BCM Students ‘Go’ with Gospelthe
Carissa Jones
MESSENGER STAFF
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THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
One of the great ministries of Oklahoma Baptists, and one of the many reasons our churches partner together to give through the Cooperative Program, is Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM).
I don’t think we can overstate the importance of evangelism and disciple-making on college campuses. Most of us are aware of multiple studies that reveal approximately two-thirds of Protestant college students drop out of church for at least one year between the ages of 18-22. A recent article published by Lifeway states that the average college campus in North America is less than 5 percent reached with the Gospel and that 1,174 college campuses in North America have no Gospel community. However, the good news is that Gen Z (current college students) are very open to spiritual conversations and the sparks of revival are being seen on campuses across our country. All of this to say, now is a great time to reach college students with the Gospel and the ministry of BCM is a very worthwhile investment!
I want to take a moment and tell you about one particular BCM in our state. A few years ago, I spoke to the BCM students at Oklahoma State University (OSU). About 400 of them gathered at a Baptist church near campus. Some even sat on the floor as I recall. I spoke that night on the historicity/reliability/authority of Scripture. I spoke fast and covered a large amount of material, some of it quite complex.
The students listened intently the entire time and when I was done, formed a line to ask me thoughtful questions, which I answered for about an hour. They wanted to know where they could study more on this topic and how they could talk to their friends about the trustworthiness
of Scripture. I was so incredibly impressed with these students and their maturity in the Lord and hunger to know Him and His Word better. I knew that night that God was doing something amazing at this BCM.
Fast forward to today. The BCM at OSU has outgrown that church building and now meets at another church that isn’t near campus. However, that hasn’t deterred them. Recently, they had over 600 at one of their weekly gatherings. The number of students coming to faith in Christ and the depth of discipleship among them is simply amazing. OSU BCM director Paul Lewis and his team are doing such an incredible job there! Praise the Lord for the work he is doing among these students!
After a long time of preparation and prayer it’s now time to help our BCM at OSU have their own building. Imagine the potential if this BCM had its own building adjacent to campus? We have the property and the building plans. We just need to make it a reality! Would you join me in praying for God’s provision for this building? And would you consider making a gift toward this worthwhile project of building our OSU BCM a home?
You can read more about the OSU BCM and make a gift toward the building at this link: osubcm.org/building
Thank you for your partnership in advancing the Gospel together!
Serving Jesus with You,
Todd Fisher
Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer
TAKE HEART
It’s Spring storm season in Oklahoma, and our Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) volunteers are already at work, trying to serve people in need—to bring “hope and help,” all in the Name of Jesus.
When disaster strikes, Oklahoma Baptist DR will be there for people. This calls to mind that Oklahoma Baptist DR has been there, through the decades, in countless disaster situations.
In a recent trip to New Orleans Seminary, I was reminded that when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and caused widespread damage and loss of life in 2005, Oklahoma Baptist DR was there.
At the same time, I was also stunned and saddened to hear about areas of the city that had never fully recovered from Katrina’s devastating effects, so significant was the damage and aftereffects.
Thinking about all this as an analogy for life: there are many individuals who have experienced such traumatic or difficult events in life that they have never fully healed. It could be any number of issues—medical, relational, personal, financial or spiritual. Some people have experienced a wound so severe it has never healed.
There’s a powerful scene in the Lord of the Rings book in which the hero, “Frodo Baggins,” is wounded (almost fatally) by evil creatures stabbing him in the shoulder with a sword. The wise sage of Tolkien’s work, “Gandalf the Wizard” then says, “That wound will never fully heal. He will carry it the rest of his life.”
Now, I’m no licensed counselor or pastor, but I have learned where we can turn in difficult times. Christians can and should look to Jesus for inspiration, healing and help. Jesus Himself was mistreated and reviled more than any person. And yet He said these words, “I have
told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In Jesus, we truly have a helper and One who can sympathize with our pains and wounds (Hebrews 4:15-16).
There are also many biblically-informed resources out there for people who are looking for healing. In a recent podcast episode with author and chaplain Nick Hamilton, we discussed how “Trauma often disrupts a person’s faith in God. At times, it even causes people to feel as though they have lost their faith in God altogether.” But there is hope. That episode can be heard at baptistmessenger.com/podcast
Hamilton’s book, Making Friends with Darkness, speaks to those who have “PTSD and moral injury recovery with an approach from the Scriptures, providing a plan that is non-formulaic, helps people heal from their trauma, and helps remove barriers to God.”
