them health,hope and healing.

Achievements for the LordAchievements for the LordAchievements for the LordAchievements for the LordAchievements for the LordFrom August 2007 to December 2008,

the Happy Heart & Wellness Clinic has

treated a total of 487 patients,who weremostly impoverished and disadvantagedCambodians. Fourteen (14) women ofreproductive age who intended to haveabortion were counseled and given theeducated option not to terminate theirpregnancies. Eleven (11) pregnantwomen decided to continue their preg-nancies with Dr. Fil providing themregular prenatal checkups. Six (6) weresaved prior to their childbirth and haveaccepted Christ as their personal Lordand Savior.

During the period, twelve (12) HIV-AIDS patients underwent periodic coun-seling either at the Clinic or at home.Seven (7) died of complicated opportu-nistic infections but prior to death, four(4) have been saved and now are enjoy-ing eternal life.

From January to December 2009, atotal of 734 patients were seen, treatedand counseled at the Happy Heart &Wellness Clinic. Ten (10) pregnantwomen joined the pro-life service pro-gram and decided to continue with theirpregnancies with guidance from Dr.Fil. Two (2) died of complicated child-birth at home in their villages. Eight (8)have been saved and continue to comeregularly to the Clinic to learn about theGood News.

Sixteen (16) HIV-AIDS patients havebeen counseled by Dr. Fil, of whom five(5) succumbed to death, but have known

that there is a Christ who has redeemedthe world. Four (4) were referred toinstitutional care as they could not be

well taken cared of by their families athome because of poverty. Dr. Fil contin-ues to provide them free counselingservices and anti-oxidant/food supple-ment drugs.

Happy Heart & Wellness Clinic wouldwant to thank all partners, friends andassociates for their support to the medi-cal ministry. Special gratitude goes tothe Baptist Medical Missions Interna-tional (BMMI)/ Dr. Ralph Izard for shar-ing with Happy Heart & Wellness Clinicassorted drugs and medical supplies.

Kindly continue to pray that the 63Khmer patients whom the Happy Heart& Wellness Clinic has seen and treated

Dr. Fil B. Tabayoyong, Jr.

Dr. Fil examines the right ear of 10 monthsold Da Hosanna. Her mother wanted toabort Hosanna but was inspired by Dr. Filnot to do so. She gave birth to Hosanna onMarch 15, 2009 and has accepted Christ asher Lord and personal Savior.

continued on page 5continued on page 5continued on page 5continued on page 5continued on page 5

2 February 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

Commission on Senior AdultsVern D.Holifield, Director

4226 Highway 15 NorthLaurel, Mississippi 39440

It is good to greet you on thiscold winter day. I am sure it iscold where you are. The Lordcontinues to bless the ministryof your Commission on SeniorAdults. It is good to rejoice inthe goodness of the Lord. God isgood to His faithful children.

Church visitsChurch visitsChurch visitsChurch visitsChurch visitsThe Lord has blessed me to be

with Bethel Baptist, Seminary,for two consecutive Sundays.Last Sunday, January 24, I hadthe privilege of baptizing a younglady. She was saved the Sunday

before when Brother Skip Hol-land was with the church. Thechurch received two membersby letter as well. Bethel is with-out a pastor at this time. Prayfor them as they seek God's willand God's man for the church.

ConferencesConferencesConferencesConferencesConferencesThe South Conference is

scheduled for March 2, 2010.The place is Big Creek BaptistChurch. The beginning time is9:15 AM. Please note this timechange. We are majoring on thework of evangelism in the morn-

ing part of the program.I believe our first love is to

God. I also believe that our firstwork is evangelism. The workof witnessing, soul winning, andvisitation is taught throughoutthe Bible. God sent Jonah, andGod sent Phillip, God sent Pauland the list goes on. God sentHis Son and God sent HisChurch and that involves ustoday. Jesus said to His Church,“GO”. He has never withdrawnthat commission. I am afraidmany, if not most of us, havesubstituted something else intoour schedule. Many of us arepraying that the Conferenceswill be used of the Lord to re-kindle the fires of evangelism inour BMA of Mississippi. Willyou pray with us to that end?

We love our senior adults.The Commission is to focus on

the needs, the problems,the strength, the experience andother abilities of our seniors.However, we must also focus onthe necessity of reaching youngfamilies. Young men and womenwith their children must be en-listed by the churches. If wereach the young folks, we mustget back to the Bible way. We goafter them with a soul winner'slove and heart.

I submit that we preachersneed to jumpstart this spirit andwork in our own lives. Iam sure the same is true in themembers of the churches.Church growth comes when wego and witness and win others toChrist. I remember that some-one said long ago, "If we go theywill come." It is not easy thesedays. It was not easy in Paul'sday. So far not many of us have

been jailed, beaten, and forbid-den to witness to lost sinners.This freedom may last alwayshere in America and here inMississippi. We must be a faith-ful witness while we have thefreedom and while it is day.

Come on pastors and help usfill the house at Big Creek. Bringas many as you can. Believewith me that revival can comein 2010 to BMA people righthere in Mississippi. Better still,believe that revival can come toyou and to your church family.Revival will begin in the altar ofprayer and will reach out intoour communities with the gos-pel witness as we go in obedienceto God's Word.

The North Conference isscheduled for May 11 at EastFulton Baptist. We will havemore on this conference later.

Family ArkMinistriesTravis Plumlee

Parents Must Monitor Time with ElectronicsI sometimes attend the bach-

elor parties of the young men inmy mentoring group. I alwayssmile when I walk in, and theyare all sitting around a TV play-ing video games. That is whatthey will do all night. Eat andplay video games. And I amhappy they are doing this. It isso refreshing to see young guysplaying video games and eatingat a bachelor party rather thanbeing out at a strip club andgetting drunk. Sadly, the latteris what occurs at most bachelorparties today.

Appropriately decent videogames are not by themselvesbad. TV has some horrible evilon the screen today. But, throughcareful selection, not all TV isbad. Texting a friend on thephone is not bad on it's ownmerits. What is stated in the

text determines the appropri-ateness as a conversation forChristians. So, Christian par-ents don't have to see these elec-tronic gadgets and appliancesas evil. What parents need to dois monitor how much time isspent on these avenues for en-tertainment.

