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seven layers of skin on your body. The rainbow has seven colors, and a scale has seven notes. And don’t forget the seven deadly sins. Then you need to ask the other person to forgive you. But there is something more di cult than asking for forgiveness: forgiving the person who Rite of passage: God’s favorite number SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENTMISSIONS & MINISTRY President Emeritus Walker Moore for forgiveness: forgiving the person who of Awe Star Ministries of Awe Star Ministries The number seven is used 735 times The number seven is used 735 times wronged you. It takes a big person to forwronged you. It takes a big person to forEmail | walker@awestar.orgEmail | in the Scriptures. And seven deterin the Scriptures. And seven deter- give someone who has hurt you. In give someone who has hurt you. In @WalkerDeanMoore @WalkerDeanMoore mines the winner. Don’t believe mines the winner. Don’t believe fact, you can’t do it on your own; you fact, you can’t do it on your own; you C God has a fondness for numbers. He invented them; there was a time when numbers didn’t exist. HURCH TOOLBOX me? How many potential games are there in a playo series for the NHL, MLB and NBA? If you said seven, you are right! PEOPLE & CHURCH NEWS me? How many potential games must ask Jesus to help you forgive. I know what I am talking about. I have asked people to forgive me, and they keep must ask Jesus to help you forgive. about. I have asked people I can’t tell you exactly what life was like before If God had to pick his favorite bringing up what God has alnumbers were invented, but I imagine it was con- number out of in nity, my guess ready forgiven to cause me fusing when the hostesses asked, “How many are is He would pick the number sev- pain. To forgive means to repain. To forgive means to rein your party?” and all you could do was shrug your en. I like the number seven also. If store the relationship you had store the relationship you had shoulders and say, “This many,” as you pointed to the people who were going to sit at your table. When God created numbers (and He is continu-CLASSIFIEDS it’s God’s favorite number, I am going to go with Him. But there is another reason I like seven: It is 7-year-old TiNEWS & CULTUREit’s God’s favorite number, I am going to go with Him. But there is another reason I like seven: It is 7-year-old Tiwith the person before they sinned and not bring up the sin again, just as God has done for us. with the person before they sinned and not bring up the sin again, just as God has done for us. ing to create them because only God knows where tus the Honorable’s soccer jersey number. tus the Honorable’s soccer jersey number. Peter was asking Jesus, “If my brothPeter was asking Jesus, “If my brothin nity ends), He became partial to certain ones. He I don’t know if soccer was even a game when er hurts me again, do I forgive him the secer hurts me again, do I forgive him the seclikes the number 40. I am not sure why, but He uses I was growing up. Our school didn’t have a team, and ond, third or even the seventh time?” Jesus told him it a lot. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, and neither did the school in the next county. But now that that he needed to forgive those who hurt him 77

Noah spent 40 days and nights on a boat. two of my grandsons play the sport, I love soccer. times (some translations say 70 times seven). If you

God also likes the number 10. He gave the Ten Commandments, and He promised not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if 10 righteous people could be found. VOICES Dear Titus the Honorable, I know you are 7 years old, and you wear the number seven on your soccer jersey, but I wanted to introduce you to another number sevnotice in that passage, Jesus used the word “seven” three times. In the Bible, seven is the perfect number, and true forgiveness is perfect forgiveness. We

The number three is in second place as God’s fa- en, a seven that’s especially important. need people who will demonstrate Jesus’ type of vorite. Jesus arose from the grave on the third day. One day the disciple they called Peter asked Jesus a forgiveness to others.

He manifested himself as three persons in what we very serious question. “’Lord, how many times shall I for- Titus, since you are 7 years old, you wear that numcall the Trinity. give my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to sev- ber in your body, and you wear it on your soccer jersey.

But His favorite number of all is seven. He created en times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but I pray you will carry the sevens in your heart: the spirthe heavens and earth and rested on the seventh seventy-seven times’” (Matt. 18:21-22). it of true forgiveness. If you do, you will be Exhibit A day. The Israelites walked around the wall seven You see, Titus, the number seven has to do with for- to show people the forgiveness Jesus o ers the world. times before they blew their horns. After Jesus fed giveness. When we mess up and hurt someone, we have God loves the number seven, and I love the young the multitude, the disciples collected seven baskets to ask them to forgive us. It is hard to do; you must hum- man who wears it. of leftovers. There are seven holes in your head and ble yourself and confess that what you did was wrong. Love, Poppy

‘BSU saved my life’

Cris Lowery

Oklahoma Baptists’ State Baptist Collegiate Ministries Director Collegiate Ministries Director

“BSU (Baptist Student Union) saved my life.” The rst time I heard that phrase was in an administrative council meeting where I was serving as the interim pastor. Jim Bellah was the chairman of the council, and I was talking about the fact that I had taken on a new responsibility as the state Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) director and would need to be traveling to visit campuses.

Without a thought, he responded with, “BSU saved my life!” He went on to talk about how being part of that campus ministry helped give him needed direction and encouragement during a critical decision-making period in his life. Since that time I have heard versions of that story over and over.

Another one I’ve heard is, “That’s where I met my husband or wife!” I began to wonder if BSU/BCM was the early version of a Christian dating service until I listened more closely to what was being said. The stories generally had a common theme of a love for God and direction in life that was shared by the other person.

Sometimes, it was their love and devotion to following Christ. Other times, it was centered on a call to ministry or heart for missions. Without exception, it was mentioned that it didn’t hurt anything that the other person was rather attractive.

Other common comments are, “That’s where I learned how to walk closer with God; where I learned how to share the Gospel; where I learned I could be on mission every day of my life or where I met some of the best friends I’ve ever had.”

But of all the stories I’ve heard about the positive impact of the campus ministry Baptists have invested in all these years, the one that excites me most is when I hear someone say, “That’s where I met Jesus! And my life has never been the same since that day.”

It’s a common theme in BCMs around the state. You don’t have to look very long or far before you run into someone who met Jesus as a result of college ministry. Sharing the story of how Jesus can change lives was woven into the DNA of BSU/BCM in its inception and continues to be the vision of every BCM leader. It’s important enough that every campus has a strategic and intentional evangelism plan. And it’s working!

It might be tempting to think that the fall semester of 2020 would see fewer students come to know Christ, but we’re learning that isn’t true. It has been said that it’s amazing to see what God will do when there’s no question about Him getting the credit. That’s what we’re seeing on campuses across Oklahoma.

Change of strategy often comes as a result of unexpected challenges. The new strategies for this semester have de nitely come as a result of new challenges, but the vision of seeing students come to Christ has remained the same. Rather than focusing on lost opportunities, BCM leaders have looked for new opportunities created by the ongoing pandemic.

