January 2026

JANUARY 2026 • VOL. 115 | NO. 1

SENT TO THE NATIONS

How to Face Criticism with Grace Todd Fisher

2026 Advance Conference Set for March 2-3 Alan Quigley

January 2026 · Vol. 115 I No. 1

MESSENGER STAFF Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@oklahomabaptists.org Megan Meador | Communications Coordinator mmeador@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 Online | baptistmessenger.com Facebook | thebaptistmessenger Instagram | @baptistmessenger

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 03 | How to Face Criticism With Grace CONNECT Todd Fisher

04 | Gifts from God

SWORD & TROWEL Brian Hobbs

05 | Upcoming Events 07 | My ‘Kodak Moment’ JUST JOE Joe Ligon

08 | Oklahoma IMB Missionaries Sent to the Nations FEATURE

Staff

12 | Puzzles 13 | Church News 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: 36,197.

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.

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14 | Pastor in Focus: Owen Nease 16 | 2026 Advance Conference Set for March 2-3 Alan Quigley

17 | Missionary Prayer Guide 19 | Sanctity of Human Life: The Growing

Threat of Chemical Abortion TOOLBOX Gayla White

CONNECT

HOW TO FACE CRITICISM WITH GRACE I am often asked in my conversations with pastors and other ministry leaders about how to deal with criticism. Here are a few thoughts for those serving in a church leadership role (thoughts that I hope are helpful and applicable to anyone serving in any kind of leadership role).

effect that eventually takes its toll. This is where a pastor needs safe people in his life with whom he can share his frustrations and feelings.

CRITICISM CAN BE UNFAIR. In leadership, you often

make decisions based on knowledge that you cannot share and others do not know. This can be really CRITICISM IS A REALITY. When you lead, you will frustrating. A pastor gets criticized based on faulty or have to make decisions that will not please everyone. incomplete information and he is tempted to say what That’s just the way it will be. Ministry leaders need to he knows to exonerate himself and the decision he accept that criticism comes with the responsibility of made. Pastor, be wise here. Do not divulge information leadership. You may be doing great work for the Lord, that should be kept confidential. but someone will find a way to criticize you. That’s what the people did with Moses in the exodus. This doesn’t CONSIDER THE SOURCE OF THE CRITICISM. Many mean you should be indifferent to criticism, but neither times criticism comes from people who just like to gripe, can you let criticism so negatively affect you that your want to cause controversy, or seek the spotlight by stirring up trouble. These people don’t want to be part life and ministry are derailed. of a solution. If unjust criticism comes from someone CRITICISM CAN BE WARRANTED. I had a mentor in like this, a pastor needs to “consider the source” and ministry once say to me, “There may be a thousand know that others in the church are doing the same. people over here saying, ‘Yay, Todd Fisher!’ but one In contrast, criticism may come from very reputable, person over there saying, ‘Boo, Todd Fisher.’ It may well credible members of the church and it may come from be that one person has something you need to hear.” more than one person. Hopefully, such people will I have found that to be true. We all make mistakes in bring their criticism in a godly, constructive way. This leadership. Listen to criticism humbly and honestly. You is criticism you need to consider. Humility and willingness may need to apologize for something you have done or to listen to others are not signs of weakness in leadership, change a decision you have made. but rather a strength.

CRITICISM MAY BE A DISTRACTION. On the other CRITICISM CAN DERAIL YOU. If a pastor is not careful, hand, the criticism you receive may be unwarranted and could be used by the enemy. I have often found that after something really great happened—a Sunday where several got saved, a significant meeting or event at church that went well, etc. I would get hit with sharp criticism. This can distract from the good that is happening and be a discouragement. This is what happened to Elijah after his showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. Realize the spiritual warfare that may be in play when you are being criticized and refuse to allow the criticism to distract you.

he can be consumed by criticism. It can become all he thinks about—constantly replaying in his mind what was said and what he wishes he would have said, even being vengeful and ungodly in the response. This is where taking criticisms to the Lord in prayer is so important.

Pastor, ask God to give you wisdom regarding the criticism and how you should respond. Ask Him to help you not forget the good things that are happening and to keep you focused on the task He has called you to do. Don’t be consumed thinking about your critics.