For several years now I havewritten about the need for par-

ents to limit the time spent onthe computer, the TV, the cellphone or video games. It seemsas a society to only be growingworse. The number of hoursspent on these devices by chil-dren and teens is escalating atan alarming rate. It is alarming

because of the social deteriora-tion it brings about. Too muchtime spent playing video gameswill cause grades to fall. Toomuch time watching TV willcause a state of apathy and igno-rance in a person's life. Too muchtime on the cell phone only fur-ther exacerbates the breakdownof communication amongst allpeople in our society.

There is a real and growingproblem amongst young peopleand communication. You can'tgo through life never communi-cating eye to eye at a personallevel with people. Can you imag-ine the marriages in the futurewhen couples don't argue in per-son anymore. They just texteach other from separate roomsin the house! Healthy and holyfamilies communicate. Commu-nication is the foundation of agood home life. Of course, prayeris the most important form ofcommunication. Well adjustedchildren come from homes wherethere is a great deal of commu-

nication. Where people speakthe truth in love. Where peopleopenly express affection towardsone another. Where people sitdown and even argue when thereis a disagreement. (However, itis within the context of a healthyargument).

What happens in a familywhere everyone is plugged in tosomething? The family frac-tures. The family falls apart orat the very least becomes disin-terested individuals all livingunder a common roof. If yourchild, even a teenager, stays intheir room playing video gamesall night, or all weekend, this isa serious problem. It is not some-thing to be dismissive about. Ithurts the development of thechild into a healthy adult. Ithurts them in forming relation-ships. It separates afamily from havingany close family ties.

It is okay for kids toplay a lot of videogames or watch mov-ies on DVD if it is asnow day. It is okay ifit is a rainy day. It iseven okay if this issomething the familydoes on occasion. Youpick a Saturday everyfew months, and ev-eryone just eats pop-corn and enjoys amovie day with decentmovies. If you aregoing to watch moviesall day you will prob-ably have to resort to some blackand white movies because mosttoday are inappropriate forChristians. But parents reallyneed to make sure these days

are the exception and not therule. It is so easy for the hoursspent on video games, TV andcomputer things to pile up beforeyou know it. Parents need toactually write down the amountof time each child is doing thesethings for one month. I thinkmost adults would be surprisedat how much time they waste infront of the TV. It adds up fast. Arecent study said that someteens are spending 50 hours aweek playing video games andwatching TV. And we wonderwhy America is slipping on testscores compared to other na-tions?

Set clear boundaries and ex-pectations with your kids on howmuch time they are allowed to dothese things. No exceptions ex-cept for those aforementioned.

Stick to your guns nomatter how big of a fitthey throw. Expectthem to honor you inthese guidelines. Ifthey make your lifemiserable don't givein. Discipline them.Video games and TVare privileges. If theysmart mouth you,they lose the privilege.If they don't do thechores you ask, theydon't get to play videogames. If they goahead and do it afteryou have told themno, then you unplugit and remove it from

them. You have them write aletter to you asking for yourforgiveness, and coming up withsome more constructive ways tospend their time.

Parents, you can also findthings for them to do. Do youwant lazy, mindless blobs sit-ting around as adults? It is no

wonder teens tell me they don'thave time to have a ministryonce a week where they serveothers. It is no surprise thatthey don't have time to do devo-tions and study the Word. Itwould amaze most families howmuch time they would have togrow spiritually with devotionsand serving others, how muchthey would grow socially if theylearned to interact at a personallevel with people, and how muchthey would grow as a hard-work-ing mature adult if they hadlimits every day on the amountof time spent with these items.

You are the parents. If youwant your children to be suc-cessful, then limit video games,computer, TV and cell phones.Tell your kids it is not a wisething to do. It is not wise tospend all your free time doingthese activities. And as Chris-tians we are to pursue wisethings. Start off with a devotionbefore you set down your newrules. Use Proverbs 4:7 andPsalm 101:3.

God's speed.

3February 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

SoutheasternBaptist College4229 Highway 15 NorthLaurel, Mississippi 39440, (601) 426-6346 Dr. Medrick Savell

President

Serving Christ With a Biblical World View In A Christian Atmosphere

Honor Roll - Fall, 2009Honor Roll - Fall, 2009Honor Roll - Fall, 2009Honor Roll - Fall, 2009Honor Roll - Fall, 2009President’s List

Amanda Lavinghouse, JohnKelly, Garrett Harvey, GeorgeMatthews, Brian Dickens,Marcus Raymond, Charles Lee,George Grund, Jr.

Dean’s ListMary Lavinghouse, Zachary

Patrick, Sandra Buckingham,Jacob McKenzie, Donald Miller,David Parker, Jason Howard,Justin Elkins, Gary Smith,Adrain Johnson, Clay Smith,Marvin Mathis, Adam Parker,Trent Warren, Randall Jones,Mark Williams.

Enrollment forEnrollment forEnrollment forEnrollment forEnrollment forSpring Semester, 2010Spring Semester, 2010Spring Semester, 2010Spring Semester, 2010Spring Semester, 2010

We are thankful for anothergood enrollment this semester.It is almost identical to that oflast Spring. A few students com-

pleted their studies in the fallsemester and we are thankfulfor the new students who camethis time.

Missionaries Visit the Cam-Missionaries Visit the Cam-Missionaries Visit the Cam-Missionaries Visit the Cam-Missionaries Visit the Cam-puspuspuspuspus

We were privileged to haveBMAA Missionaries MissDarlene Carey and Bro. MichelPoirier in our chapel servicesthis month.

MemorialsMemorialsMemorialsMemorialsMemorialsContributions have been sent

to purchase memorial books tobe placed in the college libraryin memory of Mrs. Celest RowlinCooper and Mrs. Joan WallaceHoward. May the Lord blessthese families. We appreciateall those who remember lovedones in this manner. It will, nodoubt, be a blessing to manypeople in the future.

SBC FOUNDATIONSBC FOUNDATIONSBC FOUNDATIONSBC FOUNDATIONSBC FOUNDATIONLooking Back

The Southeastern BaptistCollege Foundation, Inc. waschartered in 1979. Its purpose isto generate revenues to supportthe general operation of South-eastern Baptist College. Everycent put into the Foundationsince its beginning remainsthere, never to be spent. Onlythe interest earned from thesefunds can be used. Tens of thou-sands of dollars have been gen-erated in interest for the college’suse during the history of theFoundation.

Looking AheadThe future of the financial

stability of Southeastern Bap-tist College is directly related tothe strength of her Foundation.Every cent deposited in the Foun-dation in the future will remainthere perpetually to continueproducing yearly income for op-erating expenses. The continualgrowth of the Foundation willmean ready access to neededfunds for the ongoing advance-ment of the ministry of the col-lege.