In the end, life’s hurts can hinder our relationship with God. But it’s God Himself who can and wants to restore us and make us whole—in this life, and ultimately in resurrection life.
If there’s a hurt you are carrying in life today, this season can be a reminder to take it to the Lord. Seek His hope, His healing and His presence. And let’s all remember to “take heart,” because Jesus has overcome!
Brian Hobbs
Oklahoma Baptists Editor
May 21-23, 2026
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Connected to Jesus
Last time we left off with our zip lining escapades in Mindo, Ecuador. I thought I might finish that particular story before I got away from talking about our experiences in Ecuador.
There is a famous line in the movie Forrest Gump that says, “Stupid is as stupid does.” I had to look that up to see what it meant. But I couldn’t use it. My wife is not a fan of the word “stupid.” Although I thought it was kind of stupid, I sincerely tried to quit using that word. So, my version of that line from Forrest Gump is “dumb is as dumb does.”
It doesn’t carry quite the punch but perhaps communicates something that I often struggle with. For some reason, I can get involved in the dumbest things without even trying. I can be minding my own business and dumb can jump on me like a chicken on a June bug. I can be completely innocent (relatively speaking) and dumb can just out of nowhere get me in some of the craziest situations.
Such it was at the Ecuadorian ziplines. You might remember from our last time together, that they harnessed me in what appeared to be a well-used harness, put a Styrofoam bicycle helmet on my head (since we Ligons are famous for our Ligon noggins, the Styrofoam bicycle helmet didn’t fit very well and just barely had enough strap to tie the thing on my head). And then, off the platform I went sailing over a valley that was somewhere between 1-10 miles deep. If the thing broke and sent me crashing into the valley floor, I don’t think the bicycle helmet was going to be much help. I mean, what would the odds be of me landing on my head?
Once I got to the end of that first zipline, I told the young Ecuadorian men that was plenty for me, and I would just go back and get in the car thank you very much. They informed me that the only way to get back to the car was to go through all of the ziplines. And there would be 15 of those.
So there was only one thing to do. Stop whimpering. OK, there was another thing to do: keep going.
The next zipline was tied to a tree that was about as big around as a basketball. The first one of our
group took a running jump and was zipping across another valley to the side of another mountain. But I as stood there watching this unfold, I noticed the tree that the zipline was tied to was straining with all of its might to keep its roots as deep as possible in the rocky side of the mountain. I truly thought the tree was going to come out of the ground. Since the first guy that did that was a scrawny one, I decided my extra heft would be all it would take to pull the tree loose.
Needless to say, I was more unhappy about the second zipline than the first. Because there was nothing else to do, I let them connect my harness to the zipline and then the two young Ecuadorian men literally shoved me off the side of the mountain. They were traitors, I tell you. Traitors.
And once again, there I was zipping through Ecuadorian airspace like an idiot. Did I mention dumb just sneaks up on me sometimes? I got saved about four times on my way across the valley to the other mountain. And so it was that I eventually, finally finished all of the ziplines.
Once I got back to the starting place and got my harness unhooked from that demonic last zipline, I did a very “Pope-like” thing and kissed the ground profusely. Of course, that got some dirt and a few pebbles in my mouth (don’t ask me how). Little did I know how sticky Ecuadorian dirt and little rocks can be, and I couldn’t even wash my mouth out with water.
Here are some things to think about. First, ziplines are not for the faint of heart. If you are prone to cussing a little, stay off ziplines. Second, although you can’t get saved more than once, stay away from things like ziplines that make you think you aren’t saved—and you need to be over and over. Third, if you are going to anchor your life to a tree or anything else make sure it is strong enough to hold you. In other words, make sure you are connected to Jesus.
Joe Ligon
Oklahoma Baptists Sr. Associate Executive Director
Spring Break, Gospel Style: BCM Students ‘Go’ with the Gospel
Few people associate Spring Break and college students with advancing the Gospel, but such is not the case for hundreds of Oklahoma Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) students. In addition to local projects, teams from 22 Oklahoma campuses traveled to six different U.S. states and the Czech Republic this Spring Break with the goal of growing in Christ and sharing His love with the lost.
MULTIPLY CONFERENCE
Approximately 200 students from three BCMs attended the Multiply Conference at the Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs. The conference equips students to become disciples who make disciples by bringing together “big frogs” (mature believers) and “tadpoles” (students desiring to grow in their faith).
