2021/July/29

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • JULY 29, 2021

oJ ey

Jon Doyle

r e v l u C FALLS CREEK

FA I T H F U L Stories of camp sponsors who impact many students /// SEE PAGE 6

r e k a B g u o D

l e h c Ra & y t s i M

ly i m a F on s n Joh CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends Most pastors feel supported by other local ministers >> AARON EARLS

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Hungry for heroes

Just Joe: Pet peeves >> JOE LIGON

Recently I have been doing some self-evaluation. And I have discovered that I have a big problem—pet peeves.

One of my pet peeves is people who think they don’t have any pet peeves. Here’s what I have learned. You either know you have some pet peeves, or you are someone’s pet peeve.

Another pet peeve that has slowed my progress to perfection is that paper thin bacon some people fix. If your bacon is thin enough that you can see your wife through it, it’s just too thin. /// SEE PAGE 3

Coweta, Community provides culture for foster care

Lawton, Credence is ‘dining on mission’ in community

>> KENNY MOSSMAN

>> CHRIS FORBES

COWETA—Bubba and Miranda Burcham had no plans to foster a special needs child. Neither did their pastor, Adam Mask, and his wife, Grace. How, then, did a special needs child wind up first in the Burcham home and then with the Masks? Only the Lord knows.

“On paper, it wasn’t what we were ready for,” said Bubba, who leads men’s ministries for Oklahoma Baptists, “but God worked it out. We got a call that this child was in need and was going to go to the hospital if we didn’t step in.”

LAWTON—Like a lot of church plants, Lawton, Credence did not have permanent space for a church office and midweek gatherings when the church first launched. Pastor/planter Brady Sharp launched the church with the vision “to place the Good News of Jesus in every home, every workplace, and every marketplace in Lawton, Fort Sill, and beyond.” /// SEE PAGE 7

/// SEE PAGE 7

>> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Fighting, food and a new kind of love >> WALKER MOORE

Page 5 | Missions & Ministry KBA shares the Gospel in southeast Oklahoma >> LINDA MORGAN

Page 10 | Church Toolbox The good and hard work of sermon preparation >> NICK ATYIA

Page 12 | News & Culture Southwestern Seminary announces new name, vision for undergraduate college >> SOUTHWESTERN SEMINARY STAFF

Follow the Baptist Messenger on social media!

To comment on articles, visit www.baptistmessenger.com

I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

ENDS NEWS & TR

Most pastors feel supported by & other local ministers SPORTS & MISSIONS Y

>> by Aaron Earls

LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN RESOURCES WRITER

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—The vast majority of pastors say they feel support from other ministers in their communities, but that encouragement is less prevalent in some places.

According to a study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research, 82 percent of U.S. Protestant pastors say they feel supported by other local pastors in their area, with 44 percent strongly agreeing. Few (14 percent) disagree, while 4 percent aren’t sure.

“Nobody can identify with a pastor like another pastor. That’s why relationships between pastors are so vital,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “It’s one thing to be aware and know the names of other pastors who are sharing the same Gospel message in your community. It’s another to invest in supporting and encouraging each other.”

Large church pastors, those with weekly worship service attendance of more than 250, are the most likely to say they feel supported by other local pastors (89 percent).

In the Northeast, where there are traditionally fewer Protestant churches, pastors are less likely to

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

WEB-EXCLU

SIV

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

R agree they feel supported byT othMINIS er pastors (75 percent) than pastors in the Midwest (84 percent).

Restorationist movement pastors (68 percent) are less likely to feel local pastor support than Lutheran (88 percent), Pentecostal B O X TO O L H percent), (87 percent), Baptist U R C(83 H C or Presbyterian/Reformed pastors (83 percent). A Lifeway Research study on denominations found Restorationist movement pastors are also the least likely to say they or their congregation considers it vital to be IEDS S I F part C L AorSdenominaof a denomination tion-like group, while Lutheran pastors are the most likely to see such denominational connections as important.

A 2015 Lifeway Research study on pastors leaving the ministry found about 1 percent leave the pastorate prior to retirement each year, but more than 1 in 3 (35 percent) agree E Sisolated as a pastor.

I Cfeel V Othey Personal pastor connections While a large majority of pastors say they feel supported by other local ministers, most are getting that support from only a handful of area pastors. Slightly more than half of U.S. Protestant pastors (54 percent) say they personally know and spend time with fewer than 10 other local pastors.

One in 20 pastors (5 percent) aren’t connected with any area pastors, while 8 percent only have relationships with one to two other ministers.

A quarter of pastors (24 percent) say they know three to five, and 18 percent spend time with six to nine other pastors.

The remaining 46 percent of pastors enjoy personal connections with 10 or more pastors, including 27 percent who say they personally know 10-15 and 19 percent who spend time with 16 or more.

“When it comes to pastors encouraging other pastors, there is strength in numbers,” McConnell said.

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS JULY 30

Church Weekday Education Conference

Info: Del City, First Southern; oklahomabaptists.org/childhood/ church-weekday-education

AUG 1-5

Indian Falls Creek

Info: Speaker: Vern Charette indianfallscreek.org

AUG 8-12

Collegiate Week

Info: Falls Creek collegeministry.com/ collegiateweek

AUG 14

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Retreat Info: Baptist Building oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

SIV WEB-EXCLU AUG 21

Oklahoma Student Worship Choir Retreat Info: MWC, Meadowood oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

AUG 26-27

Chaplain Manual Training Info: $35, Baptist Building Contact mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org

AUG 28

Disaster Relief Training Info: $15, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Ponca City, First Contact mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org

AUG 28

The Call Conference

Info: Oklahoma Baptist University oklahomabaptists.org/thecall

FOR MORE INFO ON OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ EVENTS, VISIT WWW.OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/EVENTS

2

House panel rejects SBC-Backed Hyde Amendment TOM STRODE | JULY 19

The congressional effort to continue to prohibit taxpayer funds from paying for abortions suffered multiple setbacks July 15. The House of Representatives Appropriations Committee rejected pro-life amendments to two spending bills for fiscal year 2022.

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

A cup of coffee and a new creation TS

EVEN

JANICE BACKER | JULY 21

“If I ever write a book, the title will be, ‘The Day Jesus Walked into My Coffee Shop,’” Jose* said with a smile.

Ben and Christy Prater, Baptist representatives, smiled also as they remembered that first encounter at a Jerusalem coffee shop. Little did they know that each of their lives would intersect and ultimately be a testimony of the power of salvation Jose and his wife, Juanita*, were Spanish-speaking immigrants to Israel, working in a newly opened coffee shop when Ben and Christy walked in that spring evening. *Names changed for security FIND ALL THESE STORIES AND MORE ONLINE AT WWW.BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM

July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

MENT

A I Nlocal pas“Knowing N T E10RorTmore E tors increases the likelihood pastors can connect beyond the similarities in their role and makes them less vulnerable when a pastor friend leaves the area.” & Pastors’P perceptions E O P L Eof support S from other local pastors relatEW Nare H C R U H C ed to how many other local ministers they know and spend time with multiple times a year. Pastors who strongly agree they feel supported know and spend time with an average of 17 other local pastors. This decreases RE U 10 T to L U C & S W E forN those who somewhat agree they are supported. Pastors who somewhat disagree they feel supported by pastors in their area know and spend time with an average of eight other pastors, and those who strongly disagree know only five other pastors.

As with local support, smaller church pastors and those in areas with fewer Protestant churches are more likely to miss out on large numbers of pastoral friends. Protestant pastors in the South (23 percent) and Midwest (19 percent) are more likely than those in the Northeast (10 percent) to say they personally know 16 or more other area pastors. Small church pastors, those with fewer than 50 in attendance, are more likely to say they only know one to two other local pastors (12 percent) than those with worship attendance of 100-249 (6 percent) and 250 or more (5 percent).

Non-denominational (8 personal connections) and Restorationist Movement pastors (8) average fewer local pastor relationships than Pentecostal (17), Methodist (16), and Baptist pastors (12).

“While denominational connections may limit the variety of the types of relationships a pastor may have with neighboring pastors, N E to a N L Ibelonging WO NE denomination does appear to aid in building TENTrelaIVE CONsaid.

XCLUSMcConnell tionships between pastors,” WEB-E

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 07449518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112-6506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 41,625. 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, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506.

While the Baptist Messenger attempts to provide advertisers of integrity who furnish quality products, it is recommended that buyers be cautious, do research and get references to any advertiser with which they are not familiar. Publication of an advertisement in the Baptist Messenger does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or businesses. July 29, 2021 • Volume 110, Number 14.

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

EVENTS

MESSENGER STAFF

>> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@baptistmessenger.com >> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Forbes | Staff Writer cforbes@oklahomabaptists.org >> Tori Hamilton | Art Director thamilton@baptistmessenger.com

VOICES

Just Joe: Pet peeves /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

Joe Ligon Oklahoma Baptists’ Interim Executive Director-Treasurer @marlowpreacher

Recently I have been doing some self-evaluation.

And I have discovered that I have a big problem— pet peeves.

One of my pet peeves is people who think they don’t have any pet peeves. Here’s what I have learned. You either know you have some pet peeves, or you are someone’s pet peeve.

Another pet peeve that has slowed my progress to perfection is that paper thin bacon some people fix. If your bacon is thin enough that you can see your wife through it, it’s just too thin. Although looking at the wife through a slice of bacon will always make her lovelier, you shouldn’t be able to see through your bacon.

Another pet peeve has to do with traffic. I don’t think I have ever had road rage. But I will confess to a little highway huffiness now and then, as well as an occasional twinge of interstate indignation. There are actually a couple of causes for this. One is drivers.

If everyone else was as good of a driver as I am, there would be no problems. The other cause is road work.

I am not opposed to road work. I understand it is necessary to make our roads better. But why is it necessary to work on the road I am trying to drive on?

My biggest pet peeve, however, may very well be a combination of drivers and road work. Imagine with me for a moment that you are driving down the interstate no more than four miles over the speed limit because everyone knows the police won’t stop you for going four miles over. Then you see that orange sign that arrogantly announces there is road work ahead.

Now that sign may be 5 miles or 52 miles from the work site, but the announcement has been made. And then the next sign announces the left lane is going to be closed, and you need to move into the right lane.