Always receive criticism with humility and prayer, respond to it with grace, stay focused and give it to directly to you, it hurts. When you hear from another the Lord. God will help you navigate the rough patches how someone you thought was a friend and brother as you fulfill your tremendous calling to shepherd His has criticized you, it hurts. Many people in church, even church and love His people. the ones criticizing you, do not realize the effect harsh and hateful words can have on a pastor. The difficult Todd Fisher decisions, situations and people that pastors have to Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer navigate throughout their tenure can have a cumulative

CRITICISM CAN HURT. When people say ugly things

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Gifts from God

SWORD AND TROWEL

The Christmas decorations are put away. Hallmark’s “Countdown to Christmas” programming, which began in October, has run its course. In church life, the Advent season is now complete for another year.

household that God is building (Eph. 2). A sword is for battle, and a trowel is for building up, and each of these aspects is essential to a life of discipleship.

Two such gifts from God are coming to my mind. The name of my column is “Sword and trowel.” The phrase, which is a reference to the Book of Nehemiah, was used by the late, great preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, whose publication founded in the 1860s still bears the name. The biblical image is one of building up and of spiritual warfare.

In 2026 and beyond, I am reminded to treasure all good gifts that the Lord gives us. And to use them daily for His glory and His Kingdom. To challenge and build up—like sword and trowel—in a lost and dark time that desperately needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

These are great gifts that God has given to all His As you reflect on the Christmas holiday, what was followers. Too often, we neglect these gifts in our daily your favorite Christmas present—given or received— walk with Him. Or we sometimes focus only on one this year? of these aspects of the Christian life to the neglect of the other.

There’s a powerful scene in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in which the children receive It is tempting to many Christians to be only people of amazing Christmas presents from “Father Christmas” the truth and to neglect grace. With arguments ready (i.e. Santa Claus). and swords drawn, we are so ready to proclaim the way things ought to be, that we forget to be redemptive After many years, the children, having lost possession and graceful about it. of those precious gifts, rediscover them. Lucy considers the gift she received her favorite earthly possession.

There are still other Christians who feel so compelled to build other people up with positive things, to be As 2026 is underway, now is a good time to rediscover such an encourager, that they compromise or forget or reconsider the good gifts we each have received the truth. from the Lord.

Yet, God gives us a great example through Nehemiah’s Above all, Jesus Christ Himself, the Son of God and workers, as they constructed the walls of Jerusalem Savior, is the ultimate gift to be received and treasured; that God was prompting them to build, while being not only at Christmas, but every day. There are other under enemy fire. They were on a God-given mission, gifts that the Lord gives us, when He gives us Jesus. carrying sword and a trowel (Neh. 4:15-23).

As followers of Jesus, our “sword” is, of course, the Word of God (Eph. 6:14). By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are each part of the Body of Christ and the

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January 2026

Brian Hobbs Oklahoma Baptists Editor

events

UPCOMING

EVENTS

See what events are happening around the state!

January 18, 2026 Sanctity of Human Life Sunday oklahomabaptists.org/life

Februray 2, 2026 Priority of Preaching Conference Moore, First oklahomabaptists.org/ event/preaching-conference/

February 4, 2026 Rose Day Oklahoma State Capitol roseday.life

March 2-3, 2026 Advance Conference Moore, First oklahomabaptists.org/ evangelism/advanceconference/

Visit oklahomabaptists.org/events/ to view more events happening throughout the year!

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday EPISODE 71 Todd and Andy interview Gayla White, director of Oklahoma's Hope Pregnancy Centers.

THE BAPTIST MESSENGER

INSIGHT

PODCAST

LISTEN AT oklahomabaptists.org/podcast or on...

Hear author Nick Hamilton, who served as a chaplain for 25 years, share biblical insights on finding spiritual healing after trauma today at baptistmessenger.com/podcast or find the Baptist Messenger Insight Podcast program on your preferred The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com 5 podcast platform.

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January 2026

My ‘Kodak Moment’

When I was growing up (some of you probably think I still need to complete that task), my family and a bunch of our extended family would often go to a place near Tishomingo called Devil’s Den.