“The Multiply Conference really helped me understand God’s heart to draw near to me and use me to make disciples both here and from all nations,” said University of Oklahoma (OU) student Benjamin Edwards.
Though the conference focuses primarily on discipleship, some students also make proclamations of faith there. Caelen Montgomery, who attended with the University of Central Oklahoma BCM, encountered the Lord in a very
powerful and personal way. As she was preparing to go to sleep one night, she prayed, “Lord, I know you—or at least I’m trying to—but do you know me? If so, will you give me a visible sign?”
While out hiking the next day, she heard a voice three times say, “John 14:6.” She stopped in the middle of her hike, pulled out her Bible, and read, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” That led her to read further in John 14 and the recognition that God truly knows her. One night after asking God to give her a sign, she had her answer and her life changed forever.
“Wednesday night I fully submitted and gave my life to Christ,” said Montgomery.
PONDEROSA CAMP
Thirty minutes down the road from Glen Eyrie, students from the Carl Albert State College (CASC) and Eastern Oklahoma State College BCMs got to work at Ponderosa Camp, the state camp of Colorado Baptists.
“Ponderosa serves Colorado and the surrounding region as a light for the Gospel,” said CASC BCM director Clay Phillips. “Our students had the privilege of contributing to this mission through hands-on service projects.”
While manual labor projects are often unglamorous, CASC student Braedy Wardrope appreciated the opportunity.
“To serve in a capacity that isn’t noticed by many yet benefits the Kingdom of God was eye-opening and rewarding—something we will carry with us forever,” she said.
SERVING COMMUNITIES
Manual labor also provided opportunities for the eight BCMs who came together in Beaumont, Texas. The group worked with Nehemiah’s Vision, a partnership that began in 2023 when the Rogers State University (RSU) BCM sought opportunities to help with storm recovery in the area.
Shannon Cross, the BCM Director at RSU, took 33 students that year.
“It was so successful that we kept going back and adding more BCMs and people,” said Cross.
This year, 100 people made the trek to help work on homes affected by natural disasters and build wheelchair ramps at homes of people with impaired mobility.
The group met spiritual needs as well and encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones.
“Our quietest student found his voice,” said Jay Kindsvater, BCM Director at Redlands Community College. “He shared his testimony three times during the trip.”
Another Gulf community, Westwego, La., likewise benefited from Oklahoma BCM students giving their Spring Break to share the Gospel and serve the community. Three BCMs partnered with the Westwego, La., First to meet tangible needs.
Oklahoma City University (OCU) student Carson Patton lauded Westwego for their ongoing, intentional efforts to be a light for Christ in their community.
“I know that the work we did (in Westwego) will help the church continue to reach their community for the Kingdom of God,” he said.
The trip also unified the team, as many of them had never met previously. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M student Raylyn Yoder said that it “was an amazing representation of the body of Christ coming together for one purpose— to know God and make Him known.” This new bond empowered them in their work.
“We could tackle whatever He was calling us to do,” said Yoder, “and by the end of the week we all walked away with a better understanding of how to serve the Lord anywhere we go.”
BEACH REACH
Three BCM teams from Oklahoma State University (OSU) and the Tulsa metro returned to Panama City, Fla. to minister to their peers through Beach Reach.
“It’s always very heartbreaking and eye opening,” said Tulsa Community College student Francisco Orbe. “Talking to so many people that are my age, lost, and searching for happiness but not finding it definitely gives me urgency to share Jesus.”
These three groups combined to pray with 950 beach goers, share the Gospel with more than 700 of those and lead more than 30 people to the Lord throughout the week.
“This trip was such a blessing because I got to see how the Lord uses us in so many different ways,” said OSU student Jaycie Adams. “Even when it seemed like we had nothing in common, Christ found a way to speak through me.”
SACRED CITY CHURCH
While students from the Northeastern State University BCM partnered with local churches to minister in Arizona and the Czech Republic, a group from the BCM at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) headed to Providence, R.I. to work with Sacred City Church in a variety of ways.
“My favorite part of the trip was by far the survey evangelism,” said Sophia Walker. “These surveys really just opened the door to so many Gospel conversations with both believers and non-believers, which was so beautiful!”
Walker will return to Providence this summer, spending six weeks serving Sacred City through the North American Mission Board’s GenSend program.
“There are so many opportunities to share the Gospel and be a light in the darkness, so I can’t wait,” Walker said. “God is moving in and through Sacred City and Providence. I am so excited to see what God has in store this summer!”
