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DigressionsDigressions incontestibly are the sunshine; they are the life, the soul of reading.-Laurence Sterne“God Is” ad campaign to hit1,000 NYC subwaysPro-God ads will hit some 1,000 subway carsthroughout New York City beginning Friday,announced the New York church sponsoring thecampaign.Times Square Church, located in the heart ofTimes Square in New York City, will launch its adcampaign in hundreds of subway cars and on 50platform posters in Manhattan stations at the endof this week.Ads will boldly feature the words “God is” inthe center, surrounded by words describing God’squalities in colorful fonts. Among the “God is”attributes are: with you, willing to help, able toprotect, a father, a husband to the widow, yourfriend, aware of your struggle, a good listener, theone who loves you, power to change, incredible,ready to forgive, there when no one else is, lookingat you, Jesus.“We want to encourage people to seek Godand prove that indeed He is,” explains Carter Conlon,senior pastor of Times Square Church. “Theads describe God in just a few of the infinite waysHe proves His presence to us every day.”Source: Jennifer Riley, Christian Post, www.christianpost.comScientists and belief in GodNew research indicates not spanking might beworse for kids than spanking themSome research on spanking by JenniferLansford and Ken Dodge suggeststhat if a culture views spankingas the normal consequence for badbehavior, kids aren’t damaged by itsoccasional use. They explain the databy suggesting that in cultures or communitieswhere spanking is common,parents are not punishing out of anger.But columnist Po Bronson asks, “Whatabout the third option: not spankingthem at all?”“Unfortunately, there’s been littlestudy of this, because children who’venever been spanked aren’t easy tofind. Most kids receive physical disciplineat least once in their life. Buttimes are changing, and parents todayhave numerous alternatives to spanking.The result is that kids are spankedless often overall, and kids who’venever been spanked are becoming abigger slice of the pie in long-termpopulation studies.”Marjorie Gunnoe is working ona study and finds that that almosta quarter of the teens in the studyreport they were never spanked.When asked if kids who havenever been spanked are any betteroff, long term, Gunnoe replies, “I didn’tfind that in my data.” In fact, thesurvey of scientists who are membersA of the American Association for theAdvancement of Science, conducted by thePew Research Center for the People & thePress in 2009, finds that members are, onthe whole, much less religious than the generalpublic.1 Indeed, the survey shows thatscientists are roughly half as likely as thegeneral public to believe in God or a higherpower. According to the poll, just over halfof scientists (51%) believe in some form ofdeity or higher power; specifically, 33% ofscientists say they believe in God, while 18%believe in a universal spirit or higher power.By contrast, 95% of Americans believe insome form of deity or higher power, accordingto a survey of the general publicconducted by the Pew Research Center inJuly 2006. Specifically, more than eight-intenAmericans (83%) say they believein God and 12% believe in a universalspirit or higher power. Finally, the poll ofscientists finds that four-in-ten scientists(41%) say they do not believe in Godor a higher power, while the poll of thepublic finds that only 4% of Americansshare this view.The recent survey of scientists tracksfairly closely with earlier polls. The first ofthese was conducted in 1914 by JamesLeuba, who surveyed about 1,000 scientistsin the United States. Leuba foundstudy that takes in several years andcross-references data about antisocialbehavior, early sexual activity, physicalviolence, and depression, goes furtherthan most similar surveys by lookingat possible good outcomes for teensand young adults — academic rank,volunteer work, college aspirations,hope for the future, and confidence intheir ability to earn a living when theygrow up.According to Bronson and Gunnoe,they discovered a shocker: “thosewho’d been spanked just when theywere young — ages 2 to 6 — weredoing a little better as teenagers thanthose who’d never been spanked. Onalmost every measure.”NurtureShock also wrote earlierabout the work of Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan, who found that children ofprogressive dads were acting out morein school, likely because the fatherswere “inconsistent disciplinarians; theywere emotionally uncertain about whenand how to punish, and thus they werereinventing the wheel every time theyhad to reprimand their child. And therewas more conflict in their marriageover how best to parent, and how todivide parenting responsibilities.”Source: Po Bronson, NurtureShock, on theNewsweek website, December 31, 2009the scientific community equally divided,with 42% saying that they believed in apersonal God and the same number sayingthey did not.More than 80 years later, EdwardLarson, a historian of science then teachingat the University of Georgia, recreatedLeuba’s survey, asking the same numberof scientists the exact same questions. Tothe surprise of many, Larson’s 1996 pollcame up with similar results, finding that40% of scientists believed in a personalGod, while 45% said they did not.4 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010Source: David Masci, Senior Researcher, Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life. www.pewforum.org

Churches not yet enjoyingeconomic reboundNASHVILLE Tenn. – While the U.S. economy showssigns of experiencing a “jobless recovery,” the country’s10 percent unemployment rate is keeping churchbudgets in a bind, a new study by LifeWay Researchfound. Yet in spite of the financial difficulty, manychurches are launching new ministries to help families inneed.A full 35 percent of the 1,002 Protestant pastorssurveyed in November 2009 said giving in their churcheswas flat compared to the same period in 2008. Another29 percent said giving was down, including 18 percentwho reported a decrease of 10 percent or more.More than half the pastors reported higher unemploymentin their congregations and almost a fourthsaid more people have moved away in search of work.Many more churches reported they had frozen staffsalaries for 2009 — 47 percent, in contrast to 35percent as reported in a similar February 2009 survey.Forty percent indicated they had cut back on outsourcingproducts and services to save money.Seventy percent of the pastors said they werereceiving more requests for financial assistance frompeople outside the congregation, and 42 percent saidtheir churches had responded by increasing spending onbehalf of needy families. Additionally, 44 percent saidmore church members were involved in volunteer serviceto their communities.Among the survey’s other findings:• 11 percent reduced staff salaries from 2008 levels, 8percent delayed planned hiring, 5 percent reducedstaff insurance benefits, 5 percent laid off one ormore employees, and 14 percent delayed large capitalexpenses.• 35 percent of the pastors said they had paid moreministry expenses out of their own pockets, 16 percenttook voluntary pay cuts, 7 percent added nonministryjobs for more income, and 7 percent askedtheir spouses to add a non-ministry job.• 38 percent of the pastors said they were receivingmore requests for assistance from church members,14 percent said more people in their congregationshad lost their homes, and 14 percent said fewerpeople are volunteering because they are workinglonger hours.In many cases, difficult economic times are havingthe beneficial side effect of enlarging congregations’vision for helping people in need — both inside andoutside the congregation. But the financial pinch is notlikely to ease until the unemployment situation improves,Stetzer said.“The economic downturn is forcing many churchesto become more volunteer-driven organizations focusedon helping the hurting in times of need,” Ed Stetzer, directorof Lifeway Research, said. “But churches have notyet joined the broader economic recovery and, historically,they tend to recover financially when unemploymentdecreases — and usually after the economy as a whole.”Source: Full article at www.christianpost.com50 years ago...in the Baptist Bible TribuneStory appeared in the Februuary 12, 1960 edition of the Tribune.February 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 5

SavannahG E O R G I ABBFI National Fellowship Meeting ■ February 14-17Bible Baptist Church | Pastor Herb Hubbard | Savannah, GA | www.bbsav.orgGuest SpeakersPaul MonroeMorris BrownMark HodgesWilliam FlukerRick JohnsonDuke HergattJoe MurrayPhil HopperJayson WorkmanMonty MapleArchie EmersonJim CombsCharles PetittBill MonroeIn the last nine years, it has been our privilege to be the host church for threeNational Meetings. The meeting this February is one we look toward to with much excitement.As one who has been deeply involved in our NCPO efforts, what joy it is that ouremphasis will be upon church planting! Many testimonies will be shared and men whohave started works will be preaching for us. Of course, mix all that with the beauty ofSavannah at springtime, with our parks, great southern food, and hospitality and youcome up with a formula for a wonderful time together. My church is excited and we lookforward to demonstrating again southern hospitality. God bless and we look forward toseeing you in February.Host HotelSavannah Marriott special rateof $119100 General McIntosh Blvd.Savannah, GA 31401Phone: (912) 233-7722www.marriott.com/savrfReservation Link: standardroom Bible Baptist Fellowship(800) 285-0633Other HotelsHampton Inn & Suites Savannah/Midtown(brand new) $99plus tax per nightRate includes complimentarycontinental breakfast for up totwo guests per room20 Johnston StreetSavannah, GA 31405(912) 721-3700(800) 426-7866(use property code SAVMD)www.hamptoninn.hilton.comSpring Hill Suites (Marriott)special BBFI rate $79 untilJanuary 1611317 Abercorn StreetSavannah, GA 31419(912) 920-3787www.marriott.com/savshSpringHill Suites SavannahDowntown/Historic District$119150 Montgomery StreetSavannah, GA 31401Phone: (912) 629-5300Fax: (912) 629-5301www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/savhd-springhill-suitessavannah-downtown-historicdistrictFor those who would like tostay on the beach you can checkout www.tybeevisit.comHerb and Shirley HubbardBeach Hotels - about 35 minutesfrom Bible Baptist Church, 20minutes from downtownOcean Plaza Beach Resort /$89 ocean front, $69 pool side15th Street & Ocean FrontTybee Island, GA 31328Phone: (912) 786-7777www.oceanplaza.comDesoto Beach Hotel / GrandDeluxe $116.95, Premier$89.95, Standard $69.95212 Butler AvenueTybee Island, GA 31328Phone: (912) 786-4542Toll-Free: (877) 786-4542www.desotobeachhotel.comSpecial EventsThursday Feb. 18, 2010Savannah Trolley TourLeaves the church at 9:00 a. m.and includes a guided tour ofSavannah, lunch at Lady andSons, and returns to the church by12:30. Total cost: $37 per person.Reservations must be made inadvance of BBFI meetingGolf TournamentBenefits go to the BBFI NationalChurch Planting Office6 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010

