August 2025

On Mission Together

Todd Fisher

Impactful Summer at Falls Creek, CrossTimbers Staff

MESSENGER STAFF

Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@oklahomabaptists.org

Katie Brown | Ministry Assistant kbrown@oklahomabaptists.org

Brook Daniel | Graphic Designer bdaniel@oklahomabaptists.org

Jacob King | Staff Writer jking@oklahomabaptists.org

Bob Nigh | Contributing Writer bnigh@oklahomabaptists.org

CONNECT WITH US

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The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 0744-9518) is published monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 300 Johnny Bench Dr., Suite 300, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 36,536. Individual subscriptions are available upon request. When writing for a change of address or a subscription renewal, please include a copy of your mailing label. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Baptist Messenger, 300 Johnny Bench Dr., Suite 300, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104. Phone number is (405)-942-3000.

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

ON MISSION TOGETHER

Every year, Oklahoma Baptist churches come together to participate in the Edna McMillan Oklahoma State Missions Offering, which propels key Gospel missions and ministry across our state.

The State Missions Offering funds critical ministries that are reaching people for Jesus—ministries like Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, Multivocational Pastors encouragement, Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) and foster care ministry.

When you give to the State Missions Offering, you are investing directly in Kingdom work happening right here in Oklahoma.

At the QR code and website link, you will find ways you and your church can pray, give and serve.

Among the missions education resources provided here, you will find impactful videos that can be shown during a worship service that highlight the impact God is making through our combined efforts.

You will see stories of how Oklahoma Baptists, through the State Missions Offering, are:

1. Reaching students on 39 college campuses across Oklahoma with the Gospel and discipleship ministries through Baptist Collegiate Ministries;

2. Supporting and serving multivocational and smallerin-attendance church pastors who are making a gospel impact on their communities; and

3. Propelling foster care ministry and outreach in the local church, to help meet the urgent foster care needs in Oklahoma.

We also have included important prayer points and even missions education materials through which children can learn about missions happening in Oklahoma.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, said to “Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18). As churches, the Oklahoma State Missions Offering presents an opportunity for all of us to generously give and take part in missions in our state.

Thank you for all the ways you serve, minister and lead.

Serving Jesus with You,

Todd Fisher Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer

For more about the Edna McMillan State Missions Offering, scan this QR code:

KEEPING ASSISTED SUICIDE AWAY FROM OKLAHOMA

In 1998, Americans had our collective conscience shocked when “Dr. Jack Kevorkian was arrested and tried for his role in the … euthanasia of a man named Thomas Youk who had Lou Gehrig’s disease.”

Fast forward to today, and the assisted suicide movement is widespread and has taken hold in areas of the world. Proponents of assisted suicide use deceptive language like “death with dignity.” Pop culture has also peddled the narratives of assisted suicide with movies like “Million Dollar Baby.” So what can Christians do in the face of a culture of death?

1. RECOGNIZE THE DANGER

There are around a dozen states in the U.S. that have permitted assisted suicide in some form. The idea has even been proposed and pushed here in Oklahoma. Meanwhile, numerous countries outside the U.S. have legalized assisted suicide.

Southern Seminary President Albert Mohler, speaking of Canada’s embrace of assisted suicide said, when “you open the door of physician-assisted suicide or any form of euthanasia, you’re responsible for everything that passes through that door.”

He added, “The logic that began with physicianassisted suicide or euthanasia for those who were terminally ill was extended to adults, terminally ill. Then it was extended to adults who weren’t terminally ill but had some diagnosis that they did not want to deal with. Then it was extended to those who had a form of depression or some kind of psychiatric diagnosis. And then it was extended to children, and then it was extended beyond adolescents to younger children. What we’re looking at here is that in Canada, it has now been extended to the disabled. Don’t believe for one minute that the logic that is here chillingly revealed in this action in Canada will stay in Canada.”

2. RESPOND WITH SOUND ARGUMENTS

Part of the way we can defeat bad arguments and ideas is with good ones. In 2024, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of Southern Baptists issued a statement on this important topic, with the following information:

“Southern Baptists affirm every life is worthy of protection and created in the image of God. We believe

in the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, regardless of age or ability, as expressed in the Baptist Faith & Message.

“Pain and suffering call for compassionate treatment that supports a God-honoring culture of life, not euthanasia. Ethical principles derived from JudeoChristian and Hippocratic traditions provide compassionate methods of both hospice and palliative care. In a 2001 resolution, Southern Baptists resolved that legalized euthanasia is immoral ethically, unnecessary medically and unconscionable socially.”

The ERLC also said, “Physician-assisted suicide is not healthcare. Medicine has been governed for over 2,500 years by the belief it is always wrong to intend to harm one’s patients, including killing or assisting a patient to kill himself or herself.”

3. ‘MAXIMIZE CARE’ FOR THE SUFFERING

In his important book, Bioethics and the Character of Human Life, theologian and bioethics expert Gilbert Meilaender wrote, “although compassion surely moves us to try to relieve suffering, there are things we ought not to do even for that worthy end—actions that would not honour or respect our shared human condition. One of the terrible truths that governs the shape of our lives is that sometimes there is suffering we are unable—within the limits of morality—entirely to relieve. Hence, the maxim that must govern and shape our compassion should be ‘maximize care,’ which may not always be quite the same as ‘minimize suffering.’”

The individuals who may contemplate assisted suicide need us to stand with them and for them. They need us to maximize care for them, instead of unethically ending their lives. In the Hippocratic Oath, physicians swear to “Do No Harm,” and Christians must abide the same values.

The assisted suicide movement is not going away any time soon, but by these and other actions, we will be in a better place to thwart a culture of death and advance a culture of life.

Brian Hobbs Oklahoma Baptists Editor

events

September 11

Priority of Leadership Conference 9:00am- 3:30pm Oklahoma Baptist University oklahomabaptists.org/ leadership-registration/

October 5

Cooperative Program Sunday oklahomabaptists.org/cp

2025 Annual Meeting Resolutions

All resolutions for consideration during the 2025 Oklahoma Baptists’ Annual Meeting must be received by the Oklahoma Baptists’ Board of Directors no later than August 28, 2025.

How to submit your resolutions:

Mail to:

Oklahoma Baptists’ Board of Directors 300 Johnny Bench Drive, Suite 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73104

November 10-11 2025 Annual Meeting OKC, Southern Hills oklahombaptists.org/ annualmeeting

Email: Submit Online: oklahomabaptists.org/business/#resolutions lwarren@oklahomabaptists.org (Must indicate “Resolution” in subject line)

2025 OBU Prison Divinity Program Graduates

THANK YOU, OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS, for your continued prayers and financial support of Oklahoma Baptist University’s Prison Divinity Program. These graduates and current students are making an impact for Christ upon their peers, their families and their communities. Literally hundreds of individuals are coming to faith in Christ through their witness. Continue to pray for the graduates who are now being relocated to other prisons across our state to be salt and light in places where the hope of the gospel is desperately needed “to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (Luke 4:18)

For more information on the program, joining the prayer support team, or personally investing in this kingdom work, contact Dr. Bruce Perkins at bruce.perkins@okbu.edu or visit okbu.edu/pdp

The Bible & Bacon

I was thinking the other day… Normally, when I say, “I was thinking the other day” out loud, my lovely bride Gayla might be tempted to interrupt me and attempt to distract me from whatever I was thinking about. That has been known to start a temporary fuss, which causes me to profusely apologize and promise never to do whatever it was that I had done and forget what I was thinking about.