Looking AroundA look around will reveal a

number of ways the college Foun-

dation will grow.

*Gifts from Individuals - Any-one can give any amount desig-nated to be placed in the South-eastern Baptist College Founda-tion. All gifts to the Foundationare tax deductible.

*Offerings from Churches -Churches are encouraged to in-clude the Foundation in theirmonthly budgeted offerings.

*Memorial Gifts - Gifts may bemade to the Foundation inmemory of a loved one or friendwho has already gone to be withthe Lord.

*Honor Recognition - Gifts maybe made to the Foundation inhonor of a loved one or friendwho is still living.

*Bequests - Placing the Foun-dation in one’s will is an excel-lent way to remember and ac-knowledge the Lord’s blessingsin this life.

Further InformationFurther InformationFurther InformationFurther InformationFurther InformationIf you would like further in-

formation about the Southeast-ern Baptist College Foundationand how you might contributeto it, please contact the presi-dent at:

Southeastern Baptist College4229 Highway 15 NorthLaurel, MS 39440601-426-6346email:

president@southeasternbaptist.edu

Checks should be made pay-able to: Southeastern BaptistCollege Foundation

We appreciate the supportgiven to the Foundation. Thecontributions have increasedeach of the last four years. Lastyear eight churches, four indi-viduals and one estate saw theneed to help build the Founda-tion and contributed $39,362.00to it. The churches that aresupporting at this time are:Antioch, SosoBethel, LouiseBig Creek, SosoFirst Baptist, Calhoun, LaurelHopewell, LaurelLebanon, LaurelParamount, PerkinstonSkyway Hills, Pearl

We invite other churches,associations, families, and indi-viduals to join these and helpbuild the Foundation. Our goalin the next few years is to haveone million dollars providingfunds for the college. As of June30, 2009, the assets were$570,035.00.

4 February 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

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

Listing of names does notindicate endorsement.

This column is forinformation purposes only.

AVAILABLEFOR SERVICE

Virgil AinsworthVirgil AinsworthVirgil AinsworthVirgil AinsworthVirgil AinsworthVirgil T. Ainsworth is avail-

able for service where ever andhow ever the Lord may lead. Hemay be contacted at the follow-ing numbers. Cell 601-577-0924or Home 601-729-8059.

Joseph Harris

miniedition

www.miniedition.net

When Ye Be Angry.."Be ye angry, and sin not; let notthe sun go down on your wrath."Ephesians 4:26

Anger is something we allhave to deal with in life. Angerusually results when someoneinfringes on our rights. We getangry when someone slandersus because WE have a right to agood name and reputation. Weget angry when the motoristahead does not signal their turnoff the road because they wereinconsiderate of OUR safety. Weget upset with long check outlines because WE have places togo and things to do. Sometimesour anger seems justified.

Ephesians 4:26 is not a com-mand for the Christian to getangry. Anger is not somethingwe schedule into our lives; itusually just happens withoutwarning. Notice the context.Verse 25 is a command to stoplying. Verse 28 is a command tostop stealing. Sandwiched inbetween is the subject of anger.Unlike lying and stealing, whichare premeditated, anger is anemotional response. We are com-manded to cease from lying andstealing because we can refrainfrom these actions (regardless ofwhat modern society may sayabout man's inability to control

sinful urges). Anger, however isnot something we do: it is some-thing that happens. We get an-gry. Getting angry is not a mat-ter of IF, but WHEN.

Lying and stealing are al-ways wrong, but anger in and of

itself is not always sinful. Jesuswas angry with themoneychangers and drove themfrom the Temple. He was alsoangry when the Pharisees ques-tioned his authority to heal onthe Sabbath. In both of theseinstances, the Scriptures tell usthat Jesus was angry, but Hiswas a righteous anger againstsin. However, Ephesians 4:26 isnot speaking of righteous anger.

We can refrain from lyingand stealing, but we cannot al-ways keep from becoming an-gry. Paul is giving guidelines onwhat to do when anger happens.He is not saying, "Be ye angry"but is saying, "When ye be an-gry" do not sin. Why? Because

the potential to commit sin isgreater when we are angry. Infits of anger, people do and saythings they might not otherwisedo or say. In anger, people curse,profane the Lord's name, sayhurtful words, attack others,and sometimes commit mur-der. Anger can be an Achillesheel, so Paul is giving a warningto stay on guard and deal with itquickly by using the phrase, "letnot the sun go down on yourwrath" which is an admonitionto get it right within 24 hours.Even if we can stay in control atthe first sign of anger, we maynot be able to remain in controlif we remain in an angry statetoo long. Paul is hinting thatone day may be all we can handlebefore we begin to commit sinsof the heart (and in other ways)against those with whom we areangered.

Do not minimize your anger.Do not excuse it by claimingthat you have a short fuse orquick temper. When someoneinfringes on one of your "rights",ask yourself how important isthat right. Rely on God'sstrength and the power of Scrip-ture to respond as Jesus wouldrespond. And if you do experi-ence righteous anger againstsin, display it in a spirit of love,for "the wrath of man workethnot the righteousness of God."James 1:20.

Online Church Letter Form to Expireby Bobby L. Hudgensby Bobby L. Hudgensby Bobby L. Hudgensby Bobby L. Hudgensby Bobby L. Hudgens

DiscipleGuide Information ServicesDiscipleGuide Information ServicesDiscipleGuide Information ServicesDiscipleGuide Information ServicesDiscipleGuide Information Services

DiscipleGuide Information Services is currentlygathering data for the next edition of the 2010-2011 BMAA Directory and Handbook to be distrib-uted this summer. We sincerely thank your churchfor promptly sending us your church letter. If yourchurch has not sent us your church letter withinformation ending in 2009, please do so soon.

Our latest records show that only one third ofBMAA churches give an offering each year to-

ward the publishing of the BMAA Directory andHandbook. Without the support of our churcheswe cannot continue to provide our churches withthis service. We need your help, and we thank youso much for it.

If you plan to complete the 2009 Annual ChurchLetter form online, time is running out. The onlineform will expire on February 14 and will no longerbe available.

Please send offerings to Information Services,4613 Loop 245, Texarkana, AR 71854. Thanks somuch for your help.