Of course, all the rule followers grudgingly move into the right lane. And so the slow ride begins.

Then it happens. Some big, white pickup comes barreling down the left lane.

You know the driver is snickering at the rule followers. You know he is listening to some sort of demonic music. You know he can see the warning signs about how the left lane is coming to an end.

He just keeps speeding down that lane oblivious to the signs and to the rule followers who have now come to a grinding halt.

And you know that when that pickup gets to the end of the left lane, some soft-headed, ten-

der-hearted rule follower in front of you is going to let him in the right lane. And that will delay my getting through the work zone by at least four to 11 seconds. You talk about a pet peeve!

And then, as the Lord is prone to do for me, He used what I was upset about to teach me a lesson. It went like this. There are a lot of people in this world speeding through life past sign after sign that says their lane is coming to an end. But they are making great time and enjoying the ride until they absolutely run out of a lane.

You know what happens next. One of those rule followers with enough grace and mercy lets that vehicle into the safe lane.

That’s really what the Great Commission tells us.

As we are going through life, we need to do everything we can to get those who are in danger of running out of a lane into the lane we are in. We need to make room for them to get in the right lane even when it hinders our progress.

After all, that is the only lane that can get you where you really need to be. And we might be the only hope someone has to get in that lane.

Maybe I need to trade in my pet peeves for the grace and mercy someone else needs to get into the right lane to get through this life and into eternity. Well, maybe not the bacon pet peeve.

Sword & trowel: Hungry for heroes Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

The Marvel movie franchise recently released another summer blockbuster. The popularity of these and similar films suggests that Americans today are hungry for heroes.

There is reason to be encouraged about the rise in our appetite for fictional heroes. This “superhero boom” that holds appeal, especially to young people, shows that we all want someone to admire. We want someone to fight the bad guys in the epic battle between good and evil. Some of these movie characters often embody some of the most desirable qualities, such as truthfulness and courage.

At the same time, our appetite for fictional superheroes leave something to be desired. After all, they are not real-life heroes. If young people only admire

fictional heroes and forget about everyday life heroes, we will have missed something significant.

Having recently read a biography of Theodore Roosevelt, who served bravely in the military and also reinvigorated America at a key time in history, it is easy to see why generations have considered him an American hero.

American history is filled with many real-life heroes, men and women who made a tremendously positive impact. Not all of these heroes, though, are household names. They often come in more subtle roles: teachers, nurses, mothers, fathers, soldiers, pastors, first-responders or others.

We do not need people with a cape, but we do stand desperately in need of heroes today. In particular, Christians recognize we have as great a need as ever for spiritual heroes.

We read about such heroes of the faith in Hebrews chapter 11 in the Bible. Some of the names you’d expect to see: Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses and David. Other names on the list are a bit more obscure, but no less inspiring, such as Gideon and Rahab.

The Bible upholds these outstanding individuals because of their faith. Later in Hebrews, the author

talks about Christians finding examples to follow.

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7).

Notice those words. “Consider”—to think about, observe or ponder. Then “imitate”—be like them, walk in their path.

Fortunately, the Lord always seems to be in the business of raising up heroes. He chose Christians like Augustine, Charles Wesley, William Wilberforce, Lottie Moon, Corrie Ten Boom, C.S. Lewis, Billy Graham and others to live out a faithful example that each of us can follow.

What’s perhaps even more amazing to think about is that the Lord used countless other people whose names we do not know, to advance the Gospel through the centuries.

Now while none of us will run faster than a speeding bullet or don a cape and fly, we can and should find heroes of the faith walking the earth today. We can discover them and be inspired by them.

Yes, we are hungry today for heroes. For heroes of the faith. Let’s ask God to raise up these men and women in our day, in our own generation, for His glory.

Voices | July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

3

ENDS NEWS & TR

I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

Rite of passage: Fighting, food and a new kind of love SPORTS &

& MISSIONS Moore Y M I N I S T RWalker

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

OX OLB O T H I grew up as a Baptist, I am still a Baptist and will C R U H C

probably die a Baptist. Baptists are famous for two things: food and fighting. I don’t know if you realize this, but Baptists invented wrestling. Wrestling is one of the oldest forms of combat, referenced in The Iliad and depicted in what some believe are 15,000-year-old cave drawings in France.

To the untrained S drawings look like two F I Eeye,Dthe S Iwrestling, C L A Smen primitive but upon closer inspection, you will see they are the first record of a Baptist business meeting. They depict a pastor and the chairman of deacons trying to settle an argument over what type of music should be used in the worship service. The deacon didn’t like the drums; the pastor wanted to attract the more upright-walking, younger cave-dwellers—and V O I C E Swe’ve been fighting ever since.

In fact, there is little Baptists won’t fight over, and if we don’t have something tangible, we’ll make it up. But this fighting does have benefits because we will use the same amount of energy to fight the devil. As you know, we Baptists are always chasing him down to thump him on the head with a Bible.

We’re also famous for our food. Baptists know how to put on a feast. I don’t know if I can prove this or not, but on average, Baptists weigh five pounds more than those from any other denomination.

You haven’t lived until you’ve attended an old-fashioned Baptist carry-in dinner on the grounds with mounds of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on

E N T E R TA I N

MENT

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

LT U R E U C & S W E N

the cob and homemade apple pies. And when the food shows up, the fighting stops.

We haven’t figured out how to fight and eat at the same time. You might not know this, but not only did Baptists invent wrestling, but we also invented the all-you-can-eat buffet. I can’t prove it, but I’m sure there is a picture scrawled on a cave dwelling somewhere with that same pastor and chairman of the deacons standing together in a buffet line. It is hard to tell which activity Baptists like better: food or fighting. I guess it all depends on the day of the week.

No matter what denomination you belong to, the Scriptures are clear that we should not be known for fighting, food, buildings or music but by our love one for another. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).

Whew, that is a lot of “love one another” all wrapped up in two verses. You see, love is not only what you do, but who you are. It is a part of your character. Do you remember the story of The Titanic? In this crisis, as in every other, true character emerged. It surfaces when you have to respond without thinking.

On that day, as the boat was sinking, some of the men on board pushed aside the women and children and jumped in the lifeboat to save their own lives. But other men did their best to make sure as many women and children could get on the lifeboat as possible, knowing full well their selfless decision meant they wouldn’t live to see tomorrow.

The time of crisis puts your true character on display. Those men did not make their lifesaving decisions that day but years before. And they did not become heroes that day either. They were already heroes. The catastrophic event only verified it. The crisis revealed their character to be one of true love, the kind that makes selfless sacrifices on behalf of others.

Jesus wants us to have that type of love toward one another, the character kind. A young man named Stephen had this type of love. In Acts 7 he riled up a crowd by telling them the truth about their lives. Filled with anger, they began throwing stones at him. As he was taking his last breath, he called out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60b).

That, my friend, is what happens when Jesus moves from your head to invade your heart. He changes the way you love. Jesus doesn’t make you a better Baptist, Methodist or Catholic. Instead, He gives you the capacity to love the way He loves. So, while the world is out there fighting each other, we who follow Jesus should be on our knees asking God to make us more like Him. That’s character.

Now, could someone please pass the fried chicken and mashed potatoes?

Multi-vocational pastors are amazing people Philip Jones Oklahoma Baptists Multi-vocational pastors ministry consultant

Most of my pastors were either multi-vocational or pastored small, barely full-time churches. Today, I spend most of my time serving that group of pastors. They have greatly influenced my opinion about pastors.

Pastors are amazing people! I am honored to serve multi-vocational pastors (MVPs) and my appreciation for them grows. When I sit with a group of pastors and listen to them talk about what they love, I hear things like “I just love the people that God has given me to shepherd.” Or “I love caring for my church.” Or “I look forward to preaching and worshiping with them.” Sure, there are times when they talk about the challenges they face, but usually, I end these meetings thinking what dedicated and professional men these pastors are. Oklahoma Baptists have the cream of the crop.

Let me share a few examples of why I think MVP pastors are amazing from what I have witnessed from my own MVP pastor.

1. He comes to the pulpit prepared to preach a word from God. The Word of God is a deep well, and it is obvious that my pastor brings to his church a fresh word to thirsty souls. Preparing sermons is hard work. Preparing a sermon for each Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening requires many hours of prayer and Bible study. He does it faithfully.

2. He is always a phone call away, and everyone has his phone number. This is the way most pastors want it. Yes, people interrupt during rest-

4

ing hours, but he wants to be available whenever there is a crisis.

3. He has wisdom to share, no matter the problem. I looked at my pastor’s Bible and found he had verses underlined, highlighted and handwritten notes in the margins. After many years of studying Scriptures, he could share a relevant word from Scripture on any subject.

4. Even when criticized, he continues to minister faithfully to his church. I have witnessed my pastor love on others when I knew his heart was hurting over unkind words spoken about him. Many years ago, a deacon met him at the back door after a Sunday morning worship service and shared his unfair opinion about his expectations for the pastor. The pastor listened carefully and handled the man’s anger in a Christlike way. The next person stopped and said to my pastor, “After listening to how that deacon spoke to you, I now have a greater respect and admiration for you.”

5. He shares the Gospel at every opportunity God provides. One day he was driving, and we passed a man walking on the side of the road.

He went a little further, turned around and said, “God told me to give him a ride.” He picked him up, the man sat between us in the truck. As we started down the road, my pas-

tor began to share the Good News of Christ with him. In 15 minutes, the man was sharing how he had been praying for someone to stop and tell him about Jesus. It was wonderful to listen to that man pray and trust Christ as his Savior.

I have shared five brief examples about my pastor, but they could be examples of your pastor’s service. Pastors usually are not self-promoters because they are busy promoting Christ, so if you take the time and get to know your pastor, you will love him and appreciate him more than ever.

Next time you see your pastor involved in some aspect of pastoral care, let him know how much you appreciate his service to the Lord.

Good News Whole World

July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

FOR THE

The Cooperative Program allows churches everywhere to work together through generosity, so that every church can support local missions while also having a global reach. Through the Cooperative Program, your church funds and sends missionaries around the world, trains pastors and ministry leaders, plants churches, and changes lives for eternity.