So, this time, when I was thinking the other day, I didn’t mention to her that I was thinking. She did ask me if I was feeling alright. You see, sometimes when I am thinking, it kind of twists up my face. So, I told her my stomach was not right. What I didn’t tell her was that some bacon would undoubtedly heal up what was ailing me.

So I continued to think. Eventually, I kind of drifted off into the Old Testament. And the longer I thought about that the more I was glad I wasn’t born back then. After all, those folks had some very stringent dietary rules to follow. I got to thinking that was probably why those Pharisees were so cranky all of the time.

Before you dismiss this, just think about it for a bit (but don’t let your spouse see you doing that). Imagine not having bacon, ever. Imagine not being allowed to eat fried catfish. Imagine not enjoying a plate full of fried jumbo shrimp. Imagine, for goodness’ sake, not getting hot dogs.

I’m not talking about the wimpy kind of hot dog that promises to be all beef. I’m talking about those hot dogs that are so “flavorable” because they have things like chicken lips and hog snouts and cow ears in them. Hot dog flavor is just not some sort of weird culinary coincidence. It is solely based on how many untoward animal parts are included.

So, there I was thinking about having a half of a dozen pieces of bacon or 10. Then it dawned on me that we came close, really close, scarily close, to having those Old Testament dietary rules passed right on down to us. Perhaps you remember the story.

It is in Acts 10:9-15. Peter had gone up on the roof for a little nap. I have always thought my recliner was a better place for a nap than the roof, but that’s probably another story. Some of you would want to correct me and say Peter went up on that roof to pray. I would say my recliner was a better place to pray; then if I fell asleep while I was praying (don’t act like you have never done that before) I would already be in my recliner.

Anyway, Peter was on the roof. Then the Lord, in all of His mercy and grace let down this big sheet just full of all variety of animals and birds and lizards and such. I bet there was a hog in that sheet and probably a catfish flopping around. Then the Lord said something incredibly profound, “Arise, kill, and eat.” In other words, “Here it is Peter. Get after it.”

And then Peter did a most unexpected and dumb thing. He told the Lord no. Right there, we were that close to missing out on bacon. Thankfully, the Lord is generous and gives us second chances.

The sheet came down again. Peter said no. Thankfully, the Lord is generous and gives us third chances. The sheet came down again. But, Peter said no. In what is undeniable evidence that the Lord wanted us to have the blessing of bacon, the Lord just took the sheet up, took Peter out of the equation, and just took care of the situation Himself. And lo and behold, we now have bacon.

Is God good or what?

There are a couple of things to think about. For example, all good and perfect gifts come from above. That’s just not limited to food. Food or not, we sure ought to be thankful for those gifts. Second, when the Lord offers you something, for goodness’ sake, take it. Even if you didn’t want it, someone else might. Third, God is good. Like real good. Before you doze off tonight, you might thank Him for being that way.

Joe Ligon

Oklahoma Baptists Sr. Associate Executive Director

DAVIS — The summer youth weeks at Falls Creek Conference Center and sessions at CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp in 2025 led to memories that will last a lifetime for all who attended. The spiritual impact made at Falls Creek and CrossTimbers will last for eternity.

At Falls Creek, there were more than 51,000 attendees during the eight weeks of youth camps. In total, there were 4,919 spiritual decisions made. This included 2,210 professions of faith, 153 assurances of salvation, 1,237 recommitments, 514 calls to ministry and 805 other decisions made.

From the first session to the last, the Gospel message was presented clearly each and every day. Falls Creek features eight one-week sessions and the camp pastors included: Garret Wagoner, Jeff DeGiacomo, Daniel Ritchie, Garry McNeill, Rusty Gunn, Jeremy Freeman, Shane Pruitt and Andy Blanks. Each pastor showed campers the gift that the Gospel brings and what it means to follow Jesus.

The Falls Creek theme for 2025 was “Level Up,” based on James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” This focuses campers on how growth in the Christian life is more dependent on God’s work than our own effort. This theme challenged campers to take the posture of sacrifice, submission, selflessness and surrender to God.

Falls Creek Program Director Todd Sanders said, “For us to grow to be more like Christ we need to humble ourselves in submission, sacrificing to find contentment in Jesus, seeking unity with others through selflessness and completely surrendering to the Lord. I am grateful that leaders and churches make Falls Creek Youth Camp a part of their year. A week in the summer is prime time for growth. It is a privilege to take this journey with them. We are honored to serve to provide the best experience we can, seeing God do what only He can do.”

In addition to the main sermons, Falls Creek offered numerous breakout sessions so campers could enrich their faith. Staff particularly encourage campers to participate in global missions, which resulted in many missions conversations.

Since the first summer of Falls Creek in 1917 to this year, the youth camps have proven to be memorable and have an eternal impact.

CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp, which is designed for children who have completed grades three through six, also had a powerful spiritual impact. CrossTimbers saw a total of 454 decisions made, which included 313 professions of faith.

CrossTimbers exists to support local church efforts to reach lost children by placing a high priority on Scripture, worship, relationships with staff and church sponsors and opportunities for campers, and sponsors, to sharpen their skills and prepare to consistently serve God after camp.

Each of the 12 sessions of camp, held May 27-July 25, was structured into four days of intentional spiritual investment, focused on knowing God. Campers hear God is creator, eternal and powerful. Then they were challenged to ask those around them if they have heard about God.

CrossTimbers Program Director Sarah Hagar said, “When we learn who God is, hear His redemptive plan for our lives, and are given opportunities to respond, we get to see God change lives. After experiencing what God can do in our lives, we want to tell others.”

CrossTimbers educated campers on the evangelistic work that is occurring in Oklahoma, in America and around the world. This was accomplished through hands-on and interactive teaching times that included cultural practices, games, activities, crafts, language and food and drink tasting.

In addition to missions education, there were numerous other camp activities campers participated in, such as a ropes course, target sports and water activities. CrossTimbers staff provided a fun and safe environment at camp. In morning and evening, campers attended chapel services. Through corporate worship, led by the CrossTimbers staff worship team, and messages brought by the camp pastors, campers were lead to focus on the daily themes. This year’s camp pastors included: Charlie Blount, Caleb Glennie, Rob Dunning, Jacob Stewart, Curtis Barrett, Michael Staton, Seth Sandusky, David Skinner, Joey Dean, Jon Johnston, Corry Duncan, Kyle Henderson and DJ Walter.

Falls Creek and CrossTimbers are funded through the Cooperative Program.

Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists’ executive directortreasurer, said “Thank you Oklahoma Baptist churches for making Falls Creek and CrossTimbers a reality. It’s impossible to calculate the full measure of all God has done in these places! To Him be the glory!”

The summer impact at Falls Creek and CrossTimbers was significant, notable—and eternal.

January through June 2025 Giving Report

Dear Oklahoma Baptists,

This calendar year, we are celebrating an important ministry milestone in the history of the Cooperative Program (CP)—the 100th birthday of the CP. We have learned over these 100 years that we truly can do more for the Kingdom of God together than we can apart.