Mankind Needs To Take God’s Word Seriouslyby Grover Lairdby Grover Lairdby Grover Lairdby Grover Lairdby Grover Laird

Of the multitudes who diedaily, many are now wishingthat they had taken the Word ofGod more seriously. Throughthe centuries the Bible has beensaying, "O earth, earth, earth,hear the word of the LORD."(Jeremiah 22:29) Yet many payHim little attention.

Men need to hear the Word ofthe Lord as it tell us of God’sgreat love for sinners. God lovedus so much that He gave Hisdarling Son to come to earth todie for us. In His death He “bareour sins in his own body on thetree,” paying the due paymentfor our sins against a holy God.(1 Peter 2:24) The Father madeJesus “to be sin for us, who knewno sin; that we might be madethe righteousness of God in him."(2 Corinthians 5:21) He died as“the just for the unjust, that hemight bring us to God.” (1 Peter3:18) Yet many seem to pay noattention to God’s “goodness andforbearance and longsuffering,”which should be leading them torepentance. (Romans 2:4)

Many of those who die in theirsins fully intended to be savedlater. Yet they fail to take seri-ously the Word of God when itsays, "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest notwhat a day may bring forth."(Proverbs 27:1) The Bible alsosaid, "Seek ye the LORD whilehe may be found, call ye uponhim while he is near:" (Isaiah55:6) O that people would “hearthe word of the Lord,” and real-ize that life is short and uncer-tain.

People need to take the Bibleseriously when it calls attentionto the value of one’s soul. It was

Jesus who said, "For what shallit profit a man, if he shall gainthe whole world, and lose hisown soul? Or what shall a mangive in exchange for his soul?"(Mark 8:36,7) Jesus is telling usthat if one gained all the wealthof the world, was trusted withall of the power of the world,obtained all of the fame andhonor of the world, enjoyed ev-ery pleasure of the world, andlived here longer than anyoneever lived, if he died lost it wouldhave been better that he hadnever been born.

People need to take God’sWord seriously when it speaksabout Hell. In Psalm 9:17 weread "The wicked shall be turnedinto hell, and all the nationsthat forget God." In Matthew25:46 we read, "And these shallgo away into everlasting pun-ishment: but the righteous intolife eternal." In Revelation 20:15we read, "And whosoever wasnot found written in the book oflife was cast into the lake offire." (Revelation 20:15)

We do know that these versesabout hell are truth, because wehave the words of one sinnerafter he got there. Jesus, Whoknows all about every man’sbirth and life and death, tells usabout it - "And in hell he lift uphis eyes, being in torments, andseeth Abraham afar off, andLazarus in his bosom. And hecried and said, Father Abraham,have mercy on me, and sendLazarus, that he may dip the tipof his finger in water, and coolmy tongue; for I am tormentedin this flame." (Luke 16:23,24)"O earth, earth, earth, hear theword of the LORD." (Jeremiah22:29)

5February 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

in year 2009 will continue to thirst forthe Word of God as they seriously studythe Bible and share the lessons to theirfamilies.

Please fervently pray for BMACambodia’s medical ministry as it en-visages to embark on a medical andnutrition program with the inmates incollaboration with the Cambodian na-tional government. Happy Heart &Wellness Clinic has commenced to as-sist the prisoners in Phnom Penh withsome curative and preventive healthcare services. Cambodia’s Presar (Na-tional Penal Prison) has 4,100 maleinmates; 920 female prisoners and 310juvenile delinquents. BMMI has shippeda container van of drugs, medical andeducational supplies, food supplements,etc. to Cambodia for Presar. We are stillawaiting for its arrival.

To God be always the glory!

Dr. Fil conducts thorough physical andmedical examination on Khemra who has

never heard of the name of Jesus Christuntil she came to Happy Heart & WellnessClinic. Dr. Fil exclaims that when Christdwells into his patients’ lives and into theirhearts, they would experience improvedquality of living which is like turning waterinto wine.

MedicalMinistryfrom page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1

BMA Retirement ReturnsBMA Retirement ReturnsBMA Retirement ReturnsBMA Retirement ReturnsBMA Retirement Returns• Lt Growth — 2003, 20.48%; 2004,12.03%; 2005, 5.55%; 2006, 15.74%;2007, 5.23%; 2008, (29.03%); and 2009,25.39%.• Fixed Income — 2003, 2.89%; 2004,2.18%; 2005, 2.75%; 2006, 2.34%; 2007,2.54%; 2008, 2.64%; and 2009, 2.78%.

The Long TermGrowth accounts haveaveraged a growth of7.91% each year forthe past 7 years. Inthe past 7 years wehave posted a total of55.39% to each LTGrowth account.

The Fixed Incomeaccounts have aver-aged a growth of 2.59%each year for the past 7 years.

The BMA Retirement portfolio assetstotaled $9,109,032.11 on Dec. 31, 2009.In 2009 the BMA Retirement portfoliogrew by 1.8 million, with 1.1 million ofthe growth being new retirement moneydeposited by participants. The BMARetirement portfolio over the past 7years has had a growth in assets of$5,226,965.24.

Market PerformanceMarket PerformanceMarket PerformanceMarket PerformanceMarket Performance• DOW — 2003, 21.1%; 2004, 3.15%;2005, (0.6%); 2006, 16.29%; 2007, 6.4%;2008, (34.9%); and 2009, 18.8%;• NASDAQ — 2003, 42.1%; 2004, 8.58%;2005, 1.4%; 2006, 9.52%; 2007, 9.8%;2008, (40.5%); and 2009, 43.9%.• S & P 500 — 2003, 0.2%; 2004, 9.0%;2005, 3.0%; 2006, 13.62%; 2007, 3.5%;2008, (38.8%); and 2009, 23.5%.

The Dow has averaged 4.32% eachyear for the past 7 years. The Nasdaqhas averaged 10.69% each year for the

Minister'sResource Service

Ron Chesser, Director

Ron Chesser

Roy L. Grimsley Building Dedication set for March 9, 2010The Baptist Missionary Association

Theological Seminary is excited to an-nounce the completion of the newestbuilding on the Jacksonville campus,the Roy L. Grimsley Building. TheGrimsley Building houses a video class-room that will connect to other class-rooms around the world. Internationalstudents will be able to attend real-timeclasses without leaving their home coun-tries. The furnishing of the video class-room was a project of the NationalWomen’s Missionary Auxiliary.