In a time where isolation is being encouraged, the number of Gospel conversations BCM leaders and students are having on campus is on the rise. As a result, students are praying to receive Christ and starting their spiritual journeys as new Christians. On the University of Oklahoma campus, 23 students prayed to receive Christ in the rst few weeks of school as a result of seizing a unique opportunity. This type of story has been repeated across the state, as BCM leaders have identi ed new opportunities and taken advantage of them.

At the back-to-school Momentum conference in September, church and campus-based ministries came together to challenge students to live on mission as they began their fall semester. As a result of the challenge, students were saved, some expressed a call to full-time vocational ministry and others pledged to live their life on the mission eld.

From campus to campus across Oklahoma, this story is being repeated as the Spirit of God moves in ways that can only be credited to His power and direction. I have the ongoing privilege of seeing BCM leaders facilitating opportunities for students to come to Christ and future pastors, sta members, church leaders, bi-vocational leaders, godly mothers and fathers grow in their walk with Christ at a time when critical life decisions are being made.

Oklahoma Baptists everywhere can be proud of the investment being made in the lives of students, administrators, sta and faculty on college and university campuses around our state. In every way, we are still “Saving Lives!”

Abbreviated 2020 Annual Meeting o ers power-packed schedule /// PREVIEWED ON COVERCHURCH TOOLBOX PEOPLE & CHURCH NEWS

>> by Sta Acts encountered geographic, political, cultural, ethnic and religious obstacles

The 2020 Annual Meeting of Oklaho- to his work. Yet, the Truth kept marchma Baptists, which marks the 114th annu- ing on—the Gospel of the Lord Jesus al meeting of Southern Baptists in Oklahoma, is set for the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Broken Arrow, First. Christ kept on advancing, unhindered. “In this year of obstacles and adversity, live with con dence that the GosCLASSIFIEDS OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ NEWS & CULTURE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING

The program will feature times of pel is unhindered, especially if we will preaching and essential business, including o cer elections. Sermons at the Annual Meeting will be delivered by Hance share it with openness and with boldness like prisoner Paul. I pray that Oklahoma Baptists will plan to join us for 114TH ANNUAL MEETING Oklahoma Baptists | First Baptist Church, Broken Arrow Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer for this important Annual Meeting.” Oklahoma Baptists; Blake Gideon, senior pastor of Edmond, First, who is serving The Oklahoma Baptists Annual Meeting consists of church members who VOICES November 10, 2020 his second one-year term as state con- are elected as messengers to represent 12:45 | Pre Service Music Ada Student Worship Team/ vention president; and Andy Taylor, pas- their local church body in business de- Members of OSWC tor of Broken Arrow, Arrow Heights. cisions during the meeting. SCM/SCW Virtual Choir Video

Reports will be given from all four af- Church members interested in serv- 1:00 | Call to Order Blake Gideon liates: Oklahoma Baptist University, ing as a messenger can contact their Greetings from Host Pastor Matt Brooks Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, church o ce for information. Every Scripture Shane Meshaya the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma and Baptist Village Communities. In addition, various business and ministry reports will be presented. Dilbeck said, “The theme for our conelected messenger will receive a messenger booklet and voting ballots upon check-in at Annual Meeting. Messenger pre-registration is open for churches to register their elected Prayer 1:10 | Business Session Appointment of Committees Report of Credentials Committee Jim Reed Blake Gideon Heath Tucker vention meeting is ‘Unhindered,’ based messengers prior to the Annual Meet- 1:15 | Music/Worship Amy Frazier on the last verse in the Book of Acts.” ing, allowing for a quick and easy on- 1:30 | President’s Address Blake Gideon

Acts 28:31 says, “Preaching the Kingdom site check-in process. 2:00 | Prayer Time D. Hance Dilbeck, Jr. of God and teaching concerning the Lord To access pre-registration, visit www. 2:10 | The Baptist Foundation of Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.” sbcworkspace.com. For questions contact Oklahoma Report Robert Kellogg

Dilbeck added, “Paul, in the Book of Kdie Nix at knix@oklahomabaptists.org. 2:20 | Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children Report Greg McNeece 2:30 | Business Session Report of the Board of Directors D. Hance Dilbeck, Jr. VOLUNTEER MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES Financial Plan Presentation Election of Officers 2:55 | Music/Worship 3:00 | Executive Director-Treasurer’s Russell Duck Blake Gideon Randy Lind OKLAHOMA DISASTER RELIEF Address D. Hance Dilbeck, Jr.

On-going opportunities for volunteers: Baptist Village Communities: Ada—Tracy Scheer, 580/332-6004 Training: Pre-registration is mandatory. Classes are limited in size. 3:30 | Church Relations Group Report 3:45 | Church Resources Group Report 4:00 | Baptist Village Communities Report James Swain Alan Quigley Bill Pierce

Broken Arrow—Monty Baggett, 918/355-0099 Masks must be worn, and 4:10 | Oklahoma Baptist University Report Heath Thomas

Cleveland—Gary Ligon, 918/358-2575 temperatures will be taken. Oklahoma Prison Divinity Program Report

Cordell—Lindsay Altenhofel, 580/832-5831 Nov. 7—Madill, First, 210 S. First 4:30 | Business Session

Elk City—Cathy Henderson, 580/225-5555 St., 73446 Election of Officers Blake Gideon

Grove (Honey Creek)—Gary Mishler, 918/786-2223 Visit okdisasterhelp.org to register Nominating Committee Report Mike Scrivani

Hugo—Billy Johnson, 580/326-8383 Campers on Mission: 4:40 | Remembering the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

Madill (Lake Texoma)—Matthew Wood, 580/564-3776 Campers on Mission is a 5:00 | Music/Worship Broken Arrow, First Catalyst Choir

Miami—Shane McGhee, 918/542-7124 fellowship of Christian campers and Band, Kevin Price, director

OKC—Chris Finley, 405/721-2466 Ext. 2115 sharing their faith while 5:10 | Annual Sermon Andy Taylor

Okmulgee—Sherri Powell, 918/756-5377 Owasso—Nathan Purifoy, 918/272-2281 Ext. 102 Entrusted Hearts by Baptist Village (home health doing mission activities. Email mvanzandt@oklahomabaptists. org for more information. 5:40 | Closing Remarks Closing Prayer D. Hance Dilbeck, Jr. David Hooks care)—Shannon Ryan, 405/942-3000 Ext. 4685

Pray for National & International Missionaries:

Drew Cunningham

Drew is a church planter in Santa Cruz, Calif., where less than 4 percent know Jesus.

Jacob Boss

Jacob is an a nity leader for European Peoples, leading teams of IMB missionaries.

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

Shannon and Katie Ford serve IMB as operations directors in the Czech Republic.

