2023/November

NOVEMBER 2023 • VOL. 112 | NO. 11

Serving Time, Serving Jesus OBU Prison Divinity Program student fufilling the Lord’s call

Connect

Greetings from Bison Hill

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Page 11

Hangin’ a Hundred OU BCM Page 15

INSIDE THIS ISSUE November 2023 • VOL. 112 | NO. 11

MESSENGER STAFF >> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@oklahomabaptists.org >> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@oklahomabaptists.org >> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@oklahomabaptists.org >> Kali Daniells | Graphic Artist kdaniells@oklahomabaptists.org >> Bob Nigh | Contributing Writer bnigh@oklahomabaptists.org

The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 0744-9518) is published 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: 37,158.

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3 | Connect:

Oklahoma Baptists: By churches, through churches, for churches

by Todd Fisher

TWITTER/X @baptmessenger FACEBOOK thebaptistmessenger

Test them, teach them, turn them out

4 | Sword & Trowel:

by Tarvoris “Tee” Uzoigwe

CP is a ‘fuel efficient’ funding vehicle for missions and ministry

11 | Greetings from Bison Hill

by Brian Hobbs

5 | Upcoming Events 6 | Rite of Passage:

Thanksgiving

Renewal: The greatest opportunity in OBU’s 113 year history

by Heath Thomas

12 | Crossword & Wordsearch 13 | Church News

by Walker Moore

Member, Baptist Press News, Christian Newspaper Association, Evangelical Press Association, Oklahoma Press Association.

ONLINE baptistmessenger.com

10 | Pastor’s Page:

14 | People in Focus: Jonathan Gilliland

8 |Serving Time, Serving Jesus:

OBU Prison Divinity Program student fufilling the Lord’s call

by Brian Hobbs

by Chris Doyle

15 | Hangin’ a Hundred:

OU BCM celebrates 100 years

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Oklahoma Baptists: By churches, through churches, for churches

After travelling all over our great state for some time now and visiting with a large number of pastors, leaders and laypeople of Oklahoma Baptists churches, I have worked with our Leadership Team in shaping the vision, purpose, commitments and values of our state convention (shown below).

Our Vision: Advancing the Gospel Together Our Purpose To embody ministries with a Gospel-centered and church-focused approach.

To serve and support churches with resources for strength, health and effective Gospel ministries in their communities.

I am excited to share these with you as they express our deep commitment to serve and be a resource to every single church in every location; to making sure the Gospel and the local church are at the forefront of all we do; to pastor wellness and that of their families; and to an unashamed and unadulterated commitment to Scripture and the Great Commission. Our state convention was created BY churches for our ministries to be done THROUGH churches and to be a resource/support FOR churches.

To encourage and equip pastors, church staff and other ministry leaders to fulfill God’s calling on their lives.

The section “Our Commitments” encapsulates what I hear most from churches and pastors in how they want their state convention to help them. This was purely by accident, but when we wrote out these commitments, we happened to notice the first letter of each statement spells the word “Sherpa.” I thought that was very fitting.

Our Values To be committed to and focused on our message (The Word of God) and our mission (the Great Commission).

Sherpas help the mountain climber reach their goal by providing support, encouragement and helping shoulder the load to accomplish the task at hand.

Oklahoma Baptists wants to serve in this supportive, background role helping our churches and pastors accomplish the wonderful Kingdom tasks God has called them to do!

To be good stewards of Cooperative Program funding to maximize its impact and effectiveness for missions and ministry.

For more info about Oklahoma Baptists, scan this QR code!

Our Commitments • Strengthening mission engagement among churches • Helping churches plant new churches • Encouraging pastor and family wellness • Revitalizing existing churches • Prioritizing Next Generation ministries • Assisting churches in building a culture of discipleship and evangelism

To honor Baptist polity in recognizing the autonomy and authority of the local church in our convention structure and operations.

To value the significance and contribution of every church—both large and small, in every location—both metropolitan and rural.

To value associations in serving churches through communication and coordination with associational leaders.

We are here to serve our churches to see the Gospel advanced in Oklahoma and the world.

