2022/May/26

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • MAY 26, 2022

/// SEE PAGE 6 & 7

CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends Lifeway Research: 8 largest areas of concern for churches >> AARON EARLS

Time for camp…time to pray >> TODD FISHER

As summer approaches, it’s time for church camps! When I was 18 years old, I went to Centrifuge at Glorieta, N.M., with my youth group. We had a wonderful time getting to know students from other churches doing all kinds of fun team-building activities.

Most of all, it was a week where we had the opportunity to focus on our relationship with the Lord. /// SEE PAGE 3

Disaster Relief Appreciation Sunday set for June 5 >> STAFF & BAPTIST PRESS REPORTS

Southern Baptists have multiple designated days of emphasis on the calendar, including Baptism Sunday, Cooperative Program Sunday and the Lottie Moon Week of Prayer for International Missions.

One day of emphasis gaining additional notice highlights one of the most well-known ministries of Southern Baptists—Disaster Relief Appreciation Sunday. /// SEE PAGE 5

Language Learning Fellowship reboots after pandemic protocols >> CHRIS FORBES

The Language Learning Fellowship, a ministry of Oklahoma City, Northwest, has seen a lot of changes over the 22 years of its existence, but nothing quite like a global pandemic. After months of closure, the school is back up and running and needing new teachers to keep up with the demand for their free language learning classes. /// SEE PAGE 6

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Dear Class of 2022… >> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: ‘Say what?’ >> WALKER MOORE

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry On Bison Hill: Providing help for a needy world >> HEATH THOMAS

Page 9 | People & Church News OKC, Portland Ave dedicates community garden >> STAFF

Page 10 | Church Toolbox Developing a stewardship culture in your church >> CHRIS FORBES

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Lifeway Research: 8 largest areas of concern for churches >> by Aaron Earls

LIFEWAY RESEARCH ONLINE EDITOR

Congregational leaders say they’re facing numerous problems right now, but none more pressing than growth.

When asked to name their greatest concern for their congregations, as part of the 2020 Faith Communities Today (FACT) study, respondents most frequently mentioned a need to grow.

In the responses from representatives of 1,500 religious congregations, “growth” was mentioned more than any other word. The open-ended question, asking the two greatest concerns of the congregation, yielded congregational worries around reaching those outside the church and maintaining what already exists.

The FACT report highlights the eight categories the most churches identified as concerns.

Attracting more members Along with “growth,” respondents frequently mentioned words like “new,” “members,” “more,” “growing,” and “reaching” in the open-ended answers from the FACT study. A quarter of respondents (25%) expressed worry over gaining new attendees and encouraging them to participate.

In a 2019 Lifeway Research study, 40 percent of U.S. Protestant pastors said their top concern for the futures of their churches was “reaching the next generation”—by far the most common answer. The 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors study also found 76 percent of pastors say they need to focus on fostering connections with unchurched people. And 63 percent say they need to invest in the skill of disciple-making.

O N L I N EENT Financial N E Wissues T CONcommon “Lack,” “need,” and XCLUSIVEwere EB-E“financial” W words from respondents. More than 1 in 10 (12 percent) note some type of money concern their congregations are facing. FACT study respondents mentioned “becoming financially stable after conflict,” “finding additional sources of income,” “reducing debt,” and “funding new and existing ministries.”

INtopFO While 5 percent mentioned that as N their need TIO A IC L B U P in the 2019 Lifeway Research study, more U.S. Protes-

IONS & S S I M tant churches are struggling financially now after the T R Y financial N I Slingering COVID pandemicM andI other issues.

In a September 2021 Lifeway Research study, only 12 percent of pastors said the economy was positively impacting their churches. This is the lowest percentage since May 2012. Around half (49 percent) said it was having no impact, but 37 percent said the economy was negatively impacting their B OX Lcongregations. members U R C H TO O HDwindling/aging C Not only are congregations concerned about reaching new members, but they’re also worried about their current members leaving or only being comprised exclusively of elderly attendees. Almost 1 in 10 respondents (9 percent) mention this topic, using words like “aging,” “age,” “young,” “younger,” and “youth” to identify a top EDS Iconcern.

F I S S A L C Previously, the FACT study released information on the aging of both congregation attendees and their leaders. According to this research, participants in a congregation are twice as likely as the average American to be 65 and older.

Facilities and properties Congregational leaders (6 percent) also note conE Sin which they gathcern for the buildings OandI Careas V er. Some of these concerns are for maintenance or needed repairs on older properties, while others express a desire to expand or build new facilities because of growth.

In late 2020, 12 percent of U.S. Protestant pastors told Lifeway Research they had to delay a construction project or other large planned capital expense.

For some churches, these delays have caused significant issues in the upkeep of their current building or plans for new facilities.

Leadership issues For 1 in 20 congregations (5 percent), leadership is an area of concern, according to the FACT study.

For some, the issue is raising up new leaders, while others worry about keeping the clergy they have.

A previous FACT release revealed the average clergy member is 57 today compared to 50 in 2000, according to the FACT study, meaning more churches have pastors nearing retirement.

Camp Perfect Wings

CrossTimbers Conference Center oklahomabaptists.org/childhood/ camp-perfect-wings

MAY 30-JUNE 2

CrossTimbers Session 1

CrossTimbers Conference Center Camp pastor: Charlie Blount crosstimbers.org

JUNE 3-6

CrossTimbers Session 2

CrossTimbers Conference Center Camp pastor: Rick Cordova crosstimbers.org

JUNE 6-10

Falls Creek Week 1

Falls Creek Conference Center Camp speaker: Zane Black oklahomabaptists.org/ youthcamp

SIV WEB-EXCLU JUNE 10-13

CrossTimbers Session 3

CrossTimbers Conference Center Camp pastor: Eric Fletcher crosstimbers.org

JUNE 13-17

Falls Creek Week 2

Falls Creek Conference Center Camp speaker: Brian Mills oklahomabaptists.org/ youthcamp

JUNE 14-17

CrossTimbers Session 4

Southern Baptists see baptisms and giving rebound in 2021 CAROL PIPES | MAY 17

Southern Baptist congregations saw a rebound in the number of baptisms and an increase of $304 million in overall giving in 2021, both hopeful signs congregations are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Southern Baptist congregations baptized 154,701 in 2021, a 26 percent increase from 123,160 reported in 2020, according to the Annual Church Profile (ACP) compiled by Lifeway Christian Resources in cooperation with Baptist state conventions.

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CrossTimbers Conference Center Camp pastor: Barry Williams crosstimbers.org

‘ I cried all day’: Buffalo church, community grieve supermarket massacre

JUNE 17-18

Four miles from the Tops Friendly Markets mass shooting May 14, North Buffalo (N.Y.) Community Church Pastor William Smith is comforting a crying community.

DIANA CHANDLER | MAY 16

Tutoring Children and Youth Workshop

$35, Mustang, First literacy@oklahomabaptists.org

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

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overwhelmed, and 6 percent of churches deleted a staff position during the first year of the pandemic.

When thinking of their greatest needs, pastors are more likely to say their churches find it challenging to develop leaders and volunteers (76 percent) than anything else.

PEOPLE & Inclusion and diversity NEWS H C R U H C This is one of the top two concerns for 4 percent of congregations, according to the FACT study.

Clergy and other leaders noted the challenges involved in this effort.

Specifically among U.S. Protestant churches, Lifeway Research found 88 percent of pastors say every church should strive to achieve C racial TURE Ldiversity.

U & S W E N But 76 percent of their congregations are primarily composed of one ethnicity. Still, congregations are making progress, as that percentage has steadily declined from 86 percent in 2013.

Building community Another 4 percent say one of their most important concerns is bringing theirA congregation togethN N UA L er in unity, according to FACT. NFO I N G(41Ipercent) Around 2 in 5 U.S. Protestant pastors MEET tell Lifeway Research they need to develop better conflict management and resolution skills. Four in 5 pastors (80 percent) say they expect they’ll confront conflict in their current church.

Engaging and retaining groups Still another 4 percent of congregations are worried about engagement and combating apathy among their members.