Oklahoma Baptists State BCM Director Chad Coleman, who joined the SWOSU team this year, applauds the students for taking advantage of the opportunity to use their Spring Break for Kingdom purposes.
“What makes BCM Spring Break trips so powerful is not just what happens there, but what happens after as students return further equipped and discipled, ready to multiply ministry on their campuses and in their churches,” Coleman said.
Carissa Jones
Oklahoma Baptists
Baptist Collegiate Ministries Assistant
CROSSWORD
Note: Bible translations may vary for
ACROSS
1 Plan details, for short 6 “Yikes!” 10 Arabic alphabet start
Supple 15 He came to __
False prophets __ as Messiah
Comics orphan
18 “Is a __ between me and death” (1 Sam. 20:3 niv)
19 His __ will have no end
20 Last Supper, e.g.
21 __ relief, sculptural feature 22 He would be __ from death
Donkey pull
Bethlehem in Jesus’ time, e.g.
WORDSEARCH
27 Docked
Coffee 31 Annoyed
32 Not one of His __ would be broken
33 With Insp., a book section 36 Chili con __
37 Pan go-with
38 “Like as corn is sifted in a __” (Amos 9:9)
40 In the manner of (Fr.) (2 words)
41 Twilights (poet.)
43 Land under Ahasuerus’s reign 44 Herb Pharisees would tithe 45 His arms would __ 4 Down
46 He would __ into heaven
49 Hourly pay
50 Spirit helps us __ in faith
51 Holy Innocent, e.g. 52 Chestnut horse
56 Riyadh dweller 57 Metric weight unit
DOWN 1 Bang 2 Christmas tree
3 Bunsen burner
4 “Suffer little __...to come unto me” (Matt. 19:14)
5 He would cause the blind to __
6 Student’s paper
7 Pistols (slang)
8 “__ Maria”
9 Corrupt
10 Easter month, often
11 Plague pest
12 Small land mass
13 He would __ the hungry
21 He will judge good and __
23 Gathering
25 He will be our __
26 They will pierce His __
27 Mineral group
28 Jesus’ teaching, e.g.
29 Summer veggie
30 We are “__-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17)
59 Church feature 60 Mongolian desert
61 Halo
62 Actor’s parts
63 Smithsonian (Abbr.)
64 Ditch (var.)
65 Calvary sight
32 “ Fragrant __, the work of a perfumer” (Ex. 30:25 niv)
33 Start over
34 He would atone for __
35 He would __ His sheep
39 “I am not...___ to the ‘superapostles’” (2 Cor. 12:11 niv)
42 He would be given __ to drink
45 Jesus would __ with sinners
46 Rod of __, tabernacle item
47 Jesus’ side piercings, e.g.
48 Biblical measurement
49 He would be born of one
50 They would come to worship Him
51 KJV weed
53 Norwegian city
54 Beers
55 Loch __ monster
58 See 44 across
59 Rainbow shape
WORDS
Note: The word clues are chosen by Messenger staff, while the puzzles and letters surrounding the clues are computer-generated at
Church NEWS
PIERCE RECEIVES INAUGURAL ‘TRANSFORMATION IN AGING’ AWARD
Long-serving President and CEO of Baptist Village Communities (BVC), Bill Pierce, was recognized with the inaugural Dr. Bill Pierce Transformation in Aging Award at the 2026 LeadingAge Oklahoma Annual Conference. Pierce was honored by Claire Dowers-Nichols, Chief Executive Officer of LeadingAge Oklahoma, who recognized his extraordinary contributions to senior adult services in Oklahoma and across the nation. Pierce has served for 35 years, leading BVC through decades of growth and innovation in senior housing and services.
ADA, FIRST INDIAN CELEBRATES 75 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
On Sat., March 7, Ada, First Indian celebrated their 75 year anniversary. Oklahoma Baptists Native American ministry partner Emerson Falls presented the church with a certificate in recognition of this milestone. “The Lord has brought us a long way from our start as a mission under Ada First Baptist in 1951,” the church wrote in a Facebook post. “We are grateful for the blessings we have received over the years and look forward to the Lord’s plans for us in the next 75 years.”
TRIBUTES
Albert Quick died Feb. 18. He was pastor of the Sumner Church from 1983-2022.