The building will also house archivedmaterials and rare book collections.Much of BMA history has been collectedand is housed at the seminary and ispreserved for historical and researchpurposes. There will also be study car-rels set aside for those engaged in up-

BMA Seminary, Jacksonville, Texas

Dr. Fil examines and counsels Hun, a Cam-bodian afflicted with HIV-AIDS, and hasdecided to tell his family and friends aboutthe love of Jesus that he learned from theHappy Heart & Wellness Clinic.

per-level studies.A dedication service is planned for

March 9, 2010 at 10:00-12:00 in theDorman Memorial Chapel on the semi-

nary campus in Jacksonville, Texas.There will be a reception and tours ofthe new building. Everyone is invited toattend.

past 7 years. The S & P 500 has aver-aged 2.00% each year for the past 7years.

You may contact Ministers ResourceServices, the retirement agency of theBMA of America, at P.O. Box 2866,Texarkana, AR 75504; (870) 774-2654or email Executive Director RonChesser, at RChesser6365@aol.com torequest a retirement packet or to openan account.

The evangelicalThe evangelicalThe evangelicalThe evangelicalThe evangelicalleft's anti-Israelleft's anti-Israelleft's anti-Israelleft's anti-Israelleft's anti-IsraelslantslantslantslantslantOneNewsNow -OneNewsNow -OneNewsNow -OneNewsNow -OneNewsNow - The head of a Protes-tant renewal organization is calling outa prominent member of the so-called"evangelical left" for leading a delega-tion on an anti-Israel pilgrimage.

Brian McLaren is the founding pas-tor of the Cedar Ridge CommunityChurch in the Baltimore area, which ispart of the "Emergent Church" move-ment. He recently led a delegationthrough Israel and the West Bank de-crying alleged pro-Israel partiality.

Mark Tooley, president of The Insti-tute on Religion & Democracy (IRD),says McLaren's positions are clearlyanti-Israel. He says that according toMcLaren, the Jewish nation is "a west-ern imperialist power that is oppress-ing the Palestinians -- who are, incontrast, an impoverished Third World

victim...suffering because of Americaneconomic and military support for Is-rael."

In addition, says Tooley, McLarenbelieves in a moral equivalency be-tween Israel defending itself and Pales-tinians launching terrorist attacks.

"For example, Brian McLaren -- likemany on the evangelical left -- gives agreat deal of attention to Israel's secu-rity fence, which of course has beenlargely successful in keeping suicidebombers from infiltrating Israel," saysthe IRD president. "But as McLarenand others on the evangelical left por-tray it, it's a tragic and terrible symbolthat is inflicting untold suffering on thePalestinians."

In a recent blog, McLaren describedthat security fence as a "segregationwall."

Tooley says McLaren and his ilk donot favor a two-state solution, but rathera one-state solution that dissolves theJewish state of Israel and replaces itwith one where Muslims are in themajority.

6 February 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

Mississippi W.M.A.Mrs. Ruby Bynum, President

43 Bear Pen Creek Rd., Laurel, MS 39440601-428-1901

Corresponding SecretaryMrs. Shirlene Smith

730 Hwy 533, Laurel, MS 39443601-729-5638

Oak Grove District WMA ReportOn January 15 the Oak Grove District WMA met

with Bethel Baptist Church with four churches present:Bethel, Good Hope, Temple, and Pine Grove. Therewere 28 present.

The meeting was called to order by President DebbiePatterson, with Tiny Dyess opening us in prayer.After singing the devotion was given by DebbiePatterson from Romans 8. Our welcome was given byBethel with the response by Good Hope. Our project forthis quarter will be New Heart Mission in Hattiesburg.

The program was brought by Patsy Burge, “On theOutside Looking In.” Our next meeting will be at GoodHope on April 9.

Margie McVay, Reporter

Mississippi State Brotherhood Reportby Bryson Haden, Vice Presidentby Bryson Haden, Vice Presidentby Bryson Haden, Vice Presidentby Bryson Haden, Vice Presidentby Bryson Haden, Vice President

Not a lot of time has elapsed since our annualBrotherhood meeting in Laurel, yet already our mindshave had time to focus on other things. Things like acollapsing economy, a straying government, or evenmajor disasters in our world. With all of the crazinessin our everyday lives and in our world we shouldalways remember that worry can not ever change theoutcome of anything. Prayer and a Christian voice areable to bring about change to the paths of the unrigh-teous and unsaved world. Silence and procrastinationhave been the nemesis of Christian males in ourmodern times.

Men we can change this trend by taking advantageof the opportunities presented by our churches, asso-

ciations, state work and even our National BMA. Weshould take a stand for God and not be timid orashamed of it. The Brotherhood is working to be theleadership and the voice of the BMA men. Your supportthrough prayer and participation is exactly what isneeded to make a difference. The National Brother-hood is currently raising funds for the Moral ActionCommission. There is no better voice for the BMA andour moral beliefs than this! Our own state Brother-hood is taking donations for the Disaster Relief projectwhich will enable us to respond to disasters in ourarea.

Again this is an excellent place to show Christianlove and compassion. So for just a moment let's not fretover our reeling economy or the demise of our greatcountry. Instead let's do something about it!

State Galilean Reportby Mark Jonesby Mark Jonesby Mark Jonesby Mark Jonesby Mark Jones

stonwall@yahoo.comstonwall@yahoo.comstonwall@yahoo.comstonwall@yahoo.comstonwall@yahoo.comI want to let everyone know that we are working

hard planning our State Gallilean Camp. We will bemeeting at Lake Tiak O'Khata again thisyear in Louisville, Mississippi.

Bro. Larry Tramel will be our camppastor and I am sure he will have mes-sages that will be great. Our theme forcamp this year is "Soldiers of God" withour theme verse from 2 Timothy 2:4. Ifyou have a young man who is going beforethe review board for Mr. Galilean, pleasesend me a email with his name and if he is a Junior or

Senior Galilean. Also if any of the leaders that will beat camp would like to be on the review board, please letme know.

I also have a new cell number 662-231-1435 and myemail is stonwall@yahoo.com. If youhave any ideas or would like to start aGalilean program in you church let meknow and we would love nothing morethan to help. Our youth are our biggestasset and we need to disciple them andgive them a strong foundation in the theWord of God.I will give the time camp starts when we

have all the plans made.