Lifeway Research found many Protestant pastors share that concern, as 3 in 4 (75 percent) point to people’s apathy or lack of commitment as one of their greatest needs. Additionally, 68 percent of pastors say they need to focus on training their current volunteers and leaders. While pastors are well aware of the need to engage those outside the church walls, they also feel pressure E and O N L ItoNengage E Wcongregations.

Ntheir retain those within T ON ENT

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS MAY 26-28

RTS & O P S Lifeway Research found few U.S. ProtestantEpasNT TA I NsayMthey’re tors are quitting; however, E N T E63Rpercent

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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: 39,782. 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. May 26, 2022 • Volume 111, Number 10.

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EVENTS

MESSENGER STAFF >> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@baptistmessenger.com >> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@baptistmessenger.com

FIND ALL THESE STORIES AND MORE ONLINE AT WWW.BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM

May 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

>> Chris Forbes | Staff Writer cforbes@oklahomabaptists.org >> Tori Hamilton | Art Director thamilton@baptistmessenger.com

VOICES

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Connect: Time for camp…time to pray /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

Todd Fisher Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @eToddFisher

As summer approaches, it’s time for church camps! When I was 18 years old, I went to Centrifuge at Glorieta, N.M., with my youth group. We had a wonderful time getting to know students from other churches doing all kinds of fun team-building activities.

Most of all, it was a week where we had the opportunity to focus on our relationship with the Lord. Each night we would celebrate those who committed their lives to follow Christ and listen to moving testimonies from those in our group of the things God was teaching them.

I remember one afternoon toward the end of the week, I hiked up one of the trails on the mountain overlooking the conference center. It was a serene setting. I talked to God and reflected on the things

I had learned that week and what God was doing in my life.

I knew God was calling me into ministry, and that night in the invitation after the worship service I went forward to surrender my life to serve the Lord as a pastor. It was one of the most meaningful weeks of my entire life.

My story is like so many other people whom God has spoken to in a special way at church camp. In the setting of camp, students (and adults!) get away from the regular routine and distractions of life and can focus on the Lord.

Some hear the Gospel clearly articulated for the first time at camp. Some are called to ministry or missions.

Others come in repentance of sin and commit to follow the Lord in obedience in every area of their lives.

For countless many, church camp is a time and place where God has done life-changing work for them.

Given the importance of church camp, it deserves our full support. The need to reach young people today with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and disciple them cannot be overstated. I want to ask you to support your church and whatever camps it will be attending this summer.

Perhaps you are able to provide a scholarship for a student who cannot afford to go. Perhaps you can volunteer as a sponsor or cook. I especially ask you to make a strong commitment in the weeks ahead to pray for camp.

Pray for the students who will be going to camp to be receptive to the things the Lord teaches them.

Pray for the children/student ministry workers and volunteers. Pray for them by name. Pray specifically. Let’s shower those in our church attending camp in prayer. In the same way, let’s also pray for Vacation Bible School and summer mission trips at this key time of year.

This summer, I’m looking forward to being at Falls Creek and CrossTimbers, as well as Associational Children’s Camp and Indian Falls Creek (IFC) as IFC celebrates its 75th anniversary! I’m looking forward to seeing old friends, making new friends, and worshiping with our children and students.

But most of all, I will be praying and looking forward to many coming to God for salvation, surrendering their lives to ministry/missions and being transformed for His glory!

Sword & trowel: Dear Class of 2022…

Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

The Class of 2022—including high school, college and post-graduate students—across the state rightly received the recognition for all their educational achievements.

As part of this chapter of life, many students and young adults took part in commencement events that will include long speeches with advice to live by. Rather than compose my own commencement letter to the Class of 2022, I wish to highlight a few pearls of wisdom in the form of quotes that may have meaning to their lives, as well as others.

On beginnings & endings “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride”—King Solomon (Eccl. 7:8).

On the chapters of life “Whoever, in middle age, attempts to realize the wishes and hopes of his early youth, invariably de-

ceives himself. Each 10 years of a man’s life has its own fortunes, its own hopes, its own desires”—Johann von Goethe, German poet and writer.

On Christianity “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else”—C.S. Lewis, Christian writer.

On desire “In our greed for more, we may lose what we already have”—Aesop, author of Aesop’s Fables.

On freedom “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free”—President Ronald Reagan.

On giving “Having, first, gained all you can, and, secondly saved all you can, then give all you can”—John Wesley, Christian evangelist.

On perseverance “Never give up. Never, never”— Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

On priorities “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”—The Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 6:33).

On reading “It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between”—C.S. Lewis, Christian writer.

On religion & morality “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports”—President George Washington.

On time & eternity “Time moves so quickly, and no matter who we are or what we have done, the time will come when our lives will be over. As Jesus said, ‘As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work’”—Billy Graham, Christian evangelist.

May these, and other thought gems you have heard, prove helpful to the graduates and to you.

Finally, to the Class of 2022, we say congratulations and may the Lord bless you in all your endeavors!

P.S. Among the many High School Graduates in the Class of 2022 is my own daughter Alice, who is a great writer and even better young lady. Congratulations, my daughter! Your mother and I sure love you…

Voices | May 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of passage: ‘Say what?’ & S T R SPO

& MISSIONS Walker Moore M I N I S T RY

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

L B O Xis often comical, to T O Ohousehold H Moore LifeRinCthe C HsayU the least. Most of the time, it consists of two se-

nior adults or two senior adults with three young grandchildren, and the conversations can get quite interesting.

Just this morning, I walked from the kitchen into the living room, where my wife confronted me with a problem. I knew DaSproblem because she beIitEwas F I S S A L C gan the conversation with “We’ve got a problem.”

Being the thoughtful, kind and ever-attentive husband I am, I asked her, with all the concern I could muster so early in the morning, “What is the problem, dear?”

“There is a dead bug in the living room.”

I still enjoy playing the part of a knight in shining E aSwhite horse to rescue a damsel armor,V riding O IinCon in distress. With all the concern a person of my gender could muster up, I asked, “Why didn’t you pick up the dead bug?”

“Its antennae are still moving!”

“Say what?”

That’s what I wanted to respond, but I thought better of it.

I have heard rumors of this kind of bug—the kind whose antennae keep moving after it dies—but I thought it only lived in South America.

Please don’t laugh; other rare bugs have T migrated N M Ehas I Nhornet R TAgiant to our country. migrated to E N TTheE Asian the United States; it is also known as the murder hornet. These insects mostly kill honeybees, wiping out an entire colony of 60,000 in just a few hours. You might be tempted to respond, “Say what?” But they are here.

I’ve also read recent reports of the “Aedes vittaE & in the UnitP L discovered tus” mosquito having P E Obeen S in Nepal, ed States. This mosquito is usually N E Wfound H C R U H C the Maldives or other South Asian countries. The good news is that it’s a carrier of all the deadly diseases a mosquito can carry except malaria.

I have read that there are reportedly over 3,500 different species of mosquitoes in the world. It is amazing how this particular type made its way to R EI am more America, probably on a C cargo T Ubut Lship, U & S W E N amazed that someone spotted it among the gazillions that fly around our country. I wonder how the conversation went among the mosquito-watchers.

Chris: “Hey Brian, do you see what I see?”

Brian: “What do you see?”

Chris: “Keep looking; you will see it.”

L it is?”

Brian: “Pray tell,A is that U AI think N Nwhat Chris: “Yep, we got a visitor from F O Asia!”

N South I NgotGusI an E Ebe;Twe Brian: “Well, “’Aedes vittatus’ M I’ll mosquito!”

I want you to know that in this article, I changed the names to protect the innocent. And it’s still in the realm of possibility that my wife found a dead bug with its antennae still moving. I stopped counting after our first day of marriage, but she has been right as many times as I have been wrong. I haven’t picked up the dead bug yet, but I will as soon as the coroner pronounces it officially dead.

In situations like this, I’ve learned it’s best not to respond with, “Say what?”

I live in the part of America known as Tornado Alley. I have seen my share of these giant twisters, some of them up close. The weather during tornado season is very violent; at any moment, you think Jesus might pop out of one of those clouds. The sky grows dark, the wind swirls, the lighting streaks across the sky, and then comes the thunder that makes your windows rock. If a sound like a train follows all of that, you have a tornado.

