2022/June/23 by The Baptist Messenger

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • JUNE 23, 2022

SBC ANNUAL MEETING PROVES PIVOTAL, CLARIFYING

MORE THAN 8,000 MESSENGERS GATHER IN ANAHEIM FOR 2022 MEETING

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CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends In its ‘Kairos moment,’ Southern Baptists approve SATF recommendations >> SCOT T BARKLEY

Connect: Rising sun >> TODD FISHER

ACC continues to share the Gospel with children campers

Falls Creek 2022 sees strong start

>> CHRIS DOYLE

DAVIS—Summer 2022 at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center is off to a strong start, as thousands of campers arrive to the campgrounds near Davis. Now in its 105th year, Falls Creek continues to be a cherished location because this is where many young people have made professions of faith in Christ, grown in their spiritual walks and where many over the years have surrendered to ministry and to missions. Todd Sanders, Falls Creek program director, said the Lord is already at work in the first weeks of camp.

>> STAFF

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Follow the Baptist Messenger on social media! To comment on articles, visit www.baptistmessenger.com

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: First, middle, last >> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Partnering >> WALKER MOORE

Page 7 | Features Colossians yields guidance as SBC Pastors’ Conference text >> ERIN ROACH

Page 10 | Church Toolbox 3 reasons God speaks (and how to hear Him better) >> PATRICK FINDLEY

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In its ‘Kairos moment,’SSouthern Baptists & SPORTS & T MISSION MEN I N I S T RY approve SATF Mrecommendations E N T E R TA I N >> by Scott Barkley

BAPTIST PRESS NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

ANAHEIM, Calif. (BP)—Southern Baptists responded with an overwhelming majority in favor of adopting the two recommendations presented by the Sexual Abuse Task Force presented June 14 at the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting. Task Force chair Bruce Frank, lead pastor of Arden, N.C., Biltmore, didn’t mince words with messengers, calling it a “Kairos moment” for the Convention. After a lot of talk, actions were about to speak loudest. “Today we will choose between humility or hubris,” he said. “We will choose between genuine repentance or continually being passive in our approach to sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention. We will choose between doing the best for the Glory of God and for the good of people, or we will choose, again, business as usual.” The task force recommended the formation of an Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force to be appointed by newly elected SBC President Bart Barber and the development of a “Ministry Check” website to share “properly vetted information.” The first recommendation received what was considered a friendly amendment. The language referenced the Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force (ARITF) and stated it would operate in accordance to “best practices in keeping with Southern L I N ErecomO Nthrough Baptist church polity” E W than Nrather CONTENT mendations provided byXGuidepost CLUSIVESolutions. EB-E W The “Ministry Check” website, which was the focus of the second recommendation, will be “established and maintained by an independent contractor, with the ARITF to oversee and report back to the Convention on feasibility, effectiveness and costs.” Names listed on the website will be people who FOrechave been “credibly accused”, according to the TION IN A IC L B U P ommendation.

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A footnote to the recommendation defines those “credibly accused” as a “pastor, denominational worker, or ministry employee or volunteer … who has conS fessed to sexual abuse setting, O inI Ca Enon-privileged V who has been convicted in a court of law, or who has had a civil judgment rendered against them.” It goes on to say that an “independent third party commissioned by a local church or other Baptist body may determine, by preponderance of the evidence following an inquiry, that a person is credibly accused.” They wrote that: “Filing a lawsuit, criminal charges without conviction, or an allegation not investigated by a qualified third party, will not meet this standard.” Frank, reiterating what the footnotes said, told messengers that “the third-party firm maintaining the database will review all submissions to ensure they meet the proper evidentiary standard.” Discussion on both motions lasted roughly 35 minutes before the vote to approve them. In a press conference following the vote with the SATF, Frank stated his hope that Southern Baptist churches will continue in ministering to

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS JUNE 27-JULY 1

Falls Creek Week 4

SIV WEB-EXCLU JULY 8-11

CrossTimbers Session 1

Falls Creek Conference Center Camp speaker: Jeremy Freeman oklahomabaptists.org/ youthcamp

Grand Lake Assembly Camp pastor: ‘Prophet’ Bailey crosstimbers.org

JULY 1-4

Falls Creek Week 6

CrossTimbers Session 7

CrossTimbers Conference Center Camp pastor: Jacob Steward crosstimbers.org

JULY 4-8

Falls Creek Week 5

Falls Creek Conference Center Camp speaker: David Sons oklahomabaptists.org/ youthcamp

JULY 5-8

CrossTimbers Session 8

CrossTimbers Conference Center Camp pastor: David Skinner crosstimbers.org

JULY 11-15

Falls Creek Conference Center Camp speaker: Michael Butler oklahomabaptists.org/ youthcamp

JULY 11-14

CrossTimbers Session 9

CrossTimbers Conference Center Camp pastor: Blake Gideon crosstimbers.org

JULY 13-16

CrossTimbers Session 2

Grand Lake Assembly Camp pastor: Kevin Chartney crosstimbers.org

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

North Carolina pastor Bruce Frank, chair of the Sexual Abuse Task Force, told messengers to the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting that June 14 was a day for Southern Baptists to “choose between humility or hubris.” >> PHOTO: SONYA SINGH

the vulnerable. The new SBC president will serve a vital role in naming those to the ARITF. “If you’re not consistently examining how you’re structured, you can get internal and L Eof & O Pkind self-protective,” Frank said. protect P E“You WS the brand.” E N H C R U H C In his earlier address, Frank stressed to fellow pastors that abuse is not something they can ignore. Studies show that reported instances are “just the tip of the iceberg” and that making it OK to address abuse is going to encourage survivors to share their stories. “You will get the phone call,” he said. URE LT“That’s U C & S W E N not a word of prophecy. That’s just math.” The first step Southern Baptists took today may be the introduction to the education SATF members have received in the last 10 months. Task force Co-chair Marshall Blalock talked about how the knowledge he has received would have affected his ministry in previous years.A N N U A L “It would make a significant difference,” O I N Fsaid ING Blalock, pastor of Charleston, First. Citing M E E TS.C., an instance when his church became aware of abuse, they immediately reported it to police. The next step was to contact their attorneys for legal advice. “Now, my (second) question would be, ‘What’s the right thing to do to help and minister to the person who has been traumatized?’” he said. An elevation of the discussion over sexual abuse—both in importance and consistency— should affect views on its connection toward modeling the Gospel. “Our instincts, sometimes, are about protection of the institution. We’ve got to have a culture change in our thinking,” Blalock said. “It wasn’t that I didn’t care. … Now I know that your first instinct must be to care and provide the L I NinEcare for a N best E WhasObeen Nwho traumatized person abused.” NTENT

Tulsa, South Tulsa thinks globally at home KAREN WILLOUGHBY | JUNE 5

Tulsa, South Tulsa paid off its $2.2 million dollar debt in 18 months so it could focus on missions. “I felt it was really important to start off on the right foot,” Eric Costanzo told Baptist Press. He’s been South Tulsa’s pastor since 2016. It’s his first senior pastorate. He started the debt-payoff thrust within his first six months.

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Southern Baptists serve, share Gospel through Crossover Anaheim BRANDON ELROD | JUNE 13

Following a week of Southern Baptist seminary students engaging neighborhoods around Anaheim, 34 churches engaged their communities through various outreach events Saturday, June 11, through Crossover, which partnered with Send Relief to host a Serve Tour experience that took place ahead of the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. FIND ALL THESE STORIES AND MORE ONLINE AT WWW.BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM

June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

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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: 39,271. 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. June 23, 2022 • Volume 111, Number 12. 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

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

VOICES

Connect: Rising sun /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

Todd Fisher Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @eToddFisher

On the heels of what promised to be a challenging and pivotal gathering for Southern Baptists at the Annual Meeting in California, I am walking away from this convention meeting both encouraged and hopeful. During the opening session, Southern Baptists participated in the sending of 52 International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries. These wonderful people have answered God’s call to go, taking the Gospel to all nations. In the powerful sending service, we sent your missionaries to places including North Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, South America, the Pacific Rim and beyond, all with the Good News of Jesus. My friend Paul Chitwood, who serves as IMB president, said, “Southern Baptists, this is why we came together and this is why we must stay together.” I wholeheartedly agree.