The CP is the distinctive mark of Southern Baptists that enables us to fulfill the very reason we formed together as a convention in the first place: to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Your CP dollars have propelled important missions and ministry. Through the CP and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, more than 1.6 million people around the world heard the gospel from missionaries now serving with the International Mission Board. Your CP giving also enhanced efforts in evangelism and church planting, and supported our six Southern Baptist seminaries. When Oklahoma Baptist churches gave give, they supported ministries like Falls Creek and CrossTimbers, where thousands of young people hear the gospel and many came to faith in Christ. CP supports the vital mission of Baptist Collegiate Ministries on 39 campuses and Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, as well as serving and supporting pastors and churches through special events and trainings. The gospel ministries of

Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Baptist Village Communities, and WatersEdge are also propelled through CP giving.

In the following pages, you can see a mid-year Cooperative Program report on Oklahoma Baptist churches giving from January through June. Together, we have advanced the Gospel in our state and around the world, and the Lord is using the generosity of you and every in church in our state convention, for His Kingdom and glory.

As we celebrate 100 years of the CP, allow me to express my deepest gratitude to you Oklahoma Baptists churches for your faithful, sacrificial giving through the CP. To God be the glory for the great things He is doing…

Serving Jesus with You,

Dr. Todd Fisher Executive Director-Treasurer Oklahoma Baptists

“To Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:21

Missions Giving at a Glance JANUARY - JUNE COMPARISON

COOPERATIVE PROGRAM 2025 under 2024

Percent Difference

EDNA MC MILLAN 2025 under 2024

Percent Difference ANNIE ARMSTRONG 2025 under 2024

Percent Difference

LOTTIE MOON 2025 over 2024

Percent Difference 2025 11,864,489 390,445 3.19% 254,011 35,073 12.13% 1,472,737 134,837 8.39% 3,230,482 4,393 0.14% 2024 12,254,934 289,084 1,607,574 3,226,089