Our youngest grandson, 3-year-old River the Peacemaker, was intrigued by our most recent storm. He stood looking out the door when his mom asked him, “River, did you see that lightning?”

“Nope, I’m watching for tomatoes!”

I was tempted to respond, “Say what?” but I knew I couldn’t. People have seen flying cars, cows and buildings in the midst of one of these storms, and it’s possible someone might see a tomato too.

The Bible is full of these kinds of reports. There is one that says people saw a dead man walking. “Say what?”

If you believe that, the next thing you read is that a little boy and a girl were raised from the dead. “Say what?”

You will also learn the stories of people walking on water and food miraculously being multiplied.

“Say what?”

Then you might hear rumors of the lame walking, the blind seeing and people with lifelong ailments suddenly healed. “Say what?”

One day, you might even read of a dyslexic boy who became a writer. “Say what?”

But it might be better to ask, “Say who?” For that question, the answer will always be “Jesus.”

On Bison Hill: Providing help for a needy world Heath Thomas Oklahoma Baptist University President

“What do you need?” and “How can we help?” You might find these questions asked of you or me when we take our vehicle to the garage for service. However, I think these are important questions to ask when we think about Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU).

Recently, I was working with industry leaders in banking and engineering as they wanted help with their companies. I simply asked, “What do you need in your workplace? How can OBU help you?” You cannot believe the ways in which the conversations opened up at that point! These leaders and their companies are now looking to OBU to be a resource for ingenuity, workforce and support. As I reflect upon that experience, it reminds me why OBU exists in the first place.

Our Baptist forbearers founded OBU 112 years ago to meet needs and offer help. They believed that the great need of the new state of Oklahoma was a distinctively Christian university education— training that equipped its students to live out their Christian faith in every sphere of society: law, healthcare, education, technology, government, the arts, church, community life and science. They audaciously asserted that followers of Jesus, equipped at OBU to add value in every sphere of life, would provide a public good in the public square. They believed that followers of Jesus, equipped through OBU, would make Oklahoma better. I believe that today, as well.

OBU’s purpose is crystal clear—to equip the next generations of future shapers to live all of life, all for Jesus. And God is blessing that purpose today just as He has done over the past century. Just last weekend, we hailed the class of 2022 during our Spring

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Commencement on May 21. These world-changers are going into a confused and confusing world. Instead of adding to the confusion, we send out our graduates to live all of life, all for Jesus.

Our world needs the hope and peace that only Jesus provides. Recognizing this need, OBU is stepping in to help through global and local engagement with the light of Christ. OBU Global Outreach teams will journey to England, Greece, North Africa, Israel, Zambia and the Middle East, among other places. Students and employees will travel to Ecuador on a Study Abroad GO trip. Another group will engage Israel. Global marketplace engagement majors currently are preparing for study in the Middle East, in Central America and in Oklahoma. Other students will serve in New York, Africa, Germany and the Middle East. This is not to mention all the other students serving in camps, ministries, internships and outreaches throughout the nation this summer, including Falls Creek and more.

In light of the 4.7 billion people who have never heard the Good News of Jesus, OBU is providing help through the Tom Elliff Center for Missions at OBU. The Elliff Center introduces OBU students to key mission leaders, provides a means for churches to support their students as they study, provides scholarship dollars to students, and partners with OBU’s Avery T. Willis Center for Global Outreach to provide hands-on experience on the mission field. This incredible process will make OBU the strategic training ground to tactically engage lostness around the globe with Gospel advance. Students learn from leaders who share the passion to reach the lost: Tom Elliff, former president of the International Mission Board (IMB), Elbert Smith, who personally trained thousands of IMB missionaries during his career, and Mike Hand, former IMB church missional strategist. OBU is poised to impact global lostness for generations to come.

Our state has a need to see lives changed behind prison walls. OBU will help through the Prison Divinity Program at Lexington Assessment and Re-

May 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

ception Center (LARC). Thirty-five students study at LARC and work towards becoming chaplain assistants by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Christian studies through OBU. Taught by OBU professors, the students at Lexington receive the same instruction students receive on Bison Hill. Under the leadership of Bruce Perkins, this program is equipping these students to leverage their lives for Christ in the prisons. We are grateful this ministry was made possible through partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma Baptists, and Oklahoma Baptist University. We are eternally grateful to the generosity of donors who made this program possible.

To help meet needs, OBU continues to plan and work strategically. Currently we are executing on a 36-month Multiply Strategy, an initiative we launched in 2021. This Multiply Strategy is rooted in John 6:1-13, and we are asking the Lord to multiply into OBU excellence, influence, service and value.

This is a three-year plan in which the entire campus joins together to complete 10 key strategic projects that touch all areas of OBU and seek to reach students and families, realize OBU’s financial potential, and refocus the OBU as we move into the future.

Our Multiply Strategy helps us meet our state’s needs and provide relevant assistance in terms of workforce, industry leadership, and innovation. I am grateful for the hard work of our staff and faculty as we advance together.

“What do you need?” “How can we help?” Two questions that drive us to prayer and greater dependence upon the Lord. Whether in engineering, education, sciences, research or ministry, please join OBU as we ask the Lord to open doors and allow for new opportunities for OBU, so that the name of Jesus might be lifted higher and higher in all of life.

Please pray for favor as we make decisions and as we continue the good work that began here more than 112 years ago, to foster a distinctively Christian liberal arts University for the kingdom of God and the good of the world.

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

Disaster Relief Appreciation Sunday set for June O P L E &5 E X P O B L O O NEWS HURCH T CHURCH

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Southern Baptists have multiple designated days of emphasis on the calendar, including Baptism Sunday, Cooperative Program Sunday and the Lottie Moon Week of Prayer for International Missions.

One day of emphasis gaining additional notice highlights one of the most well-known ministries of Southern Baptists—Disaster Relief Appreciation Sunday.

On Sunday, June 5, Oklahoma Baptist and Southern Baptist churches across the convention will have the opportunity to highlight Disaster Relief (DR) ministry and the thousands of church members who serve as DR team members.

On that Sunday, DR team members often wear their signature yellow apparel to church services, which can include times of recognizing volun-

teers, prayer and highlighting the need to support DR financially.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief State Director Don Williams talked about the uniqueness of Oklahoma in DR ministry.

“On this appreciation Sunday, we hope churches across this state will take a portion of their service to recognize this strategic ministry assignment God has given us,” Williams said. “Oklahoma Baptist DR has been a leader in terms of serving and giving. It is vitally important that even more people rally around this ministry to pray, serve and give.”

In 2023, Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Since it was founded in 1973, Oklahoma Baptists’ disaster relief operation has trained and mobilized more than 5,200

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On-going opportunities for volunteers: Baptist Village Communities: Ada—Tracy Scheer, 580/332-6004 Broken Arrow—Monty Baggett, 918/355-0099 Cleveland—Wade Wilson, 918/358-2575 Cordell—Alicia Holt, 580/832-5831 Elk City—Cathy Henderson, 580/225-5555 Grove (Honey Creek)—Gary Mishler, 918/786-2223 Hugo—Alandra Needham, 580/326-8383 Madill (Lake Texoma)—Matthew Wood, 580/564-3776 Miami—Shane McGhee, 918/542-7124 OKC—Chris Finley, 405/721-2466 Ext. 2115 Okmulgee—Sherri Powell, 918/756-5377 Owasso—Steven Walkingstick, 918/272-2281 Ext. 102 Entrusted Hearts by Baptist Village (home health care)—Shannon Ryan, 405/942-3000 Ext. 4685

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

K-Love Sponsored Training, Crisis Response Care—June 7-10, Baptist Building, 3800 N. May Avenue, OKC, OK 73112 • June 7—Moral Injury • June 8—Supporting Children After Disasters • June 9-10—Functional Stress Hardiness Instructor: Naomi Paget, FBI Chaplain & Crisis Interventionist To register visit crisisresponse.org.

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Sarah Ashcroft

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Misael Gonzalez Misael Gonzalez recently planted Mission Church/ LaMison Iglesia in Tulsa.

This is a bilingual family of faith seeking reconciliation and restoration. Pray the Lord would bring strong believers who are bilingual and can disciple others.