State GalileanCamp

March 26-27 2010,Lake Tiak O’Khata

Louisville, MS

Lifestyle Diseases Kill Abundant LifeFrom LifeWay by Branda Polk

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill,and to destroy: I am come that they might have life,and that they might have it more abundantly.” John10:10

Jerry slumped into his chair exhausted. His chil-dren begged him to join them playing driveway basket-ball, but he couldn’t. His knees hurt, he had no energy,his breathing was short and he had a headache. Jerryreally wanted to have energy, to feel good and to live afull abundant life and he really didn’tknow why he felt so bad. Yes, he hadgained quite a bit of weight over the lastfew years, but he thought of himself as a“big guy” and didn’t believe some extraweight could be this limiting. Surelysomething was really wrong with him.

Concerned, he made an appointmentwith his doctor and was diagnosed withMetabolic Syndrome, a cluster of healthrelated conditions including high bloodpressure, abdominal obesity, elevated blood glucoseand insulin intolerance, high blood fat of both triglyc-erides and bad cholesterol, and a pro-inflammatorystate. Jerry knew he had been feeling bad, but he didn’trealize it was this bad. He asked his doctor whatcaused Metabolic Syndrome. His doctor answered,“Jerry, you did this to yourself. You are digging yourgrave one fork full at a time.”

The shock of the doctor’s response overwhelmedJerry. He didn’t do this. Why would he pick to feel thisbad? He didn’t do anything. But, that was the problem.Jerry didn’t realize that his unhealthy lifestyle choicesof overeating unhealthy foods, avoiding exercise andphysical activity, gaining weight, and not managing

• Increasing pain in the joints.• Reducing the ability to get quality sleep• Increasing the risk of depression and other emo-

tional challenges.• Increasing the risk for traumatic healthincidences such as diabetic shock, strokesand heart attacks• Reducing the overall feeling of self-worth and self-confidence

Why would someone choose these nega-tive consequences? God did not designthe human body to live this way. Thehuman body has the ability to be strong,fit, and healthy but it requires positive

health choices of food, physical activity, stress man-agement, and omitting harmful alcohol and drugs.

The good news about lifestyle diseases is that theycan be reversed and, in some cases considered cured,by changing the lifestyle choices from negative behav-iors to positive behaviors.• Limit portion sizes.• Eat more meals at home and fewer in restaurants.• Instead of snacking on junk food, choose fruit andvegetables.• Instead of fatty hamburgers, hot dogs and cold cuts,choose lean poultry and beef and fish.• Instead of white flour based breads, muffins andsweet rolls, choose whole grain breads, brown rice andsweet potatoes.• Consume low and nonfat dairy sources.• Omit fried foods from your eating plan.• Get active.• Begin by walking.

Find other activities to get strong including run-ning, weight training, fitness classes and swimming.Manage stress through prayer, journaling, and shar-ing your thoughts and feelings with trusted people.

Remember, just as you didn’t wake up one dayunhealthy, the solution will not be instant. But thesolution and reversal begins one choice at a time. Asyou begin making positive health choices you willbegin to experience better health and have the oppor-tunity to live abundantly in better health.

his stress all contributed little by little, day after day,over many years to this potentially deadly cluster ofnegative physical problems. Metabolic Syndrome is aprecursor to heart disease, diabetes, andeven certain types of cancer. This wasJerry’s wake-up call.

Like Jerry, too many people wake up oneday and find themselves in really poorhealth. Unfortunately Metabolic Syndromeand other lifestyle diseases including heart

disease, type 2 diabetes, andobesity do not occur overnight.Lifestyle disease is defined as adisease linked to the way a per-son or group of people lives andthe choices they make every day. Unlike abacteria or virus that make you sick overa short time or even overnight, the choicesthat lead to lifestyle diseases are madeevery time a person chooses what to eat,whether to not to be physically active, to

drink alcohol, to smoke cigarettes or to take drugs.And, while the occasional “treat” food or day on thecouch won’t lead to dire disease, a pattern of unhealthychoices day in and day out lead a person down thisdeadly path that severely limits and even kills theability to live an abundant life.

Lifestyle diseases slowly kill abundant life by:• Decreasing physical energy level.• Lowering the desire to be involved in life.• Consuming monetary resources on medical treat-ments and medications• Limiting mobility.• Requiring assistance from others for basic personalhygiene and care.

7February 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

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

SIDNEY DAVISDIRECTOR

Annual RalliesAnnual RalliesAnnual RalliesAnnual RalliesAnnual RalliesThe Oak Grove Association

had their annual rally for theHome on January 14. The meet-ing was held with the Good HopeBaptist Church near Columbiaand Pastor Denny Patterson.The children presented specialsin music and I shared a messagefrom God’s Word after giving areport on the ministry of theHome. Afterwards we enjoyed atime of refreshment and fellow-ship with the host church.

On January 15 the CapitolAssociation had their annualrally for the Home. This meet-ing was held with the SkywayHills Baptist Church in Pearland Pastor Billy Huffmaster.After reporting on the ministryof the Home special music wasrendered by some of the childrenof the Home and I brought amessage from the Word of God.After the meeting a time of re-freshment and fellowship wasenjoyed by all with the hostchurch.

We would like to express ourappreciation to each association,church, and individual whohelped make these rallies a suc-cess.

The Proof of our LoveThe Proof of our LoveThe Proof of our LoveThe Proof of our LoveThe Proof of our LoveThis time of the year at

Valentine’s Day everyone hasthoughts of love. Certainly, weas Christiansshould proveour love to theLord. How canwe do that?John 14:15 says,“If ye love mekeep my com-mandments.”So, by obeyingthe Word of Godwe are provingour love to Him. May we bechallenged each day to remindourselves to tell Him that welove Him and also thank Himfor His love for us. May we alsoseek God’s help in becoming obe-dient children.

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

who are not members of thechurch that is reporting.

CHURCHNEWS

Pine Ridge to celebratePine Ridge to celebratePine Ridge to celebratePine Ridge to celebratePine Ridge to celebrate 50th anniversary 50th anniversary 50th anniversary 50th anniversary 50th anniversary

On February 14, 2010, PineRidge Church will celebrate her50th anniversary. Worship ser-vice begins at 10:30 AM withspecial singing and recognition.Former pastor Bro. HowardRogers will be our guest speaker.Lunch will be served followed byan afternoon service of singingby the Mitch Green Family.

All former pastors, members,and friends are cordially invitedto attend.

Boguefala Baptist ChurchBoguefala Baptist ChurchBoguefala Baptist ChurchBoguefala Baptist ChurchBoguefala Baptist ChurchGreetings from Boguefala

Baptist! We have started thenew year off with several mile-stones for our small church.

