2020-11-26

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends IMB missionary spotlight: Oklahoma Baptist serves Akawa tribe >> IMB STAFF REPORTS

Singing Churchmen release 60th anniversary book >> DANA WILLIAMSON

It was new, fresh and exhilarating—a sound they’d never heard, but one they desired to master.

The small group of men, known at that time as music directors, knew they had discovered something they wanted to perpetuate. Thus was born The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma (SCM).

Their journey is told in a newly-released book, This Is Their Story! This is Their Song! celebrating 60 years of ministry which has permeated Oklahoma and reached around the globe.

7 ways to engage your church in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering >> RUSTY MCMULLEN

Have you ever been on the outside of an inside joke? You know that feeling; the one where you perhaps laugh or stare awkwardly at what was said without really understanding.

Unintentionally or not, those who were on the inside left you out. Thinking about this type of situation puts into perspective the way many in our churches may feel around Christmas. /// SEE PAGE 10

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Page 3 | Voices Encourage: Reaching the nations >> HANCE DILBECK

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: ‘Prayer force one’ >> BRIAN HOBBS

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

Page 5 | Missions & Ministry Noble, Etowah and Midwest City, First earn Gasking Church History Awards >> BOB NIGH

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IMB missionary spotlight: Oklahoma Baptist serves AkawaRtribe TS & ONS & MISSI M I N I S T RY

SPO MENT E N T E R TA I N

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

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

1) Joe and Megan Brewster are serving in the Amazon rainforest. Their sending church is OKC, The Well; 2) Joe and his team partner with indigenous missionary families who harvest fish as a livelihood; 3) A member of the Akawa tribe is baptized in a local river, one of nine newly baptized believers among this isolated tribe in the Amazon rain forest.

>> PHOTO: IMB.ORG

>> from IMB staff reports EDITOR’S NOTE: The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering week of prayer is Nov. 29-Dec. 6. For more information, visit imb.org.

The small group of men boards a single-engine Cessna. After a little more than a two-hour flight, they land on a small airstrip deep in the Amazon rainforest.

From there they board a boat and settle in for the ride.

Their destination, an isolated village of a tribe called the Akawa*, is still more than seven hours away.

If this conjures memories of Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn battling mosquitoes and heat in the 1951 film “The African Queen,” that wouldn’t be too far off. Four times a year, a group of International Mission Board missionaries and their local partners board a small plane, then a small boat that will take them to the Akawa, an unreached tribe the team began working among in 2018.

N E are L I Akawa Like many tribal people groups, O Nthe W E N ENT NTinhabit animists who live in fear of Lthe that IVE CO C USspirits X -E B E W the world around them, said Joe Brewster, an International Mission Board missionary and Oklahoma Baptist who works with the small tribe.

“As animists, they tend to be pragmatic and go with what works as opposed to what may be right or wrong,” Brewster said. “They live far up an AmFOthe azonian tributary, just a step removed from N IN IO T A IC L B U P Stone Age.”

The Akawa are oral learners. They have some exposure to the outside F I E D S SI A Sunderstanding C Llittle world, but very of it, Brewster said. The Joshua Project, a research initiative that highlights unreached people groups, numbers the Akawa at about 400 people in Peru.

Edwin Blanco* is a church planter who lives in the Amazon basin. As the administrator of an indigenous mission organization, he has a burden to reach the Akawa with E S news of Jesus. He I Cgood V Othe and Brewster have been friends for more than 10 years. The men, along with their respective teams, are partnering together to reach isolated tribes like the Akawa.

Blanco understands the importance of the gospel; it transformed his family. In the 1950s missionaries contacted Blanco’s tribe, and his grandfather chose to follow Jesus. Today, the church on Blanco’s river is firmly established, and the gospel has taken root among his people.

Blanco doesn’t want to limit the Gospel to himself and his tribe, but he faces a problem. The organization he runs was founded with foreign funds and is dependent on ever-decreasing donations. He wants to focus on evangelism and church planting, but he and his co-laborers must feed their families.

Blanco reached out to his friend Joe. Through hours of conversation, Brewster’s team helped Blanco and

SIV WEB-EXCLU

NOV 29-DEC 6

JAN 10

Week of Prayer: Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Concert

DEC 25

Christmas Day JAN 1

New Year’s Day JAN 7

Singing ChurchWomenWest Concert Info: 7-8:30 p.m., Clinton, First oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

Info: 6-7:30 p.m., Fort Gibson Field House oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

JAN 14

Singing Churchmen Concert Info: 7-8:30 p.m., OKC, Southern Hills oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

JAN 17-18

Youth Evangelism Conference

Info: Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center oklahomabaptists.org/yec

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

Mobile medical clinics treat physical and spiritual needs in Thailand

INFO

CAROLINE ANDERSON | NOV 15

N PUBLICATIO

“Today was a glorious day,” Doug Derbyshire said, a smile spreading across his face. A patient committed their life to Christ that day at a mobile medical clinic in rural Thailand.

Doug and his wife, Cheryl, moved to Thailand as International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries in 1992.

Doug is a doctor in the Bangkla Baptist Clinic in Bangkla, Thailand.

Cheryl started a ministry called Thai Country Trim that provides a supplemental income for rural Thai women as well as an avenue to share the Gospel.

EVENTS

Justice Alito: Some COVID-19 church restrictions blatant discrimination DIANA CHANDLER | NOV 16

The nation’s High Court allowed blatant discrimination to stand in at least two cases limiting church activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito told the Federalist Society Thursday, Nov. 12.

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

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did not depend on foreign funds.

With help from the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and other donations, the team has constructed nine working fishponds, with a goal to build up to 15 ponds. To date, the group has sold nearly 10,000 pounds of fish, Brewster said.

Brewster believes God will use tribal believers like Blanco to reach the lost in the Amazon. The team is already seeing Gospel fruit among the Akawa. In the past two years, a number of people have come to faith in Jesus, been baptized and are meeting together regularly for discipleship.

“I am hesitant to call them a church; they rely heavily on outside discipleship and don’t yet have a strong local leader,” Brewster said. “But they are close… We pray Edwin’s organization will (continue to) play a key role in getting the gospel to the places where it has not been preached.”

“Fulfilling the Great Commission is difficult work, much like carrying a heavy log out of the jungle,” Blanco said. “One man may be able to do it, but if we work together and help each other, the work is much easier!”

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Info: Week to pray for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

TURE L U C & S W E his team expand theirN vision for missions in a way that

November 26, 2020 | 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: 41,836. 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. November 26, 2020 • Volume 109, Number 22.

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 | Messenger Intern thamilton@baptistmessenger.com

VOICES

Encourage: Reaching the nations Hance Dilbeck Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @Hance_Dilbeck

Oklahoma Baptists, as we begin our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO) season, I wanted you to hear directly from my good friend, Paul Chitwood, who serves as president of the International Mission Board (IMB). As you pray about participating in this Offering, which does so much to reach the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, please consider Dr. Chitwood’s words.

How Southern Baptists will reach a $175 million LMCO goal

By Paul Chitwood, IMB President The 2020 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® goal is $175 million. That number is significant because 2020 marks the 175th anniversary of Southern Baptists sending workers to the nations.

The annual offering makes up almost 60 percent of the International Mission Board’s revenue and helps

to support 3,535 missionaries and their families. Going back to 1888, the year Woman’s Missionary Union launched the offering, Southern Baptists have given more than $4.7 billion through the offering.

