2020-03-26

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • MARCH 26, 2020

Oklahoma Baptist churches respond to needs in COVID-19 crisis /// SEE PAGE 6

CO N T E N T S : Page 3 | Voices Encourage: A strong dose of reality >> HANCE DILBECK

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Faith amid fear

Oklahoma Baptists launch COVID-19 Response ministry online resource >> STAFF

From ministry articles to links to health care websites, from event cancellation notices to new podcasts, the Oklahoma Baptists’ newly launched Coronavirus Response Resource, which is viewable at www.OklahomaBaptists. org/Coronavirus, offers a wide array of resources that pastors and churches can use in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. /// SEE PAGE 2

Regional reach, global impact: Oklahoma Baptists’ Board sees fruit from regional ministry strategy

‘…And still there is room’ >> TODD SANDERS

The mission of Oklahoma Baptists is, “We encourage one another to advance the Gospel.” One way leaders of the Board of Directors for Oklahoma Baptists have seen this take shape is in the new regional ministry strategy, which was a major focal point at the March 10 board meeting at the Baptist Building in Oklahoma City.

I recently posted a baptism challenge to our Oklahoma Baptists youth ministry network. You may be aware, but in a recent report released by the North American Mission Board, youth baptisms since 1999 have declined in Southern Baptist churches by an average of 38 percent annually. Our Oklahoma numbers over that time tell a similar tale.

Declining rates are not great news, but there exists an opportunity to change the direction of the graph.

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>> STAFF

Follow the Baptist Messenger on social media!

To comment on articles, visit www.baptistmessenger.com

>> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Wonders of my world >> WALKER MOORE

Page 5 | Missions & Ministry Owasso church plant, a refuge for the broken >> CHRIS FORBES

COVID-19 Response Stories: >> PAGE 2 >> PAGE 3 >> PAGE 6

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Oklahoma Baptists launch COVID-19S P O R T S &E N T & MISSIONS M M I N I S T RY E N T E R TA I N Response ministry online resource /// PREVIEWED ON COVER celled. L According X to the website, “Falls B OCamp O OYouth TCreek and CrossTimbers From ministry articles to links to planning is moving ahead as normal.

The web resource is home to video Our intention is to have camp. We will health care websites, from event cancellation notices to new podcasts, the resources and podcasts produced by continue to closely monitor and make Oklahoma Baptists’ newly launched Oklahoma Baptists’ convention staff. further decisions May 1, 2020.”

The web page also is being updatCoronavirus Response Resource— Hance Dilbeck, executive direcviewable at www.OklahomaBaptists. ed daily with information pertaining to tor-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists, exorg/Coronavirus—offers a wide ar- upcoming events. As of March 18, the F pressed for people serving.

S Dgratitude C L AofStheS I “II Ehave been greatly encouraged to ray of resources that pastors and website listed the cancellation churches can use in the wake of the following Oklahoma Baptist events: see pastors and churches across the March 26: Community 94 COVID-19 pandemic. state step up to serve their communities in need, as well as continue to March 27-28: Literacy Missions Among the church-centered artiWorkshop cle topics included on the site are: March 27-28: Critical Incident Stress • Cleaning considerations for your Management Training church VOICES March 31-April 2: Falls Creek Pre• 5 ways your church can respond to Camp Gatherings COVID-19 April 1-2: Ask Anything Tour—OU & • 5 principles for church service deOSU Campuses cision-making in a COVID-19 world April 3-5: Collegiate Falls Creek • Free Coronavirus response training Spring Retreat and resources available for churches April 4: Disaster Relief Training • 4 mistakes to avoid in this pandemic E 17-18: Women’s Retreat April • Coronavirus and your W O N L ION N Echurch T N ENT CLUSIVE C April 21: Chaplain Refresher Training • GuideStone COVID-19 WEB-EXPreperations April 24-25: Rewired Men’s Retreat/ • The Center for Disease Control’s Conference Resources for Community and Faith-Based Leaders To see the status of each future • Well child policy event, visit www.oklahomabaptists. org/events. Any cancellations will also • Pandemic preparedness checklist O F IN announced at the Coronavirus ReN IO T A UBLICfor guest be • Basic hygiene Ppractices sponse page. services Summer camps have not been can• Pandemic planning considerations CH • Baptist Village Communities C H U RUpdate

>> by Staff

EVENTS In response to the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), many Oklahoma Baptist events have been postponed or cancelled. For a current update on events and information, visit oklahomabaptists.org/coronavirus-response.

The following events have been cancelled: • Literacy Missions Workshop —March 27-28 • Critical Incident Stress Management Training —March 27-28 • Ask Anything Tour (OU & OSU Campuses) —April 1-2 • Collegiate Falls Creek Spring Retreat —April 3-5 • Disaster Relief Training —April 4 • Women’s Retreat —April 17-18 • Chaplain Refresher Training —April 21 • Men’s Rewired Retreat/Conference —April 24-25 FOR MORE INFO ON OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ EVENTS, VISIT WWW.OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/EVENTS

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First Person: Trust and Stop!

ANTHONY SCOTT | MARCH 13

God is our unchanging refuge and source of strength. When our predictable becomes unpredictable He is still the One who never changes. When apparently secure entities such as the earth and the mountains turn out to be less secure than we thought, the City of God does not fall. The city is secure not because of its natural strength or its walls but because God helps it, at the turning of the morning.

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FIRST-PERSON: Four ways pastors can lead through these uncertain times RONNIE FLOYD | MARCH 17

As the pastor goes, so goes the church. As the church goes, so goes the nation. Pastors have a divine calling upon their lives. In times like these, pastors can speak not only to their church, but to their community, their nation and even the world.

Regardless of the size of the church he pastors, or whether he is full time or bivocational, God has called him, anointed him, and raised him up.

FIND ALL THESE STORIES AND MORE ONLINE AT WWW.BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM

March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

L E &body, worship the Lord as P a church PEO S whether in person or online,” said.

N EheW H C R U H C “In the Kingdom of God, opportunity and challenge often come together. We are in a challenging season with the Coronavirus. But we have an opportunity as well, because people are more aware of how fragile and uncertain life is. I thank God we have RE TU L U C & S W E faithfulN pastors and churches in every corner of this state. With God’s help, we advance the Gospel together in this season of great need.”

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The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 0744-9518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112-6506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 43,161. Individual subscriptions $13.75 per year. When writing for a change of address or a subscription renewal, please include a copy of your mailing label. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Baptist Messenger, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506.

While the Baptist Messenger attempts to provide advertisers of integrity who furnish quality products, it is recommended that buyers be cautious, do research and get references to any advertiser with which they are not familiar. Publication of an advertisement in the Baptist Messenger does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or businesses. March 26, 2020 • Volume 109, Number 6.

Member, Baptist Press News, Christian Newspaper Association, Evangelical Press Association, Oklahoma Press Association.

EVENTS

MESSENGER STAFF >> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@baptistmessenger.com >> Hannah Hanzel | Art Director hhanzel@baptistmessenger.com >> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@baptistmessenger.com >> Advertising advertising@baptistmessenger.com

VOICES

Encourage: A strong dose of reality

Hance Dilbeck Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @Hance_Dilbeck

I have been exposed by my own words today. In fact, just one word: uncertainty.

As I reflect on an important morning meeting, that word—spoken by my own voice—keeps echoing in my mind: uncertainty. I must have used that word four dozen times during that meeting. “How can we make plans in the midst of so much uncertainty?” “How should we lead in the day of uncertainty?” “The uncertainty of the coming weeks is a challenge for our pastors.”

Then I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “When have you ever lived with certainty about a day, about tomorrow, about the week to come? Do you ever really know what a day might hold?”