There were picnic areas and multiple places to get down to the creek that was the highlight of the place. For the most part, the creek was shallow enough to wade but there were a couple of holes that would require you to swim through or get out and walk on the bank to where the creek was again wadable.

On one particular trip, we made it to one of those particularly deep pools of water. There was a huge boulder that jutted out over that pool. Somehow, we had missed this set up on our previous visits.

But now the whole place was shouting our names.

welcomed as the newest he-man in the Ligon clan.

It was a marvelous picture that I had in my mind, but I could not convince my body to cooperate.

So, I tried a few more times to take the leap. I would hunker down. I would extend as far as I could. I did that enough I probably looked like a Singer sewing machine. The men in the water were still cheering me on. My mom was shaking her head and mumbling something about telling me not to go up there in the first place.

But I was stuck. My toes were dug into that rock, and I wasn’t going anywhere.

So there I was on that dumb rock overlooking that dumb water. I kept trying to jump off. I could imagine myself jumping off.

My dad, a couple of uncles, and several older But it looked a long way down there. The possibility cousins took turns scrambling up that rock and of paralysis, drowning, or other serious personal jumping off into the pool of water. Every one of injury loomed large. I hunkered down one more time. them made the whole thing look so easy and like so As I started up that time an amazing thing happened. much fun. There was only one thing for me to do. I My toes turned loose of that rock, and I launched had to take my turn and scramble up that rock so myself into the air. that I, too, could jump into that pool of water.

My splashdown was horrific. But I did it. I did it! And So, I scrambled up that rock. That part was easy I wasn’t dead. Oddly enough, I wanted to do it again. except my mom was yelling at me to be careful and But my mom said nobody had time for that. So we all not kill myself. Once I got to the top of the rock I headed back to our picnic area and the promise of didn’t, what you would call, run to the edge and some Spam sandwiches and some Vienna Sausages leap into the water. What I did was more like edging for my victory meal. my way to the launch point on the rock. Actually, I kind of crept my way to the edge. But at least I Here are a few things to think about. One, sometimes wasn’t creeping on all fours. that next step is the hardest step until we actually take it. And then we discover the next step may not In the water below me, the men folk in the water have been that big of deal after all. Two, don’t let were cheering me on, waiting to celebrate the jump fear or unfounded threats keep you from taking that with me. It was going to be a Kodak moment. next step. Sometimes, we all have to hunker down before we can find the courage to launch ourselves So, I hunkered down to maximize my lift off into the near future. Three, never doubt the value of trajectory. I remember extending like a skier going a good Spam sandwich as a victory meal. off the end of ski jump, but I didn’t go anywhere.

Somehow my toes had dug into that rock, and I Joe Ligon was stuck.

Oklahoma Baptists I wanted to jump. I wanted to leap into the air and splash down in the water where I would be

Sr. Associate Executive Director

OKLAHOMA IMB MISSIONARIES SENT TO THE NATIONS

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January 2026

The International Mission Board (IMB) sends and supports “missionaries to share the Gospel, make disciples and plant churches where Jesus is not known.”

Oklahoma Baptists are one of the largest sending states in the Southern Baptist Convention, with missionaries now serving with the IMB in strategic areas for the Gospel around the world.

Two such missionary families that were recently sent to the nations include: Jacob and Jessica Brooks, serving in Japan—and Colin and Larissa Stallcup, serving in Chile.

JAPAN

JACOB AND JESSICA BROOKS: IMPACTING LOSTNESS IN ‘THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN’ According to a report from the IMB, “statistics show that 99 percent of the population (in Japan) does not have a relationship with Christ. Those statistics represent people—living, breathing image-bearers of God for whom Jesus Christ died to save. While the task of reaching them with the Gospel seems daunting, God is stirring the church in Japan to reach the nation.”

The Brookses, from Nicoma Park, First, are at work sharing the Gospel and building relationships with locals.

“Our family is living in Fukuoka, Japan,” said Jacob.

“We are church planters, but since we arrived in Japan in January 2024, we have been full-time language students. Right now, learning the Japanese language and culture is our full-time job. However, as we learn, we focus on visiting parks, coffee shops, etc. to meet families.”