LINDSAY,

Association

ATOKA, WARDS CHAPEL

FITZHUGH, FIRST

FRANCIS, FIRST

ROFF, FIRST

ROFF, LIGHTNING RIDGE

STONEWALL, FIRST

Bryan Association

ACHILLE, COMMUNITY

ACHILLE, FIRST

ALBANY $0.00

ALBANY, RED RIVER VALLEY COWBOY $40.00

ARMSTRONG, FIRST

BENNINGTON, FIRST $0.00

BENNINGTON, WADE

BOKCHITO, FAITH

BOKCHITO, FIRST

BOKCHITO, REYNOLDS

CHAPEL

BOKCHITO, ROBINSON

BOKCHITO, YUBA FIRST

CADDO, BLUE RIVER

CADDO, FIRST

CARTWRIGHT, FIRST

COLBERT, FIRST

DURANT, BLUE

DURANT, BROWN

DURANT, BUSHNELL

DURANT, CALVARY $5,628.14 $14,122.57

DURANT, COBB $300.00

DURANT, FAIRVIEW $5,912.20 $6,527.45

DURANT, FIRST

DURANT, GRACE

DURANT, LAKEPOINT

DURANT, ROBERTA

DURANT, SILO

DURANT, STONE CREEK

DURANT, SUNSET VIEW

DURANT, WESTERN MEADOWS

HENDRIX

KEMP

KENEFIC

MEAD

MEAD, EMMANUEL

MEAD, STREETMAN ROAD

$98,180.56 $86,128.56

$4,964.86 $6,298.76

$0.00 $0.00

$8,240.40

$2,043.73

$0.00

$3,445.80

$15,910.42

$1,867.76

$0.00

$3,822.26

$103.14 $126.94

$1,000.00 $825.00

$5,227.12 $6,957.99

$2,985.57

$3,046.12

$600.00 $300.00

PLATTER, FIRST $708.20 $305.12

UTICA

Caddo Association

ALBERT, ONEY

BETHEL

FIRST

ANADARKO, INDIAN CAPITAL

VIRGINIA AVENUE

OVERBROOK, MCALISTER

ROFF, OAK GROVE

STRATFORD, SANDY HILL

STRINGTOWN, COMMUNITY

SULPHUR, NEW HOPE

SULPHUR, SANDY $0.00

TISHOMINGO, FIRST INDIAN

Choctaw-Chickasaw Association

ANTLERS, FAITH

ARDMORE, CONCORD

ARDMORE, DURWOOD

BROKEN BOW, MYRTLEWOOD $0.00

CALERA, GRACE INDIAN

KEOTA, NEW HOPE

$0.00

MCALESTER, DOUBLE SPRINGS $0.00

MCALESTER, FIRST INDIAN $1,079.36 $1,257.58

PITTSBURG, SARDIS

RED OAK, CEDAR

RED OAK, SOUTH ROCK CREEK

TALIHINA, GREEN HILL $0.00

WILBURTON, BOILING SPRING

Cimarron Association

BLACKBURN, FIRST $621.15 $612.03 BRISTOW, FIRST $13,969.00

BRISTOW, TRINITY

CLEVELAND, FIRST $13,826.04

CLEVELAND, WESTERN HEIGHTS $200.00 $450.00

CLEVELAND, WESTPORT

$5,451.35 $9,060.18

CUSHING, CALVARY $605.00

CUSHING, FIRST $22,898.80 $25,143.60

CUSHING, FIRST INDIAN

$0.00 $0.00

CUSHING, NEW PATHWAYS $483.19 $922.28

CUSHING, OAK GROVE

CUSHING, ONLY WAY

CUSHING, PARK PLACE

DEPEW, FIRST

DRUMRIGHT, FIRST

GLENCOE, FIRST

HALLETT, FIRST

JENNINGS, FIRST

KELLYVILLE, FIRST

KELLYVILLE, SUNRISE

MANNFORD, FREEDOM HILL

MANNFORD, LAKESIDE SOUTHERN

MILFAY, FIRST

MORRISON, HILLTOP COUNTRY

MOUNDS, FIRST

OILTON, FIRST

$5,500.00 $5,500.00

$2,900.19

$1,523.27

$1,122.00

$1,552.02

$5,671.08

$0.00

$2,669.63

$11,578.23

$1,260.00

$3,110.82

$225.00

$1,238.00

$1,705.90

$9,296.50

$221.45

$2,918.75

$12,758.86

$1,272.00

$0.00 $91.69

$2,785.71

$2,811.00

$1,913.45

$6,715.58

$2,952.00

$3,475.00

$1,403.95

$6,226.52

$2,393.55 $2,355.47

OLIVE, FIRST $2,573.79 $7,309.96

OSAGE, FIRST $0.00 $0.00

PAWNEE, FIRST $9,915.51 $9,015.32

PAWNEE, INDIAN

PAWNEE, MASHAM $0.00

PERKINS, FIRST

PERKINS, IMMANUEL

PERKINS, ROCKIN’ M COWBOY

RALSTON, FIRST

SAND SPRINGS, RIMROCK

SAPULPA, FOREST HILLS

BARON

WESTVILLE, CHRISTIE SOUTHERN

Enon Association

ARDMORE, BROCK $240.00

ARDMORE, EMMANUEL

ARDMORE, FIRST $255,270.90 $270,032.12

ARDMORE, MARY NIBLACK

ARDMORE, PRIMERA IGLESIA DE BAUTISTA HISPANA

ARDMORE, RAWHIDE CHURCH

ARDMORE, SOUTHWEST

ARDMORE, TRINITY

BURNEYVILLE

BURNEYVILLE, JIMTOWN

DICKSON, FAITH SOUTHERN

DICKSON, FIRST

GENE AUTRY, FIRST

HEALDTON, FIRST

$5,984.00

$5,812.00

$844.00 $1,076.00

$2,080.71

$3,220.00

$1,992.34 $1,947.31

$13,081.34 $13,541.80

$1,522.30 $1,791.35

$4,941.00 $3,186.02

$6,937.36 $12,154.70

$5,380.80

LOCO, FIRST $3,326.30 $3,840.25

LONE GROVE, CHEEK

LONE GROVE, FIRST $14,597.45 $19,965.66

MARIETTA, EASTSIDE

MARIETTA, FIRST

MARIETTA, PRIMERA HISPANIA

MARIETTA, SHADY DALE

OVERBROOK, EASTMAN

OVERBROOK, MARSDEN

RATLIFF CITY, FIRST $3,880.90 $4,090.20

RATLIFF CITY, MILO $0.00 $0.00

RINGLING, FIRST $2,153.29 $2,653.95

SPRINGER, FIRST SOUTHERN $5,491.06 $7,263.07

THACKERVILLE, FIRST

WILSON, FIRST $7,239.13 $5,956.40

WILSON, REXROAT $2,315.46 $3,151.23

WILSON, RUBOTTOM

WILSON, ZANEIS

Frisco Association

ANTLERS, DARWIN

ANTLERS, FIRST

ANTLERS, LITTLE CEDAR

ANTLERS, WESTSIDE

$2,885.50

BOSWELL, FIRST $2,736.75 $3,507.74

BROKEN BOW, CHAPEL OF THE PINES

BROKEN BOW, FIRST

CLAYTON, FIRST

CLEBIT, FIRST

FINLEY, ONE CREEK VALLEY

FORT TOWSON, CORINTH

FORT TOWSON, FAITHWAY

FORT TOWSON, FIRST

TOWSON, SOBOL

BLACKWELL, FIRST $1,393.56

BLACKWELL, IGLESIA

BAUTISTA EMANUEL $0.00

BLACKWELL, IMMANUEL

BURBANK, FIRST

FAIRFAX, FIRST OSAGE $1,626.71 $2,691.68

KAW CITY, OAK GROVE

$3,635.60 $1,672.90

KILDARE $0.00 $0.00

LAMONT, FIRST $450.00 $567.00

MARLAND, FIRST

NEWKIRK, FIRST

PONCA CITY, CRESTVIEW

PONCA CITY, FIRST

PONCA CITY, HISPANA

PONCA CITY, NEW FAITH

$792.75 $0.00

PONCA CITY, NEWPOINT $0.00 $0.00

PONCA CITY, NORTHEAST $37,494.44 $29,939.30

PONCA CITY, OSAGE HEIGHTS

PONCA CITY, PONCA INDIAN

PONCA CITY, PROVIDENCE

PONCA CITY, RANCH DRIVE

PONCA CITY, SUNSET

RED ROCK, FIRST

RED ROCK, OTOE

SHIDLER, FIRST

TONKAWA, FAITH

LeFlore Association

ALBION, FIRST

ARKOMA, FIRST

BOKOSHE, FIRST

CAMERON, FIRST $0.00

CAMERON, LIBERTY HILL $2,162.65

HEAVENER, BIG CREEK

HEAVENER, BIG CREEK HISPANIC $0.00 $0.00

HEAVENER, FIRST

$26,863.00 $6,190.00

HEAVENER, FORRESTER $1,618.00 $2,495.08

HEAVENER, HONTUBBY $764.00 $645.00

HEAVENER, INDEPENDENCE

HEAVENER, LOVING $1,930.00 $3,200.00

HEAVENER, NUEVA VIDA EN CRISTO $0.00 $0.00