Returning home: Keahbone sees Gospel advancements as pastor of Lawton, First

>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

LAWTON—God can overcome the hardest resistance for His purpose of advancing the Gospel. Mike Keahbone did not have any intention of serving as pastor of Lawton, First, but God intervened and made a way for Keahbone to return to his roots in a position to make an impact on southwest Oklahoma.

“When this opportunity rst came up, I was like ‘no way,’ I had no desire to come back home,” Keahbone said in a recent Lawton Constitution article. “But man, the Lord really didn’t care what I thought.”

For the past six years, Keahbone served as senior pastor of Oklahoma City, Cherokee Hills, helping that church become more involved in its community. He encouraged church members to invest their lives in high school football players who needed to experience the love of Christ, as well as in the lives of others in the church’s community.

As he met with Lawton, First’s pastor search committee, Keahbone resisted their appeals. There were deep discussions, but Keahbone was not convinced—until after the initial conversations were over. He then realized God wanted him to go back to his hometown area.

“I know after I talked to (the search committee) that God wanted me to go to Lawton,” he said.

On Aug. 9, Keahbone preached his rst sermon at Lawton, First. He shared with the Constitution that he talked about “the church’s present, his personal past and their united future.”

“Coming home—there are some places where nothing has changed and some places where everything has changed,” Keahbone said to the Constitution. “This is the most familiar/unfamiliar place I’ve ever been. I’m excited to rediscover Lawton.”

Keahbone grew up in Elgin as the son of a Cherokee father and a Comanche/Kiowa mother. His father was not involved in Keahbone’s life, and his mother battled drugs and alcohol addiction. Needless to say, it can be understandable why Keahbone did not want to return to his home area.

He shared how his mom became homeless, and he >> by Chris Forbes

STAFF WRITER

“I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some” (1 Cor. 19:22 CSB)

When the Apostle Paul wrote this verse around 57 A.D., he was using the best communication technology of his day for sending a pastoral message from his location in Ephesus to the believers in Corinth. Today, Pastor Andy Finch of Choctaw, First and his sta are using every possible means of communication technology to meet the needs of his congregation during these days of social distancing.

Finch and the other ministry leaders on the church sta are reaching out to every member of their church by sending one-to-one personal text messages twice a month. Finch explained how it works.

“We care about our people, like I know all pastors do. We wanted to make sure we are staying engaged with them,” he said. “So we decided we probably couldn’t call everybody because people just don’t answer their phones anymore. So we are texting every adult church family member every other week. We have been doing that for three months now.”

Finch divided up the church rolls into sections. Each week, he and the other four sta members take a list of church member’s names and cell phone numbers, and they send a personal message to each one. Each week they swap lists, rotating so members

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went to live with other family members. Being Native American, he also struggled with racial issues. Lawton is at the center of his early life struggles.

Life moved on, and Keahbone made a profession of faith in Christ when he was a student at Cameron University. Then he committed his life to full-time ministry. He served in youth ministry for 12 years and became a well-known evangelist and speaker before returning to local church ministry. His rst senior pastorate came in 2014 at Cherokee Hills.

Two months on the job at Lawton, First, Keahbone sees how God is working in his life and is using him in a signi cant way.

“My family told me I am di erent since I’ve been at Lawton, First,” he said. “God is doing a great work in my life, and it’s way beyond anything I could have expected.”

Keahbone shared about a lady who came to visit Lawton, First one Sunday. She told him that she knew his mother. She said she remembered his mom as a little girl in school who was happy and carefree. This was the rst time anybody shared with Keahbone a pleasant memory of his mother, and it both encouraged and challenged him.

“People need to know they are loved,” he said. “That’s what I want to share with everybody. It doesn’t matter what their background is. God can use us to share His love and His Gospel message to everybody.”

Keahbone is aware his Native American heritage helps cross barriers. Since he has been at Lawton, First several Native American families have been attending. He knows Lawton is a “hot bed for Native American communities,” especially since the city is the headquarters for the Comanche Tribe.

Lawton, First has a long-standing heritage of advancing the Gospel. For more than 118 years, Lawton, First has a history of being a banner church are getting to interact with a di erent sta member each time they receive a text message.

“Each text is individualized,” Finch said. “That way people respond very personally. We were saying, ‘We care about you, we miss you. How can we pray for you? Is there anything else our church can be doing to encourage you or help you right now?’ We wanted people to be comfortable enough We wanted people to be comfortable enough to share things that were very private, that to share things that were very private, that they would want only us to know about they would want only us to know about and pray for. The texts are always individual, with personal touches.”

Finch said church members have been responding in surprising ways.

“Early on everybody said, ‘Pray for our health and safety’ because that was what everyone was thinking then,” he said. “People were afraid to leave he said. “People were afraid to leave their homes under any circumstance.”

As the sta continued to communicate As the sta continued to communicate through texting, Finch said they noticed a through texting, Finch said they noticed a change in the responses. He said church members were asking the sta to pray for their marriages since couples were having to spend even more time together because of requirements to work from home.

“I was really surprised by the number of men who said, ‘Pray for my mental health,’” Finch explained. “I think maybe a year ago that would have been seen as a little out of bounds in our culture. But men were saying, ‘I’m struggling, I’m hurting. I’m afraid.’ They were very open, and it gave us an opportunity to not

>> PHOTO AND COVER PHOTO: MIKE MAZZO “God is doing a great work in my life,” says Mike Keahbone, “And it’s way beyond anything I could have expected.”

for baptisms, leading the state in annual baptisms in past years. Keahbone knows with Fort Sill Army base being located in the Lawton area, opportunities for sharing the Gospel can be plenteous.

“Many soldiers have served at Fort Sill for years,” he said. “Many of them don’t have family nearby. Lawton, First has a history of connecting with these military men and women, which resulted in eternal rewards. I want to see this continue and grow.”

Just as Keahbone recognized community ministry opportunities in Oklahoma City, he intends to do the same in Lawton. And not only Lawton, among the military and Native Americans, but Keahbone also wants to support other Oklahoma Baptist churches.

“I want Lawton, First to be an ‘outpost’ for Oklahoma Baptist churches in the southwest part of the state,” he said. “If we can provide meeting places for pastors and church leaders, opportunities for workshops and conferences, Lawton, First wants to do it and encourage other Oklahoma Baptists serving in this area.”

Keahbone has returned home, back where he experienced hardships. However, just as God has redeemed all those di cult memories, He is using Keahbone as an example and leader to embrace bro-

Every possible means: Pastoring by text message during a Pandemic

kenness for the purpose of advancing the Gospel.

just read the text, but respond, and I would at that point go ahead and call them and meet with them.”

Finch believes the pastoral outreach has been good for the church members and also for the sta .