The Brookses are praying that the Gospel would open the eyes of the Japanese people to their need of the One True Living God. They have one young child and another on the way. They are finding ways to connect with the Japanese people.

The couple said, “We love having the opportunity to meet people, host them in our home, and share our lives with them. In a culture where people are hesitant and take a long time to form deep, meaningful relationships, it is encouraging to see our friends open up to us and share deep things of the heart, which is very counter cultural.”

The Brookses are already making important connection points in Japan, as they seek to share the Good News of Jesus. “We have made several friends that we have hosted in our home for dinner and Bible studies, and we are seeking to continue this,” added Jacob.

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CHILE COLIN AND LARISSA STALLCUP: FROM RURAL OKLAHOMA TO SOUTH AMERICA WITH THE GOOD NEWS The IMB has long been active in South America, and according to sources, began its work in Chile in the 1910s.

Today, the “IMB missionaries focus on church planting, evangelism and training national leaders in Chile, a country with significant religious freedom but declining religious affiliation.”

After finishing language learning in Puebla, the Stallcups and their children will be heading to Santiago, Chile.

Colin most recently served as pastor of Ft. Cobb, First, prior to being called to missions.

Colin said, “I have felt the draw for international missions from the moment the Lord found me at 15. I was always fascinated by different nations, names and flags from my time watching international sports. Once I got saved and I read how God’s Gospel and glory is to be declared among all the nations (Psalm 96:3), I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. The Lord then spent the next decade maturing Larissa (my wife) and I to prepare us for this role. God used various opportunities, like short term trips and our service in the local church.”

The Stallcups will be serving in a middle to upper class neighborhood, comprised of professionals and politicians. While the people of the area may possess all the world has to offer, the area has little to no Gospel presence.

“We are grateful to bring the light of the Gospel in the midst of darkness,” said Colin. “It is a privilege to be used by the Lord, and we trust God will bring a great harvest. We cannot wait to see the Gospel come alive to those who desperately need it!”

The Stallcups have asked people to pray for them, that they would “boldly declare His glory among the people in Santiago. Pray that the people would see their desperate need of the Gospel, despite their material wealth.”

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January 2026

One leader with the IMB noted that “sharing the Gospel in South America is not very different than doing so anywhere else in the world.” The Stallcups hope to bring the Good News of Jesus to reach the people of Chile for Jesus.

HOW YOU CAN PRAY FOR OKLAHOMA IMB MISSIONARIES Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher has asked Oklahoma Baptists to pray fervently for all the IMB missionaries, including those from Oklahoma.

“In my role with Oklahoma Baptists, I am privileged to speak with Southern Baptists around the nation and with team members serving with the IMB,” Fisher said.

“I often hear phrases like, ‘Oklahoma Baptists send so many people to the mission field!’ Truly the Lord has blessed our state to be a missions-sending state.

Oklahoma consistently ranks in the top number of states who send missionaries through the IMB. Please be faithful lifting up our missionaries to the Lord.”

The Brooks and Stallcup families are two of many missionaries featured in the 2026 Cooperative Program Missionary Prayer Guide.

To pray for them and other missionaries, download the prayer guide at oklahomabaptists.org/cp or text the word PRAY to 833-942-3800.

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Note: Bible translations may vary for clues

44 “God so loved the __” 45 Museum guide 46 Greek muse of music 49 “When ye __, be not...of a sad countenance” (Matt. 6:16) 50 Cover story 51 Spirit’s gift 52 Mary or Martha, e.g.

55 Blabbed, texting style

56 Lowest point 59 Jesus, Prince of __ 61 Bard’s conjunction 62 Ten Commandment no-no 63 Sunday anthems 64 He brought five loaves and two fish 65 Hell 66 Extra-wide shoes

DOWN

ACROSS 1 Wind dir. (Abbr.)

5 Roman coliseum, for one 10 Weary shoulders might do this 13 Bind, as soldiers did to Jesus (2 words) 15 At about 30, Jesus would __ His ministry 16 Jesus shows us the __ to heaven 17 “He is risen!” announcer 18 Through Jesus, God would __ us 19 Sin 20 “Amen!”

21 __ of the Apostles, Bible book

23 Adult insect 25 Jesus, from David’s ___ 26 51 Down __ relationships 28 Jesus ascended into these 31 Civil rights org. (Abbr.)