Mary Bauer died Feb. 25. She was a dedicated servant at the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma for 33 years, where she worked in various roles including as executive assistant to James Swain, Equipping Team Leader. She also served as Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Assistant to the late Ron Fannin, who had served as Senior Assoc. Executive Director for Oklahoma Baptists. Mary, who also served with the Baptist Messenger, was also a charter member of the Singing Church Women of Oklahoma.
Darlene Riley died Feb. 18. She was the wife of Jim Riley, pastor of Lone Wolf, First.
Jo Richards died Feb. 22. She retired in September 1999 after serving in different areas for 19.5 years with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, and was the widow of Vernon Richards, one of Oklahoma’s hosts for mission volunteers in Malawi, who died Feb. 6, 2021 in Lilongwe of an apparent heart attack.
Jimmy Anderson died March 2. Anderson was a nationally-known Native American evangelist and preacher who served for more than 50 years. Read more at baptistmessenger.com.
Don Clark died March 6. He was pastor at Dewar, First and Lone Grove, First, an evangelist and former DOM/ AMS at Enon and Johnston-Marshall associations. He founded Don Clark Ministries and served at evangelistic meetings in Russia, Romania, Ukraine, Brazil, Argentina, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominica, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Scotland, as well as in 15 states. He had a weekly radio program, “A Moment with the Book,” on KQCV in Oklahoma and KVSO in Alaska.
PASTOR In Focus
VERN CHARETTE
Pastor, First Baptist Church
Coweta, Oklahoma
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY? CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT WHERE ALL GOD HAS HAD YOU SERVE IN MINISTRY?
I met my wife, Jennifer, at Falls Creek, June 18, 1991. We have a stone outside of the tabernacle commemorating that special day. We were married two years later at Park Hill Baptist in Tahlequah. After a few years of working and preaching as an evangelist and while doing “Experiencing God,” the Lord called me to start a formal educational journey. So, at the age of 26, this high school dropout and GED graduate enrolled at Oklahoma Baptist University. Jen worked, I went to school and preached. This would be our journey for the next several years, as I went to school in Memphis and Fort Worth, finally graduating with my Ph.D. After serving in evangelism for more than two decades and preaching all over the country, God opened the door for me teach homiletics at Southwestern Seminary. I would spend 7 years at Southwestern as a professor and evangelist. During this time, God allowed Jen and I to adopt a precious baby boy that we named Christian, after the character in Pilgrims Progress. Shortly after that, I felt God calling me into the pastorate. We returned home to Oklahoma and by the providence of God I am now in my 8th year as senior pastor at Coweta, First. Jen has been with me the whole way and that precious baby boy is now 12 and about to enter our youth department.
WHAT A GREAT TESTIMONY! THE LORD HAS GIVEN YOU A HEART FOR EVANGELISM. NEW REPORTS SHOW THAT BAPTISMS ARE DECLINING IN THE SBC. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT SOME KEYS TO EVANGELISM?
I think it begins with a burden. I am preaching through Acts right now and we get a snapshot of Paul’s burden that drove his missionary journeys in Romans 9:1-3. I believe that our beloved SBC Zion has, generally speaking, become somewhat apathetic. It is like the man that said to his friend, “I believe the two greatest problems in the world today are ignorance and apathy. What do you think?” His friend said, “I don’t know and I don’t care.” Truth be told, many of us just don’t care. If we’ll become burdened for the lost, evangelism will follow. It is the burden to see people become worshipers of the Triune God that should motivate us. It is what drove me to do evangelistic preaching last Tuesday night at the Salvation Army homeless shelter in Tulsa. It is also what drives me to share my faith in one on one situations. It begins with a burden. Get that settled and the various methods will naturally follow.
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE WAYS THE LORD HAS BEEN WORKING THROUGH YOUR CHURCH IN COWETA?
God has been doing some amazing things as we focus on inviting people to our living room (corporate worship), moving them to our dining room (small groups), and ultimately getting them to the kitchen (outreach and mission teams) where they can serve and share others. Besides the normal amount of discipleship opportunities, we have a number of unique spaces God has allowed us to serve. For example, last summer we took a team of nearly 30 people to a Sioux reservation in South Dakota and are currently gearing up to go to different reservation. We have a Horse Camp ministry every Summer for kids and youth. We have partnered with several community ministries which have allowed us to serve free meals, gather food for local food banks, as well as feed and worship in the Tulsa Salvation Army. We have an ongoing prison discipleship ministry in Lexington prison. We have members that volunteer at the Hope Pregnancy Center. I am teaching a new converts class and we are about to baptize four brand new believers, all adult men. In short, Aslan is on the move!