Thankfully, God has made Oklahoma a great place for missionary sending. Through the local churches in our state, and of course vital ministries including Falls Creek, Oklahoma Baptist University and Baptist Collegiate Ministries, we have seen countless missionaries answer God’s call, and that will continue to be our prayer and emphasis. Next, I was encouraged that Southern Baptists took bold and needed action regarding the Sexual Abuse Task Force recommendations. These first steps will make a huge difference in preventing abuse and toward caring better for abuse survivors. Thankfully, Oklahoma Baptists have already been working diligently in this area. My heart also was encouraged by the preaching of God’s Word, the times of prayer and worship, as well as fellowship with other believers, especially with other Oklahomans representing their churches. Oklahoma Baptists enjoy a special and unique unity centered on our love for Jesus and each other, our commitment to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, and our passion to cooperatively carry out the Great Commission. I am thankful for the ways many Oklahoma Baptist pastors led during this pivotal Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting. Leaders like Mike Keah-

bone, Jeremy Freeman and others played key roles in this meeting, volunteering their time and pouring their hearts and souls into making the SBC strong and wise. For these reasons and more, my heart is encouraged today. One of my favorite stories from the history of the founding of our nation involves Benjamin Franklin at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention. Franklin made a remark about the symbol of the sun that he saw on George Washington’s chair during the proceedings. Franklin wondered if it was a rising or setting sun displayed on the chair. In a note of optimism about America, the founding father remarked that what he was looking at was a rising sun. On the heels of a challenging and pivotal SBC Annual Meeting, some wonder if our convention is a rising or setting sun. Certainly, Southern Baptists have strong days behind us, with a legacy of missions and evangelism. We indeed stand on the shoulders of giants. And certainly today we are facing cultural headwinds and issues of our own. At the same time, I think we could and should see the SBC as a rising sun, by God’s grace. Please join me in prayer that the Lord would continue to bless and use this great convention of churches for the advancement of the Gospel and for His glory (Psalm 115:1).

Sword & trowel: First, middle, last Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

We live in a culture that divides people. Socially, demographically, politically—our culture continually promotes dividing lines. In particular, our society tends to pit young people against older people, making generations conflict. Thankfully, in the family of God, we are led otherwise, led toward unity among generations. We are all one in the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12; Gal. 3:28). From the womb to the tomb to eternity, every member of the family of God has value and worth. Oklahoma Baptist churches are blessed to have strong members from every generation: Greatest Generation, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and now Gen Z. Each of these are playing a vital role in what God is doing in our state and around the world. I am thankful for each and every one of these generations and individuals. I am particularly grateful for senior saints who have served so faithfully for so long: praying, giving, going. Because

of them, we have seen the Gospel advance, to the glory of Christ! Today, I am writing with a focus on the younger generation mentioned—Gen Z. In a recent column, Lifeway writer Aaron Earls talks about how Gen Z is facing a church drop out crisis of epic proportions. “Lifeway Research found 66 percent of churchgoing teenagers drop out for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22,” Earls wrote. “Thinking about the similarities between a church dropout during college and COVID may provide pastors and church leaders with more realistic expectations moving forward and ways to think about reaching those who still haven’t returned. “As teenagers transition to young adults, many also transition away from the religious beliefs and practices they previously held. In the Lifeway Research study of young adults, 29 percent of those who dropped out of the church say they planned on taking a break from church after high school. “The primary reason young adults leave the church after high school, and more than likely the primary reason churchgoers have not returned post-pandemic, is not, however, an intentional decision. Most simply drifted away during those college years. And the same is true for many during COVID.” Stop and think about that. What’s true for young people was true for many other generations. We simply got out of the habit of going to church.

Earls added, “Their habits and routines of life were disrupted, and many didn’t make the intentional effort needed to find a new church. Many teens aren’t changing their beliefs, but their beliefs aren’t enough motivation for the work of church hunting and attending.” It would be easy to think that these young people will simply boomerang back to church once they get married or have children. Yet there is no guarantee of that, and we need them to engage now. As one minister said, the 18-year-old needs the 81-year-old, and vice versa, in church life. This all underscores the urgent need to pray for ministries like Falls Creek, Baptist Collegiate Ministries (also known as BSU), Oklahoma Baptist University, Vacation Bible School and so many other ministries that reach the next generation for Christ. What can you do? Today, pray. Pray for your pastor, your church, these ministries. Next, go to church yourself to set the example. Next, spend time volunteering, if you are able. Then spend time reaching out in fellowship and friendship to younger people. Finally, continue to financially support your church. In the Body of Christ, we value all phases of life, from first to last. And we need all generations, from the first to the middle to the last, to accomplish the Gospel work to which Jesus has commanded us.

FEEDING

&LEADING

A PODCAST FEATURING TODD FISHER & ANDY TAYLOR

A NEW PODCAST FOR MINISTRY LEADERS! Listen at www.oklahomabaptists.com/podcast Listen now on...

Voices | June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of passage: Partnering & SPORTS

& M I S S I O N SWalker Moore M I N I S T RY

Author & Messenger Columnist Email | walker@back40.org @WalkerDeanMoore

X B Oproblems T OofOtheLhuge H one I think today is the R Cthat U C Houtsourcing of our children. Outsourcing became

a way of business in the 1980s. If I can find a company that can make a part cheaper than I can, I will outsource that part, allowing the other company to take care of it for me. Outsourcing is good for business… but not for parenting. WeI F have D S the generation that I E become S S A L C outsources almost everything in our children’s lives. We outsource their entertainment to cell phones, tablets, computers and Disney World. We outsource their spiritual growth to the church. We outsource their education to the schools. I read recently about parents who went to visit a professor at Harvard. Since their child had gotten a E Sdidn’t think that he was doing a “C” in his class, I Cthey O V very good job teaching their child. Obviously, if he had been a better professor, she would have earned an “A.” Since we outsource so many aspects of their lives, it is easy for us to find someone else to blame when our children don’t live up to our expectations. Instead of outsourcing, we need to return to the days of partnering. We need to work alongside those who are involved in our children’s lives and see

what God can accomplish throughEus… N Ttogether. INM TAcould I mustE beNhonest, not pay me enough T E Ryou to be a schoolteacher. I take my hat off to those who dedicate their lives and time to teach our children. As I have told you, I was not a very good student. It was not that I did not like school, it was just the principal of it. I still remember the day my prin& began to shake E and PL cipal grabbed me arm P EbyOthe W Sgot a hold of me, yelling, “Walker, I C think the N Edevil’s H R U H C you!” I replied, “I think so, too!” After 45 years of working with students, I have learned one thing. I now understand why animals eat their young: they do not want them to grow up to be teenagers. When I was a student, I was convinced that my parents and the schoolteacher belonged to E told me some type of secret torture society. LT UMyRdad U C & S W E N that if I ever got a whipping at school, I would get one at home. But I grew up in a time where my parents and the teacher had the same value system. Nowadays, it seems as though children and parents are teaming up to work against those who give their lives to teach. Read these actual excuses sent by parA Lhave to read them ents to schoolteachers. N Umight N(You A twice to understand what they are F Osaying). Nreally N G Icare T Idoctor’s E Ethe “My son isM under and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.” “Dear School: Please excuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.” “Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He has very loose vowels.” “Please excuse Jimmy for being. It was his father’s fault.”

“Please excuse Harriet for missing school yesterday. We forget to get the Sunday paper off the porch and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.” “Mary could not come to school because she has been bothered by very close veins.” “Sally won’t be in school a week from Friday. We have to attend a funeral.” I may not be the sharpest pencil in the box, but I think the famous Ricky Ricardo line would apply here: “Lucy, you have some ’splainin’ to do.” Parents, you need to realize that you are ultimately responsible for your child’s emotional, physical, mental and spiritual growth. Even a company that outsources production still puts its name on the box. How does your child show the marks of your influence on his life? Even more important, how does your family show the marks of Jesus? Our children need to learn that they are under the authority of the home and the school. Only when parents, educators and churches work together will our children have the guidance they need to grow into capable, responsible, self-reliant young men and women. However, as a parent, I am not going to let school get in the way of their education. The only outsourcing I want to do is on my knees, taking my children to the Source of all life and godliness. Heavenly Father, Please give me the wisdom I need as a parent. Help me to partner with my child’s teachers, pastors, and other people of influence. Thank you for loving my child even more than I do. Amen.