HEAVENER, PAGE $0.00 $0.00

HEAVENER, PERRY CHAPEL $0.00 $0.00

HEAVENER, PILGRIMS REST $205.93 $167.61

HEAVENER, TRINITY $1,500.00 $1,750.00

HODGEN, FIRST $1,323.06

HODGEN, STAPP-ZOE

HOWE, FIRST

HOWE, MOUNTAIN VIEW

HOWE, SPRINGHILL

HOWE, THE HIGHWAY

HOWE, VICTORY

KEOTA, COWLINGTON

LEFLORE,

OKC, BRITTON

OKC, BROOKWOOD

OKC, BRYANT AVENUE

OKC, CALVARY MISSIONARY

OKC, CAMILLE AVENUE

OKC, CAPITOL HILL

OKC, CENTRAL

OKC, CHEROKEE HILLS

OKC, CHINESE

OKC, CHURCH AT THE VILLAGE

OKC, DUMAS AVENUE

SOUTHERN

OKC, EAGLE HEIGHTS

OKC, EL OLIVAR

OKC, EMANUEL HISPANIC

OKC, EXCHANGE AVENUE

OKC, FIRST HISPANIC

OKC, FORTIETH STREET

OKC, FREEDOM WORHSHIP

OKC, GIDEON

OKC, GLORIETA

OKC, GRACE AND TRUTH

OKC, GRACE PLACE

OKC, GRACE POINTE $0.00

OKC, GREATER TRINITY $0.00

OKC, HEAVENLY HEIGHTS

OKC, HERITAGE

OKC, HIGHLAND HILLS

OKC, IGLESIA BAUTISTA CENTRAL

OKC, IGLESIA BAUTISTA GARCIA DE DIOS

OKC, IGLESIA LAVILLA

OKC, IGLESIA PALABRA VIVA

OKC, INDIAN COMMUNITY

OKC, INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

OKC, NEW LIFE MISSION

OKC, NEW VISION COMMUNITY $3,112.50

OKC, NEWCHURCH

OKC, NORTHEAST FELLOWSHIP

OKC, NORTHWEST

OKC, NUEVA VIDA

OKC, OIKOS

$1,200.00

$46,397.61 $66,030.99

$936.05

$910.09

$0.00 $0.00

OKC, OKLAHOMA ZOTUNG $0.00 $0.00

OKC, OLIVET

OKC, PLAINVIEW

OKC, PORTLAND AVENUE

OKC, PROSPECT

OKC, PROVIDENCE

OKC, PUTNAM CITY

OKC, QUAIL SPRINGS

OKC, RIOS DE AGUA VIVA

OKC, ROCKWOOD

OKC, SHIELDS BOULEVARD

OKC, SOUTH LINDSAY

OKC, SOUTHERN HILLS

OKC, SPRING CREEK

OKC, SPRINGDALE

OKC, THRIVE

OKC, TIMBER CREEK

COMMUNITY

OKC, TRINITY

OKC, TRINITY CHINESE

$11,484.00

$4,585.78

$19,165.82

$0.00

$15,720.00

$29,682.33

$428,044.07

$1,036.80

$0.00

$2,074.68

$7,896.91

$12,120.11

$4,812.36

$19,444.80

$0.00

$0.00

$27,776.90

$422,369.17

$1,681.25

$0.00

$2,317.02

$7,920.64

$321,278.36 $332,227.24

$0.00

$3,267.00

$0.00

$5,100.00

$8,885.27 $6,617.04

$0.00 $0.00

$2,962.97 $1,657.13

$495.72 $991.32

OKC, TRINITY MISSIONARY $0.00 $0.00

OKC, TRUE LIGHT $98.00 $71.10

OKC, VICTORY $2,087.00 $925.00

OKC, VILLAGE $3,165.63

OKC, VISION COMMUNITY

OKC, WESTERN AVENUE

OKC, WILMONT PLACE

OKC, ZOMI CHRISTIAN

PIEDMONT, FIRST

SPENCER, ANTIOCH

WHEATLAND, FIRST

YUKON, CANADIAN VALLEY

YUKON, FIRST

YUKON, REFUGE

YUKON, SURREY HILLS

YUKON, TOGETHER WE CHURCH

Mullins Association

ADDINGTON

COMANCHE, CORUM

COMANCHE, COUNTRYSIDE

COMANCHE, FIRST

COMANCHE, PATTERSON

COUNTYLINE, FIRST

DUNCAN, CHISHOLM TRAIL COWBOY

DUNCAN, EL DIVINO SALVADOR $0.00

DUNCAN, FAIR

DUNCAN, FIRST

DUNCAN, FREEDOM BIKER

DUNCAN, GRACE

DUNCAN, IMMANUEL

DUNCAN, LIBERTY

DUNCAN, NEW HOPE WEST

DUNCAN, PARKVIEW

DUNCAN, TRINITY

MUSKOGEE, IMMANUEL

MUSKOGEE, SOUTHEAST

MUSKOGEE, THREE RIVERS COWBOY

EUCHA, SOUTH GRAND LAKE

$2,575.40 $2,949.31

FAIRLAND, FIRST $1,019.80 $884.80

FAIRLAND, HUDSON CREEK

GROVE, DELAWARE

$1,550.42 $1,559.74

$10,122.73

$10,499.29

GROVE, DODGE $343.80 $569.85

GROVE, ELK RIVER

GROVE, FIRST

GROVE, GRAND LAKE

GROVE, TRINITY

JAY, FIRST

JAY, NEW HOPE

JAY, WHITEWATER

JAY, ZENA

KANSAS, CROSSTIES

KANSAS, FIRST

LEACH, FIRST

MIAMI, EASTSIDE

MIAMI, FIRST

MIAMI, GREEN ACRES

MIAMI, IMMANUEL

MIAMI, LONE STAR

$1,274.59 $1,460.83

$45,163.41

$4,617.76

$2,100.00

$7,005.59

$1,570.31

$0.00

$882.15

$0.00

$2,859.64

$1,814.53

$3,834.60

$45,102.23

$1,148.27

$2,100.00

$6,749.44

$1,448.41

$0.00

$1,640.27

$0.00

$2,739.45

$3,050.82

$3,993.00

$14,447.85 $12,391.42

$867.47 $1,019.83

$2,793.09 $2,722.65

$3,181.00 $3,482.56

MIAMI, MICRONESIAN $40.00 $55.00

MIAMI, MOUND VALLEY $232.12 $633.00

MIAMI, MOUNT ZION $2,245.20 $1,694.50

MIAMI, NARCISSA $876.35 $667.55

MIAMI, NORTHWEST $461.23 $30.00

MIAMI, OTTAWA INDIAN $0.00 $0.00

MIAMI, SOUTHEAST $105.00 $125.00

MIAMI, SOUTHERN HILLS

MIAMI, TWO RIVERS

MONKEY ISLAND, LAKE CENTER

QUAPAW, FIRST $17,007.81 $15,135.85

QUAPAW, SPRING RIVER INDIAN $339.00 $611.00

WEST SILOAM SPRINGS, CALVARY $8,570.44 $9,588.19

WYANDOTTE, FIRST $500.00 $2,083.31 Totals

Northwestern Association

ALVA, FIRST $16,572.99

ARNETT, FIRST $5,407.47 $4,275.47

BUFFALO, FIRST

FORT SUPPLY

GAGE, FIRST

LAVERNE, FIRST

MOORELAND, FIRST

SEILING, FIRST

$4,219.67 $4,237.62

$6,583.52 $7,009.55

$4,032.52 $1,841.62

$13,060.98

SHARON, FIRST $0.00

SHARON, SOUTH PERSIMMON $150.00 $300.00

SHATTUCK, FIRST

VICI, FIRST

WOODWARD, ASCENT

WOODWARD, CROWN HEIGHTS

WOODWARD,

CLAREMORE, OWALLA ROAD

CLAREMORE, SAGEEYAH

CLAREMORE, SEQUOYAH

$1,100.01 $3,148.33

CLAREMORE, TIAWAH $1,323.00

CLAREMORE, WASHINGTON

CLAREMORE, WILLIEO

$0.00

DELAWARE, FIRST $0.00

FOYIL

INOLA, CALVARY

INOLA, FIRST

OOLOGAH, FIRST

OOLOGAH, HARBOR

TALALA, FIRST

TALALA, RABBS CREEK

TULSA, LYNN LANE

VERDIGRIS, FIRST

Salt Fork Association

$1,037.68 $935.04

$6,481.93 $9,277.66

$44,525.00

$9,271.19

$5,400.00

$3,340.16

$0.00

$4,490.96

$34,924.35

$11,133.42

$5,400.00

$2,908.33

$0.00

$4,239.36

$10,051.42 $11,440.04

CLEO SPRINGS $693.28

FAIRVIEW, ORION

HELENA, FIRST

LAHOMA, FIRST $1,754.87 $1,270.71

NASH, BETHEL HAWLEY

NASH, FIRST $1,838.14 $1,959.48

WAKITA, FIRST

Sans Bois Association

KEOTA, UNITY

KINTA, FIRST

LEFLORE, THESSALONIAN

MCCURTAIN, FIRST

PORUM, FIRST

QUINTON, FEATHERSTONE

QUINTON, FIRST

QUINTON, WEST LIBERTY

RED OAK, FIRST

RED OAK, NORTH ROCK CREEK