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

volunteers who have served in nearly every major disaster recovery effort, including a response to 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and major tornadoes in Moore and other parts of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Baptist DR has prepared hundreds of thousands of meals, helped thousands of property owners in distress and shared the Gospel with victims of disasters. Most recently, Oklahoma Baptist DR has been serving in Seminole, in the aftermath of devastating tornadoes, and saw at least one profession of faith “We are blessed to have a wonderful group of team members who work hard, serving people in need, all to share the Gospel,” Williams added.

Visit okdisasterhelp.org for photos, videos or information about Oklahoma Baptist DR, or to make a financial donation.

Fast facts about Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR)

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

Sarah is Baptist Collegiate Ministries director for Tulsa Community College Southeast, a part of Oklahoma’s largest two-year, multi-campus college. Pray that more students will be mobilized for the Gospel.

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>> PHOTOS: FILE PHOTOS OKDISASTERHELP.ORG 1) DR team members serve in Seminole after a tornado struck May 4; 2) Don Williams, center standing, advises DR team members in 2018 after Hurricane Michael struck Florida; 3) DR team members help a resident in San Marcos, Texas after Hurricane Patricia struck in 2015.

>> by Staff & Baptist Press Reports

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Oklahoma Baptist DR was established in 1973, and its founding director is Laddie Adams. The ministry will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

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More than 5,000 Oklahoma Baptists are trained volunteers with Disaster Relief, and since 2014 alone, volunteers have spent a combined 55,329 days serving.

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Oklahoma DR team members have served in nearly every major disaster recovery effort since its founding, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and major tornadoes in Moore and other areas. Most Oklahoma Baptist Associations have DR equipment and trained teams to assist in a disaster.

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During the 2013 Moore tornado relief, more than 8,000 individuals donated to Oklahoma Baptist DR efforts.

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In 2017, Oklahoma Baptists dedicated a new disaster relief center on a 17-acre property near Okarche, which stores DR equipment, as well as serves as a launching pad and training center.

•

According to Don Williams, state director of Oklahoma Baptist DR, since 2014, the ministry has prepared more than 700,000 meals, made 29,821 ministry contacts, seen 310 professions of faith and distributed more than 1,400 Bibles.

To support Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, visit okdisasterhelp.org.

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Missions & ministry | May 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

5

Falls Creek to help campers ‘Choose’ to walk in Christ /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

DAVIS—Oklahoma Baptists look forward to summer every year because this is the time for youth camp at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center. 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, is looking forZane Black ward to Falls Creek this sumWeek 1—June 6-10 mer with the theme of camp being “Choose.”

“We are going to explore spiritual disciplines,” Sanders said, mentioning camp’s theme Bible passage is Col. 2:6-7. “One of the significant aspects these verses address is a practical approach to spiritual life. We are Ryan Fontenot to continue to live in Christ or Week 3—June 20-24 walk in Christ. In that same manner, you are choosing that every day.”

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 surrenDavid Sons dered.”

Week 5—July 4-8 “As God roots us in Christ, He is establishing us, but we are actively involved in this building up in maturity, becoming saved, set apart, solid and surrendered—looking at this idea in overflow of gratitude or thankfulness,” Sanders said.

Speakers at Falls Creek Many of the camp speakScott Pace Week 7—July 18-22 ers this year at Falls Creek are returning with a few being first-timers. Sanders said he is excited about the whole roster of speakers for this summer.

“There is a straightforward goal for us in that we want speakers who will deliver a clear Gospel message and deliver a clear Gospel invitation,” Sanders said. “We know these are guys who will do that.”

Zane Black is a well-known evangelist who is a regular speaker at Falls Creek. “Zane has a national ministry involved with Dare2Share ministries and has spoken at national events such as Winter Jam,”

Sanders said. “This will be his fourth time to speak at Falls Creek.”

Brian Mills is 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.

“Typically, we do two state pastors (every summer),” Sanders said. “Brian will be a third state pastor for us this year. I don’t think there is any doubt that Brian can deliver a Gospel-centered message and be pro-active in moving people to the point of salvation and helping with follow-up on those decisions.”

Ryan Fontenot will make his first speaking appearance at Falls Creek this summer. He is an evangelist who has been involved in Southern Baptist work in Texas.

“Ryan has a ministry focused on reaching the next generBrian Mills ation and preparing others Week 2—June 13-17 to share the Gospel,” Sanders said. “I’m excited to have him with us this summer.”

Jeremy Freeman is pastor at Newcastle, First. He and his son Caleb were involved in the Falls Creek Road Show in 2020, when camp was not meeting in Davis because of the pandemic.

Jeremy Freeman “Jeremy has an incredible Week 4—June 24-July 1 story of faithfulness and how God has worked in their lives,” Sanders said. “We will be highlighting Caleb’s story (miraculous recovery from an auto accident) differently than when the Freemans were a part of the Road Show.”

David Sons, last spoke at Michael Butler Falls Creek in 2017, which Week 6—July 11-15 was his first time to be the camp speaker. He is a pastor in South Carolina. “David is a very strong, clear communicator in delivering a Gospel message,” Sanders said. “He is a popular speaker among students and the next generation.”

Michael Butler will be speaking for the first time at Falls Shane Pruitt Week 8—July 25-29 Creek youth camp, but he is no stranger to Falls Creek. The former youth pastor has been pastor of Chickasha, First for more than 11 years.

I love Michael and what he is doing at his church,” Sanders said. “He is a great communicator and leader.”

Scott Pace returns to Oklahoma as he previously taught at Oklahoma Baptist University. Now he is a

professor at Southeastern Seminary.

“Scott has been with us before and does an excellent job,” Sanders said. “He’s a great communicator who is very evangelistic in his preaching.”

Shane Pruitt is not only a Falls Creek favorite, but he hasD Abeen T E : a regular speaker at many Southern : BaptistC events.

He currently serves as the Next Gen OST evangelism director for the North American Mission Board.

“I have been working with Shane on a lot of different levels for the past two or three years,” SandFALLS CREEK YOUTH CAMP ers said.

“He’s just a great voice who knows how to connect with many different groups but especially with young people.”

Worship bands at Falls Creek The Museum will make a first time appearance as a worship band at Falls Creek, but many are experienced at leading worship through music. These include So We May, Jared Wood, Craig Rigney, Rivers and More Than This. The last two weeks of Falls Creek camp will feature Worship Collective, a praise band that will feature well-known worship leaders such as Cody Dunbar, Matt Roberson and Mike Romero.

The evening services at Falls Creek will be livestreamed again this summer. Visit oklahomabaptist. org/youthcamp to find the livestream link as well as other information about Falls Creek Youth Camp.

>> PHOTO: CHRIS DOYLE Invitation time during the evening services at Falls Creek has a special meaning to many who have made spiritual decisions over the years.

Language Learning Fellowship reboots after pandemic protocols /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

>> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

The Language Learning Fellowship, a ministry of Oklahoma City, Northwest, has seen a lot of changes over the 22 years of its existence, but nothing quite like a global pandemic. After months of closure, the school is back up and running and needing new teachers to keep up with the demand for their free language learning classes.

“When we were paused for COVID, the church got about 10 calls a week asking when we were going to start up again,” Richard Collins, the school’s director, explained. “We tried to start again last year, but then Delta (COVID variant) hit, and we needed to wait. Now we are back up and running.”

Collins and his wife Deborah have led the school of volunteer teachers since 1999. Throughout the years, the Collinses let their passion for ministry fuel them to learn Spanish and to build up the school.

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Collins is not a full-time, vocational pastor.

Another new addition to the curriculum He owns Collins Copier Service and recame not as a response to the pandempairs most brands of copiers and fax ic but because of global conflicts. machines by day.

The school has mobilized to help The school offers free classes refugees from various places on Wednesday nights from 6:30 around the world. to 7:30 p.m. on the Northwest “Our Afghan refugees have campus, located at 3030 N.W. been learning mostly in their 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. homes and apartments,” ColFree childcare is available and lins explained. “That’s because open from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. most of them don’t have reliAmong the most popular able transportation yet.” courses the school offers are Collins said language learnEnglish as a Second Language ing is the goal, but the school (ESL) and citizenship classes. There also seeks to advance >> PHOTO: PROVIDED Richard and Deborah are also classes in various levels of the Gospel.