For unborn life: Pray, serve, give Gayla White Director Hope Pregnancy Ministries obhc.org/hope | pregnancynet.org

Praise God! Abortion is illegal in Oklahoma! What a mighty work our Lord has done! As we celebrate legislation that makes abortion UNLAWFUL in our state, we are working and praying for abortion to become UNTHINKABLE. Sadly, the law does not change the culture or the hearts of those seeking abortion. As long as abortion is available and legal in other states, large corporations are paying abortion travel expenses and online abortion pills are easily accessible, women will seek these options—and Oklahoma Baptists will be there, providing life-affirming options and walking alongside them through and beyond their pregnancy. There were 3,797 children aborted in Oklahoma in 2021. Chemical abortion, the abortion pill, comprised 60 percent of those abortions. Mail order abortions are illegal in Oklahoma but readily available online. Women are ordering pills from unmonitored sources and taking them without seeing a doctor or having an ultrasound to verify the pregnancy. They are having these abortions in their home, with no medical follow up. If they experience problems, they are told to go the emergency room and say they are having a miscarriage. Women and men who choose abortion are often reacting to their emotions and temporary circumstances instead of taking time to think through their options. Eighty-two percent of women who see their child on ultrasound choose life. Pregnancy center services are needed now more than ever. Individuals and church partners are needed to help share hope for the future, life affirming options and practical support. There are 40 evangelical pregnancy centers in Oklahoma. These frontline warriors in the battle for life need the church, you, to partner with your local pregnancy center to reach those considering abortion, so they can hear the hope of Christ and choose life for their children.

How can you help? PRAY. Ask God to lead women and men to pregnancy centers as their first choice before scheduling an out-of-state abortion or ordering the abortion pill. Pray for wisdom in placing the message of life-affirming options and the services of pregnancy centers in places to reach those considering abortion. Pray for hearts to be softened to the truth and hope of the Gospel. Pray for God’s protection and wisdom. Following the leak that the U.S. Supreme Court would rule to overturn Roe v. Wade, several pregnancy centers across the nation experienced vandalism and protests. National pro-abortion groups are organizing nationwide protests at pregnancy centers when the final opinion is announced. SERVE. Pregnancy Centers are mostly volunteer staffed. Medical volunteers are needed to administer pregnancy tests and answer medical questions. Men and women are needed to share truth and hope with women and couples overwhelmed with unintended pregnancies. Mentors are needed to facilitate parenting classes. Churches are needed to mentor and disciple young families, including single parent families and cohabitating couples seeking support and truth. GIVE. Pregnancy Centers depend on the generosity of local churches and individuals. The crisis of an unintended pregnancy can turn from panic to joyful anticipation when women and men hear and respond to the truth of the Gospel and when they learn they are not alone. The church and your help has never been needed more than now. It is now unlawful to have an abortion in Oklahoma.

The church can be the major influence in making abortion unthinkable. How can you lead your church to build a culture of life and help achieve the goal of making abortion unthinkable? Teach the truth about the Sanctity of Human Life and abortion. Be informed on Oklahoma laws, the needs of the pregnancy center in your community and how women will obtain abortions. Speak openly in your church about the hope and help your church and local pregnancy center can provide. An opportunity to obtain resources on these topics and tips for sharing them with the church is at the Oklahoma Pregnancy Resource Network’s conference on Aug. 12 at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills (Visit pregnancynet.org/conference for more information). Encourage your church members to support their local pregnancy resource center as volunteers and financially. Speak boldly in truth and love while recognizing the fear that drives those considering abortion and encourage grace, Christ’s love, and information on where to find help.

The Cooperative Program is the everyday, everywhere, every-church plan for F O R comprehensive T H E missions support. Learn more at

Good News Whole World

June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

OklahomaBaptists.org/CP

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

ACC continues to share the Gospel with children campers 1

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>> PHOTOS: FACEBOOK.COM 1) Mission Fest is a highlight at ACC; 2) Swimming in the entry pool at Falls Creek is always a fun time; 3) Worship services at ACC is a major focus for campers. The theme ‘Jesus Saves’ is shown above the stage in the shape of a cross.

>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

DAVIS—Associational Children’s Camp (ACC) has been around since 1980 and usually kicks off the summer camp schedule for Oklahoma Baptists. Fifteen different Baptist associations sponsor ACC, which happened at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center in two sessions, May 29-June 1 and June 1-4. More than 5,300 campers attended ACC, which is designated for children who finished third-sixth grades. Preston Collins, director of mission in Union Association, served as ACC program director this year and explained the reason ACC exists for Oklahoma Baptists. “Our purpose is to communicate the Gospel in a way that can be clearly understood by this age group,” Collins said. The Gospel message was clear in the theme of ACC, which was “Jesus Saves,” based on Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Through both sessions of ACC, there were 797

total spiritual decisions made with 455 campers making professions of faith in Christ.I C E S O always has a missions emVACC Collins mentioned phasis as well with the camp’s Mission Fest, an afternoon event in Falls Creek’s Mathena Family Event Center, that features numerous missionaries who share about their work. More than 1,300 campers in both sessions combined attended Mission Fest this year. A couple of highlighted mission works at ACC were involving children in Venezuela and in Ukraine. ACC collected $7,800 in an offering to help International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries who work with displaced children in Venezuela. “The offering that was taken at ACC will help provide food for children who many of them with their mothers had to walk to leave where they have lived because no food was available,” Collins said. ACC campers also had the opportunity to create cards to send to refugee children from Ukraine. These card offered messages of “hope, encouragement and prayers,” Collins said. More than 500 cards

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These ministries have various on-going opportunities for volunteers:

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N to IMB perwere collected from ACC andAshipped INFO N G Ukrainian sonnel in Europe in those countries E T I where E M refugees have gone. Evangelist Kolby King served as camp pastor during both sessions of ACC. “Kolby works with churches with tools to help communicate the Gospel to children,” Collins said. “His messages were receptive by kids, and they were messages based on helping kids know that God is real, God loves me, and that the only way to be saved is through Jesus.” King has been ACC pastor for previous camps. “I love speaking here,” King said about being ACC pastor. “I addressed some questions that kids have today. Questions about salvation, heaven and how they can be a light to a dark world. They don’t have to wait until they are older. They live on a mission field with the most reachable age group in America. If these kids shine Jesus and share Jesus they can reach people in an amazing way.”

FREE LEGAL GUIDE

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

Camp Gibson, Hardesty—Tom Freeman at 580/338-6259 or pbaok221@gmail.com Families Feeding Families Meal Center, Durant— 580/230-9142 or visit familiesfeedingfamilies.org Hope Pregnancy Centers—South OKC 405/688-8700, North OKC 405/755-5433, Edmond 405/330-0200, Ardmore 580/223-7232, Tulsa 918/622-3325 Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children Campuses Oklahoma City—405/691-7781 Edmond—405/341-3606 Madill—580/564-2218 Owasso—918/272-2233

Sept. 17—Orientation & Credentialing – 8:30a.m.-12 noon, Wynnewood, First, 1515 E. Robert S. Kerr Blvd. Sept. 22-24—Chaplaincy Training, 3800 N. May Avenue, OKC; Chaplain Manual Training—$35 (Sept. 22-23); Operational Stress First Aid—$15 (Sept. 24) – To register email: pjones@ oklahomabaptists.org.

5 Essential Guidelines

For Creating A Church Facility Use Policy

For other upcoming training, visit okdisasterhelp.org.

This guide is a product of the Alliance Defending Freedom legal team. ADF is the world’s largest nonprofit legal advocacy organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, marriage and family, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

Pray for Oklahoma & International Missionaries:

The use of your church’s facilities is likely an integral part to your ministry and has religious freedom implications. That’s why a sound Facility Use Policy is critical.

Charlie Gatton

Jay Mule

Pray for Charlie Gatton, Pray for Jay Mule, children’s ministry partwho ministers to Native ner and CrossTimbers churches and people in program director. western Oklahoma.

East Asia Pray for Oklahoma Baptists serving with the International Mission Board throughout East Asia.

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

Download this free eBook to learn 5 guidelines for creating a facility use policy that can provide better religious freedom protection for your church.