When we live our lives, plan our schedules or

predict profits as if we know what tomorrow Humility, on the other hand, takes the opportuniholds, we show our pride. Pride, false pride, vain ty to do good in the hour it presents itself. What if pride comes to the surface in two forms: we stopped fretting about what we do not planning and procrastination. know and stepped through the open What if we We make plans and state plans as if door for ministry that sets before us our wills determine reality and our right now? stopped fretting about imaginations contain all the possiThis season of uncertainty is bilities under the sun. In truth, we actually a strong dose of reality. do not know. In reality, we cannot what we do not know and For this, I give thanks. imagine. Our plans, like our lives, “Come now, you who say, “Tostepped through the open day are a vapor. Planning is not bad or tomorrow we will go to in and of itself; planning, in fact, is such and such a city, and spend a door for ministry that necessary. But prideful planning year there and engage in business forgets that the only thing certain and make a profit.” Yet you do not sets before us is the will of the Lord. “Instead you know what your life will be like toought to say, if the Lord wills…” morrow. You are just a vapor that apright now?

Procrastination presumes on topears for a little while and then vanishes morrow. We put off the right that we away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord could do today because we are taking tomorwills, we will live and also do this or that.” But as it row for granted. We spend this hour on lesser is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. things, trivial matters, because we assume that Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and opportunity for Kingdom ministry, or that person, does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:13-17). that immortal soul, will still be there tomorrow.

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Sword & trowel: Faith amid fear

Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

A famous historian once said, “No man is happy until the end is known.” With the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, no person knows how this will end.

Some have compared our present situation to the flu outbreak of 1918. Others have compared it to the polio outbreak of 1952, with portions of the population dramatically being affected while the entire country struck by fear.

Like other times throughout history, no one wants this situation. We each want the suffering and spread of the disease to stop.

As Christians, we are presented with a unique moment to show faith amid a backdrop of fear, to

point people who fear death toward the One who gives life and life abundant (John 10:10).

How can we do that? First, we can use this moment to dive deeper into God’s Word. I once heard someone say they struggled in math in school.

The only thing that got them through was to look at the answers in the back of the book, then try to figure out the problems from there.

God, in His divine mercy, has given us a book—the Good Book—to find answers and solutions. Now’s the time to dig in deeper to that book, the Bible.

Next, we ought to continue to show care for our neighbors as best we can. As many of us continue to be homebound, use that old phrase “reach out and touch someone,” with a simple phone call.

Tell them you’re thinking of them, that you care.

We also need to redouble our prayer efforts.

President Trump declared a National Day of Prayer on May 15, as did leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention. Beyond that day, we each should “pray without ceasing.” Certainly times of national

crisis call for more people to pray; and for people who do pray to pray more.

Finally, let’s choose faith over fear, hope over despair. A prayer attributed to a famous Christian says the following, that seems appropriate for such a time as this: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury; pardon; Where there is doubt; faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen. May God be with you all.

Voices | March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of passage: Wonders of my world SPORTS & T N AINME

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY Walker Moore

/// T PREVIEWED E R T ON COVER EN

Powerful prayers in troubling times Amy Petersen Oklahoma Baptists’ Ministry Wives Ministry Partner @amyruthpetersen

Prayer is an important response in times of trouble: when cancer invades your family, when your teenager is breaking your heart, when your church is full of conflict, when your marriage is empty and broken, when the economy is in turmoil, when the Coronavirus is getting close to home.

It’s good to pray.

And, we know that prayer is powerful.

But, what are the ingredients of a powerful prayer? David, one of the greatest prayer warriors, shows us in Psalm 3.

Face the facts and be honest with how you feel. When David wrote Psalm 3, his son Absalom had rallied a coup to overtake his throne. Thousands of men were searching to kill David. As a father and king, he must have felt heartbreak over this betrayal. He prays: “How many are my foes? How many rise up against me?

Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him’” (Psalm 3:1-2).

David didn’t stick his head in the sand to the brokenness of his life,

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and he didn’t ignore the hurt that he was feeling because of it. He saw his situation realistically and admitted how he felt about it: defenseless, despised, doubtful.

Tell God what’s going on in your life and how you feel about it, regardless of how faithless it may sound: My wife has cancer, and I am scared. The economy is in a scary place, and I am worried. The coronavirus is a real threat, and I am fearful.

As you pour out your heart to God, trust will grow (Psalm 62:7-8).

Pivot your focus. David moves from talking to listening. He pivots his prayer with this: “BUT YOU are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

To the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy hill” (Psalm 3:3-4).

“But You”—two weighted words that reach beyond the reality of your situation and settles on the One who can handle it. For every emotion that David reveals in verses 1-2, he focuses on who God is specific to that emotion in verses 3-4: David felt defenseless, BUT God protects.

David felt despised, BUT God exalts.

David felt doubtful, BUT God answers.

This is key. Powerful prayers come when you pivot your focus from your

situation onto the powerful truth of who God is.

Move forward in faith. David does it so well: “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. arise, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! Strive all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.

May your blessing be on your people” (Psalm 3:5-8).

David shows us how to take steps of faith in troubling times. Because he poured out his heart and pivoted his focus, he now can move forward in faith: Because God protects, he sleeps.

Because God exalts, he will be sustained by God. Because God answers, he will be delivered.

The effects of this prayer are powerful. David is filled with peace and hope. His situation didn’t change, but his focus was now set on the truth of who God is.

This is a helpful prescription for us today. If you feel troubled, pray like David: face the facts and your feelings, pivot your focus to the truth of God, and move forward in faith. It will ignite your prayers in powerful ways.

March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

P L A N T E R

Jim the Wonder Dog, but for me, it was the eighth wonder of the world. My brother and I dug that hole 58 years ago, and it is still in use, with a slight modification by the current owners.

Before I get too excited about that hole, I must remind myself not to get too attached to earthly things. It is the unseen things, the things I allow God to do in and through me that will last forever: the people God has used me to impart truth to, the people I have led to the Lord or the churches I have started. One of these days, that house will be gone; the hole will be gone; my school will be gone. But wonder of all wonders, the things God has done through His willing servants will last for eternity.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18).

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Recently, I took an unusual tour. It wasn’t a tour of a world-famous site, unless you think “Jim the Wonder Dog” is one of the wonders of the world. Jim was a Llewellin Setter who lived in my hometown of Marshall, Mo.F I E D S S I not because he could do tricks S famous LA CJim was but because he could understand what you were saying. If you ordered him to pick out the man who worked in the hardware store, he would walk through the crowd and stand before the man he believed fit this description. Sure enough, he would pick the right person.

Jim is C E Sin the “Guinness Book of World O I listed Veven Records.” If you would like to know more about him, Google “Jim the Wonder Dog.” Side Note: There is a memorial park off the town square in Marshall that contains a statue of Jim the Wonder Dog. A brick with my grandparents’ names on it lies in front of the statue; they grew up with Jim. I took my son Jeremiah on a tour of my younger years. I wanted him to know the places I have lived and worked in my life. We started out in Warsaw, Mo., where my great-grandparents and family are buried. I had never been to their gravesites. It was my great-grandfather on my mom’s side of the family who came from Ireland to settle in America.

Then we went to Jim the Wonder Dog’s memorial and on to my parents’ and grandparents’ graves.

And we continued to the places where I went to

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P R A Y

President Emeritus of Awe Star Ministries Email | walker@awestar.org @WalkerDeanMoore

kindergarten, elementary school and high school. I shared memories with my son at each place.

Next, we went by the home where I spent my elementary school years. Our home was out in the L E &and there was a country; we hadPaElong O Pdriveway, lot of land between the houses.

W Sknow how it N EI don’t H C R U H C happened, but the drive has shrunk, and the houses are now closer to each other.

We pulled into the driveway of this home, and a lady came out and went into the garage. I wanted to talk to her, but I hesitated, so my son started to back out. When she came outside again, I asked my son to stop.