YOU’RE A FREQUENT SPEAKER AT EVENTS AND MINISTRIES. WHO HAS HELPED SHAPE YOUR MINISTRY AND CALLING?
I was led to the Lord and discipled early by an African American named Jesse Joyner. I always emphasize the fact that Jesse was black mainly because I want people to know that the Gospel overcomes racial barriers. Jesse, who now resides in glory, was the first to pour into my life. I have been blessed through the years to have various Aquila and Priscillas pour into my life, several who now reside in glory. Some of these have been highly educated professors, others just “ordinary” pastors, but all of them a massive part of who I have grown to be. Being part Native American, and having cut my teeth in our Native churches and ministries, I am extremely grateful, especially for those in that special community, for their investment in me. I have become, by grace, “scholarship on fire,” I have been blessed to wed both head and heart, all for the glory of God. I believe that is why God has opened up so many doors for me.
YOUR CHURCH IS A LEADER IN MISSIONS AND GIVING. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR CHURCHES TO GIVE THROUGH THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM?
Simply put, because I believe in the Cooperative Program (CP). The sun never sets on the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) for a reason. Not only does it allow us to put thousands of missionaries on the field, it allows us to touch the world with so many ministries, few of which our churches could be partnered with if we were alone. We determined that we were going to give a charitable percentage of our budget to the CP as we have been able personally to receive and see the benefits of our giving. Bottom line, our giving touches the world and this allows all of us, big and small, to play a part. Thank you for allowing us to participate. Editor’s Note: Photos provided.
2026 ADVANCE CONFERENCE WRAP-UP
MOORE — Hundreds of Oklahoma Baptists attended the annual Advance Conference, March 2-3 at Moore, First. This annual event focuses on equipping pastors and church leaders with skills and methods to improve the mission work in their church.
Alan Quigley opened the first session by welcoming everyone and highlighting the speakers who were about to present. After that, Oklahoma City, Quail Springs’ worship team led in praise.
Monty Patton, Arizona Mission Network, spoke during the first session of the Advance Conference from John and Peter. He focused on instructing pastors in finding the “one” person to minister to. The core of missions is taking the Gospel to those who haven’t heard it and make disciples.
Another advantage to discipling one person or a group of people is that pastors can find the person they want to replace them. The next generation of disciple makers can only be made by those who are willing to make disciples. Patton warned pastors not to take on more than they are prepared for and only focus on the important things.
Following a lunch break, Oklahoma City, Quail Springs pastor Connor Bales called pastors to focus more on disability ministry. As a father who has two children with disabilities, Bales is dedicated to reaching those in the church who are often unreached.
Another set of worship was led by Oklahoma City, Quail Springs before Bales returned for the second session. He emphasized the importance of listening to what the Lord is saying and baptism. He also encouraged pastors to not stay silent, saying that words are required to preach the Gospel.
After a short break and time of worship, Mark Croston, National Director of Black Church Ministries for Lifeway, spoke on the steps of discipling: Teach, Train, Tutor, Test, Repeat. Croston said that the average church goer is not good at discipling, but by following the steps they can get better.
Then Zack Randles, pastor at Washington, D.C., Waterfront, delivered the final sermon for Monday. Randles focused on what the Gospel was made for, sinners, and that pastors need to be willing to get their hands dirty to reach those who are lost. He reminded pastors that it takes time for movements to begin and to rely on God’s timing for all things.
The next day, Tues., March 3, began with numerous breakout sessions that covered all areas of ministry. Topics included children’s ministry, artificial intelligence usage in the church, how to evangelize and more. After two sets of breakouts, attendees took a lunch break before returning for the final session of the Advance Conference.
Joe Sherrer opened the pre-session with guidance on how pastors should structure their Sunday Schools. He said that classes should focus on teaching, outreach and ministry, being genuine in wanting to teach those who attend.
Finally, Robert Smith, Distinguished Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, spoke for the final session of the Advance Conference. He opened with an explanation of “imago dei,” image of God, and “missio dei,” the mission of God. Smith reminded pastors that they must be focused on both by proclaiming the Gospel and magnifying Who God is.
For more information on Advance Conference, visit oklahomabaptists.org/evangelism/advanceconference/.
Join us throughout the year in praying for our missionaries, serving locally and around the world!
