JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

MAY 1, 2010 VOL. 64 NO. 9

Ray Freeman

Hillcrest Building Destroyed by Tornado

Church Plans for FutureChurch Plans for FutureChurch Plans for FutureChurch Plans for FutureChurch Plans for Future

Hillcrest Church member Dale Thrasher foundsafety under the church communion table

Only rubble remains after tornado ravaged Hillcrest Baptist Church in YazooCity. Although 10 people lost their lives across Mississippi, no one wasseriously injured at the church site.

by Rayburn Freeman, directorby Rayburn Freeman, directorby Rayburn Freeman, directorby Rayburn Freeman, directorby Rayburn Freeman, directorBMA of Mississippi MissionsBMA of Mississippi MissionsBMA of Mississippi MissionsBMA of Mississippi MissionsBMA of Mississippi MissionsGod through Jeremiah reminds us to

call upon HIM. Jeremiah 33:3, Callunto me, and I will answer thee, andshew thee great and mighty things,which thou knowest not. New blessing

every day, blessings that we ask for andblessings that are new for us, He justkeeps adding marvelous things to oureveryday comfort and joy. Even in themidst of the storm we can truthfullypraise Him for his presence.

Since the disaster hit Yazoo City onMarch 24, Bro. Leeand I have been incontact with thepeople of HillcrestBaptist Church. Thetornado hit the

H i l l c r e s tbuilding andcompletelydestroyed it.Prior to thes t o r m ,church member Bro. DaleThrasher, had arrived for somechores and upon realizing thesituation found cover under theLord’s Supper Table. The tor-nado destroyed the HillcrestBaptist Church building com-pletely, but Bro. Thrasher re-mained unharmed though cov-ered with debris. The Lord was

surely with him in the storm.On Monday evening, March 26, Faye

and I were privileged to visit with sev-eral of the Hillcrest people at the site asthey were looking through the rubble.We listened to their stories of how the

Lord hadblessed in somany ways.One membershared with usthat as theywere gather-ing on Sundaym o r n i n gsomeone founda songbookopen to thesong “Till theStorm PassesBy.” Thatsong was usedin worship andpraise. Ourvisit was con-cluded withthose present

enjoying a time in devotional thoughts.In that meeting a decision was made toconduct a midweek service on Thurs-day evening, April 29 at 7:00 P.M., andSunday worship May 2 at 2:00 P.M.

A number of churches, organizationsand individuals have contacted Hillcrestmembers asking how they can help.Presently, Hillcrest is planning thecharter of their course concerning theremoval of debris, location, construc-tion and ministry. Their insurancecompany has advanced funds to beginpreparation of a new structure, but hasnot given them any idea on a finalfigure. For those who are interested inhelping financially, please call the Bankof Yazoo City at 662-746-5421 and askfor Mrs. Anita and share with her thatyou would like to make a contribution tothe Hillcrest Baptist Church SpecialFund. Bro. Dale Thrasher’s name willbe on the account.

For other reasons please contact oneof the following: Bro. Dale Thrasher at662-590-3369 or 662-571-4909; andCharles (Bud) and Janice Adams at 662-571-3578 or 662-673-2681.

National Meeting MarkedBy Cooperation, Continued Serviceand New Leadership

The 2010 meeting of the BMA ofAmerica held last month in Ft. Smith,Arkansas, was marked by a spirit ofcooperation, new mission fields, newchurches, and new leadership in theMissions Department.

Messengers from across the nationgathered in Ft. Smith to hear reports,worship, plan and make plans for thefuture. Six new churches petitionedmembership - Lifepoint Church,Hernando, Mississippi (a former statemission project); Rock Creek Church,Union, Mississippi; Lifesong Church,Greenbrier, Arkansas; Anchor Church,McAllen, Texas; Centro de Vida, Hous-

ton, Texas; and New Found Church,Straw Plains, Tennessee.

Coming as no surprise, Dr. JohnDavid Smith, a native Mississippian,was elected the new Executive Directorof Missions. Dr. Smith and his wife Kimare both graduates of SoutheasternBaptist College, Laurel. Smith served anumber of years as missionary to CapeVerde, and as a staff member in thenational missions department.

Grady Higgs stepped down after 7years as executive director. A number ofcoworkers spoke about the blessingsBro. Higgs has been to them and to thework of BMAA missions. A surprisevisit by the Higgs' three children was ahighlight to the evening. They sharedtheir memories of growing up in apastor's home and some personal infor-mation about their parents.

The Higgs were presented a 'sur-report continued on page 2report continued on page 2report continued on page 2report continued on page 2report continued on page 2

Arthur Smith (left) comes to lead in prayeras his son, Dr. John David Smith, waspresented to the Association as the newExecutive Director of Missions

2 May 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

prise' two week Hawaiian vaca-tion by the Association.