STIGLER, ANTIOCH

STIGLER, FIRST

STIGLER, MAIN STREET

STIGLER, ROCKY RIDGE

STIGLER, TRINITY

WHITEFIELD

WILBURTON, BOWERS

WILBURTON, CALVARY

WILBURTON, CENTER POINT

$0.00 $1,992.09

$3,835.62 $3,348.82

$8,447.50

$10,561.76

$0.00

$958.73

$12,808.89

$6,867.83

$10,157.00

$8,938.32

$546.00

$1,054.36

$11,844.35

$6,739.60

$232.65 $218.55

$1,159.00

$6,308.50

$4,695.22

$1,317.00

$6,708.90

$12,007.58

$1,660.20 $1,315.84

$6,288.68 $5,501.82

WILBURTON, FIRST $5,570.77 $4,976.78

WILBURTON, GRACE COUNTRY COWBOY

$0.00 $0.00

WILBURTON, HIGH BRIDGE $334.34 $221.89

WILBURTON, SOUTHSIDE

South Canadian Association ATWOOD, FIRST

HOPE

OWASSO, BETHEL $125.00

OWASSO, CENTRAL

OWASSO, COWBOY UP

OWASSO, DALTON HILL

OWASSO, FIRST $66,027.49 $75,574.98

OWASSO, FREEDOM $0.00 $600.00

OWASSO, THE REFUGE $3,674.33 $3,826.95

SAND SPRINGS, ANGUS ACRES $8,380.11

SAND SPRINGS, BROADWAY

SAND SPRINGS, CALVARY

SAND SPRINGS, CHURCH THAT MATTERS $5,193.18 $4,783.05

SAND SPRINGS, HILLSPRING

$1,002.00 $1,002.00

SAND SPRINGS, KEYSTONE HILLS $0.00 $0.00

SAND SPRINGS, LIMESTONE

$1,273.58 $1,561.53

SAND SPRINGS, THE FATHER’S HOUSE $0.00 $0.00

SAND SPRINGS, TRINITY $0.00 $0.00

SAPULPA, CHURCH INSIDE OUT $0.00 $5,331.72

SAPULPA, COALITION CHURCH

SAPULPA, FAITH

SAPULPA, FIRST $73,820.86 $40,929.34

SAPULPA, FOUNDATION

SAPULPA, NATIVE STONE

SAPULPA, THE WAY

IMMANUEL

TULSA, BERRYHILL

TULSA, BROOKSIDE

TULSA, CANYON ROAD

TULSA, CHURCH INSIDE

COGNIZANT

TULSA, CONCORD

TULSA, EASTON HEIGHTS $3,789.80 $3,394.24

TULSA, EASTWOOD $11,533.18 $14,610.32

TULSA, FIRST $210,782.99 $190,595.70

TULSA, FIRST KOREAN

TULSA, FIRST SLAVIC

TULSA, GARDEN CITY $0.00 $0.00

TULSA, GARNETT ROAD

$3,039.33 $3,500.04

TULSA, GILCREASE HILLS $500.00 $200.00

TULSA, GOOD NEWS CHURCH $375.00 $250.00

TULSA, HARBOR OF GRACE CHURCH $1,375.00 $1,500.00

TULSA, HARVARD AVENUE $861.33 $650.00

TULSA, HISPANIC AGAPE $0.00 $0.00

TULSA, HOPE FELLOWSHIP $0.00 $0.00

TULSA, IGLESIA BAUTISTA EL CAMINO $0.00 $0.00

TULSA, IGLESIA BAUTISTA EMMANUEL $0.00 $1,559.48

TULSA, IGLESIA EVANGELICA

TULSA, INDIAN FELLOWSHIP

TULSA, INTERNATIONAL

TULSA, LAMB

TULSA, LIVING HOPE CHURCH

TULSA, LIVING WATER

TULSA, MEMORIAL

TULSA, MERCYVIEW

TULSA, MYANMAR ZOMI

TULSA, NEW HOPE COMMUNITY

TULSA, NEW JOY FELLOWSHIP

TULSA, NOGALES AVENUE $700.00

TULSA, OAKRIDGE

TULSA, OKLAHOMA HMONG

TULSA, OLIVET

$41,037.46 $41,614.21

TULSA, OWEN PARK $0.00

TULSA, PALARBAS DE VIDA

TULSA, PARKVIEW $40,553.50 $38,865.43

TULSA, PENIEL

TULSA, PRIMERA IGLESIA

$0.00

BAUTISTA HISPANA $0.00 $0.00

TULSA, RANCH ACRES

TULSA, RESTORATION CHURCH OF BOWDEN

TULSA, RIDGE CREST

TULSA, RIVENDELL FELLOWSHIP

TULSA, ROSE OF SHARON

TULSA, SEQUOYAH HILLS

TULSA, SKELLY DRIVE

TULSA, SOJOURN

TULSA, SOUTH TULSA

TULSA, SOUTHERN HILLS

TULSA, SOUTHWOOD

TULSA, SPRINGDALE

TULSA, SPRINGS OF GRACE

TULSA, THEMISSION

$6,600.00 $7,920.00

$0.00 $0.00

$1,620.21

$0.00

$0.00

$400.00

$4,888.85

$0.00

$851.71

$0.00

$0.00

$800.00

$5,661.81

$0.00

$184,478.09 $218,629.66

$4,381.50 $8,386.00

$28,259.73 $28,924.09

$0.00 $25.00

$0.00 $0.00

$0.00 $0.00

TULSA, TRINITY $15,551.40 $21,732.79

TULSA, TULSA CHURCH $86.65 $0.00

TULSA, TULSA HILLS

$0.00 $0.00

TULSA, TURN CHURCH $50.00 $200.00

TULSA, VIEW ACRES $3,766.64 $6,754.72

TULSA, WINNETKA HEIGHTS $0.00 $0.00

TULSA, WOODLAND ACRES $26,013.10

TULSA, ZION COMMUNITY

TULSA, ZOMI

Union Association

BLANCHARD, AGAPE

BLANCHARD, COLE FIRST

BLANCHARD, CROSSROAD TO LIFE $583.57 $665.62

BLANCHARD, FIRST $62,214.06 $53,799.22

BLANCHARD, NEW LIFE $475.00

DIBBLE, FIRST $0.00 $0.00 GOLDSBY $0.00 $0.00

LEXINGTON, ACTS 2

LEXINGTON, CORBETT

LEXINGTON, CORNERSTONE

LEXINGTON, FIRST

LINDSAY, BANNER

LINDSAY, CRINER

LINDSAY, PAYNE

$410.00 $389.00

$0.00 $0.00

$977.00 $1,387.85

$34,108.09 $29,669.00

$2,041.90 $2,146.06

$0.00 $0.00

$3,133.95 $4,053.15

LITTLE AXE, FIRST $175.95 $851.00

MOORE, ELEVATE

$1,800.00 $1,800.00

MOORE, FIRST $150,762.32 $161,368.32

MOORE, FIRST INDIAN

MOORE, FIRST MOORE EN ESPANOL

$787.00 $0.00

$0.00 $0.00

MOORE, HIGHLAND $7,495.50 $6,638.42

MOORE, REGENCY PARK $33,203.49 $29,884.00

MOORE, SOUTHMOORE $9,021.90 $9,417.35

MOORE, THE WELL $0.00

NEWCASTLE, FIRST

NEWCASTLE, NEW LIFE $0.00 $0.00

NEWCASTLE, WOODLAND HILLS $73,087.56

GARVIN, WATERIN’ HOLE

GORE, NOTCHIETOWN

GROVE, CROSSWIRED COWBOY

HASKELL, BENDED KNEE COWBOY

HASKELL, MOUNT ZION

HAYWORTH, BOKHOMA

HITCHITA, GRAVE CREEK INDIAN $0.00

HOBART, DAW-TOW-KOOT

HOLDENVILLE, CEDAR RIVER

HULBERT, NEW HOPE FIRST INDIAN

JONES, LIVING WORD

KEIFER, RISEN LIFE

$0.00

KEOTA, BETHEL INDIAN $0.00

KIEFER, RELENTLESS

KINGFISHER, IGLESIA

BAUTISTA EMANUEL

LAWTON, COMMUNITY

LAWTON, DAYSPRING

$0.00 $0.00

$1,135.74 $888.88

$0.00 $0.00

$0.00 $0.00

LAWTON, FIRST CHINESE $0.00 $0.00

LAWTON, HOPE

LAWTON, LEGACY FAITH & FAMILY $0.00 $0.00

LAWTON, PROVIDENCE

$0.00

LINDSAY, LIVING SANCTUARY $0.00

MADILL, CROSS-N-SPURS COWBOY $0.00

MAYSVILLE, COWBOY

MIAMI, HISPANIC MISSION

MIAMI, NUEVA VIDA

MOORE, TRANSITIONAL

MOUNDS, SNAKE CREEK 1

MULDROW, NEW

MUSKOGEE, EKKLESIA

MUSKOGEE, FIRST MISSIONARY

$300.00 $300.00

MUSTANG, THE WELL $0.00

MWC, FRESH FIRE

NOBLE, FREEDOM BIKER

NORMAN, THE CHURCH AT NORMAN

NOWATA, HIS LIFE

OKC, CHRIST CENTRAL

OKC, CITY LIGHT

OKC, CONVERGENCE (DBA FUSION)