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

KBA shares the Gospel in southeast Oklahoma PLE & O E X P O B L O NEWS H U R C H TO CHURCH

C /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

>> by Linda Morgan

1

MEMBER, RED OAK, FIRST

TALIHINA—Nestled in the western edge of the rolling hills of the Winding Stair Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma, Kiamichi Baptist Assembly (KBA) provides a sanctuary for campers. The camp is owned and operated by Oklahoma Baptists churches of five associations—Atoka-Coal, Frisco, LeFlore, Pittsburg and Sans Bois.

Founded in 1942, KBA has grown from a brush arbor meeting area, tent camping, and outdoor cooking to one of the largest associational camps in the country.

The outdoor tabernacle seats more than 1,500. Individual churches and associations own more than 40 cabins on site. Jay Baker serves as camp manager. He and his wife, Martha, have served for 22 years.

“KBA is a vibrant, smaller camp. It is unapologetically evangelistic,” Baker said. “Every attendee participates in activities throughout the week, including a ropes course, archery, canoeing and kayaking, a ga-ga ball pit, volleyball, organized sports and a huge waterslide. No one is excluded. Because it’s a small camp, no one gets lost in the shuffle. Everyone gets to know each other. It’s really special.”

This year’s schedule provided eight camps—two children; five youth; and the Choctaw Chickasaw Family Camp. Each camp was filled with music, devotional times, recreation and worship services in the outdoor pavilion.

“This is our first time to come to KBA,” explained Henryetta, First Youth Pastor Adam Lollis. “We brought 22 students; most have never been to church

2

CLASSIFIE

CES

I

OKLAHOMA

These ministries have various on-going opportunities for volunteers: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, OKC and Community Food Bank of Eastern OK, Tulsa—both locations, call 405/972-1111 (Not an Oklahoma Baptist ministry, but many churches receive food from them for local food pantries.)

Arms Around Broken Arrow—food pantry, clothes closet—918/258-7714 or bryan@armsaroundba.org Lake Texoma Baptist Resort Ministry, 2034 Max Rd, Mead 73449—Monty & Tammy Wood, directors, 580/916-2181 or thehelm2034@gmail.com Cherokee Baptist Assembly, Cherokee – 918/506-5482 email: cba_tahlequah@yahoo.com

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

Aug. 28—Ponca City, First, 218 S. 6th St., 74601 Sept. 25—Owasso, Central, 9001 N. 145 E. Ave., 74055 Oct. 30—DR Facility, 7180 NW Expressway, Okarche 73762 Visit okdisasterhelp.org for the most recent information and to register.

Campers on Mission: Oklahoma Fall Rally—Aug. 31Sept. 3. For more information email mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org.

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Andy Harrison As director of the Falls Creek and CrossTimbers Conference Centers, Andy is responsible for the properties in Davis and “for ensuring that all events are fully resourced to meet the needs and expectations of our guests and Oklahoma Baptists.”

1) Cade Weatherton, Arkoma, First, leads morning Bible study with students from Arkoma, First and Stidham, First; 2) Red Oak, First campers sit up front and are ready to hear God’s Word. >> PHOTOS: LINDA MORGAN

O I more intimate camp. We wanted aVsmaller, setting. We love it here! We expect to see souls saved and lives changed. Kids today go through so much. God can bring healing and restoration. We believe they will leave here changed!”

Red Oak, First students attend camp annually.

“We love KBA,” said Pastor Johnny Montgomery.

“KBA is a special place—a Christ-centered camp.

The setting is beautiful. God always shows up ‘BIG’ at each camp. I was saved at 19 at KBA. It changed my life. I know firsthand how God can use this camp to change lives forever. Our students—both children and youth—anticipate summer camp each year. Jay and Martha gather a great team of KBA summer staffers. It’s a loving place where campers can relax in the beautiful mountain setting and experience one-on-one the glory of God. God continues to bless KBA beyond expectations!”

Youth Week Two featured music by the Dustin Searles Band. Searles is the pastor of mobilization

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

OPPORTUN

LT U R E U C & S W E N

DS

and college at Durant, First.

“We just want to glorify the Lord,” Searles said.

“He has given us a passion and desire to worship Jesus and lead people to Jesus Christ.” The band is available for camps and youth retreats. Email dustin. searles@gmail.com for more information.

Blake Gideon, senior pastor of Edmond, First, brought messages centered on “Engaging the Mind.” Gideon was saved at 24 when he realized that salvation was not about going through religious motions. Instead, salvation involves a total surrender of one’s life to Christ as Savior and Lord.

“God is doing tremendous things at KBA,” Gideon said. “KBA is a phenomenal camp. God has shown His blessings and favor on camp. It is an honor to come and preach here.”

For more information about KBA, contact Jay Baker at KBA1942@yahoo.com.

Get your message out there.

Advertise with us.

BaptistMessenger.com • (405) 942-3800 ext 4376 • advertising@baptistmessenger.com

91% Have been Baptist Messenger readers for 6 years or more.

75% Read all or most of the content.

75%Have attended an event that they’ve seen advertised in the Baptist Messenger.

Pray for International Missionaries South Asia Pray for Oklahoma Baptists serving with the IMB throughout South Asia. Their names and even the number of them are withheld for security reasons.

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

Missions & ministry | July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

5

Falls Creek faithful: Stories of camp sponsors who impact many students /// PREVIEWED ON COVER “Our youth group is better because of Misty Po- CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp. letek,” Jackson said. “She is now faithfully discipling Though he also committed to be a sponsor at students, leading small groups and is a vital part of Falls Creek, Jon Doyle took on the extra duty, even DAVIS—They take time off every year to spend a what we do at camp each year.” though his kids no longer attend CrossTimbers. week with teenagers. They may not get much sleep Poletek grew up attending Angus Church. This is “Jon’s children are all teenagers,” said Mark Jones, while experiencing moments of loud conversa- the church where she made her profession of faith children’s pastor at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs, tions, silly games and varying emotions. But these in Christ, was baptized and now sees her family “and yet he chooses to be a part of the children’s people know how important these times can be grow in Christ. Two of her children have graduated camp because he has made an investment in the for campers attending the summer youth weeks at and are committed to serving in ministry. boys and girls who are here. He’s not going to stop.

Falls Creek Conference Center.

“I like investing in the lives in students,” Poletek He’s going to keep investing in them and sharing Adult sponsors are considered the backbone of said. “At camp, this is where it seems they have the Christ with them.” the operation of each Oklahoma Baptist church that realization of how God is working in their lives.”

On Sunday mornings, Doyle and his wife Lisa teach sends students to Falls Creek. Though this article Jackson also appreciates how his wife Rachel a fourth grade class at Quail Springs. On Wednesday highlights a portion of the many who have served in has been involved with the student ministry at nights, he helps with junior high students at church. this role over the years, the purpose is to show appre- Agnus Church.

This is how he has a regular connection with both ciation for everyone who has taken the responsibility “Every summer, I can count on her to be there the children and student ministries. to serve and make an impact on Falls Creek campers. by my side as we point students toward Jesus,” he “Jon has been a stable presence in our student Doug Baker—Cushing, First said. “She has done it all, helped cook, led small ministry,” said Dylan Bone, student pastor at Quail Doug Baker first came to Falls Creek as a spon- groups, led worship, taught lessons.”

Springs. “He’s been at Falls Creek every year. He sor in 1989 and has attended nearly 30 summer Rachel is also involved in designing the camp leads the games on Wednesday night, and whencamps with Cushing, First. Logan Eashirts, as well as the stage set in their cabin. With ever he steps up on stage, the kids erupt because som, student pastor at Cushing, First, her multimedia talents, she creates the video they know they’re going to said Baker faithfully comes to the presentations that are shown during the do something fun.” church’s Wednesday night stuchurch service after camp.

Bone described a dent meetings.

“I’ve never seen another set of time when Doyle got “Doug is your dream camp church leaders who are more comto share his heart sponsor because there is nothmitted to discipleship like Jared and with the students. ing he isn’t willing to do,” EaRachel are,” Poletek said about the They listened insom said. “Even though he is Jacksons. tently to what the ‘veteran sponsor,’ he isn’t Since taking 10 students six years Doyle had to say above taking on any role to serve ago, Angus Church grew to taking because of the our students, and I am blessed >> PHOTO: CHRIS DOYLE Doug Baker plays 50 students to Falls Creek in 2019. >> PHOTO: BRIAN HOBBS Jon Doyle enjoys goconnection he to both Falls Creek and CrossTimbers harmonica to wake students. to have him on my team.”

This year, among the many spiritu- ing had with them. as a sponsor.

Baker said he did not have the al decisions Angus Church students “He’s got so chance to come to Falls Creek as made at camp, one student made a much love for a youth, but he loves every experience he has had at profession of faith in Christ after the bus broke down these kids, and it’s great to see how they respond the encampment. on the way to Falls Creek (They made it safely to camp). to him,” Bone said. “They want to talk to him. They “It’s a great place to be,” he said. “I’ve probably The Johnson family—Walters, First want to be in his small group. But what was reallearned more about growing in my spiritual life Bill and Carolyn Johnson have faithfully served as ly cool is we had some first-time sponsors with us, here at Falls Creek than anywhere else. It’s just a Falls Creek sponsors for 26 years with Walters, First. and they saw the connection Jon had with the stugreat atmosphere to get away and recharge.”

“They were sponsors and on kitchen staff when dents. They decided right then they wanted that With many years as a Falls Creek sponsor, Baker I was a youth at the very same same kind of connection. He’s a great example.” has been with previous campers who are now par- church from 1998 to 2001,” said “I love both camps,” Doyle said when asking why ents of current campers. It’s through those long- Cody Pennington who now he participates in both Falls Creek and CrossTimtime relationships he is able to encourage these serves as youth pastor at bers. “They are different experiences, but I enparents to have their kids come to Falls Creek.

Walters, First. joy interacting with both groups and watching “I try to be available,” Baker said. “At Falls Creek, Bill and Carolyn’s three the campers enjoy what both camps offer.” we are on common ground because we are walk- daughters are now servJoey Culver had a similar involvement as ing everywhere with them and working KP duty ing as Falls Creek spona double-duty camp sponsor with Blackwith them, and from there, they see they can come sors, too. Denise Hiebert, well, Immanuel, but he did not get much of to us with whatever the Lord is doing in their lives.” Jennifer Farris and Kelly a break in between camps. Immanuel Baker also has a special tradition of how to wake McDowell have joined was at Falls Creek July 12-16 and turned up campers. their parents in mak- >> PHOTO: CHRIS DOYLE A family of sponsors, Bill around the following week to send chiland Carolyn Johnson, front, with their daugh“Doug is known for his ‘insanely good harmon- ing an impact on Falls ters, from left, Kelly, Jennifer and Denise. dren to CrossTimbers July 19-22. ica skills,’” Easom shared jokingly. “It’s his special Creek campers.

“I take lots of caffeine,” Culver said jokway of waking the students every single morning “It’s a family tradiingly. “It’s a ministry to me. Just like I saw of camp. They love it (not really).” tion,” Pennington said. “I have many great spon- the people in my life taking the time to invest in Baker said he plays a rendition of a former Falls sors, but Falls Creek for Walters, First is made sweet- me, I saw the need to invest in young people as Creek favorite “We Are Standing on Holy Ground” er with Bill and Carolyn.” well. By the end of CrossTimbers, I’m dragging, but every morning at camp.

Even though his girls are no longer Falls Creek I’m not doing it for me. I’m doing it for them. I get Though the campers may not enjoy Baker’s harmon- campers, Bill knows how important Falls Creek is. a lot out of it, but it’s about encouraging them to ica playing—or at least the timing of when he plays— “Falls Creek is one of the greatest ministries I have have a growing relationship with Christ.” it is obvious he cherishes Falls Creek as holy ground. ever been around,” Bill said. “Just to see the Spirit of Culver has been a member at Immanuel for the Rachel Jackson and Misty Poletek— God move here and just to come see (his family) past 11 years, and he has been going Sand Springs, Angus serve God. They serve in our local church too, to both camps with the church for Six years ago, Sand Springs, Angus did not have a but it’s really unique when they come for quite a few years. He has been youth pastor, but that did not stop a week. It’s a special blessing see them there with many campers who Misty Poletek from making working together, loving these kids, make that transition from atsure students attended Falls serving with their mother is just tending CrossTimbers to goCreek that summer. special. We’ve always been a ing to Falls Creek.

“Because we lost our close family, and this is just an“Joey is really loud and fun,” youth pastor, I went to our other phase that we get to said Sam Simmons, associsenior pastor and said that share ministry together.” ate pastor of student minisI’ll do whatever needs to As a student and now serv- >> PHOTO: CHRIS DOYLE Joey Culver is loved try at Immanuel. “Kids take be done to step up and ing in youth ministry at by campers of both Falls Creek and to his personality easily. I CrossTimbers. be an extra adult,” Poletek Walters, First, Pennington can give Joey any task with said. “In my mind, that’s all >> PHOTO: PROVIDED Misty Poletek, left, and has always appreciated the the kids and be 100 percent Jackson make an impact with it was going to be until we Rachel Johnsons being involved as Falls Creek confident, it will be done in a way that Christ students at Sand Springs, Angus. got a youth pastor.” sponsors and their influence on campers. is honored.”

That summer, 10 stu“Christ oozes out of everything their famMany can read about these faithful servants and dents from Angus Church attended Falls Creek, and ily does,” Pennington said, “and I was fortunate to identify someone similar with other church groups. it was Poletek’s first time to attend as a sponsor. grow up around them, witness their involvement all This is how the Lord works throughout Oklahoma “It was amazing to watch the kids come together,” she these years, and now I get to serve alongside them.”

Baptist churches. He not only prepares the hearts said about her first time to lead a group at Falls Creek.

Jon Doyle—OKC, Quail Springs of campers, He also provides those who can be Jared Jackson now serves as the youth pastor at Joey Culver—Blackwell, Immanuel there when campers make those life changing deAngus Church and knows about Poletek’s influence Oklahoma City, Quail Springs needed another cisions that are made every summer. on the students. male sponsor for the children going this summer to >> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

6

July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

Coweta, Community provides culture for foster care /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Kenny Mossman

INTERIM PASTOR, CARNEGIE, FIRST; MEMBER OF OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS ERLC COMMIT TEE

COWETA—Bubba and Miranda Burcham had no plans to foster a special needs child. Neither did their pastor, Adam Mask, and his wife, Grace. How, then, did a special needs child wind up first in the Burcham home and then with the Masks? Only the Lord knows.

“On paper, it wasn’t what we were ready for,” said Bubba, who leads men’s ministries for Oklahoma Baptists, “but God worked it out. We got a call that this child was in need and was going to go to the hospital if we didn’t step in.”

The Burchams responded and, in October of 2020, received into their home one of the more than 7,000 children in Oklahoma needing care—a six-year-old Autistic boy named Tyler, who made no sounds and was not walking. He had been in the state system for two years with 14 different stops along the way.

“We fed him, read him books and showed him Veggie Tales videos,” Burcham said. “We just showed him love and care, but we also pushed him.”

They also socialized him, including taking him to their church, Coweta, Community, where Adam pastors and his wife, Grace, volunteers with special needs children. Grace had met Tyler at church and admitted that, “God was knocking on my heart.”

God knocks on several hearts at Community where a culture for childcare has developed. In a church of 450 members, 19 families are or have fostered or adopted. Among the families who have adopted previously are the Burchams and the Masks.

“My wife knew a long time before I did that God had a place for Tyler in our home,” Adam said. “We were always open to fostering and adoption, but special needs was not on my radar.”

Then one night, Adam was visiting in the children’s ministry when a young boy, a stranger to

Adam, approached him unannounced At the end of April, Tyler made the move. A and hugged him. fairy tale might end right there, but foster“The ladies working in that ing and adoption are non-fiction. area said, ‘It’s amazing that he “You can’t fully prepare,” Adam said hugged you. He doesn’t do when addressing the details of fosthat for anyone,’” Adam said. tering a special needs child,” but it’s “It was kind of a God thing.” not about being ready; it’s about beIndeed, it was. Grace later ing obedient to God’s call. It’s tough informed her husband that sometimes, but you have to rememthe boy who had hugged ber that these kids are dealing with him was Tyler. things that would challenge adults, The Masks began providand they’re facing them as children. ing respite care for the Bur“It’s a spiritual battle. The ene>> PHOTO: PROVIDED Pastor Adam Mask and his chams. The increased time with wife Grace lead by example when it comes my doesn’t want to give him up. It’s the Masks centered Tyler in the to foster care at Coweta, Community. great to give a child a home and to family’s prayer life. have them in our families, but if we “One night I had been praying don’t tell them about Christ and give for him while I was rocking my youngest son,” Grace them an eternal home, we’ve practiced social gospel. said. “God woke me up out of that deep sleep and the There’s value in that, but ultimately, this is God’s call words I sensed were from Him were, ‘Fight for Tyler. He on our lives.” is the voiceless.’ I didn’t know how I could say no.”

Grace added, “The Lord prepares us for what He Prov. 31:8 had been an important verse for the calls us to do. He puts people around us to hold up our Masks. It took on even greater significance: “Speak arms; people like the Burchams and other people in our up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the church. Everyone should be in prayer about (childcare). rights of all who are destitute.”

We can’t let our feelings keep us from being blessed.”

In most cases, Adam and Grace are on the same Tyler is making progress. He knows the names of page. Both have hearts for fostering, adoption and those in the Mask family, and he’s beginning to arorphans. In this instance, it took Adam a little longer. ticulate a few words. Obsessed with books, he re“It wasn’t a Damascus Road experience for me,” cently took one to Grace and pointed to the words, Adam said, “but, as usual, my wife was ahead of me “love you,” on the page. on God’s plan.”

“He’s such a joy, such a loving kid,” Adam said.

“I just kept asking him if he was praying about it,” “He’s such a testimony. Our kids (the Masks have Grace said. three other children, ages 15, 7 and 3) have taken to Adam was praying, and it wasn’t long before the him and loved him. Believe me, God is using him in wheels were in motion to move Tyler from the Bur- so many people’s lives.” cham home to the Mask home for foster care.

Who could have seen all of that coming among two “Bubba and Miranda had done such a wonderful families who had planned for something much difjob and are such committed servants,” Adam said. ferent? Adam knows. “Clearly, God was orchestrating “We developed this special connection with Tyler and all these things,” he said. “We’re praying this will lead thought maybe our home could be the last for him.” others to open their homes to be a foster family.”

Lawton, Credence is ‘dining on mission’ in community /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

LAWTON—Like a lot of church plants, Lawton, Credence didn’t have permanent space for a church office and midweek gatherings when the church first launched. Pastor/planter Brady Sharp launched the church with the vision “to place the good news of Jesus in every home, every workplace, and every marketplace in Lawton, Fort Sill, and beyond.”

Under Sharp’s leadership, the church plant developed an idea that became a part of the church’s permanent culture of service and evangelism.

“We thought why not go to the same place over and over and ask the Holy Spirit to open doors of opportunity?” Sharp asked. “Why not ask the additional question, take people’s petitions seriously and take them before the Father? Why not prepare our hearts before we go meet?”

Sharp and his ministry team put this strategy into practice of being witnesses to the community through frequent contacts made with area business. They based the vision on Eph. 2:10: “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.”

“We think of it like three meetings,” Sharp said.

“The first meeting is with the Holy Spirit to prepare ourselves. The second is with the staff of the business—we get to know them by first name and the names of their family members or pets. The meeting we were going to have anyway is the third meeting that becomes the bridge to live like Jesus has redeemed us to live.”

One example of this approach is that the Credence leadership team meets regularly at a coffee house in Lawton for staff meetings, disciple groups and other meetings involving the church “We have been frequenting this place for years now. The coffee is good, but the relationships

are our aim,” Sharp said. “We were going to buy coffee and binge the WIFI anyway. We were going to be meeting in a building for, sometimes, hours at a time. We determined to use the times when we meet in purposeful, intentional ways.”

Through the church’s relational approach, the team met Andrea who works at the coffee shop.

“During the summer of 2020, in the height of the response to COVID-19,” Sharp said, “one of our Credence Community leaders encountered Andrea multiple times the same week. Near closing one night, he asked how we could be praying for her.

She said she was looking for people of God who would love her and accept her in their community. He asked if she was part of a church anywhere.