The existence of godPart 1Second article in the seriesWith Good Reasonby Keith BasshamIwill depart from the expected format aBible student/teacher might use for gettingat the arguments for the existence of God.For one thing, the words used are hard to spelland pronounce (for instance, teleological argument,anthropological argument, cosmologicalargument, etc.) and hard to work into a conversation.Additionally, those words are hard toincarnate, that is, put into flesh, so the ordinaryperson can quickly grasp their importance. Theconcepts themselves are not so difficult, but thepackaging could use some work.Instead, I want to begin by giving someground to the atheist or agnostic. The truth is,I can think of no one who believes in God becausehe or she came to that position becauseof a rational argument. No one put forwardthe idea of the existence of God because of ahypothesis in which God’s existence explainssome type of observed phenomena. As AlvinPlantinga writes, Christians do not...typically propose the existence of God(let alone other characteristic Christian doctrines,such as Trinity, Incarnation, Atonement)as a kind of hypothesis, designedto explain organized complexity or otherphenomena. They don’t believe in God becauseGod’s existence and activity is a goodhypothesis, a good explanation of organizedcomplexity in the world. When God spoketo Moses from the burning bush, Mosesdidn’t say, “Hey, look at that weird bush! It’son fire but isn’t burning up! And listen tothose sounds coming out of it! What’s thebest explanatory hypothesis I can think of?Perhaps there is an all-knowing, all-powerfulwholly good being who created the world,and he is addressing me from that bush. Yes,that must be it, that’s a good explanation ofthe phenomena.” Christians do not reasonas follows: “What is the best explanationfor all that organized complexity and therest of what we see about us? Well, let’s see,perhaps there is an omniscient, omnipotent,wholly good being who created the world.Yes that’s it; and perhaps this being is one ofthree persons, the other two being his divineson and a third person proceeding from thefirst two (yet there are not three Gods butone); the second person became incarnate,suffered, was crucified, and died, thus atoningfor our sins and making it possible forus to have life and have it more abundantly.Right; that’s got to be it; that’s a dandyexplanation of the facts.” What Christianwould reason like that? (Alvin Plantinga ina book review, Books and Culture, May/June1996)No, we Christians think the way we doabout God by way of faith, by way of the revelationof Himself through the Bible. Now at acertain level, that may seem irrational, andeven ignorant to some, but all people everywhereaccept all sorts of things without makingrational arguments for them. Pardon my sidetrip into philosophy here, but I have to go thatdirection briefly to make the case. For instance,February 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 7

we accept the fact that we are individuals, thatthere are other persons separate from ourselves,that there is a past, and a future, that somethings are right, and other things are wrong —all without what most people consider to be apurely rational argument for their existence —and all these concepts have generated moundsof philosophical thought and literature. Weroutinely trust intuition, memory, and perceptionas valid sources of knowledge. Is thisconsidered so very irrational, or does it makethe conclusions derived from these sourcesautomatically invalid?Of course not. But often the non-believerthinks this is the big gun to use against believers:because the believer must depend uponfaith rather than rational arguments for thecertain existence of God, there is no God. So,that’s the ground I am giving to the atheist/agnostic: you can’t certainly demonstrate God’sexistence by reason alone. But that is not as biga giveaway as it seems. For one thing, the nonbelieverhas a faith-thing going as well.In his book, The Reason for God, andlectures he gives on the subject, Tim Kelleroutlines why a person should believe in God,and the rest of this article will take a look at hissimple proposal. Think of a ladder with threerungs, a ladder takes someone from unbeliefto belief. A person on the first rung will realizethat it takes faith to disbelieve as well as to believein God. That’s something the non-believerhad not counted on, because he or she took itfor granted that the decision was very rationaland reason-based. However, take away the “reasons”for not believing, or remove the “proofs”there is no God, and you are left with faith.It gets tougher though. The second rung iswhere a person sees that it takes a larger leap offaith to disbelieve than to believe, and the thirdis the one calling for commitment in order toachieve certainty. But we will leave those tworungs for later. Let’s work on Keller’s first rung,the faith rung, where he takes care of what heconsiders some common arguments against theexistence of God.Argument 1 – The presence of evil and sufferingshow that God does not exist — theidea being that if an all-good and all-powerfulGod was truly there, He would remove allpointless evil and suffering. David Hume, theIs it true that believersare at war with science,or that scientists mustrenounce religious faith to beconsidered intelligent?famous 18th-century philosopher, framed theissue thus: “Is [God] willing to prevent evil,but not able? Then he is impotent. Is he able,but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is heboth able and willing? Whence then is evil?”The argument still appears in popular bestsellinganti-God books, but the late Christianphilosopher William Alston said the effort touse evil as an argument to disprove God “is nowacknowledged on almost all sides in philosophyas completely bankrupt.” His own argument issimple: Because we cannot know or perceive areason for suffering or evil does not mean thatreason does not exist — our limited understandingand knowledge is not enough to saythere is no God on that basis.A friend recently gave me an example ofthis from his early life several decades ago. Hehad been a Christian a few years, but he hadwandered away from God. Working two jobsand barely getting by financially, he receiveda call from his mother that his father was veryill, and perhaps dying. He left work late atnight, and walking home, he was arrested andtaken by a squad car to a nearby house where awoman “identified” him as a peeping tom. Hewas placed in jail, all the while pleading thathe urgently needed to leave to catch a bus for along trip to be with his father. The police chiefwas merciful and allowed him to go, on thecondition that he report back to the station onhis return a couple of days later.He was allowed to go home and catch hisbus for the 400-mile journey. Over the weekend,the police checked him out and determined thathe was probably not the guilty party, but myfriend, not knowing this, left his dying father toreport to the police back home. That same day,his mother phoned again, and before he couldreturn to his father’s side, his father died. He wascrushed — innocent of the false accusations, butbecause of them he had been mistreated anddeprived of precious time with this dad.However, he related that during that firstevening, while he waited for his bus, he “didsome serious business with God at the Greyhoundstation.” As a result, he took his familyto Lockland (Landmark) Baptist Church inCincinnati, surrendered his life to the ministry,attended Baptist Bible College, and entered theministry 40 years ago.No one looking at the injustice sufferedat the time could have guessed that God hadhis hand in my friend’s life, and it only becameapparent later. To say there is no God becausewe cannot explain or find a reason for injustice,suffering, or evil is incredibly shortsighted.Ironically, biblical characters with the strongesthold on a belief in God were sometimes theones who themselves were the victims of muchsuffering — Job and Joseph come to mind. Andyet Joseph, after a lifetime of suffering injusticeat the hands of others, can say at the end, “Butas for you (his brothers), ye thought evil againstme; but God meant it unto good, to bring topass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”Without Joseph’s suffering, Israel would nothave survived as a nation, and Messiah wouldnot have come to be the savior of the world.Argument 2 – Those who have believed inGod have often been guilty of much evil.FREALITLOGEMOT8 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010

AITH evidenceIC PROOFYSKEPTICIONSCIENCEAgain, this argument proves nothing. Evil isevil, whether committed in the Crusades orthe Khmer Rouge, whether by religionists oratheists. The existence of misled followers ofGod (or followers of no god at all doing thesame thing) proves nothing at all except thereis some violent nature in man.A Christian should admit violence andwrong has been done in the name of God andChristianity. To deny such is ludicrous, andthere is no excuse. But the French Revolutionwas as godless a movement as the world eversaw, and the atrocities committed by the atheistand secular regimes of Stalin, or Mao, or Hussein,or any number of others had no theisticunderpinnings, so something else must havebeen at work there.Keller writes, “We can only conclude thatthere is some violent impulse so deeply rootedin the human heart that it expresses itselfregardless of what the beliefs of a particular societymight be — whether socialist or capitalist,whether religious or irreligious, whether individualisticor hierarchical. Ultimately, then, thefact of violence and warfare in a society is notnecessary refutation of the prevailing beliefs ofthat society.” (The Reason for God, p. 57)Argument 3 – The burden is on the believersto prove there is a God, and until thereis irrefutable evidence for God, you cansafely assume He does not exist. Ordinarily,this argument is paired with a statementregarding the incompatibility of science witha belief in God. Richard Dawkins, in The GodDelusion, is definite on this. He confidentlystates that a person could not be an intelligentscientific thinker and hold a religious belief.One wonders how the founders of theuniversities of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton inAmerica, and Cambridge and Oxford in Englandwould have handled such a statement.Before I take on the logical first premise(the believer has to prove God exists), I reallywant to tackle the science question. Is it truethat believers are at war with science, or thatscientists must renounce religious faith to beconsidered intelligent as Dawkins contends?Baylor University professor Rodney Starkhas corrected the myth that believers have historicallybeen opposed to science. He writes inone place, “It is the consensus among contemporaryhistorians, philosophers and sociologistsof science that real science arose only once: inEurope. …The leading scientific figures in thesixteenth and seventeenth centuries were overwhelminglydevout Christians who believed ittheir duty to comprehend God’s handiwork.”Stark contends this is because real scienceand research can only take place whenyou believe in order and natural laws. He says,“The Christian God was rational, responsive,dependable and omnipotent and the universewas His personal creation in which His divinenature was put on display for man’s benefit andinstruction.”Stark says that of the acknowledged leadersin science from 1543 to 1680, 52 in all, one was askeptic, one a pantheist, and 50 were Christians,30 of whom could be characterized as devoutbecause of their zeal. (See The Glory of God:How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science,Witch-hunts and the End of Slavery by RodneyStark). According to Stark then, the very basisof scientific research has a Christian (or at theleast, a monotheistic) view of the universe.And what about today? Dawkins claimsthat a 1998 study of the members of theNational Academy of Sciences showed aboutseven percent of them believed in a personalGod. But a Pew Research Center study fromlast year shows that among members of theAmerican Association for the Advancement ofScience, a majority of scientists (51 percent) saythey believe in God or a higher power, while 41percent say they do not. Further, according tothe report, the percentage of believers versusnon-believers among scientists has remainedvirtually unchanged since 1914 despite decadesof scientific discoveries and technological advances.Another fascinating facet of the surveyis a finding showing younger scientists (ages 18to 34) are more likely than older ones to believein God or a higher power. (David Masci, LosAngeles Times, November 24, 2009)Historically, then, and for the present, Ithink we can say science does not disprove God— at least it does not for the scientists themselves.But what about the burden of proof issue?Is it fair to require the believer to presentevidence? My first response is that a thingmay exist whether I can demonstrate it or not.Whether or not I can “prove” something doesnot create or destroy its reality. Second, how dowe decide on the rules for the evidence?Keller says something to the effect thatGod, the Creator of the universe, is outsideand beyond the created universe — we woulduse the term transcendental. Looking aroundfor God in the physical universe, you may findclues, but not certain proof. And in fact, that iswhat the Bible asserts in Psalm 19:1 (“The heavensdeclare the glory of God; and the firmamentsheweth his handywork”), and Romans1:20 (“For the invisible things of him from thecreation of the world are clearly seen, being understoodby the things that are made, even hiseternal power and Godhead”), and Hebrews 11:3(“Through faith we understand that the worldswere framed by the word of God, so that thingswhich are seen were not made of things whichdo appear”) — clues, footprints, and signspointing the way, but no certain evidence.The Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, theworld’s first person in space, is said to havereported he did not see God there. C. S. Lewis’sresponse was to write, “To some, God is discoverableeverywhere; to others, nowhere. Thosewho do not find him on earth are unlikely tofind Him in space. …But send a saint up in aspaceship and he’ll find God in space as hefound God on earth. Much depends on theseeing eye.” (“The Seeing Eye,” Christian Reflections,p. 171)In part 2 of “The Existence of God,” we willtake the next step up the ladder where we learnit takes more faith to disbelieve in God than tobelieve, and we look at some of the clues andpositive reasons to believe in God.February 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 9