Good reports were given byeach department and all recom-mendations were approved aspresented in the 2010 Recom-mendations Book that was

mailed to each church.Over 850 messengers and visi-

tors were registered. Only 275churches were represented bymessenger with another 217 byletter only. The officers for 2010-2011 are President Paul Bul-lock, I VP Ed Stephenson, II VPJason Aultman. James RayRaines was reelected to serve asone of three clerks. The 2011annual message will be broughtby Bro. Grady Higgs with JohnAdams of Mississippi serving asthe alternate.

The 2012 meeting will be inthe new convention center inJackson, Mississippi.

During the DiscipleGuide re-port the attendance was ex-tremely high - probably the larg-

est crowd at any one report.DisciplGuide had messengersregister for one of two items to begiven way during their report.An Amazon Kindle 'book reader'and a new Apple Ipad.

The drawing held the mes-

BMAA National Meeting Reportfrom page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1 sengers attention. Bro. Carl

Willis of Texas was the winnerof the Kindle and Chaplain BoBankston of Mississippi won theIpad. Bankston had been hon-ored the previous evening at theBMA Seminary Dinner as therecipient of the 2010 KellarAward. This award is given to agraduate of the Seminary eachyear for outstanding service andaccomplishments. Bankston re-cently has been named the Chap-lain of the Mississippi NationalGuard. He currently in the headchaplain at Camp Shelby nearHattiesburg.

New MissionariesNew MissionariesNew MissionariesNew MissionariesNew MissionariesAlicia Ramshur, of Colum-

bia, Mississippi, was approved

as a Creative Access Nationmissionary. She is a member ofGood Hope Church, Columbia,where Denny Patterson is pas-tor and as a nurse will be work-ing in a hospital.

Nikky Prickett, of ParamountChurch, Perkinston was ap-proved to go to the nation ofIndonesia. Dennis Knight is herpastor.

Margaret Bean, who will beworking with Alicia Ramshur

Sofilthy's Atticby Barbara White

M-U-S-I-CI attended a meeting a while back that was a

wonderful experience. The music was led by young,very talented musicians and they asked the audi-ence to stand during the entire song service. There'sthe rub! There was some complaining by a lot ofarthritic knees, hips, back, etc. Made me wonder ifany arthritic knees, hips, backs, etc. were in atten-dance when Ezra read the Word for four hours andthe people stood for that.

I love to worship and I love music of all kinds! Ijust happen to like it better from a seated position!

I often wonder what kind of music we will use toworship in heaven. Will it be Southern Gospel,Bluegrass, Celtic, Symphonic, traditional hymns,Sacred Harp, Praise Choruses, seven-eleven, hoot'n nanny? Whichever mode is used, it will praiseand worship our Savior and Lord!

Go read Psalm 150 and start practicing.

Officers 2010 Annual BMA of America

James Schoenrock moderatesthe Missions report

DiscipleGuide Information DirectorBobby Hudgins (right) presentsChaplain Forrest "Bo" Bankston ofMississippi with the new Ipad de-vice given at this year's meeting.

as an English teacher, was alsoapproved. She is a member ofBethel Church, Fulton, MartinJameson, pastor.

Also from Bethel Church,Fulton, is Sarah Hebert. Shewill be working in the Philip-pines.

Ashraf Sara, of Iraq, who willbe graduating from BMA Semi-nary this month, was approvedto work in North America withArab speaking people.

Leo Longmiller, of Jackson-ville, Texas, will be joining BradFaulk in the state of Washing-

ton as a support missionary inthe area of music and worship.Michael Cross, who was ap-proved to go to Scotland in 2009,was granted a change of field toAsia Pacific.

Fiodor Baraniuk was reas-signed from International Rus-sian Coordinator to NorthAmerican Russian-speaking Co-ordinator.

David Dixon of Puerto Rico,was approved to serve as a fieldconsultant for Latin Americaand Anthony Penington was ap-proved to serve as a associatemissionary to work with MerrittYoungdeer in New Mexico.

Missionary personnel weregiven a 3% raise in salary.

Nikky Pricket

Margaret Bean

Sarah Hebert

Alicia Ramshur

Ashraf Sara and family

Leo Longmiller

Bro. & Mrs. Grady Higgs' chldrensurprised them with their presence

3May 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

Spring FestivalSpring FestivalSpring FestivalSpring FestivalSpring FestivalThe spring festival, when prospective students are

invited to come to the campus for a day to become moreacquainted with the college, was doneon April 27. It was a day to gather moreinformation about the college, good food,fun, as well as attending a special chapelservice planned for the occasion. Itseemed that those who attended en-joyed the activities.

Memorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsTwo contributions have been given to

the Southeastern Baptist College Foundation inmemory of Dr. Jasper Fail and Bro. James Savell. Weare praying that God’s comfort and blessings will bewith these families.

SBC Choir Goes to Ft. SmithSBC Choir Goes to Ft. SmithSBC Choir Goes to Ft. SmithSBC Choir Goes to Ft. SmithSBC Choir Goes to Ft. SmithMost of the Southeastern Baptist College Choir

members were able to go to the BMAA in Fort Smith,

Arkansas. Their performance with the other collegechoirs, Central Baptist and Jacksonville, was wellreceived. We got a lot of good compliments and wereproud of them. Mr. Glenn Padgett and the choir did agood job. We appreciate them going and representingSoutheastern Baptist College. I think it was good foreach of them and the college.