She was not.”

On the following Sunday, the church leader’s wife picked her up to be part of the church’s Sunday gathering. Andrea didn’t have a driver’s license.

Her first Sunday was her birthday. The church was meeting in house churches at the time due to the pandemic. That house had prepared gifts and flowers, and they celebrated her birthday.

“The host family of the house invited her to stay for lunch,” Sharp said. “Another family invited her to dinner later in the week, and this continued.

She now says that not even in her family of origin has she ever been around, served with or worshiped with a group people who loved her like family. In fact, when we encountered her, she did not have a permanent place to live as a 19-yearold. We wouldn’t have known any of that without engaging her,” Sharp said.

Andrea connected with Lawton, Credence while working at a coffee house. Now she is a core group leader in the ministry of the church. >> PHOTO: PROVIDED

In a recent Baptist Messenger WordSlingers blog post titled “Dining on Mission,” Sharp reported that Andrea is a core group leader in the ministry of the church and is now serving a lot more than coffee. “(Andrea) is sharing the love of Jesus,” Sharp said.

“She is also actively working at the coffee house, and she is doing more than sharing espresso. She is actively praying for, loving on and serving the people of this establishment with the love of Jesus.”

Sharp encourages other Oklahoma Baptist churches to find ways to engage and connect with community businesses.

“Join us by thinking about where you eat, drink, recreate and shop as not just places to make exchanges and transfers, but to make relationships and transformations,” Brady said. “Ask the Spirit of God to make your heart aware of those on the other side of the counter. Consider all the places you already frequent, and ask the servers, baristas and cashiers about life and about them.”

Read Brady’s blog “Dining on Mission” at baptistmessenger.com/blog-dining-on-mission.

Features | July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

7

O O L B OX CHURCH T

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

OSWC & OBCC prepare for upcoming seasons CLASSIFIE

DS

1

LT U R E N E W S & C U2

VOICES

>> PHOTO: FILE PHOTOS

>> by Chris Doyle MANAGING EDITOR

One group begins its ninth year, while the other is starting its second. The Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus (OBCC) and Oklahoma Student Worship Choir (OSWC) are accepting auditions and looking for children and students who enjoy worshipping through music.

“Both groups are important because they help children and students develop spiritually and musically,” said Randy Lind, Oklahoma Baptists ministry partner for worship and music ministries. “The children’s chorus is for 4th-7th grade, and the worship choir is for 8th-12th grade.”

OBCC is led by Wynn Ann Hook and will start its ninth year this fall with rehearsals at the Baptist

8

Both the Oklahoma Student Worship Choir (1) and the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus (2) are accepting auditions for the groups’ upcoming seasons. Email rlind@oklahomabaptists.org for more information.

Building in Oklahoma City.

“Children learn to sing, and they sing what they learn,” Lind said.

“Songs will stay with you for a lifetime. The precepts, the ideas, the thoughts that we put in their hearts now have a great impact on their Christian life, and who knows when they’re going to need to have the messages of a song?”

OBCC has had auditions this summer, some happening at CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp. The auditions will continue until Aug. 19. To schedule an audition or for questions, email rlind@oklahomabaptists.org or grandah@cox.net.

OSWC completed its inaugural season with students from across Oklahoma participating. Led by Randy Holt, OSWC allows students to meet togeth-

July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

er for musical and spiritual training, fellowship and connection with other student musicians.

Auditions are also occurring for OSWC. Those interested can visit oklahomabaptists.org/OSWC to find more information about the music group and start the audition process.

Lind said both OBCC and OSWC are extensions of choirs and ministries of Oklahoma Baptist churches. “All of the members of the worship choir are serving in some capacity at their respective churches,” he said. “Kids and students enjoy being a part of the children’s chorus and the worship choir, and they become more excited to serve in their local church.”

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

O O L B OX CHURCH T

Schroeder joins SWBTS LT U R E IEDS

CLASSIF

>> by James A. Smith Sr.

SWBTS ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS

FORT WORTH, Texas (SWBTS)--Veteran journalist George Schroeder has been named associate vice president for instituS O I CatESouthwestern, tional V relations President Adam W. Greenway announced July 15.

“The addition of George Schroeder to our administrative staff will greatly enhance our ability to more effectively connect with important constituencies of Southwestern Seminary,” Greenway said. “George brings a unique skillset, strong ministry calling, and deep denominational commitment to this strategic role that will help Southwestern Seminary in many ways. I am delighted to welcome George, Shannon, and their children to Seminary Hill.”

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to begin serving at Southwestern Seminary,” said Schroeder. “My desire and purpose is to proclaim the Gospel, see people come to Christ, and thus glorify God with my life.”

Schroeder has served as a missions team leader for Norman, Trinity. He said that his “growing call toward ministry” and his recognition to be “better equipped for whatever God might have in store” led him several years ago to begin the Master of

EWS CHURCH N

S & CU NEW Theological Studies

with a concentration in cross-culture missions at Southwestern Seminary.

A lifelong journalist, Schroeder most George Schroeder recently served as associate vice president for convention news with the SBC Executive Committee in which capacity he led Baptist Press, the daily news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. Previously, he has held roles with USA Today, SiriusXM, The Register-Guard, Sports Illustrated, The Oklahoman, and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Schroeder comes from a family with significant denominational service in the Southern Baptist Convention. His grandfather, George W. Schroeder, was executive secretary of the Brotherhood Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1952-1971, and his father, George T. Schroeder, served on the SBC Resolutions Committee in 1984 and as a trustee at Southeastern Seminary.

Schroeder earned a Bachelor of Liberal Studies at the University of Oklahoma. He has been married to Shannon since 1987, and they have three children, Elizabeth, 21, George, 20, and Christopher, 11.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS BRANCH DEATH. Valerie Branch, 51, died July 14. Funeral service M A As a stuH was July 19 in O Mustang.

A L K O E H T dent at Okahoma V E UniversiIBaptist H C R A T S I T B A Pty, she started serving in youth ministry as part-time youth director at Ada, Oak Avenue. She serve more than 20 years in student ministry, serving in churches in Blanchard, Ringling and at Oklahoma City, Trinity. She is survived by her siblings Lee Branch, Johnny Branch, Jr. and Deanne Branch.

LESLIE DEATH. Brandon Leslie, 41, died July 10. Funeral service was July 14 at Konawa High School. He was pastor of St. Louis, First for six years.

He accepted Jesus at the age of 21 and followed Jesus in believer’s baptism. He served the Lord as a youth minister, deacon and pastor for the rest of his life, leading many to a life in Christ. He is survived by his wife of more than 21 years, Amanda, and his two boys Jacob and Jarod.

PALMER DEATH. Corene Palmer, 68, died July 11. Funeral service was July 15 at Red Oak, First. She was the wife of Melvin Palmer, pastor of Thessalonian in San Bois Association. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Melvin; her children, Diedra Frazier, Michael-Paul Frazer, Robin Leigh Swimmer, Michaela Tonihka; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

RICHARDSON DEATH. Carl Richardson, 92, died July 12. Funeral service was July 13 in Oklahoma City. He served more than 70 years as a bi-vocational music minister for several churches including Oklahoma City, Grand Boulevard; Oklahoma City, Liberty; Mustang, First; Oklahoma City, Carey Heights; and for more than 30 years at Oklahoma City, Southern Temple. He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Helen. He is survived by his two sons, Carlton and Mark, two grandchildren and four great-granchildren.

Coming event

AUG 6-7. Chattanooga, First is hosting the Southwest Oklahoma Evangelism Conference. The theme of the conference is “The Word at Work.”

Meeting times will be Friday, Aug. 6, 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 7, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Among the speakers for the conference will be Brett Selby, regional ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists. He will be joined by Thomas P. Johnston, professor of evangelism at Midwestern Seminary.

For more information, visit fbcchatty.com/events.

Brett Selby

SUDOKU

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

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

F Q Z

Z B

R

Z

X S

H

X

L M S

X M G L L

Harvest time at Baptist Village

It’s harvest time at Baptist Village of Oklahoma City.

Residents have an active role in pruning and cultivating flower and vegetable gardens on campus. Wylie, above, shows off the “fruits” of his labor—savory peppers, onions and tomatoes.

All 12 Baptist Village campuses invite “green thumbs” to come use their talents and serve. Visit baptistvillage.org to contact a nearby campus and schedule a visit.

Y

G B

S

N O S

C Y

A

P W

I

J

J

T O Z

E

S

O B

L

I

C O O K

O N S

S

K

E

G

I

D

N E

I

A

C K M W C

I

T A

X E

H N O P

Y

E

R

J

G W S

T S

D

T

T E

N

T O K

D

Z C V

Z

L

L

J

A

N B

F

L

Angus Angus

Baker Cushing Blackwell Johnson Bone Summer Campers

Baker Doyle Jones Teach

N

L

O P

P

T N W R E

U V

Y

O E

C A

I

D O O

R M O N

I

I

V

C A

O N Q M U H

Z S

L

A

Q S

H

F U

I

B

A

U U Y

P

Q A

C A

E

C A

L

S

D V

V

Cook Blackwell Culver Easom Cushing Doyle Leaders EasomTeenagers

B

K

D Y

J

U

Q S M U C M

U O G U N E

Z H N S

Q N R

N A

H B

O R H

Z

I

L

B

O X

X

J

Y

I

Y

X

T M N N W G N

J

H

T M D U

Farris Bone Harmonica Farris Heibert McDowell Jackson Walters Johnson

B M S

U S

D U B

N

R E

A

Q K

V

Q R H E

T C O E

E W K V

I

T E

B

C G W H C H R E

J M H

L

E

X G Y

H A

J

E

X A W T O B

Q E

F P

N

Q B

F H R

E

B

I

E

X M B

C Y

T H S

X A W

J

R

J

L

V

E

J W T W

Z A

C N Y

T

X V

D R C H Y T M X P

E

Z

Q

D R

U Y

E

J

C V

G D

S

R W

K

J

R K

C U E

G H H Q G G

I

E

N C O H R

G O V

B

F W K

C B

A

I

L

E

D R P

X A

A

H S

L

F W R N S

G R

M S

P

R S

O P

O U C B

O O Q E M E S

E

X P

Z B

O E

B

Jones Campers

Cook Sponsors Culver Leaders Summer Harmonica Heibert Jackson McDowell Teach Pennington Poletek Sponsors Pennington Teenagers Poletek Walters

People & Church News | July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

9

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

O O L B OX T H C R U H C

The good and hard work DS of sermon preparation CLASSIFIE inserted, but it is necessary: the pastor is called to preach from the Bible, to preach the Holy Scriptures, the Word of the Lord.

Preparing a sermon is hard work, and that Paul also instructed Timothy saying, “Unis a good thing. There is no question from til I come, devote yourself to the public readthe Scriptures that a pastor’s primary work ing of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”

S of C Eact is to preach and teach the Word of the Lord. (1 Tim. 4:13). Paul emphasized V O Ithe While there are many other spiritual works expositing the Word of the Lord, by readof the pastor, no duty should come before ing it, by explaining it, by clearly teaching the work of teaching. it. So, we search the Scriptures to underAs our brother Paul tells young Timothy, stand the scriptures. The best commentary pastor at Ephesus, “Be diligent to present on Scripture is Scripture. The pastor would yourself to God as one approve, a worker who be wise to use the tools and resources that doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teach- have been handed down from theologians, ing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). A shep- scholars, historians, and other faithful shepherd must give instruction; he must give illu- herds. However, he must not forget that the mination to and from the Scriptures so that Scriptures teach together; they are held towe may “contend for the faith that was once gether by a special kind of thread, a spiritufor all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude al thread, and an eternal thread. No matter 1:3). It is within this charge that the pastor your text, study through the Scriptures to must be committed to hard work of prayer, better understand that unique text. study and presentation. Each of these disPresent with clarity ciplines should be committed to the Holy There are no two pastors completely alike Spirit, that He might do a great work in the in sound, mannerisms or style. It does not household of God. matter how close you sound to Spurgeon, Pray for direction Rogers or Piper. What matters is that you You may have heard it said before, and I present the Scriptures with clarity. echo, that prayer is where the pastor’s serIn 1 Tim. 1:7, Paul says, regarding those mon begins. While we preach from the who have become false teachers that, “They Scriptures, we must be mindful that the want to be teachers of the law, although they Lord does a work in our hearts, He prepares don’t understand what they are saying or our hearts to speak truth and teach truth. what they are insisting on.” The only thing The pastor must be sensitive to the direc- worse than a false teacher is a false teachtion the Lord has for each congregation. er who doesn’t even understand what he Each church is not only unique, but each is saying. church is at any given time in a unique situPaul is drawing a distinction between the ation that needs spiritual instruction. Psalm false teacher and the good teacher. The 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in good teacher understands the Gospel and the way you should go; I will counsel you with delivers it with clarity. In the local church, my eye upon you.” the integrity of the Gospel message is held E TH RO The Lord is not distant; He is near. FHe is Mby the good teaching of the Gospel mesG B LOteachers E R SGood near the pastor when making his R appeal present with clarity.

I N Gsage.

D S Lto O W the Lord. So, make your appeal to the Lord. This is helpful to the preacher because it reBefore you preach, before you prepare, make minds us that simple is best. Not because your appeal and trust that the Lord will direct people need simple instruction but beyou, so you can instruct His people well. cause simple means clear. The good teacher Study through Scripture. can distill eternal truth into a clear message.

When the Lord convicts the pastor of a It takes prayer, study and practice. It S work because it is a good and book or text from the Bible to preach he takes AYhard S E V A D must next come to understand this text. eternal work.

Pause. It is sad that this may need to be >> by Nick Atyia

PASTOR, SEMINOLE, FIRST

BA PT ISTS OKLAHOMA H IG H L I GH T E C R U O S E R

CP ELECTRONIC REMITTANCE Oklahoma Baptist churches can remit their gifts electronically. Sending Cooperative Program and other missions gifts by electronic transaction is simple, secure and comes with no fees and enables funds to impact the mission field faster than traditional mail.

F RO M T H E G E R S B LO G WO R D S L I N WS &

NE

C U LT U R E

THE BEAUT Y SHOP >> CARISSA JONES

My first job was working as a A farmhand Y S for my grandS E V A D parents, a position I held all through high school and the first year or two of college. The flexible hours made it a great gig for someone like me who always had something going on. Though I now cherish that experience, I hated it at the time. If you’ve never driven T-posts during a drought or thought you would surely die of thirst in the PT ISTS A B A M summer heat, count your blessings.

O H OKLA L I GHItTwas a Friday One day in particularRstands however.

IG H Hout, E C U O S E R that because it was beauty shop day for morning. I know Grandma, and one of my weekly tasks was to take her to her appointments. I LOVED beauty shop days because they were much easier (and cooler) than the manual labor on the farm.

Depending on what else needed to be done, I would usually either wait there at the shop for her or run other errands in town until she finished. That day, however, Grandpa asked if I could come back out to the farm to help him with something.

When I got there, he had the grain drill out. In our family, fixing the equipment often takes as much time as doing whatever task you need the equipment for, and such was the case that day. We got busy working on the drill, and by the time we finished, I was covered from head to toe in dirt, grease and sweat. I looked and smelled atrocious. I had no time to clean up before I had to go get Grandma.

To read the rest of Carissa’s blog, visit baptistmessenger.com/blog-the-beauty-shop

F RO M T H E E R S B LO G G N I L S D R O To read W more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

D AV E S AY S SHOULD I TITHE ON MY BUSINESS?

T ISTS

Dear Dave, K L A H O M A B A P O HT LIG My wife and I are Christians,Eand weH own a sucH IG C R U O S E R cessful small business in our town. Should businesses tithe?

—Barker Dear Barker, This is a good question. Giving is never a bad idea unless you do it irresponsibly and to the point of putting your family in financial danger. To the best of my knowledge, the Bible only addresses the topic of tithing by individuals—not businesses.

Personally, I don’t give a tenth of my business gross or net until I receive my paycheck. When that happens—meaning it’s profit that I’m going to pay taxes on, or it’s salaried income out of my business—I tithe on the profits.

So, I can’t really tell you I’ve found Biblical instruction to give a tenth of your business. Hope this helps!

—Dave

WO R S H I P & M US I C From discovering worship and music resources for churches to the seeing the latest concert schedule of Oklahoma Baptists performing groups—including the Singing Church Men and Singing ChurchWomen—check out the latest online. oklahomabaptists.org/worship-music

oklahomabaptists.org/give/cp Check back with the highlight every issue to learn more about the resources available to every SBC church!

10

July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

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

CLASSIFIE

LT U R E NE WS & CU

DS

Rate: $1.00 per word, $25.00 per issue, minimum • Deadline: Two weeks prior to publication. Submit a classified ad at www.baptistmessenger.com/advertise on the Classifieds Form

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Stidham Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please submit resumes to: Attn: Pulpit Committee, c/o Cherry Scott, Stidham Baptist Church, 113478 NS 411 RD, Eufaula, OK 74432.

Fork Rd., Heavener, OK 74937 or bigcreekbaptistok@ gmail.com. Contact (918) 658-5384 leave message.

>> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Emmanuel Baptist Church of Altus, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth Minister. Resumes may be sent to: Emmanuel Baptist Church, Attention: Pastor, 921 East “A” Street, Altus, OK 73521 or by email to: ebcaltus@sbcglobal.net.

is searching for an Associate Pastor to join our team, primarily disciple students & assist with worship or media depending on giftedness. Send resumes to: church@pawhuskafbc.org to apply.

E SASSOCIATE PASTOR: F/T Associate PasV O I C>>F/T tor of Youth & Worship or Media. Pawhuska’s FBC

JO B L ISTIN G V EH IC L E M ISC.

EMPLOYM ENT

>> F/T PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Church of Sand Springs, OK is accepting resumes for F/T Pastor. Mail resumes to: Calvary Baptist Church, C/O Pulpit Committee, 18807 W. Wekiwa Rd, Sand Springs, OK 74063.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Church, Pawhuska, OK is accepting resumes for BI/VO Pastor. Please submit resumes to: ATTN: Pastor Search Team, Calvary Baptist Church, 620 E. 15th Street, Pawhuska, OK 74056 or email: pawhuskacalvary@sbcglobal.net. >> F/T MINISTER OF WORSHIP/COLLEGE: at Emmanuel BC Weatherford, OK. Find job description at: www.ebcweatherford.com. Send resumes & worship video links to: pastor@ebcweatherford.com.

>> F/T PASTOR: Park Place Baptist Church in Cushing, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Parsonage available. Please send resumes to: parkplacebaptist@yahoo.com or P.O. Box 1070, Cushing, OK 74023 or Contact Tim Kanady at (918) 285-1032.

>> BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: Erin Springs Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Minister of Music. We are a multi-aged church looking for someone to lead in blended music services.

Please send your resume’ or contact information to: pastorclay@erinspringsbaptist.com.

>> F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Boyd Baptist Church, Bonham, TX is seeking a F/T Student Pastor. Competitive salary & a 4 bed/3 bath parsonage is provided. Send resume along with cover letter & at least one link to a video message preached to students to: mike.allred23@gmail.com.

>> F/T PASTOR: FBC, Cheyenne, OK, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail a cover letter & resume to: First Baptist Church, Attn: Search Committee, P.O. Box 56, Cheyenne, OK 73628 or email: fbcchey@gmail.com.

>>P/T STUDENT PASTOR: FBC Hydro, OK is prayerfully seeking someone to lead & direct our youth ministry. Please send resumes or inquiries to: jbsanders59@hotmail.com. >>STUDENTS/RECREATION PASTOR: Students & Recreation Pastor at FBC McAlester, OK. For the full job description & to submit your resume, please visit: https://firstbaptist.info/jobopening.

>> P/T YOUTH PASTOR/DIRECTOR: Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church is accepting resumes for P/T Youth Pastor/Director. Resumes can be sent to: blackburnchapel@aol.com or call Pastor Mark Compton at (918) 693-4856.

>> DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP ARTS: NEW! Seeking a Director of Worship Arts, First Southern Baptist Church Lawrence, KS. Job description at: www.fsbcfamily.com. Resumes should be submitted to: search@fsbcfamily.com.

>> F/T STUDENT/COLLEGE MINISTER: Parkway Baptist Church, Creve Coeur, MO, is seeking a F/T Student/College Minister with a competitive compensation package including benefit options.

Send a letter of interest, resume & statement of faith to: studentsearch@parkwaybaptist.net.

>> F/T COLLEGE/YOUNG ADULT PASTOR: FBC Edmond is prayerfully seeking a F/T College/Young Adult Pastor who is passionate about reaching & discipling young adults in a community with two college campuses.

Email resume to: bgideon@fbcedmond.org.

>> P/T OR BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Tishomingo, OK is seeking a P/T or BI/VO Youth Pastor to shepherd students, involve families & reach out to the community. Strong group needs passionate leader willing to grow & learn. For more info or to apply contact: luke@fbctish.org.

>> P/T OR INTERIM WORSHIP LEADER: Eastern Heights Baptist Church in Muskogee, is prayerfully seeking a P/T or Interim Worship Leader with heart for God, skills in leading a choir & comfort in creating a blended-style worship. Send resumes to: 2401 Haskell Blvd., Muskogee, OK 74403.

>> BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: We are prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Music Minister to lead blended services & seasonal choirs. Send resumes to: Sharon Baptist Church, 2414 State Highway, Chickasha, OK 73018 or office.sharonbaptist@gmail.com.

>>WORSHIP LEADER: First Baptist Church Antlers, OK, is seeking a Worship Leader to lead our blended worship service as well as our choir. Email resume to: Search Committee, fbcantlers@hotmail.com or mail resume to: 208 NE B Street, Antlers, OK 74523.

>>P/T MUSIC ASSOCIATE: Country Estates Baptist Church in Midwest City is looking for P/T Music Associate to lead a Contemporary Worship service & to lead Youth Worship on Wednesday nights. If interested, please call: (405) 732-2201.

>>F/T PASTOR: Big Creek Baptist in Heavener, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested applicants should mail a cover letter & resume to: 13186 Black

>>BI/VO OR F/T PASTOR: FBC Soper, OK is seeking a BI/VO or F/T Southern Baptist Pastor. Parsonage is available. Health insurance benefit provided.

Send resume to: Soper Baptist Church, ATT: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 68, Soper, OK 74759. >>F/T PASTOR: Soldier Creek Baptist in Midwest City is prayerfully seeking God’s man to be their next Senior Pastor. Please submit resumes to: soldiercreek@soldiercreek.org. >>PASTOR: We’re seeking a God called Pastor to lead & disciple our congregation. We’re a small church in a rural town with opportunities to minister to members & the community. Send resume to: richardking6735@gmail. com or FBC, P.O. Box 67, Mannsville, OK 73447. >>BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Boyd (SBTC) is receiving resumes for a BI/VO Southern Baptist Pastor. Send resumes to: PST2021@FBCBOYD.org before August 31. >>F/T PASTOR: Glorieta Baptist Church, a Native American congregation, is accepting resumes to fill the position of Pastor (F/T). Send resumes to: Glorieta Baptist Church, ATTN: Pulpit Committee, 7308 S. Western, OKC, OK 73139 or email: glorietapastorsearch@outlook.com. >>F/T VILLAGE MANAGER: Cleveland, OK. Baptist Village of Cleveland is seeking a Village Manager for a small staff of 36-4 & a 54-apartment independent living community of active senior adults. Must live on-site in a house provided by Baptist Village.

Send your resume to: nperry@baptistvillage.org. >>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Do you love the Lord, His Church, His Word & His Work? Join us in the great work of reaching young people & their families. First Southern Baptist, Arcadia OK. P.O. Box 237, Arcadia, OK 73007; fsbcarcadia@yahoo.com. >> P/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Smaller country church between Shawnee & Ada looking for Pastor. Galey Baptist Church, 6025 Galey Ada, OK 74820. Please send resume to: willnmcconnell@gmail and/or dmount.quiver@gmail.com for consideration. >> F/T PASTOR: We are now accepting resumes for F/T Pastor at Eastside Baptist Church, Sallisaw, OK. Please send resumes to: Eastside Baptist Church, 1120 E. Ida Ave, Sallisaw, OK 74955, Attention Pastor Search Committee. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Small country church 5 miles North of Chickasha seeks BI/VO Pastor. Send resume: Son Rise Baptist Church P.O. Box 2371, Chick-

CROSSWO 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

24

22

25

26

28 34

29

35

43

47

48

37

57

44

45

49

64

59

32

33

53

54

55

46

50

60

61

62

63

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

65

31 38

52

58

13

41

51 56

12

27

40

42

11

23

30

36

39

10

ACROSS 221 What Joshua’s father (Num. 11:28) drowsiness clothes a man with (Prov.

2523:21) Prophetic 275 Caleb Aaron’s name was on said, “Let us go up written at ___” (Num. Levi’s (Num. 17:3) 13:30) 299 Follower Royal of Jamaican subculture 3014 Small Theyornamental wouldn’t lady’s let Israel bag pass (Num.of20:21) 15 Measure electric current strength 31 A clean woman “shall be ___” (Num. 5:28) 32 Moses said, “If thou ___ thus with me, kill me” (Num. 11:15) 33 Offenders were to ___ 1/5 more in restitution (Num. 5:7) 34 Drink rapidly 35 “The Lord appointed ___ ___

16 Nocturnal, odd-toed mammal 43 Considerate 17 Nazarites let this attention grow (Num.(abbr.)

6:5) 45 Fruit of 27 Down 17:8) 18 Time of day Passover was(Num. celebrated (Num. 46 9:11)Balaam compared Israel to this (Num. 24:9) 19 Descendant of Gad (Num. 26:17) 49 Typewas of 123 treeyears (Isa.___ 44:14) 20 Aaron when he died 51 “The cloud ___ upon the (Num. 33:39) tabernacle” 21 Heavy work shoe(Num. 9:18) 53 Emanations 54 Things 55 Type of wood priest used (Num. 19:6) 56 Tree juices (Ps. 104:16) (pl.)

57 “The cock shall not _____” (John 13:38) 58 Last Stuart monarch 60 Swiss-like cheese

asha, OK 73023 or: melvin@thetownsendfamily.org. >> F/T WORSHIP/MEDIA PASTOR: Arrow Heights Baptist Church/Broken Arrow seeks Pastor to worship in hymns, modern hymns & praise music with worship band. Facilitate choir & media presence. A Pastor. Send video to: ataylor@arrowheights.org. >> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Portland Ave Baptist, OKC is seeking a P/T Worship Leader to lead Sunday morning blended worship in a contemporary style.

Call (405) 942-5539 or go to: portlandavenue.org/ worship to see job description and submit resume. >> P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Rock Creek Baptist, Shawnee, OK is searching for a P/T Youth Minister to shepherd students, involve families & reach out to the community. Potential to grow into a F/T position. There is housing available.

Send resume to: rockcreekbaptist@hotmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Immanuel Baptist Church, Perkins, OK. Please send resume to: P.O. Box 10, Perkins, OK 74059 or email: sec.ibcperkins@sbcglobal.net. >> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Lake Center Baptist Church on Oklahoma’s beautiful Monkey Island is accepting resumes for a P/T Worship Leader. We have a newer worship facility with top-of-the-line A/V equipment. Please send resumes to: office@lakecenter.church. >> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Wyandotte is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Parsonage is available.

Send resumes to: wyandottefbc@gmail.com. >> DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS: Capital Baptist Association is currently accepting resumes for the Director of Missions position. Please send resumes to: cbadomteam@gmail.com or mail to: Capital Baptist Association, 2233 W I-44 Service Rd, OKC, OK 73112. >> BI/VO PASTOR: First Baptist Church, Crowder, OK is seeking a Multi/VO Pastor please send resumes or inquiries to: 523 Third St., Crowder, OK 74430 or email to: dom@pbaok.net. >> F/T PASTOR: Portland Avenue, OKC, is accepting resumes through 8/23/21 for F/T Senior Pastor. Resumes may be sent: Attn: PABC Search Committee, 1301 N. Portland Ave., OKC, OK 73107 or emailed to: PABCSearch@gmail.com. >> F/T YOUTH PASTOR: First Baptist Duncan is prayerfully searching for a F/T Youth Pastor.

Please send resumes to: youth@fbcduncan.com.

MIS CEL L A NEO US >> VEHICLE FOR SALE: 2000 Ford F 550 Krystal Coach. 30 Passenger limo style seating people mover. 7.3 Power Stroke diesel engine. New tires & newly rebuilt transmission. For more information contact Nate Capps (918) 681-0208.

RD

23 “One ___ five hundred pence” (Luke 7:41) 24 Threescore and twelve thousand were offered to God (Num. 31:33) 26 Container for the ashes of dead 28 Daniel “___ no pleasant bread” (Dan. 10:3) 29 Nevada city 31 Regulates food and health items (abbr.)

34 People did this with the quails (Num. 11:32) 37 Paul ___ not speak of some things (Rom. 15:18) (past tense) 39 Father of Gaddi (Num. 13:11) 40 “Hast thou not heard long ___” (2 Kings 19:25) 41 “Let her not be as one ____ (Num. 12:12) 42 Israel was this to God (Isa. 45:4) 44 Son of Pedahzur (Num. 1:10) 47 The Lord’s servant is to be ___ to teach (2 Tim. 2:24) 48 Eliasaph was his son (Num. 3:24) 50 Levites did this to lamps 51 American College of Surgeons (abbr.)

52 Tile design 56 If one spreads, the person’s unclean (Lev. 13:8) 59 Son of Kohath (Num. 3:19) 63 A Native American tribe 64 Border of Moab (Num. 21:13) 66 College head 67 Wilma Flintstone’s husband 68 South African ethnic group 69 Among 70 “Eloi, ___ sabachthani?”

(Mark 15:34) 71 This savor pleases the Lord (Num. 15) 72 “Every ___ inheritance” (Num. 33:54)

SMOG A B L E S T U B WA V E G L OB GH A N A L U C O NUnion T E R I GOR 73 FormerE Soviet (abbr.)

AH I E Z ER RY AN R I D E AT OPE NED I BM CAKE AV E DOWN PA L L U L OV E S H I N 1 The spies A searched B E L Zin Z Eunto R Ohere S (Num. ABC S 13:21) R U E A A N D W W R I T E ASK BROS B I D 2 “Our years as _ ___ that isHtold” (Ps. 90:9) NE S S I E ON T ED (2 wds.)

EDDY E REM I T E A H Ithee R AwithAmine R A eye” D (Ps. I G32:8) AL 3 “I will ____ S I R E N WO V E C E L L 4 Joseph’sSbrothers in L E Ehim P E D addressed R this A Rway E S

Egypt (Gen. 43:20)Puzzle 7: Numbers 5 Priests were appointed to do this to the A L 9:29) ADMAH I CE vessels (1GChron.

R EO BRAKE PRE Y 6 De __ O (from the beginning) DE V I HENCE RODE 7 Gadfly S A I L B O A T D R O N E S A RM S I X 8 Active volcano SC AD SAD EY RAR 9 Rapid Transit S C AAuthority R E D (abbr.)

V I I E L I O C K (Num. I C 2:1) I ER E V I L 10 Moses’Rbrother A UT S E D I M L E V E 11 Eject forcefully S T I F F AS K E L L E OS A H A (Ezek.

12 “Son of man, Etake thee a _____” 4:1) DE ED PA AS R TR A AV DE UN L OT EL RE OY 13 Dry E D I T A R E S T E S A U RA N often W added I S H to manyEplace RR 21 Hebrew letter Puzzle 9: Deuteronomy names (John 1:28) 22 Joshua’s father (Num. 11:28) A D A R L A S S O B O A R 25 Prophetic K I N E E A S E L A B B A E B Nwas A N name S I Aon Levi’s T R (Num. E A D 27 Aaron’s written K Y O T O M O R E S O 17:3) S S T P L A N E T N E A T 29 Royal S T A Y D A N A G E S T E Plet Israel F O 20:21) W E D R G E 30 They wouldn’t pass (Num. P A V E D L A T I N D A B 31 A clean beY___” A K (Num. A woman B I D “shall E T H 5:28) E Y O T“If thou 32 MosesSsaid, thus L O ___ T S I with N S me, kill M O A B me” (Num. 11:15)A S FT RI AJ LI A NE L CA ST TE 33 Offenders to ___ 1/5I more in A C D H E were L L O A L O N D O C K U (Num. R B A 5:7) N C E N T restitution B A C K S E B A L E B E S 34 Drink rapidly Puzzle 11: Joshua 35 “The Lord appointed ___ ___ time” (Ex.

RAGS ONCE RAS T A E T U I VO L T T AP I R H A(2I wds.)

R E VE N ARE L I 9:5) O L D B R O G A N OW E D 36 doEtheS heathenUdoR this?

B Why E E V N (Ps. 2:1) A T Eor passages RE NO F DA 38 Entrances (arch.)

GAT HERE D DARED 39 “The Canaanites dwell by the ____” (Num. S US I AGO DE AD 13:29) E L EC T GAMAL I E L A Considerate P T L AE L L (abbr.)

I T 43 attention ACS MOS A I C 45 Fruit of 27 Down (Num. U T E S C A B H E B R O N 17:8) D E AIsrael E (Num. A Balaam R N O Ncompared N F D 46 toRthis 24:9) L AMA PONDO AM I D 49 Type of tree (Isa. 44:14) SWE E T MA N S U S S R

51 “The cloud ___ upon the tabernacle” (Num. Puzzle 8: Numbers 9:18) 53 Emanations T E N S PAN DOS E W Things A R P A L L OW I D E A 54 I Type T O S Apriest L M IusedZ(Num. O A R19:6) 55 of wood NS KE P T A L T ARS 56 Tree juices E A S(Ps. E L104:16) D A(pl.)

H C _____” D A C (John S “The HRU G shall S Enot C A 13:38) 57 cock HOOP L A A PT BEOR 58 Last Stuart monarch ANY E PHRA I M A L I F E A R Rcheese AN COAS T S 60 Swiss-like T Y L ER DEW OBE S E 61 Raised platform (arch.)

J EW DR I ER 62 SGodT gives N in season O L Othis A F RA I D O T I F V Moses I I I told Mhis H O “Leave O F us 65 father-in-law, O P E C B O O T Y AWO L ___” (Num. 10:31) K PH WA D E MARY 67 Common Puzzle illness 10: Deuteronomy F E T C H

A C H O O

S H O U T

S T R A P

P E A R L

L A N K A

S T E H A P E R A

T O U R A H E O A Y R M U T T R E A L P Y S

S I E G E S D A R E S

O C K A R O N D G E S E E A S S I R S A S S C A R E T O U B T N N A L S A G A B I N T R A D A L A N L O S T L O S S

C R E T E

R O P E N A V E N

S W A A N I K D C I O N A S T T I

Puzzle 12: Joshua JULY 15 ANSWERS

T A S T E

A C H I N

P E D A L

A D A G E

Classifieds | July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

11

CLASSIFIE

LT U R E NE WS & CU

DS

Southwestern Seminary announces new name, S E VOIC vision for undergraduate college >> by Southwestern Seminary staff FORT WORTH, Texas—”Texas Baptist College (TBC) exists to glorify God by providing trustworthy Christian higher education for more faithful Kingdom service.”

The undergraduate school of Southwestern Seminary is now “Texas Baptist College,” President Adam W. Greenway announced in June.

“Texas Baptist College is going to be a tremendous educational enterprise that will enrich its students’ lives and impact our world through their service,” Greenway said. “I believe few changes we been faithfully held to by Baptists down through the have implemented in recent years at Southwestern tunnel of time. We are unapologetic in our commitSeminary have as far-reaching potential as the new ment to Baptist distinctives and to a vision of Christ-cenname, vision, and leadership for our college.” tered education that is committed to the richness of a In addition to its new name, which was approved heritage of faith that has long preceded us.” by the seminary’s Board of Trustees in its spring Finally, as a college, TBC is “committed to undermeeting as part of other bylaw changes, TBC also graduate education delivered with the highest level has a new vision statement and three core distinc- of academic excellence, but with a commitment for tives: “Christ-centered,” “Scripture-driven,” and real-world training, giving you the skills that you need “student-focused.” These elements all coincide with not only to pursue a job, but to fulfill your vocation.” the addition of Benjamin M. Skaug to the college Greenway noted that changing the name from faculty as dean, who began his duties Jan. 1.

“L.R. Scarborough College” is not intended to disCiting TBC’s new vision statement, Skaug said, regard Scarborough’s legacy, but rather continues “Texas Baptist College exists to glorify God by pro- Scarborough’s emphasis on Texas Baptist education. viding trustworthy Christian higher education for “L.R. Scarborough, among other things, was a premore faithful Kingdom service.” eminent Texas Baptist,” Greenway said, “one who was Southwestern Seminary’s undergraduate school committed to reaching this state with the Gospel of was first launched in 2005 as the College at South- Jesus Christ and to perpetuating the best of our Bapwestern. In 2017, it was renamed L.R. Scarborough Col- tist identity and distinctives. We believe, in many ways, lege, after the seminary’s second president. Four years the broader name Texas Baptist College enables us to later, the school now boasts a name that Greenway continue to emphasize the says encapsulates more clearly “who we are and what legacy of L.R. Scarborough makes us distinctive as a higher education institution.” alongside that of our foundNoting that every word in the new name is signif- er, B.H. Carroll, and so many icant, Greenway explained, first, that TBC is locat- others who were committed ed in Fort Worth, Texas, “part of a greater Metrop- to a vision of training and edlex area that is rich in opportunities for learning, W Sucating God-called men and N Efor H C R U H C recreation, for culture, for diversity, and for ministry women for all the vocations in this great state called Texas.” everywhere they may serve, Second, TBC is “unapologetically, unashamedly com- but especially right here in mitted to the truths of biblical orthodoxy that have the great state of Texas.”

OMA T H E O K L A H HIVE C BAPTIST AR

BAPTISTS & RELIGIOUS LIBERT Y From recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings to debates in the U.S. Congress, recent headlines make it evident that religious liberty is facing increasing headwinds in America today. Southern Baptists are known for their strong stand for religious liberty through the years.

In this feature printed in the Aug. 10, 1961 edition of the Baptist Messenger, a sermon from George W. Truett was printed in full.

The delivery of the sermon, which is titled “Baptists and Religious Liberty,” was called “One of the most dramatic events in Southern Baptist history,” as it was originally preached at the U.S. Capitol steps in Washington, D.C., in May, 1920.

Truett said, in part, “We shall do well, both as citizens and as Christians, if we hark back to the chief actors and lessons in the early and epoch-making struggles of this great Western democracy, for the full establishment of civil and religious liberty—back to the days of Washington and Jefferson and Madison, and back to the days of our Baptist fathers, who paid such a great price, through the long generations, that liberty, both religious and civil might have free course and be glorified everywhere.”

The importance and urgency of Truett’s message on religious liberty echoes as strongly today as it did more than 100 years ago.

Do you have Oklahoma Baptist history such as Falls Creek testimonies, historical church stories, or photos of a past Baptist event? Send them to baptistmessenger@okbaptist.net!

12

July 29, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

On the school’s first distinctive—“Christ-centered”—Greenway explained that “the focus, the direction, the attention of all that we do” is, “How does this help connect students to the person and work of Jesus Christ?”

“He is the hero of the story of redemption,” Greenway said. “He is the one in whom we find our life and our meaning. And He is the source of all true knowledge and authentic education.”

The second distinctive, “Scripture-driven,” means that the Bible is the “authoritative, sufficient textbook for every classroom here at Texas Baptist College,” Greenway said. “We are a text-driven institution.”

On TBC’s final distinctive—“student-focused”— Greenway said, “At the end of the day, no college or university can exist apart from those who come to study there, the students. The students are the key constituent for us at Texas Baptist College, and everything that we do in terms of the classroom, the campus experience, the instruction, all that happens is really designed to focus upon students—equipping those students who come to us and then helping to deploy them well wherever they may serve.”

Skaug concluded, “If God is calling you here, we want you here. And we want to train you, pour into you, and we want to see your life change so that you go out into the world and do exactly for the glory of God what Jesus Christ is calling you to do.

“Come to Texas Baptist College today and see your life changed.”

To learn more about Texas Baptist College, including its various degree offerings, visit TexasBaptist.com.