New Hope for NepalBy Jon Konnerup, BBFI Mission DirectorThis past October, I visited Nepal for thesecond time in my life. The trip broughtto mind memories of my first visit nine yearsearlier.I remembered how the smoke and smellof incense permeated the air. Clanging bells,whose purpose was to catch a god’s attention,sounded from different directions. Prayerwheels spun. Angry looking gods made of stoneand people lighting candles and smearing flowersto appease them were everywhere. Lines ofyoung men being trained as monks walked thestreets as other religious leaders with paintedfaces offered counsel and raised funds for theirtemples. Rivers flowed with the ashes of thedead who had just been cremated.The stench of death hung in the air whereanimals were being sacrificed for various religiouspurposes. Streets were crowded with peopleand motorcycles in the hustle and bustleof an ordinary business day. There didn’t seemto be much joy or peace on people’s faces. Evenchildren seemed to have that empty look ofdesperation in their eyes. That day, my first dayin Kathmandu, Nepal, with all its sights andsounds will always be etched in my memory.It was December of 2000 and I had neverbeen in a city or with a people where I felt sucha spiritual heaviness and darkness. Bob andAnn Baird, Otis Nixdorf, and I were in Nepal tomeet with David and Karen Freeman, who hadrecently been sent there from Taiwan. Havingjust arrived from my first visit to China, I wasn’tsure what to expect. My mind was full of all Ihad seen in China, and I was still contemplatingall the opportunities that were availablethere. However, what I saw in Kathmandu,Nepal, put all those things on hold as I wasreminded of what Paul saw and explained inAct 17:16:Now while Paul waited for them at Athens,his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw thecity wholly given to idolatry.The next day was not as bleak, as wevisited a converted family who had given theirlives to Jesus Christ through the testimony andevangelism of the Freemans. We met in theirhome for dinner and ate a delicious Nepalesemeal (I might add that it was so good I hadPhotographs (including the magazine cover) by David Freemanto have seconds). On that evening, I began tosee a glimpse of hope for Nepal as Jeevan andUsha Sharma, along with their children, sharedhow they believed God wanted to use them toreach their people with the truth of the gospeland plant a church along with the Freemans.From that time on I began to pray for Jeevan.He is from the highest level of a caste systemfollowed in the Nepalese culture. He is notsupposed to participate in any way with the“untouchables,” and yet he shared how God wascalling him to reach all classes of his people.Nepal is one of the most interesting countriesin the world. It has always been a mysteriousplace that only religious zealots or hippiesknew much about. This is where the Beatles gottheir final indoctrination in Eastern religions.Nepal is famous for having the highest pointon earth, Mount Everest. For hundreds of yearsit was a Hindu kingdom that kept the gospelThe progression of work on the Kathmandu Bible Baptist church from 2004 (left) to 2009 (right)10 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010

BBFI Mission Director Jon Konnerup (right) at the leadership seminar at Kathmandu Bible Baptist ChurchThe Sharmas (left) and the Freemans have a vision toreach Nepal with the gospelof Jesus Christ at bay through a rigid systemof religious and civil laws. It was illegal to bea Christian in Nepal until 1991. Persecution ofChristians has always been a reality in Nepal,and still is today.Yet in this small, mysterious, closedto-the-gospelHimalayan country, the Lordopened the door by using Jeevan and Usha,along with the Freemans, to establish a Baptistcongregation in 2002. The church quickly grewfrom weekly Bible studies to an organizedcongregation. Meeting in rented facilities, thechurch rapidly developed the need for theirown building, so they began a building projectin 2004. Eventually, in 2007, enough funds hadbeen raised (partly through the MissionaryProjects Offering) to erect the building, and itwas completed in December 2008. Because ofcivil unrest caused by the rebel communists, itwas unsafe to visit at that time. But, in October2009, I had the opportunity to return to thecountry on my way back from Japan.Joy filled my heart as I saw what God hadbeen doing since my first visit in 2000. Yes,there is still great spiritual darkness, but thereis now a strong light shining through manychurches where the gospel of Christ is nowbeing preached. I had the opportunity to speakfor a leadership seminar where 35 pastors plus20 church lay leaders attended. KathmanduBible Baptist Church has grown as many peoplehave been pulled away from false religions andtheir sins and brought to the light of Jesus. AnAWANA program was started which broughtmany children and their families to salvation.On average, 75 children per week attendchurch.I gave a challenge to the people from thebook of Nehemiah prompting a greater dedicationof them to the Lord and to a future workfor Christ. I urged them to remember, “Thisbuilding is a gift from the Lord. You now havethe great responsibility to use it for His gloryin Kathmandu, Nepal, and to the uttermostparts of the world.” The banner painted forthe dedication briefly states the mission ofthe Kathmandu Bible Baptist Church: “For theglory and honor of Jesus Christ in Kathmandu.”Their prayer is that God’s glory will fill the earthstarting in Kathmandu, Nepal.Since the Freemans first went to Nepal,it has been difficult and almost impossible toget a permanent permit to live there. However,some new opportunities are presenting themselveswhereby the Freemans, and perhaps othersGod might be calling to Nepal, may be ableto remain in the country on a permanent basis.There are many other cities, towns, and villagesscattered throughout the Himalayan Mountainswhere there is little or no gospel witness.May the churches of the BBFI rise up and sendmissionaries to this mysterious, spiritually darkcountry that is beginning to see some light —the light of Jesus Christ.February 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 11

Thewidow’smightPastor Keith Blakeof Tulsa, Oklahoma,declares confidentlythat the first comprehensiveministryestablished by theearly church wasdesigned primarily to meet the needsof widows (Acts 6). He asks whychurches today have not kept up aconscious, directed effort to do thesame in the 21st century.That question prompted Keith tobegin the Widow’s Might for the 21stCentury, a ministry to address theneeds of the widowed. While thereare large stores of material andresources for specialized ministriesof nearly every sort, churches andpastors will not find many resourcesto begin a ministry to the widowed intheir churches and communities willnot find much. To correct that omission,Keith has designed a way forlocal churches to not only meet theirobligation to the widowed in theircongregations, but for communityoutreach as well.Keith has written a book, anexcerpt of which is printed here, andhe has a website for more help andinformation, www.widowsmight21st.com. The Tribune is pleased tocommend this worthy ministry tochurches and pastors who want tofulfill an ancient biblical obligation.Excerpt from Chapter 8: Training an Elite Force for MinistryWhen one allows his mind to focus on theterm “Elite Force,” most likely his thoughtwill go to the armed services; the Marines, theNavy Seals, the Green Berets, the Blue Angels.Every branch of the armed forces has their specialteams who are recognized for their intensetraining and combat readiness. These teamshave been trained, tested and prepared to anunbelievable level in readiness for the ultimateon the field of engagement. Their physical,mental, emotional, survival, and sensory skillshave been “honed” almost beyond our imagination.In the process of their training they areconfronted with most every known situation towhich they could be exposed during a mission.Besides the “known” threats and foreseeablechallenges, there has been developed in theman awareness and capability to devise a planto deal with the unsuspected and unforeseendevelopments they may confront in the act offulfilling their ordered mission. Only whenthey have been “battle tested” does the fullmagnitude of their conditioning show its valueby allowing them to survive and face their nextobjective in victory.There are multiplied thousands of peoplein every community and in every country inthis world who have experienced the most12 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010

dramatic and potentially devastating battlein life, the “event” that made them a widowor widower. I stated previously that I believethat losing a spouse is the most devastatingexperience a man or woman will ever face. Noamount of reading, discussion, and advancedpreparation or, in cases of lengthy illness, thesad reality of their impending loss, can preparea person for that loss. One Texas lady stated,“This is not something you would ever chooseto go through yourself and you would neverwish it on another human being, ever.” Thislady wrote me a 22-page letter when she heardof my desire to begin this writing.Since no two scenarios are even close tobeing similar, it would not be possible, or evenwise, to try to approach clinically listing thestages in the procedures to follow in dealingwith widowhood. Since no two relationshipsmirror each other, the only common ground isthat they have lost a spouse in death. That commonthread is the only “level ground” you willfind as you approach the reality of a “Widow’sMight” ministry.One of the most unique characteristicsof the Widow’s Might ministry is that it canbecome totally self-sufficient. Granted, theremust first be a pastor, church, or senior groupwho will embrace with compassion the thousandsof people from every walk of life who arewidows. Then, the logical steps of providing theplace and an open heart and mind as to how tobest proceed in your family, church, or communitycome next. The next step is unique tothe beginning of most new ministry endeavorsbecause the staff, counselors, teachers, mentors,etc., are within the widows and widowersthemselves. In a church setting the pastor,deacons, and facilities are absolutely necessaryto ensure the proper guidance in counselfor the establishment and maintenance of thisministry.Often the most credible helpers as far as awidow is concerned are those, probably withinour own number, who with some degree ofsuccess, have and are navigating these watersthemselves. Sometimes the person who firstcrosses our mind when we think of widowhoodwill be the most recently widowed person weknow. Our heart goes out to them and we areovercome by our desire to help and comfortthem. While there is no substitute for theinvolvement of the pastor, church family andgenuinely close personal friends, real long termhelp will best be realized in people who passedthrough this experience themselves.How many times have I heard a widowsay about someone who has just had a loss, “Ireally hope someone will tell them, warn themor help them with the things they’re about toface.” My response is, “Well, why don’t you dothat, since the Lord has surely put that personon your heart, he must want you to take an activepart.” In the absence of a directed ministry,designed with situations like this in mind, theircomeback is, “But I wouldn’t want to intrudeinto his or her space at this time.” Timing is asensitive subject when dealing with hurtinghearts and yet the same Holy Spirit that ministersto hearts in regards to salvation is certainlycapable of leading and opening opportunitiesfor a sincerely interested friend. Enough said.No one will ever understand or be betterqualified or better received than someonewho has experienced the same loss. While thiswriter is not experienced here, and hope I willnot be for a very long time, I have noticed inalmost every attempt to minister to those whohave lost someone, there is a very real “gap” inmy ability to sympathize with a widow. I havealready shared my misuse of the phrase, “Iknow how you must feel,” in a previous chapter.As a 23-year-young pastor in the early seventies,God gave me a ministry changing realization: Idid not need to know everything about everything.I could “hand off” that vital operationto those much better equipped and qualifiedthan I was, and in the process gain the highestdegree of respect and love by both sides of thatequation. What I found out as a very youngpastor, was that “right under my nose” God hadgiven me people who have been trained in thetrenches of life, who could better minister toothers and be able to realize some “purpose”from their own loss.While gathering material and composingthis writing, I was talking to a successful businessmanwho shared that years before whenfaced with his loss, “I did everything wrong, Ijust went crazy. I was so angry I went with thewrong crowd, tried to find answers in a bottleand nearly died myself before someone whoreally cared ‘threw me a rope.’” You see, evensomeone who made major mistakes in howthey dealt with their grief can become a very effectivewarning sign for someone else. I can tellyou this man allowed God to gain victory in hislife and now years later is a very effective forcefor good in the ministry of the gospel.This chapter division, “Preparing an EliteForce for Ministry,” is the crescendo we havebeen looking for in this writing. It is my con-February 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 13