Todd Fisher Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer

By churches, through churches, for churches

Sword & Trowel

CP still a ‘fuel-efficient’ funding vehicle for missions & ministry

With such high gas prices these days, most of us are trying to obtain a vehicle with good fuel economy.

Something similar could be said in the world of charities, non-profits and missions organizations, which are struggling more and more to make the most of every dollar.

In the Cooperative Program (CP), the chief funding vehicle for our programs and missions, I believe Oklahoma Baptists can feel a surge of deep satisfaction about the “fuel-efficient vehicle” we have. Just what do I mean?

For starters, CP does not expend a large percentage of the dollars it receives for fundraising. In fact, compared to other charitable organizations, it is shockingly low. Findings show that even in a good scenario, a quarter of every dollar would go to pay fundraisers in a given organization. Compare that with CP, we expend far less for CP promotion and education.

CP also is a great investment for churches of all sizes to be connected to local, state and international missions. Most churches do not have the resources to fund, let’s say, an overseas missionary for one year. With travel costs, housing, food, insurance and more, funding a missionary can be a $100,000 annual endeavor.

United in our giving through CP, however, allows any church to help put missionaries on the field, working to expand the Kingdom of God. Consider the fact that nearly 4,000 international missionaries (many of whom are Oklahoma Baptists) serving around the world through the International Mission Board. Add to this church plants all across North America, reaching some of the hardest to reach communities. With six seminaries, the CP is helping to train a new generation of pastors, ministers and missionaries.

Consider the unique impact in Oklahoma, as well.

CP fuels dozens of ministries and programs, including:

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eight weeks of Falls Creek youth camp each year, CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp, Baptist Collegiate Ministries on 40 campuses, GoStudents missions, effective church plants in the Send Oklahoma network, Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, apologetics and evangelism, men’s and women’s ministries, pastor equipping and encouragement and more.

These ministries are seeing the Gospel advanced, thousands of decisions made each year, with lives touched in a great way. Add to this fact that Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Baptist Village Communities and WatersEdge are each blessed by your church’s CP giving.

Within each of these ministries are lives being changed by the Gospel, year after year. While CP has become a forgotten topic for some, when you look closely, it is plain to see that this time-honored program is still an effective channel through which Baptists can further the Gospel.

We, of course, do not credit any program for our spiritual victories but the Savior, Who alone deserves our worship and lives.

So the next time you hear an organization boast (even in a good way) about its ministry impact and wish we Baptists could do the same, fear not. In the Cooperative Program, we have a good thing going, thanks be to God. Visit oklahomabaptists.org/cp today for more information on the Gospel advance through the Cooperative Program.

Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger

www.baptistmessenger.com | The Baptist Messenger | November 2023

Upcoming Events DEC. 4-6

DEC. 3-10

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

Winter NextGen Leadership Conference at Falls Creek Conference Center JAN. 12

Singing Churchmen at Enid, Emmanuel JAN. 15

DEC. 9

Let’s Go. Sending Conference OKC, Northwest 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony at Chickasha, First JAN. 19

cmartinez@oklahomabaptists.org

JAN. 14-15

Youth Evangelism Conference

Falls Creek Conference Center oklahomabaptists.org/yec

36: How to lead an effective meeting Listen at www.oklahomabaptists.com/podcast or on...

Hispanic Women’s Retreat Launch Party at OKC, Redemption (Formerly Rancho Village) JAN. 19

Singing ChurchWomen East at Tahlequah, First FOR MORE INFO ON OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ EVENTS VISIT OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/EVENTS

From pastors to authors, ministry leaders to missionaries, hear inspiring podcast interviews today at baptistmessenger.com/ podcast or find the Baptist Messenger Insight Podcast program on your preferred podcast platform.

New Episodes Out Now!

Scan Here For More Information!

November 2023 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of Passage Thanksgiving EDITOR’S NOTE: Walker Moore passed away June 26, but the Baptist Messenger continues to publish his cherished previous columns. The following was first published November 2010.

As a child, I had many reasons to love Thanksgiving.

First, it marked the countdown to Christmas. That’s important for kids, who get confused by the concept of time. Telling a child, “It’s only six months until Christmas” is the same as telling the average American, “It’s only 57 kilometers to the next restroom.” You know it’s a measurement, but you can’t quite interpret it.

I also loved Thanksgiving because it meant plenty of family fun. Aunts, uncles, cousins and everyone else came together to eat and play, eat and play—and eat.

We always met at Aunt Vi’s because her house was the biggest. Secretly, I loved going there because she was the best cook in our family.

Oh, those childhood memories! The further we distance ourselves from them, the sweeter they grow. I wonder if our children will have family memories like that, or will theirs only include watching televised football or playing computer games? The uniquely personal memories you pour into your child today become the lasting joys of tomorrow.

I also loved Thanksgiving for its mountains of food: turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and a dozen different salads. In our family, someone always brought a new salad for the others to try. As a kid, though, I didn’t care about the salads or any of the other food at the front of the line. Instead, I peered far ahead, hoping to find a homemade chocolate pie with a voluminous meringue topping. I always feared my cousins would beat me to the end of the line and leave me with no pie, no meringue, no anything. I must confess that the habit of looking past the salads to the desserts continues today.

My wife’s family inspired a much better habit. At their Thanksgiving meals, everyone takes a turn expressing thanks. This begins as an awkward moment where we sit, eyes downcast, hoping somebody else will speak first. Once we get started, though, the mood changes

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to simple gratitude. As we reflect on everything God’s given us, we can’t help but give thanks.

Our modern-day world seems to have forgotten this art of reflection. We rarely stop our busy schedules to ponder God’s goodness. The Old Testament tells us the Israelites built altars to mark major events in their lives. Later, the sight of these altars prompted them to remember the great God they served. The altars reminded them to reflect, and the reflection reminded them to give thanks.

The New Testament shows us the importance of giving thanks, too: “Now on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As He was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met Him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’ When He saw them, He said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner? Then He said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well’” (Luke 17:11-19).

The hated leper understood the depth of Jesus’ gift.

He was a despised Samaritan, an outcast to society.

His leprosy made him an outcast of the outcasts. This man understood the depth of God’s work far better than the other nine. And in that understanding, he found a second miracle.

Gratitude is the believer’s highest duty. Ingratitude is the leprosy of the soul. Reflect, remember and become truly grateful for everything God has done. And if you watch, you’ll discover another miracle.

Happy Thanksgiving, my extended family!

Walker Moore Author & Messenger Columnist from 1998-2023

www.baptistmessenger.com | The Baptist Messenger | November 2023

Serving Time, Serving Jesus

By Brian Hobbs

LEXINGTON—Miguel is like many other Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) students. On any given day, he wakes up, gets dressed, has his quiet time, eats breakfast, then heads off to class.

What makes Miguel’s experience unique, though, is that all of these activities happen behind bars. Miguel is serving a prison sentence at the Lexington Correction Center in Oklahoma, where he is one of 67 students enrolled in the OBU Prison Divinity Program.

Since 2021, OBU has offered a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Studies to inmates in an Oklahoma prison.

Upon completion of their degrees, these men will be eligible to be commissioned as field ministers and deployed to other prisons across the state. OBU, Oklahoma Baptists and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections are partnering in this historic endeavor in Oklahoma.

Miguel is a junior enrolled in the program, well on his way to earning his bachelor’s degree. He is projected to graduate in 2025. Miguel is on fire for the Lord, sharing the Good News of Jesus with everyone who crosses his path.

If you looked back 10 years ago at his life, one would have never guessed Miguel would be on such a good path.

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Having committed a violent crime, Miguel also was involved in drug dealing, all of which led to his conviction.

Shortly after his arrest in 2013, Miguel was being held in a county jail, where someone shared biblical books and Gospel literature with him.

A close friend had written a personal letter to him, which included the plan of salvation.

“God pursued me,” Miguel said. “When I realized what Jesus had done for a sinner like me, I asked God to have mercy on me.”

Miguel knew he was a sinner in need of God’s grace, and there inside a prison cell, he knelt down and, through tears, repented of his sins and gave his life to Jesus. He felt the peace and presence of Jesus come into his life, and he’s never been the same.

Miguel is originally from Honduras, and he primarily spoke Spanish. In the prison system, he accepted an opportunity to learn English and eventually earned his GED diploma.

Through God’s divine guidance, Miguel eventually was moved to Lexington where he was later accept-

www.baptistmessenger.com | The Baptist Messenger | November 2023

ed into the OBU Prison Divinity Program. Like others, Miguel is serving a long-term prison sentence, which allows students like him to have a long-term Gospel impact within the prison system.

All courses are taught face-to-face at the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center. Students are carefully selected, based upon their application materials, interviews and progress through the degree program together.

The program’s objective is to facilitate change in the culture of the prison system with greater respect for authority as well as their fellow man. The program also intends to facilitate greater safety within each unit where field ministers are deployed and allowed to serve and to provide a pathway to reduced recidivism of those who have been impacted by the service of the graduates.

The OBU Prison Divinity Program was recently recognized as the top academic institution of the year at the National Moral Rehabilitation Conference, where Chaplain Ron Lindsey also received the chaplain of the year award during the event. This degree is a fully accredited, four-year Christian liberal arts degree, which includes an internship with the prison chaplain.

The OBU program is based on the successful example of the Angola Prison Seminary and the Prison Seminary Foundation in Louisiana, in connection with New Orleans Seminary.

Students in the program are receiving a quality Christian education. Miguel himself has earned excellent grades in his studies. He also has been afforded some unique ministry opportunities, such as to preach and lead worship.

He often wears a lanyard around his neck that is emblazoned with the phrase, “I love Jesus.” Even though he has his own share of personal struggles,

Miguel, when asked how he’s doing, will say, “I am doing great by the grace of Jesus.”

“I want to fulfill the call on my life and do ministry,” he said.

“Before, when I was outside of jail, I was a prisoner to my sin. Today, while I’m in prison, I’m free because of Jesus.”

Through a series of circumstances, Miguel also connected with Bryan Haynes, pastor of Chickasha, College Heights. Since around 2018, Pastor Haynes and the church have been doing outreach to Lexington.

On Tuesday evenings, there are chapel services, where Haynes sometimes preaches and where Miguel has preached and helped with music each time.

“Miguel has an incredible level of faith. I’m so thankful we got connected. He shares the Gospel,” Haynes said.

One year ago, the congregation voted to call Miguel as Associate Pastor of Prison Ministries, serving an outreach ministry. Miguel helps with worship services, outreach inside Lexington to the other inmates, and a thriving prayer ministry.

“To have had a past, as he does, all I see is that his heart is full of God’s love,” Haynes added.

Miguel and other students within the OBU program are leading other inmates to the Lord. According to sources, approximately 200 men have given their life to Jesus in recent months.

OBU President Heath Thomas is known for saying the goal of OBU is to see students serve “all of life, all for Jesus.” Miguel has embodied the spirit of that notion.

“Even though I’m here (in prison), I know I am serving the Lord,” he said. “I am at peace where God has me.”

The late pastor Adrian Rogers once said, “There is no one so bad that he cannot be saved. There is no one so good that he need not be saved.”

By God’s grace, Miguel has been saved. By God’s grace, he and others are thriving at OBU, serving the Lord while serving time in prison.

For more information about the OBU Prison Divinity Program, visit okbu.edu/pdp.

Pastor’s Page

Theology, ministry leadership & more

Test them, teach them, turn them out As pastors, we can best shepherd our flock to follow Jesus when we equip them to faithfully fish for lost men. As born-again believers, if we are not fishing, we cannot effectively be following.

In Matt. 4:19-20 Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately, they left their nets and followed him. As a result of such a great calling from the Creator of the Universe, the disciples chose to give up everything to do the work of an evangelist.

When pastors are effectively equipping the saints to do the work of the ministry, the flock will no longer be tossed back and forth by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunningness or by craftiness in deceitful schemes (Eph. 4:14).