I also appreciate those who gave contributions topay their expenses. The amount given was almostexactly what it cost. The following list are those whogave designated offerings for their trip. Thanks somuch.

Calvary Baptist Church, TaylorsvilleCapitol Baptist AssociationFirst Baptist Church, Bay SpringsBro. and Mrs. Vern HolifieldMid-Central Baptist AssociationParamount Baptist Church, PerkinstonPine Grove Baptist Church, PurvisBro. and Mrs. Howard RhodenBro. and Mrs. Douglas Wilson, Fulton

Vardaman Street Baptist Church, WigginsVardaman Street Baptist Church WMA, Wiggins

Tiger Creek Baptist Church, Ovett, let the choirused their bus. This was a big help financially as well.

2009-2010 Graduation2009-2010 Graduation2009-2010 Graduation2009-2010 Graduation2009-2010 GraduationThe commencement services will be May 13, 2010,

at 7:30 p.m. The following list are those who have beenapproved to received degrees and certificates, providedthey complete all work satisfactorily for this springsemester.

Bachelor of Science - Church MinistriesJerry Allen BoltonTimothy Buchanan - High HonorsJames Caleb MartinJacob T. McKenzie - High HonorsDonald E. Miller - High HonorsPercy Pollard, Jr.Marcus Stanley RaymondJared Bo StockmanTrent Warren

Associate of Arts - BibleGeorge C. Grund, Jr.Courtney R. MessemoreMims Orlando RankinMarcus Stanley RaymondMichael A. WalkerMark Orian Williams

Associate of Arts - BusinessGeorge Lamkin, IIIJacob T. McKenzie - High HonorsVivian Lysette Niblett - High HonorsFaris Renee Walker - HonorsWanda White Walker - High Honors

Associate of Arts - General EducationChristopher Ryan MyrickSarah Grace Vanbuskirk

Diploma in BibleDavid EdwardsMarvin D. Mathis

Diploma of Christian LeadershipAnnie Clayton-McLeanDavid EdwardsMarvin D. Mathis

Certificate of Christian LeadershipDavid EdwardsMarvin D. MathisTracy Warren

Summer Class OfferedSummer Class OfferedSummer Class OfferedSummer Class OfferedSummer Class OfferedWe are offering the following courses this summer.

They will meet June 7 through July 1 on Monday,Tuesday, and Thursday for those four weeks.

Morning (8:30 - 12:00 a.m.)College AlgebraPsychology

Afternoon (1:00 - 4:30 p.m.)Old Testament SurveySociology

Night (5:30 - 9:00 p.m.)New Testament SurveyEnglish Composition I

Anyone interested in these courses should contactthe admissions office as soon as possible.

Dr. Medrick SavellPresident

SoutheasternBaptist College

4229 Highway 15 North, Laurel, Mississippi 39440(601) 426-6346

Serving Christ With a Biblical World ViewIn A Christian Atmosphere

A good crowd was on hand for the day's festivities,including a lunch provided by the schoold and prepared

by State Brotherhood President Roger Jefcoat

Having a 'western' theme for the day, students andguests were challenged to "ride the bull"

SBC Choir Director Glen Padgett directs the combinedchoirs of the three schools of the BMA of America.

SBC choir members enjoyed the tripand represented the college well.

20102010201020102010Southeastern Baptist CollegeSoutheastern Baptist CollegeSoutheastern Baptist CollegeSoutheastern Baptist CollegeSoutheastern Baptist College

Commencement ServiceCommencement ServiceCommencement ServiceCommencement ServiceCommencement Service

ThursdayThursdayThursdayThursdayThursday, May 13, 2010, May 13, 2010, May 13, 2010, May 13, 2010, May 13, 2010

4 May 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

Opinion PageJournal of the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi

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

USPS 353-960P.O. Box 8181

Laurel, Mississippi 39441-8000

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

PRICE$20.00 Per Year by Mail

$10.00 Per Year by EmailCHURCH PLAN

$ 1.30 Per Month

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

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

Church of the Covered Dish BY THOMAS TAPP

Listing of names does notindicate endorsement.

This column is forinformation purposes only.

AVAILABLEFOR SERVICE

Don BrownEditor

Joseph BainBro. Joseph Bain has surren-

dered to the ministry and is willingto be used wherever the Lordneeds. He is the son of Dewitt andBrenda Bain of Mt. Olive, Mississippi.He may be reached at 662-315-2982 or through his pastor, Bro.Gary Smith of East Fulton BaptistChurch, Fulton, 662-322-6974.

Bryan WilliamsonBro. Bryan Williamson is available

for pulpit supply and pastoral work.He has been in the ministry for 22years and is a member at BiloxiCreek Baptist Church in Perkinston.He may be reached at 601-528-0642 or 601-928-4176.