“I think it empowered the other sta members,” he said. “People saw that they were sharing in the duty. The ministry that might have seemed more of something the senior pastor more of something the senior pastor would do alone was shared with would do alone was shared with the other sta . I think it elevates the other sta . I think it elevates them in the eyes of the peothem in the eyes of the people as well. And they have enple as well. And they have enjoyed that. I have been really joyed that. I have been really proud of them.” Finch said the texting ministry has been bene cial to the try has been bene cial to the church’s pastoral ministry, and church’s pastoral ministry, and he plans to continue the practice he plans to continue the practice after the COVID crisis has passed. after the COVID crisis has passed. “I think we are much more aware “I think we are much more aware because the line of communication is because the line of communication is so direct,” he said. “People felt much more free to share. It feels like a season where the façade of, ‘everything is ne, and I am okay. And I don’t have any needs’ has exploded right now. People feel safe to be open and honest. (Texting) has proven to be a great tool for ministry.”

Learn more about Choctaw, First using texting technology as a ministry opportunity on the Messenger Insight podcast at baptistmessenger. com/podcast.

>> by Jimmy Kinnaird

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ENID—“…Thus says the Holy One, the True One, the One Who has the key of David, Who opens and no one will close, and Who closes and no one opens: I know your works. Look, I have placed before you an open door that no one can close because you have but little power; yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My name” (Rev. 3:7–8, CSB).

Walking into Oklahoma Bible Academy on anniversary Sunday, wherever one might look, they would see celebration. The place is lled with falling balloons of every color. Background sounds of today’s top Christian music are heard. While maintaining social distancing, the buzz of people greeting one another is observed. This was the preamble to the two-year public launch celebration of Enid, Open Door.

Open Door began when Kevin and Meagan Hisey moved to Enid from Claremore to begin a new church three years ago. However, Sept. 13 was the two-year anniversary launch. The name for the new church came to Kevin from a sermon by his pastor, Keith Wiginton at Claremore, First.

“When Pastor Keith was talking about the kind of church that Jesus was describing in Revelation 3, I thought, ‘That’s the kind of church I want to start,’” Kevin said. This was the beginning of Kevin and Meagan searching for open doors in church planting.

The thing about open doors is when God opens one, His follower still must walk through it. This >> by Sta

EDMOND—Clyde Cain, a well-known Oklahoma Baptist pastor and ministry leader, died on Oct. 6.

Cain, 85, was reportedly struck by a motor vehicle in a parking lot following a morning event at Edmond, First, according to news TV reports.

Cain, who served as a pastor, denominational leader and more, retired from Oklahoma Baptists’ state convention in 2002, having served 28 years with Oklahoma Baptists, including in the areas of evangelism and ministry leadership.

“Bro. Clyde made an immeasurably positive impact on Oklahoma Baptist churches,” said churches showed in all his life. We are praying for his family at this di cult time.”

Pastor Blake Gideon of Edmond, First said, “Dr. Cain was one of the godliest men I knew. A godly man to his wife and chilour church.” walk takes courage and faith. It is something that has characterized the lifestyle of the Hiseys. They moved their family to a new place to start a new church with all new people they have yet to meet.

Kevin saw this as a plus for his ministry. “I think our family moving to a new place and being new is very valuable for starting a church because it made us the new people,” Kevin said. “It helped us to be in the place of a lot of people who are new in a community or new at seeking a place of faith.”

The Hiseys spent a year becoming a part of the community. This has helped Kevin and the church make people feel comfortable and welcomed into the Open Door community. But other doors have also opened up in the last two years.

One door is the opportunity of becoming a foster family. Kevin and Meagan have three adopted children, but when they moved to Enid, they fostered a baby girl. They are now in the process of adopting her as well.

“Being a foster family has really changed our world and we encouraged that in the church,” Kevin said. “We are taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves.”

This is a demonstration of one of the core values of Open Door which is “Neighbors rst—whoever is standing in front of you, love them as Jesus loves you.”

With the values Open Door embraces, church members also seek to apply with everyday life. For example, another value is creativity. They encourage everyone to use their talents and gifts in the way God has gifted them and designed them. For

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with Cain, called him “one of the nest Christian gentlemen I’ve ever known.” Jordan added, “He made a tremendous investment in the lives of pastors. The way he poured into their lives is unparalleled.” way he poured into their lives is unparalleled.”

Jordan preached a message of hope Jordan preached a message of hope at Cain’s funeral service, which took at Cain’s funeral service, which took place on Oct. 12 at Edmond, First. Also speaking at the funeral were retired Oklahoma City pastor Robert Gri n, Gideon, and numerous members of Cain’s family, including his children and grandchildren.

A native of Canadian, Texas, Cain A native of Canadian, Texas, Cain earned a B.A. degree from Wayland earned a B.A. degree from Wayland ther Rice Seminary. Prior to servther Rice Seminary. Prior to serving at the Oklahoma Baptists’ ing at the Oklahoma Baptists’ state convention, he was pastor state convention, he was pastor of Guymon, First and had previously pastored churches in Texas. Cain is survived by his wife Craig and Kari, as well as ve Craig and Kari, as well as ve grandchildren. grandchildren. Including in Cain’s ministry acIncluding in Cain’s ministry accomplishments, noted in an obituary, complishments, noted in an obituary, he directed and taught in the Southwesthe directed and taught in the Southwest-

>> PHOTOS: PROVIDED Pictures above highlight the past two years of ministry for Enid, Open Door.

celebration weekend, instead of Kevin preaching, they had four life-change testimonies which re ected the church’s values.

“We want to be creative in a Spirit-led way that will connect with people at this time,” he said.

The vehicle that has been most e ective for Open Door’s transmission of their values and for seeing lifechange has been through missional communities.

Kevin said, “What is next for us is a deeper focus on missional community life. This is tricky with the Coronavirus going on, but we are trying to gure out how to do it.”

In the last two years, Open Door has seen 36 people make professions of faith in Christ and have baptized 35. The church averages 250 in Sunday worship. “The best is yet to come,” Kevin said.

The Hiseys and the church body are grateful for the partnership they have with their sending church, Claremore, First, and partner churches as well as Oklahoma Baptists and Cherokee Strip Association. Open Door is a multiplying church plant in that they also have supported Woodward, Ascent and are a partner church with Oklahoma City, Thrive Community, which is planted in the urban corridor of Oklahoma City.

To learn more about Enid, Open Door visit OpenDoorEnid.Church. For those wanting to discover if it oklahomabaptists.org/send-network.