tention that the ever-increasing senior population(continually growing through 2040) is, andwill continue to be an immeasurable asset forthe spreading of the gospel. This generationof seniors is retiring in better health and withmore good years to become a major force inour society than ever before. Many will actuallybegin “second careers” or devote themselves tospecial mission and ministry projects that theyhave a special burden or talent to pursue. Everyfinancial and investment business in Americaknows that in the next 30 plus years trillionsworth of dollars, properties and assets that arecurrently being held or managed by this “babyboomer” generation will be passed down. Thiswill perhaps be the first generation that has thehealth, wealth and longevity that can help turnthe corner “for the good” in many needbasedareas of ministry.Those who must deal with widowhoodwill continue to make up an ever-increasingpart of this segment of the population.Add to this the stifling number of widowsproduced by the criminal element of ourworld, plus the potential for accidentaldeath and you will begin to understand themagnitude of the need.While the spectrum of widowhoodreaches from the destitute to the dignitary,the physical, emotional and spiritual effectsand needs are the same. The transitionfrom spouse to widow is equally traumaticfor a person regardless of their geographic locationor their economic strata. Following is onerecent account of just such a situation.“A nice looking young man came to mydoor and told me that his company was doing apaving job in my small town and they had someleftover asphalt. Rather than having to disposeof it, would it be all right if he just put it on mydriveway for a ‘very good price.’ He seemed sogenuine, I agreed. In just a few moments oneside of my driveway was covered with asphalt.When I asked him about the other side, I wastold it would take an additional $12,000.00 todo that side. In shock I said, ‘Well, how muchhave we already spent?’ ‘Only $5,000.00,’ washis reply. So that is why only one side of mydriveway is paved.”It is sad, but instances like this happenmore times than we care to admit. This ladyfelt violated, victimized, stupid and mad at14 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010her deceased husband for leaving her alone.While she survived her experience and has notdeclared war on all contractors, she has becomea consultant to others who need instruction,help, prayers and a friendly face. No programcan solve all the problems in any community,but the presence of a “ministry force” widowscould have confidence in and not feel threatenedwould be priceless.Far beyond the obvious benefits of havinga support base supplying information, helpand encouragement, there is the need and opportunityto minister real recovery help froma spiritual perspective as a person transitionsthrough the minefield of hurts, emotions andrealities of losing a spouse, but it must comefrom solid Biblical principles. A Bible-basedapproach to dealing with grief, loss and the reestablishmentof direction, is of absolute necessitywhen one faces widowhood.One remaining subject must be addressedbefore this chapter is closed. Whatabout the disturbing number of widowed menand women in our communities who are notchurch affiliated? They bleed too! Their senseof loss and their transitions are just as great, ifnot greater, than those who have the Christianfamily and background. Although they may notshare our faith, they do share the same feelingsand loss. What better opportunity to reach outwith compassion to a hurting heart than tohelp them deal with their loss. Whether theyever become a believer or not, and some will,we will have shown the quality and the validityof our own faith as we exercise the truth ofJames 1:27 -“Pure religion and undefiled before God andthe father is this, to visit the fatherless andwidowed in their affliction, and to keep one’sself unspotted from the world.”ELLENEllen and her husband had raised a family oftwo children quite successfully and had enteredthe wonderful state of being grandparents.He had retired from a career with the phonecompany and was now doing the thing he’dalways wanted to do, operate his father’s farm.He, more than she, was really in his element.He loved farming and acquired more land andwas very involved doing the job he really loved.While only in his mid fifties, he looked forwardto many years of successful farming. Ellen busiedherself helping her husband, maintainingtheir home and church responsibilities.Life was good in southwest Oklahoma.In retrospect, Ellen tells me theyshould have known something was wrongwhen he just couldn’t shake that persistentcough. They had exhausted all home remediesbecause of hectic schedules and notime for doctors, when finally the diagnosiswas given — lung cancer — an extremelyaggressive type.In just over a month from the diagnosisthe funeral was held. Ellen was now thesole operator of a farming operation withhundreds of acres under cultivation alongwith all the animals and equipment.Ellen has been one of my biggest encouragementsas I began to tell her of my desire forthe Widow’s Might program. This woman couldteach the course.For more information aboutthe book and the program, go towww.widowsmight21st.com.

BBFI sends aid to Haitiafter devastating earthquakeby The TribuneAs the Tribune was going to press, we receivedthe news of the devastating earthquakein Haiti January 12. Almost immediately,BBFI pastors and church members began makingplans to help in relief efforts.At presstime, the Mission Office had beenin contact with both Wes Lane and Tom Franklin,missionaries in the Dominican Republic.The Republic shares the eastern part of the islandwith Haiti on its western border. Wes hadinformed churches on the 12th that he intendedto enter Haiti by bus to deliver what aid andinformation he could.A short time later, Tom Franklin sent thisreport:As many of you have probably alreadyheard, on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, a massiveearthquake occurred in Haiti. Their capital,Port-au-Prince has been destroyed with hospitals,homes and major buildings collapsing.Many have nowhere to go and nothing to survivewith. We are just a few hundred miles from thedisaster here in the Dominican Republic and althoughour church in Tamboril is in its infancy,along with our Haitian mission in Don Pedro,we have decided to begin assembling survivalbuckets today by simply filling them with a listof everyday items that can be purchased hereand used to fill immediate needs - food, soap,medicine, duct tape, and other emergency reliefitems. Obviously these buckets will do morethan just take care of physical needs, we alsowant to let these families know they have notbeen forgotten and will be placing special tractsin Creole inside sothey can discoverthe eternal hopeof Jesus’ love. Anydonations that areprocessed into ouraccount in the missionoffice markedHaitian Relief willbe used for thisproject and to meetthe needs of thechurches that BBFIMissionary WesleyLane — www.bbfinorthamerica.org/Lane— has established andcan contact in the Port-au-Prince area.Yesterday we spoke to Wesley Lane extensivelyand the best plan at this time is forWes and Melina to try and cross the border viabus, make contact with the national pastorsand churches they have there, and locate keymissionaries and relief organizations on theground to access the situation. Once a stagingarea can be located and secured, Wesley willreturn and we will all go in with equipment andsupplies that are needed and can be found herein the Dominican Republic. We need to praythat they will get through, make contact, andreturn safely and as quickly as possible. Many ofyou know that we work with Agape MissionaryFlights and Missionary Flights International. Itis our understanding that both will be stagingrelief efforts from Florida directly to Haitimaking multiple flights every week. With theamount of missionaries they serve, it might takea little longer for things to get to us, but we alreadyknow that this is going to be a marathonrather than a sprint.The Mission Office has established a fundset up for emergency relief donations. If youwant to be a part of this endeavor, please sendyour funds clearly designated Haitian Relief to:BBFI Mission OfficePO Box 802757Kansas City, MO 64180-2757According to Associate Mission DirectorSteve Bender, BBFI Missionaries Wes Lane andTom Franklin will be leading this effort fromthe Dominican Republic.February 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 15