State Meeting NearState Meeting NearState Meeting NearState Meeting NearState Meeting NearThe midyear meeting of the BMA of Mississippi will be held on

May 17 & 18 at Oakland Church, Vicksburg.The WMA and Brotherhood will meet on Mondayevening at the church. The business session ofthe Association will begin at 9:00 am on Tuesdaymorning.

Each church is allowed three messengers andshould make every effort to be sure they arerepresented.

Reports will be heard from each ministry ofthe BMA of Mississippi. The midyear messagewill be brought by Bro. Dewitt Bain, pastor ofShiloh Church, Mt. Olive.

Mississippi's SonMississippi's SonMississippi's SonMississippi's SonMississippi's SonIn 1973, The Brown's moved to the Gulf coast of Mississippi, and

found our way to Parkview Baptist Church in Gautier. A few yearslater this writer would come to know Christ as his personal saviorand then surrender to God's call to the ministry.

For the first month of our ten-ure at Parkview Church, Bro.Arthur Smith was our pastor. Wehad joined the church is part be-cause of the pastor and his family.The church was a state missionproject and had recently been ableto transition to 'self-support' sta-tus. Bro. Arthur felt the call tobegin another church in Purvis,so he and his family left and headedto a new field of service.

I remember the children, butespecially a little 'cotton topped'boy named John David. Thatyoung man grew into manhoodand spiritual maturity to be usedof the Lord in missions. Lastmonth in Ft. Smith, Arkansas,that young man was elected as our new Executive Director ofMissions. God has prepared Dr. Smith for this time in his life byhis calling, his experience and his personal education. Congratu-lations to Dr. John David Smith, his wife Kim and their two sons,Josiah and Seth.

We are praying for success of our National Missions Departmentand for the Lord to lead you as you lead in this ministry.

School Year EndsSchool Year EndsSchool Year EndsSchool Year EndsSchool Year EndsSoutheastern Baptist College will hold graduation services on

Thursday, May13.

Dr. John David Smith acceptsposition as his wife Kim looks on

BMA Seminary Dinner

Above, Dr. Charley Holmes, president of BMA Seminary, addresses theguests at the annual Seminary dinner as Dean Philip Attebery andChaplain Forrest 'Bo' Bankston look on.Below, Bro. Grady Higgs, a recent recipient of the Kellar Award, presentsthis year's award to Chaplain Lt. Col. Forrest Bankston as Mrs. Bankstonand Dr. Holmes look on.

Silsby to face trialin Haiti; chargesdropped against 9PORT-AU-PRINCE, HaitiPORT-AU-PRINCE, HaitiPORT-AU-PRINCE, HaitiPORT-AU-PRINCE, HaitiPORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti(BP)--A Haiti judge dropped kid-napping and criminal associa-tion charges against jailed Bap-tist volunteer Laura Silsby andnine others April 26 but orderedSilsby to face trial on anothercharge, meaning she will re-main in prison.

CNN reported that JudgeBernard Saint-Vil ordered Silsbyto face trial on an "arrangingirregular travel" charge, whichcarries a sentence for those con-victed of six months to threeyears in prison.

But CNN said Saint-Vildropped all charges against theother nine volunteers, all ofwhom were previously releasedand allowed to fly back to theUnited States with charges stillpending.

The 10 Baptists were arrestedJanuary 30 because they alleg-edly did not have the properdocuments to cross the borderand take 33 children to an or-phanage being set up in theDominican Republic. The Bap-tists say they had the docu-ments Haiti officials told themto have. Saving children or-phaned by the earthquake, theysaid, was their goal.

5May 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

As HandyAs HandyAs HandyAs HandyAs HandyAs a Button!As a Button!As a Button!As a Button!As a Button!

Charles ReddinCharles ReddinCharles ReddinCharles ReddinCharles ReddinAdult Editor, DiscipleGuideAdult Editor, DiscipleGuideAdult Editor, DiscipleGuideAdult Editor, DiscipleGuideAdult Editor, DiscipleGuide

When old-timers used a labor-saving toolfor the first time, they would say, “Now,that’s as handy as a button.” When you readthe adult Sunday School materials fromDiscipleGuide Church Resources for thesummer, you may resurrect that old expres-sion. Not only is the material itself as prac-tical as a button (maybe even Velcro), but italso recommends some extra “buttons” youcan obtain.

The title of the quarter is “Many Mem-bers, One Body.” It progresses in threestages. (1) The first lesson focuses on theBible’s comparison of the local church to aliving human body. (2) Lessons 2-4 outlinethe “steps” to becoming a church member:salvation, baptism, and fellowship. (3) Theremaining nine lessons offer guidance infollowing New Testament instructions totreat “one another” in specific ways in thechurch.

The normal Compass Curriculum prod-ucts include Bible exposition in Compass,interactive Bible studies in Compass Point,teaching plans in Compass Teacher, printedteaching visuals in Compass Resources, andelectronic versions of these products in theCompass E-Kit.

One of the extra “buttons” is theDiscipleGuide tract “The Roman Road.” Com-pass Teacher suggests that teachers givecopies to students with lesson 2, on salva-tion, for personal reading and for passing onto others.

