Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912
BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • MARCH 10, 2022
READY FOR RETREATS! OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS OFFER WEEKEND
EVENTS FOR WOMEN AND MEN /// SEE PAGE 6
WOMEN’S
CO N T E N T S :
Connect: Pray for Ukraine
Christians in besieged Ukraine: ‘Keep praying’
>> TODD FISHER
>> CHRIS FORBES
In the summer of 1993, I was in my first year of seminary and pastoring Bethel Acres, Hopewell. At the time, I was dating Jamy (my wife), and she was about to leave on a mission trip through the student ministry at Oklahoma Baptist University to a country that had just become accessible due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. It was a country I had barely heard of—Ukraine. I was asked to join the mission team to preach at certain points where the team would be travelling.
“Thank you for your prayers. Keep praying!” This message was sent to many Oklahoma Baptists who have served on mission teams in various places in Ukraine over the years and have remained in contact with acquaintances made in that country. Updates come from Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Christ via cell phones and social media, thanking them for praying and asking for more prayers.
/// SEE PAGE 3
/// SEE PAGE 7
Shawnee, First recovers from 2021 winter storm, meeting again in historic building >> DONALD W. ROMINGER, JR.
A historically-cold winter storm caused a major problem for Shawnee, First on Feb. 14, 2021. A torrent of water from a fractured pipe was pouring into an annex of the church’s 112-year-old structure. Pastor Charles Kimball said the uncontrollable pouring was “like being discharged from a fire hose” into the building’s basement and subbasement. An estimated 100,000 gallons of water filled the building and was rapidly rising. /// SEE PAGE 7
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GIVING REPORT INSIDE Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Can I call you my dad?’ >> WALKER MOORE
Page 5 | Missions & Ministry Falls Creek hosts MVP Retreat, Feb. 18-20 >> CHRIS DOYLE
Page 8 | People & Church News Longtime Okmulgee Pastor comes ‘full circle’ >> BRIAN HOBBS
Page 10 | Church Toolbox 9 steps to reach a nonbelieving loved one >> CHUCK LAWLESS