y Thomas RayJustus Vinton was born February 17, 1806, in Ashford, Connecticut,and converted at the age of ten. Believing Godhad called him to preach the gospel, he enrolled at the age of20 in the Hamilton Institute in New York. While studying theKaren language (a language in what was then known as Burma),he met fellow student Calista Holman. They were marriedApril 9, 1834, and sailed to Burma July 1834.Vinton, a committed soul-winner, was determined towin the ship’s officers and crew toChrist. He began to pray, witness,and conduct worship services wherehe would preach and use his marveloussinging voice to minister to thecrew and passengers. Before the fivemonthvoyage ended, the captainand several officers and crewmembershad publicly confessed Christ asSavior.The Vintons landed December1834 at Maulman, which was to betheir future base of operation. Havingpreviously learned the Karen language,they wasted no time in beginningtheir ministry. Within a week,they were going from village to villagepreaching and singing the goodnews of God’s redeeming love. Theirfirst tour was extremely successful, and the invitations fromother Karen to visit their villages was so great that the Vintonsdecided to divide their efforts — a plan they would successfullyfollow for the next 25 years.During the rainy seasons when jungle travel was impossible,Vinton concentrated his efforts upon the British soldiersat Maulman and worked on his commentary or his translationof the New Testament. During one of those rainy seasons,he personally distributed 8,000 tracts in just six weeks.When war broke out between the British and the Burmese,the oppressed Karen supported the British hoping they woulddeliver them from the tyranny of the Burmese. The Burmeseretaliated against the Karen with a viciousness that defiesdescription. They burnt every village and destroyed all thecrops within 50 miles of Rangoon. They tortured and killedmen, women, and children with unspeakable brutality. TwoKaren Baptist preachers were crucified, others were slowly cutJustus Vinton — The hero of Burmato pieces, suffering for days until death released them fromtheir pain. Disease and starvation were daily destroying thehomeless Karen.Baptist missionary Engelio Kincaid, who was stationedat Rangoon, was overwhelmed by the enormous need. Seekingassistance, he asked Justus Vinton to join him. Vintonresponded by immediately going to Rangoon. The missionariesestablished two hospitals to care for the sick. The hearts ofthe Karen people were softened bytheir suffering and Kincaid reportedevery week was a Pentecost andlarge numbers of Karen were baptizedeach Lord’s day.Vinton, moved by the sufferingof the Karen, began to distributerice, lest they die of starvation.He was overwhelmed by theirneeds and his small reserve of ricewas soon exhausted. Unwilling toallow the Karen to perish, he wentto the rice merchants and said,“Will you trust me for a ship loadof rice? I cannot pay you now, andI do not know when I can pay you;for I have received no remittancefrom America for more than a year.If you will let me have it, I will payyou as soon as I am able.” They answered, “Take all you want.”Some of Vinton’s friends said, “You are ruining yourself,you do not even know half of the people you are feeding. Howwill you collect what they owe you?”Vinton answered, “God will see to that.” He was not mistaken.The Karen loved and venerated Vinton and would laterrefer to him as “the man who saved our lives.” You would thinkJustus Vinton would have been declared a hero, but the missionsociety in Boston was incensed that he had left his postat Maulman without their permission. The board even senta delegation to Burma to investigate Vinton’s actions. Vintonrefused to defend himself, choosing to quietly withdrawfrom the missionary society. Although the board condemnedhis actions, time would eventually justify his decision. In1858, after returning from a successful preaching tour, he wasstricken with jungle fever and the hero of Burma entered intohis rest March 31, 1858. He was but 52 years old.baptististory16 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010

A force for God and goodUrbanCurrentSteps away from the floor where MichaelJordan led the Bulls to multiple championships,300 leaders from across Chicagogathered at the United Center meetingroom. Mayor’s office reps, Chicago Police brass,elected officials, and secular social serviceagency leaders were meeting along with about150 mostly evangelical “faith community leaders.”This was the launch of a citywide effortto address escalating street violence. A pastorfriend of mine had been tapped by the mayorto lead the effort dubbed Exodus 20:13, “Thoushalt not kill.”When I arrived at the first planning meetingfor this event, it seemed mired in the sameold gun control rhetoric. Finally someoneasked “Well, Pastor Lyons, what do you think?”“I’m not sure you want to know what I think.”I responded. The ensuing discussion changedthe emphasis. Yes, there was still the gun controland legislation piece, but spiritual emphasisand prayer were primary.Now, at this United Center citywide Exodus20:13 roll-out, I was supposed to deliver asummarized version of the sermon I had beencharged to write which would be preached atchurches across the city on a designated Sundayas part of the campaign.I didn’t relish being the white guy preachingto a lot of men who could out preach mein their sleep, but they had insisted and here Iwas. To all appearances and by all accounts theHoly Spirit helped me connect. The three-pointmessage was based on Abraham, Esther, andJesus (keep the Muslims in the loop, touch basewith the Jews, and point everybody to Jesus).Preached in scores of churches, I heard feedbackfor weeks…from the hood to the mayor’soffice. (Email me and I’ll send you the outline.)How did I end up in such a situation? Ina spirited exchange with my prayer partnerone day over who we should and shouldn’t beinvolved with, he said to me simply, “If you’renot at the table, you have nothing to say.” Thathelped me. I’ve tried to make it my business tobe at the table in my community and in my city.Just being at the table has opened many doorsand provided numerous remarkable opportunities.I believe every city, every neighborhoodneeds righteous influence and a propheticvoice. We talk about being salt and light. If Iam not where decisions are being made then Iam just reacting after the fact. If I’m at the tablewith the leaders, I can influence the leaders.“And seek the peace of the city wither Ihave caused you to be carried away captives,and pray unto the LORD for it: For in the peacethereof shall you have peace” Jeremiah 29:7.This text communicates a very basic principlerelevant to us.The argument that we should depend onthe government for nothing is fallacious. Thecase for the government doing everything isstupid. The idea that God’s man plays no role inthe community is misinformed.The book of Nehemiah gives us a greatmodel. Clearly, there is the piece that only Godcan handle. We need to remember that theking’s heart is in the Lord’s hand. Next, thereis the role the king plays. The government hasa proper role. We ought to see to it that it playsthat role. No more, no less. Then there is theleader’s role. This is the man of God, speakingthe message of God to the king and to thepeople. Lastly, there is the role of God’s people.It just so happens that Nehemiah’s focus wasbuilding a wall necessary for protection. Safetyand protection are screaming issues where I live.Three principles will be helpful. Service.Service is humble. Anyone can serve. You can’tdo everything. Choose strategic opportunitiesfor service in your community. Service opensdoors.Relationship. Service connects you withpeople under the best possible circumstances,enabling you to begin to foster and nurturerelationships. Select key people and organizations.Through service you will meet and developrelationships with people you never wouldhave connected with otherwise.Engagement. “If you’re not at the table…”Your ongoing involvement in significant issues,carefully chosen events and efforts in the community,put you in a place of influence. Essentiallyyou are making yourself available. WhatGod does with this is up to Him.We know what our mission is. We are allabout proclaiming the gospel. We are all aboutwinning souls. We are all about taking as manypeople with us to heaven as possible. I see noconflict between that and being a voice of righteousnesswhere I live. I will make some enemies,I will win some souls. That’s all part of thebattle. We can be a force for God and good inour communities.by Charles Lyons, PastorArmitage Baptist Church,Chicago, Illinoischarles.lyons@armitagechurch.orgFebruary 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 17

a r o u n d t h e b a p t i s t b i b l e f e l l o w s h i p i n t e r n a t i o n a lp r e s i d e n t i a l p e r s p e c t i v eChurch plantingstories old and newf r o m t h e p r e s i d e n tPreparing for theupcoming meetingby David Shaffer | Vice President Church Planting | BBFIChurch planting utilizes different methods, different circumstances,and different people. Let me give you four scenariosfrom my experience.1967 My family was driving over 20 miles from Clearwater,Kansas, to attend Glenville Bible Baptist Church in Wichita four orfive times every week. Several families were driving from this wheatfarmingcommunity to Wichita to attend churches located there.My father, Elvis Shaffer, sensed God’s moving to plant a churchin my hometown of 1,700 people. With the blessing of Pastor J. J.Adrian, my father contacted the various families, organized them,and began what later became Ninnescah Bible Baptist Church. I ledmusic there for almost 13 years until I left for BBC in 1979. In fewerthan 10 years, God had called six men out of that village to preachthe gospel. Several young ladies also surrendered to the Lord, andone is now married to the director of ABWE.1993 El Dorado, Kansas, is an oil-refining city of around 13,000people 20 miles northeast of Wichita. Dalton Walker (currently aBBFI missionary to New Zealand) of Temple Baptist Church wasprompted by God to start a church in Helena, Montana. PastorWalker recruited a few dozen people willing to sell everything theyhad in El Dorado and to help him plant a church in Big Sky Country.That summer, they began a work called Maranatha Baptist Church.I was called to succeed him as pastor in El Dorado.1995 As pastor of Temple Baptist Church in El Dorado, I wasburdened about the rapidly growing northwest side of Wichita. Ihad only been in El Dorado a short time and didn’t feel led to leave,but my desire for Wichita would not go away. Early that spring, Ispoke to Larry Olson, former missionary to Sweden and then pastorin Morris, Illinois, about my burden. He and his wife, Marsha,came and toured the area God had placed on my heart. We earnestlyprayed. Today, Heritage Baptist Church is evangelizing the northwestside of Wichita. Larry was recently assisted by Wayne Guinn insecuring finances for their beautiful new facility.1997 Scott Naill had just started his career as a mortician in ElDorado when God spoke to him and his wife, Dina, about full-timeservice. They moved to Springfield to attend BBC. Upon graduation,Scott served with me at Temple Baptist. During our mission conference,Bruce Turner, pastor of Westgate Baptist Church, Tampa,Florida, spoke of a fast-growing city just north of Tampa. Duringthat conference, God spoke to Scott, who soon partnered with PastorTurner to plant Faith Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel, Florida.Different scenarios, similar results — church planting has beenthe spirit of the BBFI for 60 years. At our National Fellowship Meetingin Savannah, we will highlight church planting. We want you tohear their stories and to hopefully begin to write some new ones.by Mark Hodges | President | BBFIVance Havner once wrote, “Throughout the history of theChurch, when clouds have hung lowest, when sin has seemedblackest and faith has been weakest, there have always been a faithfulfew who have not sold out to the devil...These have besought theLord to revive His work in the midst of the years, and in the midstof the fears and tears, and in wrath to remember mercy. God hasalways answered such supplication, filling each heart with His love,rekindling each soul with Fire from above.”There are pastors, missionaries and Christian workers aroundthe world who desire to see the stirring of God’s hand upon ourmovement. They are praying that God will rekindle each soul withfire from above! Christian leaders from around the globe will meetnext month in Savannah, Georgia, to attend our first BBFI FebruaryChurch Planting meeting. Pastor Herb Hubbard and the fine peopleof Bible Baptist Church have made the material preparations for asuccessful meeting (they have always been such great hosts). Now,let’s do our part spiritually by calling upon the Lord to rain down Hisblessings upon this meeting. We want revival! Let it begin with us!I’m challenging you to spend time fasting and praying (Mark9:29) for God’s presence to be so real that as we leave this meetingwe leave with the spirit of revival in our souls. It’s time that wemove from a state of survival to a state of revival!18 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010

