2024/February

FEBRUARY 2024 • VOL. 113 | NO. 2

A Life Saving Gift Kidney donation helps save man’s life, creates family connections

The Great Pursuit

New Year New Groups

International Mission Board

Doug Matlock

I NS I DE THIS ISSU E February 2024 · Vol. 113 I No. 2

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

3 | CONNECT

ENTRUSTED WITH THE GOSPEL Todd Fisher

4 | SWORD & TROWEL

BREAKING BAD (HABITS) Brian Hobbs

>> Kali Daniells | Graphic Artist kdaniells@oklahomabaptists.org

5 | UPCOMING EVENTS

>> Bob Nigh | Contributing Writer bnigh@oklahomabaptists.org

6 | GREETINGS

FROM WATERSEDGE

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: 37,086.

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.

Phone number is 405 942-3800 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.

ACCOMPLISHING A ‘GOD SIZED’ GOAL

WATERSEDGE

Robert Kellogg

12 | CROSSWORD/ WORDSEARCH

7 | JUST JOE

13 | CHURCH NEWS

YOU GOT TO LOVE MOMS Joe Ligon

9 | A LIFE SAVING GIFT Brian Hobbs

14 | PASTOR IN FOCUS DAVID HOOKS Chris Doyle

16 | THE SUPPORT ELEMENT OF OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

EAST CENTRAL OKLAHOMA Andy Taylor

17 | THE GREAT PURSUIT

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

PROJECT 3000

International Mission Board

18 | RON FANNIN

URL baptistmessenger.com TWITTER/X @baptmessenger FACEBOOK thebaptistmessenger

FAITHFUL SERVANT LEADER Bob Nigh

COVER STORY

19 | TOOL BOX

NEW YEAR NEW GROUPS Doug Matlock

CONNECT

Entrusted

with the Gospel

One of the things I’ve learned in my experience in Baptist life is that Baptists as a convention of churches are at their best when they are focused on reaching the lost with the Gospel of Jesus in all places both local and global.

I think the same is true of us individually as followers of Christ. When we are living on mission—taking advantage of every opportunity to share our faith and tell the Good News with people we encounter about the saving work of Jesus, we are doing well since we are fulfilling the Great Commission Jesus has given to each of us.

However, for many Christians, finding the courage, confidence and motivation to share the Gospel with others is a tremendous challenge. For me, it’s very easy to get busy and be so consumed with everything going on in my life that I tend to get distracted or forget to watch for or create opportunities to share. I must be intentional.

One of the things that has always helped me to be more focused on sharing the Gospel with others are the words of Paul in Rom. 1:14-16. In this passage, he makes three great statements about the importance of proclaiming the Gospel— “I am obligated” (v. 14), “I am eager” (v. 15), “I am not ashamed” (v. 16). That first phrase from Paul has always helped me with the motivation to share Jesus with others. Most Bibles in English render the translation of the single word in Greek using the word “obligated.” That tends to miss a bit of the nuance of how that word was used in Paul’s day. Most commonly, the word referred to being in debt, or having an obligation to pay someone an amount you owed. Thus, the word “debtor” is also a good translation.

Two principal ways a person can be in debt to another come to mind. The first is to pay back what you have borrowed from someone else. The second is for a third party to give you money to be given to someone else. The latter seems to be what Paul has in mind. Paul is not in debt to the Romans as though he needed to pay them back for a loan. Rather, Jesus had entrusted him with the Gospel to share with the Romans.

Paul often spoke of being entrusted with the Gospel (1 Cor. 4:1, Gal. 2:7, 1 Thess. 2:4, 1 Tim. 1:11, Titus 1:3). Paul is in debt to Jesus who has entrusted him with the Gospel to be shared.

Jesus has entrusted us with the priceless message of the Gospel. The one thing that gives forgiveness, restoration, hope, salvation and life abundant and eternal. May we all be faithful stewards and messengers of what God has entrusted us with to be shared with the world.

I am excited for the upcoming Advance Conference which is always a great event to encourage us in our commitment to the work of evangelism. The conference this year is March 4-5 at Oklahoma City, St. John Missionary. I hope you will join me there!

Serving Jesus with You,

Written by Todd Fisher

Oklahoma Baptists, Executive Director-Treasurer

February 2024 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com 3

SWORD AND TROWEL

BREAKING BAD (HABITS) T H E I M PO RTA N C E O F R E G U L A R C H U RC H AT T E N DANC E During the COVID pandemic, Americans seem to have picked up some bad habits.

According to one source, “two in five… (survey) respondents shared they’ve been snacking more.

Other bad habits picked up during this time included drinking too much caffeine and staying in their pajamas all day.”

Of course, not all “bad habits” are necessarily sins. Yet we recognize that all sins can become a habit.

Survey results indicated an uptick in worse habits, such as binge drinking alcohol or consuming pornography. The wreckage that alcohol and pornography addictions are having on families and churches cannot be overstated.

Yet a more subtle bad habit that has emerged since 2020—which was noted in a recent Lifeway Research poll—is a decline in church attendance.

Prior generations viewed regular church attendance as weekly, but today’s standard is less.

“Among churchgoers, 4 in 5 place the standard at least twice a month… Another study of churchgoers found around 2 in 5 say

they will skip church at least a few times a year just to get some extra sleep or enjoy an outdoor activity when the weather is nice.”

There are various factors that have led to this trend of church attendance being viewed as optional.

The dominance of youth sports played on Sundays; the rise of technology substitutes to in-person worship; the overall societal trend away from commitment.

The Book of Hebrews warns against “forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some” (Heb. 10:25).

Now, some people are not able to attend in person for good reasons, such as health or other issues and difficulties. God sees you, and the church understands and wants to minister to you and with you.

At the same time, this year provides an opportunity for followers of Christ to recommit to regular church attendance.

C.S. Lewis said, “The New Testament does not envisage solitary religion;

4 February 2024 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

some kind of regular assembly of worship and instruction is everywhere taken for granted in the Epistles. So, we must be regular practicing members of the Church.”

As we ask the Lord to send revival and anticipate His coming, what better activity could there be than for you to join hearts with others in a local fellowship of believers?

After all, the best way to kick a bad habit is to take up a good one.

Written by Brian Hobbs

Editor of the Baptist Messenger

UPCOMING EVENTS See what events are happening around the state!

FEB. 25

FEB. 24

Let’s Go. Sending Conference Hollis, First 4:30-7:30 p.m.

cmartinez@oklahomabaptists.org

MARCH 4-5

Girls Ministry Training Event at OKC, Southern Hills FEB. 25

Oklahoma Student Worship Choir at Mustang, Chisholm Heights MARCH 3

Advance Conference

OKC, St. John Missionary

oklahomabaptists.org/advance March 4-5th, 2023 | St. John Missionary Baptist Church

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony at Shawnee, Immanuel MARCH 7

Singing Churchmen at OKC, Village & Alva, First MARCH 22-23

Youth Evangelism Conference

Falls Creek Conference Center oklahomabaptists.org/yec

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

41: Preaching

and the use of humor Listen at www.oklahomabaptists.com/podcast or on...

Scan Here For More Information!

February 2024 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

5

GREETINGS FROM WATERSEDGE

ACCOMPLISHING A

‘GOD-SIZED’ GOAL Have you ever had an idea that challenged you?

More than a decade ago, our team at WatersEdge felt called to set a God-sized goal: to distribute $25 million annually to ministry by the year 2025. A snappy name — “25x25” — gave us a clear objective, but it didn’t remove the trepidation we felt.

WATERSEDGE CEO ROBERT KELLOGG SHARES ABOUT THE MINISTRY’S ONGOING IMPACT DURING AN OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS MEETING.

At the time, the most the Foundation had ever distributed in a calendar year was $12 million. The vision we’d set for ourselves seemed impossible, but we felt that God was behind it.

this number doesn’t even include the millions of dollars distributed throughout the year in support of the local church, another testament to the faithfulness of the individuals and families who give with WatersEdge.

In 2023, we distributed $35.2 million, a record-breaking number for our ministry. It’s the fifth year that we’ve met or exceeded the $25 million distribution goal, and the first time we’ve met that goal three years straight. God has been faithful to us through bad markets, rising interest rates and inflation. He guided us to a place we could never have anticipated.

I hope, as we embark upon another year of ministry together, that God gives you a few challenging ideas, too. It’s often in those moments, stepping off the ledge into an unknown future, that you can see God work most clearly.

It’s because of His grace, and your giving, that we continue to be able to accomplish our mission: financially empowering donors and ministries to transform lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our commitment to Oklahoma Baptist life shines through in this distribution, as $13.7 million of the funds we distributed went directly towards four Oklahoma Baptist entities: Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Baptist Village Communities and Oklahoma Baptists.

Through your giving, lives are being changed with a Christ-centered education, children are being given a home, seniors are receiving quality care and the Gospel is being preached throughout the state. And

We’ve certainly experienced that here at WatersEdge, and we’re honored to share the goodness of the Lord with the churches and ministries we support. I’m privileged to serve an organization with a heart for equipping ministers to grow the Kingdom, and it’s a pleasure to see the incredible generosity that our donors have. It is because of their faithful giving that God has allowed us to meet this goal.

Thank you for partnering with us.

6 February 2024 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

Written by Robert Kellogg WatersEdge CEO

JUST JOE

You got to love moms!

God was so creative in all He created. So, when we consider His creation, we are often struck with surprise, awe and amazement. That is generally true, but it is specifically true when we think about how God created moms.

They just know how to do stuff like fry bacon or make SPAM sandwiches or know how much sugar it takes to make Southern Baptist sweet tea, which is like Pentecostal sweet tea but much sweeter than Methodist sweet tea which is just a bit boring.

Another thing that makes moms so unique is that they just always seem to be prepared.

Let’s say you start coughing. Next thing you know, your mom produces a piece of candy from her pocket or her purse. Now it might be a piece of peppermint candy that your little brother sucked all of the red off of until he decided it was too hot (the big baby) and spit it out into mom’s hand who promptly put it back in her pocket or purse for future medical treatments.

Or it could have been a piece of butterscotch candy. Since neither piece of candy was wrapped up, the butterscotch always had some fuzz and lint on it. As soon as you put it in your mouth, you wore your tongue out trying to dislodge the fuzz and lint from the candy. But that kept you preoccupied until some of that butterscotch oozed down the back of your throat and you started coughing again and the vicious cycle started all over.

Another thing moms used to have at the ready was a little green bottle of Campho Phenique. That is a Greek word that means liquid fire used to heal

all sorts of ailments and maladies. In fact, Campho Phenique was used to doctor sores in your mouth.

The Campho Phenique would just sear the sore or it burned so much you told your mom the sore was gone so that she wouldn’t doctor you again. But Campho Phenique was not just an oral medicine.

It was used to treat insect bites, bullet wounds, Big Foot bites and premature balding.

Because of space I only have room to give you one more. Moms always seem to have immediate access to Kleenex. But not just your run-of-themill Kleenex that the rest of us mortals use once and then throw away. Oh no. Moms carry Kleenex that can be used multiple times for multiple purposes. And when you combined a mom Kleenex with some mom spit, you have a combination that can clean dirt off of a kid’s face, get blood off of tee shirt, or scrub the paint off of a Buick LeSabre. How many kids have endured a scrubbing with a mom Kleenex and mom spit convinced that their mom just scrubbed off their eyebrow or the dimple in their chin?

Moms really are unique characters. Somehow, they are always prepared to meet the needs of the moment. You just have to love them. When you think about it, that sounds a lot like God. He is always ready with whatever we need at the moment to take care of the need of the moment.

You just have to love Him.

Written by Joe Ligon

Senior Associate Executive Director

February 2024 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com 7

Rick and Leslie Osborn have been married nearly 30 years.

A Life Saving Gift Like so many other families whose loved ones faced life-threatening situations during the COVID pandemic, Leslie Osborn almost lost her husband of 30 years, Rick, in the summer of 2021.

Rick became severely ill with COVID, compounded by other underlying health issues, that he had to be hospitalized in July.

“When the hospital staff admitted Rick, they whisked him away, and before I knew it, he was out of my sight and then put on a ventilator,” Leslie said.

Lauren Vaughan stepped forward to donate a kidney to Rick, who was in need.

At the time, Leslie was not allowed to be in that same area of the hospital.

“I was not sure if I ever would see my husband again, knowing how, statistically, few people survived who had gone on vents,” she said. “It was an extremely scary and heart-wrenching time.”

God’s mercy surrounded Rick and Leslie, as she turned to others for prayer support and to the Word of God for encouragement.

COVER STORY

“I knew I needed to turn to God’s Word—to plead with the Lord for Rick—and to calm my heart,” she said.

“But I didn’t know where exactly in my Bible to turn.

Leslie serves as chief financial officer for Oklahoma Baptists.

She and Rick are active members of Oklahoma City, Putnam City. Pastor Bill Hulse and many church members, as well as their “Oklahoma Baptist family” were a source of encouragement and support during this trial. They all rejoiced that Rick’s life was saved and continued to support the family after he returned home.

Rick and Leslie have three grown children, including their daughter Lillie who lives next door to them, along with her husband and two boys.

Rick works in the funeral home industry and is known for being a quiet, faithful servant in his church and to anyone in need.

After Rick survived his major bout with COVID, it became apparent his kidneys were severely damaged, creating a potentially life-threatening situation.

“I think in some sense Leslie was more concerned for me than I was for myself,” Rick said. “But my lab results showed that I should be concerned, that I was not well.”

“I soon rediscovered the power of the Psalms, and many others who were praying for Rick and our family sent me scriptures as well.”

After much prayer, consideration and research, it became evident Rick needed a new kidney, and the best route for that was a kidney from a living donor.

With the expert help of local medical staff, the couple were able to begin the journey of seeking to find a kidney donor for Rick. They worked with the OU Medical Center team and were able to make public the need.

A family member of Leslie had sent her some markers, and she took note cards and began writing those Bible verses on cards and putting them all over her house, as well as later in the hospital room.

However, due to the specific requirements of a living donor kidney—including the need for a perfect blood-type match and other significant considerations for the donor—it could take years to find the right match.

All told, Rick spent 10 days on a ventilator. “The nurses were so excited to tell me the day he came off the vent,” Leslie said. “It was a hallelujah moment!”

Meanwhile, word was getting out on Facebook and other avenues that Rick needed a kidney.

Rick went on to be in the hospital 26 days before he came home. That’s where the longer journey continued.

February 2024 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com 9

Leslie Osborn leaned on the Scriptures for encouragement during Rick’s health battles.

“We were new to this whole “I found out about Rick’s need process, but God kept assuring through a family connection.” us along the way,” Leslie said.

The Lord would begin to put it One of the individuals who on Lauren’s heart to take the stepped forward and called the first steps of interest in helping. hotline to find out more about With each step she took, becoming a donor was a young another barrier in the process lady named Lauren. came down. Before she knew it, Lauren was told her kidney Lauren is a young professional would be a perfect match. and a member of Oklahoma City, Quail Springs. She had Committing the matter to served on the mission field prayer, and through talking with the International Mission to family and close friends, Board in East Asia and Russia Lauren decided to commit to for several years, before moving the kidney donation. back to Oklahoma in 2018.

“When God called me to over“I did not know much about organ sees mission, it would be donation at all,” Lauren said. obvious to me I should obey 10 February 2024 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

Him,” she said. “If I believe what I say about obeying God’s call on our lives, if He was calling me to this, why would I not obey here, too?”

On June 5, 2023, everything was set for Lauren to donate her kidney to Rick. Everything in the surgery went according to plan. Lauren rebounded from the surgery within 10 days.

Rick’s body, now six months later, has accepted the kidney well, and he is thriving.

Rick is back to work; he’s spending time with his grandkids and serving in his local church.

Lauren continues to serve in her church and live a full life. Her parents have described Lauren as “a giver.” Leslie says she will “never stop saying thank you to Lauren” for what she did for Rick and their family.

Lauren downplays her role, saying that she simply wanted to “help a family who had a need.”

Lauren and the Osborn family recently got together to connect and celebrate over a piece of chocolate cake that Leslie had baked. With Rick’s grandkids in the room, between bites of cake, they shared stories from the journey and some laughs.

It was evident that God had brought these individuals together amid challenging circumstances. To bring health and hope in a desperate situation. To bring the joy and life of Christ, Who Himself was the greatest Giver of all.

The Osborns and Lauren recently shared fellowship and celebration over chocolate cake, shortly after Rick received a positive 6-month well check.

Brian Hobbs

Editor of the Baptist Messenger

CROSSWORD & WORDSEARCH 44 Canned meats 45 “Daniel prospered in the reign of ___” (Dan. 6:28) 46 Bromine 49 Where the hand wrote (Dan. 5:5) 50 Type of acid 51 Reasons 52 “A time to rend, and a time to ___” (Eccl. 3:7) 55 “Isaac was old, and his eyes were ___” (Gen. 27:1) 56 Radical 59 NT Greek word for love 61 Compass point 62 Shower need 63 Pitted mushroom 64 How Moses felt about speaking 65 What sealed the lions’ den (Dan. 6:17) 66 Happened to Belshazzar the night he saw the hand (Dan. 5:30)

DOWN

ACROSS 1 Type of palm in Sinai 5 What Daniel wanted the lions to do 10 Smaller than tbsp.

13 “___ yourselves unto God” (Rom. 6:13) 15 The kings of Daniel’s day were this 16 Spring month (abbr.)

17 Swelling 18 “White ___ were given” (Rev. 6:11) 19 Hiss 20 Daniel’s lions lived here 21 “Solomon made a ___ of ships” (1 Kings 9:26) 23 Spiral 25 “Four men loose, walking in the

S

F W M B

G E

R

I

O L

W E

E

midst of the ___” (Dan. 3:25) 26 How Daniel’s friends entered the furnace 28 “Hast made a ___” (Dan. 3:10) 31 “A ___ of new cloth” (Matt. 9:16) 32 Relating to the ear 33 Western state 34 Federal agency helping small businesses (abbr.)

37 Cart for hauling heavy things 38 Measured 40 Pick 41 “The fourth is like the ___ of God” (Dan. 3:25) 42 Where the king erected his statue (Dan. 3:1) 43 Swiss city

H G R A

N D K

I

D S

J

X W C Y

S M L

A

S

C M C B

T R

F S

N H S

V

P

J

T H

L

A

Q E

L

Q D

T D H A W V

L

F

I

R

T H K

R S

U A

H

D E

L

U

I

V

B W U

U G G D S

G

J M O A W

V

Z Q B

H Q E

W N K

R R G K

U

I

E

L

I J

H R V

H E

U U Q D

E M O E M E

N

X P

G E

R R M N K

G

N

T

N

L

V

G L

O M L

T

I

Z A

Q

I

O

K

L

G U C K

L

C S

C V

I

E

T G D

S

I

S

H U

L

A

E

Q Q L

L

V

S

H B

R K

C

L

I

X H

N D

I

K

C U

X N

Z E

U

Z R R R E

C

D U

Y

U

P

H

K

1 “Cometh from Edom, with ___ garments” (Isa. 63:1) 2 Daniel was one of these to the king 3 Mary’s life stage when she bore Jesus 4 Pagan incense was burned under this tree (Hos. 4:13) 5 “They ___ not thy gods” (Dan. 3:12) 6 Disgust with excess 7 Where Eve came from 8 What Daniel did with veggies 9 Mishael’s Babylonian name (Dan. 1:7) 10 “They shall speak lies at one ___” (Dan. 11:27) 11 “Scatter among them the prey, and ___” (Dan. 11:24) 12 Fill-in 14 Hero of this book 22 “How mighty ___ his wonders!” (Dan. 4:3) 24 First woman 25 “No man shall ___ them away” (Deut. 28:26) 26 What Eve would do to the forbidden fruit 27 “I will ___ the writing unto the king” (Dan. 5:17)

I

T H C Q

O O Z D V

Z A

T

T S

J

N O O R Y

U E

V

J

A

A

B

E

E

J

R

I

I

S

B

G C C

I

A

A

Y W E

A

R

I

S

R N Y

S

E

S

R U N V

O W K

P

O A

A

H U

L

J

S

E

Z S

V

N Q W T E W Z S

P

A

U

F

L

U

F H

T

I

A

U P

D K

A

Z P

R A

Y

E

R Q B

K

R O V

O L

E

I

O N P

E

R E

S

O B

Q S S

A

V

O T Y

T

J

J

R Y

L

I

M A

X N O

I

T A

X

T H

N O D

X O C O N S

M O G W X P

F I

Q Y

D E

R A

G

N U C D

I

T

F

J

K

S

F R U P B

R R

I

T Q A

Z Y S

R K

T G N

Asia

Cake

Consideration

Donation

Encouragement

Faithful

Family

Grandkids

Hallelujah

Hulse

Nurses

Osborn

Prayer

Psalms

Research

12Journey www.baptistmessenger.com | TheLauren Baptist Messenger Leslie | February 2024Lillie Kidney

28 Adam, Noah, and Abraham 29 European monetary unit 30 Ocean Spray’s drink starters 31 Large cats 34 Father of biblical spy Gaddi (Num. 13:11) 35 Type of cheese 36 Shakespeare play: ___ Well That Ends Well 38 Call to worship king (Dan. 3:5) 39 Modern-day Persia 40 Astronomer, ___ Sagan 42 Bunkers 43 Fragrant wood 44 2,000 pounds 45 “Three times a ___, and prayed” (Dan. 6:10) 46 Antithesis of heaven 47 Mennonite neighbor 48 English sailor 49 Jonah’s temporary home 51 Small bird 52 Dress 53 Fencing sword 54 Join metal 57 His wife turned to salt 58 “Darius. . .being about threescore and __” (Dan. 5:31) 60 “Is thy ___. . .able to deliver thee?” (Dan. 6:20)

January Answers

Asia Cake Consideration Donation Encouragement Faithful Family Grandkids Hallelujah Hulse Journey Kidney Lauren

Leslie Lillie Nurses Osborn Prayer Psalms Research Rick Russia Scriptures Servant Support Thriving

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.

TRIBUTES Ramon Aleman

Ramon Aleman, 81, died Dec. 27 in Miami, Fla. He was a church planting pioneer for Oklahoma Baptists during the 1980s and ‘90s and pastored several Hispanic churches in Oklahoma. He also served as director of the Robert Haskins School of Christian Ministry.

CHURCH NEWS

Fielding named new conference centers director of Falls Creek, CrossTimbers On

Baptists

Donald Jones

Don Jones, 67, died Dec. 30. He served as an IMB missionary in Uruguay and recently as the pastor of the Hispanic congregation at Moore, First.

Brenda Ringer

Brenda Ringer, 75, died Dec. 9. She and her husband Doug served as IMB missionaries in Laos and Thailand.

Leland Webb

Leland Webb, 91, died Jan. 8. He was longtime editor of The Commission a publication of the IMB. He served as assistant editor of the Baptist Messenger from 1957-64.