Simply put, our organization cannot exist without the Lottie Moon offering and this year’s offering goal is a God-sized goal. We’ve never had a $175 million dollar offering goal and never had $175 million offering. Last year’s offering, the third largest in history, was $157 million. The largest Lottie Moon offering ever was $165,798,000. That falls almost $10 million short of this year’s goal of $175 million.

How do we increase giving by $18 million in the midst of a global pandemic?

Here’s how. We divide it up. We divide the increase among our churches, and there are several ways that we can do that.

There are 47,000 Southern Baptists churches. To increase giving by $18 million will require every one of those churches to give an additional $383 this year.

But only about half of Southern Baptists churches give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. So if only loyal supporting churches give, they will have to increase their offering giving by about $780 each.

Let’s divide it up another way. You might know that Southern Baptists are the largest and most diverse protestant denomination in the U.S. Our

churches report a membership of roughly 14 million people combined. Divided between that number of people, the $18 million increase would require every Southern Baptist to give an additional $1.29. Again consider that only half of Southern Baptists will give, so their giving increase would need to be $2.58.

Here’s my point: it’s a big goal, but it’s doable!

We have the blessing of being supported by tens of thousands of churches and millions of church members. And every one of them, and every one of us, has the capacity to give a little more to see us meet this year’s goal of $175 million.

I am asking that if you have never given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, that you prayerfully give this year for the first time. And if you regularly give, I’m asking that you increase your offering this year.

I believe we can do this. I believe that we can reach record-level giving, even in a year like 2020. I believe because God is leading us and because we are focused on His glory. May Rev. 7:9 remain our vision: a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne and before the Lamb.

For more information about the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, visit imb.org.

Sword & trowel: ‘Prayer force one’ Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

According to a new report, Americans spend “229 minutes (almost four hours) watching television on a daily basis.” That number does not include other screen time, such as cell phones, computer or other devices.

Pause and think about the number of hours you personally spent on television or the internet, hearing about who would be riding on the Air Force One, about who will be our President.

Then think about how much time you have spent in prayer each of those days. A study from years ago that found the average Christian spends only a few minutes a day—or fewer—in prayer.

A quick look at the life of Jesus in the New Testament, though, shows that the sinless Son of God prayed without ceasing. The followers of Christ, such

as in the Book of Acts, were a people marked by prayer (Acts 1:14). We are, it seems, in a prayer drought.

I myself have found that exercising consistent, regular, fervent times of prayer is extremely difficult. Yet if we are going to see a renewal movement in the church and our country happen, I believe we will need a Back-to-the-Bible, repentance-filled prayer movement.

Talking about prayer is a lot easier than doing it.

In fact, most Christians I know want to pray more and plan to pray more. But they struggle on “how” to pray more.

After consulting some helpful books and wise Christians, I have stumbled on the following things that have helped me that may also help you. Using the acronym P-R-A-Y, here are some ideas: 1. Place. Set a particular time of day and place to pray. The Bible says Daniel prayed three times per day (Daniel 6:10). He also prayed on his knees.

If possible, set in stone a place and time you will pray daily.

2. Replace. How many times a day do you have an impulse to check your phone? The next time you are at a lull, instead of scrolling the web mindless-

ly, pause and pray. Replace wasted times like those and use them as your cue to pray.

3. Approach. Find a prayer method that helps you. Baptists like to talk about low-church prayers or informal prayer. Yet as Donald Whitney has said, we often end up “praying the same old things about the same old things.” Find a book like Whitney’s “Praying the Bible” to point you to Scriptures that can utterly transform your prayer life.

4. Yearning. Ask God to give you a longing, like the deer panting for water, to abide in prayer with Him (Psalm 42:1). Also, find some like-minded Christians who share a yearning to pray and let them hold you accountable.

I think the old cliché is right. We can always do more than pray. But we cannot truly do anything worthwhile until we have really prayed.

You cannot control when a prayer movement will begin in churches across this country. But you can control when it begins in you. Brothers and sisters, today, let’s each become more of a prayer warrior.

Let’s each become a prayer force of one.

P.S. Visit oklahomabaptists.org/urgent-prayer for resources on prayer.

Voices | November 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of passage:S PQuestionable gifts ORTS & T N AINME

& MISSIONS Y M I N I S T RWalker Moore

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

O O L B OX T H C R U H C Seven-year-old Titus the Honorable and 4-year-old

Cohen the Goodhearted are currently doing virtual schooling. It is amazing that a teacher can sit at home with a computer in front of them, and at a certain time, their computer screen will populate with their students.

Titus the Honorable did his virtual schooling from our kitchen counter D Sday. Since it was Veterans I Eone S SmeI Fcome C LheAhad Day, online and say hi to his teacher and show off my green Class A Army hat. Every day, Titus receives a homework assignment that he must complete by the next virtual lesson.

Titus was back home working on his school assignments from the kitchen table when he yelled to his mom.

Titus:VMom! E S some more water in my cup, O I CI need please!

Mom: OK, just a second!

Four-year-old Cohen: I can fill up your cup, Titus.

Titus: OK, thank you!

Mom: Awwwwww, thank you, Cohen.

Cohen takes Titus’ cup and comes back few minutes later with it full of water.

Titus takes a drink: Uggck! This water tastes terrible!

Cohen: It’s just water.

Mom: Cohen, where did you get the water?

Cohen stands there staring at his feet, not saying a word.

T water!

Titus: ItEtastes E Rtoilet N Tlike Mom: Titus, how do you know what toilet water tastes like?

Cohen: I couldn’t reach the faucet; I got water where I can reach.

Mom made an “I can’t believe it” face, and E & green.

P Lturned Titus gagged while P EhisOface S Mystery of the foul-tasting water?

NEW H C R U H C Solved.

I was speaking on a recent Sunday night at Oklahoma City, Grace Place for a small banquet to honor some of the workers in the church. Dark green tablecloths covered the tables, which were adorned with beautiful decorations.

TURE L U C & S W E In frontNof me was my dinner plate, silverware, a glass and a small container of olive oil with spices to dip your bread. The centerpiece of my table was a tall glass cylinder filled with long twisted breadsticks. Each stick was beautifully coated with a shinning coat of butter. I was tempted to grab one and dunk it into the olive oil and eat it before the banquet started, but recently, I have sworn off eating any kind of bread.

A couple sat down beside me, and the man asked me, “Where is the bread?” I pointed to the bundle of breadsticks standing in the center of the table.

The man took one out, dipped it into the oil and started eating. As the pastor sat down with his plate, he asked me if I could pass the bread.

I must have looked confused, since it was standing right in front of him. The pastor then pointed to a basket covered with a green napkin that was sitting right in front of me. I pulled the napkin back to find the basket full of dinner rolls.

Now I was confused. I looked over at the man sitting next to me, and he had only taken one bite from the end of his breadstick, which he said was as hard as porcelain. “Those are not breadsticks; they’re some type of table decorations that look like breadsticks,” he told me. I had the man eating the centerpiece!

Cohen the Goodhearted, our hearts were in the right place. Because of your lack of height, you gave Titus toilet water. And because I didn’t know the real bread was right in front of me, I gave the man next to me fake bread.

I am glad when we ask Jesus for water, John 7:37 says He gives us living water, not toilet water.

And when we ask for bread, He doesn’t give us give imitation bread but real bread that will satisfy (John 6:35).

You see, Cohen, Jesus is both the living water and the bread of life. Everything we need flows out of Him. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Speaking of good gifts for Christmas, you still have time to order these warm, lighthearted books of mines. I recommend the cookbook, “A Very Merry Aqua Velva Christmas” or my two other recent books, “Chicken Lips, Snake Legs and Jesus” or “Inside Out and Backwards.” The cost is just $12 for one or $20 for two plus shipping. To order, go to walkermoore.org.