OKC, CROWN HEIGHTS

OKC, E-CHURCH

OKC, EMMANUEL

$0.00

$0.00 $0.00

$0.00 $0.00

$0.00 $0.00

OKC, FAITH HOPE AND LOVE MISSIONARY $50.00

OKC, FRONTLINE DOWNTOWN $11,000.00 $11,000.00 OKC, FRONTLINE SOUTH $11,000.00 $11,000.00

OKC, GRACE COMMUNITY $0.00 $0.00

OKC, GREATER BETHEL

OKC, HOLY TEMPLE

OKC, IGLESIA COMUNIDAD DE FE

OKC, LIVING WORD

OKC, NEW HOPE

OKC, REAL

OKC, SENTRAL

OKC, ST. JOHN MISSIONARY

OKC, THE PARISH

OKC, TOGETHER CHURCH

OKC, UNITY CHRISTIAN

OKC, URBAN

OKC,

Note: Bible translations

ACROSS

1 One-celled organism

6 Former JFK lander 9 Biblical anointing liquids 13 Fragrant bush

14 “Consider the lilies...__ they grow” (Matt. 6:28) 15 Beginning

’s big crowd

Deli sandwich choice 18 What broke out when Paul preached, often

number

John Hancock, for short

WORDSEARCH

25 Caesar’s garment 27 Put in motion 29 Tehran resident 33 Scandinavian carrier 34 Parable of the __ virgins 35 What tithers do

Shroud city 39 Family member, for short

Impose

41 At no time “__ we flattering words” (1 Thess. 2:5)

42 Southwestern Indian 43 Christmas tree, often 44 Forgive others __ times seven 46 Egg shape

49 One of seven opened in

Revelation

50 Who shall “give them their... meat in __ season?” (Luke 12:42)

51 Shakespearean prince

53 Bible times metal

56 Godly person isn’t one

58 Abraham to Isaac, e.g.

59 Paradise, e.g.

61 Clock measure (Abbr.)

DOWN

1 With 15 down, first and last

2 Sinai Desert sight, perhaps

3 Faith chapter: Hebrews __

4 “__ things of the world...are despised” (1 Cor. 1:28)

5 House coolers (Abbr.)

6 Unbelieving response to Gospel message

7 Nutritious Asian plant

8 Sem. students’ age range, usually

9 God’s __ and only Son

10 Crete, e.g. (Sp.)

11 Sediments

12 “Let us keep in __ with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25 niv)

15 See 1 Down

20 Plague lice

21 “Except a __ of wheat fall into the ground” (John 12:24)

24 Copier function

26 Some sweaters

28 Stage whispers

30 Crosses on Calvary, Roman style

31 Eleventh month of Jewish calendar

32 Peter, James, and John’s need

34 “Bind them...upon thine heart, and __ them about thy neck” (Prov. 6:21)

36 Arizona airport (Abbr.)

37 “Pray for them which despitefully __ you” (Luke 6:28)

38 Preacher, for short

39 Salon employees

62 Artery

63 Days and nights Jesus fasted

64 Jesus fed a crowd with __ fishes

65 One is narrow and one is broad

66 Ice sheet

67 Prodigal Son’s home for a spell

68 David and Bathsheba’s meeting at first

40 Jesus fed a crowd with __ loaves

42 Beehive State

43 Number of Gospels

45 Recently

47 Number of Judas’s pieces of silver

48 Worlds

50 Hunter’s accessory

52 “He that is __ among you...shall be great” (Luke 9:48)

53 What arose between Mary and Martha once

54 Baal

55 Christian persecutor

57 Salamander

58 You might do this on eagle’s wings

60 What they did at the Last Supper

62 38 Down must be __ to teach

WORDS

ATTENDANCE

BREAKOUT

CAMPERS

CONVERSATION

CROSSTIMBERS

DECISIONS

EVANGELISM FAITH

FALLSCREEK

GLOBAL GOSPEL

GROW HUMBLE

MISSION PARADOX PRAY SALVATION SERMONS SESSION SPIRITUAL UNITY

Church NEWS

ERICK, FIRST CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF MINISTRY

On Sunday, June 22, Erick, First celebrated its 125th anniversary as a church family. The milestone event was marked with special recognitions and a spirit of gratitude for God’s faithfulness through the generations. Danny Ringer, Associational Mission Strategist/Director of Missions for the Great Plains Baptist Association, presented Deacons Mike Reimer and Ransom Snowden with commemorative certificates from the Historical Commission of Oklahoma Baptists and the Great Plains Baptist Association in honor of the church’s 125 years of ministry. The celebration served as a time of reflection, thanksgiving and renewed commitment to the church’s mission in the Erick community and beyond.

WILSON RECOGNIZED WITH NATIONAL AWARD

Oklahoma Baptists’ African American Ministry Partner Walter Wilson, who serves as senior pastor of Lawton, Friendship, was recently recognized by the National African American Fellowship (NAAF) of the Southern Baptist Convention. NAAF is a network of 4,000 + predominately African American pastors and churches affiliated with the SBC. Wilson was recognized for his exceptional ministry work to strengthen churches, help plant churches across Oklahoma and encourage pastors. Wilson was presented with the “G.O.A.T Black Church Work” Achievement Award by Oklahoma Pastor Kevin Moss, who serves as a leader with the NAAF.

LUIS RUIZ

PASTOR In Focus

Iglesia Bautista Gracia De Dios

Oklahoma City

Lead Pastor

Here by the ‘Grace of God’

By Messenger Sta

Luis Ruiz serves as pastor at Iglesia Bautista Gracia De Dios in Oklahoma City. Translated into English that is “Grace of God Baptist Church.”

His testimony of going from a life of crime to new life in Christ is a “Grace of God” story.

Ruiz grew up in a Christian household as a child, but later in life got involved with the wrong people and was arrested multiple times.

“I became a person I did not know,” Ruiz said. “Drugs have a way of making you into someone you don’t recognize.”

Ruiz ultimately faced arrest and prison for his crimes. During one of his numerous times in prison, a friend visited Ruiz and told him that God had a plan for him.

At the time, he didn’t believe it. Later on, a prison chaplain came up to him and told him that God was going to change Ruiz’s life. Again, Ruiz was skeptical. Three months later the same pastor spoke again and asked Ruiz if he wanted to change. Ruiz admitted that he did want to change, but had already accepted his new life.

That night, Ruiz woke up in a panic and didn’t recognize where he was, asking himself how he had gotten there. During this panic, a portion of Rom. 6:23 came to his mind, “for the wages of sin is death…”

From that point on, Ruiz began to change drastically. He attended Victory Bible Institute while in prison, which gave him the skills he needed to start preaching. Using those skills, Ruiz began teaching other inmates about Christ. Upon being released from prison, Ruiz asked for guidance on how to navigate his new life, to which God gave him Matt. 6:33, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Fast forward to today, and Ruiz, in addition to serving as a pastor, also serves as Oklahoma Jail and Prison Ministries (OJPM) President, a longstanding, Gospelcentered prison outreach ministry in Oklahoma. Ruiz continues to lead inmates in the Oklahoma prison system to Christ, through the ministry of OPJM.