32 What a goose does 33 “That hurts!”

34 Satan, the old evil __ 37 She (Fr.) 38 Church feature 40 Cocoon dweller 41 What angels do 42 “Ye shall in no __ enter into the kingdom” (Matt. 5:20) 43 Apostle in Jerusalem church

1 “__ here and keep watch” (Mark 14:34 niv) 2 Jesus changed water into it 3 Prays 4 “If any man will __ thee at the law” (Matt. 5:40) 5 Lessen 6 Cincinnati team 7 Pride 8 “__ it in the bud” 9 Believers first called Christians here 10 Jesus’s blood was like___ in Gethsemane 11 “This is disgusting!”

12 Greek sandwiches 14 Scottish fabrics 22 Brain and spinal cord (Abbr.)

24 Wipe 25 21 Across writer 26 Paul’s former name 27 Spice 28 Gourmet cook 29 Slouch 30 Jesus, God’s __ Son 31 Smelled 34 Rant 35 Jesus’ tomb was __ 36 Bethlehem star locale 38 Seniors’ org. (Abbr.)

39 Crete, for one

LAST MONTH ANSWERS

WORDSEARCH

WORDS

V H W R O F A I T H F U L O F X O Z P D E Z C C L B U Z R F H W I N S O V Q I M A G E B E A R E R S M C F A M I L I E S A A D S C A S I A I J A P A N B N A W T V L A N G U A G E L E A R N I N G M Q C P G H T N M A K E D I S C I P L E S O O P H J H H R O C Q C I P L A N T C H U R C H E S K C R N H I A S P Q A T MW G C X V Q Y G F F Q M A V I T S L Y P I B B M L S E N D I N G S T A T E I I T N L E E E F K K T W J U N C R Z X R Z Y R V D A S A I Q R L J G P D Q J A U F J E V A N G E L I S M T M E H M B Q M I S S I O N A R I E S Z Z R V P W I B H M E W S O U T H E R N B A P T I S T S X N V O X C Z S Y Z C X W C G E Z K D C O N N E C T I O N G Y Q S Z Z S S S T R A T E G I C C E G M T F I S I F S A Z F N R J B M O K L A H O M A B A P T I S T S A G S J C M F D R F D V M O E L L Q N V X Z J H D Q E D E C H A I L J I W A S O U T H A M E R I C A

ASIA

NATIONS

CHILE CONNECTION

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

EVANGELISM

PLANT CHURCHES

FAITHFUL

PRAYER

FAMILIES

REACH

GOSPEL MESSAGE

SENDING STATE

IMAGE BEARERS

SOUTH AMERICA

IMB

SOUTHERN BAPTISTS

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

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40 Agreement 42 Early church city 43 Mary’s husband 44 Part of www 45 Injured serviceperson’s org.

(Abbr.)

46 Artist’s need 47 Extreme 48 Measured 49 Walled towns 51 “Believing ye might have __” (John 20:31) 52 Esau’s quest 53 Teen’s woe 54 Mustard seed is “__ than all the seeds” (Mark 4:31) 57 “Gotcha!”

58 Teacher’s advanced deg. (Abbr.)

60 “Beam that is in thine own __” (Matt. 7:3)

January 2026

JAPAN LANGUAGE LEARNING MAKE DISCIPLES MISSIONARIES

STRATEGIC

Church NEWS

CHURCH NEWS

CHURCH COMMUNITY RALLY TO HELP PASTOR WHO NEEDS KIDNEY On Sat, Nov. 1,

RETIREE LUNCHEON HELD ON DEC. 4 On Dec. 4, Oklahoma Baptists hosted a Christmas Luncheon for its retirees. This was held at the new Oklahoma Baptists offices in Oklahoma City. This event honored those who Ada, Lovelady attendees have served churches and the Lord through the state and their community held a convention. “We had a great time honoring our Oklahoma community benefit for their Baptists retirees today with a luncheon,” said Oklahoma pastor, Coy Howry who is in Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher. “I am need of a kidney transplant. so grateful for these men and women who tirelessly and Starting at 11:30 a.m., the sacrificially served the Lord and his churches through community auctioned our state convention!” off various items to raise money for the medical bills.

Items auctioned included two signed footballs, a fifth wheel RV and a fishing trip for four. “I’m very thankful and I’m very humbled,” Howry said. “We sure appreciate what people have done.”

MOORE, FIRST LOTTIE MOON EXHIBIT The

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is an important part of the Christmas season for Oklahoma Baptists and Southern Baptists all over the world. It gives the Church an opportunity to honor Moon’s legacy of missions work, give to International Missions and inspire the next generation of missionaries. At Moore, First, Paulia Box Merrell wanted to motivate kids in a more visual fashion. 13 different displays can be found around the Moore, First facility. Each exhibit features items and clothing from countries all over the world, including a special recreation of what Moon’s house looked like when she was in China.

Above: Retiree Luncheon. Below: Moore, First Lottie Moon Exhibit.

TRIBUTES Trent Maness died Nov. 27. He was pastor of Ravia Church.

Mike Bates died Dec. 1. He was pastor of Irving Church in Mullins Association.

Stanley Shomo died Dec. 5. He was the pastor of Durwood Church.

David Peck died Dec. 7. He served Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) for more than 40 years, including as the assistant administrator of the Oklahoma City campus (now The Vine).

PASTOR

PASTOR OWEN, CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING ELECTED PRESIDENT OF OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CALL TO MINISTRY AND ABOUT YOUR EDUCATION?

I was saved as a young child at Central Baptist Church in Central High, Oklahoma. I surrendered to vocational ministry at Falls Creek after my 8th grade year in school. After graduating from Central High, I received my undergrad degree at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), then finished my Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?

s u c o F In

OWEN NEASE

Pastor, Emmaus Baptist Church

OKC, Oklahoma

My wife Amanda and I met at OBU, and we were married after graduation in 2004. Our three kids were all born during our time in New Orleans. They are teenagers now, and we are having so much fun watching the Lord at work in their lives. Amanda’s happy place is with teenagers and college students, so it’s fun to be in this season as a family.

PLEASE SHARE SOME ABOUT THE PLACES GOD HAS ENABLED YOU TO SERVE, INCLUDING YOUR CHURCH TODAY?

During my time at OBU, I served at FBC Stratford, FBC Ramona, Northside Baptist in Corsicana, TX, and Mt. Pleasant Baptist outside of Shawnee. Henderson Hills Baptist in Edmond was very good to my family following Hurricane Katrina, and we served on staff with them for a while. Most of the time in seminary was spent doing pulpit supply in Louisiana and Mississippi while serving as the school’s Financial Aid Director, plus I had the chance to be the baseball chaplain one summer for the New Orleans Zephyrs AAA team. Later, I pastored at Crossroads Community Church in Kenner, LA, then at FBC Bay St. Louis, MS, before coming to Emmaus in 2015.

HOW IS THE LORD BLESSING AND WORKING THROUGH YOUR CHURCH, OKC, EMMAUS?

Since the mid-1980s when Emmaus was planted by First Moore, this church family has been focused on local and global missions. I’m so thankful for the church’s generosity and for the commitment to proclaim and display Jesus. We’re in a unique situation now where many young families are joining the church.

The stage has been full for the past few Parent-Child 14

January 2026

Dedications, and we are also seeing college and career students—both single and married—connect with the church. Probably my favorite part of Emmaus is the inter-generational love and joy within the church family. Old, young and in-between, we are trying to encourage one another and share the hope of Christ with our community.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE UNIQUE FELLOWSHIP WE SHARE AMONG OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS?

Before this year’s Annual Meeting, I was reading the Messenger profile about Kevin Moss, pastor at Antioch Fellowship Baptist Church in Spencer and current 1st Vice-President for Oklahoma Baptists. I don’t think I can improve on his answer to this question; I’ve saved it to my phone. Pastor Moss stated: “It is a bond rooted in our shared faith, united purpose and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel. Together, we uplift one another through prayer, encouragement and collaboration, creating a community that embodies the love of Christ. Oklahoma Baptists are a constant source of inspiration and strength, reminding me of the power of unity in serving in God’s Kingdom.”

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO MISSIONS AND MISSIONS GIVING, AMONG OTHER THINGS. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE UNIQUE BLESSINGS WE HAVE AS OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS?

I know it’s an old phrase, but when I think about the unique blessings we have as Oklahoma Baptists, I think of the phrase: “Blessed to be a blessing.” We have been blessed with amazing people, strong churches and faithful pastors, not to mention financial and material blessings. We don’t want to hold onto these things or take them for granted. We must steward and multiply these blessings generationally and globally.

HOW CAN OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS PRAY FOR YOU?

Pray that I will love my family well, serve faithfully and joyfully within my church family and handle Oklahoma Baptists’ meetings and responsibilities with humility and wisdom.

The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com

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2026 ADVANCE CONFERENCE SET FOR MARCH 2-3 Several years ago, there was a commercial for Oldsmobile that said, “It’s not your father’s Oldsmobile.”

Well, something similar could be said about the 2026 Advance Conference that will be held on March 2-3, 2026, at Moore, First.

The theme for the conference will be M5. The Mission in the power of five comes from Matt. 28:16-20. The five emphases will include: • Make—Reach the lost—“Make Disciples” v19 • Mark—Connect to the Body—”Baptize” v19 • Mature—Grow together in Christ-likeness— “Teach” v20 • Move—Advance the Gospel—”Go” • Magnify—Rely on the Lord—”Authority/ Worship” v16-18

There will be five distinct worship events in the main hall. Each will include a short presession equipping opportunity, followed by a worship set and one sermon.

In between the sessions you will be able to explore the expanded exhibit hall or chill with your friends.

Monday lunch will be sponsored by Send Oklahoma and will also require registration for the meal and gift that will be available.

The conference will provide you with the opportunity to be inspired by the Word, equipped for the Work and encouraged to Go with the Gospel.

Advance Conference invites pastors and church leaders from around the country to speak at the event.

This year, those scheduled to speak are Monty Patton, Executive Director of the Arizona Mission Network; What will make this conference different isn’t the Connor Bales, Senior Pastor at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs; Robert Smith Jr., Distinguished Professor of emphasis, but the entire conference experience.

Divinity at Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School The experience begins with your registration. The first and more. An exhibit hall will be set up with various 500 to register will receive a special gift when they Oklahoma Baptist affiliates and programs that can be check in at the event. The registration will allow you visited in between the sermons. I want to ask you to to register for meals and breakout training that will begin praying with your Oklahoma Baptists staff that be held during the event. Registration will open on or this event will provide a spark for revival in our state. before Jan. 15, 2026, at oklahomabaptists.org.

Alan Quigley Oklahoma Baptists Associate Executive Director

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January 2026

2 0 2 6 M I S S I O N A RY

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

Why

Pray that weekly Gospel conversations would continue to happen with locals.

Pray that the Welsh people would see that they are sinful and realize their need for Christ.

Edward & Frankie Howell

Pray that Edward and Frankie would continue to abide in Christ, and that God would continue to encourage them in their ministry.

T HE AMER ICAS

Edward and Frankie live in Wales serving with the IMB. They serve alongside a church plant, Penarth Evangelical Church. They are actively learning about church planting, engaging the community and sharing the Gospel, and discipling young believers in their church.

How to Pray

American Peoples

Pray for Oklahoma Baptists who are serving Pray God would open the eyes with the International Mission Board (IMB) and hearts of people living in the in Central and South America, where many Americas and help missionaries as have heard of Jesus, but very few have a they convey the truth of the Gospel. relationship with Him. Most people in the Americas identify as Catholic. They know the name of Jesus but some may only Pray for the health, safety and well-being think of Him as one among many saints. of missionaries and their families as they Additionally, the area is experiencing rapid serve in the Americas. growth in an aggressive form of prosperity theology that causes theological confusion.

J APAN

WA L ES

Who & Where

Prayer Guide

Jacob and Jessica are church planters in Pray that God would give Jacob and Fukuoka, Japan. In addition to learning the Jessica endurance and perseverance as language and culture, Jacob and Jessica they continue their language studies. are at work sharing the Gospel and building Pray that the Gospel would open the eyes relationships with locals throughout the city. of the Japanese people to their need of the One True Living God. Pray that God would protect the Brooks family, including their young son and new baby that is expected in February of this year.

WORL D- WI DE

Jacob & Jessica Brooks

Deaf Peoples

Pray for Oklahoma Baptists who are serving the Deaf around the world. An estimated 80 million culturally deaf people have almost no access to God’s Word in their heart language and few of them have ever been exposed to the Gospel. Most of the Deaf around the world have never seen Jesus’ name signed in their language. Often ignored and oppressed, the Deaf are some of the least evangelized people on earth.

Pray God will help Oklahoma Baptists reach this global population of 80 million people who need to know about the love and sacrifice of Jesus.

Pray missionaries to the Deaf will have the resources they need to reach them.

To receive weekly missionary prayer requests, text the word PRAY to 833-942-3800.

The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com

17

WOMEN’S RETREAT 2026

April 17-18, 2026

LAUNCH PADS

Duncan, Immanuel Enid, First Moore, First Tahlequah, First Tulsa, South Tulsa

Mission Mission Event Event for for Kids Kids Grades Grades 1-6 1-6

oklahomabaptists.org/women Registration opens February 1

REGISTRATION OPENS

January 6, 2026

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

February 28, 2026 9 am - 2 pm $15 in advance $20 at the door

Falls Creek Conference Centers Davis, Oklahoma

January 22, 2026

SCAN HERE:

INTERPRETACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

PROJECT ACTIVITY REPORTS DUE (OPTIONAL)

January 12, 2026

To learn more and register, go to: OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/MISSION-IGNITION

SAVE THE DATE February 4, 2026 Oklahoma State Capitol

Keynote Speaker:

Mia Armstrong Author, Actress & Pro-Life Advocate

For more information, scan here or visit: oklahomabaptists.org/life 18

January 2026

For more information, scan here or visit: roseday.life

TOOL BOX

SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE: THE GROWING THREAT OF CHEMICAL ABORTION

by Gayla White, Executive Director, Hope Pregnancy Ministries

“If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter…”

Proverbs 24:10-12

Hope staff took this precious, now deceased, baby to a local funeral home. Most babies lost to the abortion pill are simply flushed down the toilet. The grieved restaurant manager said this was his third employee to lose her baby from the abortion pill at work.

At pregnancy centers across our state, women and men come believing the lie that abortion pills are quick and easy. When they learn the truth—that DNA is set at conception, hearts beat at 22 days, and the pill carries serious risks—many choose life. Truth rescues those staggering toward slaughter.

There is hope for those who regret taking the first The Lord has been convicting my heart through pill. Through Abortion Pill Reversal, a woman can Proverbs 24:10-12 about the urgent need for the reverse the effects within 72 hours with large church and our communities to know the reality of doses of progesterone. It’s 66% effective and chemical abortion in our state. Women and girls— 100% safe, but few know about it. Learn more at including those in our churches—do not know the AbortionPillReversal.com. truth or the danger of the use of abortion pills. 43% of women who get an abortion attend church regularly, WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THIS KNOWLEDGE? and 70% claim a Christian religious preference (Focus You can be a culture changer. Speak the truth about on the Family). One in four American women are post- the abortion pill in your church, among young adults, abortive (Guttmacher Institute). students and your community. Rally around those The abortion pill is being used more than we can imagine. We have learned that women are buying abortion pills in bulk and sharing them. Women are delivering babies in homes, dorms, workplaces and even public restrooms. Pills are bought online, shared in bulk and often come without instructions. They are marketed as “missed period pills,” misleading women into thinking they are safe and simple. They are not.

facing unplanned pregnancies with God’s truth and love.

Share these resources. Contact your local pregnancy center and ask how you can help. You can find your local center at PregnancyNet.org. Do not stay silent— lives depend on it.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is January 18, 2026.

For video resources and more on this topic, go to

A Hope Pregnancy Center staff member was recently at a restaurant her family frequents. A server asked oklahomabaptists.org/life or scan this QR code. her to come to the staff restroom to help a coworker.

The young woman in the restroom was in the process of delivering her baby after taking the abortion pill.

She delivered a 13-week baby still in the sac.

The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com

19

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