Another extra tool is DiscipleGuide’s book-let containing The Doctrinal Statement ofthe Baptist Missionary Association ofAmerica. It is recommended as a handoutwith lesson 4, on church fellowship, sincedoctrinal unity is an essential part of fellow-ship.

A third “extra” is a spiritual gifts inven-tory. At least two are available as freedownloads, and you can find links to them atDiscipleGuide.org. (On the home page, typelinks in the search box, click on links, andscroll down to Spiritual Gifts Assessment.)

This study in “Many Members, One Body”emphasizes the Bible’s practical teachingsabout the church throughout. It spells out:

• How a new church comes into being• How to become a member of a church• How to be saved• How to be baptized and why• How, in extensive and specific detail, to

relate to one another in the churchThe tract and booklet mentioned above

can be ordered along with church literatureor separately. All these products are listedon the “Quick Order Forms” linked towww.DiscipleGuide.org’s home page, or youcan call 1-800-333-1442.

6 May 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

GMA GirlsGMA Promoter - Beth Caldwell

166 Twin Creek Rd, Lucedale, MS 39452601-947-6011

Sunbeam Promoter - Linda Dertinger132 HowardHill Road, Soso, MS 39480

601-729-2908

National GMA Project 2010National GMA Project 2010National GMA Project 2010National GMA Project 2010National GMA Project 2010by Kelsey Fagalaby Kelsey Fagalaby Kelsey Fagalaby Kelsey Fagalaby Kelsey Fagala

National 1st Vice PresidentNational 1st Vice PresidentNational 1st Vice PresidentNational 1st Vice PresidentNational 1st Vice PresidentGreetings from Kelsey Fagala, National GMA 1st

Vice President. GMA Camp 2010 is right around thecorner and I hope you are all as excited as I am! I’mlooking forward to seeing all of you at Daniel SpringsJune 15-18.

Our national project is 90% Philippine Bible Col-lege, 10% General Fund. The officers have set a goal of$25,000. Please remember to send your project moneyas soon as possible to our national GMA treasurer,Mrs. Ruby Poteet: 8303 Middle Warren Road, PineBluff, AR. 71063 (870) 879-1378 rwp8303@aol.comI would like to challenge each girl and/or GMA groupto create a rocket for our project promotion. Fill this upwith your spare change. You may use a 20 ounce or a2 liter coke bottle, or you can use your CREATIVITY!These will be judged at camp. Other project fund-raisers for camp will include our officer competition,candy grams, grab bags, quarter folders, and buttons.Our most popular fund-raiser at camp is our silentauction. Please help us by bringing gifts to put in thisauction.Tuesday night at camp is always national camp T-shirt and blue jean night. I would like to encourageeveryone to buy one of these shirts! They are going tobe SO cool! They will be royal blue with a yellowshooting star on the front left right chest area. Theback of the t-shirt will have a planet with the theme“How Great Is Our God” across it along with our themeverse, 1 Chronicles 16:25. Order forms for these shirtscan be found on our GMA websitewww.nationalgma.com. The cost is $12.00 and orderforms and money should be sent to Mrs. Ruby Poteetno later than May 15.

Afterglow will be held again this year on Wednesdaynight. If you have girls who would like to participatewith a song or skit, please contact Sarah Hebert, AdultSong Leader as soon as possible atsarah_h_2006@hotmail.com .

We want to encourage everyone to participate in theproject and to get involved at camp! Hope to see you allthere!

WMA NewsWMA NewsWMA NewsWMA NewsWMA Newsby Anita Akersby Anita Akersby Anita Akersby Anita Akersby Anita Akers

II Vice-presidentII Vice-presidentII Vice-presidentII Vice-presidentII Vice-presidentWMA ladies,

It is almost time for our midyear meeting at Oak-land Baptist Church in Vicksburg. May 17th is closeat hand and we should be thinking about our feet!Remember that our theme for this year is "BeautifulFeet . . . Bringing Salvation." Working on ourprogram, I have been amazed at the many preciousscriptures that speak of "feet." Our theme scripture isjust one example. Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful upon themountains are the feet of him that bringeth goodtidings . . . that publisheth salvation.."

I have also had a renewed appreciation for the goodold hymn, "Footsteps of Jesus." Many of you have seenthe "Family Circus" comic strip that shows the foot-prints of one of the children. He has a destination, butis constantly sidetracked and his feet take him every-where but where he should be. As we consider whereour feet are taking us, we should remember that our"tracks" should be taking us to where there are lostpeople who need a Savior! We should be following thefootsteps of Jesus. The Bible then calls our feet"beautiful!"

We hope to have a special treat for our program!Pray for all of those involved in any way. Pray for eachother and . . . please attend our meeting! The stateofficers will meet at 5:00 p.m. and the WMA meetingwill start at 7:00 p.m. The church is also supplying alight meal at 6:00. We look forward to seeing you!