“What you are seeing before you is a new creation,” Ruiz said. “God is not finished with me. There is still so much work to do.”

Ruiz has pastored at two other churches in the Oklahoma City area. He has been at Iglesia Bautista Gracia De Dios since 2023. Ruiz had got connected to a Vietnamese Church led by An Nguyen and the Lord opened doors.

Ruiz and his wife Rosalba have seven children and eight grandchildren. They are thriving in the ministry and where God has placed them. This abundant life in Jesus is nothing Luis could have imagined years ago.

“I started my ministry at Shields Boulevard Baptist Church under Pastor Gary Boswick. Then in 2022, I got called to be the pastor of Iglesia Bautista Roca Fuerte, which was a ministry of Council Road Baptist Church,” said Ruiz.

That ministry continued for a year, then Ruiz and his family got connected with Oklahoma City, Putnam City.

“Putnam City Baptist Church opened their doors for us to be able to use their youth annex and (church staff member) Bob Shelton mentored me,” said Ruiz.

Shelton and others connected Ruiz with Pastor An Nguyen, who serves with Vision Community Church.

“There were discussions among key leaders of what it would look like for a Vietnamese and an Hispanic church to share ministry space, and the Lord opened doors for that to happen,” he said.

Thanks to Pastor An’s church allowing their property to be used by Iglesia Bautista Gracia De Dios, the congregation is now meeting for worship and outreach.

Their first service was Easter Sunday in 2023. “We are running a group of about on the Sunday anywhere from 60 to 70 attendees, and we have a youth and children’s ministry,” he said.

The congregation has several outreach ministries, including to a local shelter where they meet the needs of Hispanic families who are new to the state.

Ruiz does not allow financial constraints limit what God can accomplish. “We started a bus ministry, which has given us tremendous results; now we are in the process of thinking about purchasing a second bus because our bus ministry has grown so much. I believe that God can do anything, just put it all in His hands. You can look at our budget as an excuse, but

we don’t look at our numbers as an excuse. God has been really faithful to us. He has opened those doors for us tremendously.”

Ruiz recently baptized a husband and wife they reached with the Good News.

Ruiz is now a seminary student at Southwestern Seminary, and his church leaders are all taking part in the Haskins School of Christian Ministry presented by Oklahoma Baptists.

“I can’t even say enough about what God has done in our church and in my personal life,” he said.

Truly, Ruiz’s entire life and ministry, serves as a witness to the “Grace of God.”

‘Priority of Leadership Conference’ in September will equip Oklahoma

Baptist Pastors, Ministers

As part of the focus to serve and support pastors and churches, Oklahoma Baptists are holding a one-day Priority of Leadership Conference on Sept. 11 on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University.

The event, which takes place from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the OBU Geiger Center, is designed to focus on the essentials of leadership for pastors.

Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists’ executive directortreasurer, underscored the importance of the event.

“Almost every pastor is thoroughly equipped to preach the Word and to be effective in the pulpit. Yet many pastors have not received adequate training and equipping in the essentials of leadership and administration. This conference will provide an excellent opportunity for pastors of any size church to become an even more effective leader,” said Fisher.

The keynote speaker for the conference is Jeff Iorg, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. His previous leadership experience includes 20 years as president of Gateway Seminary (formerly Golden Gate Seminary), serving as executive director of the Northwest Baptist Convention and as a church planting pastor. Iorg is the author of eight books focused on biblical leadership, character development, leading through change, evangelism and church health.

In his popular book The Character of Leadership, which addressed pastors and others leading in ministry, Iorg said, “As a leader, Jesus has made you a steward

of some of His leadership authority and responsibility. You are a leader, but only because Jesus has put you in charge of a little part of His Kingdom. He expects you to handle with care of the responsibility He has given you. It is His church or ministry you are leading.”

Other Priority of Leadership Conference speakers include:

• Anthony Jordan, retired executive directortreasurer for Oklahoma Baptists;

• Ted Kersh, retired Oklahoma Baptist pastor, ministry leader and author; and

• Michael Staton, senior pastor of Mustang, First.

Fisher added, “Dr. Jordan, Dr. Kersh and Dr. Staton are great leaders who each have vast experience. They understand the needs and challenges that pastors in our state face. I’m grateful for each of these brothers sharing their insight.”

There is no cost to attend the conference, but preregistration is required. This event is made possible through Oklahoma Baptists giving through the Cooperative Program. Lunch will be provided by WatersEdge Ministry Services.

Go to oklahomabaptists.org/ leadership-registration/ or scan this QR code for more information.

Join us throughout the year in praying for our missionaries, serving locally and around the world!

2025 MISSIONARY Prayer Guide

Who & Where Why How to Pray

Aaron and Kristy Kuglin, with their five children, serve with the International Mission Board in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They lead trainings in the city and in rural villages to equip local believers with the truth of the Word of God, call them to be transformed by it, and to share it. Their motto: Tell your story, tell it well, tell it often, until it becomes a way of life.

Dale Hamm is the church planter and pastor of Cross Baptist Church in Drummond, Okla. Drummond is a tiny town northwest of Oklahoma City and near Enid. Congregants are engaging the community and sharing the love of Jesus with the community of Drummond. Every city and town, big or small, need an evangelical church family.

Pray God will send more laborers to the DRC.

Pray the Congolese will know and truly be transformed by the saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray local churches will take up the charge to truly disciple their people to live out their faith and tell others about it and not just wait till a missionary comes and holds their hand to do it.

Pray the townspeople will have open hearts and open doors.

Pray God will build His church in Drummond. Pray those in the community will see Christ in the congregants as they serve.

Peter and Jana Kennedy serve as Logistics Service Consultants for the International Mission Board in Paris, France. They serve other missionaries living in France and Canada by helping with administrative tasks like immigration applications, housing, vehicles, taxes, insurance, etc. They also join with local church planting efforts in Paris. They love building relationships and caring for people and hearing about different ministry efforts happening in France and Canada. They also love being part of local evangelism efforts in Paris.

Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) directors and missionaries are present on local college and university campuses to encourage, mentor, disciple, equip, and coach students during their college experience. Young adults ages 18-24 are in a critical time in their lives. BCM staff help to keep them on track. University campuses are filled with international students who have never heard the Gospel of Christ. The nations are coming to us, and they need to hear the Good News.

Pray the Gospel will spread and that new churches will be planted across France and Canada.

Pray the Kennedys will best know how to approach logistical challenges that arise daily.

Pray their daughter will follow Jesus from a young age.

Pray many students will be saved by the Gospel and that they would desire to live a life like Jesus.

Pray the BCM staff will be faithful to Jesus and the ministry and be fruitful.

Pray students will see God’s heart for all nations and play a role in reaching the nations with the Gospel.

Aaron & Kristy Kuglin

Dale Hamm

Peter & Jana Kennedy

Baptist Collegiate Ministries

EDNA MCMILLAN

For more than a century, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) has been showing and sharing the love of Christ. This mission takes place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The needs of the marginalized, minimalized, abused and neglected do not stop on weekends, holidays or after hours.

Real heroes show up early, stay late, and meet the need. They provide a path forward for children and their families as they walk out of brokenness, shame, poverty, illiteracy, despair, and the darkness of lostness.

obhc.org/differencemaker