Remembering Clyde Cain: Beloved pastor, denominational leader dies in tragic accident

Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treaHance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists. “His passurer for Oklahoma Baptists. “His passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ sion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his love for our pastors and and his love for our pastors and

dren, to his grandchildren. He dren, to his grandchildren. He loved the Lord with all of his heart. loved the Lord with all of his heart. He was a teacher of the Bible here at He was a teacher of the Bible here at

Anthony Jordan, retired Oklahoma Baptists Anthony Jordan, retired Oklahoma Baptists executive director-treasurer who worked closely

Baptist College; a master of diBaptist College; a master of divinity from Southwestern Seminary; vinity from Southwestern Seminary; and a doctor of theology from Luand a doctor of theology from Luof 63 years, Kay; his children of 63 years, Kay; his children church planting may be an open door for them, vis-

ern Seminary Extension Program at Oklahoern Seminary Extension Program at Oklahoma Baptist University, a “program he helped establish and nurture” for more than 30 years. Through that program, he was able to pour into countless young pastors and was lovingly called a “Pastor’s pastor.” “Additional sources of enjoyment were mem“Additional sources of enjoyment were memories of mission service in India, Hong Kong ories of mission service in India, Hong Kong and Africa. After ‘retirement,’ Clyde conand Africa. After ‘retirement,’ Clyde continued to follow God’s leading by servtinued to follow God’s leading by serving churches across Oklahoma as ining churches across Oklahoma as interim pastor.” Cain, who had been battling two cancers and the side e ects of chemotheracers and the side e ects of chemotherapy over the past ve years, continued to py over the past ve years, continued to serve in his home church of Edmond, First. serve in his home church of Edmond, First. Cain was celebrating his 85th birthday on the day of his death. According to reday on the day of his death. According to reports, “police said he was walking to his car (from a church prayer event) just before dawn when the accident occurred”; and “with his Bible still in his hand, Cain died at the scene.”

Gideon added, “(I) opened (the Bible) up and (it) had a list of things he was praying for—two of those things were our church and praying for me as his pastor. That blessed my heart.”

For all who knew Cain, they immediately recognize his life and ministry will have an impact for many years to come; indeed, God made an eternal impact through Cain.

>> PHOTOS: BAPTIST MESSENGER ARCHIVE Cain from two seperate 1986 editions of the Baptist Messenger.

C PEOPLE & HURCH NEWS

Word of encouragement: Pastor, preach hard CLASSIFIEDS EDITOR’S NOTE: The following submitted article was written by Garrett Napier, a member of an Oklahoma NEWS & CULTURE We attended a small home church and realized there were issues in that arena, led a small group Bible stantial impact on my life? The sermon wasn’t full of grand illustrations or Baptist church. Others are encouraged to send a word of study with people desiring to be intentional in their punchy jokes. There weren’t great slides to help the encouragement about their pastors for possible publica- faith but were left lacking. We were solid in our faith listener follow the outline. Many complained that the tion. Email baptistmessenger@okbaptist.net. but had a real struggle loving the church with all its preaching of this pastor was “over the head” of many warts and dysfunction. of those in attendance. What that sermon did have

The alarm didn’t have to go off. I was in the habit of We were getting our nourishment by listening to was conviction. There was conviction in the need to VOICES waking up early every day despite being able to sleep in. Coffee was brewing in the kitchen. The shower had a pastor of a large congregation who was in another state. He kept stating in his sermons that Christians properly exposit God’s Word. There was conviction in the authority of God’s Word. There was conviction in supplied the first boost to defog my brain. The first should love the church because Christ had died for the the understanding that God’s Word would be used by cup of coffee would finish the task. church. I kept thinking, “If he only understood the pain the Holy Spirit to fulfill the purposes of God in the lives

My young son awoke and shuffled himself and the church had caused me, he wouldn’t be so harsh of the listener. Brown Bear in the kitchen, where he sat on my knee, with his words.” My wife and I didn’t want to be ab- Pastor, preach hard. I’m not referencing grand fire snuggling his head on my chest. Out of nowhere, I had sent from a local body of believers, but we didn’t know and brimstone sermons or knockout sermons every a thought—a thought I hadn’t had in a long time. My how we could continue participating in a structure week. I’m not suggesting every sermon you preach son and I were going to go to church this morning. that seemed so broken. should be so exquisite that you’re praised for your ora-

I didn’t tell my wife what we were doing that Sun- That Sunday, when the Holy Spirit urged me to go tory greatness. I’m suggesting you preach with convicday, as she was on a business trip out of the country. I back, I told my wife she wouldn’t believe what I heard tion faithfully every time you stand behind the pulpit. wasn’t sure why I was doing this anyway. that day. I had listened to a sermon from a man, very The faithful sermons I sit under every week have not

We arrived at church, and everything seemed about close to my age, preach like I remembered preaching fixed all the problems in my life or in the life of my church. the same as it had been the last time I had attended from my youth. It wasn’t a feel-good sermon. It was ex- These sermons have sometimes caused people to be ofa year and a half ago. The service had the same feel. pository. There was a call to repentance. There was au- fended and turned off. These sermons aren’t flashy and There was the same music as before; same welcome thority in his words. There was in that sermon what I never give me three steps to a better anything. time; same smiling faces, but today would be different. had missed for many years. The sermons do, however, build a foundation of

The church had been without a pastor for a while, That preacher went on to become my pastor. That truth for my faith to stand on as I learn to be a better and there was a visiting preacher this morning. When preacher has, for the past several years, been faithful follower of Christ. These sermons draw believers to a he began to preach, something in my soul stirred. After to proclaim the Word of God, week in and week out. deeper affection for God’s Word and give the church the service, I sent a text to my wife and told her what I God has used those sermons to convict of sin, call sin- a steady diet of doctrine. had done and asked her to call when she was available. ners to repentance, lead parishioners to deeper bibli- Pastor, preach hard. You never know what impact

My wife and I were not unchurched people, far from cal study and attract younger people who are looking your sermon may have for the Kingdom of God. You that reality. We both were children of Southern Baptist for depth in their faith as I was. never know who may walk through your church pastors. We had spent our whole lives in church. We What was so different in the sermon I heard that doors unexpectedly. Preach hard, for it may be your had experienced the good, the bad and the ugly. We Sunday? How was that one sermon able to spark in sermon that God uses to stir the soul of a hurt and had witnessed the difficult side of church life and had my soul a love for the church I have not had for many wounded sheep in need of an undershepherd. grown weary and ready for a change. We had left the years? I don’t even remember what was preached Preach hard so that God may be glorified in the local body in search of “real Christian life.” about that day, so how can I say that it had such a sub- proclamation of His Word.