2026 MISSIONARY Prayer Guide
Who & Where Why How to Pray
As the BCM Director at Tulsa Community College, Riley ministers to college students through evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, missions, church partnership, campus relationships, and recruitment. The mission of TCC BCM is to give students a chance to consider Jesus, and equip them to follow Him through all of life.
Pray that the Lord of the harvest would send laborers in His harvest.
Pray that the Lord would call students to Himself to become fishers of men.
Pray that the Lord would use Riley, his family, and those involved with the TCC BCM to make disciples of all nations.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief has been serving in some of the most devastating crises in the state and nation for more than 50 years. With more than 5,000 trained volunteers, it is considered to be one of the largest disaster relief ministries in the Southern Baptist Convention. Experienced volunteers working side by side stand always ready to help those impacted by the devastating effects of disasters. They offer help and hope, meeting people at their point of greatest need.
Anna and Seth serve as missionaries in São Paulo, where they focus on sharing the Gospel and making disciples among the many university students in the city. They do this by building relationships on campus, engaging in evangelism, and helping students grow in their faith and reach others with the Good News.
Please pray that as disaster relief volunteers go to wherever they are needed, they would be safe and effective.
Pray those impacted by natural disasters would have hearts that are soft toward Jesus and His Gospel of salvation.
Pray victims of disaster would know that Jesus loves them through the actions of disaster relief volunteers.
Pray that Anna and Seth would grow in their ability to communicate the Gospel of Jesus clearly and naturally in Portuguese.
Pray for open doors on university campuses, since missionaries are not allowed on campuses.
Pray for Gospel encounters, that unbelieving students would come to know Christ and that young believers would grow as disciples who share their faith with others.
Pray for the Oklahoma Baptists who are serving through the International Mission Board in areas of the world that are so dangerous we cannot reveal their names or where they serve, not just for the safety of these missionaries, but for those under their care who choose to follow Jesus. The majority of these workers serve in countries where other religions and spiritism are deeply entrenched in the cultures. These are some of the greatest challenges to overcome.
Pray the Spirit will give the workers boldness and discernment of when and with whom to share.
Pray for the protection of the families physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
Pray indigenous new believers will be bold to share as God builds His church among them.
Riley Sowell Secure Country
Oklahoma Disaster Relief
Anna & Seth Moles
2025 Year-End Giving Report
Through your Cooperative Program giving, together Oklahoma Baptists are advancing the Gospel in our state and around the world through missions and ministry.
Scan the QR code to see information about your church’s giving through the Cooperative Program.
Baptist Village Communities Announces President/CEO Search
Baptist Village Communities is prayerfully seeking its next President and Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization into its next chapter of mission-focused service and growth.
This leadership opportunity is ideal for an experienced executive who is deeply committed to Christian ministry and passionate about serving older adults with dignity, compassion, and excellence. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and CEO will provide strategic leadership for Baptist Village Communities’ statewide organization, guiding operations, financial stewardship, executive leadership, and key external relationships while ensuring continued alignment with BVC’s mission and long-term vision.
The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated senior leadership experience in senior living, healthcare, or a closely related field, along with strong operational insight, financial acumen, and the ability to lead with wisdom, humility, and integrity in a complex and evolving environment. This individual must affirm the most recent version of the Baptist Faith and Message and be a member of a cooperating Southern Baptist Church.
As a servant leader, the next President and CEO will play a vital role in strengthening Baptist Village Communities’ impact across Oklahoma while building upon its legacy of faith-based care.
Qualified candidates with experience in senior living, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, or faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply at baptistvillage.org/president/.
MINISTRY FACTS
CHILD-FOCUSED CARE
98 children served.
19 lived in College and Career.
21 accepted Christ.
FAMILY-FOCUSED CARE
89 children served.
40 mothers served.
5 accepted Christ.
HOPE PREGNANCY MINISTRIES
2,883 individuals served.
843 ultrasounds, 81% chose life.
68 accepted Christ.
FOSTER CARE MINISTRIES
33 C.A.R.E.S presentations made.
16 church partnerships developed.
25 community partnerships developed.
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18 (NLT) For 123 years, Oklahoma Baptists have answered the call to provide for the needs of children and their families served by Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC). Our mission to show and share the love of Christ flows from a verse in 1 John 3 that teaches us that love is ultimately seen in what we do. Thank you for making a tangible and eternal impact in the lives of children and their families!
In His Service,
Dr. James L. Swain