c h u r c h p l a n t i n gPartnership forchurch plantinga r e v i v a l m o m e n tRevival in thepreacher’s heartby Wayne Guinn | Director | NCPOHere is a portion of a report from one of our NCPO partners,Pastor Jeff Coffman of Calvary Baptist Church in Muleshoe,Texas:The dictionary says a dream is “…a vision of something possibleor desirable.” On November 1, 2009, a dream was fulfilled when CalvaryBaptist Church stepped into a new worship center to celebrateour first service. After years of planning and cooperation with theNCPO office, our dream became a reality.We began years ago. We worked on plan after plan, and nothingseemed to happen. We bought land and paid for it, and a call to theNational Church Planting Office brought us the start we were lookingfor. Wayne Guinn and Jack Reed (Jack is with BBF Builders) camedown to Muleshoe to look at our place. We had a productive meetingwith these men and from then on the project really moved forward.Plans were drawn, prayed about, and then re-drawn to accommodateall our needs. Our local bank agreed to a sit-down meetingon March 11, 2009, to gauge their interest. Things started happeningquickly after that. On March 20, an appraisal was ordered. March30, Calvary Baptist Church closed on its loan and we were ready tobegin construction. April 1, the first dirt work began, and the nextday the slab was formed up and footings dug for the concrete. April13, the slab for our new Worship Center was poured.BBF Builders (Gary and Linda Banks, Ron and Judy Ellis, Craigand Leslie Miller, George and Phyllis Tiner, Bill and Pat Vandever,and Jack and Sharon Reed) came April 14 to start erecting our newbuilding. By April 17 all walls were up and framed out! Then April 18was our big day — our church family with others in the communityset the trusses on the building. All metal was finished on the buildingon April 29. The BBF Builders had the building up and all themetal on in 12 days! The BBF Builders pulled out of our city on April30. We hated to see these dedicated servants of the Lord leave. Wegained new friends and God truly blessed us while they were here.Through the summer, the men of the church faithfully workedon the building, often meeting after work and staying late. Ourladies furnished the meals and kept us going. All through the fallthe work continued. Progress was slow some days, but God waskeeping us motivated to see this through.November 1 drew closer, much work had to be completed, butthat day we celebrated our first service in our beautiful new building.All of this would not have been possible without the aid ofNCPO and BBF Builders.by Tom Wagoner | Pastor | Central Baptist Church | Dunn, NChe mask began to come off for me in July 2009 after a week ofT seeking the Lord in a camp meeting in the mountains of NorthCarolina. After discovering the phrase “rending your heart” in Joel2:13, I began to ask the Lord to reveal the things in my heart thatwere keeping me from having revival. Until we pastors have revival,we cannot expect it in our congregations. Immediately the Lordbrought to my heart the sin of dryness. I had not been broken andwept for our people in some time. I began to cry out to God and begHim to forgive me for that sin and to ask Him to bring back my tearsand brokenness. I am glad to report that after a season of seekingHim, this has happened.It was not long after that God began to reveal the sin of pridethat had crept into my heart. I recognized that my lack of cooperationwith other pastors, even in our own city, and the lack of prayeron others’ behalf was clearly a reflection of my own pride. I haverepented of that and asked God to forgive me. I still struggle withpride wanting to creep up on a regular basis.It was during this time that Pat Finley invited me to come tohis church in Winchester, Kentucky, and preach to the KentuckyBBFI. I shared my personal repentance, and a spirit of convictionfell in that meeting. I praise the Lord for the leadership of men likeBrother Finley and those godly, humble men who were present inthat meeting. I heard them, one by one, stand and confess their sinand in brokenness, come to an altar, and repent publicly before theirbrethren. When was the last time you saw that in a fellowship? Itexcited us so much we hardly knew what to do next.When it was time to close the meeting, we really weren’t readyto do so. In the afternoon, those that could stay drove over just a fewmiles from Pat Finley’s church to the Cane Ridge Revival Grounds.It is said Barton Stone would stand on a stump there, with otherpreachers standing in other parts of the fields, and preach to thousandswhen revival was breaking out in those days.I guess what I am saying is if we are going to experience revival,it begins at the house of God. It begins with you and me in genuinerepentance. I praise the Lord for the doors that are opening to sharein many of our state fellowships. I genuinely believe that it mustoccur in grass-roots form, in local and state meetings, before we willever see it as a national organization. I do believe without doubt thatrevival is coming to our Baptist Bible Fellowship and beyond.Please send any comments, thoughts, or information you wouldlike to communicate with the author to cbcdunn@cbcdunn.com.Spring Church Planting Candidate School April 19-23, 2010Hosted by: Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Richardson, TX, Pastor: Rick CarterFor more information, contact us at (417) 889-1017 or office@bbfincpo.comFebruary 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 19

f i s c h o o l n e w sb a p t i s t b i b l e c o l l e g eA refreshing springsemesterby Jim Edge | President | Baptist Bible CollegeRaised in Springfield, I have been familiar with Baptist Bible Collegefor as long as I can remember. I have always consideredBBC a special place. Now, after being on campus for more than twoyears, it has taken on even greater significance as it offers wonderfulopportunities.First, there is the opportunity to invest my life in our greatestresource — young people. Our students are passionate aboutthe gospel of Christ. At BBC we are not just preparing our studentsfor the future ministry of the gospel, but we challenge them to liveout the claims of the gospel now in their dormitories and homes, intheir workplaces, and in every social setting. Students often stop bymy office to request prayer for a decision, a family crisis, or a specialneed. I love to pray with students and claim God’s promises together.What a blessing to see them begin to grow in spiritual maturityas their relationship with Christ matures. Because these studentsare our future, I want them to have a love for the local church andour Fellowship. As they hear from our chapel speakers and interactwith professors, pastors, and other leaders, they will form conclusionsabout our movement, shaping their associations for manyyears to come. At our college we expect every speaker, professor, andstaff member to support the efforts of our Fellowship and its leadership.Second, I have the privilege of working with some of the finestChristian educators to be found anywhere. These true soldiersof Christ are committed to their profession, and have invested theirlives and resources to receive advanced degrees to qualify them toteach in any regionally accredited institution. While many couldserve in other places for greater personal reward, they serve at BBCbecause they believe in our purpose and mission. I am constantlychallenged by their love and commitment to our students.Finally, I have the daily opportunity to interact with BBFI pastorsfrom all over the country. Whether through phone conversations,state fellowship meetings, or in their churches, it is always aprivilege to share and listen to their concerns, and to hear of theirinterest and support for our college. Each month brings new financialpartners too. I am thankful the vast majority of our pastors areinterested and supportive of what is taking place at our college.On campus, we have many initiatives in place for the springsemester. Every class is being reviewed and in some cases rewrittento guarantee relevant training for ministry in the 21st century.Our trustees, development office, and staff are preparing to makeour May Graduation Fellowship truly historic. We have refreshedour format to enhance our ministry to our preachers for a great 60thAnniversary Celebration. BBFI President Mark Hodges has calledon all of our movement to pray and plan for revival, and that willbe our theme in May. It will be a meeting you will not want to miss.BETH-EDEN BIBLE CAMPConway, MissouriEvangelist Don Brown, FounderRev. Terry Brown, AdministratorJune 7-11Junior CampJuly 5-9Teen CampFor camp information, call(417) 887-3396, (417) 300-6533 or (417) 962-033320 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010

f i s c h o o l n e w sElmer Dealʼs AutobiographyOut of the Mouth of the Lion, volume one (226 pages), is the rst-person account of Elmer and MaryDeal’s lives and dynamic ministry through 1964. Includes dramatic stories of winning Africans toChrist, survival when their residence was red upon, escape from Baluba warriors, evacuations,Mary’s near-fatal illness and the tragic martyrdom of two key leaders in their ministry.b o s t o n b a p t i s t c o l l e g eElevated...but noton top$15 per copy plus S & H“…one of the greatestmissionary storiesever written.”Dr. & Mrs. Carl Boonstra, former BBFI Mission Director“…outstanding biography.”Mike Haley, Pastor of Hallmark Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas“…describes the truespirit of pioneermissionary service…a must read.”David and Barbara Lingo, Missions faculty, Baptist Bible CollegeOrder your copy online at www.craigcountybaptist.com (Credit cards accepted viaPaypal) or by phone at (918) 256-7255 or mail to Craig County BaptistLBU 4x4.87 Church, Male 1517 Ad:Layout E. Country Club 1 Drive, 10/28/09 Vinita, OK 10:22 74301. AM Page 1Continue Your MinistryWhile You CompleteYour Degree“FOUNDED IN1973”· No set residency requirements· Open enrollment – Start anytime· Easy transfer of credits· $98.00 per semester hour –interest free payments· Conservative in Doctrine –Progressive in methodology· Study on-line, on-campus, orthrough distance education· Outstanding alumni· Approved school of the BaptistBible Fellowship InternationalBACHELOR, MASTER,AND DOCTORATE DEGREEPROGRAMS.Louisiana Baptist University andTheological Seminary6301 Westport AvenueShreveport, LA 71129(318) 686-2360 www.lbu.eduby David Melton | President | Boston Baptist Collegefly too much. In order to represent Boston Baptist College and yetI to be home with Kim and my boys, to have a fair amount of timeon campus in Boston, and to be at home in my own much-lovedchurch, MetroWest Baptist Church, I have to make fast trips. Thatmeans airplanes.I used to think flying was fun. Now, I only hope to amuse myselfat 30,000 feet when I take the occasional break from my in-flightwork. Usually I don’t have to wait long for some sky-high strangebut-trueantics. I still remember a flight to California when my seatingassignment forced me to listen to two ladies giggle with anticipationat how their wristwatches would automatically change as weflew over new time zones! Then, as we began to descend into SanDiego, they bantered back and forth in frustration as to why theirwatches were still on Atlanta time. Just before touchdown they concludedthat California and Georgia were really on the same time —that’s why their watches didn’t change! Those two were elevated, butthey weren’t “enlightened.”Real story. I recently sat on a flight while a steward announcedto us that we would be updated on arrival schedule “as soon as wefigure out what we are doing.” Great. The guy behind me moanedout loud. Altitude without a clue.I love our Boston study trips, partly because of the fun we get tohave with new flyers each spring! A little turbulence is real amusement(as long as it’s not too much!).Then if you really want a flying story, ask Bruce Garner aboutthe girl with her cat on his “red eye” to Boston!I have tried to start using my flying follies not only for comicrelief, but as a reminder — a reminder about ministry elevation. AtBoston we exist to educate church leaders, those who will embraceGod’s call and with competence use the elevated position for greatcause. I know these are increasingly complicated times. I know thatthe next generation of leaders, those who are students now, will faceeven greater challenges. Our ministry education task is then moreimportant...and challenging than ever!Being on top — leading — sounds fun and exciting as you’rejust taking off. I’m thankful for the energy and even the romanticismI see in our new students in Boston. We have to help studentsharness that (not discard it) but blend it with skills and doctrinethat will help them adjust to reality. Elevation in ministry is essential.Today’s students will be the church leaders for my children; so Ihave a vested interest in their quality! I want them to be on top...notjust in title, but in character, in preparation, and in performance.I dragged myself off one more flight last night. The unlovedcommuter airplane highlighted by a half cup of Diet Coke — another“high up” experience! I’ll see students today. We’re going to equipthem to soar.February 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 21