Lillie retires after 30-plus years CLASSIFIEDS NEWS & CULTUREat Golden Oaks Village

>> by Sta “It has been a great blessing to work with Gary in the management consulting agree-

ENID—Gary Lillie retired from his posi- ment Baptist Village Communities has with tion as general manager of Golden Oaks Golden Oaks Village,” said Bill Pierce, presVOICES Village, a senior living community in Enid. Lillie has been instruin Enid. Lillie has been instruident of Baptist Village Communities. We look forward to continuing to We look forward to continuing to mental in the growth of this mental in the growth of this assist the new not-for-pro t orassist the new not-for-pro t orcommunity for more than ganization in the days ahead.” ganization in the days ahead.” 30 years. He has seen it Lillie has juggled life in manbegin as a small unit of agement of Golden Oaks Vilsenior apartments on 110 lage with community service acre property to 176 units and as the pastor of Nash, with three lakes, town- Bethel Hawley. The church rehouses, cottages assisted, cently celebrated its 125th residential, short and longterm care health services. residential, short and long- Gary Lillie anniversary, and Lillie has led this congregation for

Throughout the years, Lillie has more than 40 years. been responsible for successful growth Lillie leads two volunteer re departand development which have made Gold- ments and is certi ed in emergency manen Oaks “The Best of the Best” and a leader agement which has assisted Golden Oaks in the senior living industry. His thought- Village on numerous occasions. As a rst ful style of leadership has helped to devel- responder and pastor, Lillie has served op and grow Golden Oaks’ entry level em- many families who have needed both ployees into supervisory positions. Those physical and mental care. His pastoral who have worked with Lillie acknowledge leadership has led many to healing and him as a “man of integrity, commitment comfort during tragic times and many to and of faith.” make professions of faith in Christ.

CHURCH NEWS

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES

STEVE GOODSON resigned as pastor of Fort Cobb, First. BAPTIST ARCHIVETHE OKLAHOMALUKE HARPER is pastor of Cache, First. KEITH INGRAM is pastor of Minco, Canaan. DANIEL LITCHFORD resigned as pastor of Lawton, Calvary.

JESSICA MARTIN resigned as music director of Lawton, Olivet.

TONY NICKEL resigned as pastor of Lawton, Paradise Valley.

DALE RITTER is interim pastor at Sallisaw, Eastside.

BEN SCATTERGOOD is minister of youth at Mannford, Lakeside.

JON SYVERSON is pastor of Apache, First.

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

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

CARTOON

Trained for ESL

derson Hills, and Nita Wood, right, from Mustang, First, are the rst in Oklahoma to complete the Hybrid English as a Second Language (ESL) training through Oklahoma Literacy Missions. They completed most of their training online but nished the course in a fourhour in-person session on Sept. 25, led by ESL workshop leader Stacy Neuschaefer, center. Visit oklahomabaptists. org/evangelism/literacy for more information on Literacy Missions.

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

Ann Lichti, left, from Edmond, Hen-

Cox Building dedicated. On Sept. 29, Hope Pregnancy Ministries dedicated the Jim Cox Building, which was constructed to house Hope’s mobile unit on the Baptist Children’s Home, Oklahoma City campus. This building is donated by the Thompson family and named after Jim Cox, whom the Thompsons said was “a great carpenter and even better man.” The building will serve as the base of operations for the mobile unit as it reaches out to SUDOKU neighborhoods in need of its services. Pictured are Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children President Greg McNeece, members of the Cox family and Thompson family.

WORD SEARCH

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

Afraid Become Choctaw Communication Corinth Elevates Engaged Ephesus Every Finch Individualized Means Member Message Monthly

Pandemic Pastoring Personally Possible Rotating Save Sta Technology Text Week

How to bring joy to your pastor >> by Philip Jones ill. To help your pastors experience joy in CLASSIFIEDS

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ MULTI-VOCATION- his work, let him know that you are prayAL PASTOR MINISTRY CONSULTANT ing for him.

“Have con dence in your leaders and sub- his family by providing them a celebratory mit to their authority, because they keep dinner. Your church may decide to have a potwatch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, luck or catered dinner brought to the pastor’s home. This is a great way for the pastor and his VOICES not a burden, for that would be of no bene t family to enjoy good food and feel appreciatto you” (Heb. 13:17). ed at the same time.

A pastor’s work is never nA pastor’s work is never n- When the pandemic is over, ished. When he goes to bed ished. When he goes to bed invite the pastor and his faminvite the pastor and his famSunday evening, the last Sunday evening, the last ily over for dinner or take ily over for dinner or take thoughts on his mind are thoughts on his mind are them to a restaurant. them to a restaurant. the things that he will You might give him a You might give him a need to attend to the gift card to his favorite gift card to his favorite following week. Even place to eat and let him on his days o , the pas- go at his leisure. tor is never o . A sim- Third (this is my faple trip to the hardware vorite), appreciate vorite), appreciate store usually leads to a them all year long! them all year long! Ocministry encounter or two. ministry encounter or two. tober is a great time to tober is a great time to

October has become the October has become the show appreciation because show appreciation because month that many congregamonth that many congrega- it has been designated on the it has been designated on the tions say thank you to their pastors tions say thank you to their pastors calendar. However, to really cause calendar. However, to really cause for the hard work and dedication they for the hard work and dedication they your pastor to feel immense joy in his your pastor to feel immense joy in his show their churches throughout the year. work, have the church put together a plan to Does your church have anything planned for show their appreciation for him throughout your pastor this year? the year. Afterall, showing support and love to

Looking closely at the passage in Heb. your pastor every day is the best gift of all. As 13:17 which reads, “Do this so that their work the verse says, “Do this so that their work will be will be a joy, not a burden...” leads me to o er a joy, not a burden . . .” a few suggestions to help church members Do you know what happens when you support their pastors. show appreciation to your pastor? Your pas-

First, pray for your pastor, and let him tor will become a greater blessing to you. know that you are praying for him. Be- Heb. 13:17 implies that if we bring joy to a cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, the past pastor then we will bene t from his minnine months have been incredibly chal- istry. Over the years, I have noticed that lenging for most pastors. They had to nd congregations who bless their pastor with new ways to comfort their congregations encouragement and love are immensely and learn new technologies to bring people together to worship. Some churches had to suspend services, while others have been meeting virblessed by the work of their pastor. Perhaps it is God stirring the heart of the pastor, or perhaps the congregation’s heart is better prepared to receive the WORDSLINGERS BLOGFROM THE tually. For those that opened, worship ser- Word from their pastor. Maybe it’s both, vices have had limited attendance. Pastors’ but either way, time and time again, I have hearts have been heavy as they see their seen an enriched relationship between the churches a ected by the pandemic. church and the pastor when appreciation One pastor literally wept as he related the story of not being able to visit a church member at the hospital who was critically DAVE is demonstrated. Unquestionably, the way to be personally blessed is to love and encourage your pastor. SAYS

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTOKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

CP MONTH OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ COOPERATIVE PROGRAM

October is Cooperative Program month! Encourage your church to continue giving faithfully, because we can do more together. Give online through the link below: oklahomabaptists.org/give/cp

Second, consider blessing the pastor and

ANNUAL MEETING OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ LEADERSHIP

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the SBC Workspace website.