As a high school basketball coach, I knew that I had to recruit, develop and release players to be useful on the basketball court. There were five things I kept in mind when I was developing my individual players: 1. I tested them 2. I taught them 3. I trained them 4. I took them 5. I turned them out One common model that demonstrates how people tend to learn most effectively is this: • 90 percent learn best by teaching what they know • 75 percent learn best by doing • 50 percent learn best from discussion and coaching • 30 percent learn best from demonstration • 20 percent learn best with audio/visual aides • 10 percent learn best by reading • 5 percent learn best by listening to a lecture Pastors sometimes inadvertently equip their flock in less effective ways, such as by exclusively lecturing or through sermons.

Jesus equipped his disciples by using a hands-on approach. He gave His disciples opportunities to teach, practice, discuss and demonstrate which equipped them to effectively carry out the Great Commission.

One of the ways you can develop your flock in evangelism is have a scheduled time to do so.

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TEST your flock by asking them the hard questions about evangelism. For example, “When was the last time you shared the Gospel with a lost person?”

TEACH your flock. Be intentional by having a method that is easily trainable to help equip them in understanding the Gospel message clearly. If they don’t understand the Gospel clearly, they will not be able to explain it simply.

TRAIN your flock is the next phase of development.

If you want your flock to be proficiently equipped in personal evangelism, then you will need to set aside a time that they can practice what you have TRAINED them to do.

TAKE your flock. Have a consistent rotation of evangelistic events throughout the year where you take your flock out on evangelistic outreach outings. Go to fall festivals, prayer walks, block parties, etc. This will give them an opportunity to practice their training in a controlled environment. Coaching and follow-up discussions can be done after the outing to help them deepen their understanding of personal evangelism.

Finally, TURN your flock out to family, neighbors and closely affiliated people in their lives to do the work of an evangelist!

For more information regarding evangelism and apologetics training, contact Tarvoris “Coach Tee” Uzoigwe at tuzoigwe@oklahomabaptists.org.

Tavoris “Tee” Uzoigwe Oklahoma Baptists Evangelism & Apologetics Ministry Partner

www.baptistmessenger.com | The Baptist Messenger | November 2023

Greetings from

Bison Hill

...

Renewal: The greatest opportunity in OBU’s113-year history

We stand at the forefront of one of the greatest opportunities in Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) history. As the April 19 tornado tore across the OBU campus, ripping off roofs, uprooting trees and tearing holes in walls, God protected the lives of our students, our employees and our entire community. We praise Him for that miracle!

But the storm left in its path of destruction significant damage to more than 1.4 million square feet, including 167 total structures, of which 50 were main buildings. This was the worst natural disaster OBU has ever experienced in our 113-year history.

We have moved from the wreckage of that moment to a renewal and indeed to a revival of OBU’s campus. Although some of our most significant buildings are out of commission due to the destruction, our students are back on campus and thriving. And so, renewal to me, to the students, to the staff, to the faculty, to you and especially to us together, represents OBU’s greatest opportunity!

Why is this a great opportunity? Because no one was hurt, OBU was protected and now we are poised to renew, poised to shape the future. This renewal is not just about rebuilding and updating our buildings and our damaged campus grounds and structures; it’s about having the opportunity to emerge out of this disaster prepared to transform lives and communities.

Our goal is not to repristinate the past; our goal is to shape the future. To do that effectively, we have looked to our communities to find out where the needs are. And to that end, right now, OBU is investing in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), in health sciences and in the arts. We’re providing new engineering degrees, advanced health care degrees and new cybersecurity degrees. And we’re going to build those on top of our world-class Christian liberal arts foundation.

To move our goal forward, we are completely rebuilding OBU’s most historic building, Shawnee Hall, following significant damage from the tornado. This building has served every student on Bison Hill since

it opened in 1915, and with this renewal, it will continue to serve as the center of learning where future shapers are equipped for the next 100 years.

Thurmond Hall is also undergoing a complete renovation to prepare the structure to house new state-ofthe-art engineering classrooms and labs. Our new engineering programs began in August and already have 37 students enrolled in classes this fall. These students are practically guaranteed jobs, as the demand for engineers is so extraordinary. Wood Science building is being updated to meet the needs of the future in scientific research, medicine and forensic science among others.

Many areas in our residence centers need renovation, and we are in the planning phases of replacing residential buildings that were lost to the tornado.

OBU’s most iconic building, Raley Chapel, the home to chapel services, concerts and recitals through the years, received extensive damage from the tornado rendering the top floor with Potter Auditorium completely unusable. The spire, tiled roof, stonework and Potter Auditorium will require major rebuilding and replacements.

Oklahoma Baptists stepped in to support us immediately after the tornado, and we’re going to need Oklahoma Baptists to support us in the days ahead. While we have financial needs that outstrip our current capacity, we believe God has a plan for our future, and we trust in Him. Our huge need has provided us with a huge opportunity. We need your help as we walk through these next 18 to 24 months of rebuilding, renewing and transforming the OBU campus. We ask you to join us as we embrace the greatest opportunity Bison Hill has ever experienced!

For more updates, view a special video at okbu.edu/renewal.

Heath Thomas Oklahoma Baptist Univeristy

President

November 2023 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Crossword/Word Search 41 Paul preached on Mars’ hill in this city (Acts 17:22) 43 Sand hills 45 State of alarm (dial.)

46 Even a godly person does this 47 Kimono sash 50 Fencing sword 51 God “sendeth ___ on the just and on the unjust” (Matt. 5:45) 52 “Returned as the appearance of a ___ of lightning” (Ezek. 1:14) 54 Clumsy person 56 State capital 57 Medial 60 Jupiter 62 Abigail’s Nabal was one (1 Sam. 25:25) 63 Traditional home to the Magi 64 Ezekiel spent 390 days on this side (Ezek. 4:4) 65 “I will spread my ___ upon him” (Ezek. 17:20) 66 Ezekiel’s bread ingredient (Ezek. 4:9) 67 Sprite 68 Satan is this

DOWN

ACROSS

1 God forbade Ezekiel to do this when his wife died (Ezek. 24:16) 4 KJV “hath” 7 What neighbors thought Ezekiel was 13 Reduced, for short 14 “___ as a leaf” (Isa. 64:6) 15 Salt’s companion 16 “___ this proverb in Israel” (Ezek. 18:3) 17 One face of Ezekiel’s visionary creatures (Ezek 1:10) 18 Probable sound of dry bones rising 19 Duller 21 Guru 23 “These waters ___ out toward the east country” (Ezek. 47:8) 24 Ezekiel’s prophecy said Pharaoh was

like a cedar whose “___ was by great waters” (Ezek. 31:7) 25 Baseball glove 29 Alzheimer’s casualty 30 “Take ___ from between the wheels” (Ezek. 10:6) 31 What God felt against people of Jerusalem 32 The feet of Ezekiel’s visionary creatures sparkled like this (Ezek. 1:7) 34 One judgment against Jerusalem 35 Concorde, e.g.

38 Southwestern Indian 39 Pen brand 40 Direction from Tarshish to Jerusalem

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8:3) 5 “Make ye this ___” (Mark 5:39) 6 Detectors 7 Small herring 8 Jesus’ disciples were a spiritual one 9 Most favorable amount 10 Choose 11 Harden 12 “___ the lamp of God went out in the temple” (1 Sam. 3:3) 14 “My dearly beloved, ___ from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:14) 20 God rendered Ezekiel this (Ezek. 3:26) 22 “Lamentations, and mourning, and ___” (Ezek.

2:10) 24 “The dead in Christ shall ___ first” (1 Thess. 4:16) 26 Spring flower 27 Loads 28 “I the Lord have brought down the high ___” (Ezek. 17:24) 30 Oils

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Chickasha Christian Degree English www.baptistmessenger.com | The BaptistDivinity Messenger Emblazoned | November 2023

Gospel

Guidance

Haynes

Honduras

Jesus

Lexington

Lindsey

Miguel

Ministers

Oklahoma

Outreach

Preach

Program

Rogers

Seminary

Spanish

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Thomas

Worship

31 When Ezekiel saw visions, he fell upon this: 33 Ancient Germanic character 34 “All that have ___ and scales shall ye eat” (Deut. 14:9) 35 “They shall be ___ in their land” (Ezek.

34:27) 36 “There is but a ___ between me and death” (1 Sam. 20:3) 37 “Son of man, I send ___ to the children of Israel” (Ezek. 2:3) 39 God had Ezekiel do this with part of his hair (Ezek. 5:1–2) 42 Son of Buzi (Ezek. 1:3) 43 Noah saw much more than this 44 Visionary creatures had feet “like the ___ of a calf’s foot” (Ezek. 1:7) 46 What God had Ezekiel do with a scroll 48 British noblemen 49 “Prophesy against the prophets of ___” (Ezek. 13:2) 51 Zacchaeus’s stature 52 “To smite with the ___ of wickedness” (Isa. 58:4) 53 Rugged 55 Alley 56 Gasp 57 Stephen was stoned by this 58 Time period 59 Manager (abbr.)

61 Moray

Chapel Chickasha Christian Degree Divinity Emblazoned English Gospel Guidance Haynes Honduras Jesus Lexington

October Answers

Lindsey Miguel Ministers Oklahoma Outreach Preach Program Rogers Seminary Spanish Studies Thomas Worship

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.

Church News

TRIBUTE

Kenneth “YoYo” Collins, 69, died Oct. 16. Funeral service was Oct. 21 at Salina, First. He served as an evangelist for 35 years and was a member of Oklahoma Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists.

NEW OFFICERS. Salt Fork Association had their annual meeting at Wakita, First and elected, from left, Vicky Schwerdtfeger as clerk, Nelda Sullivan as secretary, Dennis Dawson as director of missions, Scott Schwerdtfeger as moderator and Thure Tholson as vice moderator.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS NEW CONGREGATION. Lawton, Hope is now meeting. Zach Foley is pastor NEW CONGREGATION. Salina, Freedom is now meeting. Johnnie Faught is pastor

Walter Wilson

Convention Committees The following persons were appointed to serve on various committees for the 117th Annual Meeting at Del City, First Southern.

Credentials Committee Chris Carlisle, chairman, Sweetwater, First; Doug Burrows, Fitzhugh, First; Chris Joines, Shawnee, Heritage; Mike Luster, Minco, First; Daniel Rasor, Claremore, Faith; Kennith Stacy, Cushing, Oak Grove; Justin Turney, Pawhuska, First.

Nominating Committee Mike Murray, chairman, Tahlequah, First; Collin Coffee, Inola, Calvary; Emily Freeman, Newcastle, First; Dale Griffin, Meeker, Mammoth; Jack Jacob, Monkey Island, Lake Center; Rob Lindley, Oklahoma City, Northwest; Mike Luster, Minco, First; Chris McDaniel, Atoka, Southside; Kaylie Mejia, Kingfisher, First; Jimmie Moore, Oklahoma City, Western Avenue; Brandon Morton, Cleveland, Westport; Jim Schroeder, Oklahoma City, Emmaus; Foster Shamburg, Cashion, First; Keith Stone, Tulsa, Lynn Lane.

Resolutions Committee Chad Balthrop, chairman, Owasso, First; Gabriel Atyia, Seminole, First; D. J. Carney, Bristow, First; Brooks Deatherage, Tahlequah, Crescent Valley; Deanna Hamilton, Morris, First; Danny Reed, Elmore City, First; Bruno Rojas, Lawton, First West en Español; Stefan Valdez, Sayre, First; Shelly Watkins, Kingfisher, First.

Tellers Committee Mike Scrivani, chairman, Bartlesville, Highland Park; Travis Markes, Blanchard, First; Jimmie Moore, Oklahoma City, Western Avenue; Chauncey Shillow, Oklahoma City, Redemption; Rio Taylor, Verdigris, First; Craig Towery, Sentinel, First.