TURE L U C & S W E Leaning Nout of the car, I yelled, “Ma’am, may I ask you a question?” I explained to her that I grew up in the house, but I wanted to know one thing. “Is there still a cellar underneath the house?”

“Yes, I store a lot of stuff there.”

I went on to explain to her that one year, I was in the fourth or fifth grade, and school had just gotten out for the summer. My dad sat my brother and me down and gave us a shovel, a pick and a wheelbarrow and told us we had until school started again to dig out a cellar underneath our house.

We dug a ramp from the block foundation out into the backyard. It had to be deep enough for our parents to walk down and underneath the house.

We started filling that wheelbarrow and hauling out dirt.

Eventually, the hole got so deep that we tied a wire handle to the front of the wheelbarrow. One of us would pull, and the other would push to get the dirt out. By the end of the summer, we had made one square hole. The homeowner told me she had to get her children to dig it out more. I guess it wasn’t as big as I thought.

I know it wasn’t the Great Pyramids of Egypt or

Matthew and Joanna Beasley Norman, Hope Community Launched 2017

God is on the move in Norman! Matthew and Joanna are excited to be part of what God is doing in their community. They long to see disciples of Jesus raised up in neighborhoods that are currently unreached with the Gospel.

Prayer Requests: • For the three people who recently came to faith in the church and were baptized.

• For the family of one of those who was baptized, that each of them will trust Jesus as they seek spiritual answers together.

• For the Beasleys as they prepare their new church building for worship and for use as a ministry hub.

oklahomachurchplanting.com

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

SPORTS & T MEN E N T E R TA I N

Owasso church plant, a refuge for the broken PLE & O E X P O B L O NEWS H U R C H TO CHURCH

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VOICES >> by Chris Forbes

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS MARKETING & BRANDING SPECIALIST

OWASSO—A group of 120 people assembled in the Owasso Community Events Center March 1 for the official launch day of The Refuge, a new church plant supported in part by Oklahoma Baptists.

The first public service included worship and preaching, as well as a video introduction for guests and seekers to the new church’s vision. The church, which seeks to be a “refuge for the broken” also baptized seven new believers in the inaugural service.

Planting Pastor Scott Carlson explained in the video, “I love what Paul told the Corinthians. Isn’t

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1) Church planter Scott Carlson baptizes one of seven new believers at the launch service of The Refuge Owasso; 2) Members and guests snap photos of friends and loved ones as they are baptized; 3) Children gather to hear the children’s sermon led by Carlson.

>> PHOTOS: CHRIS FORBES

it obvious that God chose men and women that the culture overlooked, and how He chose the nobodies to expose the empty motives of the ‘somebodies.’

“I love Owasso,” Carlson continued. “It’s a great place to raise a family. We’ve got great schools, great parks, great neighborhoods, great hospitals, great restaurants, great retail and just great people. But as great as Owasso is, it is still comprised of people who are hurting. I believe people need a shelter, a safe place, a refuge. The Bible says that God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.”

Carlson stated he hopes The Refuge Owasso will minister to people who struggle with issues such as depression and anxiety, while advancing the Gospel.

“The church is supposed to be a refuge, a safe place,” he said. “A place of healing and restoration.

This is why we are planting a new church called The Refuge Owasso. Our mission, our purpose is very simple: We want to bring hope to hurting people through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

We believe everybody is messed up, we all have our issues. That’s why we need a Savior. Jesus said He came for those who are sick, not for those who think they have it all together. And if I, the pastor have struggles, you can be certain that you will be welcome here,” he said.

For more information about The Refuge Owasso, visit the church’s website therefugeowasso.com

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

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These ministries have various on-going opportunities for volunteers: Camp Gibson, Hardesty—Tom Freeman, 580/338-3452 pbaok221@gmail.com Families Feeding Families Meal Center, Durant— 580/230-9142, familiesfeedingfamilies.org Hope Pregnancy Centers—South OKC 405/688-8700, North OKC 405/755-5433, Edmond 405/330-0200, Ardmore 580/223-7232, Tulsa 918/622-3325 Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children Campuses Oklahoma City—Peggy Duncan, 405/691-7781 Edmond—Brent Thackerson, 405/341-3606 Madill—Stephen Wiese, 580/564-2218 Owasso—Kate Eacret, 918/272-2233

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

May 2—Ponca City, First, 218 S. 6th Street Sept. 12—Owasso, First, 13307 E. 96th St. N. To register and get additional information go to www. okdisasterhelp.org

Chaplaincy: May 16—Chaplain Refresher Training-8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baptist Building,Cost $10.00 payable in advance.

Pray for North American Missionary Felix Cabrera Felix is executive director of the Southern Baptist Convention of Puerto Rico, director of SEND Puerto Rico and a church planting pastor in San Juan.

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Mark Boyd Mark, with his wife Stacia, is director of missions in Frisco Association, which serves 50 churches in southeast Oklahoma. Pray for more baptisms.

For Powerpoint slides of Prayer Guide, visit www.oklahomabaptists.org/cp

Missions & ministry | March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Coronavirus and the Church: Oklahoma Baptist churches respond to needs in COVID-19 crisis /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Messenger staff and Tess Schoonhoven BAPTIST PRESS STAFF WRITER

The needs of communities around the U.S. have been growing in the midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and crisis.

With many families unable to maintain proper childcare in light of schools shutting down, college students without a place to live and insecure communities without essential household items, churches are stepping in to bring practical aid.

Many Oklahoma Baptist churches are among those meeting needs. In an interview with the Baptist Messenger, Pastor Brad Graves of Ada, First, shared how he and his congregation are responding.

“Like other pastors and churches across Oklahoma, we are trying to serve amid these challenging times. We want people to know the church is ‘open for business,’ even as we have had to adjust our worship service schedule,” he said.

Graves said one area of ministry opportunity was to help senior citizens shop for groceries, when many were afraid to get out. Graves also connected with local public schools to see how they can help students during Spring Break and beyond.

One focus of Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) was to come alongside churches that have been serving food. Hunger Funds financial assistance is available to help feed communities, including school children. For details, contact the DR office at dwilliams@oklahomabaptists.org.

“In a time of pandemic and fear, this is the time the church can stand up and be the church and reach out to their community with the love of Christ,” said Don Williams, state director of Oklahoma Baptist DR. Other churches across SBC respond Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Green Hill has jumped in to help bring food to those who normally rely on school meals for their children.

Rickey Baxley, administrative pastor at Green Hill Church, said they are partnering with the local food pantry and elementary schools.

“Many students receive two meals a day from their school, and with schools being out, there was an immediate need to make sure food was available to those students within the community,” Baxley said.

Baxley said Green Hill will offer prepared food boxes to families in need in the mornings at the church. Each box will provide three-to-four meals for a family of four.

A local company also donated fresh fruit and produce for families to retrieve from the church, Baxley said.

In addition to the boxed meals available in the mornings, Baxley said the church will have full meals each evening, ready to be picked up.

“They won’t even have to get out of their car,” Baxley explained, “(They) just pull up and let us know how many meals are needed, and our volunteers will bring them to their vehicle.”

Baxley said as of March 16, they have provided meals for 10 families and anticipate a growing number in the coming week.

“We are grateful for the privilege of continuing to meet the needs of our community as this season keeps rolling and look forward to using this as a platform to meet the immediate needs and to

share the Gospel,” Baxley said. The church’s community was hit hard just two weeks ago, when a tornado tore through Mt. Juliet, destroying homes and taking lives.

Finding ideas and resources online As communities continue to be heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunities for churches to come alongside those in need will increase.

Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists, encouraged pastors and churches to find opportunities to minister amid challenge.

“In the Kingdom of God, opportunity and challenge often come together,” he said. “We are in a challenging season with the Coronavirus. But we have an opportunity as well, because people are more aware of how fragile and uncertain life is.”

Dilbeck and leaders with Oklahoma Baptists have established a church resources hub online at OklahomaBaptists.org/Coronavirus, which offers videos, articles, website links and more, each of which help the church deal with the crisis at a local level.

“I thank God we have faithful pastors and churches in every corner of this state. With God’s help, we advance the Gospel together in this season of great need,” he added.

Almost closing its doors last year, Henryetta, Wilson continues to grow >> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

HENRYETTA—Oklahoma Baptists have made goals of increasing attendance, baptisms, sending international missionaries and Cooperative Program giving each by 20 percent by the year 2025.

These goals will involve churches across the state.

Henryetta, Wilson has made great strides in helping meet the attendance goal. The church was having less than 10 people on average for worship services in the last few years. They were facing the possibility of disbanding.

In June, 2019 that started to change. Jack Vance became the pastor and has led Henryetta, Wilson to increase its attendance by great volumes. “It’s a wonderful ride, and God is making it happen,” Vance said.

2 After retiring as pastor of Dewar, First in 2014, Vance has filled the pulpit for various churches in the last five years. Having some health issues, he felt he was not in the condition to be full-time pastor. However, when he was approached to serve as pastor of Henryetta, Wilson, he knew this was something God wanted him to do.

“I was licensed to preach at this church,” Vance said. “My wife and I grew up in this community. We graduated from (Wilson High School), and this is where we went to church in our first years of marriage. I had to come.”

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Since he became pastor last year, Henryetta, Wilson baptized nine people, and 42 have 1 joined by statement or by letter. Vance said many of those 42 were “coming back home.”

“We had to start from scratch,” he said. “We may be a 100-year-old church, but we had to operate like a new church.”

Vance made it a point to not encourage members of Dewar, First to attend. He said he loves that church, but he wanted to encourage them to “fish together.”

“We are in this ‘fishing business’ together.

If we can’t catch them on our side, you catch them on your side,” Vance told members of Dewar, First, meaning to “fish” for people who are not faithfully attending church anywhere.

One of the people who was recently baptized at Henryetta, Wilson was a father whose teenage daughter made a public profession of faith. Both father and daughter were baptized on the same Sunday.

Vance makes it a point to be in contact with the people in the church. On the first Sunday he preached as pastor, he made everybody in attendance fill out a visitor’s card so he could get everyone’s address and phone number. He makes regular calls to members, especially if they have missed a few Sundays, not to “scold” them he said, but to see how they are doing.

March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

>> PHOTOS: 1) CHRIS DOYLE; 2) PROVIDED Jack Vance returned to pastor Henryetta, Wilson in June, 2019, the church that licensed him to preach in 1975; 2) Henryetta, Wilson had 79 in attendance on March 15. The church’s highest attendance in the past year is 99.

Vance will turn 80 on May 1. He has experienced open heart surgery, as well as cancer procedures for his lungs and his brain. Though doctors have been successful in removing cancer, it appears cancer is returning. He will be facing future treatments in the upcoming months.

But as long as God will allow him, he will be serving his church and encouraging them to be faithful.

“They are taking personal ownership of this church,” Vance said about members of Henryetta, Wilson. “God is going to continue growing this church, whether I am here to preach or not.”

Regional reach, global impact: Oklahoma Baptists’ Board sees fruit from regional ministry strategy /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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1) Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists, speaks to the shared mission of Oklahoma Baptists; 2) Members of the board participate in a time of prayer; 3) At the recent meeting, board members covered a variety of topics, including the Cooperative Program, missions and the Coronavirus response.

>> PHOTOS: BRIAN HOBBS

>> by Staff The mission of Oklahoma Baptists is, “We encourage one another to advance the Gospel.” One way leaders of the Board of Directors for Oklahoma Baptists have seen this take shape is in the new regional ministry strategy, which was a major focal point at the March 10 board meeting at the Baptist Building in Oklahoma City.

Regional Ministry Group connects with board, vision In November 2019, Oklahoma Baptists’ regional ministry partners were introduced at the Annual Meeting.

During the March board meeting, each of the ministry partners connected with board members, spending time in conversation and prayer together.

The Regional Ministry partners are Brett Selby for the Southwest Region, Mark Dance for the East Central Region, Buddy Hunt for the East Region and Griff Henderson for the Northwest Region; the group is led by James Swain, Oklahoma Baptists’ associate executive director of church relations group.

In addition to the regional partners, the Church Relations Group includes Oklahoma Baptists’ staff members who are now serving with the Church Relations Group as Affinity Group ministry partners. Ever Borunda is the Hispanic ministry partner. Walter Wilson is the African American ministry partner. Emerson Falls is the Native American ministry partner. Amy Petersen is the ministry wives ministry partner.

“Our convention staff exists to serve our churches,” said Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists. “We want every pastor to have a relational connection to our Oklahoma Baptist team. We know we need strong partnership with our local associations.”

Executive director emphasizes four major ministry goals Dilbeck addressed board members in a work session and plenary session, underscoring the goal to increase church attendance, baptisms, the sending of more international missionaries and increased Cooperative Program giving.

“Last year focused on developing our mission and aligning our ministry. We are now focused on executing that strategy. The advance of the Gospel is our mission,” Dilbeck said. “We want our neighbors and the nations to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Our passion and our mission is the advance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The local church is the pillar and support of the Gospel Truth.

We encourage one another to advance the Gospel.”

Dilbeck’s report included emphases on Oklahoma Baptists being “church-centered, pastor-connected and associational-partnered.” He emphasized the spiritual battles churches are facing and called on board members to be prayerful.

“I have always been intrigued by something that Paul writes at the end of his letter to Corinth. ‘I will stay on here in Ephesus, for a wide door for effective service has opened to me; and there is much opposition.’

As I enter my third year of service as executive director, I am more aware than ever of the opposition we face—spiritual and practical challenges, headwinds; and I am more convinced of our opportunities to advance the Gospel together. Remember that the New Testament word ‘advance’ means to move forward against blows of opposition,” he said.

2021 Cooperative Program giving allocation set Dilbeck also addressed the 2020 Cooperative Program (CP) spending plan, which was set at $26.1 million, saying that convention staff is managing expenses to stay within budget.

“Perhaps the most consequential decision that we will make today concerns the 2021 CP Allocation,” he said. During the business session, the board approved the 2021 Cooperative Program allocation to be distributed as follows: 43 percent to Southern Baptist Convention causes, 42 percent to Oklahoma Baptists causes and 15 percent to Oklahoma Baptists’ affiliates, which include the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma, Baptist Village Communities, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children and Oklahoma Baptist University Dilbeck called to mind Paul’s admonition in Rom. 15:5-6, to carry out the mission God gave with “one mind, one accord (heart) and one voice.” He added, “Unity is not easy. Unity is from God. Unity is essential to our mission.

“Cooperative Program giving is an important church-centered measure that helps us gauge both the condition of a church and the connection the church has, feels, with our cooperative work,” he added.

Board Committees, Affiliates Deliver Reports Leading the board meeting was Blake Gideon, pastor of Edmond, First, is in his second oneyear term serving as Oklahoma Baptists’ president.

Committee reports were given from the following: Gideon (Executive Committee), Jeanetta Bagwell (Communications and CP), Johnny Derouen (Church Resources), Russell Duck (Finance) and Michael Staton (Support Services). Other officers present for the meeting were Jeremy Freeman, first vice president, and David Hooks, second vice president.

Board affiliate reports were given by new Oklahoma Baptist University President Heath Thomas; Bill Pierce, president of Baptist Village Communities; Greg McNeece, president of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, and Robert Kellogg, Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma president.

Thomas, who addressed the board for the first time as OBU president, emphasized the strong connection between OBU and Oklahoma Baptists.

Coronavirus Response Report & Other Business During the board meeting, Oklahoma Baptists Communications Director Brian Hobbs gave a report on the convention’s Coronavirus Response.

Resources related to that report are viewable at www.OklahomaBaptists.org/Coronavirus-Response.

Board members approved multiple action items, including: —The upcoming Edna McMillan State Missions Offering goal was set at $1.2 million —That Doug Passmore, pastor of Lawton, First East, be elected to complete the one-year unexpired term of Patrick Latham on the Oklahoma Baptists’ Board of Directors.

—That Laura Corbin, member of Tishomingo, First, be elected to complete the one-year unexpired term of Debbie White on The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma Board of Directors.

—That Renee Lingo, member of Yukon, Trinity, be elected to complete the one-year unexpired term of Shirley Pogue on The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma Board of Directors.

—That Baptist Village Communities be authorized to conduct a statewide Five Year Capital Fundraising Campaign entitled ‘Shaping the Future’ that has a recommended goal of $15,000,000 and a challenge goal of $18,000,000.

—Members also approved the Personnel Policy and a salary administration plan.

Board members also approved a recommendation “that July 26-31, 2020, be recognized as a week of prayer for spiritual awakening among Native American peoples.” Board member Bill Barnett, pastor of Seminole, Indian Nations, underscored the significance of revival among Native peoples. After approving the recommendation, board members spent time in prayer toward this spiritual awakening.

The next meeting of Oklahoma Baptists board of directors is set for May 14 at the Baptist Building.

East Central Region*

East Region*

Northwest Region*

Southwest Region*

Features | March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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2020 Pinewood Derby Results FIEDS

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>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

An Oklahoma Baptist tradition continued during Mission Ignition, Feb. 29, at the Oklahoma City and Tulsa locations. Pinewood Derby competitions, among 1st-6th graders, were featured at the hands-on missions events. At the Tulsa Pinewood Derby, pictured above, 1st-3rd grade winners were Carly Waiters, first; Luke Patterson, second; Camden Thompson, third; and Connor Ferguson, fourth. The 4th-6th grade winners were Corbin Valsaint, first; Tate Goodson, second; Isaac Sweaney, third; and Con Bearden, fourth.

The Oklahoma City Pinewood Derby featured four races. The Lads (1st-3rd grade) race winners were Jacob Garduno, first; Bryan Bowling, second; Rubio Deason, third; and Matt Ibarra, fourth. The Crusaders (4th-6th grade) race winners were Kodi Metz, first; Gabriel Vazquez, second; Brecken Hendrick, third; and Adam Young, fourth. The winners of the open race for 1st-3rd graders were KariAnn McCaulley, first; Charlotte Harris, second; Krayson Anglin, third; Gunner Dorsey, fourth. The winners of the open race for 4th-6th graders were Makenzie Pack, first; Kady McCaulley, second; Warrior Squire, third; Jacob Ketcherside, fourth.

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OBU wins men’s and women’s BCM hoops tournaments

SHAWNEE—Oklahoma Baptist University hosted the annual Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) Basketball Tournament, Feb. 29, and won both events. The ladies representing USAO’s BCM and the men from UCO’s BCM won their respective divisions in the consolation bracket. Clay Phillips, OBU BCM director served as the tournament director.

March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

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San Bois Association provides IEDS C U LT U R E & S W C L A S S I Fsmall E N group training 1

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>> PHOTO: LINDA MORGAN 1) Vicky Moye show

preschool teachers resources she uses in her class; 2) Bill Self discusses resources for teaching 1st-6th grades.

>> by Linda Morgan MEMBER, RED OAK, FIRST

RED OAK—Sans Bois Association recently offered training designed to better equip and provide resources for Sunday School teachers. Red Oak, First hosted the workshop, which was led by the Sans Bois Association Sunday School team. Members of the leadership team include Carl Rudek, Sans Bois director of missions; Willard Francis, team leader and pastor at Wilburton, Calvary; Randy Waldrop, pastor at Wilburton, Bowers; and Bill Self, member at Stigler, Antioch.

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Attendees divided into groups according to the Sunday School class they teach. Leaders for the workshops were: Preschool— Willard Francis, Wilburton, Calvary; Vicky Moye, Lequire; and Lisa Spearman, Quinton, West Liberty. Grades 1-6—Bill Self, Stigler, Antioch; Kathy Davis, Stigler, Main Street; and Chic Owens, Stigler, Antioch. Youth— Carl Rudek, Sans Bois director of missions; Jeff Dover, music and youth director at Stigler, First; and Daniel Henson, Porum, First.

Adults—Randy Waldrop, Wilburton, Bowers; Jenny Weathersby, Quinton, First; and Cindy Waldrop, Wilburton, Bowers.

EWS CHURCH N PEOPLE IN THE NEWS BROWN DEATH. Oran “Jack” Brown, 99, died Feb. 27. Funeral services were M ATulsa Hills. He OTulsa, H Friday, March 6, at A L K O E H T had served as pastor BapE H IofVSouthern S T A RforCmore T Ichurches than 50 years.

B A Ptist He was a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Midwestern Seminary. He pastored churches in Oklahoma, Arizona and Nevada. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lavelle, who died in 2005, and his second wife, Claudia, whom he married in 2006, and she died in 2016. He also is preceded in death by his son, Jack Darrel. He is survived by his four children: son, Robert; son, Don; son, Anthony; and daughter Carole; 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

SCOTT DEATH. Samuel George Scott, 69, died March 8. Funeral services were Thursday, March 12, at McNeil’s Funeral Home in Mustang. He served as pastor for almost 30 years, including Minco, First; Bradley, First; and Duncan Immanuel. He also served as a church planting missionary with the North American Mission Board and with Oklahoma Baptists. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Andie; daughters, Dawn Denton; Samantha Mitchusson; and Ambur Smith; and six grandchildren.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES Scott Ridgway is pastor of Tushka in Atoka-Coal Association. His first Sunday was March 1.

TO SHARE NEWS, PLEASE EMAIL ALL INFO TO BAPTISTMESSENGER@OKBAPTIST.NET

Red Oak, First hosts Pinewood Derby

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RED OAK—Red Oak, First’s Life Impact Center was the site of an annual pinewood derby car race. More than 20 kids, 3rd-6th grade, crafted their Grand Prix cars for many weeks to compete in the race.

The race is part of Red Oak, First’s Wednesday night children’s programming called “illumin8.” More than 50 children attend each week.

1) Abree Holbird and Bella Muncy perpare to race their cars as Joe Martin makes sure everything is aligned.

2) 2020 Red Oak, First’s race night winners were, from left, Rylan Coff O K Uey, first; Adin Nelson, second; and Luella U Dthird.

SNolte,

>> PHOTOS: LINDA MORGAN

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Note: The word clues for the Word Search are chosen by the Messenger staff, while the puzzles and letters surrounding the clues are computer-generated at random.

Affiliates Allocation Attendance Baptism Board

Building Business Connect Coronavirus Encourage

Giving Goals Gospel Group Leaders

Missionaries Oklahoma Partner Plan Regional

Relations Resources Strategy Together Vision

People & Church News | March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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‘…And still there is room’ IFIEDS /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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“It has been exciting to see the Lord transforming lives and students walking in obedience through baptism,” DeGiacomo said. “Our students have been intentional in engaging lost friends, sharing the Gospel… and inviting E Sthe I Cfrom I recently posted a baptism challenge to our them to church. We are seeing V Ofruit Oklahoma Baptists youth ministry network. labor as students are being baptized.”

Our goal as Oklahoma Baptists is to reach othYou may be aware, but in a recent report released by the North American Mission Board, ers with the love of Jesus, to see the lost saved, youth baptisms since 1999 have declined in baptized and growing into disciple-making disSouthern Baptist churches by an average of ciples. Baptism is important. Baptism goals are 38 percent annually. Our Oklahoma numbers significant and worthy pursuits. With that being true, what are some things that could help over that time tell a similar tale.

Declining rates are not great news, but there your church reach or exceed baptism goals? exists an opportunity to change the direction Here are a few points of action.

Evaluate. You cannot change what you of the graph. As Oklahoma Baptists, we have identified, under Hance Dilbeck’s leadership, do not measure. You will not hit goals unfour strategic goals in the next five years. One of less you set them. Set goals and make plans those goals is a 20 percent increase in baptisms to see them met. Set the stage for the Holy in Oklahoma. Roughly, for Oklahoma Baptist Spirit to work.

Center on the Gospel. In 2020, how and youth ministries as a whole, that would translate into an increase of about 500-600 baptisms when will you regularly and consistently in the next five years, moving us to 3,000-3,500 proclaim the Gospel and invite students to total youth baptisms. To break the goal down faith in Christ?

Equip. In 2020, how will you train students more specifically, the increase equates to 100to share their faith and make disciples?

120 more baptisms per year over that span.

After reading the post, Kenyatta Wright, parFollow up. In 2020, how will you plan to folent and youth volunteer at Vian, reported he, low up on decisions in a way that promotes with group of student and parent leaders, be- baptism and disciple-making relationships?

Report. We would love to know how many gan a three-week series with their youth ministry on baptism and faith. Using baptism ma- you baptized in 2019 and how things are going terials available online through the Oklahoma in 2020. We want to celebrate changed lives and Baptists youth ministry office, they shared the pray for and encourage you. Share what God is Gospel and invited students into a saving re- doing among our Oklahoma Baptists family.

We can knock out the 20 percent baptism lationship with Jesus and to follow the Lord in increase well within five years. Imagine your obedience by being baptized.

The church has seen 28 students trust Christ church, in the power and presence of the as Savior and baptized 17 since January. More Holy Spirt alive and active in His church, exare waiting in the wings. Wright shared that ceeding these goals in youth and total bapthe post “was a specific challenge we needed tism goals this year. God is powerful enough in our youth group and community.” Remark- to do it. E R S N G Baptist churches serve with exing on the response, Wright stated, R DjustS L IOklahoma O“I’m W cellence and desire to see God change lives. thankful what God is doing here.”

Baptism is important in any community and How will you help write a chapter in the stochurch no matter size. Jeff DeGiacomo, stu- ry of reversing the trend on baptisms?

For more on the vision and work of Okladent pastor at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs, said their youth ministry baptized 49 students homa Baptists and the four church-cenin 2019. Their student baptism goal for 2020 tered goals, visit oklahomabaptists.org. If is 40. They have baptized 10 students since you Y S to report what God is doing in S Awant AV E your congregation, email me at tsanders@ the year began. More are waiting onD baptism when the COVID-19 meeting limitations pass. oklahomabaptists.org. >> by Todd Sanders

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS YOUTH MINISTRY PARTNER & FALLS CREEK PROGRAM DIRECTOR

BAP T IS TS OKLAHOMA H IG H L I GH T R ESOURCE

AN N I E AR M S T R O N G E A S T E R O FFE R I N G

A SS O C I AT I O N AL M AP

NORTH AMERICAN MISSION BOARD

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ ASSOCIATIONAL MINISTRY

The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is the primary way we support mission efforts in North America. Find out more about the seasonal offering at:

Discover and connect with your church’s local Director of Missions by visiting the site below and locating your association on the map.

anniearmstrong.com

oklahomabaptists.org/associations

Check back with the highlight every issue to learn more about the resources available to every SBC church!

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March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

GERS W O R D S L I N S & C U LT U R E NEW

LOVING SMALL IN BIG TIMES >> RYAN SMITH

You could tell he had been sent YonS a quest and was A S E V A D about to return home a hero.

The trucker cap tipped a bit too high revealed the beaming face of the hunter bringing home the prized game. In his arms, he awkwardly lugged four large packages of Angel Soft toilet paper and was emerging from the Wal Mart aisle against the current of others rushing Sfor whatever BAPTIST scraps were O left.

KLAHOMA H T rushing to L I Gwere Hthey Like many others wondering why H IG E C R U O S E R en masse while rushing to buy toilet pabuy toilet paper per en masse, I was in the frantic crowd—hoping to find that there was perhaps a package to take home to my family—at least a square to spare.

Eyeing us, the hunter ballooned in the esteem of his own mind. He was a “have” in a pandemic world of “have nots.”

Then something happened.

He stopped.

Initially, I thought he was going to go back for more. He was big. He had a beard and a trucker hat (still tipped a bit too high). He could easily lumber back for a few more packages—the king of the mountain stacking a few more rocks.

To read the rest of Ryan’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/loving-small-in-big-times

RS RD SLINGE O W To read more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

D AV E S AY S CONTROL YOUR OWN DESTINY

BAP T IS TS A M O H A L OK H IG H L I GH T R ESOURCE

Dear Dave, I have a pension plan that will pay me 80 percent of my top three highest years’ income. Should I continue to invest 15 percent towards retirement? I will top out at $79,000 yearly, and I plan on retiring in 28 years.

—Jordan Dear Jordan, You should always put 15 percent of your income into retirement once you reach Baby Step 4. I would never count on a pension as my only retirement income because, the truth is, many pension funds are very poorly managed.

You’ll probably get the pension when the time comes. I’m not predicting it will go broke or anything like that, but there’s no way I would leave the financial state of my retirement in other people’s hands. That’s exactly what you’re doing when your plan is to count on a pension or Social Security. With Roth IRAs, 401(k)s and so forth, you’re building wealth that you control.

You have to control the conrollables, Jordan. There are plenty of things in our lives we have no control over whatsoever, but you have to take charge of the stuff you can control in order to win.

Building wealth is one of those things!

—Dave The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist Messenger and do not constitute legal financial advice.

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CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PASTOR YOUTH MUSIC

JOB LISTING VEHICLE MISC.

plepc.com or mail to: FBC Search Committee P.O. Box 907 Sperry, OK 74073.

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>> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Bowlegs OK is seeking a Lead Pastor/Elder. No parsonage. Send Resume & letter explaining your conversion & goals to: FBC Bowlegs, P.O. Box 145, Bowlegs, OK 74830 or rwtroglin@gmail.com.

EMPLOYMENT >> P/T YOUTH MINISTER: FBC Westville is seeking a P/T Youth Minister. Send resumes to: fbcwestville.1@gmail. com or P.O. Box 900, Westville, OK 74965. Mark “Youth Minister Search Committee”. >> MUSIC/FAMILY MINISTRIES ASSOCIATE PASTOR: First Baptist West of Lawton is seeking God’s man to fill the F/T position of Associate Pastor for Music/Family Ministries. Send resumes to: harold.gaches@sbcglobal. net or First Baptist West, 7302 NW Cache Road, Lawton, OK 73505. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Byars Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a traditional BI/VO Southern Baptist Pastor for a small, rural church. Please send resume to: P.O. Box 83 Byars, OK 74831 or byarsbaptistyouth@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Emmanuel Southern Baptist Church in Liberal, KS, is seeking a F/T Pastor. Responsibilities include regular preaching & teaching, counseling, visitation & other pastoral duties including church administration in conjunction with the church council & other designated entities. Send a cover letter, resume, references & a sermon link to: esbc.liberalks@gmail.com. >> F/T YOUTH PASTOR: Emmanuel’s F/T youth pastor position is open. Multigenerational, multiple services, multiple school systems, healthy church and youth budget, 100 weekly attenders in youth programs. Please send resumes to: David Camp david@emmanuelenid.org. >> WORSHIP DIRECTOR: Emmanuel is hiring a modern contemporary Worship Director. Visit www.emmanuelenid.org for more information about the church. Please send all resumes to the Executive Pastor, David Camp, at david@emmanuelenid.org. >> F/T MINISTRY ASSISTANT: Microsoft proficient.

Duties include publications, mailouts, administer database of families, order/distribute curriculum; web experience preferable. Applications available at Bethel Baptist Church, 1717 W Lindsey Norman OK. >> P/T OR BI/VO STUDENT PASTOR: Faith Baptist Church of Harrah. Please email resumes to: Dr. Dan Campbell at FBCBRODAN@GMAIL.COM. >> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Sperry, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please email resume to: robland@peo-

ing worship services, as well as working with choir, instrumentalists & media/technology. Candidate will work closely with the pastor & other staff members. Resumes, along with a cover letter, may be sent to: cbcbamusic@ gmail.com or Clearview Baptist Church, Attn: Music Search Committee, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014.

>> P/T STUDENT PASTOR: One Church Elk City is prayerfully seeking someone to lead & direct an established youth ministry. Send resumes to: onechurchelkcity@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Jasper, AR, is seeking a F/T Pastor. Please send resumes to: P. O. Box 407, Jasper, AR 72641 or email to: fbcjasper2@gmail.com. >> BI/VO WORSHIP MINISTER: Accepting Resumes for BI/VO Worship Minister for blended service. Send to: fbccomanche@gmail.com or FBC Music Search Team, 315 Oak Main Comanche, OK 73529. >> F/T PASTOR: Hilltop Country Church, Morrison, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send cover letter, resume, brief statement of call to ministry, 2 video/audio sermons (as email attachments/hyperlinks) to: Hilltop Country Church, P.O. Box 136, Morrison, OK 73061 or email to: burton@htopc.org. >> F/T PASTOR: Eastside Baptist Church is seeking a F/T Pastor. Please send resumes to: Eastside Baptist Church 1120 Ida Ave, Sallisaw, OK. 74955, Attention: Pastor Search Committee. >> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: NewPoint Church, Ponca City, OK is a growing, new church seeking to hire a F/T Associate Pastor to oversee adult discipleship, such as small groups, pastoral care, Next Steps & Growth Track. Please send resumes to: kyle@newpoint.church. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Canaan Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Pastor to lead a small congregation. Interested candidates should send their resume to: Attn: Pastor Search Committee, Canaan Baptist Church, 17092 CS 2730 Minco, OK 73059 or email to: Eisenmangd@gmail.com. >> BI/VO WORSHIP MINISTER: Calvary Baptist Church, Lawton is seeking BI/VO Worship Minister in leading in blended services. Pay is commensurate on experience.

Send resume to: Personnel Committee Chairman, 715 SW H. Ave, Lawton, OK 73501. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Bessie Baptist Mission, Bessie, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please send resumes to: Bessie Baptist Mission, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 92, Bessie, OK 73622 >> BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking God’s candidate for our next BI/VO or P/T Worship Minister for blended services. The position involves planning & lead-

>> F/T WORSHIP LEADER: FBC Canton seeking spiritually mature, F/T Worship Leader. Must have a heart for worship & for connecting with a strong, growing church.

As a multi-generational church, we love contemporary worship music, but we also love a balance of traditional or hymn arrangements. Minimum 5 years full-time experience, music degree preferred. Please send resumes along with a video or link of you leading worship to: libby@firstcanton.com by April 10, 2020. >> BI/VO WORSHIP LEADER & YOUTH PASTOR: Rimrock is growing! We are a thriving congregation on the western edge of Tulsa county, looking to fill two Bi/ VO staff positions: Worship Leader for a blended service & Youth Pastor. Send resume to: jason@jasonkearney.net.

Call (918) 809-2091 for more information or go to: www. rimrocktulsa.com. >> PIANIST/KEYBOARD PLAYER: Needing a piano or keyboard player to help us in worship services. We are a loving family of believers that enjoy music. Call (918) 605-9486. >> YOUTH PASTOR: Spiro FBC is seeking a Youth Pastor.

We are a loving church in rural community with great opportunity to reach youth! Competitive package, parsonage & good facilities. Send resume to: jamestsmith@ live.com. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Laverty Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Email resumes to: lavertychurch@gmail.com or mail to: 2776 County Street 2760, Cement, OK 73017.

17 Do not __ evildoers 18 There won’t be one in heaven 19 Communion cup taker’s action 20 Grocery section 22 Jesus came according to God’s __ 24 Sacks 26 Jesus __ on the cross

>> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Memorial Heights, Claremore, is prayerfully seeking the man called by God to serve as our F/T Youth Minister. Please send resumes to: memorialheights@sbcglobal.net, or to 1500 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore, OK, Claremore, 74017. >> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist, Poteau, OK, currently accepting resumes for a F/T Pastor. Must be able to interface with Hispanic Ministry. Southern Baptist Seminary preferred. Resumes should be emailed to: janie@fbcpoteau. com or mailed to: 300 N. Witte, Poteau, OK 74953. >> BI/VO PASTOR: After completing the SBC Transitional Pastor process, FBC Wellston, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Send resume to: P.O. Box 106, Wellston, OK 74881 or email: FBCWellstonPastorSearch@gmail.com. >> F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Student Pastor sought for FBC Carrizo Springs in south Texas. Send resumes to: jonathan@firstbaptistcarrizo.org. >> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: First Baptist Church Clinton is accepting resumes for a F/T Youth Minister. Please submit resumes by mail to: Youth Minister Search Committee, 900 Frisco, Clinton, OK 73601 or email to: cfields@ clintonfbc.com. >> YOUTH MINISTER: Canyon Road Baptist, Sapulpa/ Tulsa, OK is seeking an experienced leader called to youth ministry who is relational & has a passion for students.

Send resume to: Pastor Mike Peter at: crchurch8550@yahoo.com or 8550 S. 49th W. Ave. Tulsa, OK 74131

>> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Cache, OK is seeking a F/T Pastor. Please send resume to: Office@fbccache.org or PO Box 437, Cache, OK 73527.

>> STUDENT MINISTER: First Baptist Church of Piedmont is seeking a F/T Minister to Students to minister in one of the fastest growing communities in the state.

Email resume to: ryan@fbcpiedmont.org.

>> BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: Sharon Baptist Church, Chickasha, is prayerfully seeking God’s person for our Music Minister. Send resume to: Sharon Baptist Church, 2414 State Highway 92, Chickasha, OK 73018.

>> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Davidson First Baptist Church is prayerfully searching for a F/T or BI/VO Pastor.

Resumes may be sent to: Davidson First Baptist Church at P.O. Box 187, Davidson, OK. 73530.

>> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: View Acres Baptist Church, Tulsa, OK. Vibrant, multi-generational church in the West Tulsa area seeks F/T Youth Minister to lead growing student ministry. Send resume to: shannonfayebaker@ gmail.com.

>> F/T SR. PASTOR: First Baptist Church Louise, TX is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor. Send resume to: First Baptist Church Louise Attn: Pastor Search, P.O. Box 368, Louise, TX. 77455-0368 or send by email to: LouFBC@ykc.com.

>> STUDENTS: Faith Baptist Church, 901 Faith Ln, Claremore, OK 74017, is seeking a F/T Minister of Students. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits & housing.

Email resume: faith@claremorefaith.com.

>> P/T or BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: Enterprise Baptist, Norman is prayerfully seeking a P/T or BI/VO Youth Pastor to lead current youth program. Resumes may be submitted to: EBC c/o Youth Search Committee, 2425 84th Ave, SE, Norman, OK 73026 or email: scbeutler@gmail.com.

>> MUSIC AND/OR CHILDREN’S MINISTER: FBC

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

CROSSWO

ACROSS 1 Complains 6 Jesus says you can call Father this 10 Forbid, as sin 13 “__ hath overwhelmed me” (Ps. 55:5) 15 Scuba diver’s find 16 Poetic contraction

Minco is seeking leadership in these areas. We are a Spirit-led, Bible believing church seeking person/persons to fill either or both positions. If interested, email resume to mike@mincofbc.com.

RD

28 Where God spoke 22 Across 29 Earring need 30 KJV deer 31 “Every day they __ my words” (Ps. 56:5) 32 Anger 33 Lighted sign 34 Spasm 35 Plead 37 Multiple molecule compound 41 “I am like an __ of the desert” (Ps. 102:6) 42 Jesus saves your __ from death 43 See 6 Down 44 Jesus __ our broken relationship with God 47 Lenten practice, for some 48 Cereal aisle find 49 Spice brought to Jesus’ tomb 50 What Jesus died for 51 Bible book of Jesus’ birth 52 Separation, as from God 54 Pride gives big ones 56 “__ is laid unto the root of the trees” (Luke 3:9) 57 Commits 50 Across 59 Satan was __ from heaven 63 Clock measure, for short 64 Canal 65 Do not __ God’s message

66 New Testament period, e.g.

67 __ God’s commandments 68 Author Erich DOWN 1 Repeated, a dance 2 “Thy __ and thy staff…comfort me” (Ps. 23:4) 3 “He hath shewed strength with his __” (Luke 1:51) 4 Jesus is a __ between us and God 5 Lazarus of parable had many 6 43 Across, KJV style 7 Tapped the horn 8 Jesus wore one 9 Big hairdo 10 Jesus stays __ you 11 Gets up 12 Sorrowful sinners do this 14 Christian school subj. (Abbr.)

21 Foolish one 23 We are saved by God’s __ 24 Jesus was __ in Bethlehem 25 Assist 27 No room for them in the __ 29 Commandment no-no 30 Jesus came to __ sin-sickness 31 “Thy __ be done” 33 Good __, the gospel message 34 Flaunt

36 Beverly Hills’ Drive 37 Police force 38 Gospel writer 39 Pennsylvania city 40 Roman king (Lat.) 42 __ Francisco 44 Paris wife (Fr.) 45 Medicinal drink 46 Roman Catholic devotion 47 Storm caused __ winds on Sea of Galilee 48 One broke out when Paul preached 50 Abort a launch 51 __ Armstrong, trumpeter 53 Begin again 55 “__ so loved the world...”

58 Pig place 60 Tower 61 LAX info (Abbr.)

62 Keyboard key

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Classifieds | March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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DS CLASSIFIE D CO N T I N U E >> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church Davis, Oklahoma is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Mail cover letter & resume to: First Baptist Church, Attention: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK 73030. >> P/T OR F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Woodland Acres,Baptist Church, Tulsa, is seeking a Student Pastor to lead youth & college-age student ministries. Please submit your resume to: SearchTeam@wabc.org. >> F/T SENIOR PASTOR: First Baptist Church, North Kansas City, MO, is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor.

Suburban church with a global outreach located in a multi-cultural, diverse community. Average worship attendance is 200. Resumes to: pastorsearch@ fbcnkc.org. >> HIGH SCHOOL PASTOR: FBC Madill, OK is praying for a person who is called, gifted, & motivated to reach 9th-12th grade students. Opportunity for impact is spectacular with such a specific focus! Contact Randy at (580) 795-3341 or rkendrix@fbcmadill.org. >> F/T YOUTH/CHILDREN’S MINISTER: Clearview Baptist Church, Broken Arrow OK is accepting resumes for a F/T Youth/Children’s Minister. Please send resumes to: cbcmysearch@gmail.com or mail to: Clearview Baptist Church, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014. >> YOUTH/WORSHIP PASTOR: Holdenville FBC is looking for a Youth & Worship Pastor with Christlike character, a passion for God & His word, a love for people & a strong work ethic. Send resume’s to: youthmusicsearch@fbcholdenville.com before 3/30/20. >> BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Hillside Baptist Church, McLoud, OK is seeking a BI/VO Youth Minister to begin this summer or in September. Great opportunity for a college student for ministry experience. All resumes will be considered. Email revwesbates@live.com. >> P/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Panola Baptist church is seeking a P/T or BI/VO Pastor. Send resumes to: Pastor Search Committee at P.O. Box 120 Panola, OK 74559 or email: sansbois@crosstel.net.

12

>> F/T SR. PASTOR: Sequoyah Hills Baptist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is accepting resumes for a F/T Senior Pastor. Please send resumes to debbi@shbctul.com. >> P/T or F/T YOUTH MINISTER: P/T or F/T Youth Minister at FBC Allen. Email resumes to: ckaminski2@ sbcglobal.net. >> YOUNG COUPLES MINISTER: First Baptist Church of Mangum, OK is searching for someone to minister to young couples, children & youth. Updated house provided. Email resume to: mangumfirstbaptist@gmail.com. >> F/T MUSIC MINISTER: FBC in Hamburg, AR is seeking a F/T Music Minister. Resumes should be submitted to: fbchbg.office@gmail.com or First Baptist Church. Attn: Music Minister Search Committee, P.O. Box 352, Hamburg, AR 71646.

#636 available for this summer. Associational Children’s Camp #1 & Youth weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, & 8 are available to rent.

Great location close to tabernacle, sleeps 60. Will consider discounted rates. Please call/text (918) 973-1039. >> FALLS CREEK CABIN RENTAL: Week 2 of Falls Creek camp for Youth Week June 8-12, 2020. Contact Janet H. at (405) 401-6441 (Please leave message & I will call you back) or email: jazejan@cox.net. The cabin is extremely close to all the main facilities “A PERFECT SPOT!” >> VANS: 2017 Chevrolet Express LT 15 Passenger 3500 6.0 v8 34k miles $22900.00. Call (918) 967-3394. Williams Chevrolet Inc. 1100 E Main St. Stigler, OK 74462. >> BUS FOR SALE: 2002 Starcraft Freight-liner Church Bus. Chassis is a Freightliner by Mid America Coach, Caterpillar ISB 300hp engine Allison 220PTS transmis-

>> F/T PASTOR: Waterloo Road Baptist Church, Edmond, OK is seeking a Senior Pastor. Please send resume to: WRBC, Pastor Search Committee, 3100 E. Waterloo Rd., Edmond, OK 73034 or email: pastorsearch@waterlooroad.org. >> BI/VO PASTOR: NHBC is prayerfully seeking a mature believer as Bi/VO Pastor to serve in the rural community of Jay. Responsibilities include Sunday AM & Wednesday PM teaching & preaching. Resumes & questions may be sent to: nhbcjay@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Praying for a F/T Pastor for the First Baptist Church Mannsville Oklahoma. We do have a parsonage on grounds. Send resume with cover letter to: Charles Shockley, 12414 Sartin Rd, Madill, OK, 73446. >> BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: First Baptist Church of Nowata is seeking a BI/VO Music Minister. Contact Pastor Wayne Clayton at (918) 273-2526 or send resume to: 433 N. Mississippi, Nowata, OK 74048.

M I S C E LLA N E O U S >> FALLS CREEK CABIN RENTAL: Falls Creek cabin

March 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

sion, 5.13 rear Axle Ratio with Airliner air ride suspension. Electrical system has duel batteries & a 275 amp alternator. Suspension includes Merritor axles & Bosch hydraulic brakes. Mileage: 40,174. The bus seats 34 including the driver, fabric freedom seating, 2 point seat belts, vinyl trim, rubber flooring. Bus can be viewed at First Baptist Church, 505 North Broadway, P.O. Box 370, Broken Bow, OK 74728. Phone (580) 584-6353. Monday thru Thursday. >> SUPPLY PREACHER: Roger Bennett is available for Supply Preaching and/or Interim Pastor. He may be contacted at (405) 313-5052. >> BIBLE REPAIR & THESIS BINDING: Hand Sewn, fine stamped leather. McSpadden Book Bindery, 911 West Benedict, Shawnee, OK. 74801. www.mcspaddenbookbindery.com, (405)275-7788.