As reported earlier, a chal-lenge had been issued to Bro.David Perry to wear a bowtie ifour Sunday School attendancereached 100. In early Decem-

ber, we had 101 in attendance.True to his word, Bro. Davidtook the pulpit for morning an-nouncements wearing a make-shift red bowtie.

Our church finished up 2009with 68 new members. Twenty-five of the new members were bybaptism. We also began someesthetic renovations to the exte-rior of our church building. Ifyou are ever in Mooreville, driveby to check out our beautifulnew cross and flower beds addedon the front lawn. Also, thereare plans for other continuedimprovements.

As we welcomed in 2010, Bro.David and Mrs. Cindy Perrycelebrated their first year of ser-vice to Boguefala BaptistChurch. Our Brotherhood meet-ing started the year off with 37men in attendance, and praysfor continued growth.

Earlier this month Bro. Davidand Mrs. Cindy set off for a tripto the Holy Land. Upon theirreturn, we will be hosting aservice for them to share tripexperiences with the congrega-tion. Hopefully this will takeplace some time in February.

On Sunday night, January17, we hosted our first quartersinging. The group "SavingGrace" brought the music mes-sage.

We pray for continued growthand spiritual rejuvenation aswe begin 2010.

Suzanne Riley, reporter.

Conviction in Kansas abortionist murderOneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNow - A man whosays he killed prominent Kan-sas abortion provider Dr. GeorgeTiller to protect unborn chil-dren has been convicted of mur-dering the doctor.

A jury deliberated for 37 min-utes Friday before finding ScottRoeder guilty of premeditated,first-degree murder. The 51-year-old Kansas City, Missouri,man faces a mandatory sen-tence of life imprisonment withthe possibility of parole after 25years. Roeder testified that heshot Tiller in the head May 31 inthe foyer of Tiller's church inWichita because he believedTiller posed an "immediate dan-ger" to unborn children.

KAKE TV was there asRoeder admitted during testi-mony that he shot Tiller. He

was asked why he killed theabortionist.

"The lives of those childrenwere in imminent danger," hereplied. "If someone did not stopGeorge Tiller, he was going tocontinue as he had done for 36years prior to that time. If some-one did not stop him, they weregoing to continue to die."

"I did what I thought wasneeded to be done to protect thechildren. I shot him."

Roeder admitted thinking ofkilling Tiller for years at differ-ent locations. He told SedgwickCounty District Attorney NolaFoulston that he even thoughtof severing Tiller's hands.

Foulston: You began to think ofdifferent ways in which youmight pull this off. Is that cor-

rect?

Roeder: Yes.

Foulston: And among them wasthat you would cut his hands offwith a knife. Is that correct?

Roeder: Probably with a sword.

In a big setback for the de-fense, presiding Judge WarrenWilbert instructed the jury toonly consider guilt or innocencebased on a charge of first-degreemurder -- and not for voluntarymanslaughter.

Roeder faces a mandatory sen-tence of life, with the possibilityof parole in 25 years. Foulstontold the court she will pursue a"hard 50" sentence, meaning aminimum of 50 years.

Fortuneteller sues - doesn't say how it will turn outOneNewsNow OneNewsNow OneNewsNow OneNewsNow OneNewsNow - A Virginiafortuneteller is suing to over-turn a Chesterfield County ordi-nance, saying it discriminatesagainst her beliefs.

The situation involves a lawthat is designed to prevent fraud-- "and in fact, it simply saysthat if you're telling somebody'sfuture by tarot cards or someother similar means, you haveto have a business license," ex-plains Mat Staver of the LibertyCouncil. "If you're holding your-self out to be a business, youhave to have a business license-- and in this particular case,

this so-called 'counselor' who isa tarot card reader, afortuneteller, is saying that thatis discriminatory, that sheshouldn't be required to have alicense."

Sophie King feels that she isbeing singled out, and she doesnot classify herself as afortuneteller. The lawsuit claimsthat since she "relays informa-tion that she receives withoutknowing how it relates to theclient or its specific chronologi-cal significance," and since shedoes not predict the future, sheconsiders herself a spiritual

counselor.Staver adds that based on the

ordinance, there is a fine linebetween someone providing bib-lically based counseling usingscripture and another who coun-sels through cards, althoughpeople who have a Christianperspective know the differenceand can make the better choice.Staver feels that as written, theordinance could not only includefortunetellers, but Christiancounseling -- and if it went thatfar, he states, there could be aconstitutional problem.

South Dakota argues 'self-evident truths'OneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNow - The Eighth U.S. Circuit Courtof Appeals is being asked to rule on SouthDakota's informed consent law.

The Eighth Circuit ruled the first time thatSouth Dakota had a right to require abortioniststo tell women that they were actually killing ahuman being. But this time, the Eighth Circuitwill be asked to consider a lower-court rulingthat struck down the provisions that requireabortionists to tell women they have a legalrelationship with their unborn baby and thatthere is a risk of depression and suicide associ-ated with abortion.

“We think those are self-evident truths, but

the trial court did not think so," explains StevenAden, senior counsel with the Alliance DefenseFund (ADF). "We are hopeful that the EighthCircuit will again reverse the trial court and saythat South Dakota has a right and arguably evenan obligation to require abortionists to tell thewhole truth to women who are considering abor-tion."

The lawsuit was filed by Planned Parenthood,the organization which claims it speaks for women.ADF argues that is not the case since the legisla-ture found that Planned Parenthood was mislead-ing women and not providing them the full truthabout abortion.

South Mississippi Senior Adult ConferenceMarch 2, 2010

Big Creek Baptist Church, Soso, Mississippi9:15 AM

Speaker - Evangelist Kenneth BoboSpecial Music Guests - Harper Family

8 February 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

Sofilthy'sAtticby Barbara White

61st Annual

BMA of America National MeetingApril 19-21, 2010

Monday Morning, April 19Display/Exhibit Set-up (Mon.-Wed.) Exhibit Hall C

Registration Set-up (Enrollment and Finance Committee)

Monday Evening, April 19 7:00 First General Session Exhibit Hall B

Music

Opening Prayer

Welcome by President

Introduction of Host Pastors

Central Baptist College, Jacksonville College

& Southeastern Baptist College Choirs

President’s Message and Introduction of Theme

Tuesday Morning, April 20 8:00 WMA Registration Exhibit Hall A1

8:30 WMA Exhibit Hall A1

Brotherhood Exhibit Hall B

10:00 Pastors’ and Laymen’s Conference Exhibit Hall B

Tuesday Afternoon, April 20 (Called Meetings) 1:30 Committee Meetings

Missions Department Convention Center Rm. A1

Baptist Music Fellowship Convention Center Rm. A2

Lifeword Convention Center Rm. 2

DiscipleGuide Convention Center Rm. 3

BMA Seminary Convention Center Rm. 1

Nominating Committee Holiday Inn

Ministers Resource Services Holiday Inn

Moral Action Committee Holiday Inn

Coordinating Council Holiday Inn

Tuesday Afternoon, April 20 3:00 Second General Session Exhibit Hall B

Music and Prayer

3:10 Enrollment Committee (Initial Report)

Welcome Petitioning Churches & Seat Their Messengers

3:20 Proposed Changes to the Constitution

3:45 Nominees for Nominating Committee

3:50 Clerk’s Report

4:00 Master’s Builders Report

4:10 Coordinating Council Report

4:30 Miscellaneous Business

5:00 Prayer/Adjourn

5:30 Seminary Dinner TBA

Tuesday Evening, April 20 7:00 Third General Session Exhibit Hall B

Music and Prayer

Annual Message Jason Aultman

Alternate Gary Smith

Prayer/Adjourn

Wednesday Morning, April 21 8:30 Fourth General Session Exhibit Hall B

Music and Prayer

8:45 Nominating Committee Report

9:05 Lifeword Media Ministries

9:35 Baptist Music Fellowship

9:45 Ministers Resource Services

10:15 BMA Seminary

10:45 Brotherhood Report

10:55 WMA Report

11:05 Vote on Constitutional Changes

Miscellaneous Business

Prayer/Adjourn

Wednesday Afternoon, April 21 2:00 Fifth General Session Exhibit Hall B

Music and Prayer

2:15 Final Nominating Committee Report

2:25 Minute and Clerk Hire

Election of Annual Speaker

3:00 Committee on Arrangements

3:15 DiscipleGuide Church Resources

3:45 Moral Action Committee

4:15 Revolving Loan Fund Report

4:20 Election of Missions Advisory Committee Members

4:30 Final Enrollment Committee Report

4:40 Prayer/Adjourn

Wednesday Evening, April 21 7:00 Sixth General Session Exhibit Hall B

Music and Prayer

7:15 Missions Department

8:45 61st Annual Session Closed

Missionary Commissioning Service

9:00 Closing Prayer

Program

Enrollment Committee Schedule

Nursery provided for in Exhibit Hall A3

Monday 2:00-4:00 p.m.

6:00-7:00 p.m. and 30 minutes after session

Tuesday 8:30-9:00 a.m.

2:00-3:00 p.m.

6:30-7:00 p.m. and 30 minutes after session

Wednesday 8:00-8:30 a.m.

WeightAround the first of the year, we begin

hearing a lot said about making resolu-tions. About ninety percent of people I'vetalked to said that one of their resolutionswas to lose weight. This seems to be thenorm year after year. Just by observa-tion, I'm guessing that very few keep theirresolution in that area of their lives.

"Fat" is mentioned many times in theBible. Some of those come to mind likeNehemiah 8:10, "eat the fat and drink thesweet.....for the joy of the Lord is mystrength." Another verse that comes tomind is Psalms 73:7, "Their eyes standout with fatness: they have more thanheart could wish."

Many times I think "fatness" is just anoverabundance of God's provisions com-bined with a lack of self discipline.

Me? My goal in this area is to not gainso much weight that my children will haveto hire pallbearers!

Letters FromOur Readers

Letters reflect the opinion of thewriter and not necessarily this publication or

the BMA of Mississippi

Associate pastorAssociate pastorAssociate pastorAssociate pastorAssociate pastorposes a questionposes a questionposes a questionposes a questionposes a questionDear Editor,

I have a question for some of myfellow preacher brethren: What is thepower of God unto salvation? My copy ofthe Holy Bible tells me that it is theGospel (Rom. 1:16). Why is it then, that

even some of my most conservativefriends within the BMA seem to putmore stock in the messenger or themethod, than in the message? Need Iremind you that the God ordained meansof winning the lost to Christ is stillpreaching (1 Cor. 1:21) no matter who isproclaiming it. A lot of solid, conserva-tive preachers are denied opportunitiesto preach because they are too young ortoo old, too inexperienced or too sea-soned, too laid back or too wound up. Wetend to label people as "youth guys" or"non-youth guys".

We preach that we cannot be like theworld to reach the world, but then wecontradict ourselves when we look for

youth pastors that look and act like theyouth to reach the youth because theyrelate better. If we put our faith in theGospel message and proclaim IT, thenwe need not worry about relevance be-cause the Gospel relates to all becauseall have sinned and come short of theglory of God (Rom. 3:23) and Christ diedfor the sins of the world (John 3:16).

We need to remain faithful to theWord, and if the Word is proclaimedthen it is the Holy Spirit's responsibilityto draw the sinner regardless of who isthe messenger.

Rick Clark, Associate PastorSpring Hill Baptist Church558 Spring Hill Rd., Laurel, MS 39443

Couple honored onCouple honored onCouple honored onCouple honored onCouple honored on65th anniversary65th anniversary65th anniversary65th anniversary65th anniversary

Wallace & Lois Ray of WoodlawnBaptist Church, Pascagoula, Missis-sippi, were recognized Sunday, Janu-ary 17, for their sixty-fifth weddinganniversary. Their daughter, ReJeanaClark, presented her mother with a redrose corsage and a red rose boutonnierefor her father. Pastor Danny Cresswellthankedthem fortheir dedi-cation tot h ec h u r c h .Mrs. Rayis a char-ter mem-ber andboth havebeen veryactive int h echurch forthe pastfifty plus years. After retiring fromIngalls Shipyard, Bro. Ray became ac-tive in the MasterBuilders and assistedin the organization of Classic Buildersof Mississippi. He and Mrs. Ray en-joyed traveling to various locations tobuild BMA churches. Bro. Ray servedseveral years as Trustee of Southeast-ern Baptist College and Trustee of BMAof Mississippi Missions Department.Following the morning service a lun-cheon reception was hosted by ReJeana,her husband, Dwight, and sons, Brian,Keith and daughter, Dorian, along withtheir respective wives and husband.

Wallace & Lois Ray