NEWS & CULTUREWORDSLINGERS BLOGFROM THE

RECLAIMING YOUR CHILDLIKE JOY DAVE SAYS >> CALEB MOORE Several times in Scripture we see Jesus use children as an example to what the Kingdom of heaven is like. I love these examples because it reminds me there are no grown-ups in heaven.

To be fair, I don’t know what age we will be in the next RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTOKLAHOMA BAPTISTS life. We could look 15 or 50, but the point I think Jesus often illustrates is that there is a certain childlike trust and innocence that are trademarks of His people. I think this means that heaven will be more like Peter Pan in Never Never Land than a business person in an of ce cubical. If heaven is like a playground, then perhaps hell may be more like a tiny cubical with poor lighting, no windows and an annoying co-worker who constantly steals your stapler.

My desire is to gure out how to begin to reclaim the childlike joy that will be ours in the future. There are a few basic biblical principals that I think we can apply to add a little bit more Peter Pan to our lives.

The rst thing that we need to deal with in order to be more childlike is learning how to deposit our stress and worries into the right place. You will always carry some amount of stress in your life, but the question should be what do you do with that stress?

To read the rest of Caleb’s blog visit, WORDSLINGERS BLOGFROM THE baptistmessenger.com/childlike-joy To read more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

DAVE SAYS

RELATIONSHIPS AND GIVING

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTOKLAHOMA BAPTISTSDear Dave, Do you have guidelines for giving when it comes to helping family members? My wife and I are both 52, we’re debt-free, and we have savings along with about $750,000 in retirement. We agree with you that it’s a bad idea to loan money to relatives, but we were hoping you could give us a little extra guidance. —Samuel

Dear Samuel,

I love that you have a helping and generous heart toward your family. Wanting to help is a noble and caring thing. Wanting to help in the best way possible for all concerned is a sign of maturity and wisdom.

The big thing is to make sure you’re helping someone get back on their feet, and make positive changes in their life. You’re not helping anyone when you give a drunk a drink, so you have to ask yourself if your generosity is really helping them or if you’re just enabling bad behavior. Also, you can’t give to a point where you’re putting your own household at risk. You have to continue to be responsible with your nances where your own family is concerned, as well.

This isn’t about being a control freak, Samuel. It’s about using the resources God has given you in a wise and responsible manner. In human terms, that means helping someone get out of a mess they’re in, while at the same time ensuring they’re working to make sure they never end up there again! —Dave

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CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY:

PASTOR JOB LISTING YOUTH VEHICLE

MUSIC MISC.

EMPLOYMENT

>> CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR: The Village Baptist OKC Personnel Committee is accepting resumes for a Christ honoring, loving individual to join our staff as Children’s Director. If God has called you to Children’s Ministry, email your resume to: vbcokcpersonnelcommittee@yahoo.com.

>> PASTOR: Highland Park Baptist Church in Duncan, OK is seeking a high energy, mission-minded pastor to lead our church. We are a mature, traditional congregation with a heart for change. Send resume to: hpbc@cableone.net or 1002 S. 10th St, Duncan, OK 73533.

>> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR YOUTH, CHILDREN & FAMILY: First Baptist Church Gower, Missouri is searching for an Associate Pastor of Youth, Children & Family Ministries. This is a F/T position. For full description, email: fbgowerpastorsearch@gmail.com.

>> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR STUDENTS

& MUSIC: Warner First Baptist Church, Warner, OK, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Associate Pastor for Students & Music. Please email resumes to: justin@warnerfbc.org.

>> F/T PASTOR: FBC Mannsville is seeking a F/T Pastor who preaches the mysteries of God’s Word, boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, lovingly disciple members to maturity. Send resume to: Search Committee, P.O. Box 67, Mannsville, OK, 73447 or mannsvillefbc@gmail.com.

>> F/T MINISTER OF STUDENTS: The First Baptist Church of Yukon, Oklahoma is seeking a F/T Minister of Students. We are seeking an experienced candidate, with a college education, & passion for ministry. Send resume to: clark@fbcyukon.com or 15 S. 6th St, Yukon, OK 73099.

>> P/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Please send resume to: Slaughterville Baptist Church, 10101 60th Street, Lexington, OK 73051.

>> F/T - P/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Wallace Avenue Baptist Church of Shawnee is seeking a F/T & P/T Associate Pastor with an emphasis in either worship or student ministry. For VOI more info please contact and send resumes to: Blake@wallaceave.com// wallaceave.com//FB & IG: @Wabcshawnee. CES to: P.O. Box 153, Keyes, OK 73947 or emailed to: fbckeyes@gmail.com. >> BI/VO PASTOR: GRAND OPPORTUNITY to >> BI/VO PASTOR: Canadian Valley Baptist reach lost souls for CHRIST in & around Strang, OK. Church in Yukon, Oklahoma is prayerfully seek- We are currently seeking a MISSION-MINDED BI/VO ing a BI/VO Pastor. Please submit recommen- Pastor at Strang FBC. Send resume or questions to: dations & resumes by November 20, 2020 to: strangfbc@gmail.com or Strang FBC P.O. Box 165, pastorsearch@canadianvalley.church or mail to: Strang, OK 74367-0165. P.O. Box 851944, Yukon, Oklahoma 73085-1944. >> F/T SENIOR PASTOR: First Baptist Church of >> F/T PASTOR: Crestview Baptist Church in Okla- Woodward, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Senior homa City is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Please Pastor. Before Nov. 8th, send resume & cover letsend resumes to: office@crestviewokc.org. ter to: First Baptist Church, Attn: Search Committee, jgage@hybriddrilling.com or 202 E. Hanks Trail, >> P/T MUSIC MINISTER: Fair Baptist in Em- Woodward, OK 73801. pire, OK is in search of P/T Music Minister to lead the body of Christ to the throne of God. If you feel >> F/T PASTOR: FBC Forgan, OK is prayerlead to be part of a growing church please, send re- fully seeking God’s man. Send resume to: sumes to: fair@fairbaptist.org. P.O. Box 9 Forgan, OK 73938. More info see: forganfbc.com or call (580) 461-0857. >> F/T DISCIPLESHIP/OUTREACH PASTOR: FBC Sapulpa is seeking a F/T Discipleship & Outreach >> F/T PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Lawton, OK is Pastor. Send resume, cover letter and references to: prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested canjamie@fbcsapulpa.com. didates should email a cover letter & resume to: personnel@calvarybaptistlawton.org or mail to: >> F/T KIDS PASTOR: NewPoint Church in Ponca Calvary Baptist Church, 715 H Ave, Lawton, OK 7350. City, OK is seeking a F/T KIDS Pastor to oversee all aspects of the Birth-5th Grade KIDS Ministry. Email >> BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: 40th Street Bapresumes to: kyle@newpoint.church. tist is asking God for the right person to be our Youth Minister. Please send resumes to: >> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church, Ft. Cobb, fortiethbc@yahoo.com, call Pastor Josh at (405) Oklahoma is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send 826-2654 or mail to: 40th Street Baptist Church, resume & cover letter to: First Baptist Church, Attn. 1801 NW 40th, OKC, 73118. Pastor Search Committee Box 87, Ft. Cobb, OK 73038 or email: fbcftcobb@yahoo.com. >> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: First Southern Baptist, Pahrump, NV is prayerfully seeking a F/Tor BI/ >> BI/VO PASTOR: Church is seek- VO Pastor. Interested candidates can mail resume ing BI/VO Pastor. Please email resume to: to: P.O. Box 399, Pahrump, NV 89041 or email to: wagonertwinoaksbc@yahoo.com or mail to: Twin 1stsobap@gmail.com. Oaks Baptist, 70076 S. 330 Rd, Wagoner, OK 74467. >> F/T STUDENT PASTOR: One Church Elk >> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Eastern Hills Baptist City is prayerfully seeking someone with priChurch in Claremore, Oklahoma is seeking a P/T or experience to lead & direct an established Worship Leader who has a heart & passion for lead- youth ministry. Send resume & references to: ing God’s people in worship. Please send your re- onechurchelkcity@gmail.com. sume to: kmacken@kamopower.com. >> F/T PASTOR: New Hope Baptist Church, Tecum>> BI/VO OR F/T PASTOR: Osage Heights Baptist seh, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Please email Church is prayerfully seeking a Pastor. Email resume resume along with current sermon video or link to with cover letter to: 1945OHBC@gmail.com or mail sermons to: newhopesecretary@gmail.com or mail to: to: Attention Pastor Search Committee, 142 Tapp Rd 37496 New Hope Road, Tecumseh, OK 74873. Ponca City, OK 74604. Parsonage onsite. >> P/T CHILDREN’S MINISTER: First Baptist >> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: First Baptist Church Church, Tecumseh, OK is accepting applications for Keyes, located in the Oklahoma Panhandle, is seek- a P/T Children’s Minister. Call (405) 598-3778 for an ing a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Resumes may be mailed application or send a resume to: 301 S. Broadway, Tecumseh, OK 74873.