f e l l o w s h i p n e w s(continued)friends went to their home to “continue theconversation.”As I watched “The Christmas Post” performance,Suzanne came out to do her part. I remembered17 years ago she attended a Christmasprogram dress rehearsal. She thought it was thefirst night of the program but it was only thedress rehearsal. She came on the wrong nightand decided to stay. There were some other peoplethere as well. We finished the rehearsal witha message and invitation, and she received Jesus.One evening in the cast prayer meeting,which takes place before the drama, one ofthe “Newsies,” newspaper girls in 1947, prayedthat God would save 25 souls and that nightalone there were exactly 25 cards turned in.We were in awe.This year the choir and cast prayed specificallyfor a certain number to receive Jesus andthe result far exceeded their request. One memberof the choir invited some neighbors, andtoday, the day after the last performance, theneighbor came over to her house with a filledoutcommitment card. She hadn’t been able tofind anything to write with in the service.God really does bless faith and prayer. OnlyGod can do these things!Men’s Wild Beast Feast and Life Skills Retreat 2010Owasso, OKFriendship Baptist Church and Pastor LinzySlayden hosted its annual Men’s Wild Beast Feastand Life Skills Retreat recently. Nearly 375 men,a record attendance, from 26 churches attendedthe Wild Beast Feast dinner on Friday. State senatorand gubernatorial candidate Randy Brogdengave his testimony and a short challenge for mento be Christ-like in the homes. Special guests includedmissionaries Elmer Deal and David Rohr.Door prizes donated from area businesses weregiven away during the dinner.Steve Gage, a 1988 Super Bowl winner playingwith the Washington Redskins, was the mainspeaker for the retreat. “He told some fun storiesfrom his college and pro career,” says Slayden.“He was solid and right on in his message as hebuilt on our theme, ‘Stay inthe Game,’ and made powerfulapplication to men today.”The Life Skills Retreatalso had a record attendance.Jim Goodman opened andclosed the general sessions.Don Elmore, Bob Weger,Greg Baxter, Guy Nolan, PaulFoster, David Melton, KeithBlake, and Lindzy Slaydenwere the breakout speakers. Asession entitled “Relationships... What Do WomenReally Want?” which included a ladies panelwas a hit. Baptist Bible College Campus ChaplainJon Slayden spoke to the teens.CDs of the 2008 and 2009 retreats are availablefor $10 each. The 2010 edition will be availableon the church’s website to download andsome CD sets will also be available.February 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 23

Basics in BiblicalCounselingConferenceTraining over 3 Weekends!Ozark, MissouriFebruary 12-13, 2010March 19-20, 2010April 16-17, 2010For More Information:www.sonrisebiblicalcounseling.comFridays 5:00 pm - 9:00 pmSaturdays 8:00 am - 5:00 pmLunch included each weekendOK BBF honors Hughes and MurrayOwasso, OKf e l l o w s h i p n e w sThe Oklahoma Baptist Bible Fellowship held its Januarymeeting at Friendship Baptist Church in Owasso, Oklahoma,on January 12 with speakers Gene Hughes, MartyHughes, Rob Hoffman, and host pastor Linzy Slayden.At the meeting, Gene Hughes and K. B. Murray, havingOklahoma ties, were recognized for their faithfulness.Hughes recently retired from the pastorate of ColonialHeights Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, and Murrayrecently transitioned to the role of pastor emeritusof Millington Street Baptist Church, in Winfield, Kansas.“Both men have provided their churches, their stateFellowships, and the BBFI with strong leadership anddedication through the years. The Oklahoma BBF hasmade a point to regularly honor men of God who havebeen a blessing to God, his people, and our Fellowship,”says Marty Hughes.Above: Gene Hughes (left) and K.B.Murray were honored for their faithfulnessand contributions to the BBF. Below:Attendees of the OK BBF meeting atFriendship Baptist.Registration: Individual $200Couple $350Learn...Grow...Change...Help OthersThis course provides the foundationaltraining required to begin to counselbiblically and to continue on toward theNational Association of NoutheticCounselors (NANC) certification.Conference SpeakersIs your churchin compliancewith the IRS?1410 E. Kearney St., Suite D, Springfield, MO 65803We specialize in churchand minister tax andaccounting services.Ministerial TaxPreparationChurch PayrollProcessingCompliance ChecksBill Piatt, M.Div.NANC FellowKevin Carson, D.Min.NANC CertifiedOther Speakers Include:Dale Davidson (NANC Certified),Brandon York (NANC Certified)SERVICINGALL 50STATESCall toll free1.800.920.3238or 417.863.6303www.ncctax.cominfo@ncctax.com24 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010

m i s s i o n a r y l e t t e r sRex & Jan HarmonJamaicaVerona Jackson is oneof our teenage girlsin Trench Town. Shecame to Awana whenshe was younger, butlike many of the teens, was drifting away asshe started high school. Last year we tooka chance and gave her a scholarship fromthe American Women’s Group of Jamaica.This scholarship opportunity comes withthe provision that the student will attendchurch every week. Verona immediatelybecame faithful to services. Jan consistentlyasked her about her salvation, withalways the same reply, “Not yet, I’m notready.” Three weeks ago she came to Janand handed her a finished discipleship lessonon baptism. When Jan asked why shewanted to be baptized, she said she acceptedChrist after Sunday school the weekbefore! It was such a blessing, not only becausewe have been praying for Verona’ssalvation, but also because most of thepeople who profess to trust Christ here arereluctant to follow Him in baptism. Somefruit takes a little longer to ripen, but it iscertainly sweet when it does!For information or to order:The Reapers/Thomas RayP.O. Box 796541, Dallas TX 75379Phone 972.509.9240 Fax 972.769.2597Email: tray1701@verizon.netwww.thereapers.comMitch & Elizabeth CalmestanzaniaFariji and I met in the road ever since. He is a Bible instituteone day a few years ago. Well, student. A couple of Sundays agothat is, I hit him with my car! I he preached his first sermon inthought I had killed him, but he church and one person came tomiraculously survived. I led him Christ! Please pray that God willto Christ the following day and continue to use him.he has been a part of the churchLarry & Tammy AllredTheMontalvofamily wasall baptizedlastSunday.They weresaved some time back. The wifeand daughters had been beggingthe dad to let them get baptizedfor several months, but healways had a reason why theyMexiconeeded to wait. Well, the Lord finallygot ahold of his heart and heagreed it was time for them to allget baptized. To our surprise, theyhad 12 unsaved guests come tosee them get baptized that morning.That Sunday’s message wasjust the right one for the occasionwith a very strong salvation message.It was perfect with so manyunsaved guests present. God hadjust the right message preparedfor the day.2010 BBFI National Meeting ScheduleFebruary 15-17Bible Baptist ChurchSavannah, GAMay 10-13Baptist Bible CollegeSpringfield, MOSept. 27-29Sauk Trail Baptist TempleRichton Park, ILFebruary 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 25

26 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010

Dwane BakerSpringfield, MOw i t h t h e l o r dRoger CopasSignal Mountain, TNJim CalhounOwasso, OKDwane Nelson Baker graduatedto Heaven January 3, 2010.He was born May 23, 1940, inFurley, Kansas, and acceptedChrist at ten years of age.Baker attended Baptist Bible College inSpringfield, Missouri, where he graduated in 1964(later returning to get his Bachelor of Arts degreein 1997). He then pastored in Prescott, Kansas,for three years before serving as a Baptist BibleFellowship missionary in Ethiopia, England, andHaiti for 43 years. He was well known for his useof visuals during teaching and preaching.Baker is survived by his wife of 45 years,Janice Baker; four daughters, Rebecca, Deborah,Lydia, and Anna; four sons-in-law; 13 grandchildren;one sister; and one brother.Memorial services were held Friday, January7, at West Division Street Baptist Church inSpringfield, Missouri, and Saturday, January 8, inFurley, Kansas. Online condolences may be left atwww.walnutlawnfuneralhome.com.Hand to Hand GospelOur low prices help you reach more people with the gospelDoor Hangers • Mini Posters • True Witness CardsMinistry Magnets • Custom Church Greeting Cardsticm@centurytel.netKendall Fortner417-300-0046Roger Gary Copas wenthome to be with his LordDecember 25, 2009. Rogerwas born in Portsmouth,Ohio, to the late Verlin andMildred Copas.As a pastor, he spent his life dedicatedto serving the Lord and helping people. Aftergraduating from Tennessee Temple Collegeand later receiving his master’s in religiouseducation, Roger began his ministry on SignalMountain, serving at Pinecrest Baptist Churchfrom 1972-1979. In the summer of 1979, he wascalled to serve at Anchorage Baptist Temple,Anchorage, Alaska, from 1979-1983. He thenserved as pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church,Fort Wayne, Indiana, from 1983-1989. In 1992,he began his ministry at Decatur BaptistChurch, Decatur, Indiana, until 1998. In 1998,the Lord called him back to Signal Mountainwhere he became pastor of Walden’s Ridge BaptistChurch. With the Lord’s leading, the churchmerged with Community Baptist Church,where he remained the pastor until his death.Roger is survived by his wife, Linda, twosons, four grandchildren, and other familymembers.Jim Calhoun, 1958 graduate ofBBC, entered this life May 7,1935, and went to his heavenlyhome December 7, 2009.Jim was saved at the ageof seven while attending a Child Evangelism cluband surrendered his life to the Lord while at theUniversity of Oklahoma on a wrestling scholarship.While attending BBC, he taught a Sundayschool class at High Street Baptist Church andmarried Cleo Ann Holmes in 1957. Cleo died in2006, and Jim married Patricia Terry in 2007.Following his graduation from BBC, hepastored a church in Pittsburg, Kansas, for twoyears. He later moved to Tulsa to assist RichardCollins in founding Southeast Baptist Church in1962, where he served for 30 years. In 1992, heunited with Friendship Baptist Church, Owasso,Oklahoma, and served as deacon. He retiredfrom American Airlines.Jim was a loyal supporter and promoter ofBBC, the BBC Alumni Association, and servedas an association vice president of that organizationseveral times.Survivors include his wife Pat, three daughters,eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.A memorial service was held at FriendshipBaptist Church, Owasso, on December 10, 2009.Ronald (Ron) Harry HaydenTucson, AZRon Hayden, born January 30,1944, in Wilmington, Delaware,went to be with his Lordon December 6, 2009. A graduateof Pacific Coast BaptistCollege and Moody Institute,he founded and pastored the Pike Creek BaptistChurch of Newark, Delaware, in 1968 until1984, when he assumed the pastorate of BethanyChurch in Whittier, California. He left Californiain 1991 to become a consultant/coach to faithbasedorganizations including INJOY, StewardshipServices, and The Master’s College.Ron is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lynelle;son Gregg; grandchildren; his parents; asister; and two brothers.A memorial service was held at Pike CreekValley Bible Church, Newark, Delaware, December19, 2009.February 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 27