Leave ItTo Cleaver

Tony Cleaver

Shall I Give Shall I Give Shall I Give Shall I Give Shall I Give Another Chance?Another Chance?Another Chance?Another Chance?Another Chance?Luke 9.51-56

Samaritans were nasty people according to the Jewsof Jesus' day. In fact a good Jew would not travelthrough their area. He would travel around it. This iswhy Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well wasso mystifying in John's Gospel. Here again Jesus isdealing with those who were considered unworthy tobe dealt with by any upright religious person. He isdirecting His disciples to get things ready as Hetraveled through this Samaritan area with singularpurpose to Jerusalem for His death.

I would never give my son or daughter a foreignsounding name. I would want it to be a name from myown culture, race, and ethnicity. Who would want toburden a child with a name from an unfamiliar if notinferior class of people? Lots of people move out of a

neighborhood when "they" begin to occupy the build-ings. You know those kinds of people are not desirablefor our neighborhood. After all they are not like "us."Some congregations choose to move buildings as neigh-borhoods change fromone culture to another.The congregationschoose to abandontheir old building andmove to a neighbor-hood where people aremore in line with theirown cultural expectations, language, traditions, orskin pigmentation.

Sometimes the leaders of a church, group of churches,even a denomination, can be wrong in their viewsregarding modern day Samaritans. The fact of thematter is Jesus moves through all cultures to welcomeevenly to the Kingdom. Uniformly the Samaritans ofthis century are welcome. They have a place in HisKingdom's plan, purpose, and most of all progress aswe come to the Day.

I can spit, sputter, and spew venom about thoseSamaritans. I can probably call on statistics to show,even to prove, how inferior they are compared to myown standards. I can go to passage after passage ofresearch on the subject to more than once-over, coverall aspects of my position. The poignant thing is theSamaritans are doing this same thing regarding meand my kind. Each keeps building barriers to comingto the Kingdom's work together. Neither side iswilling to move toward the level ground in front of thecross.

The first time I saw a "picture" of Jesus as a nonCaucasian, I was astounded. The second time I sawanother non Caucasian representation of Jesus I wasgreatly perplexed. I got to thinking Jesus might havedark skin. He might have other than my own kind ofeye features. He might speak a different language.Yet, He is still the Christ of all the ages to all peoples.

I like the phrase in the New Testament book ofworship, that last book, Revelation, that speaks ofevery kindred, race, tribe and language assembled inworship of the Lamb. I would venture a guess that atthat point I will not notice the Samaritans on eitherside of me as I worship the One on the Throne.Furthermore, I would speculate they won't notice mySamaritan tendencies-that is as I might have ap-peared to them-either. Maybe I need to ask myself:"Why does it bother me to worship with the Samari-tans in my church house today?"

51 And it came to pass, when the time was come thathe should be received up, he stedfastly set his face togo to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before hisface: and they went, and entered into a village of theSamaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they didnot receive him, because his face was as though hewould go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciplesJames and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thouthat we command fire to come down from heaven, andconsume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned,and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not whatmanner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is notcome to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And theywent to another village.

Daniel SpringsCamp Work Retreat

SetWhen May rolls around, it is time for repairs and

new projects at the camp to begin. There have alreadybeen several crews working to remodel some of theolder cabins and they are really looking good. We haveour annual Work Retreat May 10-12 and are lookingfor a good number to show up for a lot of work, good foodand fellowship. We have carpenter work, concretework and just grunt work. We will be tearing off atleast one roof and maybe 2 depending on how manylaborers show up. 6 of the old cabins have had the oldshingle roofs replaced with metal roofs and we stillhave several more that will be getting new metal onthem in the next 2 or 3 weeks.

New Flagpoles are being installed and this could bea financial project for some who can’t come andcontribute physically. The flagpoles are 30 feet talland will be a great replacement for the old hand madepipe poles that have served for the past 30 years. Thenew poles costs just over $4,000.00 and should be inplace within the next week.

Some old windows in the cafeteria are being re-placed this week and the public restrooms are gettinga fresh coat of paint. Dirt work is being done aroundthe new dorms and grass seed planted so that it willreally look nice when the campers arrive. Most of thiswork is being paid for with monies from our buildingfund and we need help with that.

Chose an area that you can help in and get involved.You can have a part in ministering to over 4,000 kidsevery summer. Where else can you have more fun andbe rewarded so bountifully that providing a clean, safeenvironment for our kids?

7May 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

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

SIDNEY DAVISDIRECTOR

Recent Church VisitRecent Church VisitRecent Church VisitRecent Church VisitRecent Church VisitWe were with the First Baptist Church of

Louin on March 28 where Bro. Tim Shelby isthe pastor. It was good to be at this church fortheir morning services to report on the ministryof the Home and also bring a message fromGod’s Word. After the services we enjoyed agood meal provided by the ladies of the church.

Student of the MonthOur third grade student at North Jones

Elementary School was recently chosen as stu-dent of the month by her home room teacher. We are grateful andthankful for the academic achievements our boys and girls arehaving during this school year.

Homecoming ServicesOn Sunday, April 18, we attended the Homecoming services

of the Hopewell Baptist Church near Fulton where Bro. MattHudson is the pastor. It was a great homecoming for the manyin attendance. Former pastor Vern Holifield was the guestspeaker for the day. Hopewell was my home church during mygrowing up years and had a huge impact on my life. It was therethat I was saved and later surrendered to the ministry. Manymemories were reflected upon in days gone by, but our faith waschallenged to look ahead to the bright future that is before us.After the morning services we enjoyed a time of food andfellowship with family and friends.

PrayerPrayerPrayerPrayerPrayerContinue to remember the Home in your prayers.

State BrotherhoodState BrotherhoodState BrotherhoodState BrotherhoodState BrotherhoodNewsNewsNewsNewsNews

by Roger Jefcoat,by Roger Jefcoat,by Roger Jefcoat,by Roger Jefcoat,by Roger Jefcoat,Mississippi Brotherhood PresidentMississippi Brotherhood PresidentMississippi Brotherhood PresidentMississippi Brotherhood PresidentMississippi Brotherhood President

Galilean CampGalilean CampGalilean CampGalilean CampGalilean CampMark Jones did a great job organizing and conducting the

Mississippi Galilean Camp that was held at Lake Tiak O’Khatanear Louisville. Larry Tramel was the camp pastor. He broughtmessages on “Being a Faithful Soldier in God’s Army” and “The Six“S’s” of Faithful Soldiering”. These messages were inspirational,motivational, and timely. Our BMA churches need this programto train our boys and young men. If your local Galileans did notattend camp this year, begin now to plan and prepare to be at the2011 camp. If your church does not have a Galilean Program,contact Mark Jones and start one. Please continue to pray for andsupport our Galilean leaders.

Used LiteratureUsed LiteratureUsed LiteratureUsed LiteratureUsed LiteratureThe state brotherhood is still collecting used literature. You

bring this to the midyear meeting or carry it to the MississippiMission Complex in Laurel. This is a great ministry so please helpus with it.

Midyear MeetingMidyear MeetingMidyear MeetingMidyear MeetingMidyear MeetingOur Midyear Meeting will be held May 17, 2010, 7:00 p.m., at

Oakland Baptist Church, Vicksburg. Brother Bryson Haden has agood program lined up. I am looking forward to seeing ourbrotherhood members from across the state. I hope that you willmake every effort to attend this meeting. We are anticipating agreat meeting and hope to see you there.

Pray for our BMA men that God will use them in His work.

Your State Botherhood Officers: Roger Jefcoat (601-428-7848),Bryson Haden (662-251-0443), Adam Sloan (601-428-7354), RogerAkers (662-257-9839).

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

who are not members of thechurch that is reporting.

CHURCHNEWS

Bethel, FultonBethel, FultonBethel, FultonBethel, FultonBethel, Fultonto commission missionariesto commission missionariesto commission missionariesto commission missionariesto commission missionaries

Bethel will recognize hergraduates on May 16. A Mis-sionary Commissioning Servicefor Margaret Bean (Laos) & Sa-rah Hebert (Philippines) will beheld at Bethel on May 23 at 10a.m. The speaker will be Dr.John David Smith, ExecutiveDirector of Missions of theBMAA. Bro Tracy & MichelleMcMillen will be taking severalteens on a mission trip to thePhilippinesMay23-June4. They will beworking with Missionary Rob-ert Murphy. We have had 18additions since last report. Youare always welcome at Bethel. Ifyou are ever in the area, pleasestop by for a visit.

Pastor, Dr. Martin JamesonReporter, Martha Duncan

Arkansas churchArkansas churchArkansas churchArkansas churchArkansas churchseeks pastorseeks pastorseeks pastorseeks pastorseeks pastor

Denver Street MissionaryBaptist Church in Greenwood,Arkansas, is seeking a full-timepastor. Resumes may be sent tothe Denver Street MissionaryBaptist Church Search Com-mittee, c/o Kenneth Colvert,2326 Skye Road, Fort Smith,AR 72908 or you may call Ken-neth at 479 – 649 – 6122, or e-mail at krcolvert@cox.net.

Christian SchoolChristian SchoolChristian SchoolChristian SchoolChristian SchoolPositions AvailablePositions AvailablePositions AvailablePositions AvailablePositions Available

Columbia Christian School, aministry of First Baptist ChurchMagnolia, Arkansas, is accept-ing resumes for the followingpositions: junior high/seniorhigh principal, boys basketballcoach, and several elementaryand secondary teaching posi-tions. For questions please con-tact Jimmy Walker or JohnSteelman at 870-234-2831.

Resumes can be sent to: Co-lumbia Christian School, 250Warnock Springs Rd., Magno-lia AR, 71753

2010 National Brotherhood Officers

2010 Officers of the NationalWomen's Missionary Auxiliary

Surprise! Surprise!

Bro. and Mrs. Grady Higgs react as Donny Parrish presentsthem with a Two Week Hawaiian Vacation during the Missionsreport at the recent meeting in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Higgsresigned as Executive Director of Missions after seven years ofservice.