Mission dollars to the nations Kerry Russell Oklahoma Baptists’ Chief Financial Officer

It has always been important to send mission gifts to the mission field as quickly as possible so that Southern Baptist missionaries can do more!

Missionaries use funds to advance the Gospel around the world.

A few years ago, we noticed the postal service was delivering mail more slowly, and their process could not be changed. A better way to receive mission gifts (Cooperative Program, Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, Edna McMillan/SMO, Hunger, Disaster Relief, etc.) from churches had to be found.

Working with the bank, we discovered that the Automated Clearing House (ACH) method was the most efficient method.

Using an ACH method requires a one-time authorization form granting Oklahoma Baptists authority to transfer funds from the church bank account to Oklahoma Baptists’ bank account. ACH is the safest and fastest way for churches to transfer funds, using the electronic mission gift remittance form on the Oklahoma Baptists’ website. This allows mission gifts to speed electronically through Oklahoma Baptists’ accounting systems to the mission field with great efficiency. Churches can choose to give weekly, semi-monthly, monthly or any other giving interval.

It’s so simple! The church is in complete control of the process each time an electronic remittance form is submitted at the Oklahoma Baptists’ website for transfer of funds. Churches can easily satisfy their internal controls by any of the following ways: • Approving from an expense worksheet that includes the date, description, sending person and amounts

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• Printing the website page for written approval • Sending the page to a supervisor for approval via email • Using any other methodology the church chooses to follow internally There is no cost to the church for this service and the process saves paper, postage and time.

This is amazing because everybody wins!

After contacting several hundred churches by phone, we found the interest level in the process to be high. Today, more than 50 percent of all mission gifts received from churches come from electronic giving. Electronic giving is fast and efficient. Missionaries receive the funds quickly, as the ACH method is processed each Thursday, and the remittance of mission gifts are sent to the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee in Tennessee. We estimate that from the time a church member gives funds at the local church, the funds arrive at the mission field in less than half the time it would take to mail a check.

Therefore, mission dollars are going to the nations much faster than ever!

Would your church like to join the fastest method available for sending mission dollars?

November 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

If you are saying yes to this electronic method of giving and want to learn more, then please visit our website at oklahomabaptists.org or call our Income Desk at 405/516-4869.

God bless you for giving through the Cooperative Program.

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

Noble, Etowah and Midwest City, First earn Gaskin Church History Awards E& >> by Bob Nigh

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST HISTORICAL COMMISSION HISTORICAL SECRETARY-DIRECTOR OF HISTORY

Each year, the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission honors outstanding efforts by local church members to compile a history of their congregation. The Gaskin Church History Awards are presented in two categories: churches with average attendance of up to 250 and churches with average attendance of 250-plus.

For 2019, the Commission’s Gaskin Church History Awards committee selected the histories of Noble, Etowah and Midwest City, First to receive the awards.

Noble, Etowah: Noble, Etowah’s history was compiled mainly by Manette Rothermel, church clerk, and dedicated to two women, Lenora McCalip and Wynema Sharp Williams, “whose memories and historical record keeping enabled the writing of the document,” which was published in observance of the 100th anniversary of the construction of the large, one-room church building, dedicated on June 29, 1919.

The church building is located about 13 miles east of Noble, and is “the last remaining building affiliated with a small community that existed in the early years of the 20th Century.” Its pastor since 2014 has been Paul Bettis, who also served as pastor from 1993-2003.

The first meeting of the church was on May 7, 1911.

A.J. Folks, an ordained Baptist preacher from Mountain View, Ark., was the church’s first pastor.

The first meetings of the church were in a community building located on the south side of Etowah Rd. about halfway down the hill from its present location. The meetings were later moved to the one-

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1) Trey Graham, pastor of Midwest City, First holds a copy of the church’s history book: 2) From left, Manette Rothermel and Pastor Paul Bettis shows a copy of Noble, Etowah’s history book.

>> PHOTOS: CHRIS DOYLE

room Etowah schoolhouse—which was situated west of the present church building—and the church body E S worship I C had VO services and Sunday School there until a building could be constructed.

Midwest City, First: The history for Midwest City, First—On the Wing of the Spirit—originally was compiled for the congregation’s 50th anniversary in 1994, and updated for its 75th anniversary in 2019. The update was coordinated by the church’s anniversary planning team, which included Bryan and Autumn Babcock, Bob Bauer, Tonja Cousins, Lenore Jones, David Howell, Carolyn Leslie, Reece Watson and Janet Atterbury.

Midwest City, First actually began as a mission of Oklahoma City, First, and was organized on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1943. A mission committee of Oklahoma City, First recognized the growing need for a church in the area near Tinker Field and organized worship services. Two tents with gravel floors were set up; the larger one (30 feet-by-60 feet) to house worshippers

attending services, and a smaller one to function as a nursery. Clyde Buchanan, who would later become the church’s first pastor, led the services.

Only seven months later, the congregation celebrated Christmas early by moving from the tents into a white concrete building at the corner of Douglas Ave. and Miller Dr. The City of Midwest City’s founder, W.P. Atkinson, donated the lots for the church site. The following winter, 260 Baptists became charter members as the mission officially was organized into Midwest City, First. The church was constituted at 2:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 1944. In March 1949, the church moved to a new location at 705 E. Rickenbacker.

In the past 25 years, Midwest City, First has had only three pastors, including Bob Hinson, Mike Tignor and Trey Graham.

Other churches submitting histories for 2019 included Comanche, First; Enid, First; Panama, First and Vinita, Bunker Hill.

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

OPPORTUN

OKLAHOMA

Ongoing opportunities for volunteers: Camp Gibson, Hardesty—Tom Freeman, 580/338-3452 or pbaok221@gmail.com Families Feeding Families Meal Center Durant—580/230-9142 or 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

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DISASTER RELIEF

Campers on Mission:

Campers on Mission is a fellowship of Christian campers who share their faith while camping or doing mission activities. They work on projects in Oklahoma and across the U.S. For more information email mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org.

Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children Campuses Oklahoma City—Peggy Duncan, 405/691-7781 Edmond—Brent Thackerson, 405/341-3606 Madill—Stephen Wiese, 580/564-2218 Owasso—Kate Eacret, 918/272-2233

REGISTRATION OPENS

January 5, 2021

Pray for North American Missionary Cody Deevers

Pray for North American Missionary Kevin Peacock

Cody serves as church planting pastor in Peoria, Ariz., with his wife of 23 years, Lori, and their three nearly-grown children: Silas, Cady and Charis.

Kevin is a professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary and College in Calgary, Alberta. He also trains church leaders.

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

Mission Mission Event Event for for Kids Kids Grades Grades 1-6 1-6 March 6, 2021 9 am - 3 pm $15 in advance $20 at the door

ACTIVITY REPORTS DUE

January 11, 2021

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

February 28, 2021

LAUNCH PADS

Del City, First Southern Tulsa, South Tulsa Lawton, First East OPEN RACING: TULSA & DEL CITY STATE RACING: DEL CITY ONLY

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

Missions & ministry | November 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Unhindered: 114th Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Baptists advances the Gospel /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Staff BROKEN ARROW—On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Oklahoma Baptists gathered at Broken Arrow, First for the 114th Annual Meeting. The 2020 Annual Meeting was conducted as a one-day, abbreviated meeting and featured times of preaching, essential business, as well as a special focus on the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

Nearly 500 registered Messengers from churches across the state participated in Oklahoma Baptists’ Annual Meeting. COVID-19 protocols and precautions were observed throughout the meeting.

Remembering the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre A unique program focal point for the 2020 Annual Meeting was a segment on “Remembering the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.” With the 100th anniversary observance of the tragic historic event taking place in 2021, Oklahoma Baptist leaders called to mind the spiritual and relational significance of the occasion.

A video was shown featuring Anthony Scott, pastor of the historic Tulsa, North Tulsa church, and Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists. The video dialogue recounted the tragic historic event on May 31, 1921, in which the entire Greenwood District of Tulsa and Black Wall Street were destroyed.

Scott recounted how hundreds of 1 lives were lost and a thriving Black community was destroyed overnight. He said, “I pastor First Baptist North Tulsa, which is the oldest African American congregation in north Tulsa. At the time of the massacre, our church was 22 years old, and actually, we’re located right in the heart of where the riot took place.

“You still see the lingering educational disparities, economic disparities, and then there’s just a psychological impact that takes its toll on a community for generations. Almost a sense of hopelessness, we’ll never have anything, and it really still resonates, so I hope one of the positive outcomes of this recognition is that somehow the psyche of north Tulsans can be lifted.”

Dilbeck underscored the biblical idea of remembering, calling to mind Stephen in the Book of Acts recounting the suffering the prophets underwent.

“We remember for many reasons,” Dilbeck said.

“But we primarily remember so we do not repeat.”

Dilbeck added, “We know political leaders are going to be involved, business leaders, community leaders, state leaders, and if our Baptist leadership is not engaged then we are missing a real opportunity to show that we are aware of what’s going on in our state, and that we have a relevant Gospel message for even the most dark and tragic season of our history.”

Scott said pastors and others could be “praying that the example that we display is one that we want the rest of the nation to follow. We should be praying, as we move forward, certainly for true and ultimate healing to take place and then also be praying that beyond the memorials and commemoration that some real tangible impacts and effects that can help generations of people who have been ostracized and left behind that they can move forward.”

A new scholarship program at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) was announced at the Annual Meeting, which will be funded in partnership by Oklahoma Baptists. The 1921 Scholarship will award two full scholarships to Black students at OBU. Officers of the Oklahoma Baptists African American Fellowship were on the platform during the announcement. The Fellowship will help identify qualified young men and women for the scholarships, which OBU President Heath Thomas called an important step.

Prayer was offered for pastors in the Tulsa area.

Mark Dance, Oklahoma Baptists east central regional ministry partner, voiced prayer for these pastors that “they could shine the light of Christ and help bring healing and hope (in 2021 and the 100th anniversary commemorations).”

Sermons uplift Blake Gideon, who was concluding his two years as Oklahoma Baptists’ president, preached from Acts 8 in his presidential address and gave examples

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>> PHOTOS: 1-2) BRIAN HOBBS; 3) CHRIS DOYLE 1) Blake Gideon delivers the presidential address; 2) Heath Thomas announces the 1921 Scholarship with officers of the Oklahoma Baptists African American Fellowship and others featured on the platform; 3) 2021 Oklahoma Baptists’ officers, from left, Michael Butler, first vice president; Todd Fisher, president; Jason Yarbrough, second vice president.

of how the Gospel can advance unhindered, referring to the Annual Meeting’s theme “Unhindered.”

“The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ moves forward with power, and it is absolutely unhindered,” Gideon said. “Even though persecution can come from the outside, it is unable to hinder the Gospel… What we understand, and not just from this passage but from the whole Book of Acts, is the Gospel is the answer for persecution on the outside. It is the answer to perversion on the inside, and it is the answer to prejudice all around.”

In his executive director’s address, Dilbeck preached from 1 Corinthians 1, addressing concerns involving pride and disunity of the church.

“First Corinthians chapter 1 teaches us, brothers and sisters, both in the local church and in the Gospel fellowship, like Oklahoma Baptists,” Dilbeck said, “we find unity in the message of the cross…

We know in Oklahoma that we were all a bunch of nobodies until ‘Somebody’ died on the cross of Calvary for us.”

Andy Taylor, pastor of Broken Arrow, Arrow Heights, delivered the annual sermon and preached from 2 Timothy 2. The points he made to Oklahoma Baptists, specifically to pastors, were return to your purpose, remind yourself of the price and reignite your proclamation.

“If it’s true that every pastor needs fire in the study to get heat in the pulpit then what we have got to do is go back to the Resurrection again and again and again and again, Sunday after Sunday, week and week, point after point in our sermons.

We have got to get back to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

To view the Annual Meeting sermons online visit oklahomabaptists.org.

Officer elections and other business A new slate of Oklahoma Baptists’ officers were elected. The nominees for president were Todd Fisher, Pastor of Shawnee, Immanuel; Pastor LeRon West of Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills; and Pastor Bill Ascol of Owasso, Bethel. Fisher was elected president, following a runoff vote with West.

Michael Butler, pastor of Chickasha, First, was elected first vice president, without opposition.

Nominees for second vice president were Ryan Smith, worship pastor of Stillwater, Eagle Heights, and Jason Yarbrough, pastor of Glenpool, First. Yarbrough was elected second vice president by messengers.

Due to the abbreviated program, the Resolutions Committee did not present resolutions. In addition, various matters of business were addressed.

Messengers to the annual meeting heard fiscal reports from 2020. Dilbeck thanked Oklahoma Baptists for their faithful giving, amid the challenges of COVID-19 and 2020, and he relayed how the state convention made mid-year budget adjustments.

“Our staff and our board have exercised extraordinary fiscal discipline in this challenging year,” Dilbeck said. “They managed to severely limit our spending and created an adjusted (and reduced) budget to be responsible stewards to what God has given us.”

Messengers also approved the 2021 Cooperative Program spending plan, set at a $23.1 million goal, which represents a smaller budget goal from prior budget year “in light of economic uncertainties.”

The 2020 Cooperative Program Objective had been set at $26.1 million, prior to mid-year adjustments.

Of the total $23.1 million Cooperative Program goal for Oklahoma Baptists, 43 percent or $9.933

November 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

million is allocated for Southern Baptist Convention programs and causes; 42 percent or $9.702 million is designated for Oklahoma Baptists. And 15 percent or $3.465 million is designated to Oklahoma Baptists’ affiliates. The percentage allocation for 2021 remained unchanged from prior year.

Ministry & affiliates reports given Ministry reports were given by Alan Quigley, Oklahoma Baptists’ associate executive director and church resources group leader, and James Swain, Oklahoma Baptists’ associate executive director and church relations group leader. Swain talked about walking alongside pastors during the challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reports were given from all four affiliates: Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC), Baptist Village Communities (BVC) and the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma—now known as WatersEdge.

Robert Kellogg, WatersEdge CEO, emphasized during his report the importance of WatersEdge’s Oklahoma Baptist heritage.

“We were birthed by Oklahoma Baptists,” Kellogg said, “to serve Oklahoma Baptists and will continue to be governed by board of directors elected by Oklahoma Baptists. We remain first and foremost Oklahoma Baptists’ foundation simply doing business as WatersEdge but faithful to our heritage.”

Before giving his report, Bill Pierce was recognized

by Dilbeck and other affiliate leaders for his 30 years of service as president of BVC. Pierce emphasized how BVC has responded and adapted during the pandemic. He thanked the many chaplains, ministers and ministry leaders of Oklahoma Baptists who help serve Baptist Villages across the state in these trying times. Pierce reported how the Gospel has been shared and resulted in spiritual decisions including a resident’s baptism observed in a therapy pool.

OBU President Heath Thomas shared what current OBU graduates are doing, reporting that 99 percent of OBU’s 2020 graduating class are currently employed or enrolled in graduate school.

“As I look out across this room I see some of our alums, some of our graduates who are shaping their future in their churches right now,” Thomas said. “And when you look out across your congregation, you see our graduates shaping their future in their industries, in the education field, in business and in every sphere of life. That’s our story on Bison Hill.”

OBHC President Greg McNeece reported how OBHC has responded to the pandemic, which includes children under OBHC care have improved grades (an overall 3.27 grade point average) during this trying time. McNeece also reported on the number of professions of faith in Christ have been made as a result of OBHC’s ministry.

“OBHC has seen 103 people a year (over the past 20 years) trust Jesus as Lord and Savior,” McNeece said. “They moved from death to life through your ministry to children.”

Looking to 2021 The 2021 Annual Meeting is now scheduled for Nov. 8-9 at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills.

As 2020 nears its end, and as pastors look toward 2021, Dilbeck reminded messengers of the shared mission given to the church by Jesus. “Our mission is simple: we encourage one another to advance the Gospel. In challenging times like these, let’s continue to advance the Gospel together.”

For more information about the 2020 Annual Meeting, visit oklahomabaptists.org/annualmeeting.

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What is the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and Why Does it Matter? >> by IMB Staff

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® (LMCO) is an annual offering collected by Christian believers around the world to support international missions. The offering was officially named in 1918 by Woman’s Missionary Union in honor of the missionary to China who urged churches to start it and give sacrificially.

This offering is unique from other mission offerings in that 100 percent of gifts provide for missionaries all over the world. It is a valuable part of Southern Baptists’ 175-year history of reaching the nations with the Gospel and vital to reaching the vision of a multitude from every language, people, tribe and nation knowing and worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 7:9).

This year, the global need for missions is more urgent than ever. Researchers estimate that 154,937 people are dying daily without Christ. The generosity of Southern Baptists can make a difference in the eternities of millions of people. Giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering supports 3,535 missionaries and their families. These personnel are on the frontlines of missions, bringing the Gospel to the nations.

The faithful and sacrificial giving of Southern Baptists will also help the International Mission Board (IMB) to reach its 2025 Targets to engage unreached peoples and places: The five 2025 targets are: 1. Mobilize 75 percent of Southern Baptist churches to prayerfully and financially support the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® by 2025. “With less than half of Southern Baptist churches reporting on the Annual Church Profile that they gave

to the Lottie offering last year, we have lots of opportunity to grow the support needed by our missionaries,” said Paul Chitwood, IMB president.

2. Send an additional 500 fully-funded missionaries by 2025.

3. Mobilize 500 global partner missionaries on IMB teams.

4. Engage 75 global cities in comprehensive strategies.

5. Increase LMCO receipts 6 percent annually to sustain the 500 additional missionaries, or $10 million per year for the next five years.

“How grateful we are for those who fuel mission work among the nations by praying, giving, going and sending!” Chitwood said. “Thank you for your investment in the Revelation 7:9 vision, where we see heaven as it will be be, with a great multitude from every nation, all tribes, peoples and languages standing before the throne and the Lamb.”

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® is a registered trademark of Woman’s Missionary Union.

For more information visit imb.org/lmco.

Who is Lottie Moon? >> information from IMB.org Charlotte Diggs Moon was born Dec. 12, 1840 in Albemarle County, Va. She was one of the first women in the South to receive a master’s degree.

After the Civil War, she taught school in Kentucky, Georgia and Virginia. She turned down a marriage proposal just before she moved overseas as a single woman.

Lottie moved to China in 1873, at the age of 33.

She lived most of her years in China’s Shantung Province and served in mission work for 39 years.

In her day, there were few missionaries sent to the 472 million Chinese people. Lottie was unwelcomed and criticized during the beginning years of her ministry. She adopted completely to the dress and language of the local people and used the alluring aroma of freshly baked tea cakes to engage with her new neighbors.

Lottie described her work as, “a life of hardship, responsibility and constant self-denial.”

She died at the age of 72.

Discover more about Lottie Moon by visiting imb.org/who-was-lottie-moon.

Singing Churchmen release 60th anniversary book /// PREVIEWED ON COVER in Tokyo, PraiSing events debuting Baptist Hym2 nals, the Crystal Cathedral in Los Angeles, meetings of the American Choral Directors Association, as well as numerous Southern Baptist Convention It was new, fresh and exhilarating—a sound meetings and Oklahoma Baptists gatherings. they’d never heard, but one they desired to master.

Also featured are The Churchmen’s ministries The small group of men, known at that time as to Russia, Latvia, Estonia, China, Australia, Armemusic directors, knew they had discovered some- nia and Israel where the men distributed Bibles, thing they wanted to perpetuate. Thus was born taught classes and led people to Jesus. The SCM’s The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma (SCM). ministry is lived out as they share in prison yards, That discovery on a hot, humid August day in Tul- leprosy villages, orphanages, schools and on the sa some 60 years ago would change the landscape streets of numerous international cities. of church music in Oklahoma.

The 108-page coffee table book is more than From a small group called spontaneously to sing a historical account and is filled with anecdotes, together at a regional music conference at Tulsa, spiritual as well as humorous testimonies from the Immanuel, those musicians have grown to a re- men and others who have come in contact with nowned male chorus of up to 300 singers. them. The book contains 435 photos from the early Current Churchmen director Randy Lind said timTheir journey is told in a newly-released book, days to today, some of which were dug out of archives ing of the book is right because those who were in This Is Their Story! This is Their Song! celebrating 60 and haven’t been seen before. Before the days of the the first group of Churchmen are in their 80s or oldyears of ministry which has permeated Oklahoma tuxedo, the men made fashion statements with their er. Two of those original members interviewed for and reached around the globe. matching attire, which is not to be missed. the book, Glenn Boyd and Jim Brown, died before Other state conventions have There are heartwarming testimo- the book was published. men’s singing groups, but none nies from people whose lives “As Oklahoma Baptists celebrate 60 seasons of 1 as large in number, nor as exwere changed because of The ministry of The Singing Churchmen, we are aware cellent in their musicianship.

Churchmen’s ministry, includ- of the joy and ministry that comes from worship The closeness of the group ing a U.S. Army general, who and music when so many churches, choir lofts and and friendships within the some 30 years later remem- voices are silenced, or at the very least, masked,” SCM are unparalleled anybered The Churchmen Lind said. “Through this book, we can read and where in the world. The singing to him in an Alas- see the joy, sacrifice and faithfulness of The Singspiritual companionship kan airport when he was ing Churchmen, The Singing ChurchWomen, Oklashared among the SCM a young soldier headed to homa Baptist Symphony, Oklahoma Baptist Chilenhances the music like Vietnam. dren’s Chorus, and an emerging Oklahoma Student nothing else can.

The Churchmen have Worship Choir, as they lead and encourage others Included in the book are been led by four directors. to worship.” briefer histories of The SingWhen James D. Woodward, Former Baptist Messenger editor Albert McClellan ing ChurchWomen of Oklawho led the men for the once wrote, “Christians sing because it is their nahoma, Oklahoma Baptist >> PHOTOS: CHRIS DOYLE 1) Oklahoma Baptists executive first 30 years, was killed ture. It’s as much a part of them as any other grace Symphony and Oklahoma director-treasurer Hance Dilbeck, left, receives a copy in a private plane crash in intended for the children of God. Annie Russell in Baptist Children’s Chorus.

1991, Bill Green took over her song ‘Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus’ described of The Singing Churchmen’s anniversary book from The book endeavors to lead Randy Lind; 2) The anniversary books are available for the leadership. In a memo it: ‘In the heart He implanteth a song.’ When Jesus the reader through the forma- purchase through Oklahoma Baptists’ music office. to The Churchmen, he comes into the heart, He brings a song with Him. tion of The Churchmen, their wrote, “I pray as we sing in When we sing, it is really Christ singing in us.” That extensive recording ministry with well-known musi- churches, plan mission trips and prepare for new is The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma.” cians and composers, some done in famous locations recordings that our highest goal will be to exalt the The book is available from Oklahoma Bapsuch as Oktober Hall in Russia and the Sydney Opera name of Jesus, be available to Him, using our min- tists’ music office at 3800 N. May Ave, OKC 73112 House in Australia. istry to reach people for Christ and to set a spiritu- (405/942-3800). Copies of the book can be picked Because of their musicianship, The Churchmen have al and musical example for Oklahoma and the en- up or mailed. This limited edition cost is $20 per performed on NBC’s Great Choirs of America, the Cru- tire Southern Baptist Convention.” The Churchmen book. For mailing, add an additional $5 for the first sade of the Americas telecast, Baptist World Alliance have lived up to that goal. book, and $4 for each additional book. >> by Dana Williamson

BAPTIST MESSENGER SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Features | November 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Irving, First observes a ‘penny challenge’

Irving, First, located west of Ryan, recently had a “penny challenge” among members of the children’s class. Teacher Brenda Armstrong asked the kids to gather up all the pennies they could find to be donated to the Baptist Children’s Home.

Boys and girls teams met the challenge of raising $251.66 in change and a few dollar bills.

“It would be safe to say not a single piggy bank remains intact,” Pastor Mike Bates said. “This was all done for the glory of God.”

>> PHOTOS: CHRIS DOYLE

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) recognized two longtime certified and trained volunteers during the Oklahoma Baptists’ Annual Meeting, Nov. 10. Don Whitnah, left, a member of Newalla, Countryside, is retiring after serving DR for 12 years as lead mechanic. Don Williams, state DR director, presented Whitnah a plaque recognizing his generous efforts in keeping all DR equipment in working order.

Nelson Camp, right, a member of Valliant, Trinity, received the Norm Wagner Volunteer of the Year Award. Camp has been a DR volunteer since 2009 and has served numerous DR assignments of ice storms, tornados, floods and hurricanes in at least eight different states. He has been instrumental in the development of the Frisco Association DR team, helping the Association to acquire multiple work equipment. Williams also presented Camp his award at his church on Sunday, Nov. 15.

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Lawton, Friendship serves community

On Oct. 31, members of Lawton, Friendship served the LawtonView community by providing food boxes and milk. Many were prayed for, and 23 people made professions of faith in Christ. Walter Wilson, pastor of Lawton, Friendship said the church served many in cars, seven in wheel chairs, 10 who were walk-up recipients, plus five on bicycles.

“It was a great day to lift Jesus up!” Wilson said.

November 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

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BV IElk City honors DS LT U R E CLASSIF E NE WS & CU those who served

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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS BLOUNT DEATH. Arthur Charles Blount, 65, died Nov. 8. Funeral service was Nov. 12 at CarO MheA served as youth H negie, O First.

ForA13 years, L K E H Tand music director atHCarnegie, R C I V E First before becoming theA pastor in 1990, where he served PTIST BA until his death. He will be remembered for his ability to recall Scripture and share wisdom, as he ministered to many through the years. He is survived by his wife, Jonita; his children, Charlie Blount, pastor of Moore, First; Justin Blount, Melanie Graham; and 16 grandchildren.

VOICES

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES Mike Murray is pastor of Tahlequah, First.

Steve Murray is interim pastor at Fort Cobb, First.

Tony Nichol is pastor of Grandfield, First.

Dale Ritter is interim pastor at Sallisaw, Eastside.

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

>> PHOTOS: BAPTIST VILLAGE COMMUNITIES

Elk City celebrated a city-wide parade, honoring veterans residing in all of the town’s senior living communities. Baptist Village of Elk City team members organized the special event, and the Village marked the beginning of the parade route. The parade was a great success, with many vehicles and people cruising through, waving to veterans and loved ones.

“TO FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY FOR EXTRA BENEFITS BEYOND ORIGINAL MEDICARE, Carter, CALL ME TODAY AND I CAN HELP!” --Cameron your Oklahoma United Healthcare rep

SUDOKU

Call Cameron Carter at (405) 402-7727 today!

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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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People & Church News | November 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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7 ways to engage your church in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering DS CLASSIFIE /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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VOICES gages them into action. Using the well-prepared videos provided by the International Mission Board will help people understand Have you ever been on the outside of an the mission behind the giving. inside joke? You know that feeling; the one 4. Make it personal. Giving to Lottie where you perhaps laugh or stare awkwardly Moon not only helps keep missionaries on at what was said without really understanding. the field but supports the livelihoods of our Unintentionally or not, those who were on brothers and sisters in Christ. These men, the inside left you out. Thinking about this type women and children have dedicated their of situation puts into perspective the way many lives to going to the world with the truth of in our churches may feel around Christmas. the Gospel. Many of them are families from In December we take up the Lottie Moon Oklahoma. It becomes personal when they Christmas Offering that impacts our mis- realize this could be their neighbor, coworksional purpose as a convention, but I won- er or church family. der if it is like an “inside joke” for many of 5. Be creative in your presentation and the people in our congregations. They hear constant promotion. Set a goal, and help the name Lottie Moon, but they don’t get your people achieve it. This is your opportuit, so they choose not to participate. As De- nity to make the Lottie Moon Christmas Offercember approaches I’d like to share some ing mission specific to your congregation. Use practical ideas that may help your people to every opportunity to help educate people engage in this mission effort. about the offering including small groups, ed1. Introduce Lottie Moon. Tell her sto- ucation classes and worship services. Design ry. Don’t assume everyone knows who she fundraisers that bring awareness to the miswas. The name alone in connection to the sion and help meet your church’s goal.

6. Set the example as a pastor or church offering will not help your congregation engage. Rather, an education of who she was leader. Make the offering personal to you. and what the offering is all about will help Have conviction about why you give, and people will better understand why they should too. foster greater participation.

2. Remind people of our greater South- I still remember as a young man being encourern Baptist partnership and how we can aged by my pastor to give to the Lottie Moon do more together. The Southern Baptist Christmas Offering. He said that every year he Convention (SBC) works together to reach wantsEto give more to the mission of spreadTH R O Ming the Gospel than he spends on his own famthe world with the Gospel. Every churchFplays B LO G His example has remained SChristmas.

R E ily for an important role in helping the R SBC send G N I L S D O W and keep missionaries on the field through etched in my mind, and today my family gives these specialized offerings. Educate people sacrificially because he set the example for me.

7. Pray. Prayer connects us to the heart of how their gift joins with millions of others to fulfill our missional calling. Remind them God. It directs us to His will. Pray for the misthat 100 percent of the money given is sent sionaries, the people groups, stewardship of the money and the mission. Lead people to to support missionaries all over the world.

Y S what they should give, and then pray 3. Tell stories of missionaries andA how S Aabout E V D God is using them. Stories help people un- challenge them to be obedient to what God derstand and connect to purpose, which en- calls them to do. >> by Rusty McMullen

PASTOR, MCALESTER, FIRST

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

ADVAN C E CO N FE R E N C E OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

INSIGHT PODCASTS BAPTIST MESSENGER

Begin your planning to attend the 2021 Advance Conference (also known as the State Evangelism Conference) taking place January 25-26, at Moore, First.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, realign your mind and heart back to the mission and work of the Gospel by checking out the latest Messenger Insight Podcast episodes.

oklahomabaptists.org/advance

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Check back with the highlight every issue to learn more about the resources available to every SBC church!

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November 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

As Thanksgiving is upon us, one thing Y S that we must recA S E V A D ognize and voice thanks for is abundance. No doubt, 2020 has had its challenges, but so have other years throughout history. As Americans, we have been tremendously blessed with abundance.

My husband and I were talking the other day, and we both think that this has been one of the best gardening I S T S our P Tblessed A B A M years that we have ever had.

God has efforts, O H OKLA T H G I L H and we have been ableRto preserve and share a lot of food U C E H IG O S E R and herbs.

If you garden year-round as we do, the gardening season slows down in the later months but it’s never really over. Right now, we are growing and harvesting greens.

Winter came early this year, and the damaging ice storm stopped all outside production, but the raised beds in the hoop house are going strong!

My favorite leafy greens to grow are spinach and romaine lettuce. Those dark green leaves love the cooler temperatures, and they are crisp and sweet right out of the ground.

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

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 GET DIALED IN Dear Dave, My wife and I have two kids and one on PT ISTS BourAhome, A M the way. We’re debt-free except for O H A L OK HT L I Galso and we have our emergency fund in place.

IG HWe’ve EH C R U O S E R been saving for retirement, with me putting 15 percent into a 401(k) and her putting 10 percent into her retirement account. On top of all this, we’re putting a little money toward college funds for the kids. We talked the other night, and after that we started thinking about pulling back from retirement saving and getting the house paid off. What do you think about that? —Callen Dear Callen, I teach people to start investing 15 percent of their household income for retirement after they’ve completed Baby Step 3, which is saving three to six months of expenses for an emergency fund. Baby Step 4 would be both of you putting 15 percent of your income into retirement, and you’re not quite doing that yet. Saving for college comes next in Baby Step 5.

I don’t teach people to put less than 15 percent of their income into retirement in order to pay off the house a little earlier. It’s tempting when you’ve got the debt-free bug, but it’s not the shortest distance between where you are right now and wealth. The average person who follows my plan—the Baby Steps—can pay off their home in about seven years.

You’ve got offense and defense to think about, Callen. Defense is getting rid of debt, and the offense is building wealth. You don’t want to let your guard down on offense in order to just play defense and get the house paid off. What you’re talking about is a normal reaction for lots of folks in your position, but it’s not what I would recommend right now.

I love your fire, but follow the Baby Steps as they’re laid out. My goal isn’t just helping people get out of debt. It’s to teach people how to become wealthy as a result of being out of debt and encouraging them be outrageously generous along the way! —Dave The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist Messenger and do not constitute legal financial advice.

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ka, OK is accepting resumes for BI/VO Pastor. Please submit resumes to: ATTN: Pastor Search Team, Calvary Baptist Church, 620 E 15th Street, Pawhuska, OK 74056 or email: pawhuskacalvary@sbcglobal.net.

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

J OB L ISTIN G V EH IC L E M ISC.

>> BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Soldier Creek Baptist Church in Midwest City, OK. Please send resumes to: soldiercreek@soldiercreek.org.

EMPLOYM ENT >> BI/VO PASTOR: Dupree Community Baptist Church, Vinita ,OK, is searching for a BI/VO Pastor to lead our small rural church. Please send resume to: Dupree Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1100, Vinita, OK 74301. >> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: First Baptist Church Sapulpa, OK is seeking a P/T Worship Leader to lead our contemporary service. Please send your resume to: jamie@fbcsapulpa.com. >> P/T STUDENT PASTOR: Asher FBC is seeking God’s next servant. The position will be open December 1, 2020. Asher is a town with a big heart for students. Contact Randy Dirrim at (620) 212-3577 or inhisgrace2016@gmail.com. >> P/T YOUTH DIRECTOR: FBC Amber is prayerfully accepting resumes for the position of P/T Youth Director. Please submit resumes to: Pastor, P.O. Box 35, Amber, OK or email: jmorris@fbcamber.org. >> PASTOR: Wright City First Baptist Church is accepting resumes for a Pastor. Parsonage available. We are open to both F/T & BI/VO. We will be accepting resumes until November 13, 2020. Please email: johnnycrabtree59@gmail.com. >> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR MUSIC & OUTREACH: FBC Lake Saint Louis, MO is seeking an Associate Pastor of Music & Outreach. Visit https://www.fbclsl.org/ job-opportunities for more information. >> F/T PASTOR: First Bilingual Baptist Church Abq., NM is now accepting resumes for a F/T Pastor fluent in Spanish & English. Interested candidates send a cover letter & resume to: FBBC c/o Pastor Search Committee, 812 Fruit Ave. NW Albuquerque, NM 87102. >> F/T WORSHIP PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Alva is looking for a F/T Worship Pastor. Please submit your resume to: cruwaldt@gmail.com. >> SENIOR PASTOR: FBC of Cleveland is prayerfully seeking a Senior Pastor to LEAD, TEACH & PREACH. Please send resumes & a cover letter including references to: fbcclevelandpastorsearch@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted until 11/22/2020. >> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: A rural church with parsonage in the Mannford area is accepting resumes for Pastor. Send resumes to: freedomhillbaptistchurch@ yahoo.com or 9914 S. Hwy 48, Mannford, OK 74044. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Church, Pawhus-

>> P/T PASTOR: Enos Baptist Church is in search of a P/T Pastor. Sunday’s & possible Wednesday nights.

Parsonage available if desired. Send resumes to: mikeshipley20@yahoo.com or mail them to: 12223 Snell Rd, Kingston, OK. 73439. >> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR YOUTH, CHILDREN & FAMILY: First Baptist Church Gower, Missouri is searching for an Associate Pastor of Youth, Children & Family Ministries. This is a F/T position. For full description, email: fbgowerpastorsearch@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: FBC Mannsville is seeking a F/T Pastor who preaches the mysteries of God’s Word, boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, lovingly disciple members to maturity. Send resume to: Search Committee, P.O. Box 67, Mannsville, OK, 73447 or mannsvillefbc@ gmail.com. >> F/T MINISTER OF STUDENTS: The First Baptist Church of Yukon, Oklahoma is seeking a F/T Minister of Students. We are seeking an experienced candidate, with a college education, & passion for ministry. Send resume to: clark@fbcyukon.com or 15 S. 6th St, Yukon, OK 73099. >> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church, Ft. Cobb, Oklahoma is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send resume & cover letter to: First Baptist Church, Attn. Pastor Search Committee Box 87, Ft. Cobb, OK 73038 or email: fbcftcobb@yahoo.com. >> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: First Baptist Church Keyes, located in the Oklahoma Panhandle, is seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Resumes may be mailed to: P.O. Box 153, Keyes, OK 73947 or emailed to: fbckeyes@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: FBC Forgan, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s man. Send resume to: P.O. Box 9 Forgan, OK 73938. More info see: forganfbc.com or call (580) 4610857. >>F/T PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Lawton, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should email a cover letter & resume to: personnel@calvarybaptistlawton.org or mail to: Calvary Baptist Church, 715 H Ave, Lawton, OK 7350. >> BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: 40th Street Baptist is asking God for the right person to be our Youth Minister. Please send resumes to: fortiethbc@yahoo.com, call Pastor Josh at (405) 8262654 or mail to: 40th Street Baptist Church, 1801 NW 40th, OKC, 73118.

>> F/T STUDENT PASTOR: One Church Elk youth ministry. Send resume & references to: onechurchelkcity@gmail.com.

>> F/T PASTOR: New Hope Baptist Church, Tecumseh, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Please email resume along with current sermon video or link to sermons to: newhopesecretary@gmail.com or mail to: 37496 New Hope Road, Tecumseh, OK 74873. >> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Mount Hermon Church, located in Jay, Oklahoma is prayerfully looking for a BI/ VO or F/T Senior Pastor who is passionate in sharing the Gospel. For more information or to submit a resume, please email: colewheeler36@gmail.com. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Crown Heights Baptist Church seeking BI/VO Pastor with a desire to reach the lost & disciple the Church family. Located in a challenging area of OKC. Send resumes to: CHBC, 4802 N. Western, OKC 73118. or email: chbc.okc@coxinet.net. >> F/T PASTOR: FBC Soper, OK is seeking a BI/VO or F/T Southern Baptist Pastor. Parsonage is available. Health insurance benefit provided. Please send resume to: office@FriscoBaptist.com or to: ATT: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 68, Soper, OK 74759. >> BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Salina OK is asking God for someone who loves seeing youth become strong followers of Jesus. If you’d like to help us with that, please send a resume to: pastor.steve@salinafbc.com. Compensation includes a house with utilities. >> F/T PASTOR: Paradise Valley Baptist Church, North of Lawton, OK, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send resume & cover letter to: Paradise Valley Baptist Church, ATTN: Pastor Search Committee, 4974 NW Meers Porter Hill Rd., Lawton, OK. 73507. >> F/T PASTOR: Lakeview Baptist Church in Salina, OK is seeking a Pastor. Lead church body, provide spiritual instruction & strategic leadership. Not responsible for doing all work, seeing it’s done properly. Min 1 yr exp. Send resume to: P.O. Box 308, Salina, OK 74365. >> F/T STUDENT MINISTER: FBC Watonga, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Student Minister to lead an established & well supported student ministry.

Email resumes to: FBCWatongaSearch@gmail.com.

More info at: www.fbcwatonga.com. >> PASTOR: FBC Medford is prayerfully seeking a Pastor. Send resume to: FBC Medford, 124 W. Comanche, Medford, OK 73759 or email: fbcmedfordok@gmail.com

CROSSWO

ACROSS 1 One shined in the east 5 Wise man’s house foundation, per parable 9 “Violent dealing shall come down upon his own __” (Ps. 7:16) 13 Folk singer Guthrie

14 Symphony reed 15 Expedition 16 Moon valley 17 Surrender 18 “Are you not __ of what the law says?” (Gal. 4:21 niv) 19 In Corinth, preacher with Paul

>> P/T MUSIC/YOUTH DIRECTOR: FBC Stratford is seeking a P/T Music and/or Youth Director. We would consider one person for both positions. Send resume to: P.O. Box 532, Stratford, OK 74872 or fbcstratford@yahoo.com. >> F/T WORSHIP PASTOR: FBC Cushing is prayerfully seeking a F/T Worship Pastor. Please send resumes to: Michael@fbccushing.org also include links of you leading worship if possible. >> F/T CHILDREN’S MINISTER: To oversee ministry from Birth-6th grade. First Baptist Church, Weatherford. Send resumes to: justearl@fbcweatherford.com. >> PASTOR: Whitesboro Baptist Church in Southeast OK, is prayerfully seeking a Pastor. Please send resume to: P.O. Box 125, Whitesboro, OK 74577 or email: whitesborofbc@yahoo.com. >> F/T WORSHIP LEADER: View Acres Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Worship Leader for multi-generational church. Please send resumes to: gpatton3@cox.net. >> F/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Lone Grove is prayerfully seeking a spiritually mature, F/T Youth Pastor.

Must have a heart for community & connecting with others. Please send resume to: fbclonegrove@ yahoo.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Sharon First Baptist Church in Sharon, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s choice for F/T Pastor. Please email resumes to: fbc.sharon@yahoo. com or mail your resume to: Sharon First Baptist Church, 24008 State Highway 34, Sharon, OK 73857. >> F/T PASTOR: Keltys First Baptist Church in Lufkin, TX is seeking a F/T Lead Teaching Pastor. Resumes, visit: https://www.keltys.org/pastorsearch/ for more information & a job description.

MIS CEL L A NEO US >> BIBLE REPAIR & RESTORATION: Study & family Bibles. Hand sewn, fine stamped leather. McSpadden Book Bindery, 911 W. Benedict, Shawnee, OK 74801 www.mcspaddenbookbindery.com (405) 275-7788. >> PEOPLE HAULER FOR SALE: 2006 Ford 21 passenger people hauler, good condition. Asking $5,000. Call (405) 872-3845 Maguire Baptist Church & leave a message for Roger. >> FREE HOUSE TO MOVE: Free to be removed from present location W. Of Eufaula, 3BR 2 bath frame house. Corrie Camp (918) 617-0528 or Tony Pippin (918) 697-9516.

RD

21 Those who “preach the gospel should __ of the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:14) 23 If in Christ, “he is a __ creature” (2 Cor. 5:17) 24 Summer addition to 37 Across 25 Sluggish 29 E.T.’s ride 30 Pitcher 32 Corinth to Troas (dir.)

33 Conductor Previn 36 Swedish city 37 Four o’clock cuppa 38 Do “not muzzle...the ox that treadeth out the __” (1 Cor. 9:9) 39 Paul preached the __ of Christ 40 “Jesus __,” shortest Bible verse 41 Card game 42 Bug spray brands 43 “The __ is the Lord’s” (1 Cor. 10:26) 44 Also 45 Teen trouble 46 “Eye hath not seen, nor __ heard” (1 Cor. 2:9) 47 Liveliness 49 One about to graduate (Abbr.)

50 __ Vegas, Nevada 53 Area of early church expansion 55 Most extended 57 “__ be unto you” (1 Cor. 1:3) 60 __ and Span, cleaning brand 62 Galilee or Gennesaret 63 Greased

64 “__ of you has your own gift” (1 Cor. 7:7 niv) 65 Concluded 66 Not just hearer, but a __ 67 Cooler choices 68 Swiss capital DOWN 1 Wrap brand 2 Cow’s belly 3 Permit 4 Jelly or dinner go-with 5 Decorative art style 6 Extremely heavy 7 Fisherman’s catch 8 Overturn 9 “Not in word, but in __” (1 Cor. 4:20) 10 Southern constellation 11 Coating for Baby Moses’ basket 12 “If the whole body were an __” (1 Cor. 12:17) 15 Party treats 20 “Spirit giveth __” (2 Cor. 3:6) 22 Objects 26 Biblical fisherman 27 Useless 28 “O __, where is thy sting?”

(1 Cor. 15:55) 29 One of many filled with water at Cana 30 Wash away 31 Weakling 33 Critical

34 “Thou shalt nots” 35 Slump 36 Smile 39 Succulents 40 Armageddon, e.g.

42 Christ was __ from death 43 Work for 46 One who “walked with” 57 Down, and namesakes 48 Competitive runner 49 Dice partner 50 God will never __ you 51 Pray-er, perhaps 52 Strict 54 On 62 Across 56 Lump 57 “Thanks be unto __ for his...gift” (2 Cor. 9:15) 58 Jordan, e.g. (Sp.) 59 Brew 61 Beatnik’s lodgings

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Classifieds | November 26, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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