To receive your free copy, go to

www.ADFChurchAlliance.org/facility-use

Missions & ministry | June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

SBC Annual Meeting Proves Pivotal, Clarifying: More than 8,000 messengers gather in Anaheim for 2022 meeting /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

1) Mike Keahbone votes on the resolution he presented; 2) SBC messengers ‘overwhelmingly’ approve motions given by SATF; 3) Jeremy Freeman gives a report from the Committee on Committees; 4) New SBC officers include, left to right, Recording Secretary Nathan Finn, Second Vice President Alex Sands, President Bart Barber, First Vice President Victor Chayasirisobhon and Registration Secretary Don Currence; 5) Catherine is one of 52 missionaries who participated in the IMB Sending Celebration. Her identity is protected for security reasons; 6) Tony Evans presents an initiative designed to promote racial reconciliation. >> PHOTO: 1, 4) ADAM COVINGTON; 2, 6) KAREN MCCUTCHEON; 3) CHRIS FORBES; 5) IMB PHOTO

>> by BP reports & Messenger staff ANAHEIM, Calif.—On June 14-15, more than 8,100 messengers to the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting gathered in Anaheim, Calif., for a convention meeting that was called “historic, clarifying and pivotal.” 52 IMB Missionaries Sent at SBC meeting During the opening session on Tuesday, at the Anaheim Convention Center, an International Mission Board (IMB) Sending Celebration was observed. There were 52 missionaries recognized during the celebration. IMB missionaries were commissioned to areas across the globe including North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, South America, Europe and the Pacific Rim. “The world’s greatest problem is lostness,” said Paul Chitwood, IMB president. “God has moved us to respond to it with the Gospel.” Oklahoma Baptists, who are well-known for being a strong missionary sending state in the SBC, expressed gratitude over social media for the Lord after the sending service. “The IMB sending celebration, where new missionaries are introduced and prayed for, is always an incredibly meaningful and moving moment,” said Todd Fisher, executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists. “I agree with IMB President Paul Chitwood. ‘This is why we (Southern Baptists) came together, and this is why we must stay together.’” “The IMB Sending Celebration is always one of my favorite parts of the SBC (Annual Meeting)!” Pastor Brad Graves of Ada, First, said. “This (missionary sending service) is why I’m here!” said Rusty McMullen, pastor of McAlester, First. “I will stand with these brothers and sisters who are the epitome of faithful sacrifice.” Sexual Abuse Task Force recommendations ‘overwhelmingly’ approved Southern Baptists responded with an overwhelming majority in favor of adopting the two recommendations presented by the Sexual Abuse Task Force (SATF) presented June 14 at the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting. The task force recommended the formation of an Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force (ARITF) to be appointed by newly-elected SBC President Bart Barber and the development of a “Ministry Check” website to share “properly vetted information.” The “Ministry Check” website, which was the focus of the second recommendation, will be “established and maintained by an independent contractor, with the ARITF to oversee and report back to the Convention on feasibility, effectiveness and costs.” Names listed on the website will be people who have been “credibly accused,” according to the recommendation. In a press conference following the vote with the SATF, Task Force Chairman Bruce Frank stated his

hope that Southern Baptist churches will continue in ministering to the vulnerable (see page 2 story for more information). Oklahoma Baptists at the SBC Approximately 300 messengers from Oklahoma Baptist churches, as well as many other Oklahoma guests, took part in the SBC Meeting. Oklahomans featured on the program included Guidestone President Hance Dilbeck; Pastor Mike Keahbone of Lawton, First; and Pastor Jeremy Freeman of Newcastle, First. Keahbone, who serves on the SBC Executive Committee and also served on the SBC Resolutions Committee, led in a time of prayer during the meeting. He also presented Resolution 4, “On Religious Liberty, Forced Conversion, and the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report,” which was approved. For a full list of resolutions, visit baptistpress.com. Freeman chaired the Committee on Committees and presented a report on June 14. Oklahomans participated in various events connected to the 2022 SBC meeting, including a Women’s Ministry event, seminary luncheons, SBC entity events, as well as an Oklahoma Fellowship event on Tuesday evening hosted by Oklahoma Baptist University, WatersEdge and Oklahoma Baptists. Barber elected president; other officers elected Texas pastor Bart Barber won a run-off election for president of the SBC on June 14. Out of 5,587 votes cast, Barber received 3,401 (60.87 percent) and Florida pastor Tom Ascol received 2,172 votes (38.88 percent). Fourteen ballots were disallowed. A run-off election is required when a candidate does not garner 50 percent of the vote. In the first election, Barber received 3,258 (47.58 percent) of the 6,847 ballots cast. Matt Henslee, pastor of Mayhill, N.M., Mayhill and 2022 Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference president, nominated Barber. Henslee described Barber as a man who can unite, build up and “lead us through the battleground of our disagreements, to the common ground of our cooperation so that we can tell the world about the even ground at the foot of the cross.” Barber, 52, has served as pastor of Farmersville, Texas, First since 1999 as well as in a number of roles in the SBC. He served as chairman of the 2022 SBC Resolutions Committee and was a member of that committee in 2021. With 1,711 votes (50.13 percent), Victor Chayasirisobhon, pastor of Anaheim, Calif., First Southern, was elected first vice president of the SBC. Alex

June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

Sands, senior pastor and planter of Simpsonville, S.C., Kingdom Life, was elected SBC second vice president in a runoff against Michigan pastor Rodolfo Diaz-Pons. Sands received 2,121 votes (59.71 percent). Nathan Finn, provost at North Greenville University, was elected SBC Recording Secretary, a position that has not changed hands in 25 years. John Yeats, executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention and former editor of the Baptist Messenger, has been elected to the position unopposed 22 of the last 25 years. He opted not to seek reelection in 2022. Sermons, convention reports & other business The preaching throughout the convention focused on the theme of “Jesus at The Center of it All.” Convention sermons were offered by Ed Litton and Pastor Juan Sanchez of Austin, Texas, High Point. On Wednesday, Pastor Tony Evans presented an initiative designed to promote racial reconciliation, speaking about the “Unify Project” initiative, and developing a “Kingdom Race Mindset.” The Unify Project is an innovative movement of Southern Baptist churches working toward racial unity together, so the world will encounter the hope of Christ. Throughout the meeting, various SBC entities delivered reports, including the IMB, the North American Mission Board, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), all six SBC seminaries, and the Woman Missionary Union. All SBC committees, including the SBC Executive Committee, the Committee on Nominations delivered reports. A number of motions from the floor were presented by messengers. A motion to abolish the ERLC was voted upon and failed. The resolutions committee presented eight resolutions in all, including on the topics of “On Lament and Repentance for Sexual Abuse,” “On Anticipation of A Historic Moment in the Pro-Life Movement,” “On Religious Liberty, Forced Conversion, and The Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report,” and “On the Mission Field in Rural America,” the last two resolutions being presented by Oklahoma Baptist Pastors Mike Keahbone and Luke Holmes, respectively. As the 2022 SBC meeting wrapped up, Todd Fisher added, “On the heels of what promised to be a challenging and pivotal gathering for Southern Baptists at the Annual Meeting in California, I am walking away from this convention meeting both encouraged and hopeful.” For more information or details on convention business, visit sbc.net. The 2023 meeting of the SBC is set for June 13-14, 2023 in New Orleans, La.

Falls Creek 2022 sees strong start /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

1) Volleyball tournament is a recreation mainstay at Falls Creek; 2) Campers learn about Go Students missions strategy in the Wynn Center for World Missions; 3) Zane Black talks to campers who made spiritual decisions. >> PHOTOS: 1-2) BRIAN HOBBS; 3)TONY DILLARD

>> by Staff DAVIS—Summer 2022 at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center is off to a strong start, as thousands of campers arrive to the campgrounds near Davis. Now in its 105th year, Falls Creek continues to be a cherished location because this is where many young people have made professions of faith in Christ, grown in their spiritual walks and where many over the years have surrendered to ministry and to missions. Todd Sanders, Falls Creek program director, said the Lord is already at work in the first weeks of camp. Spiritual decisions happening Each day at camp this summer, Sanders said campers will focus on different spiritual disciplines of the Christian life, under the principles defined as “saved, set apart, solid and surrendered.” During the evening tabernacle services, the Gospel is clearly presented and students will have an opportunity to respond. On the first day of session one alone, Sanders reported that spiritual decisions were made, with 28 professions of faith and six called to ministry, among other decisions. “It’s great to be back at camp advancing the Gospel with students,” Sanders said on Falls Creek’s opening week. “We had a great start to the summer today, and God did what only He can do! From the first invitation, we have already had students dealing with their own sin, responding to the Gospel, and seeking spiritual help and prayer support for things they are walking through. It never gets old seeing students worshiping, engaging and responding to the Gospel! It’s a constant reminder of what we get to be a part of together.” Each summer, thousands of spiritual decisions are recorded, as the Lord moves in the hearts of campers.

As of Wednesday, June 15, the Falls Creek program staff reported 935 total spiritual decisions have been made through week one and midway through week two of summer camp. These decisions include 455 professions of faith in Christ and 62 answering a call to ministry. Gospel preached by camp speakers Zane Black is a well-known evangelist who is a regular speaker at Falls Creek, and he was camp pastor for week one. In one evening session, Black focused on what it means for Christians to be set apart as followers of Jesus. “I believe if you are willing to walk in obedience and come away from the world, in that sense, in following Jesus, it will drastically change the fullness of life you will experience here on Earth,” Black said. For week two, the camp pastor was Brian Mills, another regular Falls Creek speaker. He is a former student minister and evangelist now serving as pastor of Yukon, Trinity. This is Mills’ third time to speak at Falls Creek youth camp. “Whatever God has for you this week,” Mills asked in his opening sermon on Monday, June 13, “will you put your ‘Yes’ on the table? When we put our ‘Yes’ on the table, it changes everything.” Mills did a sermon series from the book of Joshua, focusing on Joshua’s commitment to serving God and challenging Falls Creek campers to reflect the same commitment. People can tune in the evening services through a livestream, available at oklahomabaptist.org/ youthcamp. 2022 breakout sessions & camp activities Each summer, breakout sessions on various topics are offered. In 2022, topics included the following:

“Evangelism for Everyday Life;” “A Look at Biblical Sexuality;” “Grasping God’s Word through Bible Study;” “Preparing to Lead Worship;” “Offering Hope to Those in Despair;” “Social Media with Gospel Eyes;” “Living Life with Discernment;” “A Strong Beginning for New Believers;” and “Pursuing a Call to Ministry.” “One of the reasons we are having this breakout is we are going to teach you how to have Gospel conversations with people that are natural, make sense and where you can be yourself,” said Brian Baldwin, Oklahoma Baptists’ youth missions and evangelism ministry partner who led breakout session, “Evangelism for Everyday Life.” In addition to teaching sessions, cabin quiet times, the evening worship services and other times of spiritual formation, Falls Creek offers many activities engaging students physically and socially. Students interact with one another in both fun and spiritual challenges. Some of the activities include the ropes course, zip line, Alpine tower, dodgeball, NERF battle, inflatable games, swimming, volleyball tournaments and more. Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher encouraged all Oklahoma Baptists to continue to pray for the campers attending Falls Creek. “Falls Creek is first and foremost a place for students,” Fisher said. “The prayer of Oklahoma Baptists is that this time at Falls Creek will be a major turning point in your life. As you listen to the preaching and teaching, and participate in worship, our greatest desire is for you to have a personal encounter with the living Lord Jesus.” For more information, visit oklahomabaptists.org/ fallscreek.

Colossians yields guidance as SBC Pastors’ Conference text >> by Erin Roach

BAPTIST PRESS WRITER

ANAHEIM, Calif. (BP)—Longtime pastor Al Jackson closed out the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Pastors’ Conference study of the Book of Colossians by examining the list of faithful servants named at the end of the Apostle Paul’s letter, reminding pastors that even little-known saints are significant saints to God. “These are not insignificant followers of Christ,” Jackson, pastor emeritus of Auburn, Ala., Lakeview, said of people such as Tychicus and Onesimus. “They’re not well-known like Paul and Peter and John, but they served faithfully on Paul’s missionary team in the place to which they had been assigned.” Jackson drew from each name a characteristic vital to the advance of the Gospel: faithful service, reconciliation, cross-cultural ministry, intercessory prayer and loyalty. One name, though, pointed to the tragic risk of falling away, he said. “My brother pastors, there’s a warning for all of us here including myself: Do not presume that you are incapable of forsaking your ministry,” Jackson said June 13. “Do not presume that you are incapable of doing exactly what Demas did. Worldliness has sidelined many a pastor from finishing the race to which God has called him.” Daryl Jones, pastor of Pembroke Pines, Fla., Rock Fellowship, preached from Col. 3:1-11 and noted that many people make New Year’s resolutions as goals for improvement. “Unfortunately, by about mid-February, those goals go by the wayside,” Jones said. “The reason is because oftentimes they want this newness of life and yet forget that the old habits and the old practices and the old ways have to be removed.”

Believers should know that if they’re goSubmission, particularly by wives in maring to reach goals of newness, they riage, is an idea many people reject tohave to do something different, day, but Villalobos envisions Paul Jones said. was saying, “This is good. It func“The truth of your identity in tions within the marriage just like the resurrection of Jesus Christ it functions with the Trinity. This corresponds to the truth that is God’s design. Do it. It works. your mindset and your motiva“Don’t miss this godly counsel tion should only be Him,” Jones all because you’re fighting back said, “and if it doesn’t belong to with the text. Keep this in the Him, pertain to Him, look like Him, framework of God’s Word and kick it to the curb.” understand that submission >> PHOTO: KAREN MCCUTCHEON Matt Henslee, Christians should be motivated by president of the 2022 Pastors’ Conferwas not a command only for the victory won by Christ alone, and ence, gives closing remarks June 13 as the wife. It was one of the diseverything should flow from a mind- the two-day meeting ends. tinct markings of all true beset of pursuing Christ, Jones said. lievers,” Villalobos said. Matt Carter, lead pastor of Houston, Julio Arriola, church plantTexas, Sagemont, said division is one of the greatest ing catalyst with the Southern Baptists of Texas issues facing the SBC. Convention in Grapevine, Texas, said believers are “If we don’t get this right, we are going to further servants of Christ “rescued from the pits of hell, recalienate a lost world that we are trying to reach with onciled with God by the blood of Jesus to live lives the Gospel,” Carter said. “We are going to further alien- that would glorify the Father as we walk this world ate ourselves as a convention from a younger gener- empowered by the Holy Spirit.” ation of preachers that are looking at us and trying to God, the Master, does what He wants because He find a plausible reason why they want to join us.” is sovereign, Arriola said, but somehow He acts at the Israel Villalobos, pastor of Spanish ministries at Ir- beat of His servants’ prayers, “and when God’s peoving, Texas, Plymouth Park, said the apostle Paul ple pray, prayer changes everything.” This is why Paul knew people “needed clearly defined practical wrote, “Devote yourselves to prayer,” Arriola said. guidelines to avoid making unwise choices in life in “We dedicate time to things we believe are imthe areas where we spend most of our time—in the portant,” Arriola said, urging pastors to pray for their home and in the workplace.” families, their churches, the nation and the world. “He’s trying to help them live a Christian life in “The greatest influence we have as pastors is not ways that God has ordained and in so doing bring over the church member that goes to sleep over our Heavenly Father glory and honor,” Villalobos your sermon on Sunday but over the family memsaid of Col. 3:18-4:1. “… He’s telling them, ‘Live ac- ber that goes to sleep under the same roof as you cording to these guidelines, and in so doing you will every night,” Arriola said. magnify the Creator.’” Features | June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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1 Fisher receives MWBTS S D TURE CLASSIFIE E WS & CUL N Alumnus of the Year Award

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>> PHOTOS: 1) CHRIS FORBES; 2) BRIAN HOBBS

1) Trey Graham of Midwest City, First; Ray Griffin of Oklahoma City, Quail Springs; and Jeff Moore of Altus, First meet up on the first day of the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting; 2) Many Annual Meeting attendees gathered at the Oklahoma Fellowship on Tuesday night, June 14.

Let’s talk Cooperative Program

>> PHOTO: BRIAN HOBBS

Chris Forbes, Baptist Messenger staff writer and Cooperative Program branding and marketing specialist for Oklahoma Baptists, second from left, participates in a panel discussion about the Cooperative Program at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. Scott Morie, director of missions in Cimarron Association, right, also participates on the panel.

Todd Fisher, right, received the Midwestern Seminary Alumnus of the Year Award, presented on Wednesday, June 15, at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif. MWBTS President Jason K. Allen presented the award to Fisher.

>> PHOTO: BRIAN HOBBS

Cameron Whaley, pastor of Broken Arrow, Aspen Park, right, and his family stop for a photo during registration at SBC Annual Meeting.

>> PHOTOS: PROVIDED

Oklahoma Baptists connect with NAAF, African American SBC leaders

1) Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists’ executive director-treasurer, left, meets with James Collins, first vice president of National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention; 2) James Swain, Oklahoma Baptists’ associate executive director-church relations, center, has fellowship with Ken Weathersby, retired Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee vice president for convention advancement, and Leroy Fountain with New Orleans Baptist Association.

MINISTERS NEEDED for research to evaluate online discipleship program.*

>> PHOTO: BRIAN HOBBS

TOPICS INCLUDE:

Meeting in the exhibit hall

From left, Eli Gardner, pastor of Mannford, Lakeside; Dany Daniel, pastor of Bartlesville, Southern; and Brandon Morton, pastor of Cleveland, Westport, meet up in the exhibit hall during the Annual Meeting.

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June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

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Ada, First VBS surpass $3K IFIEDS C U LT U R E & S W C L A S Sin E N Ukraine relief giving

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS ENEGREN DEATH. Judy Enegren, 76, died June 1. A memorial service M A Building in OBaptist was June 8AatHthe L K O E H T Oklahoma City. She served E OklahoIV H C R A T S I T B A Pma Baptists for nearly 40 years, first in the convention’s music office under Glenn Boyd and Paul Magar and then as switchboard operator/receptionist at the Baptist Building. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, playing the piano and singing. She loved spending time with family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Allen Enegren and son, Eric Enegren. She is survived by her daughters Valerie Summers and Disa Beaty and four grandchildren.

>> by Timothy Cockes BAPTIST PRESS WRITER

ADA (BP)—During their Vacation Bible School (VBS) this month, the kids C E Sexactly O Iraised of Ada,VFirst $3,300 for Ukraine relief through Send Relief. Brad Graves, senior pastor at Ada, First, told Baptist Press the church does a missions offering every year as a part of its week-long VBS. This year, VBS organizers felt led to raise money for Send Relief, Southern Baptists compassion ministry, specifically for Ukraine relief. Graves said it was amazing to see the kids respond the way they did. “Ukraine is on the other side of the world, but our kids felt enough empathy and compassion to do something about it and that just blesses my heart,” he said. Of the 184 kids at VBS, Graves estimates a good majority participated in the missions offering, and the ones who’d just finished sixth grade ultimately took the victory. Every year as part of the missions fundraiser, the church will share some detailed information about what the money is for. This year, Graves said this aspect was challenging due to the difficult subject matter of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. VBS leaders decided to have a Send Relief contact help them. Their contact, who is currently ministering to displaced people

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in refugee camps, shared stories of refugee children who had been displaced and how the conflict is affecting them. “Our goal was to show them that the least of these is not always someone that is unrelatable to them, but sometimes is sometime that’s just like them who is in need in another place in the world,” Graves said. Graves said Ada, First has always had a passion for generosity and missions, long before he became the pastor. In fact, renowned Baptist missionary and surgeon Rebekah Naylor grew up at the church. “This was sort of like a microcosm of the Cooperative Program (CP),” Graves said. “It was a lot of small currency added up to make the total. It is not just one or a few churches making up the full CP, it is 47,000 churches giving amounts that add up to the total.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES ZAC CUNNINGHAM is family pastor at a church in Bentonville, Ark. He previously served as associate pastor of students and worship at Mannford, First. COMING EVENT CHURCH ANNIVERSARY. Oklahoma City, Classen Boulevard will celebrate 70 years of ministry at 10:30 a.m. on June 26. Luncheon will be at noon. The church is located at 9215 N. Classen Blvd. TO SHARE NEWS, PLEASE EMAIL ALL INFO TO BAPTISTMESSENGER@OKBAPTIST.NET

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OBU presents Hobbs Award to Jarboe at SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim June 14

Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) President Heath A. Thomas, left, presents the Hobbs Award to Jonathan Jarboe, president and CEO of The Baptist Foundation of California, June 14 at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Anaheim. They are joined by Jarboe’s wife, Tammy. The award is named to honor the noteworthy Southern Baptist denominational service of Herschel H. Hobbs, a prolific author, preacher and radio program host. He is the namesake of OBU’s Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry.

SEND THE BAPTIST MESSENGER YOUR CHURCH NEWS, PHOTOS, INFORMATION, MINISTRY AND STAFF CHANGES, EVENTS AND MORE. EMAIL BAPTISTMESSENGER@OKBAPTIST.NET TO HAVE YOUR NEWS ITEMS CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION.

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A Ukrainian boy and his mother look at a picture drawn by Madison, 11, of Comanche, First.

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LeAnna Hall, wife of Pastor Mark Hall of Comanche, First, had an idea for children and moms at their church to write letters of encouragement that would point Ukrainian refugees “to the hope they could have in Jesus.” The idea grew to involve numerous Oklahoma Baptist churches and was carried out as a project for campers at Associational Children’s Camp, earlier this summer at Falls Creek. More than 500 letters, drawings and cards were sent through IMB strategic leaders in Europe.

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People & Church News | June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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3 reasons God speaks (and how IFIEDS S S A L C to hear Him better) God spoke to reveal Himself through Samuel (1 Sam. 3:19-4:1) In the latter part of 1 Samuel 3, we see some incredible results of Samuel’s right reA meme making the rounds on social media sponse to the voice of God. Samuel experiCES V OofIGod’s reads, “My wife just stopped me and said, ‘You enced the ongoing closeness presweren’t even listening, were you?’ I thought, ence. All Israel clearly saw that Samuel had ‘That’s a weird way to start a conversation.’” become a prophet of the Lord. Over time, Not only does that challenge husbands to Samuel continued to grow in his relationlisten better to their spouses, but it makes ship with the Lord. God’s presence continme wonder if we sometimes do the same ued with Samuel, and all Israel heard God’s thing to God. Word through His prophet. The question isn’t “Does God speak?” but How can we better hear God speak today? “Do we hear?” To hear God better, considI realize that none of us today are propher three things about how the Lord revealed ets of the Lord in the same sense as Samuel. Himself to the young prophet, Samuel. But there are a few principles from 1 Samuel God spoke to reveal Himself 3 that can help believers today better hear (1 Sam. 3:1-10) from the Lord. It was a spiritually dark time in Israel’s his1. With God, the ‘Who’ precedes the tory. Israel had no king, and sinfulness ruled ‘what.’ God’s first words to Samuel were the day. The boy Samuel served in the Tab- not a task to fulfill but an invitation to simernacle under Eli, the high priest of Shiloh. ply come to the Lord. God’s first words to The confusion over God calling to Samuel is us are always a call to draw near to Him. almost comical. Three times Samuel is awak- This is true for both the sinner receiving salened by a voice calling his name. Each time he vation and the believer seeking to grow in rushed to the aging Eli’s bedside. Finally, Eli re- the Lord. Simply coming to the Lord always alized it was the Lord calling out to Samuel. He comes first. Like Samuel, may God give us encourages Samuel to make himself available hearts ready to respond. as a listener willing to serve the Lord. 2. God’s Word is His revealed will. Very God spoke to reveal His will rarely does God speak today as He spoke to (1 Sam. 3:11-18) Samuel. For us, the clearest place to hear With Samuel listening, God announced the voice of God is in the Word of God. To plans for judgment on Eli and his sinful say we want to know God’s will and then sons. The severity of the punishment would refuse to read His Word is foolishness. The cause all of Israel to shudder. sound of Bible pages turning is God clearing Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phineas, served His throat. When the Word is opened, God’s alongside their dad in the Tabernacle; but mouth is opened. Eli’s sons did not know the Lord. 2 Samuel 3. God still speaks through His people. 2 says they were unkind bullies who sinned By God’s His people are His plan for E design,and T Hneighbors R O Mour by eating meat from the sacrifices andFcomthe nations to hear the G O L B S R E mitting sexual immorality with the women Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection. ORDSLING who served outside the tent W of meeting. Eli God has appointed every believer as one of heard about their sins and rebuked his sons His ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:13-21). In the deepbut failed to stop their sinful behavior. God’s ening darkness of our present world, the response was judgment. Word of the Lord seems as rare as it was in The next morning, Samuel was under- the days of Samuel. As we speak the truth in standably afraid to tell Eli what God had love, may those around us hear the Gospel, Y SGod get all the glory. said. Eli demanded, and so Samuel reportS Amay D AV E and ed everything. >> by Patrick Findley

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June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

F RO M T H E G E R S B LO G URE WO R D S L I N E W S & C U LT

PLASMA CUTTERS AND PERFECTION >> CARISSA JONES

Back in high school, I took several (For A Lmy Y SagAclasses. U A N S N E V A D more urban friends, Ag is short for agriculture.) I enjoyed O NF G Ithey I N and them, most of my friends took them E Tme, M Ewith got me out of having to take Chemistry—all good things in my book! I vividly recall the day our teacher let us use the new plasma cutter. This was basically a piece of equipment I S T Sexciting P Tmost A B A M used to cut O metal, but it felt like the gadO H KLA T H G I L H get on the planet for us that day. We were not allowed to RC E H IG U O S E R play with the shop toys too often, so we were like kids on Christmas morning. We all gathered around as our teacher showed us how to work the machine. He watched a handful of students to make sure we knew what we were doing, but then he stepped away for a few minutes. While he was away, we all took turns cutting strips from a piece of metal. When my turn finally came, I think my brain just stopped. I am not sure if it was excitement or just an incredible lack of skill, but I was terrible at the whole thing. My classmates had to keep telling me, “No! Not like that!… Do this!… Watch out!…” You get the idea. They were not being mean; they were legitimately helping me because I was doing everything wrong.

To read the rest of Carissa’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/blog-plasmacutters-and-perfection

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D AV E S AY S BE VIGILANT ABOUT INSURANCE Dear Dave, P TweI S T S B3,Aand A M My wife and IKare onHBaby Step O A L O GHT L Ihome, were talking the other day about IG Hour E Hhow C R U O S E R travel trailer and cars have appreciated recently. Everything is paid for except the home, but we were wondering if we should increase the amount of insurance coverage on these items since they have skyrocketed in value. —Dale Dear Dale, Yes! And you should make it a habit to review all your insurance coverage once a year. With most homeowners insurance policies you have a stated amount of coverage. Some policies have a “cheat” that allows you an extra five or 10 percent, maybe even 20 percent in some cases. But if you’ve got a $300,000 policy on a house you bought five years ago, and it has appreciated to $450,000 then burns to the ground, you’re in trouble. The only thing more troublesome than not having enough insurance to replace belongings like that is having no insurance at all. Lots of times, in the old days, if you bought a car or homeowners policy, it covered your car or home regardless—even if they had gone up in value. Then, when some insurance companies got absolutely hammered after some events like Hurricane Katrina, they stopped doing that. They stopped covering actual replacement value and started covering only the specified amount on the policy. Today, it can be tough to even find replacement value coverage on houses. And if you do, it’s crazy expensive. When it comes to your home especially, you need to have a policy equal to the value of the home, and you should revisit your coverage and your home’s value every single year. You have to be vigilant about things like that, Dale, because your insurance company won’t be! —Dave The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist Messenger and do not constitute legal financial advice.

CLASSIFIE

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PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

gmail.com. Galey is a friendly, country church.

E S MUSIC V O I C>>P/T

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY:

>>P/T STUDENT MINISTER: Grace Life Baptist (SBTC) in Cypress, TX (NW Houston) is seeking a P/T Student Minister. Grace Life is a multi-ethnic church (46% Anglo, 36% Hispanic, 13% African-American, 5% Asian). Average Attendance: 225 - 20 hrs/weekly ($20/hr).

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

>>BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking God’s candidate for our next blended service Worship Minister. Please submit resume & cover letter to: cbcbamusic@gmail.com or Clearview Baptist Church, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014. >>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: New Hope Baptist Church, 1501 N. 43rd St. E., Muskogee, OK 74403 is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Minister to lead & disciple youth 6th - 12th grades. Send resumes to above address or email to: NHBC2022YouthMinister@gmail.com. >>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: New Hope Baptist Church, 1501 N. 43rd St. E., Muskogee, OK 74403. Prayerfully seeking P/T Music Minister. Send resume to above addressoremailto:NHBC2022MusicMinister@gmail.com. >>F/T or BI/VO PASTOR: Mary Niblack Road Baptist Church, Ardmore, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Please send resume to: maryniblackroad@gmail.com. >>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Jay FBC is seeking a F/T Youth Minister who has a call & passion for ministering to youth. Please email to: fbcjay@yahoo.com or mail to: P.O. Box 304, Jay, OK 74346. >>PASTOR: Pastor for the Lakeview Baptist Church Salina, OK responsible for leading church body, providing spiritual instruction & strategic leadership to the members, staff & ministries of the church. Send resume to: P.O. BOX 102, Pryor, OK 74362. >> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC of Rattan is prayerfully considering a BI/VO Pastor. Parsonage is available. Please send resume with a cover letter to: office@friscobaptist.com. >>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Springdale Baptist Church in Oklahoma City is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Minister who is passionate about God & serving youth. Please send resume or inquiries to: drsburke@att.net. >>F/T WORSHIP PASTOR: FBC Chickasha is searching for a Worship Pastor with a heart to lead intergenerational corporate worship & oversee the church’s missions partnerships. For a detailed description of the position visit fbcchickasha.org. >>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: The FBC of Chickasha is searching for proven leader to serve as Associate Pastor. For a detailed description of the position visit fbcchickasha.org.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Davis, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail a cover letter & resume to: First Baptist Church, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK 73030.

MINISTER: FBC Cache, OK is seeking a P/T Minister of Music to lead a biblical, blended & balanced Sunday morning worship service & special services as needed. To submit a resume please email: office@fbccache.org. >>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: FBC Okarche is seeking a P/T Youth Minister who is called to pastor students. Please send resumes or inquiries to: jinman@pldi.net.

>>BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking God’s candidate for our next blended service Worship Minister. Please submit resume to: gjhg316@aol.com or Oakridge Search Committee, 6103 S. 44th W. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74132.

>>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Oney Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a Pastor to lead our small, country church. 3 bed, 2 bath parsonage. Please send resumes to: Oney Baptist Church, P.O. box 147, Albert, OK. 73001. Or Email to: gregory.darrel@yahoo.com.

>>BI/VO OR P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Oakridge Baptist is prayerfully seeking a Youth Minister. Please submit resume to: gjhg316@aol.com or Oakridge Baptist Church, 6103 S. 44th W. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74132.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: FBC of St. Louis, OK is receiving resumes for God-called, BI/VO Pastor. We are a healthy, stable SBC church. Please send resume to: FBC, P.O. Box 147, St. Louis, OK 74866 or email to: stlouisokfbc@gmail.com.

>>CHILDREN’S & FAMILY PASTOR: FBC Crescent is prayerfully seeking a Children’s & Family Pastor to love & serve the Crescent community. Parsonage is provided. Please send resumes to: P.O. Box 196, Crescent, OK 73028 or email to: FBCCrescent@aol.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Rural east Norman congregation seeks a BI/VO Bible preaching, man of God to lead us. We are a small unified church with a big vision & a heart for the Lord. 84th & Hwy 9. Kim Vance (405) 397-7884. Email resume to: randkvance217@sbcglobal.net. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Twin Oaks Baptist Church Wagoner, OK, prayerfully seeking BI/VO Pastor. We are a small lake church with a desire to serve God. Seeking Bible preaching, Christ follower. Please send resume to: Wagonertwinoaksbc@yahoo.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Richville Baptist Church, small Baptist Church east of McAlester, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO PASTOR. Please submit resumes to: Richville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1538, Krebs, OK 74554. >>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Woodland Hills BC is seeking a F/T Youth Minister who loves young people & desires to see them grow in their relationship with Christ. Send resumes to: mail@whbcok.org or Woodland Hills BC, 313 S Hwy. 76, Newcastle, OK 73065. >>F/T MINISTRY TEAM: FBC Ponca City is looking to expand its F/T Ministry Team. We believe Jesus’ words in Luke 18:16-17 are not a suggestion. We want to invest our resources to help kids meet & follow Jesus. If that resonates, send a resume to: kids@fbcponca.org. >>F/T PASTOR: Is needed for Galey Baptist church. Please send resume to: DMount.quiver@

Ezra Sarah Lagerquist Simmons

>>F/T PASTOR: Small, rural church seeking God’s man to serve as our new Pastor. Salary with 3 bed, 2 bath, brick home. Mill Creek Baptist Church, Mill Creek, OK 74856. Send resume to: dtcobb1955@gmail.com. >>BI/VO OR F/T PASTOR: FBC Asher seeking a BI/VO or F/T Pastor. Parsonage included. Send resumes to: FBCAsher@windstream. net or FBC Asher, P.O. Box 166, Asher, OK 74826. >>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: FBC Frederick is prayerfully searching for a F/T Associate Pastor of Worship & Family Discipleship. Please send resumes to: fbcfrederick@pldi.net. >>F/T PASTOR: Immanuel Baptist Church in Skiatook, OK is seeking a F/T Pastor to follow our pastor who has retired. Applicants can mail resume to: IBC, 625 S Broadway St, Skiatook, OK 74070 or email to: immanuelskiatook@yahoo.com. >>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Duke FBC is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Minister who is passionate about God & serving youth. Please send resume or inquiries to: fbcduke@swoi.net. >>BI/VO OR F/T PASTOR: Copan Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a new Pastor. Please submit resume with cover letter to: sjohnson.4230@gmail.com or mail to: P.O. Box 107, Copan, OK 74022. (918) 214-9014. >>F/T CHILDREN’S/PRE-K DIRECTOR: Hillcrest Baptist Church, Lebanon, MO, is seeking a F/T Children’s/PreK Director to oversee all aspects of Hillcrest’s growing children’s ministry. Interested applicants should email a cover

CROSSWO

A N N UA L NFO >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Tecumseh, OK isI prayerfully G TIN E EPastor. seeking a F/TM Senior Please see a job deletter & resume by July 1, to: info@lebanonhbc.com.

scription/qualifications & information on how to apply on our website: www.fbctecumseh.org/.

>>P/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: New Bethel Baptist Church in Byng, OK is seeking a P/T Associate Pastor to spearhead the growth of the young couples segment as well as other duties. Text Jerry at: (580) 399-3623 or send resume to: NBBC, P.O. Box 945, Ada, OK 74820. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Squaretop Baptist of Anadarko, OK is a small, rural church that is prayerfully seeking a Bible believing BI/VO Pastor with a heart for God & Family. Please send resume to: squaretop.baptist@gmail.com or call: (405) 933-0698. >>EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Ministries of Jesus Executive Director. Provides daily leadership, management & decision making. Ensures successful implementation of MOJ mission/vision. Leads in fundraising & participates with the Board in developing strategies. Email: jhill@moj.com. >>F/T PASTOR: Bethel Baptist Church of Anadarko, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Candidates should email a resume to: scot.gpglass@att.net or mail to: Bethel Baptist Church, Attn. Pastor Search Committee, 501 W. Florida, Anadarko OK 73005. >>F/T PASTOR: Blackgum, FBC Vian, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should email a cover letter & resume to: BlackgumBaptistresume@gmail.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Spavinaw FBC is now accepting resumes for BI/VO Pastor. Send Resumes to: First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 235, Spavinaw, OK 74366 or email to: fbcspavinaw@gmail.com. >>P/T OR BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: Meeker FBC is in search of a P/T or BI/VO Music Minister. The current position is for Sunday AM service. Please submit resumes to: mfbcmusicsearch@gmail. com or mail to: Meeker FBC, P.O. Box 300, Meeker, OK 74855. ATTN: Music Search Committee.

MIS CEL L A NEO US >>CABIN FOR SALE: Falls Creek Cabin for sale. Cabin has capacity for 25. One side has 11 beds, other side 14. Each side has showers, sinks & toilets. Cabin has a large covered porch. If interested, please call & leave a message or text Mark (405) 756-0966.

1 Chronicles

Sarah Lagerquist Simmons

A L PO E WR A P CR AB C AR L N WH I R R H I V E T WE E T R ACK O A PED GN P I F I C E PA PE RS 40 The Israelites ___Pthrough M C ASK H I L the dessert for D I S A 40P years R I E ST DU E L I S T A B YS L Similar O R D Egyptian S T Aplague R T symptom NOOK 42A R I N K L I AV E F AN 43N Cyrus was king of ___ (Ezra 1:2) E SC E ST P L I ED R I SE S S H E L Ldisease ED I D EA T E 44 Contagious C AN T S EA S SN I P 45C “Needful for the house of thy ___” (Ezra OBE Y H AT T Y J UGGL I NG MAR 7:20) Y OG I A SA PH I D EA A CV S A U L C O V E Y C O R P 46 Rascal S K Y T R AY T SAR A LOE

F E T A

O V E R

R E N T

D O AM T V H E I R E L D RM S C ED LORD E AM A T A S U HOU S E AS E S T AR

DOWN 25 Sonata 1 What Ehud did to Eglon 26 One who runs a race (1 Cor. 9:24) 13 14 15 16 (Judg. 3:21) 28 Floral leaves 31 Moses’ arms ___ during battle (Ex. 17:12) 2 European monetary unit 17 18 19 3 Radar echo 32 Blue, as in tabernacle’s curtain (Ex. 16:1) 4 Dinah was Joseph’s 33 “I have given every green herb for ___” 20 21 22 23 24 5 “I will for their ___ remember” (Lev. 26:45) (Gen. 1:30) 6 “He brought me. . .out of the miry ___” (Ps. 34 10 grams (abbr.) 25 26 27 47 Shiny balloon material 40:2) 37 “Many of them also which used curious Puzzle 25:was 1 Chronicles Puzzle 26: 28 29 30 31 48 Angry, as God with Israel 7 Cutting tool (var.) ___” (Acts 19:19) (2 Kings 17:18) 8 Sign of the zodiac 38 Holy ___ 32 33 34 35 36 SE BS S A Achan S P took ___ P R (Josh. E T E 49 7:1) A(pl.) 9 Ezra was one 40 “God. . .hath made me forget all my ___” T U L I P A S HE BA OU R MA NOR 51 “And weighed unto them theTsilver, and the 10 “Bestow it out of the king’s treasure ___” A R I S K E H O A R D O B S A L A R (Gen. 41:51) 37 38 39 40 BO P OB E ___” (Ezra 7:20) E L(Ezra I J8:25) AH T U RB I D 41 Lab animal O PU S UG S I A 52 ___Mmater 11 The ephod was ____ with onyx stones 41 42 43 42 Grain like wheat mentioned in Luke 3:17 SE PA L S T E N S O L OM O N L OW 53 College student (Ex. 25:7) A U R E Z H E A R T A L I A C U T E 43 Jacob was ___ to deceitfulness AR T S GH A Carbonated R T Y D I M A CH E 54 drink 12 Gibe 44 45 44 David did ___ a stone at Goliath R A T BR A N I T ER E VE P L I E D 57 “Thou artI my battle ___” 14 “I viewed the ___, and the priests” (Ezra F L I N K E Y GN E OU S DR S 45 Mr. Lucas 46 47 48 49 (Jer. 51:20) SM I L I NG 8:15) NB A N EB 46 Grinning C YRU S R Awas B B OUA L A 58 G Israel to Y___Dlepers 22 Large vehicle A L A T A B A L A M O E S E D R E S S 49 “The ___ our God, to leave us a remnant” 50 51 52 53 54 60 take 24 “We will go with our young and with our EX A S “The E V ___ E N shall A P E him O by F the F Eheel” R (JobM A T (Ezra 9:8) PR E R EN L EE R AM T A I 18:9) ___” (Ex. 10:9) 55 56 57 58 59 60 50 Persian king during Ezra’s time 25 “Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine Nehemiah Est Puzzle 27: 2 Chronicles Puzzle 51 “Cyrus. . .put them in the house of his ___” ___” (Ezek. 27:6) Sarah Lagerquist Simmons Sarah Lagerq 61 62 63 (Ezra 1:7) 26 Experts A C T WA T T S T A T US UMP T I L 52 Cancer charity 64 65 66 WO E A R I A WH O O S H P EA AR E 27 “God saw the light, ___ it was good” (Gen. A VE L O R D A I RW A Y 55 Wing P A L F I G 1:4) R EPU L S E T N T EN AC T S 56 Touching the ark was ___ www.CrosswordWeaver.com 28 France & Germany river E YES ED GE GA T ES R I C A S (1 Chron. 15:2) R AP SEA S OR B S E E K SW 6:4)was king of ___ (Ezra 1:2) ACROSS 29 Jewish scribe 25 “Of the oaks of Bashan have they 43(Deut. Cyrus GAG D I E C ASE I D EA “God said untodisease Jacob, “___, go up to Bethel” 59 Ice house 1 Compass 30 Golf shot made point thine ___” (Ezek. 27:6) 4417Contagious M I ME T I C ESC A PED BAN Y AN 61 Tangle (Gen. 35:1) 5 “Wound the head of his enemies, and the E R A S T A R S O N O U G E R 31 “There ___ you” (Ezra 1:3) 26 Experts 45 “Needful for the house of thy TWO E AR D OWN AP E A T 62 “Magnify the Lord with me, and let us ___ 34 “Sin lieth at the ___” (Gen. 4:7) 18___” Wind instrument hairy ___”saw (Ps. the 68:21) 27 “God light, ___ it was (Ezra 7:20) KN EAD S T EM L AOS F E DRO P his name” (Ps. 34:3) 19 North American nation 10 “The battle went sore against Saul, and the 35 “Be it known unto the ___” (Ezra 5:8) good” (Gen. 1:4) 46 Rascal COP PEN S I VE UN T O 63 David ___ his slingshot at Goliath GEN RE P Hit balloon material archers ___him” (1 Sam. 31:3) 36 When David brought the ark into Jerusalem, T E N U R E L O R E T E E 28 France & Germany river 4720Shiny C T S P I R I T A C E N D R B O I T L 64 Before (prefix) 29 Jewish scribe 4821Angry, Israel he was filled with ___ “Who isastheGod Lord,was thatwith I should ___ his 13 Flower P A L A C E WH Y S D A Y D EEMS E 65 Tears 30 Golf shot (2 Kings 38 Smile voice” (Ex. 5:2)17:18) 15 Birch’s cousin JUNEPuzzle 9 ANSWERS 29: Nehemiah Puzzle 3 66 During his trial, Job had ___ 31 “There ___ the you” (Ezra 1:3)is ___ Lord”4923Achan ___ (Josh. 7:1) (pl.) 39 Haman tried to ___ Mordecai Sits for took a picture 16 “Hear O Israel, Lord our God 34 “Sin lieth at the ___” (Gen. 4:7) 51 “And weighed unto them the 35 “Be it known unto the ___” silver, and the ___” (Ezra 8:25) (Ezra 5:8) 52 ___ mater 36 When David brought the ark 53 College student into Jerusalem, he was filled 54 Carbonated drink Classifieds | June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com with ___ 57 “Thou art my battle ___” 38 Smile (Jer. 51:20) 39 Haman tried to ___ Mordecai 58 Israel was to ___ lepers 40 The Israelites ___ through the 60 “The ___ shall take him by the 1

June 23, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture