North Star Update A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Inside This Issue: Fellowship Foundations
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Evan. Cadwell at Granite City Baptist
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Berean Baptist, DL 40th Anniversary
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Walworth Baptist, Ulen Tract Ministry
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Cornerstone, Pine Island Completes Building
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Harvest Baptist, Redwood Falls, Mortgage Burning
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Calendar November 6-7: 12th Annual PBBC Choral Festival, Concert Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. November 8: MBA State Youth @ Chisago Lakes Baptist December 4,5: Christmas at Pillsbury. Banquet Dinner Friday, 5 p.m. Concert both evenings at 7 p.m. January 11: MBA Executive Committee and Full Board at Coon Rapids Baptist.
Volume II, Issue 11
November 1, 2008
Special Announcement The Pillsbury Baptist Bible College Board of Trustees has announced that the college will cease academic activities on December 31, 2008. National economic conditions combined with deficits caused by declining enrollment have exhausted Pillsbury’s financial reserves, leaving the college without funds to complete the school year. Pillsbury is committed to help current students complete their educational goals. Several sister institutions are working with the college to facilitate the transfer of credits and academic programs for those who choose to transfer. Pillsbury will invite college representatives from sister schools to the campus to inform students of the academic and financial assistance programs they are making available to Pillsbury students affected by the closure. The Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid Office will assist current students transferring to other colleges. Transcripts and academic records will be maintained for perpetuity at a sister college. The campus will be sold and the proceeds used to meet obligations to creditors as well as assist faculty, staff and students with the transition. The Special Announcement above appeared on the Pillsbury Baptist Bible College website at 10:30 Wednesday morning, October 22. Dr. Greg Huffman spoke with the faculty, staff, and administration on Tuesday, and with the student body Wednesday morning. In his remarks, Dr. Huffman spoke from 1 Kings 17:1-9. Please be in prayer for everyone involved with this ministry over the next months. There is much to be decided, and many hearts to mend. There will be more information coming from the college as the administration works on the needs of the students and the faculty, staff, and administration.
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North Star Update
Fellowship Foundations By: Rev.
Special Notes Granite City Baptist is looking for copies of the tract “The Way of Life,” by John C. Ratzlaff. If you have any, please contact the church office.
Due to space constraints in the October North Star Update, the editor and I agreed that we would postpone this report to this issue. During September, and thus far in October, your Interim State Missionary has enjoyed great fellowship with churches, pastors, and congregations. In summary, I list these opportunities. September 7: I was able to preach in the morning service at Calvary Baptist in St. Peter after the retirement of Dr. Ben Peterson (Pauline). That evening, we visited Harvest Baptist in Redwood Falls under Dr. Larry Smetak (Vera). I was given the opportunity to present the ministries of the MBA during the service. 8: On Monday, we visited with Pastor Greg Linscott and his wife Jennifer at their home in Marshall. He has resumed his preaching at First Baptist. We rejoiced over his recovery from a road accident. That afternoon, we visited with Pastor Mark Fish and his wife Darlene of First Baptist in Lake Benton. We toured their fine church building, and were
Robert Fuller, Sr. Interim State Missionary
told of their plans for an extension to the church’s present building. 11: As the Interim State Missionary , I attended the MBA Executive Committee meeting at Faith Baptist in St. Paul. 14: I was invited back to Calvary Baptist in St. Peter to preach in the morning service. I also assisted in a special meeting regarding pulpit supply and the calling of a new pastor. 16: I attended the Pillsbury College Executive Committee and full board meetings as they met on campus. 26-27: We attended Pillsbury’s Harvest Home. On Friday afternoon I attended a college board meeting. In the evening we rejoiced at the inauguration of Pillsbury’s new president, Dr. Greg Huffman. 28: I preached again at St. Peter for both services. The people there are very gracious, and need our prayers as they seek a new pastor. October 6-8: Pastor Dave Rogers and I staffed the MBA display table at the Central Seminary Fall Conference. We represented the MBA ministries with
literature and the display. We did not have all the pictures that were requested from pastors. Please send them soon if possible. 10-11: At the invitation of Berean Baptist Church of Detroit Lakes, we shared in the 40th anniversary of the ministry and dedication of the church’s new building with Pastor Tim Riley (Kim). We had a wonderful time with that active and growing church. 12: We attended Sunday School and the morning service at Bible Baptist in Nevis under Pastor Tom Drury (Leesa). I was invited to present the MBA ministries during the Sunday School time. The fellowship and vision of the church were very exciting. Pray as they seek to expand their facilities. In the evening we attended First Baptist in Baxter under Pastor David Grotzke (Cindy). I was permitted to make a brief presentation for the MBA, and then enjoyed the ministry of their special speaker, Evangelist Randy Chovan. Other events that may occur in October will be reported in the December issue.
Evang. Cadwell at Granit City Baptist, St. Cloud Granite City Baptist Church had a 4 -day blessing last week during Evangelistic Meetings with Dr. Neil Cadwell. There was very good attendance for all of the meetings, with ten first-time visitors,
one profession of faith, and a number of dedication decisions. We appreciated the sound, uncompromising messages from the Word of God. The following Sunday we had a greater attendance, with six first-time visitors, as well as a good response during the invitation. A couple who had professed Christ at the County-Fair Booth
in August came forward for baptism and church membership. He is excited about telling others about Jesus! Another individual indicated his desire to join the church. We will be busy following up on all of these contacts and starting a Discipleship Bible-study Program with them.
Volume II, Issue 11
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Berean Baptist, Detroit Lakes Rejoices By: Pastor Berean Rejoices! On October 11th, Berean Baptist of Detroit Lakes rejoiced in the Lord's provision of their new facilities and also in 40 years of ministry. Joined by 4 former pastors and many former members, friends, and visitors from the community, the members at Berean held a combined dedication service and anniversary in their new auditorium. Dr. Lance Ketchum gave a challenging message from Ephesians 4 on the growth of the believer; the members of
Timothy Riley
Former and Current Pastoral Leadership
Berean provided many musical specials and the congregation joined in with vibrant singing. The 120 or so in attendance almost filled Berean's new sanctuary. We thank all those that have had a part in Berean's ministry over the years, have prayed for us, and have been an encouragement to us here at Berean. As we see the day of the Lord's return approaching may we all strive to live for Him and serve Him faithfully.
L to R: Dr. & Mrs. Bob Fuller, Dr. & Mrs. Bob Crane, Rev. Rodney Benson, Rev. & Mrs. Dave Welshans, Rev. & Mrs. Tim Riley
New Tract Ministry at Walworth Baptist, Ulen Walworth Baptist Church in Ulen, MN has recently started a new tract ministry, in addition to its Bible Senders ministry which sends Bibles around the world. They recently produced a tract called “In 100 Years”. It is a short tract on the back of a business card. It uses KJV scriptures and is the per-
fect size to carry easily. With the Lord’s help they plan to produce other tracts in the future. They also started a website www.afterdeathwhat.com to direct those who may be interested in more information. Anyone interested can view and order the tract at the website. All tracts will be freely given to
those who can prayerfully use them. The church requests that others pray for this work. For more information contact Ryan Olson at (701) 367-8836 or Pastor Ben Carpenter at (218) 567-8209. The tract can also be ordered by sending an e-mail to afterdeathwhat@gmail.com.
Cornerstone, Pine Island Completes Building Cornerstone Baptist of Pine Island has completed their construction project. All that remains now is a sign on the exterior. Praise God for a wonderful project--on budget and on time. Church members really felt that using local contractors was a key ingredient God used to lead us through the project so well.
Thank you to the people of the MBA who prayed and to those who offered the use of scaffolding and equipment! The MBA ladies' prayer list last fall was a particular blessing--not only to be prayed for by others, but to share in prayer for your requests. We are amazed at God's hand moving through so many MBA churches as evidenced by the requests last fall.
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A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION PO Box 527 Willmar, MN 56201-0527
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MBA Contacts Minnesota Baptist Association Dr. Julian Suarez, President Faith Baptist Church 1365 Westminster St. St. Paul, MN 55130 (651) 771-5567 pastors@fbcstpaul.org Interim State Missionary Rev. Robert Fuller, St. 1549 118th Lane NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448 (763) 568-4078 rjfsr4@juno.com MBA Office contact@mbaoc.org Minnesota Baptist Association PO Box 527 Willmar, MN 56201-0527 Send Contributions to: Mr. Brian Veth, MBA Treasurer c/o Coon Rapids Baptist Church 11164 Hanson Blvd. Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Send Update Articles and Pictures to: drjfjr@comcast.net North Star Update Editor 315 S. Payne St. New Ulm, MN 56073 (507) 354-3323
Harvest Baptist, Redwood Mortgage Burning This month has been a "Horn of Plenty" in blessings and encouragement given us in the harvest field. Early in October we had a children's activity with 25 attending. Regular service attendance had been down, but new prospects and visitors were coming. October 19 was the date of our Mortgage Burning. A note to Cornerstone Baptist was paid off (NOTE: this loan has been our only indebtedness as a young congregation). After nearly $100,000 has been put into all areas of purchase, remodeling, new sound system, carpet and bath rooms - - WE ARE DEBT FREE! October 19-23 was our exciting Fall Bible Conference with Josh Stephens. What a blessing to hear messages of God's Faithfulness, Fruitfulness and our Thankfulness as we
live in very needy times. On Sunday alone we had 5 first time visitors, along with 10 previous attendees. It was really encouraging to our teens and families. Jack and Kathy Helmer became our newest mem-
bers then. We look forward to service during the upcoming months as we seek to disciple and train new workers for Him. Thank you for your faithful prayers on our behalf.