Many special guests were present, including the Higgs' threechildren and words of gratitude were spoken by many who workedwith Bro. Grady in the missions office. Another surprise was avideo made by the Higgs' grandchildren.

The occasion was a sad one, seeing a dedicated servant leavinga post that he held so well, but a joyous one in thanking him for ajob well done and wishing him well in future ministry. Higgs hasagreed to stay on in some capacity to help in the transition to a newdirector.

8 May 1, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

Family ArkMinistriesTravis Plumlee

Four Types of PeopleSometimes, adults have issues in

their life that were actu-ally created back whenthey were growing up athome. In a dysfunctionalhome there are four ma-jor behaviors that the chil-dren live out in order tosurvive and cope in thisfamily. These behaviorsare often times carriedon throughout the lifetime of thesepeople. In a dysfunctional home, every-one is just trying to survive and beheard. Kids create certain adaptive be-haviors in order to exist in this home.What if there are not four kids in ahome? Kids can take on more than oneof these behavior types. You might, forexample, be a mix of two. Are theremore than four types? Yes, but these arethe major four types. These encompassmost people. What if I didn't grow up ina dysfunctional home? You may not

have any of these personalities. How-ever, even in the best ofhomes, there are periodsof time when the familyis not functioning welland people learn how tocope with the situation.

What I want people tolearn from this is to rec-ognize that these are nothealthy skills in relation-

ships. We have to become aware of ourgrowth opportunities as people, and askGod to help us grow to a healthier andholier concept of who we are in Christ.No one is perfect so don't get upset if Idescribe you. We have to recognize ourareas in our life where we need to growstronger. We have to reject the lies wehave been taught about who we are,that were given to us from other people.The Bible tells us who we are in Christ.I have to replace these lies with thetruth found in the Word of God. That is

the only truth that should define us.Then, I have to start living out thesenew truths. Philippians 4:9 encouragesus to Learn - Receive - Do!

The Hero ChildThe Hero ChildThe Hero ChildThe Hero ChildThe Hero ChildThis child chooses to cope by trying to

be perfect. The child thinks that if theycan be perfect, then the family will beperfect. In other words, things will gobetter for them if they perform well.Sadly, in many of these homes, it doesn'tmatter how well you do, you will neverbe able to receive the acceptance you sodesperately want from one parent or theother. This child will be driven. Theywill excel at everything they do. Theywill make excellent grades. They will begreat at sports or any endeavor theyattempt. While it is good to strive and dothe best you can, these kids go too far.Their whole sense of self-worth iswrapped up into performance. The bet-ter I perform, the more people will likeme. They become obsessed with being aperfectionist. They become workaholicsin all areas of life to try and prove howgood they are for acceptance by others.

The Loner ChildThe Loner ChildThe Loner ChildThe Loner ChildThe Loner ChildThis child learns to cope by holding it

all in. They tend to be more depressedabout life in general. They blame them-selves for the unhappiness they see athome. If the parents argue, it upsetsthem. They think if I could just be abetter kid, this wouldn't happen. Theyhold in their anger, their fear and theirdepression. They go to their rooms andshut the bedroom door during an argu-ment because it bothers them so much.They become conflict avoiders and hatearguments. Their self-worth is wrappedup in trying to gain acceptance by oth-ers through being quiet and not stirringup trouble.

The Clown ChildThe Clown ChildThe Clown ChildThe Clown ChildThe Clown ChildThis child learns to cope by trying to

be funny all the time. The child thinks

if they can get everyone to laugh, thenwe can be from a happy home. Theyhate all the sadness they see in theirhome life. They try to make thingsbetter with humor. This acting outbehavior is evident in all social situa-tions - at church, school and work. Atleast their parents notice them whenthey make them laugh. It is striving tobe noticed in this family and gain someacceptance by getting you to notice howcrazy and silly I am. These kids oftentimes grow up and become co-dependentpersonalities. They are people pleasers.They will say or do whatever it takes tohave other people like them.

The Scapegoat ChildThe Scapegoat ChildThe Scapegoat ChildThe Scapegoat ChildThe Scapegoat ChildThis child is the rebellious one. They

see the misery in the home and rebelagainst it. Even in a dysfunctional Chris-tian home, they will see the hypocrisy ofwhat their parents say they believeversus how they live at home. If there isan alcoholic parent ( or something likethat) this kid hates what they see in thisparent. Yet, sadly, this is the kid whogrows up to be just like the parent theyhate. This is the child that may hate analcoholic parent's behavior, but ends upbecoming an alcoholic themself. Theygive up on trying to get acceptance.They find a peer group who acceptsthem and throws away a lot of potentialbecause of this need.

Acceptance is an incredible thing. Allhumans need and want this. Yet, theonly way to get true total acceptance isfrom God. He will always love andaccept you no matter how much youmess up once you are found in ChristJesus. Romans 8:37-39.

We need to reject these adaptive be-haviors and learn to live out our livesaccording to the truth of who we arefound in God's Word. It's a long healingprocess and a journey towards whole-ness. But we can all grow better throughthe power of God.

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Welcoming messengers from churches joining the fellowship of the BMA of Amercia