African American Ministry Partner Oklahoma Baptists

Around the State

The purpose of the African American Ministry of Oklahoma Baptists has been to build bridges and strengthen relationships between Oklahoma Baptists and Oklahoma African American churches and pastors. This ministry continues to grow as we have embraced the idea: “We are better together.”

• The Oklahoma African American Fellowship (OAAF) purchased for the first time in history, through Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills, a 44-bed cabin at Falls Creek. This cabin has been a real source of joy and ministry that has already seen 20 salvations!

• The ministry has seen an exceptional growth Tiller Watson, pastor of Tulsa, Turn Church, served as president of in convention involvement. Many of our AfriThe Lord has brought much fruit in recent Oklahoma Baptists Pastors’ Confer- can American churches have members who are ence in 2022. years, including the following results: serving on boards across the Convention.

• Together, we have developed an African • The first African American Robert Haskins American track of study for the Robert Haskins School of Christian School Diploma graduate was awarded in Church Ministry.

Ministry. Currently, 85 African American churches are on the roll.

• We were honored to see the first African American to receive • This ministry has hosted the National African American Fel- the prestigious Oklahoma Baptists’ Distinguished Service Award. lowship’s Spring Executive meeting, and coupled with Lifeway’s • Next year, the 2024 State Advance Conference will be held at Big Results Conference, with more than 200 in attendance. an African American church.

• We formed the first 100-voice choir featuring members from the Oklahoma African American Fellowship Churches to sing at If given more time and space, I could share even more about the Oklahoma State Evangelism Conference. what God is doing. I’m grateful for Todd Fisher, who has spent • The ministry has two national officers: LaTricia Watson, of Tul- much time with our fellowship and embraced this ministry, and sa, Turn Church, serving on the Southern Baptist Convention’s all the Oklahoma Baptists leadership. Oklahoma Baptists is the (SBC) Executive Committee; and Kevin Moss, senior pastor of lighthouse example, putting on display the truth found in the Oklahoma City, Antioch Fellowship, serving as secretary for the statement of truly being “better together.”

SBC National African American Fellowship.

November 2023 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

13

Pray for Oklahoma Missionaries: Emerson Falls He is the Native American ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists

Annual Meeting Many Oklahoma Baptists attend each year, encouraging each other and doing business that will advance the Gospel.

Everardo Borunda He is the Hispanic ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists

South Asia Approximately 1.8 billion people live in this area of the world, and only 1.85 percent are evangelical Christians

14

In Focus: Jonathan Gilliland

Jonathan Gilliland has been involved in full-time senior pastoral ministry since the spring of 2013 when he began serving at Medford, First. Three years later, he served as senior pastor at Cushing, Oak Grove, and in 2022, God led him, his wife Stephanie and his family to Enid, First for him to serve as senior pastor.

“We have found Enid, First to have a long, rich history of being a healthy multi-generational community of believers,” Gilliland said. “And, currently, as has proven true across the church’s 100plus years of life, our demographics continue to be balanced across all age categories, from birth to 100 (literally).”

Gilliland said the church intentionally creates and cultivates a culture and community that encourages members to value the importance of all stages and seasons of life.

“We are careful not to promote, praise, or ‘pick’ one generation over or against another,” he said. “We seek to reach all generations with the Gospel of Jesus, while equipping and empowering all generations to live the way of Jesus under the Lordship of Jesus… we truly believe a healthy church is a multi-generational church.”

Gilliland knows how important Cooperative Program (CP) giving is, as he has been a benefactor of CP giving. Growing up in Ponca City, he attended Falls Creek where he publicly surrendered to full-time vocational ministry. He also was able to attend Southwestern Seminary because of CP giving.

“Enid, First and I understand the importance of the CP—what it offers our churches, ministries, organizations, missionaries, seminaries, etc.—and that the CP only reaffirms this statement: we are better together.”

www.baptistmessenger.com | The Baptist Messenger | November 2023

Editor’s Note: Select photos and information were sourced from the “Sowing A Legacy” campaign booklet.

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