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C L A S S I F I E D S N E W S & C U L T U R E Oklahoma Baptists host NAAF, March 24-25

S U D O K U V O I C E S Oklahoma Baptists’ African American Ministry and the Oklahoma African Amerian Fellowship will host the National African American Fellowship’s (NAAF) regional meeting and symposium at the Baptist Building, 3800 N. May, March 24-25.

LeRon West, pastor of Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills, will serve as host pastor, and Walter Wilson, pastor of Lawton, Friendship and African American ministry partner of Oklahoma Baptists, will serve as facilitator of the event.

Among those expected to attend are NAAF President Marshall Ausberry and Executive Director Dennis Mitchell. Ausberry will conduct a special open forum symposium Tuesday night, March 24.

Leaders of Oklahoma Baptists, including Executive Director-Treasurer Hance Dilbeck, Joe Ligon, Alan Quigley and James Swain also will be in attendance.

Representatives from the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, LifeWay Christian Resources, International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, Guidestone, the Ethics and Religous Liberty Commission and World Vision will be in attendance.

The Oklahoma African American Fellowship recently elected David Hooks, pastor of Del City, Bryant Avenue as president. Hooks will lead the 51 participating African American churches across the state of Oklahoma. For more information and to register, please contact Grace Obregon at 405/942- 3800. MARSHALL AUSBERRY DENNIS MITCHELL

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B A P T I S T A R C H I V E T H E O K L A H O M A PEOPLE IN THE NEWS POTEAT DEATH. Gwen Poteat, 64, died Feb. 10. Funeral services were Saturday, Feb. 22 at Midwest City Free Methodist Church. She started working with Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children in 2011, ultimately becoming the director of LifeWize, a program which taught middle and high school students the importance of good decision making. She is survived by her husband Al and her daughter Nikki. WHEELER DEATH. Mercedes Wheeler, 95, died Feb. 6. Funeral services were Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs. Among her many activities in her life, she served nearly three years with the Baptist Messenger, 1975-78, and was a member of Oklahoma City, Quail Springs for 35 years. She is preceded in death by her husband, Albert. She is survived by her  ve children, Kat Ryan; Elaine Hobson; Susie Eubanks; Albert Wheeler III; and Janet Galloway;  ve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

BOWMAN RETIRES. Andy Bowman retired as pastor after seven years at Idabel, First and 46 years of ministry. He will continue to serve in pulpit supply and can be contacted at 580/212-3113. ORDINATION. Joshua Henderson was ordained to the Gospel ministry at Westville, First Jan. 26. NEW DOMs. Bill Rowland is now serving as director of missions in North Canadian Association, and Kevin Russell is now serving as director of missions in East Central Association.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES Trey Graham is pastor of Midwest City, First after serving as pastor of Cache, First. Patrick Latham has resigned as pastor of Lawton, First to serve at a church in Georgia. Derek McMurtry is pastor of Chattanooga, First. Harlon Woodall resigned as pastor of Grand eld, Calvary. COMING EVENTS March 6-7. Edmond, Henderson Hills will be hosting Nik Ripken, author of “Insantiy of God,” for two events. On March 6, Insanity of God Theology Night with Nik Ripken will meet 6:30-8:30 p.m. On March 7, Insanity of God Workshop with Nik Ripkin will meet 9 a.m.-Noon. For more information visit hhbc.com/news-and-events/insantity. March 26. Norman, Trinity will be hosting Life For All International Banquet, 6-8:30 p.m. For more information visit thegospelsaves.org or call 405/546-8860. March 31. Christian Heritage Academy will be hosting Southern Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. at a banquet at the Bricktown Event Center in downtown Oklahoma City. Visit cha.org/support/heritage-banquet. cfm for more information. which taught middle and high school students the im-

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