Collins have led Language Learning Spanish, Arabic and Japanese. The school “We see ourselves offers a course in biblical Hebrew. A new Fellowship since 1999. primarily as a seed sowaddition to the school’s curriculum is a ing ministry,” he said. class on American Sign Language (ASL).

“We have had a few

May 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

CrossTimbers shares ‘Hope’ with campers /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

DAVIS—CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp will observe its third year of having camp in two locations this summer. The longtime camp continues to have its place Charlie Blount near Davis, but CrossTimbers Davis 1—May 30-June 2 also will be meeting at Grand Lake Assembly near Grove for four sessions in July.

Charlie Gatton is in his fourth year of serving as children’s ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists and as program Rick Cordova director at CrossTimbers. As Davis 2—June 3-6 he mentioned the theme for CrossTimbers this summer will be “Hope,” Gatton explained how the theme originated.

“I was listening to Sissy Goff, a child psychologist who works out of Nashville,” he said. “She Eric Fletcher was talking about how kids Davis 3—June 10-13 out of the pandemic have just gotten a lot of fear. Even Christian kids have a lot of fear from everything changing. They see it in their parents. They see it all around them. Everybody is frustrated and confused, and she Barry Williams said “Kids just need hope, and Davis 4—June 14-17 she quoted John 16:33, which says ‘I have told you these things, so you can have peace. In this world you are going to have trouble, but take heart because I have overcome the world.’

“That just struck me right Doug Melton there,” Gatton continued, “and Davis 5—June 20-23 we changed the whole focus of camp at that point to hope and to peace and to the fact that kids needs to understand and know that just because they are a Christian doesn’t mean that their life is perfect. They can’t be shocked that something is Heath Tucker not going the way we wanted Davis 6—June 24-27 it to. God never promised that.

He only promised us that He would be with us, even when things are hard.”

Gatton said the theme of “Hope” is also based on the Bible verses, John 16:33, Col. 1:27, Psalm 130:5 and 1 Pet. 3:15.

“We want kids to radiate hope and peace, so that people around them will want to know how to be hopeful in this crazy world, and that’s through Christ.”

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CrossTimbers camp pastors CrossTimbers will have 11 sessions at Davis this summer, along with the four sessions at Grand Lake.

This means campers will be hearing Gospel messages from 15 different Oklahoma Baptist leaders.

Charlie Blount will be making his first appearance at CrossTimbers. The pastor at Moore, First kicks off camp as the session one pastor. “We are looking forward to hearing Charlie speak,” Gatton said.

Rick Cordova made his first speaking appearance last sumJacob Steward, children’s pastor at Southern Hills, reJacob Steward Davis 7—July 1-4 mer at CrossTimbers. He is cur- turns as CrossTimbers camp pastor who is familiar with rently serving as pastor of Okla- the camp. “Jacob is a former CrossTimbers staffer,” Gathoma City, Bright City. “He is ton said. “He has a passion to share Christ with kids.”

David Skinner serves as children’s pastor at Jenks, very engaging,” Gatton said about Cordova. “And he knows how to First and is also a camp favorite speaker. “David has preached several times at multiple camps,” Gatton said. get the attention of children.”

Blake Gideon, pastor at Edmond, First, is one of Eric Fletcher, pastor of Eufaula, North Fork, has been the most experienced CrossTimbers camp pastors.

David Skinner camp pastor at CrossTim- “He has been at CrossTimbers every year that I have Davis 8—July 5-8 bers several times. “He does a served as camp director,” Gatton said. “And I know he great job with the kids,” Gat- has preached here before I was here.”

Justin Ford, pastor of Oklahoma City, Oakdale, is also ton said about Fletcher.

Barry Williams serves as chil- a camp favorite speaker. “Justin uses a lot of object lessons that connect well with kids,” Gatton said. “I did dren’s pastor in Ada, First, not know what to expect, and he blew me away.” and he also leads Next Joe Ligon, Oklahoma Baptists’ senior assoGeneration Impact, a Blake Gideon ciate executive director, is an experienced ministry that offers Davis 9—July 11-14 camp speaker, but this will be his first time kid-friendly resources to be camp pastor at CrossTimbers. to reach the next “I’ve heard great things about how Joe generation for Christ.

‘Prophet’ Bailey talks to kids, and I can’t wait to see him “Barry is a part of Grand Lake 1—July 8-11 preach at CrossTimbers,” Gatton said. the leadership that Bertholomew “Prophet” Bailey will helps with programmake his first appearance as CrossTimbers ming at CrossTimbers, camp pastor for the first session at Grand and he was instruJustin Ford Davis 10—July 15-18 Lake. He serves as Oklahoma Baptists’ youth mental in the emphaadult ministry partner. “I expect great sis we will make things out of Prophet,” Gatton said, “just in each session Kevin Chartney because he’s coming from a BCM (Bapof helping kids share Grand Lake 2—July 13-16 tist Collegiate Ministries) background, so the Gospel,” Gatton he’s used to talking to young people. He said. did a fabulous job speaking at the Heart of the Doug Melton, pasChild Conference earlier this year.” tor of Oklahoma City, Joe Ligon Jake Adams serves as Tahlequah, First’s Southern Hills, makes Davis 11—July 22-25 adults and family pastor, and Kevin Charney a return this summer is pastor of Muskogee, First. Both are to be camp pastor making their first appearances as camp at CrossTimbers. “He is a staple for chilJake Adams dren’s ministry events and for camp,” Grand Lake 3—July 19-22 pastor at CrossTimbers Grand Lake. “I know both Jake and Kevin will do a great Gatton said. “He is phenomenal and job speaking to campers,” Gatton said. does a great job with kids.”

Keith Wiginton, pastor of Claremore, First, is a Heath Tucker, pastor of Edmond, Waterveteran CrossTimbers pastor. “Though Keith has loo Road, is a veteran camp speaker. He has spoken at CrossTimbers before, this will be my been camp pastor at both Grand Lake and first time to hear him,” Gatton said. “I’m looking Davis locations. “Heath is excellent with chilforward to him speaking at Grand Lake.” dren,” Gatton said. “He knows exactly Keith Wiginton Visit crosstimbers.org for more inforwhat to say in giving a Gospel message Grand Lake 4—July 25-28 mation on CrossTimbers. that kids understand.”

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>> PHOTOS: PROVIDED 1) A language school volunteer teacher leads an ESL class; 2) Students learn the basics of citizenship in America; 3) Language Learning Fellowship recently added American Sign Language classes to their curriculum.

come to Christ through joining our church (Northwest) or the Spanish congregation (Northwest en Español). We also invite all of our students to join us in an easy English Bible study on Sunday mornings.

“We are always looking for people to share the Gospel in about five minutes or less in each of the 13 classrooms,” Collins continued. “We love it when people come to share their testimonies, or bring music, even skits and drama. The children are also hearing the Gospel and being invited to VBS and other children’s programs, as well.”

“We’ll even take preachers,” Collins laughed.

“They need to be prepared to speak only about two and a half minutes if they don’t speak Spanish, to allow for translation.”

Collins said the school is in need of a few more teachers. “Right now, we have plenty of English teachers,” he said, “but in the past we have offered Korean, French and Mandarin. But we don’t have teachers for those (languages) at the moment.”

As far as qualifications for teachers, Collins said the biggest requirement is a willing heart to help others.

“We have teachers who have ESL degrees and experience, and some who are learning as they go,” Collins explained. “We have curriculum available, and some of our teachers do their own. It is extremely informal and flexible. The main qualification is a willing heart.”

For more information about the Language Learning Fellowship, contact Collins at rbradcollins@gmail.com or 405/203-6235.

Features | May 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

O L B OX O T H C R U CH

OBU presents top honors S I E Dteaching, service N E W S & C U LT U R E C L A S S I Ffor A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

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>> PHOTO: CLINTON SINCLAIR

SHAWNEE—Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) presented its highest three employee awards during the Service and Honors Awards ceremony Friday, May 13. The event took place in the Geiger Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee.

Pictured, from left, Jessica Rohr, Promising Teacher Award; Tawa Anderson, Distinguished Teaching Award; and Carrie Myles, Meritorious Service Award.

Nominations for the awards are made by alumni, current students, faculty and administration. In addition to public recognition and a token of the university’s appreciation, the recipients receive cash awards from a fund provided by OBU graduates John and Janet Hudson of Edmond.

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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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May 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

O L B OX O T H C R U CH

OKC, Portland Avenue C U LT U R E SIFIEDS & S S A L W C E N dedicates community garden 1

EWS CHURCH N PEOPLE IN THE NEWS SCHANTZ DEATH. John Schantz, 75, died May 11. Funeral service was A OatMOklahoma H Monday, May 16 City, A L K O E H T Quail Springs. HeHserved 17 years as E V I C Baptist Foundation T I S T AforRthe B A Pcontroller of Oklahoma (now WatersEdge). After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, he joined the Army Reserves and took a position teaching choral music in junior and senior high school in Purcell. He later led music at Durant, First, while getting his accounting degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He passed his CPA exam on his first try and then worked for a state auditor before working with the Foundation. He also led music at Oklahoma City, Highland HIlls and later became an active member at Quail Springs, where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday School. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Melanie; his daughter, Jenifer Sparks; his son, Mark Schantz; and five grandchildren.

MYERS TO CELEBRATE 98 YEARS Kenneth Myers will turn 98 on June 9. A longtime state music and education minister, he served in many Oklahoma Baptist churches including Lawton, First, for more than 23 years; Oklahoma City, Northwest; Perry, First; Oklahoma City, Surrey Hills; Moore, Regency Park; and Oklahoma City, Kelham.

Myers was president of the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma for two terms and is a former Board of Trustees member of Oklahoma Baptist University ORDINATION. David Henderson was ordained to the deacon ministry at Fox in Enon Association on May 15.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES DUNCAN BLACKWELL is pastor of Elk City, First. He previously served at Anadarko, Bethel.

TODD PACK resigned as pastor of Albert, Oney.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS REVIVAL REPORT. Sallisaw, Price’s Chapel had revival meetings, May 8-12. The church reports four professions of faith in Christ and one rededication. Evangelist Kim Schmidt from Disney led the meetings. Raymond Estaban is pastor. O K U

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VOICES

>> PHOTOS: PROVIDED

>> by Staff

1) Members of OKC, Portland Avenue and students at Buchanan Elementary celebrate a community garden they created; 2) Pastor Harvey Sparks, top center, offers a dedication prayer for the garden.

Oklahoma City, Portland Avenue has seen much growth in connecting with the church’s community, especially through involvement of Whiz Kids, a tutoring program involving volunteers who help children improve their reading skills.

On May 12, Portland Avenue hosted a community garden celebration with Buchanan Elementary fourth grade students. This garden was a result of a project called “We Totally Dig Whiz Kids,” now

in its second year. The community garden includes strawberries, radishes, lettuce, red cabbage, brussells sprouts and a separate herb section.

During the celebration ceremony, Gina McKean, director of children’s ministries and Whiz Kids at Portland Avenue, led a time of garden presentation to the community. Pastor Harvey Sparks offered a prayer of dedication.

Mustang, First hosts tutoring workshop

Now more than ever, students could benefit from tutoring help. On June 17-18, Mustang, First will host a Tutoring Children and Youth 11-Hour Workshop. This training equips local church volunteers to intentionally share the Gospel while helping children and youth who have academic needs in reading and other school subjects.

Training this summer will provide a foundation for beginning a tutoring ministry in the fall.

Friday session is 5-8:30 p.m., and Saturday session is 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Registration fee is $35, which includes a training manual and meals.

To register, visit oklahomabaptists.org/literacy.

Deadline to register is June 14.

SUD

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.

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Freeman inspires, makes headlines with college graduation

Baptist Messenger readers have followed the story of Caleb Freeman, who was involved in a serious automobile accident in 2017. Freeman, the son of Pastor Jeremy Freeman and his wife Emily, of Newcastle, First, was initially given little chances to walk or speak again since the debilitating accident.

Defying all odds, Freeman has gone on to thrive and now shares his testimony at churches and events across the state and nation. This month, Freeman reached a new milestone by graduating from Rose State College with an associate’s degree.

KFOR-TV’s Ali Meyers, who has reported on Freeman’s progress since the accident, carried a news story about the graduation.

Freeman has just published a book about their family journey. It will be on sale in stores and online later this year. Pre-ordering for “#butGod: The Power of Hope When Catastrophe Crashes In” is available on Amazon. com now.

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People & Church News | MAy 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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O O L B OX CHURCH T

Developing a stewardship culture in your church have a genuine excitement in communicatSIFIEDS S A L C STAFF WRITER ing biblical stewardship.

Preach. We know from research that pasThe first place Oklahoma Baptists need to tors who preach on stewardship experience think of when we think of giving to fulfill the increased giving. Stewardship is not just a Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) is the lo- biblical discipline, but it is a godly charactercal church. With that in mind, I would like to istic. Generosity is the fruit that results from share with you some principles that will aid a church whose members remain in Christ.

S all V O I C Einto pastors in leading their church members to Stewardship should be interwoven take their stewardship to the next level. sermons, but frequently focusing on the disThe following steps are reprinted from the cipline of stewardship will fortify the comguide Next Level Stewardship: Developing a Stew- mitment of the church and its members. ardship Culture in the Local Church. This guide Practice. A basic leadership principle highlights five simple steps that will assist your is: “People don’t do what you say; they do church in elevating biblical stewardship. what you do.” The pastor must practice bibPray. When you don’t know how to articu- lical stewardship and hold leaders in the lolate a subject then pray about it. Pastors who cal church accountable to doing the same. lead their congregations to pray demonstrate James reminds us, “But be doers of the word, a desperate dependence upon God “. . . be- and not hearers only. . .” (James 1:22). Pastors cause your Father knows what you need before must provide regular opportunities for the you ask Him” (Matt. 6:8). The most important congregation to practice generosity and restep of increased giving is when a congrega- commit to biblical stewardship. tion comes before the Lord asking Him for Here are some other helpful resources: guidance in biblical stewardship. Scripture Pastor’s Stewardship Education Kit teaches that “we have not because we ask not” The above steps will be helpful to any pastor (James 4:2). The church must begin by turning who wants to use stewardship education to to God in prayer, asking Him to send a spirit of develop a culture of generosity in their church. true stewardship. We should place our needs Oklahoma Baptists have recently gathered a intentionally and explicitly before God—in- collection of additional stewardship resources, cluding praying over the weekly offering and the Pastor’s Stewardship Education Kit, which praying over special financial needs. He is a will be useful for this purpose. good Father and will provide.

Pastors who are looking for ideas for proPlan. Churches that do stewardship well moting stewardship in their church will apfocus on it more than just a couple of weeks preciate the Pastor’s Stewardship Education in the fall. A year-round strategy to help Kit. The kit includes eBooks, PowerPoint church members learn that stewardship is presentations, promotional tools and sernot about how the church pays its bills, but mon starter ideas: it’s about lordship and understanding ev• Next Level Stewardship: A planning erything belongs to God. Regardless of the guide and full PowerPoint presentations for size, whether 50 members or 500 members, you to use cultivate a stewardship culture in each church should have a comprehensive your church. giving plan. The plan should cater to the • Practical Ideas for Stewardship ProT H E Scores of easy-to-use ideas you F R O Mmotion: needs and the calling of the local church.

LO Gnow to keep stewardship in S Bright E Ruse Church members want to see a manifestaR D S L I N Gcan O W tion of their giving. front of your members.

Promote. Keeping biblical stewardship in • Ten Percent: Theologically sound stewfront of the congregation has to be inten- ardship counsel and sermon starter ideas tional and creative. One of the basic com- for your pulpit. munication principles is that a person has to • It’s a New Day: A full financial freedom hear about a concept 17–18 different times curriculum to help church members better and seven-eight different ways beforeAthey S AY Stheir personal finances.

E manage V D Visit oklahomabaptists.org/cp/stewardship-kit truly hear it the first time. Repetition is key.

The more you communicate stewardship to download the Pastor’s Stewardship Education the more people internalize it. Pastors must Kit. >> by Chris Forbes

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

LI T E R AC Y M I SS I O N S

FOS T E R C AR E

Learn how Literacy Missions ministry changes lives, not just for individuals, but for whole families.

Learn how Oklahoma Baptists are involved in supporting foster families.

oklahomabaptists.org/literacy

oklahomabaptists.org/foster-care

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May 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

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

LT U R E NE WS & CU

SMALL SPACES >> LORI COATS

Growing vegetables in containers S is an excellent way Y A S E V A to utilize space onD your patio while enhancing L U AoutA N N your door living area. Food is increasing in cost and by usingF O IN G fresh T ItoNgrow containers. Almost everyone can M findEa E way produce for themselves.

Over the years, plant breeders have developed excellent vegetable varieties for containers, making it possible to proT Skey to being P T I SThe B Aspace. duce quite a lot ofLfood in very small A M O H A OK H Tvarieties! successful in this method is E choose L I Gright IG Hthe C toH R U O S E R Over the years I have tried to explain why it is wise to make good choices and use these specific varieties, but it can be difficult to understand, especially if you are new to gardening. The simplest way that I can think to explain it is to compare these plants to a goldfish. If you buy a goldfish and put it in a one gallon fishbowl, it is only going to grow be two or three inches long. It’s not that the fish is not genetically capable of getting bigger; its environment is limiting its full potential. However, if you put that same goldfish in a large Koi-type pond it will get quite large. It will reach its full potential and will thrive.

The idea is to select a vegetable variety that is genetically capable of, let’s say growing 24-to-36 inches in maximum height, and doing everything possible to assist it to reach its full potential rather than selecting a variety that is capable of growing to 6-to-8 feet tall and stifling it.

To read the rest of Lori’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/blog-small-spaces

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 SIMPLE KEYS TO SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS Dear Dave, A PaTcarI S T S Bstart A M Do you have any advice on how to O H A L OK HT wash and detailing business? What things H L I GI conIGshould EH C R U O S E R sider first, and what do I keep in mind over the long run? —Andrew Dear Andrew, I’m excited for you, man! And I love your ambitious spirit. Working for yourself is one of the toughest and most rewarding things anyone can do. It’ll take a lot of blood, sweat and tears to be successful, and you’ll experience some of the highest highs and lowest lows in the process.

But, if you don’t absolutely love cars and everything that goes into keeping them clean and looking great, I’d advise looking into another line of work. In other words, if you’re thinking about this kind of business just because it’s plausible or a way to make money, chances are you’re not going to be happy or stick with it very long. In that case, it’s really more of a side job than a business.

Is this something you’d want to be doing every day five years from now? Think about possibly having a team to lead and work with, too, at some point. Then, lay out a smart business plan, and write up everything from your marketing strategies to the cost of start-up equipment and supplies, to what your projected revenues are, and the per unit charges for all your services and widgets. Work this up like you had to prepare a report for a college class, and that’s what a business plan looks like.

You’ll always do a better job, and have more fun, when you’re part of something you love. And when it comes to running the business, stay away from debt, pay cash and don’t be afraid to grow slowly. Be patient, be smart and give people a quality, reasonably-priced product and friendly, professional service. If you do all these things, there’s a good chance you’ll be successful.

Best of luck, Andrew! —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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LT U R E NE WS & CU

Rate: $25.00 flat rate per ad • 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

be mailed to: 202 E. Noble Ave., Guthrie, OK 73044 or emailed to: fsbc.youthpastorsearch@gmail.com.

glo, 36% Hispanic, 13% African-American, 5% Asian).

Average Attendance: 225 - 20 hrs/weekly ($20/hr).

>>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.

send your request to: First Baptist Church Attn: Search Committee P.O. Box 147, St. Louis, OK 74866.

letter & resume to: First Baptist Church, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK 73030.

E S PASTOR: FBC of St. Louis, OK seeking BI/ V O I C>>BI/VO VO Pastor. To receive a candidate packet, please

J OB 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. >> BI/VO WORSHIP PASTOR: Portland Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Worship Pastor to help coordinate our worship ministry. Interested applicants can apply at: https:// www.portlandavenue.org/worship-ministry.html. >>F/T PASTOR: Immanuel Baptist Church in Skiatook, OK is seeking a F/T Pastor to follow our retiring pastor of 33 yrs. Applicants should mail resume with references to: IBC, 625 S. Broadway St, Skiatook, OK 74070 or email to: immanuelskiatook@yahoo.com. >> F/T PASTOR: FBC Beaver, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Parsonage is provided. Please send resume to: FBC Attn: Pastoral Search Committee, P.O. Box 6, Beaver, OK 73932 or email to: fbcbeavr@gmail.com. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Sayre, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail or email a cover letter & resume to: FBC, ATTN: Pastor Search Committee, 504 N. 4th St., Sayre, OK 73662 or pastor@fbcsayre.org. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Lone Star Baptist Church, a small rural church near Miami, OK is seeking a BI/ VO Pastor to lead their multigenerational congregation. Send resume to the church at: P.O. Box 561, Afton, OK 74331 or email: jasonggibson@gmail.com. >>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. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Beautiful historic church in Hastings, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please submit resume to: Hastings Baptist Church P.O. Box 205, Hastings, OK 73548. >>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. >>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Great potential & opportunity if up to the challenge. A loving church with vision & desire to reach youth & families. Send resume: fsbcarcadia@yahoo.com or First Southern Baptist Church, P.O. Box 237, Arcadia, OK 73007. >>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

A N N UA L >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Davis, OK is prayerfully F Oa G ImailNseeking E T I Nshould F/T Pastor. Interested a cover M E candidates

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

>>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: Martha Road Baptist Church, Altus OK, is prayerfully seeking its next F/T Youth Pastor. Please send resumes to: kevin@martharoad.org. >>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. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Hopewell Baptist Church, a small rural church in the Bethel Acres/Shawnee, OK area is seeking God’s man to serve as our new Pastor. Send resume to the church at: 33500 Hardesty Road, Shawnee, OK 74801 or email to: bill.berglan@yahoo.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Canaan Baptist Church Minco, OK is a small rural church prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please submit all resumes to: Canaan Baptist Church, 17092 CS 2730, Minco, OK or email to: Eisenmangd@gmail.com. >>F/T YOUTH/STUDENT PASTOR: Spiro FBC in Spiro, OK is seeking a F/T Youth/Student Pastor. Competitive salary package with 3 bed 2 bath home. Send resume to: jamestsmith@live.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. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Denton Baptist Marlow is prayerfully searching for a BI/VO Pastor. Please send resumes to: saltechllcorp@gmail.com or mail to: 272910 W. Ballpark Rd., Marlow, OK 73055. >>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. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Cameron, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s candidate for a BI/VO Pastor. Housing is available. Please submit resumes to Danny Rogers by email at: RogersDanny1959@gmail.com. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Rosedale is prayerfully seeking God’s Man. Please send resume to: 37740 Arkansas Ave., Rosedale, OK 74831 or email: tracy100@windstream.net.

>>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. >>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 DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS: Craig Mayes Baptist Association in Pryor, Oklahoma is prayerfully seeking a F/T Director of Missions for an Association of 36 churches. Please send resumes to: christine@craigmayes.org or mail to: P.O. Box 184, Pryor, OK 74362. >>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. >>P/T CHILDREN’S MINISTER: Blanchard FBC is seeking a P/T Children’s Minister. We are a growing church in a thriving community. If interested in the position, please send resumes to: travis@ fbcblanchard.org or Blanchard FBC, P.O. Box 370, Blanchard, OK 73010. www.blanchardfirst.com. >>P/T CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR: FBC of Anadarko is seeking an individual who loves the Lord & loves children to provide leadership & oversight to all children’s ministries. Submit resumes to: fbcanadarko@sbcglobal.net.

>>F/T PASTOR: Davidson FBC is prayerfully searching for a F/T Pastor. Resumes may be sent to: P.O. Box 187, Davidson, OK 73530.

>>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: FBC Westcliffe, CO is seeking a F/T Associate Pastor. Responsibilities will include assisting the senior pastor with the ministerial & spiritual needs of the church. Submit resumes to: assoc.pastor@firstbaptistwestcliffe.com.

>>F/T or P/T YOUTH PASTOR: FSBC Guthrie is prayerfully searching for our next Youth Pastor. Position is F/T or P/T for the right candidate. Resumes can

>>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% An-

>>P/T CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR: Temple Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK is currently looking for a P/T Children’s Ministry Director. See a full job description & information on how to apply on our website: tbcshawnee.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: New Pathways a healthy 5 y/o church plant in rural Cushing is seeking an evangelistic-minded BI/VO Pastor to continue God’s mission for our church. Mail resumes to: Pastor Search, 4220 N. Kings Hwy, Cushing, OK 74023 or email to: npbcpc2022@gmail.com. >>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. >>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. >>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. >>PRESCHOOL TEACHERS: First Steps Spiritual Developmental Preschool at FBCTulsa is seeking Preschool Teachers that will work closely with toddlers & pre-K children Tues., Wed. & Thurs. from 8:30am - 2:15pm.

For more information you can contact Kala Churchwell at (918)-594-5096 or email: kchurchwell@tulsafbc.org. >>F/T PASTOR: Harmony Heights Baptist Church Joplin, MO is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Must adhere to the BF&M 2000. Send resumes to: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. BOX 2008, JOPLIN, MO 64803 or email: Hhbcpastorsearch312@gmail.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.

RD Ezra CROSSWO Sarah Lagerquist Simmons

39 Haman tried to ___ Mordecai 25 Sonata 40 The Israelites ___ through the dessert for DOWN 26 One who runs a race (1 Cor. 9:24) 13 14 15 16 40 years 1 What Ehud did to Eglon 28 Floral leaves 42 Similar Egyptian plague symptom 31 Moses’ arms ___ during battle (Ex. 17:12) (Judg. 3:21) 17 18 19 43 Cyrus was king of ___ (Ezra 1:2) 2 European monetary unit 32 Blue, as in tabernacle’s curtain (Ex. 16:1) 44 Contagious disease 3 Radar echo 33 “I have given every green herb for ___” 20 21 22 23 24 45 “Needful for the house of thy ___” (Ezra 4 Dinah was Joseph’s (Gen. 1:30) 7:20) 5 “I will for their ___ remember” (Lev. 26:45) 34 10 grams (abbr.)

25 26 27 6 “He brought me. . .out of the miry ___” (Ps. 46 Rascal 1 Chronicles 37 “Many of them also which used curious 28 29 30 31 47 Shiny balloon material Sarah Lagerquist Simmons 40:2) ___” (Acts 19:19) 48F Angry, with 7 Cutting tool (var.)

A L PO D O R Eas GodWwas R A P Israel CR AB 38 Holy ___ 32 33 34 35 36 C AR L O AM V EN WH I R R H I V E (2EKings 17:18) 8 Sign of the zodiac 40 “God. . .hath made me forget all my ___” T WE E T V T E NT ACK O A PED 49A Achan tookR___ (Josh.

7:1) (pl.)

9 Ezra was one (Gen. 41:51) GN P H E I R R T I F I C E PA PE RS 37 38 39 40 51 “And weighed unto them the silver, and the 10 “Bestow it out of the king’s treasure ___” M E L D C A S K P H I L 41 Lab animal D I S ARM P R (Ezra I E S8:25) T DU E L I S T ___” (Ezra 7:20) 41 42 43 42 Grain like wheat mentioned in Luke 3:17 A B YSS L ORD S T AR T NOOK 52 ___ mater 11 The ephod was ____ with onyx stones R I N K C ED A L I AV E F AN 43 Jacob was ___ to deceitfulness E SC LORD E S T student P L I ED R I SE 53N College (Ex. 25:7) 44 45 44 David did ___ a stone at Goliath S E AM S H E L L E D I D E A T E 54 Carbonated drink 12 Gibe C AN T A T A S EA S SN I P 45 Mr. Lucas 46 47 48 49 57C “Thou 14 “I viewed the ___, and the priests” (Ezra OBE YS U H A TartT my Y battle J U___” GGL I NG 46 Grinning MAR HOU S Y O51:20) G I A SA PH I D EA (Jer. 8:15) 49 “The ___ our God, to leave us a remnant” A C V E A S E S A U L C O V E Y C O R P 50 51 52 53 54 58T Israel lepers A L O E 22 Large vehicle S K Y S T AR R A Ywas to T ___ SAR (Ezra 9:8) 60 “The ___ shall take him by the heel” (Job 24 “We will go with our young and with our 55 56 57 58 59 60 50 Persian king during Ezra’s time Puzzle 26: 18:9) Puzzle 25: 1 Chronicles ___” (Ex. 10:9) 51 “Cyrus. . .put them in the house of his ___” 25 “Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine 61 62 63 SE BS S (Ezra 1:7) A S P PR E A T E ___” (Ezek. 27:6) T U L I P A S HE BA OU R MA NOR 52 Cancer charity 64 65 66 26 Experts AR I S E K HOA RD OBS A L T A R 55 Wing BO P OB E E L I J AH T U RB I D 27 “God saw the light, ___ it was good” (Gen. O PU S MUG S I A 56 Touching the ark was ___ www.CrosswordWeaver.com 1:4) SE PA L S T E N S O L OM O N L OW (1 Chron. 15:2) (Deut.

6:4) ACROSS A U R E Z H E A R T A L I A C U T E 28 France & Germany river 25 “Of the oaks of Bashan have they 43 Cyrus was king of ___ (Ezra 1:2) AR T S GH A R T Y D I M A CH E “God said untodisease Jacob, “___, go up to Bethel” 59 Ice house 1 Compass 29 Jewish scribe made point thine ___” (Ezek. 27:6) 4417Contagious R A T BR A N I T ER E VE P L I E D 61 Tangle 35:1) for the house of thy 5 “Wound the head of his enemies, and the 45(Gen. 30 Golf shot F L I N 26 Experts “Needful K E Y I GN E OU S DR S 62 “Magnify the Lord with me, and let us ___ SM I L I NG NB A N EB 18___” Wind instrument hairy ___”saw (Ps. the 68:21) 31 “There ___ you” (Ezra 1:3) 27 “God light, ___ it was (Ezra 7:20) C YRU S GR AB BY DOUA L A his name” (Ps. 34:3) North American nation 10 “The battle(Gen. went 1:4) sore against Saul, and the 4619Rascal 34 “Sin lieth at the ___” (Gen. 4:7) good” A L A T A B A L AMO E S E DR ES S 63 David ___ his slingshot at Goliath MA T EX A S EV EN A PE O F F E R Hit balloon material archers ___him” (1 Sam. 31:3) 28 France & Germany river 4720Shiny 35 “Be it known unto the ___” (Ezra 5:8) PR E R EN R AM T A I 64 Before (prefix) 29 Jewish scribe 4821Angry, Israel “Who isastheGod Lord,was thatwith I should ___ his 36 When David brought the ark into Jerusalem, L E E 13 Flower 65 Tears Nehemiah Est 30 Golf shot (2 Kings he was filled with ___ voice” (Ex. 5:2)17:18) 15 Birch’s cousin 27: 2 Chronicles Puzzle MAYPuzzle 12 ANSWERS Sarah Lagerquist Simmons Sarah Lagerq 66 During his trial, Job had ___ 31 “There ___ the you” (Ezra 1:3)is ___ Lord”4923Achan ___ (Josh. 7:1) (pl.)

38 Smile 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 A C T WA T T S T A T US UMP T I L WO E A R I A WH O O S H P EA AR E 35 “Be it known unto the ___” silver, and the ___” (Ezra 8:25) A VE L O R D A I RW A Y P A L F I G (Ezra 5:8) 52 ___ mater R EPU L S E T N T EN AC T S 36 When David brought the ark 53 College student E YES ED GE GA T ES R I C A S R AP SEA S OR B S E E K SW into Jerusalem, he was filled 54 Carbonated drink Classifieds | May 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com GAG D I E C ASE I D EA with ___ 57 “Thou art my battle ___” M I ME T I C ESC A PED BAN Y AN 38 Smile (Jer. 51:20) ER AS SON T AR ROUGE TWO E AR D OWN AP E A T 39 Haman tried to ___ Mordecai 58 Israel was to ___ lepers 1

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May 26, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture