2021/November/11

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • NOVEMBER 11, 2021

MESSENGER EXCLUSIVE Q&A

with

TODD FISHER

/// SEE PAGE 6

CO N T E N T S : Page 3 | Voices Just Joe: Desitin in the dark

W E R E A C H T H E N AT I O N S

>> JOE LIGON

2 0 2 1 GOAL

$185 million

First person: Oklahoma going to pot? >> JEREMY SMITH

U.S. Interstate Highway 35 will forever be under construction.

This reality was reinforced to me by my drive back from Falls Creek this summer. My GPS, in its infinite wisdom, chose to send me up State Highway 77.

As I was driving through the multitude of small towns, I saw a steeple rising from the trees. As I got closer, I saw the familiar red brick building that dots the plains of Oklahoma. /// SEE PAGE 2

IMB desires more IMB.ORG/GENEROSITY churches support Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® is a registered trademark of WMU®

>> CHRIS DOYLE

Paul Chitwood has made his passions known. The president of the International Mission Board (IMB) wants to send out more missionaries and reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is always at the heart of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO), the annual giving promoted through Southern Baptists to support IMB’s mission work around the world.

Owasso ministry meets needs while changing hearts >> CHRIS FORBES

An Oklahoma Baptist church is setting a high standard in caring for their community though a mission center that meets the physical and emotional needs of people as an opportunity for advancing the Gospel.

Owasso, First began the ministry 15 years ago when members of the church began taking initiatives to meet needs they identified in their community. /// SEE PAGE 7

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Oklahoma, from nice to vice? >> BRIAN HOBBS

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

Page 5 | Missions & Ministry CrossTimbers’ hygiene kit mission project impacts homeless >> CHRIS FORBES

Page 8 | Annual Meeting Info Oklahoma Baptists 2021 Annual Meeting Schedule >> STAFF

Page 10 | Church Toolbox Four things a new leader needs to know

/// SEE PAGE 7

>> ERIN IVEY

Follow the Baptist Messenger on social media!

To comment on articles, visit www.baptistmessenger.com

I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

ENDS NEWS & TR

& First person: Oklahoma going to pot?

SPORTS & T MISSIONS I S T RY TA I N M E N /// PREVIEWED M I N ON COVER

>> by Jeremy Smith

PASTOR, MIDWEST CITY, EAST WOOD; MEMBER OF OKLAHOMA ERLC COMMIT TEE

U.S. Interstate Highway 35 will forever be under construction. This reality was reinforced to me by my drive back from Falls Creek this summer. My GPS, in its infinite wisdom, chose to send me up State Highway 77.

As I was driving through the multitude of small towns, I saw a steeple rising from the trees. As I got closer, I saw the familiar red brick building that dots the plains of Oklahoma. I love seeing older church buildings, so I slowed down to take a look and see if I could catch the church’s name.

I admit that I was shocked as I got closer. I noticed that the expected white sign had been replaced with a green cross. Immediately I thought to myself, “This church has gone to pot!”

If you drive through any town, city or metropolitan area in our state, your eyes will be barraged with marijuana dispensaries. If it weren’t so serious, the frequency of these store fronts would be humorous. How often have you seen a strip mall with multiple dispensaries in it?

This explosion happened following the approval of SQ 788 on June 26, 2018—a vote which Baptists sought to sound a warning. While understanding the potential value of medical marijuana, our previous executive director-treasurer, Hance Dilbeck, I N E This O N Lconcern.” stated that this issueNwas a “major EW ENT E CONTleaders, concern is not just shared among LUSIVreligious EB-EXC W but was spoken about by business leaders, law enforcement agencies and medical experts.

Those within the medical field identify the potential harmful effects resulting from the increase in potency. Since the 1970s, new production processes have been implemented which increase the THC FO (tetrahydrocannabinol, IC theAchemical substance TION IN

PU B L

that creates the psychoactive effective) level in marijuana plants.

THC levels have increased from 4 percent in the 1990s to more than 15 percent today.

O L B OX T Ocan C H one The ease U Rwhich Hwith C attain a license is alarming. There is no standard required to attain one, only a willing physician to write a recommendation (not even a prescription). This minimal standard has allowed the growth of this industry, a level of Igrowth IEDS S F that A S states CallLother that outpaces allow any level of marijuana use, medical or recreational.

As of June of this year, Oklahoma had 1,936 dispensaries— more than California, which had 770. Oregon, Colorado and S Washington—theVstates O I C Ewith the third, fourth and fifth most dispensaries—combined have only 1,860. There are more marijuana dispensaries than Baptist churches in Oklahoma.

What can we do? We must acknowledge that people are turning to marijuana for a reason. Perhaps that former church building in that small town along Highway 77 is more telling than we might think. The decline of the church has left a void. A void that causes boredom, anxiety and seeking a heightened experience.

People will attempt to fill that void with whatever they can as they look for hope, purpose and satisfaction. We know that only the Gospel of Jesus Christ fills that emptiness. We, as Christians, have the answer for this industry. Rather than getting involved with a dangerous substance, we can point people to salvation.

Oklahoma Student Worship Choir Concert

6-7:30 p.m.

Broken Arrow, Florence Street oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

NOV 15

Pastors’ Conference

Oklahoma City, Southern Hills oklahomabaptists.org/pastors

NOV 15-16

Oklahoma Baptists Annual Meeting

Oklahoma City, Southern Hills oklahomabaptists.org/ annual-meeting

NOV 18-19

Oklahoma Youth Ministry Forum

Oklahoma City, Southern Hills skopos.org/forum

SIV WEB-EXCLU NOV 21

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Concert 6-7:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City, Cherokee Hills oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

NOV 28-DEC 5

Week of Prayer: Lottie Moon Christmas Offering imb.org/lmco

JAN 13

Singing Churchmen Concert 7-8:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City, Southern Hills oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

JAN 16-17

Youth Evangelism Conference

Falls Creek Conference Center oklahomabaptists.org/yec

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

2

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

LT U R E NE WS & CU

Oklahoma Baptist DR concludes work in La., plans to return to rebuild church CHRIS DOYLE | OCT 26

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) concluded eight weeks of recovery work in Louisiana after the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida. Oklahoma DR Director Don Williams said he is appreciative of how DR team members worked diligently in the affected areas, specifically in Houma, La.

EVENTS

Film depicts ‘unlikely’ conversion of C.S. Lewis TIMOTHY COCKES | NOV 2

A new film depicting the Christian conversion of author and apologist C.S. Lewis titled “The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis,” opened for a limited release in theaters Wednesday, Nov. 3.

Information such as showtimes and locations, can be found at cslewismovie.com

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

Yes, this law has failed us. However, law is always an external force. With all moral and ethical issues, the law may help, but true transformation is internal. Until a person experiences an internal transformation, he will continue to convince himself that what he is doing is working or will work. It is the nature of sin to convince people that destructive behaviors are helpful.

We, as the church, have something more to offer.

Perhaps, in years to come, we will see new churches open where dispensaries have closed. Perhaps these churches will be filled with people who finally, by the grace of God, found the answer for the emptiness in their lives. This can and will happen as we confront our culture and lovingly engage with people to point them to the Savior!

LINE

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS NOV 14

ENTER

N E W O NE CONTENT

WEB-EXCLU

SIV

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 07449518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112-6506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 40,221. 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 11, 2021 • Volume 110, Number 20.

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

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

Novmber 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

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

VOICES

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

Just Joe: Desitin in the dark need for an overnight stay, I also got the Walmart sack that I used for luggage. Gayla lounged around the room. In the midst of her lounging, she was tendOklahoma Baptists’ Interim Executive Director-Treasurer ing to Andrew, our first born, who was still just a little tyke, except for his head. He had a Ligon noggin. @marlowpreacher About the time Gayla and I were ready for bed, Andrew decided it was time to start the party. Actually what he started was a fight. We needed him to go to Not long after Gayla and I got married, her parents sleep. That was the last thing on his mind. We tried evmoved to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. They were erything. Nothing worked. If we had had some Benadgoing to teach school in the small town of LaFeria, ryl, we would have medicated him to sleep. (Don’t judge located between McAllen and Harlingen, Texas. me for that. You would have done the same thing.)

They were not running away from home. After all Finally, we made the decision we would just turn out they told us where they were going, and we actu- all of the lights in the room, be very quiet, and mayally helped them make that move. I just think they be, just maybe, Andrew would go to sleep. It worked. were satisfied that their daughter had married an ex- The problem was Gayla and I had not gotten ready ceptional and, might I add, humble man and decid- for bed. We didn’t want to turn the lights back on beed this was a great opportunity to get out of town. cause that could wake up the kid. So, we whispered to One of the cool things about my in-laws living in each other that we would just get ready for bed in the the Rio Grande Valley is it made it a pretty cheap pitch black room. It was decided I would go first. place to go on vacation when we couldn’t afford to I carefully made my way to the sink. I felt around go anywhere else. So we visited them often. It was the counter top until I found what I was sure was on one of those visits, actually on the return trip my toothbrush and what I was sure was toothpaste. from one of those visits, that it happened.

I squirted that on my toothbrush, inserted said Gayla and I decided to hang around her parents’ toothbrush into my mouth, took a couple of brushplace for the better part of the day before we start- es, and immediately realized that wasn’t toothed north. Our plan was to drive for a while, get a ho- paste that I had put on my toothbrush and inserted tel room for overnight and drive on back to Oklaho- into my mouth. ma the next day. It was a great plan.

It turned out to be a product called Desitin. You When we finally got tired of driving that evening, parents will know that’s what you smear on a bawe did indeed get a hotel room. As I struggled get- by’s bottom to heal up the diaper rash. So it was ting all of the luggage out of the car that Gayla would meant to go on the body not in the mouth.

Joe Ligon

The effect of that Desitin was immediate. In a second it literally sucked up all of the moisture in my mouth.

That meant I couldn’t spit it out. It was so slimy that I couldn’t ball it up with my tongue and swallow it.

I tried a drink of water from the sink. That just made the stuff even slicker and it coated the entire inside of my mouth. I tried digging at it with my finger but that just smeared it even more. For the life of me, I could not figure out how to get that stuff out of my mouth.

Gayla was no help. She was oblivious to the disaster that I was experiencing. When she finally walked over to me, she couldn’t see what was going on, and with a mouth full of Desitin I couldn’t explain it to her.

I am glad she couldn’t see because my mouth was so slick I couldn’t keep my tongue in my mouth. It just kept sliding right out every time I tried to talk. By the way, you can’t say the word Desitin with a mouth full of Desitin. Even though I was not trying to be funny, Gayla was not amused. And in a harsh whisper, she started telling me to quit fooling around before I woke up Andrew.

I just went to bed and sometime during the night my mouth overcame the Desitin. By the way, I haven’t had a case of the diaper rash since that eventful evening.

Jesus often warned us about the darkness. Things never work out well in the darkness. So the best thing for us to do is to keep the light on. I’m not just talking about a physical light. Instead, I am referring to a spiritual light.

Keeping the light on will go a long way in helping us not do what we should never do. And it will help us to see what we should be doing all along.

So keep that little light shining.

Sword & trowel: Oklahoma, from nice to vice?

Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

Do you recall that movie scene from “It’s A Wonderful Life,” when George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) is given a glimpse of what life would be like in his town of Bedford Falls, had he never lived.

To his horror, George finds himself in not-thenice place of Bedford Falls, but in Pottersville, a city marked by vice. He sees streets rampant with businesses/establishments thriving on vice, lust and greed.

For some Oklahomans who have lived in the Sooner State for decades, it seems like we have gone from a place more like Bedford Falls to a place more like Pottersville in just a matter of years.

Drive around your average city block, and what do you see? Decades ago, you would see a thriving church, a locally-owned bank, a diner and a nice school. Today, you probably see a marijuana dispensary, a casino and perhaps even a dying church.

In fact, the number of marijuana dispensaries in Oklahoma today now exceeds the number of Baptist churches in Oklahoma. There is no getting around the fact that Oklahoma is going from nice to vice. Yet rather than pine for the “good old days,” we must use this moment to reckon with at least two things.

First, we must remember that every generation had its own sins, shames and problems. As great as the 1950s were, racism and segregation were tragically widespread at the time. As wonderful as the 1980s were, the divorce and abortion rates were at heart-breaking highs. Indeed, no timespan is without vice, “for all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.”

Secondly, we recognize that what looks like mere vice and lostness to us should also look like opportunity for the Gospel. The Bible says, “Jesus went through

all the towns and villages.... When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.’” (Matt. 9:35-38).

Jesus is calling us to see a harvest. Do Christians need to push back against the growth of the vice economy in our state? Yes. Do Christians need to avoid these very vices and to warn our young people against the allure and emptiness of such activities? Again, yes. Do Christians need to take an active role in government leadership, to stem the tide of more vice industries taking over? Yes, yes, yes.

At the same time, we must remember that our primary call is to love and follow Jesus in faithfulness; to love our neighbors; and to share the Gospel, which overcomes darkness with light.

Then, and only then, will Oklahoma look a little more like heaven. Or at least look a little more like Bedford Falls. God help us…

Voices | November 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

3

ENDS NEWS & TR

I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

Rite of passage: call S P O R T S &Casting T N TA I N M E

& MISSIONS Y M I N I S T RWalker Moore

Author & Messenger columnist Email | moorewalker51@gmail.com @WalkerDeanMoore

O O L B OX CHURCH T It is about the time of year when churches begin planning their annual Christmas programs. Music has been selected, scripts have been written, and all that remains is casting the parts and starting rehearsals.

These programs have given us some of the best S members. For years, times in the lives Dfamily I Eour I F of S Ssons A our C L of both participated in the Living Christmas Tree at Tulsa, First. Year after year, they sang, danced and played various parts in presenting the story of Christ’s birth.

These Christmas programs have also given us some of the most embarrassing times of our lives. I can see many of you parents nodding your heads, E Syour child went off script, and remembering V O I Cwhen you were looking for the exit.

One year, after our boys had performed in front of tens of thousands of people, our family went home to Missouri to be with the rest of our family.

The small country church my wife grew up in had a Christmas program and asked our oldest son, Jeremiah, to take part by singing a solo. He had just sung “O Come Let Us Adore Him” for multiple performance over two weekends. He knew this song by heart, and we couldn’t wait for our parents to see their grandson perform.

The big night came, and our relatives and lifelong friends crowded into the church to see the city kid

ENTER

who had sung in front of thousands sing in their little church. This hymn Jeremiah was to sing is familiar to many: “O come, all ye faithful/ Joyful and triumphant/ O come ye, o come & L Ebehold O Pand ye to Bethlehem/ Come PE Him/ Born the King CofHangels/ OS NEW HUR Cadore come, let us Him/ O come, let us adore Him/ O come, let us adore Him/Christ the Lord.”

As the lights dimmed, Jeremiah began to sing. But as he neared the chorus, “O come, let us adore Him,” I R Eappeared could tell something wasC wrong.

U LTAUfrown W Shis & N Eand on his face, little eyes were communicating panic, but the show must go on. He sang, “O come, let us ignore Him/ O come, let us ignore him/ O come, let us ignore Him, Christ the Lord.”

He had forgotten the word “adore.” Since it didn’t come to mind, he looked for a similar-sounding word and found it. You can N U AtheLgiggles across the A Nimagine auditorium and the horror his Imom O I felt. This Fand Nchurch G N I T E E would be the last time our home asked our M children to participate in its Christmas program.

As I child, I hated the annual selection of parts for the Christmas program. I could have saved the leaders lots of time, since the parts were cast long before this date. Everyone knew who would play Mary—the cute little blonde girl with the curls and bubbly spirit. Joseph was the kid who, in six more years, would be captain of the football team. And the angels? These were the rest of the beautiful children. Those children who struggled with sitting still and were a bit more challenged in the listening department became sheep. And how was I cast?

I became the donkey Mary rode on.

I don’t know why, but I have always thought the donkey had an incredible role in the birth of Christ. Angels and sheep were a dime a dozen, but the donkey? Well, there was only one.

In our play, Mary never did ride on my back, but I walked alongside her and Joseph as they discussed where they were going to spend the night. As they went from place to place, they heard the same phrase repeated, “There’s no room in the inn.”

The young couple had to take me to a stable for the night. And there in the stable, the miracles of all miracles: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

That evening, the closest ones to the miracle were Joseph, Mary and a donkey. The angels were out singing in the sky, the sheep were bedded down for the night, and where was I? Right in the middle of the action.

The three of us became the four of us. I would be the one they would ride on as they stepped out into the first sunlight, presenting the Savior of the world. I would be the one who would carry Him throughout his childhood.

Yes, what the world had deemed as the least important part, I didn’t see the same way. Each night, I would be the closest to Jesus, and do you want to know something? That part—being the closest to Him—is a role I have always wanted.

The Pastors’ Conference: It’s good Gospel fun!

Nick Atyia President of 2021 Oklahoma Baptists Pastors’ Conference; Pastor, Seminole, First

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.” I love this quote because of its simplicity of thought.

I, like many of you, have been to many conferences over the years—some good, some not so good. At each of those gatherings, there were topics, missions, personalities or resources I was interested in. Some kind of currency for the soul or the mind, if you will. I probably cannot recall all of the conferences I have been to, nor could I recall all of the messages I have listened to. Some stand out, but it is rare.

I cannot recall all of the books I have read. Again, some stand out, but it is rare. What I can tell you is that my soul has been encouraged, my life has been enriched and my fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ has brought blessings each time I gather with people I know, in a state I love, to hear the Word of the Lord preached from a Gospel that changed my life. That happens every year at the Pastors Conference, not just for me, but also for many in my Oklahoma Gospel family.

The Pastors’ Conference will have fellowship On Nov. 15, at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills, we will have great fellowship. After 20 months of pandemic chaos, we get to join with our Oklahoma Gospel family to laugh, hug, share stories with old friends and make new friends.

Paul writes to the church in Ephesus and celebrates the spiritual condition now afforded to the saints because of Christ. He says, “So then you are no longer

4

strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19).

What a great promise we have in the Gospel! We belong to God, and we belong to each other. We are not strangers to God, and we are not strangers to each other. Happy are the people of God when they can come together for fellowship.

The Pastors’ Conference will have faithful preaching There is no doubt that this year God has blessed us with men who love the Word of the Lord, and can handle the preaching of His Word with great integrity.

I pray I never come to think that I can graduate mentally or spiritually from sitting under good preaching.

Until Jesus comes back or my mortal body ends, may I never stop learning and growing by the preaching of the Word. This year’s theme, “From Whom All Blessings Flow,” is sure to draw our hearts into worship and celebration as we think richly about who God is and what He has done.

I so love what the Lord’s prophet Isaiah says to us, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to being good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort those who mourn, to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair.

November 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the Lord to glorify him” (Isa. 61: 1-3).

In the “Year of Jubilee,” the messenger of the Lord speaks. He brings a Word from the Lord. He speaks words of encouragement, freedom, joy, celebration, remembrance and future hope. All built on the promises of God by His grace and fulfilled by His Son, Jesus Christ.

I look forward to the faithful preaching from these faithful men on Nov. 15. I trust the Lord will give us encouragement, joy, remembrance and future hope as we hear from Him by way of His Word proclaimed.

The Pastors’ Conference will be fun That’s right, it’s going to be fun. For the reasons already mentioned, it will be fun. See you there!

Visit baptistmessenger.com for more information on the Pastors’ Conference.

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

CrossTimbers hygiene kit mission project impacts homeless >> by Chris Forbes

1

STAFF WRITER

TULSA—A hands-on missions activity for summer campers at CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp is making an impact in the lives of inner-city homeless people in Tulsa.

Tulsa, Living Hope church members were able to serve their community with the help of CrossTimbers campers during the recent Serve Tour Tulsa, Oct. 15-16.

Last summer, Camp director Charlie Gatton and his team at CrossTimbers created a project that would give the kids some hands-on missions experience.

“We thought, we could talk about service, or actually do service,” Gatton said. ”Take home crafts are fun, but it’s good to let the kids create something that helps others in a tangible way.”

Campers at CrossTimbers packed gallon-sized Ziploc bags, making hygiene kits with personal items, including deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothpaste and clean socks. The goal was to pass kits on to ministries that reach out to the homeless.

“Altogether, over the summer weeks of children’s camp, the children created about 4,500 hygiene kits,” Gatton reported.

Fast forward to Fall Break 2021 at the Serve Tour Tulsa, members of Tulsa, Living Hope took to the streets and distributed these helpful personal items along with other items the church collected (more hygiene items, nonperishable food, etc.) all placed in backpacks donated by Southern Baptists through Send Relief.

Living Hope, located on South Rosedale Avenue in Tulsa, is the gathering point for three ethnic congrega-

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

CLASSIFIE

1) CrossTimbers campers made hygiene kits that were offered to homeless during Serve Tour Tulsa; 2) Members of Tulsa, Living Hope distributed the kits, as well as other items, in backpacks as a way to reach out to the homeless.

tions that share the same building.

They also have a shared Iministry CES VO to the area’s homeless population.

Pastor Bo Holland explained the three congregations share a regular ministry to the homeless that distributes meals and backpacks with personal items that help meet the needs of the homeless people who live near the church.

“Some of the greatest people you meet are homeless and in need. Helping our friends in need is a high priority for our ministry,” Holland said.

“Our congregation started in August collecting hygiene items for our friends in need with the goal of having enough to give out on October 17th our ‘Backpack Sunday,’” Holland said.

Holland said the kits from CrossTimbers enabled the church members to become a blessing to others.

“We were struggling to get enough items until we received a call, offering us these great bags that CrossTimbers campers had put together,” Holland said.

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

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

“Our members and ministry leaders were so excited.!

I had been telling them that if we would be faithful, God would provide.”

Serving the community, Holland said, has helped members of Living Hope become more involved with the church and experience spiritual growth.

“Our members are growing so much in their faith and their trust in God,” he said. “These hygiene packs coming at the right time was a great encouragement.

Our friends in need were so grateful for the items especially since winter is coming. Having items like the hygiene packs along with other needed items put a smile on their face and hope in their lives.”

Sending children to CrossTimbers in the summer can help the homeless in the winter. This is one of the many ways Oklahoma Baptists are working together to advance the Gospel.

Sam’s Best Buys variety store Winter Wear for Family and Workers

I OPPORTUN

On-going opportunities for volunteers:

LT U R E NE WS & CU

DS

>> PHOTOS: PROVIDED

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES OKLAHOMA

2

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

Visit okdisasterhelp.org/volunteertraining for the most recent information on training sessions and registration.

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 pjones@ oklahomabaptists.org

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Scott Morie

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Michael Wilson

Scott is director of missions in Cimarron Association. He ministers among the pastors and other ministry leaders in the association’s 53 churches “to encourage and equip our members to advance the Gospel.”

Michael is pastor of Oklahoma City, Oikos. He shepherds the families involved with the mission of Oikos Church which, he says, is “to see the Gospel back in the home.” He and his wife Laura have four youngsters.

Winter Clothes & Gear for workers

Ski gear & Head Gear available 2409 S. AGNEW AVE. 73108 OKC, ok OPEN tues. - SAT. 9AM to 5:30 PM Closed SUN. & Mon. (405) 636-1486

Get your message out there.

Advertise with us.

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

75% Read all or most of the content.

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

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

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

Missions & ministry | November 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

5

Messenger exclusive interview with Todd Fisher /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Staff The Baptist Messenger recently interviewed Todd Fisher, who is poised to become the next executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists.

Messenger: Thank you for joining us today, and congratulations on being selected to serve Oklahoma Baptists! To start, can you tell us about your family?

Fisher: My wife’s name is Jamy, and we have been married 27 years. She is from Ponca City, and we met at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU). Jamy leads the women’s ministry at Shawnee, Immanuel, where I’ve been pastor since 2003. Jamy teaches a women’s Bible study on Tuesday mornings for our church and community.

Our oldest child is Zach. He married his wife Cassidy—both are OBU grads—last December, and they live in Garber, where Zach is the band director for Garber Schools. Our middle child is Carly. She is a junior at Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss., studying interpersonal communications. Our youngest child is Anna who is in the eighth grade.

Messenger: Where have you served in ministry?

Fisher: My first staff position was at Weleetka, First in 1989 as the youth minister. About two months after I started, the pastor resigned, and it turned out that, for the year I was there, I ended up serving as the interim pastor. I left the church when they called a pastor, so that I could preach across Oklahoma as an OBU student representing the school. In 1991, I started as the interim pastor at Bethel Acres, Hopewell, while still a senior at OBU. They called me as pastor, and I served there until 1994. From 1994-1997, I served as the pastor of Wellston, First, and then as pastor of Oklahoma City, Highland Hills from 19972003. And again, I have been serving as the pastor of Shawnee, Immanuel since 2003.

Messenger: Please tell us about your salvation experience.

Fisher: I came to faith in Christ when I was 14 years old. I became friends with a classmate whose father was a pastor, and he consistently invited me to church and shared about the Lord with me.

Sports was everything to me at that age, so one night I watched a TV show that had advertised that a famous athlete would be a guest. I watched the show, and the athlete presented a very clear presentation of the Gospel. God used the testimony of the athlete, as well as my friend, to show me my need to repent of my sin and follow Him in faith. At the conclusion of the TV show, I knelt next to my bed and committed my life to Jesus.

Messenger: Did you grow up as a Southern Baptist?

Fisher: I did not grow up going to church until I became a Christian at age 14. I immediately went to church with my friend whose father was the pastor and went forward to make my commitment to Christ public and join the church. That church was Fort Worth, Texas, North Fort Worth, where I was baptized and got very involved in the youth group and life of the church. At the age of 16, I sensed God calling me into vocational ministry, and in my senior year of high school, at age 18, knew that God was calling me to pastor a church. I came to OBU as a freshman to prepare myself for God’s call on my life to ministry.

Messenger: What sports teams do you follow most closely?

Fisher: Growing up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I am naturally a fan of the professional sports teams from there, but most of all I’m a huge Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers fan. Many of my best childhood memories are my brother taking me to their games. And of course, I’m an avid OBU Bison fan!

Messenger: What podcasts do you listen to?

Fisher: The Briefing with Albert Mohler, 5 Minutes in Church History, Cold Case Christianity, The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and of course Messenger Insight Podcasts!

Messenger: What are some of your personal favorite books of the Bible? In addition to the Bible, what books do you like or are important to you?

Fisher: I love Ephesians for the rich theology and practical application. Some of my favorite books to preach through have been Ecclesiastes, John and Hebrews.

Books that have been important to me are expository commentaries, books on preaching (The Imperative of Preaching by John Carrick and Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell to name two), books on hermeneutics such as The Gagging of God

by D.A. Carson, and works of theology such as The Cross of Christ by John Stott. I also value biographies on Christian leaders and pastoral leadership.

Messenger: Who has inspired you in your life and ministry and why?

Fisher: Tom Wilks was my major professor at OBU and taught me a great deal about the practicalities of pastoring a local church. Dr. Wilks gave me a positive outlook about the church, people and ministry that helped give me a solid start in being a pastor. I would also add James Montgomery Boice, who was the topic of my dissertation. I learned a great deal about the value of expository preaching and how to do it from his sermons and books. His convictional stance for the inerrancy of the Bible and its doctrines in the face of strong opposition from his own denomination have been educational and inspirational to me.

Messenger: Can you talk about how the Lord led you to this call of becoming Oklahoma Baptists’ executive director-treasurer?

Fisher: All of this has taken me by surprise. I was not seeking this position, nor did I have aspirations for it. I was very happy in Shawnee pastoring at Immanuel and teaching at OBU. However, as many in our state contacted me, hoping I would be willing to be considered for the job and as the search committee asked me to do the same, I began praying about the possibility. Through my time in prayer, visiting with others and participating in the search committee’s thorough process, it became clear to me that God was leading me to this new role to use my pastoral experience and background to serve

Oklahoma Baptists and the denomination I love.

Messenger: What are some unique opportunities you see for Oklahoma Baptists?

Fisher: Oklahoma Baptists, through our unity around the message and mission God has given us, are poised to be an example to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) of how a state convention of churches can work together to make a strong impact for the Kingdom of God in our communities, nation and the world.

Oklahoma Baptists can help lead the way in things such as mission partnerships, church planting, church revitalization, identifying and equipping those called to ministry and strategies for taking the unchanging truth of God’s Word to a rapidly changing culture. As a state convention, we have the opportunity to continue to come alongside our pastors, churches and associations to encourage them and partner with them in their ministries and to value the important contribution every church in our state makes toward Kingdom work.

Messenger: What are some challenges and opportunities that Southern Baptists as a whole have?

Fisher: The SBC is obviously facing a number of substantial challenges today that are dividing and distracting us as a convention. These include the challenges of understanding our identity, polity and caring for all people biblically, transparently and compassionately.

A strong commitment to the message (the Word of God) which frames our mission (the Great Commission) as our highest priority in terms of our identity as Southern Baptists is needed to refocus us as a denomination. We must be clear that our Baptist polity sees the local church as the fundamental means through which God carries out the message and mission. As such, the SBC is a bottom-up, not top-down, organization where the church under the lordship of Jesus holds authority over the convention.

Additionally, the framework through which we view and treat all people must be rooted in Scripture, selfless and compassionate. It must befit the model that Jesus gave us through his life and our desire to see all people redeemed and transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Messenger: How can Oklahoma Baptists pray for you?

Fisher: I would greatly appreciate Oklahoma Baptists praying for me and my family as we make the transition to this new role and moving to Oklahoma City. Leaving the pastorate will be difficult in many respects, but I am excited for this new work.

Please pray for me to have wisdom, discernment, humility, fruitfulness and above all be Christ-focused in my personal and professional life.

Messenger: Thank for taking time with us, Dr. Fisher, and we pray God’s blessings on you and your whole family.

Messenger: What are your hobbies?

Fisher: I usually go for a run most mornings and enjoy working outside on the lawn and running the chainsaw. I also enjoy playing golf with my son when we can and watching sports of all kinds. One of my favorite “hobbies” is teaching classes for OBU and supervising doctoral students at Southern Seminary.

6

November 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED Todd

Fisher and Family. From left to Right: Cassidy (daughter -in-law), Zach (son), Todd, Jamy, Carly (daughter), Anna (daughter)

IMB desires more churches support Lottie Moon Christmas Offering /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

Paul Chitwood has made his passions known. The president of the International Mission Board (IMB) wants to send out more missionaries and reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is always at the heart of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO), the annual giving promoted through Southern Baptists to support IMB’s mission work around the world. This year, though, Chitwood hopes to see more churches become connected to missionaries and understand the urgent need to reach the nations with the Gospel.

“We want to see every missionary connecting, every church participating and all of us stewarding well the Revelation 7:9 vision,” Chitwood said.

In a letter sent to Southern Baptist pastors, Chitwood emphasized IMB’s desire to “engage Southern Baptist churches more so than at any point in our history.” He then introduced IMB’s new Church Connections strategy.

“By December,” Chitwood wrote, “every church in the Southern Baptist Convention will be assigned an IMB missionary. For that to happen, every missionary unit will be assigned a portfolio of 20 churches. The missionary’s job is to find the church, make contact with the church, thank the church and build a partnership with the church to help that church grow in its commitment to our cooperative mission efforts.”

1

2 W E R E A C H T H E N AT I O N S 2021 GOAL

$185 million

IMB.ORG/GENEROSITY Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® is a registered trademark of WMU®

>> PHOTO: IMB.ORG

1) IMB President Paul Chitwood, center in blue shirt, walks with an

IMB team leader and a Cuban global missionary partner; 2) The goal of the 2021 LotThrough Church Connectie Moon Christmas Offering is $185 million, increasing last year’s giving by 6 percent. tions, Chitwood and IMB hope this will help reach the goal of $185 million given to LMCO. dren to actively participate in the task of praying for The goal is an increase from the 2020 goal and is in missionaries and to raise their awareness of God’s keeping with one of IMB’s 2025 targets to increase work around the world. giving to the IMB by 6 percent annually.

Materials for LMCO and for the Week of Prayer are Supporting LMCO this year begins with a Week of provided in English, Korean, Spanish and Chinese.

Prayer, Nov. 28-Dec. 5, and downloadable resourc- Posters, prayer guides and offering envelopes are es are available now on IMB’s website—imb.org/ also provided through Oklahoma Baptists missions weekofprayer. In addition to stories, full-color pho- and women’s office. Email surton@oklahomabaptists. tos and videos, IMB is offering social media graph- org with requests. ics, promotional materials, presentation graphics, “We can’t do it without you and your church,” poster, display banner and bulletin insert.

Chitwood wrote. “Thank you in advance for your This year, IMB will also provide a children’s vid- support of the work we do at the IMB over the next eo and activity page for each day of the Week of year. We’re grateful for your fervent prayer and Prayer. These resources are designed to invite chil- generosity.”

Owasso ministry meets needs while changing hearts /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

OWASSO—An Oklahoma Baptist church is setting a high standard in caring for their community though a mission center that meets the physical and emotional needs of people as an opportunity for advancing the Gospel.

Owasso, First began the ministry 15 years ago when members of the church began taking initiatives to meet needs they identified in their community. Today the ministry has grown into one of the largest feeding and humanitarian needs ministries in the state.

Working under the name “theMission,” the ministry’s mission is stated on their website “to offer hope, relationships and support for 1 our neighbors.” theMission is located on North Garnett Road in Owasso and continues the original vision of the church members by providing donated food, clothing, furniture and a variety of ministry services to clients.

Brennan Fulton, director of theMission, explained how the center grew from its humble beginnings.

“Originally called ‘Mission Owasso,’ the ministry started a little over 15 years ago,” Fulton said. “It began when some church members saw some needs in our community and felt a strong conviction that they needed to meet those needs through our church. Initially, they began by meeting with people in the church parking lot, providing donated items collected and distributed out of the trunks of their cars.

“Someone would hear that their friend had a need, and they would call each other and work to meet those needs,” Fulton continued. “They would use that as a platform to share the Gospel and to pray with people as a way to share the love of Christ.”

Eventually, theMission moved into a 1,200 square foot location off of Main Street in downtown Owasso. It was a storefront operation with about a third of the space dedicated to interaction with the public. There was a small office space to meet with clients, and the rest of the space served as an area for sorting and storing donations.

“They were able to expand their ability to meet needs from that location, offering more clothing items, and they recognized the need to be able to help people with food insecurity in our communi-

ty,” Fulton said. “This was a help for senior 2 adults, but also families that were struggling to make ends meet. When people would come in and get food, church volunteers would pray with them, laugh with them and joke with them and just try to build relationships and share the Gospel.”

When Chris Wall became pastor of Owasso, First in 2012, he had an even greater vision for theMission. Fulton said the center had a major surge in community outreach.

“Pastor Wall led our church to invest heavily into expanding the center through a ($2 million dollar) >> PHOTO: PROVIDED 1) Kathy Henry serves as grocery store lead at theMission; 2) David Burchette, left, and Hose Korhuniak serve in capital campaign to build a the warehouse, receiving and sorting donations and food orders. new 10,000 square foot center,” Fulton said.

The Mission Owasso “We share the Gospel with everyone who comes center was one of the things through theMission,” Wall said. “We sit down with that first attracted Wall to be- them one-on-one.” come pastor of the church.

Pam, a client of theMission, explained how she “When I heard that this was helped by the ministry. church was doing communi“I had moved out on my own, after a divorce,” she ty ministry, I thought, ‘Oh my said. “I could pay my bills, but I could not afford food. goodness, I would love to be the I got a pamphlet that listed places I could go to get pastor of that church,’” Wall said. “It help. I came to theMission. When I first walked into drew me to the church. I wanted to theMission, I was scared. I was embarrassed. I have jump in with that ministry.” never had to have someone help me. Everything Wall had a vision to expand the minis- they do for you is out of love. They made me feel not try center, rebranding it as theMission. scared, that it was okay to be there to ask for help.”

“I felt we needed to take the ministry to a new As Pam continued to be served by theMission, she level,” he said. “We bought 10 acres of land, three began to reach out to the ministry with other needs. and a half miles northwest of our church and built “I had been having some rough days,” Pam extheMission to be the helping arm of our church. We plained. “Miss Judy (a worker in the ministry) gave are now the one of largest feeding centers in north- me a pamphlet that had Susan Cook’s name and east Oklahoma—and we are just one church! God phone number on it. I don’t know why, but I put has allowed us to serve the rural communities sur- that number in my phone. rounding Owasso as well.”

“I had another bad day that put me into tears for The household impact of theMission in 2020, Ful- two days. I contacted Susan late one Friday night beton reported, stated that 2,269 households were cause I needed someone to talk to. We texted back served, representing 4,985 individuals. and forth, and that Sunday I went to church. The lady “Our 2021 year-to-date household impact con- at the door (a church greeter) took me to Susan, and tinues, serving 1,629 households which represents Miss Judy was standing there waiting on me.

4,100 individuals,” Fulton said. “(theMission) led me back to church,” Pam continPeople who come for help at theMission are in- ued. “That night after falling apart, I knew what was terviewed and assessed for their needs. This helps missing, and God told me to reach out to Susan. the ministry know how to best serve the clients It was the best decision I could have ever made, who come to the center. An important part of the reaching out to these ladies for support.” ministry is to help people understand their spiritual To learn more about theMission visit fbcowasso. need for a Savior. org/themission.

Features | November 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

7

115TH ANNUAL A N N U A LMEETING

ES V O I CONE THEME:

INFO E T I N GBaptists M EOklahoma

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Southern Hills Baptist Church, Oklahoma City November 15-16, 2021

Don’t miss any Oklahoma Baptists’ Annual Meeting news!

MICHAEL BUTLER, President JASON YARBROUGH, First Vice President

Follow the latest reports and posts through social media.

Oklahoma Baptists @oklahomabaptists

Oklahoma Baptists 2021 Annual Meeting schedule TUESDAY MORNING

MONDAY EVENING Michael Butler, Presiding

6:30

Call to Order

TUESDAY AFTERNOON Michael Butler, Presiding

Jason Yarbrough, Presiding

Michael Butler

9:00

Greetings from Host Pastor

Call to Order Worship in Song

Jason Yarbrough

James Swain

6:45

Scripture Prayer

Brayden Buss

Recognition of Special Guests Business Session

Ryan Goodman

BVC Report

Bill Pierce

9:20

OBU Report

Heath Thomas

Michael Butler

“One” Campaign Alan Quigley Business Session Michael Butler Report of Board of Directors

Report of Credentials Committee Nick Johnson

6:50

Introduction of Dr. Todd Fisher Michael Staton

10:10

Election of Officers Call to Prayer

Michael Butler

10:25

Worship in Song

7:30

Prayer of Consecration Presentations Theme Interpretation

7:35

Worship in Song

8:00

Executive Director-Treasurer’s Address

Michael Butler

10:30 President’s Address 11:00 Closing Prayer

Closing Prayer

1:45 2:00

Call to Prayer OBHC Report

Greg McNeece

2:10

WatersEdge Report

Robert Kellogg

2:20

Business Session Election of Officers

Michael Butler

Bob Nigh Todd Fisher

Michael Butler

Russell Duck

Report of the Resolutions Committee

Ray Griffin Owen Nease

Michael Butler

Miscellaneous Business

Todd Fisher Xavier Abraham &

2:50

Worship in Song

Group

2:55

Annual Sermon

3:25

Alternate Jeremy Smith Recognition of Outgoing Officers & Presentation of Newly Elected Officers

Michael Butler Marlon Coleman

Todd Fisher

Brady Paul Charlie Blount

Todd Fisher

3:30

Closing Prayer

OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/ANNUAL-MEETING

The culture is changing & legal challenges are increasing

IS YOUR CHURCH LEGALLY PREPARED?

DON'T NAVIGATE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM LEGAL ISSUES ALONE. JOIN ADF CHURCH ALLIANCE. Get practical and affordable religious freedom legal help so your church can operate, preach, and minister freely.

Learn more at ADFChurchAlliance.org/Oklahoma Use the code OKBaptist20 for a 20% discount

ADFChurchAlliance.org/Oklahoma

8

Mike Lehew

Distinguished Service Award

Report of the Nominating Committee

“One” Choir

Julio Crespo

Brady Paul Bradley O’Dell

1:40

Todd Fisher

8:30

Michael Butler

Todd Fisher

Charge to Todd Fisher & Messengers Nick Johnson

Scripture Prayer

Financial Plan Presentation

Installation of Executive Director-Treasurer

Vote by Messengers

Worship in Song

Gary Lillie

9:10 9:30 9:50

Appointment of Committees

Call to Order

Group

Erin Guleserian

Prayer

1:30

Xavier Abraham &

Douglas Melton

Scripture

@OklahomaBaptists

November 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

Amy Petersen

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

O L B OX O T H C R U CH

Committees to serve D S Oklahoma Baptists W S & C U LT U R E CLASSIFIE NE The following persons were appointed to serve on various committees for the 115th Annual Meeting at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills, on Nov. 15-16.

Credentials Committee Nick Johnson, chairman, Lindsay, First; Trevor Bulls, Boise City, First; Erin GuleseOICES VShawnee, rian, Immanuel; Luke Holmes, Tishomingo, First; Jordy McKaskle, Marlow, First; Tony Rhone, Shawnee, Galilee; Julie Towery, Sentinel, First Nominating Committee Ray Griffin, chairman, Oklahoma City, Quail Springs; Yanet Arauz, Oklahoma City, Rancho Village Hispanic; Priscilla Arneecher, Tahlequah, Elm Tree; Jacob Bice, Tulsa, Memorial; Curtis Erwin, Elgin, Crossroads; Manita Forney, Tulsa, New Joy Fellowship; Bryan Gilbert, Oklahoma City, Brookwood; Misael Gonzalez, Owasso, First; Chris Hagar, Kingfisher, First; Nathan Howard, Prague, Pleasant Home; Courtney Ingram, Oklahoma City, Emmaus; Lauren McAfee, Bethany, Council Road; Leah Peters, Claremore, First; Nathan Presley, Newcastle, First; Craig Towery, Sentinel, First

EWS CHURCH N CHURCH STAFF CHANGES TOMMY MOSHER is interim pastor of Dover, First.

HARVEY SPARKS is pastor of Oklahoma City, Portland OMA H Avenue.

A L K O E H TCONGREGATIONAL H NEWS IVE C R A T S I T NEW CONGREGATION. Lexington, Acts 2 is now meetBAP ing. Greg Mack is pastor.

COMING EVENT NOV. 12. The organization Celebration of the Bible is hosting an “Evening of Artistic Expression” at Oklahoma City, Frontline, 7-8:30 p.m. The event will feature the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus and other Oklahoma Baptists, including Jami Smith and Michael McAfee.

This is a free gathering, but registration is requested by visiting cotb2019.eventbrite.com. For more information on Celebration of the Bible visit their Facebook page or email bibleokc@gmail.com.

Resolutions Committee Owen Nease, chairman, Oklahoma N UA L A NOklahoma City, Emmaus; Don Burton, City, Calvary Missionary; E Vern NG INFO ICharette, T E M Coweta, First; Dale Rolland, Tulsa, Concord; Matt Spann, Enid, Emmanuel; Michael Staton, Mustang, First; Troy Taylor, Lawton, First East; Pablo Villa, Oklahoma City, Southern Hills; Marlene West, Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills Tellers Committee Bentley Hill, chairman, Poteau, Southside; Lynn Bellamy, Anadarko, First; Richard Forney, Tulsa, New Joy Fellowship; Nathan Howard, Prague, First; Jess Jones, Piney; Mike Murray, Tahlequah, First; Donnie Scott, Laverne, First

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

Generation Impact

Approximately 120 students and young adults from 10 churches gathered at the Generation Impact Conference held October 23 at Southern Hills, OKC to hear encouraging messages and learn about opportunities for reaching the next generation of Hispanics in Oklahoma and beyond.

>> PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM

Oklahoma Baptists enjoy Halloween alternatives

Fall Festivals and Trunck-or-Treat events were observed throughout the state, Oct. 31, as Oklahoma Baptist churches their communities. Featured U O Kwelcomed SUD above is Warner, First’s Fall Festival on Oct. 30.

>> PHOTO: CHRIS FORBES

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.

H

L

I

Z O L F K

>> PHOTO: CLINTON SINCLAIR

OBU crowns Harvest Court during Homecoming Halftime Oct. 23

Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) announced the 2022 Harvest Court winners during halftime of its Oct. 23 football game.

Pictured, from left, are OBU President Heath A. Thomas; Evelyn Griffin, most servant-like female; Jackson Winn, most servant-like male; Avery Miller, harvest queen; Noah DeMoss, harvest king; Caleb Dyer, best allaround male; Emma Lang, best all-around female; and OBU First Lady Jill Thomas.

J

K

N E

G A

C D S Y

E

I

H O U S

E

I

O R S

R V

F

T

Z W L

E

S

G H B

D S

D E

Z P

R

F Q Y

T N U

Z H

T C E

J

T

O G U C K

L M A

L

W L

T H S M M N W O X M Q F H

T D K

O X

G T P

Y

D P

N

T B

A

B

E

E

Q E W F G U W C K

O A

S W S W E

V

L

J

I

P

J M

I

S

L W

I

I

P

X N Y

B

I

Y

A

F V

K

L

A

N O

T

F O R M W W Z Q O N I

J

Z G R V

L

H

I

C

T G Y

T G T U W Q E

E

C V

S

O

T

U D G L

I

A

J W E

M U V

H S

J

O T N A

D H Y

A

C

T

R

T A

S

Z M A

T

Y

Y

K

K

I

O K

E

E

E

F

L

T O W D N O C G D D A M O A

Y

G Y

U B

J

E

L

O S

V

F

V

N

I

L

E W V

P

N

B

F G K

J

G D

Baptist Baptist

I

R N D M T N W

I

N

I

A

P M M G T

O V

E

K

Y

T

X R Q Q V

F

T B

H

J

S

H N A

Donations Campaign Capital Campaign Friday Fulton Feeding Garnett Capital Friday Mission Love Ministry Clients Fulton Platform Sunday Vision Community Garnett

I

I

D C A Z

X

P

M

I

D S

O P

T

I

N A

P

G X

O F E

Gospel Clients Help Gospel Households Neighbors Individuals Wall Love

E

T O V D

I

I

I

F G R N S

N U M M O C Q F A

O

Y

P

L

I

T D Y

X D Q G

Y

N K

F G O S

L

A

R Y

I

Q H

E

O N D

L

I

E

A

H

C S

S

T Q P

P

C A

R N E D

T

H O L

I

I

A

F G B

B W M D N V

N G E

U R P

T

Ministry Community

Pamphlet Donations Feeding Mission Platform Help Households Individuals Neighbors OwassoSundayPamphlet Oklahoma Oklahoma Vision Owasso Wall

People & Church News | November 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

9

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

O O L B OX CHURCH T

Four things a new leader DS CLASSIFIE needs to know

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

N

THERE’S STILL A SNAKE IN YOUR HOUSE

>> by Erin Ivey

V E S AY SA N N U A L A D My wife hates snakes.

INFO I N Genough E Taren’t M EThere Actually, that’s an understatement. >> RYAN SMITH

LIFEWAY WRITER

VOICES

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was previously featured on adultministry. lifeway.com

Leading a group for the first time can be scary and exciting. Every good small group leader has been there and learned from the experiences that allowed them >> PHOTO: NICK MORRISON ON UNSPLASH to blossom into an experienced leader.

There are four important things to know and do before your very first group meeting: that you need time to answer it after you do 1. Preparation is key some more digging. No one expects a first This may sound obvious, but it’s still one time leader to know all the answers. It’s imof the most important things you can do as portant to remember that you are learning a leader. Be as detailed as you feel you need and growing in your faith and Biblical literto be to be able to present the material, Scrip- acy as you lead your group. And acknowlture, and anecdotes to your group in a way edging that fact publicly to your group can that will be conversational and approachable. be a powerful leadership moment.

Dig into commentary, maps, leader guides, 4. Study how to become a great small podcasts and anything else you can find to group leader study that passage or topic from all angles.

If this is your first time in any leader2. Be OK with silence ship role, then you might feel more nerIn my opinion, this has got to be the vous than others who are initially leadhardest part of leading a group. Silence is ing a group. You can take advantage of a natural part of almost every group dis- this opportunity by reading blogs and liscussion, and oftentimes, it’s a good thing. tening to podcasts on how to be a great Your group may be silent as they think of small group leader. We have a robust an answer to a question, or it could be be- group leadership category (adultministry. cause they aren’t comfortable answering lifeway.com/category/group-leadership) in that setting. Either way, it allows you to on our blog, including countless posts on give yourself time to rethink the question or how to become a great leader. ask another follow-up question. Silence can Another great tool would be to listen to give you time to reevaluate the progression the Group Answers podcast (podcasts.apple. of the lesson and think of ways to pivot con- com/us/podcast/adult-ministry/id1002612206) T H E our hosts speak to leaders to learn F R O Mwhere versation if need be.

O Gtricks for their ministries and E R StipsB Land 3. It’s OK to not know an answer D S L I N Gtheir R O W This is a scenario that every single group groups. A new episode is released each week leader has found themselves in. You’ve to resource, train and encourage small group done all the prep work that you felt you leaders. needed and asked all the right questions, Just remember that you are not alone in this but a group member asks a question you endeavor of group leadership. You have been weren’t prepared to answer. It’s okay to not called to do this and should pray for the Lord know the answer. I would argue that it’sE to AY Sthrough you during your group time.

Sspeak V A D better to be a humble leader by acknowl- No one expects perfection from you, so don’t edging that it’s a great question and stating put that pressure on yourself.

CAPS LOCK keys in the world to express in writing how much my wife, a true daughter of Eve, detests G E R S those slithN I L S D ering dirt-lickers.

R O W S baby, but A few days ago, my wife found a snake P T I S(aTtiny A BA H O MImmediately L Ahouse. still a snake)O inKour I was GH Tcalled to atI L H IG H E C tention andR ran URgarage to get a weapon. As I was E StoOthe standing above the snake with shovel in hand, our two young kids ran into the room to see the sight. Our kids are still at the age where they think animals sing songs and S S AY V EI would fall in love, so the idea murder a ‘defenseless’ D Athat creature in our own home was anathema.

My wife wanted a corpse. My kids wanted a pet.

Adam and Eve often get a bad rap, and rightfully so, for listening to Satan in the garden of Eden. Rather than embrace their God-given roles and design, our forbearers S authoriI S TGod’s chose to listen to the voice them APT A Btold H O Mthat A L K O T ty was oppressive. They entertained suggestion that IGH IG H Lthe H E C R U O S E God was smothering with His expectations, directives R and prohibition.

To read the rest of Ryan’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/blog-theres-still-aG snake-in-your-house ART GIVIN

SM

To read more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

AGE-ADVANTAGED GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

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

W E R E A C H T H E N AT I O N S 2021 G OA L

$185 million

IMB.ORG/GENEROSITY Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® is a registered trademark of WMU®

LOT T I E M O O N C H R I S TM A S O FFE R I N G

O K L AH O M A BAP T I S T D I SA S T E R R E LI E F

For promotional materials, presentation graphics, posters, display banners and bulletin inserts, visit the following website:

For information on training and qualifications to serve as a Disaster Relief team member, or to donate to Disaster Relief, visit the following website:

imb.org/lmco

okdisasterhelp.org

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

10

November 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

Some things just get better with age, and thanks to special tax and income incentives unique to 2021, charitable giving also falls into that category this year. Senior adults are eligible to CHRISTA ROGERS, WATERSEDGE VICE reap additional advantages when making PRESIDENT OF CLIENT ENGAGEMENT certain types of donations, like a charitable distribution from an IRA. Charitable gift annuities are another excellent giving solution for seniors. While both options are relatively simple, they each take time to process and should be initiated several weeks before year end to ensure tax benefits apply to the current year.

• IRA Charitable Rollover Required minimum distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) were waived in 2020 but are again mandatory for 2021.

If you are age 70 ½ or older, you can make donations directly to ministry from your IRA. These gifts are known as qualified charitable distributions (QCD). This can reduce your future taxable income and lower the tax liability for the account’s beneficiaries following your death.

Beginning at age 59 ½, you can also withdraw funds from your IRA to make cash gifts to ministry. These gifts won’t count as QCDs, but you may be able to deduct a larger portion of the donation in 2021 than in previous years. Learn more at WatersEdgeServices.org/IRA. • Charitable Gift Annuity The dependability of payments from a charitable gift annuity (CGA) is especially attractive to many senior adults. This fixed-income giving solution provides you with a stable, lifetime income plus a tax deduction. After your passing, the annuity’s remainder is given to ministry.

Learn more at WatersEdgeServices.org/CGA. If you have questions about special giving incentives for senior adults in 2021 or would like to visit with our giving experts, contact WatersEdge today.

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

Make your Messenger giving smarter!

Learn at WatersEdgeServices.org/endowment.

CLASSIFIE

LT U R E NE WS & CU

DS

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

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

>> DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS: Muskogee Baptist Association is now accepting resumes through November 20, for a Director of Missions (DOM).

Resumes can be sent to: DOM Search Committee, 637 N. C Street, Muskogee, OK 74403. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Hazel Dell Baptist Church, Minco, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Resumes may be sent to: Hazel Dell Baptist Church, Attn: Pastoral Search Committee, P.O. Box 585, Minco, OK 73059 or via email at: jeffhacker81@yahoo.com.

>> 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.

>> F/T CHILDREN’S/FAMILY/EDUCATION PASTOR: FBC Lowell, AR is prayerfully seeking & accepting resumes for a Children’s, Family & Education Pastor. For a job description & to submit a resume, please email: fbclypsc@gmail.com.

>>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: College Heights Baptist of Chickasha, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth Minister. Resumes may be sent to: College Heights Baptist Church, P.O. Box 357, Chickasha, OK 73023 or by email to: chbcsearchcmte@gmail.com

>> P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Send resume to: First Southern Baptist Church, P.O. Box 237, Arcadia, OK 73007 or fsbcarcadia@yahoo.com. >> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Lead blended worship service. Adaptable skill set & leadership ability to enable worship ministry growth. Job description at: www.twelvecornersbaptistchurch.org.

Send resume & interest letter to: talodes@ou.edu.

>>F/T PASTOR: Southside Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Mail cover letter, resume & current sermon video to: 1223 S. Perkins Rd. Stillwater, OK, 74074 or email: southsidestillwater@gmail.com with the subject as ATTN: Pastor Search Committee.

>> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Sobol, OK. Sobol Baptist Church is a small rural church seeking a Pastor with a heart for God & families as we seek to grow our church for the next generation.

Contact: debbanwhite@gmail.com.

>>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Ryan, OK is seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Parsonage is provided.

Please send resumes or questions to: FBC Ryan, Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 519, Ryan, OK 73565 or email to: fbcryan1@gmail.com.

>> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Sharon Baptist Church, Tecumseh, OK. Visit www.sbctecumseh.com for Job Overview. Email Resumes to: suzi.sharontecumseh@gmail.com. Resumes due by 11/20/21.

>>F/T WORSHIP PASTOR: FBC Duncan is prayerfully seeking a F/T Worship Pastor. Please send resumes to: music@fbcduncan.com. >>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC, Cordell is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth Pastor. Send resumes to office@fbccordell.com or mail to: FBC, P.O. Box 287, Cordell, OK 73632.

F/T YOUTH/WORSHIP MINISTER: FBC Carrizo Springs, TX is searching for a F/T Minister of Youth & Worship. Package is salary + house & utilities. We hope our candidates have a completed college degree & some ministry experience.

Email: jonathan@firstbaptistcarrizo.org.

>>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: Basehor, KS. Outstanding opportunity in a rapidly growing community in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Experience preferred. Please send resumes to: fbcbasehor@ sbcglobal.net or P.O. Box 236, Basehor, KS 66007.

>> F/T DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS: ENON Baptist Association located in Ardmore, OK is currently accepting resumes for the DOM position. Please send resumes to: enondomsearch@ gmail.com or mail to: First Baptist Church, Attn: Ryan Goodman. Deadline is Nov. 15, 2021.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Beaver, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Resumes can be sent to: fbcbeavr@gmail. com or mailed to: FBC, P.O. Box 6, Beaver, OK 73932.

>> F/T PASTOR: Ringling FBC is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail or email their resume to: RFBC, P.O. BOX 530, Ringling, OK 73456 or fbcringling@att.net.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Bethany is prayerfully seeking at F/T Pastor. Interested applicants should email a resume & cover letter to: fbcb@coxinet.net or mail them to: 3800 N. Mueller Ave., Bethany, OK 73008.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC St. Louis, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Solid financial standing established in 1928. Send request for application packet toFirst Baptist Church, Attn: Search Committee, P.O. Box 147, St. Louis, OK 74866.

>>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Student Pastor Position at Riverview Baptist Church, Bixby, OK. Submit resumes to: contact@riverview-church.org or mail to: Riverview Baptist Church, 13201 South Memorial, Bixby, OK 74008.

>> MIDDLE SCHOOL/MEDIA PASTOR: FBC Madill is in search of a God-called & gifted person who enjoys MS students & understands the significance of media in the 21st Century Church. Great place to serve/ learn! Great team! Resume: staff@fbcmadill.org.

>>LEAD TEACHING PASTOR: Heritage Church, Shawnee, OK, is seeking a F/T Lead Teaching Pastor to minister to the members & congregation in the Shawnee area. Please submit resumes to Dr. James Wilder at: heritagechurch.office@gmail.com.

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21 25 29

22

23

26 31

35

36

40

41

45

43 47

51

67

57

58

13

34 39

44 48

52

54 56

33 38

42

50

12

28

32 37

46

11

24

27

30

10

49 53

55 59

68

60 69

61

62

63 70

64

73

74

75

76

77

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

66

71

72

ACROSS 26 That (possessive) 1 “Fashioned long ___” (Isa. 22:11) 28 Musicalitnotation 4 “It Repairs grieveth me for 24:12) your ___” (Ruth 29 (2 much Chron.

1:13)Ancient Indian 30 31 Naomi “___towith daughters 9 Ruth was better Naomiher than ___ sons law” (Ruth 1:6) (Ruthin 4:15) 32 Lived, Ruth did with 14 “God was as with the ___” (Gen.her 21:20) mother-in-law (Ruth 2:23) 33 Praises to the Lord (Rom. 15:11) 34 Partly frozen rain 35 Luau dish 37 Also known as (abbr.)

39 Special attention (abbr.)

41 Hawaiian island 43 “Seeing I am a ___?” (Ruth 2:10)

65

Sheepsosound 5:16) 5315And forth(Judg. (abbr.)

Violence (Ezek. 7:23) 5616Type of cedars to be cut down 17 (Isa. Number of Naomi’s daughters-in-law (Ruth 37:24) 571:8) Margarine substitute 5818Small ground Kings 9:26) Opposite of full plot (Ruth(21:21) 6019Post-traumatic Desert pond stress disorder 20 (abbr.)

Gumbo ingredient 61 Short laugh 62 Afresh 64 “We cry, ___, Father” (Rom. 8:15) 65 Country where Naomi’s family sojourned (Ruth 1:1) 66 “LORD shall judge the ___ of the earth” (1 Sam. 2:10) 68 Fall month (abbr.)

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Enterprise Baptist Church, in rural Norman, is prayerfully seeking a Bible believing BI/VO Pastor. Please send resume to: randkvance217@sbcglobal.net or call (405) 397-7884.

>> DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR: First Moore is prayerfully seeking God’s man to join our team. They will be entrusted with oversight & leadership in our adult discipleship strategy.

Please send resumes to: info@firstmoore.com.

>> P/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Hydro is prayerfully searching for a P/T Youth Pastor. Please send resumes to: jbsanders59@hotmail.com.

>> P/T MUSIC MINISTER: Bethel Baptist Church, Anadarko is seeking a P/T Music Minister to lead our Sunday worship band. See the full job description on our website https://www.anadarkobethel.com/.

Email resume to: duncan@anadarkobethel.com.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Western Avenue Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor.

Send resumes to: Search Committee, Western Avenue Baptist Church, P.O. Box 20822, OKC, OK 73156. http://www.westernavenuebc.com/ (405) 749-0499 or email to: cherylrm@sbcglobal.net.

>> F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Idabel is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor. Parsonage & benefit package available. Send resume including personal testimony, education, experience, references & video link of sermons to: fbcidabel@sbcglobal.net.

>> F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Elk City is seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates submit resumes with references to: FBCEC Pastor Search Committee, 1600 W. Country Club, Elk City, OK 73644 or fbcecpastorsearch@gmail.com.

>> BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: Eastside Baptist Church in Elk City, OK is accepting resumes for a BI/VO Youth Pastor. A growing church with a multigenerational congregation. Seeking an outgoing person to lead our youth ministry.

Email resume to: esbchurchsearch@gmail.com.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Rural church looking for Pastor. Galey Baptist Church, 6025 St Hwy 3W, Galey OK 74820. Please send resume to: Pastor Search Committee or email to: dmount.quiver@gmail.com.

>>P/T STUDENT MINISTER INTERN: Woodland Acres Baptist Church, Tulsa is seeking a Student Minister Intern to assist Pastors in leading youth & college age student ministries. Submit resumes to: office@wabc.org.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: BI/VO Pastor needed. Great opportunity. Parsonage provided. Beautiful facility. Growing community near Tulsa. Conservative. Committed. Soul Winner. Send Resume’ to: Search Committee, 2450 King Rd., Claremore, OK 74019 or email: tsiemens@atlasok.com.

>> PASTOR: Patterson Avenue Baptist Church is searching for a new Pastor. Send resumes to: contact@pabcfamily.com care of the Pastor Search Committee or mail resumes to: 208 Patterson Ave., Comanche, OK 73529.

>> BI/VO OR P/T MUSIC LEADER: Western Heights Baptist Church Duncan, OK. Services are Sunday mornings & evenings, Wednesday evenings.

Please send resume to: whbcduncan@gmail.com.

>>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: FBC Minco, OK is seeking a F/T Student Pastor with a heart for small town ministry in an actively growing church. Please send your resume to our Pastor at: mike@mincofbc.com.

MIS CEL L A NEO US

>> 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.

>>CABIN TO SHARE: Friendly church looking to share cabin at Falls Creek. We have FBC Perry under contract for week one (June 6 - 10).

The cabin is larger, newer & close to tabernacle. Please call (918) 825-3232 if interested.

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

>>FOR SALE: 1996 Ford E350 power stroke diesel people mover. 20 passenger, tires fair, runs, automatic transmission, air needs work. $3000 or best offer. Blackgum FBC, Vian, OK. (918) 773-5431 or pritter@windstream.net.

>> F/T STUDENT PASTOR: FBC Heavener is seeking a F/T Student Pastor. Please send a resume to: hardinbrock@yahoo.com.

>> FREE COPIER/PULPIT: Free to a church home.

Full size Minolta Bizhub 350 Copier (good for at least 1 year with drum that is provided). Has storage cabinet below for paper, etc. Also free, full size, used church pulpit. Contact by email: jlwfbcole@pldi.net.

>> P/T MUSIC MINISTER: FBC Cole seeking P/T Music Minister. Send resumes to: Search Committee, FBC Cole, P.O. Box 829, Blanchard, OK 73010. Or email to: jlwfbcole@pldi.net.

CROSSWO 2

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

VOICES

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

EMPLOYM ENT

1

>> PIANIST: Highland Park Baptist Church, Edmond, seeks qualified pianist to play for worship on Sundays with our Praise Team. Commitment is 9:15am to 12:15pm. Small stipend. Contact Josh, Music Pastor at (405) 343-3836 or Joe, Pastor at (405) 414-7282.

>>CHILDREN/RECREATION PASTOR: FBC Madill is looking for someone who is gifted by God & has a heart for children & their families & would enjoy incorporating sports/recreation into the ministry as a tool to impact children & their eternity. Resume: staff@fbcmadill.org.

RD

22 “That his heart may discover ___” (Prov.

18:2) 24 “Thou ___ a virtuous woman” (Ruth 3:11) 25 Colossal 27 College football conference (abbr.)

29 She was “cumbered about much serving” (Luke 10:40) 32 Inhabits, as Naomi does in Moab (Ruth 1:4) 35 Brand of dispensable candy 36 Plant material lion will eat like the ox (Isa. 11:7) 38 “Almighty hath ___ very bitterly” (Ruth 1:20) 40 Upon 42 Wood and iron harnesses (Jer. 28:13) 44 “Cast into the fire for ___” (Ezek. 15:4) 45 Perfect 47 Enhances the flavor 49 Winter month (abbr.)

50 Plot 52 Most correct 54 America (abbr.)

55 “___ to teach” (2 Tim. 2:24) 56 Upper part of ladder to heaven (Gen. 28:12) 59 Parentless child (Lam. 5:3) 63 “They ___ to Bethlehem” (Ruth 1:22) 67 Mete out 69 Fire tool of gold (1 Kings 7:49) 71 Cape ___, peninsula of NE Tunisia 72 Trickle into 73 What a king will take a tenth of (1 Sam. 8:17)

74 Not good; part cast away (Matt. 13:48) 75 Gambling game 76 “Endued me with a good ___” (Gen. 30:20) 77 Gut muscles (abbr.)

DOWN 1 Singing voice 2 Look 3 Smell 4 South by east (abbr.)

5 “The ___ hath afflicted me” (Ruth 1:21) 6 “She ___ fast by the maidens of Boaz” (Ruth 2:23) 7 Feeds, as Boaz (Ruth 3:7) 8 Eye infection (var.)

9 Jibed 10 Epoch 11 Permission to enter a foreign country 12 Native ruler 13 “As an eagle stirreth up her ___” (Deut.

32:11) 21 Abridged (abbr.)

23 Ruth was Naomi’s daughter-in-___ A G A P E A B L E N L O T 26 That (possessive) B E T E L C R OW D O N E 28 Musical notation S E A B R E A D T OW E R 29 Repairs S (2 I Chron.

S E R24:12) A E A S T E Indian D E N M A R X H O H O 30 Ancient S A L T R I N S E D E W 31 Naomi “___ with her daughters in I T A L Y A Dlaw” O R E (Ruth 1:6) S H R I N K C E D A R S E Edid P with her S Imother-in-law H O N 32 Lived,SasHRuth S H E A F T O B C A V E (Ruth 2:23) A U T O M E E T E V I L S 15:11) D D G I D E O N 33 Praises to the ALord (Rom. R E rain T R I A D B E N L A 34 PartlyGfrozen A A R O N L E N T O G E T 35 Luau dish E X C E L S T A R S E T H Puzzle 13: Judges A L T O

G A W K

O D O R A B M A R P E Z O N T O

S A K E B L E A E M P T I T S I G T H A S T R A Y O K

S T Y E L A D W W E S

S C O F F E D

E V E N R I M E A S I S A R T C L L S E A L T F U E L

37 Also known as (abbr.)

39 Special attention (abbr.)

41 Hawaiian island 43 “Seeing I am a ___?” (Ruth 2:10) 46 SE African country 48 “I will. . .___ with him” (Rev. 3:20) 51 “Lest I ___ mine own inheritance” (Ruth 4:6) 53 And so forth (abbr.)

56 Type of cedars to be cut down (Isa. 37:24) 57 Margarine substitute 58 Small ground plot (2 Kings 9:26) 60 Post-traumatic stress disorder (abbr.)

61 Short laugh 62 Afresh 64 “We cry, ___, Father” (Rom. 8:15) 65 Country where Naomi’s family sojourned (Ruth 1:1) 66 “LORD shall judge the ___ of the earth” (1 Sam. 2:10) 68 Fall month (abbr.)

70 “The five men that went to ___” (Judg.

18:17) A B B A

N E R D

E S P Y

R U L E

E S T E R

S H A V E

M E S A

S T A B

T I R R A A S S M K N L I O R A N D I N G O D H T C O M A N C A P E U N T R A M E I O D N O

A M A I N

O R E S B T U

D L I B A Y O R R E N A T M E D E B O B U L L S R O S E L U S E N C O T B O T P U A H A R M S L E T A A S S O N S F

Puzzle 14: Judges OCT. 28 ANSWERS G A T E L E E L D A L E C I T Y

W A D I A B O D S H E E O R A R R E R S F E T C D O E

S E P T E A S T H R S

W E T D I R T

A L T A R

F I O N A

T E N T H

B E N T

O V A L

V I N E

O K R A

B E E S

I N S T

R I T E A R E D Y I N G S T Y D O N G O I L S R E E L

Classifieds | November 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

11

Use your God given gifts and passion for the lost to educate and inspire your congregation to engage in cooperative through the Cooperative Program.

Learn more at https://www.oklahomabaptists.org/ cooperative-program/ambassadors/

12

November 11, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

A career is one measure of an education.

OKBU.EDU

A better world is another.

Oklahoma Baptist University’s faith-forward education prepares the hearts and minds of students so they can engage with purpose and live well in God’s world.

MINISTRY UPDATE

Join us in welcoming Brent Parsons as the Administrator of Baptist Children’s Home, Oklahoma City. Brent firmly believes that “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37, ESV) Brent married his pre-school sweetheart, Keely, on December 11, 1999. They met and were raised at Southern Hills

Baptist Church, Oklahoma City.

Brent surrendered to vocational ministry at Falls Creek the summer after his senior year at Westmoore.

Brent has been serving Oklahoma Baptist Churches since his college days. The Parsons have a son, Hunter, and two daughters, Hattie and Maebree. His wife, Keely teaches at South Lake Elementary.

Brent invites you to come see and experience what the Lord is doing at Baptist Children’s Home, Oklahoma City – come for a tour of the new Heritage Room and the campus. You will see firsthand how the lives of those we serve are being forever changed through your love & generosity.

Did you

KNOW? An average of

10,000 People

will turn 65 each day... for the next decade.

One in three people

reaching age 82 will develop Alzheimer’s.

By 2030, the number of senior adults in Oklahoma will outnumber children under the age of 18.

Is YOUR Church ready to help and serve?

As Oklahoma’s largest-not-for profit provider of senior adult housing and services, Baptist Village Communities (BVC) is shaping the future of aging services. We currently serve 2,300 seniors and their families.

Oklahoma Baptists charged BVC with meeting senior adults’ needs 63 years ago.

While we cannot build enough campuses to meet the needs of all senior adults in Oklahoma, we can help YOU minister to senior adults in YOUR community!

BVC wants to help by connecting you and your church with senior adults near you... especially those who are un-churched.

We want to help!

BVC provides senior adult ministry resources and training to the local church.

Working together, we will continue to shape the future of aging services for generations to come.

CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN MORE.

(866) 887-2872 | baptistvillage.org