>> SONG LEADER: Opportunity to serve the Lord & earn extra money as Song Leader at Willieo Baptist Church located in the Inola area. For more information contact Linda Froman at (918) 341-1605 or send resume to: Willieo Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1304, Inola, OK 74036.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Wilson Community Baptist Church in Henryetta, OK is accepting resumes for a BI/VO Pastor. Mail Resume to: WCBC 8849 Chestnut Rd, Henryetta, OK 74437 or email to: tkuykendall@gmail.com.

>> F/T SENIOR PASTOR: Mammoth Baptist Church, Meeker is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor. Please submit resumes to: P.O. Box 642, Meeker, OK 74855 or email to: mammothchurch@gmail.com. Deadline to submit resumes is November 20, 2020.

>> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Mount Hermon Church, located in Jay, Oklahoma is prayerfully looking for a BI/VO or F/T Senior Pastor who is passionate in sharing the Gospel. For more information or to submit a resume, please email: colewheeler36@gmail.com.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Crown Heights Baptist Church seeking BI/VO Pastor with a desire to reach the lost & disciple the Church family. Located in a challenging area of OKC. Send resumes to: CHBC, 4802 N. Western, OKC 73118. or email: chbc.okc@coxinet.net.

MISCELLANEOUS

>> CHURCH IN NEED OF DONATED ITEMS: Miracle Baptist Temple Church, a new OKC area church, is in need of donated items including a pulpit, chairs & more. Please contact Pastor Louis Rogers at (405) 371-7179 about donating these items. Thank you and God bless!

>> BIBLE REPAIR & RESTORATION: Study & family Bibles. Hand sewn, fine stamped leather. McSpadden Book Bindery, 911 W. Benedict, Shawnee, OK 74801 www.mcspaddenbookbindery.com (405) 275-7788.

>> CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL: “Gathered Around The Manger” is a 24 day devotional journey for you and your family to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas. Available on Amazon www.amazon.com/dp/B08JVKFTMB.

ACROSS

1 Gray-haired, maybe 5 Ogle 9 Ukrainian port (var.) 14 Feet after a journey, maybe 15 Red sky in the morning, perhaps 16 Wall hanging 17 Toward 5 Down, a journey of the __ 18 Calendar info 19 “Go...and __ all nations” (Matt. 28:19) 20 Computer code letters 22 Mother __ 24 Investigator (Abbr.)

CROSSWORD

25 Some missionaries 27 Press 31 Belle’s partner 32 Desire (with “for”) 34 Korean ute 35 They journeyed from the East 38 “No seats available” (Abbr.) 40 Less unkind 42 Paradises 44 “__ ‘em,” dog’s command 46 Mission eld 47 “Even the __ and the sea obey him!” (Matt. 8:27) 48 Journeyer away from Sodom 50 Story 51 Wide shoe size 52 Bible metal 55 Journeyer’s drink, perhaps 57 Scam 59 Non-eater 61 Company (Fr.) 64 25 Across would preach this 66 Skeins 68 African church locale 71 Samoan capital 73 Clue 74 Un tting 75 Legal claim 76 Robert __, Confederate Army o cer (2 words) 77 “Nor height, nor __” can keep us from His love (Rom. 8:39) 78 See 58 Down 79 Mediterranean and Aegean (Fr.)

DOWN

1 Syrian gure 2 Christmas bird 3 Belch 4 Sandwich source 5 17 Across focus 6 Dilettantes 7 Pentecost preacher 8 Spirit-infused power 9 Horse’s breakfast 10 Many a journey’s motivation 11 New Testament, e.g. 12 Joey’s home 13 Brimstone leavings 21 Freezer nd 23 “Light of the body is the __” (Matt. 6:22) 26 Melodic syllables 28 Ghana traveler’s destination, maybe 29 Shore souvenir 30 Crowd of people 31 “__ him hand and foot” (Matt. 22:13) 33 Vane dir. (Abbr.) 35 Pussy cat 36 “Bye-bye” 37 DNAs 39 Anointing uid 41 Itty-bitty bit 43 Speedy travel choice, once 45 More expensive 49 Digit 53 Doubts 54 Incendiary substance 56 “They passed through the Red sea as by __ land” (Heb. 11:29) 58 78 Across destination, once 60 Old photo nish 61 U.S. surgeon George Washington 62 17 Across journey 63 Colorado park 65 Solemn promise 67 “Pssst!” 68 Barnyard baby 69 Hydrocarbon su x 70 Need after a long journey, maybe 72 “If __ man will come after me” (Matt. 16:24)