Oklahoma

leaders

announced

ence centers director, overseeing both Falls Creek and

Donna Almy, 61, died Jan. 4. She was the wife of Bruce Almy, pastor of Dewey, Bluestem.

William Cook, 93, died Jan. 4 in Austin, Texas. He served 20 years as pastor of Barltesville, First from 1969-89.

10,

Chad Fielding as new confer-

Donna Almy

William Cook

Jan.

CrossTimbers.

Fielding

most

recently served as operations manager at Falls Creek and has worked in various capacities at Falls Creek since 1995. He takes over for Andy Harrison, who retired from the role in 2023 and recently became pastor at Pauls Valley, Trinity.

“I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord and Oklahoma Baptists in this way,” Fielding said.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES CHRIS MATTHEWS is youth minister at Sapulpa, Faith.

CLINT SINCLAIR resigned as pastor of Okmulgee, Nuyaka to re-enter full-time evangelism.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS DISBANDED. Oklahoma City, Baptist Temple is no longer meeting

March 4-5th, 2023 | St. John Missionary Baptist Church

PASTOR

Pray for Oklahoma Missionaries

Scott Hume He is the director of Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Southwestern Okla. St.

David Hooks

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Pastor of Bryant Avenue Baptist Church

William & Cindy Hayward They are International Mission Board Missionaries in the Asian Pacific Rim

How did you get your start in ministry?

Ken Brownd

He is the associational mission strategist of Craig Mayes Association.

Cayo Cavalcante He is the planter and pastor of Edmond, Deepen Movement

I started full-time ministry in 2001. I was pastoring a church in southeast Oklahoma, plus I was a chaplain at the Tyson plant in Broken Bow. God opened a door, and I was able to minister to a lot of people.

Tyson had about 1,200 employees, and God used me to minister in that way. I preached at funerals and loved on people when they were struggling.

In 2006, God led me back to Oklahoma City. I lived here from 1978-95. I started pastoring at Bryant Avenue in 2008. In June, I will be (at Bryant Avenue) for 16 years. When I started, I was a bi-vocational pastor and also drove a city bus for six months.

IN FOCUS The church desired for me to be full-time, and the Lord worked through that to make it possible, and I’ve been full-time since 2009. It’s been a blessing.

You have served in several ways, including at the associational level. How did the Lord place you in these opportunities, and why is serving in Kingdom work rewarding?

I have been blessed to know past directors of mission in our association, and it’s been through those relationships that I got involved and had opportunities to serve. I got to see the heart of other pastors who are focused on building the Kingdom of God. I walked alongside these guys and learn from them and encouraged them.

I have served as moderator in the association and on the revitalization team and had other roles. It’s rewarding because you see people who have a heart for Jesus and get to walk alongside those people.

How are you and your church involved in serving the community and advancing the Gospel?

We had a free clinic that ran for more than 15 years. There were so many blessings that came out of having that clinic. I remember a lady who brought her husband to the clinic. He was diabetic and not taking his medicine. He was in so much pain. They treated him, and as they were leaving—I’ll never forget this—she said, ‘I feel like I have just won the lottery.’ Our people want to serve and meet needs.

Written by: Chris Doyle, Managing Editor

We started doing a movie night for the community. Once a month, we offer free refreshments. We show a Christian movie and have an opportunity to share with people. We also serve local schools and offer gift bags to teachers. This past Christmas, we delivered 600 Christmas presents to students.

This gives us opportunities to minister to people, and even if people or kids forget my name or names of our church members, they will say, ‘Oh you’re the people from Bryant Avenue.’ It has made a difference in the community.

Why is it important for you and Bryant Avenue to support the Cooperative Program?

It’s important for us simply because we can do more together than we can apart.

I know it’s important to educate people on the Cooperative Program and explain ‘This is why we give; this is where it goes.’

We may not give much, but we are able to minister to missionaries around the world.

I share about Hope Pregnancy Center and other ministries that we support through Cooperative Program giving.

It gives us a bigger vision than just our church. This is Kingdom work. If we ever lose sight of that, then we are in trouble.

We are a part of something bigger than Bryant Avenue or even Oklahoma. We make a conscious effort to support the Cooperative Program because God doing work all over the world, and we need to support what He’s doing.

February 2024 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

15

REGIONAL MINISTRY

The ‘support element’ of Oklahoma Baptists While in Iraq and Afghanistan, every soldier in the units I served were maniacally focused upon one thing: the mission. My combat arms soldiers (infantry and cavalry) were usually considered “the main effort” elements for our missions.

They put boots on the ground, were the trigger-pullers, the first guys in on the “objective.”

But I found out quickly the important role of the “support element” for each mission. These soldiers maintained the vehicles, fixed weapons, monitored the communications, inspected the medical supplies, cooked the food, pulled guard duty and a thousand other factors behind the scenes that allowed the “main effort” to complete the mission.

More than 1,750 Southern Baptist churches in Oklahoma serve as our “main effort.” They are boots on the ground in every city, town, community and dirt road. They are “the unit assigned responsibility for accomplishing the key mission.” Yet, just like in any military operation, every main effort requires a supporting element.

As I travel across the east central region and interact with pastors in eight associations, I see the heroic efforts of associational mission strategists/directors of mission, of associational administrative assistants, of pastors and staff members serving on teams and committees in our associations to bring support to the main effort of our pastors and churches, as they put boots on the ground in accomplishing the Great Commission.

I see the fingerprints of unsung heroes who work on the staffs of Oklahoma Baptists, Wa

I see the fingerprints of unsung heroes who work on the staffs of Oklahoma Baptists, WatersEdge, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Baptist Village Communities and Oklahoma Baptist University, as they support the church with Cooperative Program materials, answer questions about background checks, budgeting practices and insurance issues. I have observed men and women “at the top of chain of command” roll up their sleeves to put up chairs, break down tables, pass out “swag” or give directions at our annual gatherings—all to provide a great experience, an “R&R,” for the churches.

Pastor, we want to reiterate something to you. You and the people you shepherd are the main effort. We recognize the mission hazards. The objective never changes, but mission dynamics are always changing. We know the enemy has a say. We see that every battle does not turn out how you had hoped.

But you know Who wins the war. You know that mission success is assured. Someday, the fight will be over. But not today.

And we have your back. We are here to be your support element.

16 www.baptistmessenger.com | The Baptist Messenger | February 2024

Written by Andy Taylor

Oklahoma Baptists, East Central Regional Ministry Partner

THE GREAT

PURSUIT

OF ADVANCING THE GOSPEL

ACROSS THE WORLD According to the International Mission Board (IMB), there are more than 3,000 people groups around the world have no missionary presence and likely no gospel access.

No one is engaging them.

“So the IMB has introduced “Project 3000” an initiative to send 300 explorers over 5 years to explore 3,000 unengaged, unreached people groups (UUPGs). Here’s more information about UUPGs and lostness in the world today.”

Here’s more information about unengaged people groups and lostness in the world today.

3,072 UNENGAGED, UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS

# of people groups to be found, known, engaged, and reached.

147

IN GLOBAL

DEAF

453 1,003 450

IN SUB-SAHARAN

AFRICA

IN SOUTH

ASIA

IN NORTHERN AFRICA &

MIDDLE EAST

Go to imb.org/great-pursuit to find out more or how you can be a part of the Great Pursuit.

Photography provided by the International Mission Board

Oklahoma Baptists mourn the loss of Ron Fannin, faithful servant-leader Written by: Bob Nigh, Contributing Writer

Oklahoma Baptists were shocked to learn the morning of Jan. 21 of the death of longtime Oklahoma Baptist servant and statesman Ron Fannin, 75, who passed away the evening before.

“Ron was a kind, wise man who loved Jesus,” said Todd Fisher, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists. “He was a friend to so many and one of my greatest encouragers these last two years. A great servant of the Kingdom and Oklahoma Baptists who is now in the presence of his Lord. Please join me in praying for his family.”

Funeral service was Thursday, Jan. 25, at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills.

In addition to his ministry in music, education, youth and administration at churches, Fannin served the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma (BFO, currently WatersEdge) as vice president for church building loans and student services and senior vice president from 1988-2000. He served Oklahoma Baptists as senior associate executive director from September 2000-July 2014.

“I am still dealing with the shock of Ron’s passing,” said Anthony Jordan, who was executive

director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists when Fannin served the state convention. “For 23 years we have walked side by side in life and ministry. I loved him like a brother.

He was one of the finest Christians I have ever known. His life was marked by integrity, loving care for others, wisdom and a passion for Christ. He was the greatest encourager I have ever known. He was the epitome of servanthood.”

In 2013 he was a recipient of the OBU Alumni Association’s Profile In Excellence Award.

Ron was a member of the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma beginning in 1971 and served as president of the group in 1982. He was the recipient of the Churchmen’s Royce Brown Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Ministry in 2014.

Ron and Jamie Fannin married in 1968.

love and appreciate my association with Oklahoma Baptist churches through church loans, opportunities to share my faith, lead in worship services and connect with each of them through the Cooperative Program of mission giving.”

Fannin was honored by the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission during the 2023 Oklahoma Baptists’ Annual Meeting with the annual Distinguished Service Award.

“It is hard to give him up,” Jordan said. “I will miss him so much. But I rejoice and am somewhat jealous that he has seen Jesus in all His glory. My longing for heaven just took another step higher now that Ron is there.”

WANT TO RECEIVE

Married to the former Jamie Pace of Tishomingo in 1968, the couple have three married children: Melanie Nippert, Todd Fannin, and Greg Fannin; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

FOR FREE? Oklahoma Baptists can now receive a no-cost subscription to the Baptist Messenger Magazine and digital editions.

APRIL 2023

2023 ARY ARY 2023 FEBRU FEBRU

“I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ at age 13 at, Chico, Texas, First and surrendered my life to Christian ministry in music at age 16,” Fannin once said. “I

18 www.baptistmessenger.com | The Baptist Messenger | February 2024

VOL. •• VOL.

112 112 ||

ED

• VOL. 112

PAR

| NO. 4

APRIL MAY2023 2023 • •VOL. VOL.112 112| |NO. NO.55

VE

SER

NO. NO. 22

IEF ER REL EACH DISAST OR CED DIRECTRY IST NOUN IATE LY AN ASSOC TO MIN NEW OR, L CALL DIRECT FEE

PRE

Inspiring Stories

the Gospel r s ke Spring Brea

BCM s share

Okl ahoma ands of to thous

Missions Articles Church News

OUGH YARBR JASONTOROF DIREC ER RELIEF DISAST

ERAGE TOR DEATH RYAN IATE DIREC RELIEF ER ASSOC OF DISAST

XXX Connect: Pray for

XXX /// Page

XXX /// Page

9 church camps! /// Page /// Page 3

Rite of Passage: 6 phases of senior adulthood

Greetings from BVC: BVC celebrates 65 years

/// Page 6

/// Page 11

8

Encouraging &

3

Edifying Content Scan this QR code to receive a print and/or digital copy of our latest issue!

www.baptistmessenger.com/subscriptions

AND MORE!

TOOL BOX

NEW YEAR

NEW GROUPS As we are moving through the first quarter of 2024, a new year provides a strategic opportunity to focus on starting new groups or classes for Sunday School and small group ministry.

For many churches, new classes or groups begin with the new school year in August, but the work to do this effectively takes time and should start now.

baptisms, missions, serving and giving. It all starts with the work of investing in those who can help get new groups going.

Starting to work on new groups in the new year reminds me of Nehemiah 8 when Ezra read the book of the law to the returned exiles in Jerusalem. Before he gathered everyone together, he prepared some of the Levites to work with the people and help them understand the meaning of the text clearly. As Ezra read the words of the law, the Levites divided the crowd into small groups, helping them teach in a powerful way.

Beginning new groups may seem like a daunting task, especially for those with smaller communities or congregations. However, thriving churches of all sizes make new groups a yearround aspect of their discipleship culture. Many leaders across the state ask me for ways to revive their Sunday School or group ministries, and I always point them to this same approach.

Even if a church creates just one new group a year, that will make all the difference.

Ezra knew the power of God’s Word and prepared his leaders for the new work God was getting ready to do in His people. May God ignite our hearts for the new work He is ready to do in us.

Consider this aspect of group dynamics taught

by Lifeway’s groups ministry leader, Ken Braddy. For the first 18-24 months, a new group will have a welcoming environment where the new members form community with one another. Those first few months are easy for those not in the group to join. After that time passes, however, the group begins to be relationally “close,” making it difficult for anyone new to feel a part of it. This closed group also becomes self-sustainable, which leads to less focus on training or administration from pastors and leaders.

Women's Retreat

Written By Doug Matlock,

Oklahoma Baptists Discipleship & Small Groups Ministry Partner

A PR I L 1 9-20 , 20 24 FA LLS C R EEK CO N FER EN C E C E NT E R

Jen Wilkin

Whitney Capps

Tara Dew

Dee Humphrey

Robertson

Scan here!

speaker

speaker

Being intentional about starting new groups will open new doors for people to walk through and connect with the church. New people in the church means new potential for salvations,

speaker

worship

Register now!

speaker

INTERPRETACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

OKL AH OMABAP T IS T S .OR G / WO M E N

February 2024 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com 19

Limited-Time Special Interest Rate

UP TO

% 5.95

APY

5-Month Term Investment

New Money & Renewals

Investments That Grow Churches When you invest with WatersEdge, you’re helping churches grow by providing the funds we use to make loans to congregations across the country.

Invest Today

WatersEdge.com/OKinvest 800-949-9988

Limited-time special interest rate valid for new investments and renewals only. Rates subject to change.

Visit www.WatersEdge.com/OKinvest for current rates. WatersEdge securities are subject to certain risk factors as described in our Offering Circular and are not FDIC or SIPC insured. This is not an offer to sell or solicit securities. WatersEdge offers and sells securities only where authorized; this offering is made solely by our Offering Circular.