march 01 2010 - mississippi baptist archive · interim director, dwight lindsey is a graduate of...

JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

MARCH 1, 2010 VOL. 64 NO. 5

BMAA Missionary Bill Gibsonreports on status after earthquake

Bill & Phyllis GibsonMissionaries to Chile

by the editorby the editorby the editorby the editorby the editorBelow is a brief report from BMAA

Missionaries Bill and Phyllis Gibson.The Gibsons are serving in the nation ofChile where the recent 8.8 magnitudeearthquake devastated part of that SouthAmerican country.

We live on the tenth floor of an apart-ment building. We are a little shook upbut well. Our apartment building was

built about five years ago and was builtfor this type of earthquake activity. Wewere about 200 miles from the epicenterof the earthquake. Our people are well.We have accounted for all of them.Thanks for your prayers and God blessyou is our prayer.

The aftershocks have been very in-

tense but the Lord has blessed througheach of them. We will not have churchtoday (February 28) because of the dam-age to the place where we meet. Again,thanks for your prayers for us. Pleasepray for the families who have losteverything that they own. I know thatthis earthquake has happened to bringthe people to the Lord.

Missionary Bill Gibson

Interim Director selectedfor State Youth Department

by Phillip Burns, chairmanby Phillip Burns, chairmanby Phillip Burns, chairmanby Phillip Burns, chairmanby Phillip Burns, chairmanYouth Department TrusteesYouth Department TrusteesYouth Department TrusteesYouth Department TrusteesYouth Department Trustees

Dwight Lindsey

The Trustees of the BMA ofMisissippi Youth Departmentappreciate all your prayers dur-ing the past year as we havesearched for a new director.After interviewing several can-didates, we are now pleased thatthrough much prayer we haveselected an Interim Director tobe presented for theassociation’s approval.

Interim Director, Dwight Lindsey isa graduate of West Jones High Schooland Southeastern Baptist College. Hewas licensed to preach the Gospel onJune, 6th 1999 by Hopewell BaptistChurch Laurel, Mississippi, and or-dained into the Gospel Ministry on No-vember 8th 2003 by Westview Baptist

Church Oxford, Mississippi.He has served with WestviewBaptist Church, Mana’o’i’oBaptist Mission, and Green-wood Baptist Church as eitherAssociate Pastor and/or YouthPastor in his nearly 11 yearsin the ministry. Bro. Dwightwill shortly be celebrating 5years of marriage with his wifeLindsay Phillips Lindsey. The

Lindsey’s have 2 sons, Reid, 3, andPhillip, 1. You may contact Bro. Dwightat [email protected] or 120 WaltonRoad, Tupelo MS 38804.

We ask for special prayer on hisbehalf as he leads your department in away that would be pleasing to God.

BMAA Missionary dies unexpectantlyBy Phil Knott,By Phil Knott,By Phil Knott,By Phil Knott,By Phil Knott,

Director of Operations for Latin AmericaDirector of Operations for Latin AmericaDirector of Operations for Latin AmericaDirector of Operations for Latin AmericaDirector of Operations for Latin America

Ronald Murillo, BMAA Mis-sionary to Panama, died sud-denly Thursday, February 11,from an apparent pulmonaryembolism. He and his wifeDamaris had moved from theirhome country of Costa Ricathree years ago to start a newchurch in the greater PanamaCity area. The last year and ahalf had seen the Lord openmany doors of opportunity andmany had come to Christ through their

ministry. Ronald was one ofthe featured national mission-aries at the recent MissionsSymposiums and stirredmany hearts with stories oflives changed and men sur-rendering to ministry.

Before moving to Panama,Ronald had served many yearsin Costa Rica. He was Pastorof the church in Santa Ana,near the capital city, for more

Ronald Murillo

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Resumes will be accepted for director(See end of this article)

Bro. Higgs submitted the followingstatement about his decision: "It hasbeen a high honorto serve the Lordand the churches ofthe BMAA thesepast seven years. Ihave been deeplyhumbled at thetrust they haveplaced in me by al-lowing me to servein this capacity.

It has been such a privilege to servewith our missionaries throughout thenations, and to have a small part inwatching BMAA missions spread tonew areas of ministry. I have not taken

Grady Higgs Steps DownAs Executive Director of Missions

Bro. Grady Higgs

my responsibility lightly and pray thatI have served my Lord and His churcheswith integrity.

I thank all of my fellow directors fortheir cooperation throughout my ten-ure in this office, and pray that God willcontinue to use them to His eternalglory as they seek to expand the King-dom of our Lord in their respectivefields.

I am grateful to every individual,church, auxiliary and local associationthat has contributed financially andprayerfully to the work of BMAA Mis-sions during these years.

I will be available to assist and topromote BMAA Missions, and pledge tobe supportive of our missionaries intheir endeavor to reach the lost for

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2 March 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

LEAVE IT TO CLEAVER

than twenty years. During thattime he also led in planting newchurches and for several yearswas the Director of Missions forthe BMA of Costa Rica. Ronaldwas in every sense a product ofBMAA mission work, havingbeen led to Christ by MissionaryBill Gibson, and serving faith-fully and effectively throughouthis pastoral and missionaryministry. Ronald, 49, leaves hiswife Damaris and five children.Two of them, Beverly andDebbie, lived with the family inPanama. The three older ones,Ronald, Susana, and Tamararemain in Costa Rica.

Ronald was a dear personalfriend and co-worker throughmany years. Our experiencestogether on the mission field -many happy, some sad and oth-ers down-right hilarious - would

fill many pages. We have oftensat for hours at a time remem-bering those people and situa-tions, part of a rich legacy thathe leaves behind. Someone said,“When you die, it’s not what youtake with you, but what youleave behind that counts.” Onlyeternity will demonstrate thecountless lives he touched. Prayfor Damaris and family. Prayfor the new church in Panamaand those many new Christians,who just beginning their walkwith Christ, have suddenly losttheir pastor, mentor, counselorand friend.

To read more about theMurillos and their work inPanama, go towww.bmaamissions.org Navi-gate to the MEET section, Cen-tral America, then click onRonald Murillo.

Missionary Diesfrom page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1That’s Not Fair

The words, “That’s not fair!”echo across elementary schoolyards when Sally or Tommywins the game, the contest, orthe race and their playmatesperceive they are not playing bythe rules. Adults still spout“That’s not fair!” when they cometo life situations and believe oth-ers are not playing strictly bythe commonly accepted rules.

I believe Daniel’s tormentors(Daniel 6) used these words tothe king “That’s not fair!” whenthey spoke to the king aboutDaniel. “No fair. He’s prayingto his God. We know whathappened before when he prayedto his God. Now he’s prayingagain. That’s not fair to bringhis God into this situation. Heneeds to play by our rules. King,make him stop praying to his

God to ask for help.”What a marvelous concept!

Daniel, when confronted by asituation hecould not figureout, bring to reso-lution, or haveany power what-soever to control,did not play bythe normal rulesof the day . Hedid not play fairaccording to those playgroundpeople around him. He askedGod for help!

Daniel’s prayers were not os-tentatious public displays of re-ligiosity. His prayers were per-sonal; they were private; andthey were with bended knee andwith certainty of bowed heart.He knew his limitations with

Tony Cleaver

his situation. More importantly,he knew the power of the GodMost High.

I too don’t want to play fairthis year. Let the imps of hellshout “That’s not fair!” LikeDaniel, I am going to ask theGod of Heaven for His help. I’mgoing to bring God into the situ-ation—probably better stated Iam going to lay my situationbefore God. Then I am going toask for His help.

Am I in distress? Out of ajob? Sick? Getting old? Fright-ened? Facing loss of my home?Coming to a certain irresoluteend? Failing in my marriage?In dire straits with my chil-dren? Am I in any situationwhere I need God’s help? Thenlet me not play by the rules ofthe world. Let me not do thenormal. Let me not try it on myown strength. Let me ask Godfor His help!

More Rooms For National MeetingDue to the closing of the Howard Johnson hotel, there is a

shortage of rooms for the BMAA national meeting in Fort Smith.However, the arrangements committee has worked with theconvention center to find additional rooms. The hotels/motels listedbelow have agreed to offer overflow rates and rooms. Please callthe business directly and identify that you are attending the BMA ofAmerica meeting. We apologize for this inconvenience and thedelay in getting it resolved. Thank you for your prayers andpatience.• Aspen Hotel & Suites —$99.99 (50 rooms will be held until April5, after that date the rate will be honored if rooms are available)2900 South 68th St.; (479) 452-9000• Candlewood Suites — $71.99 & $75.99 (22 rooms will be held untilApril 5) 7501 Madison St.; (479) 424-3800• Comfort Inn (Fort Smith) – $89.99 (30 rooms will be held until April5, after that the rate will be honored if rooms are available) 2120Burnham Rd.; (479) 484-0227• Hampton Inn (Fort Smith) – $109 (50 rooms will be held until April5, after that the rate will be honored if rooms are available) 6201-C Rogers Ave.; (479) 452-2000

Christ.I thank my wife, Norita, for

faithfully serving with me thesepast seven years. I pray thatGod has been glorified in all thathas occurred. I look forward towhat God has planned for Noritaand me in our future ministry.

Please pray with me that ourAdvisory Committee will be ledby the Holy Spirit inselecting and presenting anominee to our association. Be

HiggsSteppingDownfrom page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1

assured they will be in myprayers as they seek God’s manfor this office."

Bro. Higgs told the AdvisoryCommittee that he is willing toserve until a new Executive Di-rector is elected, and trained.

Resumes will be received bythe Advisory Committee at: 1921Cochran Drive, Mesquite, Texas75149-5497; or by fax (817-267-7760); or by email([email protected]). Thecommittee has set March, 26 asa deadline to submit a resume.

Editor's Note:Editor's Note:Editor's Note:Editor's Note:Editor's Note:It with sadness that we make

this announcement, but withgreat appreciation to Bro. GradyHiggs for his leadership andoutstanding service to the Lordand to the BMA of America. We

wish him and Mrs. Higgs welland pray for God's blessings onthem both.

Personal InformationPersonal InformationPersonal InformationPersonal InformationPersonal InformationBro. Grady Higgs has served

as Executive Director of BMAAMissions since May 2003. Heand his wife, Norita, reside inBenton, Arkansas. They havethree children: Amy, David andJenny. They also have 10grandchildren. Before comingto the Missions Office, Gradyserved as pastor at BMAAchurches in Arkansas andTexas. He is a graduate ofSouthern Arkansas Universityand the Baptist MissionaryAssociation TheologicalSeminary. He was ordained bythe First Baptist Church ofMagnolia, Arkansas.

CUT!The acting stops, and reality

sets in. All eyes turn toward thedirector. One word has broughteverything to a sud-den halt: “Cut!” It istime to reshoot thescene.

In real life theneed arises some-times for someone toshout, “Cut! Stop!Think about whatyou are doing.” Or,in the words of GodHimself, “Consideryour ways” (Haggai 1:5, 7).

A new year is now well under-way. New resolves are fading.Old patterns are reappearing.

Are we destined to repeat thesame mistakes, to feel the samedisappointments? Must we al-ways be tormented by unful-filled dreams?

This year could be a turningpoint. The year isyoung enough to of-fer a great opportu-nity for a fresh start.We cannot erase thepast and simply re-shoot the bad scenesin our lives and pre-tend they never oc-curred, but we canclean up our act fromthis day forward.

Who among us does not feel aneed for a fresh start in particu-lar areas of our lives? We are notinterested in academy awards.

We seek the Master’s “Welldone.” Some probing questionswill assist us in our quest forrenewal.

What are we standing on?The right foundation makes

all the difference. When lifeshakes us to the core, we musthave some settled convictions,some core values, somethingsolid to stand on.

The Bible calls them “the prin-ciples of the doctrine of Christ”(Hebrews 6:1). We might callthem our spiritual ABCs, thebasic fundamentals of our faith.Our reaction to the stormsaround us depends on the bed-rock beliefs beneath us.

Of prime importance is aheart response to the gospel of

Jesus Christ. We must believethe truth of the scriptures, re-pent of sin, put our full faith anddependence in Jesus Christ asour Savior and receive His life-changing salvation that the Biblecalls “new birth.”

The first step to renewal is toknow for sure that we belong toGod and that we are going toheaven when life here is over. Ifwe are not sure of that, we can gono further.

Why are we just standing here?We must not waste our time

trying to lay the foundation againand again. If it ever fails, it wasno foundation to start with. Trustthe Lord and go on from there.“Therefore leaving the principlesof the doctrine of Christ, let us go

on unto perfection” (Hebrews6:1). That does not mean to leavein the sense of forsaking thefoundation but to leave it in thesense of building upon it. It is acall for growth in Christianmaturity, to complete the build-ing.

It is folly for us to worry aboutfoundation failure. If it werepossible for us to lose our salva-tion and we did, we could neverbe saved again. We would beeternally lost because Christwould have to go to the crossagain to redeem us again, andthat would put Him to an openshame (Hebrews 6:6). Let ussettle once and for all whetherwe are saved, and then let us go

A word from Lifeword Director George Reddin


George Reddin

3March 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

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

who are not members of thechurch that is reporting.

CHURCHNEWS

Give!

GIVE OF YOUR

BMA of MississippiBMA of MississippiBMA of MississippiBMA of MississippiBMA of Mississippi

Youth DepartmentSpecial Emphasis - March 2010

...Energy...Talent

...Time...Funds

Give, and it shall be given unto you;

good measure, pressed down, and shaken

together, and running over, shall men

give into your bosom. For with the same

measure that ye mete withal it

shall be measured to you again.Luke 6:38

Ballardsvil leBallardsvil leBallardsvil leBallardsvil leBallardsvil leBaptist Church!Baptist Church!Baptist Church!Baptist Church!Baptist Church!

January 31 – February 3Ballardsville participated in theMulti –Church Winter Revival.East Fulton, Ballardsville,Hopewell, and Greenwoodchurches were the hosts. Bro. JohnDavid Smith was the speaker anddid an excellent job bringing God’sword each evening. Special musicwas enjoyed each evening as wellas fellowship among God’s chil-dren.

February 14, Bro. Jerry Kiddfrom our National Associationspoke during our Sunday schoolhour and after a short break deliv-ered the message during the Wor-ship Service. He was able to sharemuch information about our mis-sion work in our association. Muchis being done but the need is stillgreat. We thank him and his wifefor being with us and our prayers gowith them in their ministry.

We look forward to hosting theAnnual Bible Conference on Mon-day, March 15 and Tuesday, March16. We hope you will attend one orall of these services if you are able.If you are unable to attend pleasebe in prayer for these special ser-vices.

Pastor, Bro. Thelbert HillReporter, Teresa Nichols

Mid CentralMid CentralMid CentralMid CentralMid CentralAssociation reportAssociation reportAssociation reportAssociation reportAssociation report

The Mid-Central Associationmet at Magnolia Heights BaptistChurch on January 16. MagnoliaHeights Baptist Church Choir de-livered a wonderful special entitled"I Want To Know More About MyLord". Sherry Hollingsworth andBecky Cole brought three inspira-tional songs. There were twenty-four in attendance.

Bro. Grice delivered a wonderfulmessage from Matthew 28:1-20.All in attendance enjoyed a greattime of food and fellowship. Thenext Mid Central AssociationMeeting will be held at Mt. OliveBaptist Church on March 20, 2010at 7:00 P.M.

Joyce Williamson, ReporterBilly Higginbotham, Moderator

Tombigbee BaptistTombigbee BaptistTombigbee BaptistTombigbee BaptistTombigbee BaptistAssociation ReportAssociation ReportAssociation ReportAssociation ReportAssociation Report

Greenwood Baptist Church ofDorsey was a very gracious host onFebruary 11 and sweet fellowshipand a delicious meal was enjoyed



Opinion PageJournal of the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi

Letters FromOur Readers

Letters reflect the opinion of thewriter and not necessarily this

publication or the BMA of Mississippi

Don J. Brown, EditorE-Mail - [email protected] 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

Sofilthy's Attic

by Barbara White

How long has itbeen since you

jumped rope? Do you rememberthose chants that went alongwith the jumping? One I re-member was: "Teddy bear,Teddy bear, turn around, Teddybear, Teddy bear, touch theground......" Another one Irecall was "Cinderella dressedin yellow, went upstairs to seeher fellow, how many kisses didshe get?"

Still another one was "Johnnyover the ocean, Johnny over thesea. Johnny broke a bottle andblamed it on me." And then, "I

Jumping Ropetold Mama, Mama told Papa.And Johnny got a beatin' with ared-hot pepper." And we allremember red hot pepper whereit seemed your feet never touchedthe ground.

Well, those rope jumping daysare over for me! But isn't it funto remember those things wedid in our childhood. We prob-ably need to be teaching ourchildren and grandchildren allthose simple things so when theelectricity goes off they will stillhave some fun things to do.

Anybody want to play Chi-nese Checkers with me?

Editor’s NoteEditor’s NoteEditor’s NoteEditor’s NoteEditor’s NoteIt may be my age, although

not knowing the number of yearsSofilthy has been around, butthis is one of the mostenjoyable columns shehas written. I remem-ber some of the things Idid as a young boy whenthere were no videogames, cell phones, com-puters or DVD player.

I remember takingmy mother’s empty sew-ing thread spools andwith a match stick, arubberband, some soapand a knife to makeridges on the edge of the spool.With all of these sophisticatedsupplies I could entertain my-self with my new “army tank”.

We also used a rubber band, asmall piece of wood and a woodenice cream spoon to make a “power

boat” for the mudpuddles after a goodrain.

Just for the enjoy-ment of it, I would liketo hear from our read-ers about some of the“old timey” things thatyou use to do to enter-tain yourself as a child.Those things that thecurrent generation willnot know about if we donot tell them.

Send your notes to us [email protected] or P.O.Box 8181, Laurel, MS 39441.

Is BMAA Non-ProfitOrganization?Dear Editor:

I sincerely seek informationfrom those more knowledgeablethan I about the Baptist Mis-sionary Association of America.If a person were to die and leavean estate of one million dollarsto the BMA of America, whereshould the money be mailed?The BMA of America does nothave a headquarters or physicaladdress. It does not have abanking account. It does nothave a treasurer. It does havefour departments: Departmentof Christian Education (BaptistMissionary Association Theologi-cal Seminary) located in Jack-sonville, Texas; Department ofRadio/Television (Lifeword Me-dia Ministries) located inConway, Arkansas; Departmentof Missions located in LittleRock, Arkansas and a Depart-ment of Church Resources(Discipleguide Church Re-sources) located in Texarkana,Texas. While each of these “De-partments” has a physical ad-dress, none is the headquartersof the BMA of America.

Is the BMA of America a non-profit organization? If so, whofiled for this tax-exempt statusand who holds the papers? If aperson made a check payable tothe BMA of America, would it bea tax-deductible contribution?(Even if, as mentioned above,there is no address to mail thecontribution.)

If a person engaged an attor-ney for the purpose of suing atlaw the BMA of America, who/what would he sue?

Is it possible that the BMA ofAmerica only exists when themessengers of the cooperatingchurches meet for official busi-ness? Is it possible that theBMA of America is not a non-

profit organization; but ratheran association of like-mindedBaptist Churches with no offi-cial headquarters, banking ac-count or treasurer?

Perhaps some of the Missis-sippi Baptist readers can helpme find the correct answers Iam sincerely seeking.

Respectfully,Dr. Mike HarmonSulphur Springs, Texas

[email protected]

Texas Church Fires:Safeguarding OurChurchesDear Editor:“…Upon this rock I will buildmy church; and the gates of hellshall not prevail against it.”(Matt. 16:18)

Recently a lot of concern wasshown regarding the burning ofchurch buildings in our area.We did what we could to protectour church building - an alarmsystem and made sure the doorlocks were secure. Local, stateand federal law enforcementagencies provided additional se-curity by frequently checkingon our premises. Many of ourmembers and others in the com-munity were on alert for any-thing that seemed suspicious.

Thankfully, the arsonistshave been arrested, but is ourchurch safe from destruction?The church building is just that

— a building. The church ismade up of members who haveprofessed their faith in Christand were baptized. There is some-one whose aim is to destroy thechurch of our Lord. That is Sa-tan, and his greatest tools arediscouragement. discontent andnonchalance.

When pastors stop pastoring,deacons stop “deaconing,” teach-ers stop teaching and churchmembers stop being activechurch members, Satan hasachieved his goal. The greatestdanger to a church comes fromwithin, and we need to join to-gether to protect it. I am con-cerned about the condition ofour churches.

Pastors, join me in a pledge totake care of our responsibilitiesas overseers of the church bodyand preaching the gospel — letus be true to our calling. Dea-cons, join with us in this pledge— promise the Lord and yourchurch that you will activelyperform your responsibilities bybeing faithful to your calling.Teachers — be faithful to yourcalling, pray for your class mem-bers, keep in touch with themand teach them using only gold,silver and precious stones tobuild on their foundations.

All church members — befaithful to use your time, talentsand treasure for the further-ance of the Gospel in your com-munity and around the world.

Young people — establishyour faith so you can face thefuture without fear.

Parents — teach your chil-dren. Children — please obeyGod by obeying your parents.

Above all, love one another.see Letters on page 5see Letters on page 5see Letters on page 5see Letters on page 5see Letters on page 5


My prayer for all of us is that,though the earth shall crumble,we will all be able to stand beforeour Creator and be welcomedinto His kingdom as “good andfaithful” servants.— Dr. Jack McNeeley, pastorRed Springs Baptist Church,131 FM 16 WestTyler, TX 75706(903)[email protected]

Lettersfrom page 4from page 4from page 4from page 4from page 4

Have you ever wondered ifother people thought you were agood friend? Would you like to bea better friend to those aroundyou? I'm sure we all would. Butis there anything that we dothat tends to dampen people'senthusiasm regarding our rela-tionship? I will examine somethings for you to consider in thisarea.

Do not dominate the conver-Do not dominate the conver-Do not dominate the conver-Do not dominate the conver-Do not dominate the conver-sation.sation.sation.sation.sation.

For you quiet people, this prob-ably is not an issue. For some ofyou, it may very well be thereason you don't have manyfriends. In a healthy friendship,each friend needs to be a goodlistener. Each person also getsto share and talk about what ison their mind. That is the joy offriendships. However, when oneperson in the relationship domi-nates the talking; it will erodethe closeness of the relation-ship.

People still may want to gohang out with you, but not asfrequently, because some daysthey just can't stand the non-stop verbosity that you provide.Slow down. Be comfortable withsilence. Let others talk. Friendslet friends talk. Yield. It not onlyworks well in driving, but infriendship communication.

Be others centered, ratherBe others centered, ratherBe others centered, ratherBe others centered, ratherBe others centered, ratherthan self centered.than self centered.than self centered.than self centered.than self centered.

Friendships are dysfunctionalwhen both people are only con-cerned with themselves. If thefriendship is all one-sided, it isnot a healthy relationship. Wehave all been in relationshipswhere the other person is needy.You are only friends for whatyou provide to this person. Theymay need a listener, a counse-lor, a comedian to make themlaugh. Whatever it is that youbring to the relationship, is thereason it exist. The friendship isthere for what you can give to

the other person. This is nothealthy.

Healthy relationships arebased upon mutual equality.You both bring things into therelationship and meet eachother's needs and desires. Weare friends because we enjoyeach other. I don't have to "dosomething" to keep the friend-ship going. If you only like mewhen I am making you laugh orwe are having a good time, thenthat is a self-centered relation-ship. If you are there for methrough thick and thin, then wehave a true friendship.

Learn to always ask how yourfriend is doing. What is going onwith you? How can I pray foryou? And by all means, actuallystop and pray for them some-times. Prayer brings two peoplecloser together every time. Showup in your friends life when theyneed you.

Counsel wisely.Counsel wisely.Counsel wisely.Counsel wisely.Counsel wisely.Proverbs 27:6 "Faithful are

the wounds of a friend; but thekisses of an enemy are deceit-ful." A true friend may tell you

some things that are painful tohear, but helpful in the longrun. A person who doesn't reallycare about you will tell you whatyou want to hear. They are justinterested in people pleasing andnot helping you. But be veryslow to offer advice. A good ruleof thumb is: preach less, listenmore.

Sometimes friends are justsuppose to serve as soundingboards. I don't want advice, Ijust want you to listen to me.Other times, your friend mayask for advice and then youshould feel close enough to theperson to share freely. However,remember Ephesians 4:15. Al-ways speak the truth in love.Even if it is something for theperson's own good, saturate itwith a loving tone rather than a

judgmental tone. We can alltake a big dose of humility andlearn and grow because of thewise counsel of a friend. So,don't get all hurt so easily. Prov-erbs 1:5 "A wise man will hearand will increase learning: anda man of understanding shallattain unto wise counsels." Thisadvice giving is only welcomewhen you two have a close rela-tionship. It is hurtful if you havejust a casual relationship.

Be sure your advice is bibli-cal. So many marriages get intotrouble when a well-meaningChristian friend gives ungodlyadvice. If you don't know if youhave a biblical answer, don'tgive a worldly one. Seek a pastoror someone who can help yougive sound biblical advice andthen get back to your friend.Many lives have been wreckedbecause of worldly advice givenby a Christian friend. It neverhurts to say, "I don't really knowwhat you should do, but I willpray with you and be here foryou."

Friends encourage one an-Friends encourage one an-Friends encourage one an-Friends encourage one an-Friends encourage one an-

Family ArkMinistriesTravis Plumlee

Youth RevivalLebanon Baptist ChurchLebanon Baptist ChurchLebanon Baptist ChurchLebanon Baptist ChurchLebanon Baptist Church

March 7-10March 7-10March 7-10March 7-10March 7-10Lunch will be served after morning service

with afternoon service to follow.No evening service.

Monday - Friday 7:00 P.M.Monday - Friday 7:00 P.M.Monday - Friday 7:00 P.M.Monday - Friday 7:00 P.M.Monday - Friday 7:00 P.M.Speaker: Brandon Wilson,Speaker: Brandon Wilson,Speaker: Brandon Wilson,Speaker: Brandon Wilson,Speaker: Brandon Wilson,

Magnolia Baptist Church, Hattiesburg.Music: Joseph WalterMusic: Joseph WalterMusic: Joseph WalterMusic: Joseph WalterMusic: Joseph Walter

Lebanon Baptist Church

other.other.other.other.other.You can tease each other, but

if you always feel like your friendis critical of you, making fun ofyou, judging you, etc., that isnot a healthy friendship. That issick. The last thing we need inour lives are more poisonouspeople. Find someone new tohang out with. If you don't haveanyone, pray for God to send youChristian friends that will en-courage your walk with Him.You should feel supported, en-couraged, and appreciated forwho you are with a true friend.You don't have to put on a mask.Your friend accepts you like thesong says about Jesus: Just As IAm.

We all have friends. We allneed friends. Friends enrich ourlives, help us over the humps,and believe in us when we don'tbelieve in ourselves. If you haveno friends, then implementProverbs 18:24. And to be theultimate good friend, follow theGodly wisdom found in Prov-erbs 17:17, "A friend loveth atall times."

How To Be A Better Friend

Filmmaker: Anti-Semiticattitude plagues colleges

OneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNow - A new documentary is exposing an effort to floodcollege campuses with anti-Semitic propaganda towards Israel.

In the last few years, film director Wayne Kopping says he hasnoticed a rise in anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses, NorthAmerica in particular. With the start of Israel Apartheid Week atthe beginning of March, Kopping is calling attention to his newdocumentary, Crossing the Line: The Intifada Comes to Campus.

We say 'crossing the line' from legitimate criticism of Israel andIsraeli foreign policy to something a lot more sinister, almostdemented," he notes. "And the question that we ask in the film is,'What is this line that they've crossed? Is it anti-Semitism? Whatis the threat not only to the Jews but also to Americans and theworld in general?'"

Kopping describes that what he has witnessed in the anti-Israelmovement is not a solution. "We see students sing songs like, 'Hey,hey! Ho, ho! The state of Israel's got to go.' They're not speakingabout a two-state solution; they're speaking about the eliminationof the Jewish state," he comments.

condensed version of the film is being made available for alimited time on the web at CampusIntifada.com.

Senator drawsattention toviolation of rightsOneNewsNow OneNewsNow OneNewsNow OneNewsNow OneNewsNow - A U.S. sena-tor says religious intoleranceappears to be on the rise in somecountries.

During a hearing of the Sen-ate Foreign Relations Commit-tee last week, Senator JimDeMint (R-South Carolina)voiced his concerns to Secretaryof State Hillary Rodham Clintonand claimed religious rights arebeing violated in many coun-tries.

"It seems increasingly overthe last year or two that humanrights, religious freedom inChina, Egypt, India, Vietnam[and] other countries, [there are]more and more reports thatthere's less religious tolerance,"he stated.

Clinton's response was thatthe United States takes humanrights violations seriously, eventhough she came under fire lastyear for saying that the U.S.government was not going to lethuman-rights abuses interferewith trade between China andthe United States.

The secretary of state saidthe U.S. also is working withMuslim nations to find an alter-native to banning what they calldefamation of religion. She said

that while some people feelthreatened when their religionis criticized, freedom of speechmust also be protected.

Ruling againstprayer appealedOneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNowOneNewsNow - ForsythCounty in North Carolina willappeal a federal court's decisionagainst prayer.

The county Board of Commis-sioners has conducted prayerbefore its meetings for years,and many of them were in thename of Jesus, but Mike Johnsonof the Alliance Defense Fund(ADF) tells OneNewsNow thatatheist groups filed suit againstthat practice and won a federalcourt decision.

“The federal district courthere got it wrong and declaredthat you can never have a sec-tarian reference effectively in apublic prayer or a prayer beforea legislative session, and that'sjust clearly wrong," he contends."It's in defiance of Supreme Courtprecedent and some other caselaw."

One primary concern for com-missioners was liability for theAmerican Civil Liberties Union'sattorney fees, should that groupprevail on appeal, and Johnsonbelieves what happened in



MINISTERS RESOURCE SERVICES RETIREMENT AGENCY OF THE BMA OF AMERICA

RON CHESSER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BMA RETIREMENT RETURNS

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 LT GROWTH 20.48% 12.03% 5.55% 15.74% 5.23% (29.03%) 25.39% FIXED INCOME 2.89% 2.18% 2.75% 2.34% 2.54% 2.64% 2.78% The Long Term Growth accounts have averaged a growth of 7.91% each year forthe past seven years. In the past seven years we have posted a total of 55.39% toeach LT Growth account. The Fixed Income accounts have averaged a growth of 2.59% each year for the pastseven years. The BMA Retirement portfolio assets totaled $9,109,032.11 on December 31, 2009In 2009 the BMA Retirement portfolio grew by 1.8 million with 1.1 million of thegrowth being new retirement money deposited by participants. The BMARetirement portfolio over the past seven years has had a growth in assets of$5,226,965.24.

MARKET PERFORMANCE 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 DOW 21.1% 3.15% (0.6%) 16.29% 6.4% (34.9%) 18.8% NASDAQ 42.1% 8.58% 1.4% 9.52% 9.8% (40.5%) 43.9% S & P 500 0.2% 9.0% 3.0% 13.62% 3.5% (38.8%) 23.5% The Dow has averaged 4.32% each year for the past seven years. The Nasdaq has averaged 10.69% each year for the past seven years. The S & P 500 has averaged 2.00% each year for the past seven years. You may contact Ministers Resource Services, the retirement agency of the BMA ofAmerica, at P. O. Box 2866, Texarkana, AR 75504, by phone at 870-774-2654 oremail Executive Director, Ron Chesser, at [email protected] to request aretirement packet or to open an account.

NCAA nixes family ad,Focus 'befuddled'OneNewsNow OneNewsNow OneNewsNow OneNewsNow OneNewsNow - The NCAA has withdrawn Focus on

Forsyth County could be a model for others.“The local concerned citizens there -- pastors and

other folks -- took a stand, and they raised privatefunding to offset the risk of the county to any eventualattorney fee award that might be given to the ACLU,"he explains.

The group raised almost a half-million dollars forthat purpose, so the case is now going to the FourthU.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The ADF attorney isconfident the county will prevail in the appeal.

Rulingfrom page 5from page 5from page 5from page 5from page 5

the Family's banner ad on its website, apparentlybecause of the organization's stance on homosexualrelationships.

Associated Press reports the National CollegiateAthletic Association heard from some of its membersthat the banner conflicted with the organization'spolicy of inclusion, regardless of sexual orientation.The ad - part of the pro-family group's "CelebrateFamily - Celebrate Life" campaign - was pulled with-out any notice, according to Focus on the Family'sGary Schneeburger.

"We're a little befuddled, I guess is the best way tosay it, that an ad that clearly that was not controver-sial," he responds. "It was not even political - it wassimply about a father wanting the best for his son...."

The ministry spokesman suggests the banner adwas taken down "not...because the ad itself was offen-sive, but because the very existence of Focus on theFamily apparently to some people is offensive."

The major governing body of college sports says adsmust be in agreement with NCAA principles, and itsown standards allow it to exclude advertising andadvertisers that it deems "do not appear to be in thebest interests of higher education and student ath-letes."

"What that tells us," says Schneeburger, "is thatwe're not allowed to advertise our family help servicesbecause we have biblical values on issues like mar-riage." And if such material were "all of a suddenlabeled hate speech," he says "we have deeper problemsin our country than we even know."

Schneeburger points out that Focus spends 90percent of its budget on parenting and marriageresources, and only 10 percent advocating on behalf ofthe unborn and for traditional marriage. The suppos-edly controversial Super Bowl ad featuring Tim Tebowand his mother, Pam, was part of Focus's "CelebrateFamily - Celebrate Life" campaign.

Don't Eat TDon't Eat TDon't Eat TDon't Eat TDon't Eat Too Muchoo Muchoo Muchoo Muchoo Muchby Douglas Lairdby Douglas Lairdby Douglas Lairdby Douglas Lairdby Douglas Laird

Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficientfor thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. Itis not good to eat much honey: so for men to searchtheir own glory is not glory (Prov: 16:27)

The biblical writer speaks of honey as being thechoicest of delicacies and a taste that all people desire,and he uses it to illustrate some important truths.

One comparison and three applications are obvious.The comparative truth: honey is like praise. The threeapplications are: (1) the taste is sweet; (2) a bit of it isnot harmful, indeed may be healthy; and (3) one canconsume too much. The warning is in number 3...over-indulgence.

One who has counseled with people has no doubtobserved again and again the barrenness of simplepraise extended to the needy. The lives of manychildren would have been radically changed if someonecould have given some praise instead of open condem-nation. Some have run away from home because theyfelt that there was no love there. Some have droppedout of school because they felt the no one cared. On theother hand, children have succeeded because theycould not fail parents who believed in ;;them. Noblemen and women testify that the spark which fire themto success was the teacher who commended instead ofcondemned.

And I suggest that the number of people needingmarriage counseling would be drastically reduced ifmarriage companions would have given attention andpraise for the many little distinctions peculiar to theother. The same is true of the plant manager and anyothers who have people working for them. And anotherimportant truth is, it not only gives confidence andloyalty on the part of the one who receives the praise,but words of praise excite devotion and more personalconcern on the part of him who gives it.

Having observed the truth that a bit of honey orpraise is not harmful, and indeed may be healthy, letus now observe that the taste is sweet. Only honeyseems to be capable of illustrating how sweet praisereally is. Praise is delicately sweet and exciting to thetaste. The biggest factor in any life is one’s ego, and anypotion which excites this is difficult to receive withoutaddict ion. One thrills to hear of his excellence. It is assweet as honey. But as indicated earlier, one canconsume too much. Vain egotism can cause one totaste of it again and again and again. He likes to hearof his excellence in the area of his profession or trade,but as a child allowed to ear too much rich candy, it canmake him sick.

One should strive diligently to avoid addiction topraise. First, because its grip is subtle, and two,



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

SIDNEY DAVISDIRECTOR

Listing of names does notindicate endorsement.

This column is forinformation purposes only.

AVAILABLEFOR SERVICE

Recent Church VisitRecent Church VisitRecent Church VisitRecent Church VisitRecent Church VisitWe were with the Ten Mile

Baptist Church near Wigginsand Pastor Stan Bennett onJanuary 31 for their Youth Sun-day and fifth Sunday afternoonservice. Their youth treated ouryoung people to an outing to seethe Mississippi Surge in a hockeygame on Saturday evening. Itwas an event that was enjoyedby all.

On Sunday morning theyouth of the church taught Sun-day School classes. We were spe-cial guests for the day. The chil-dren of the Home rendered spe-cial music during the morningand afternoon services and I hadthe privilege of bringing mes-

sages fromGod’s Word.The host churchprovided a deli-cious mealwhich was tothe delight ofeveryone. Weenjoyed thistime of fellow-ship with thisgood church.

Annual RallyAnnual RallyAnnual RallyAnnual RallyAnnual RallyOn February 8 the Ten Mile

Association had their annualrally for the Home. This meet-ing was held with the UnityBaptist Church in McHenry andPastor Carlos Smith

It was good to have the oppor-tunity to report on the ministryof the Home and also share amessage from God’s Word tothose in attendance. Our appre-ciation is extended to eachchurch and individual who gavetoward this rally.

Spiritual BlessingSpiritual BlessingSpiritual BlessingSpiritual BlessingSpiritual BlessingIt is a joy to be able to report

that a boy at the Home hasrecently made his public profes-sion of faith in Jesus Christ andhas followed the Lord inbeliever’s baptism. We rejoiceover his salvation and ask thatyou remember him in yourprayers as you pray.

Four Plus Inches of SnowFour Plus Inches of SnowFour Plus Inches of SnowFour Plus Inches of SnowFour Plus Inches of SnowIt is highly unlikely to see

snow in south Mississippi buton Friday, February 12, overfour inches of the white stuffhad accumulated in the Laurel

area.School had already been can-

celled for Friday the day beforedue to the very much antici-pated snow day. Sure enoughthe snow began to fall on Thurs-day night and did not subsideuntil Friday afternoon.

Well, the snow day is nowhistory, but this Friday in southMississippi is one to be remem-bered in years to come. Talkabout erecting a huge snow man.Talk about throwing large wetsnow balls. Talk about slidingdown a hill on a snow board.Talk about eating snow creamthat melts in your mouth. Talkabout the beautiful scenery as itsnowed huge large flakes thatfound its way on trees, limbs,buildings, and etc. These arewhat memories are made for.Oh, by the way, we enjoyed thesnow day!!!

"Snow Day" At The Home

Donald SimsDonald SimsDonald SimsDonald SimsDonald SimsBro. Donald Sims is available

for pastoral service, revivals andpulpit supply. He may bereached at 601-528-3295.

John GrimesJohn GrimesJohn GrimesJohn GrimesJohn GrimesBro. John Grimes is available

for preaching appointments orpulpit supply as the Lord leads.Bro. John is41 years oldand hasbeen mar-ried for 18years. Heand his wifehave fourchildren,ages 16, 13,9 and 4.Bro. John and his family aremembers at Trinity BaptistChurch in Florence, Mississippi.He may be contacted at 601-717-3743 or 601-936-6937. His pas-tor, Bro. James Brown, mayalso be contacted at 601-209-1502.

Ryan RicksRyan RicksRyan RicksRyan RicksRyan RicksRyan Ricks is available for

preaching appointments, youthwork, etc. Contact him at 313Dummy Line Rd. Wiggins, MS39577 or by phone at 225-329-7082. Ryan is the grandson ofBMA pastors H. Eddie Ricks(retired) of Ennis, Texas. andWalter Hickman of Wiggins.He is a member of Pleasant HillBaptist of Saucier.

Kevin SanfordKevin SanfordKevin SanfordKevin SanfordKevin SanfordBro. Kevin Sanford is avail-

able for pulpit supply or how-ever God may use him. Bro.Kevin is 30 years old. He previ-ously pastored Temple BaptistChurch in Columbia. Bro. Kevinand his wife Allison have twochildren, Brandon 7 and Emma4. He may be reached at 601-408-1519

John Grimes

because one is often the last toknow it. Friends frequently seeit first, and one’s egotism sorelytaxes the affinity that friendsformerly enjoyed for each other.

A little praise gives essentialconfidence and loyalty. Exces-sive indulgence moves one acrossa fine line to vain glory andbecomes an idolatry that erodesone’s devotion to God who cre-ated him.

Taken From “Why Worry”

Don't EatDon't EatDon't EatDon't EatDon't Eatfrom page 6from page 6from page 6from page 6from page 6

on with Christ, confident thatour Foundation will never fail.

How did we get where we are?We didn’t get here all at once,

but we know we are a long wayfrom where God wants us. Howdid this slippage occur?

Hebrews, chapter 6, offers someinsight.

The Hebrews were Jewish

believers whose lofty expecta-tions in the Christian life hadnever materialized, and theywere losing heart and beginningto wonder if they had believed invain. The writer expresses hisfaith in the genuineness of theirsalvation (verse 9) and his admi-ration of their purity of motiveand fervency in service in dayspast (verse 10). His call for dili-gence (verse 11) and warningagainst slothfulness (verse 12)identify the problem. It was nota matter of overt sin in their

lives but a waning of spiritualzeal. They needed revival. Doesthat ring a bell in our lives?

What do we want to be?God offers us more than me-

diocrity in our ministry. He haspromised us His presence, Hispower, His protection, His pro-vision, His productivity. Can wetrust those promises?

The closing verses of Hebrews6 assure us that God’s promisesare dependable. That passageillustrates that God will not goback on His promises, and He

confirmed that truth by an oath.The appearance of the Messiahon the stage of history at theexact time predetermined by Godproves that God’s promises arereliable.

So, we can set our sights high.We can be all that God hascalled us to be. Let’s performthis year in such a way that wehear the director shout, “It’s awrap!”

A note from Lifeword Director George Reddin

CutCutCutCutCutFrom page 3From page 3From page 3From page 3From page 3


BMA OF MISSISSIPPI

MISSIONS DEPARTMENT4226 HIGHWAY 15 NORTH, LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI 39440 - (601) 428-8616

Rayburn Freeman, Director

Bro. & Mrs. Elvis Garcia

Work underway in RipleyWork underway in RipleyWork underway in RipleyWork underway in RipleyWork underway in RipleyAs this is being written the Masters

Builders and the Classic Builders ofMississippi are in Ripley, Mississippiraising the walls of the First HispanicBaptist Mission. Bro. Elvis Garcia isthe missionary pastor to the hispanicspeaking people of Ripley and the sur-rounding area.

We are thankful for these good menand women giving their time and their

labor to helpwith the build-ing. What ablessing theyare to God’swork and to theministry ofFirst HispanicMission. MayGod bless themin kind for their care and dedication.

2010 Missions and EvangelisticConference Schedule

North ConferenceMarch 15-16, 2010Ballardsville ChurchTupelo, Mississippi

South ConferenceMarch 25-26, 2010

El Camino Baptist MissionLaurel, Mississippi

Thursday Afternoon & Evening

New Heart Baptist MissionHattiesburg, Mississippi

Friday Morning & Afternoon

by all.Bro. Bryan Wilson called on Pastor

Gary O’Neal for scripture and prayerfor the welcome. There were 74 presentwith two visitors.

Reports were given by Bro. FultonLindsey on his prison ministry. Therewere over 1,406 souls saved in 2009 andin January 116 were saved. Bro. BryanWilson reported on several of our mis-sions work. Also, the Revolving LoanFund doing well. Bro. Dwight Lindseygave a youth report on the winter campand requested to pray for the man tolead this department. Bro. Matt Hudsonchallenged each church to support theNational Brotherhood project. It wasapproved to bring an offering to theMarch 11 meeting and the offering wouldbe divided between the National Broth-erhood project and the WMA project.

Sister Kathy from Greenwood churchsang a beautiful song that inspired allbefore Bro. Jackie Gray preached. His

Church Newsfrom page 3from page 3from page 3from page 3from page 3

text was Ezra 3:1, “We need God to stirus with the gospel in our worship – ourwork and our witness.

Wanda Parmer, Reporter

Harmony meetingHarmony meetingHarmony meetingHarmony meetingHarmony meetingThe Harmony Association met on

February 12, at Unity Baptist Churchin Baldwyn. Following special musicthe evening message was given by BroTim Nall.

The business meeting was called toorder with a roll call with 8 churchesrepresented and a total of 43 presentwith 2 visitors. Encampment and Mis-sionary committee reports were given.Bro. Freeman gave a report on statemissions and Bro. Ray Boone gave areport on his work in the Hattiesburgarea. Our next meeting will be atWestview in Oxford with Bro. DougWilson as our speaker and Bro. DaleWyrick as the alternate.

A time of food and refreshments pro-vided by the host church followed themeeting.

Tony Marolt - Promotional SecretaryTim Nall - Moderator

BMA Seminary Brand LecturesBMA Seminary Brand LecturesBMA Seminary Brand LecturesBMA Seminary Brand LecturesBMA Seminary Brand LecturesThe 2010 Brand Lectures will be

Tuesday, March 2 and Thursday, March4, 2010 in Dorman Memorial Chapel atthe Baptist Missionary Association(BMA) Theological Seminary in Jack-sonville, Texas. The theme of the Lec-tures will be Family Worship. Lecturetimes will be at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00p.m. each day.

The speaker for the Brand Lectureswill be Brother Mark Livingston whohas been senior pastor of Keltys FirstBaptist Church in Lufkin, Texas since2006. He and his wife, Amanda havetwo children, Lacy Jayne, age three andMicah Haddon, age one.

Brother Livingston has served invarious church positions since 1994. Inaddition to ministry roles, he has servedas Spiritual Life Director of the South-ern Baptist Educational Center Chris-tian School in Memphis, Tennessee,and as an adjunct professor in theologyat both Crichton College, Memphis,Tennessee, and Central Baptist Col-lege, Conway, Arkansas.

He has earned degrees from CentralBaptist College, Conway, Arkansas, TheUniversity of Mississippi, Oxford, Mis-sissippi (Ole Miss) and Mid-AmericaBaptist Theological Seminary, Mem-phis, Tennessee. He hopes to have aDoctor of Ministry degree completed inMay 2010 from Covenant TheologicalSeminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Brother Livingston’s dissertation isresearch on the subject How to preachChrist-centered sermons from Old Tes-tament narrative texts.

The “Brand Lectures” are named inhonor of the late Dr. and Mrs. Ralph A.Brand of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Ralphand Rosalie Brand served the Lord to-gether for over fifty years.

The Brands had three children.Rosalie retired as head of the catalogu-ing department of the library at theUniversity of Southern Mississippi. Dr.Brand worked in prison ministries forover 30 years. Prior to his death heresigned as Director of New Directions

Prison Ministries, but continued to beactive in that work until his death.

Dr. Brand traveled extensively andauthored several articles and books.Some of his best known works include:Simplified Techniques of Counseling,Analysis of Revelation and Techniquesof Counseling-An Aid to Pastoral Effi-ciency.

In over 50 years of ministry, he servedas local and state missionary; dean ofSoutheastern Baptist College, Laurel,Mississippi; Missions Director of Uni-versity Extension Courses at Missis-sippi State University; and Director ofStudent Counseling, Jones County Jun-ior College, Ellisville, Mississippi. Dr.Brand pastored churches in Louisiana,Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi. Healso served as trustee for the Missis-sippi Baptist Children’s Home, vice presi-dent of the BMA of Mississippi MissionsDepartment, and development officerand trustee for BMA Theological Semi-nary.

For further information, contact CarolShine at BMA Seminary, 903-586-2501,ext. 218 or [email protected].

Mark Livingston

BMA Seminary Trustees Hold Meeting

BMAA Theological Seminary Trustees met in February for their midyear session.

A simple man believes anything,but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

Proverbs 14:15

march 01 2010 - mississippi baptist archive · interim director, dwight lindsey is a graduate of...

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