tribuneclassifieds69¢ per word ($12 minimum). All adssubject to approval of the Baptist BibleTribune. Advertising in the BBT doesnot necessarily imply the endorsementof the publisher. To place an ad, call(417) 831-3996.The Bible Rebinder Don’t Retire YourBible — Rebind It! Fifteen years’ experiencerebinding and repairing Bibles.Contact Joe Gleason, 2256 E. Nora,Springfield, Missouri 65803, for prices.(417) 865-3823.Religious books for sale List sentemail dudley@fidnet.com Evangelist BillDudley, 1116 Lacy Dr., Lebanon, MO65536, (417) 532-2665.www.dudleyusedbooks.com.Christian Home-Based BusinessHigh Tech Manufacturer offers uniqueopportunity for Christian family homebasedbusiness. Call 888-298-0157for recorded message and completeinformation.Sermon sets/Outline booksSamples and brochure. Charles Swilling,P.O.Box 1093, Jacksonville, TX 75766(903) 683-4342; ciswilling@aol.comwww.swillingpublications.orgDr. Robert L. Sumner’s 41st book,Fights I Didn’t Start … and some I did.Editor Bassham says, “I found thesefascinating 360 pages of logic and coherencehard to put down.” Fifteen chapters,360 pages, $12 postpaid. BiblicalEvangelism, 5917 Pine Drive, Raleigh,NC 27606Evangelist ads are available to any evangelist listed in the Fellowship Directoryfor $10 per issue. To place an ad, call (417) 831-3996.WWW.DRARTWILSON.COM Materialsand history of Art Wilson’s 71-yr.ministry (5-time past BBFI president). AGIANT of the faith. Worthwhile.Joe Boyd • Joe Boyd FoundationP.O. Box 177, West Union, WV 26456.Phone: 304.873.2522 60 Years on the Revival TrailMarc Cheney • Straight to the Heart Ministries318 Stonehenge Road, Winchester, VA 22601.Phone: 540.327.1288 www.marccheney.com28 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010Randy Carroll • Carroll Evangelistic Ministries5672 Powers St., The Colony, TX 75056.Phone: 469.384.2120 Cell: 469.964.9796Email: EvangelistRC@juno.comThomas Ray • The ReapersP.O. Box 796541, Dallas, TX 75379.Phone: 972.509.9240 www.thereapers.comRandy Hogue • Randy Hogue MinistriesPO Box 834 Cullman, AL 35056Phone: 888-464-8338 www.randyhogue.orgTracy Dartt • The Dartt QuartetP.O. Box 422, Greenbrier, TN 37073Phone: 615.643.0200 www.darttmusic.comPhilip Sawilowski • Olive Tree MinistriesPO Box 180188, Arlington, TX 76096Phone: 972.660.5117 www.olivetreeministry.org

C h u r c h A d sALABAMA• Shelton Beach Road BaptistChurch, 401 Shelton Beach Rd.,Saraland, AL 36571, 205/675-2122Pastor Gary W. Shockley• Trinity Baptist Church, 1500Airport Rd., Oxford, AL 36203,256/831-3333 www.trinityoxford.org.Pastor Bud Grinstead• Maranatha Baptist Church,2284 Third Ave., Dothan, AL 36301334-794-2536 Pastor Bill SchneiderALASKA• Anchorage Baptist Temple,6401 E. Northern Lights, Anchorage,AK 99504, 907/333-6535, www.ancbt.org. Pastor Jerry PrevoARIZONA• Thomas Road Baptist Church,5735 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ85031, 623/247-5735. Pastor DanielDennisCALIFORNIA• Calvary Baptist Church ofOakhurst, At the corner of Highway49 and Redbud (location only),559-641-7984. Pastor Bob Wilson• The Fundamentalist BaptistTabernacle, 1329 SouthHope St., Los Angeles, CA 90015,213/744-9999. Pastor Dr. R. L. Hymers,Jr. sermon manuscripts at www.realconversion.com• Midway Baptist Church, 2460Palm Ave., San Diego, CA 92154,619/424-7870 Pastor Jim W. Baize• Calvary Road Baptist Church,319 West Olive Ave., Monrovia, CA91016, 626/357-2711, www.calvaryroadbaptist.orgDr. John S. WaldripCONNECTICUT• New Testament Baptist Churchand School, 111 Ash St., East Hartford,CT 06108. 860/290-6696 PastorMichael StoddardDELAWARE• Southside Baptist Church, 4904S. DuPont Hwy. (US 13 So.), Dover,DE 19901, 302/697-2411 Pastor ChrisKondracki• First Baptist Church, 6062 OldShawnee Rd., Milford, DE 19963,302/422-9795 Pastor David PerdueFLORIDA• Liberty Baptist Church, 2451Dora Ave., Tavares, FL 32778,352/343-0061 Pastor Timothy J. Green• Palm Springs Drive BaptistChurch, 601 Palm Springs Dr.,Altamonte Springs, FL 32701,407/831-0950 Pastor Scott Carlson• Eastland Baptist Church, 9000Lake Underhill Rd., Orlando, FL 32825,407/277-5858 Pastor Daniel Green• Tabernacle Baptist Church,6000 West Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL32808, 407/295-3086 Pastor SteveWare• Winter Haven Baptist Church,1500 Dundee Rd., Winter Haven, FL33884, 863/294-6478 Pastor Mark D.Hodges• New Testament Baptist Church,2050 South Belcher Rd., Largo, FL33771, 727/536-0481 Pastor Matt Trill• Trinity Baptist Church, 800 HammondBlvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221,904/786-5320 Pastor Tom Messer• First Coast Baptist Church,7587 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville, FL32244. 904/777-3040 Pastor RichardEdwards• Harbor Baptist Church, 428 TomokaAve., Ormond Beach, FL 32173,386/677-3116 Pastor Ronald L. Todd• Colonial Baptist Church, 261651st Street West, Bradenton, FL34209, 941-795-3767 Pastor R. C.Landsberger• Sonshine Baptist Church, 23105Veterans Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL33954, 941-625-1273 Pastor WilliamK. Bales• First Baptist Coconut Creek,formerly Calvary Baptist Church, Ft.Lauderdale, FL. 954/422-9611Pastor Jerry Williamson• Victory Bible Baptist Church,3906 Andrew Ave., Pensacola, FL32505-4107. 850/432-6969 Sr. PastorRobert Reierson, Co-pastor AllenCotton• Calvary Baptist Church, 123Thunderbird Dr., Sebastian, FL 32958.772/589-5047www.calvary-baptistchurch.comPastor Clifton Cooley• New Life Baptist Church, 35000Radio Rd (at Poe St.), Leesburg, FL34788 352/728-0004newlifebaptistchurch@earthink.net• Bible Baptist Church, 820 South14th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL32034 904/261-5457• Suncoast Baptist Church, 410Warrington Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL33954(941)625-8550, Pastor Chip Kellerwww.suncoastbaptistchurch.com• Grace Bible Baptist Church,1703 Lewis Road, Leesburg, FL 34748.352-326-5738, Pastor George MulfordIII www.gbbconline.com• Orlando Baptist Church, 500 S.Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32807.407/277-8671, Pastor David Janneywww.worldchangingchurch.comGEORGIA• Cornerstone Baptist Church,1400 Grayson Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA30245. 770/338-2677 Pastor Tim Neal• Central Fellowship BaptistChurch and Academy, 8460Hawkinsville Rd. Hwy 247), 3 milesnorth of Robins Air Force Base, MaconGA 31216. 478/781-2981www.centralfellowship.orgPastor Rodney Queen• Camp Creek Baptist Church1761 Camp Creek Rd, Cornelia, GA30531, 706/778-0622,www.campcreek.orgHAWAII• Lanakila Baptist Church,94-1250 Waipahu St., Waipahu, HI96797. 808/677-0731 Pastor StevenC. WygleILLINOIS• Sauk Trail Baptist Temple, 4411Sauk Trail, P.O. Box 347, Richton Park,IL 60471. 708/481-1490 Pastor BruceHumbertIOWA• Lighthouse Baptist Church1690 Elm St., Suite 175, Dubuque, IA52001, 563/584-9040, Pastor BrianMiller www.lighthouseofdbq.org• Heartland Baptist Church3504 N. Grand Ave., Ames, IA 50010515/268-1721,www.heartlandbaptistames.comKANSAS• Millington Street BaptistChurch, 1304 Millington St., Winfield,KS 67156. 316/221-4700. Pastor JeffMcCaskill• Friendship Baptist Church2209 E. Pawnee, Wichita, KS 67213316-263-0269, Pastor Steve DayKENTUCKY• Florence Baptist Temple, 1898Florence Pk., Burlington, KY 41005.859/586-6090 Pastor Wayne G. Cox• Oak Hill Baptist Church, 2135Oak Hill Rd., Somerset, KY 42501,606/679-8496 Pastor Harold BrownMARYLAND• Riverdale Baptist Church,1177 Largo Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD20774, 301/249-7000 Pastor Brian C.MentzerMASSACHUSETTS• Temple Baptist Church540 Manley St., West Bridgewater, MA02379, 508-583-5190www.templebaptist.info Pastor BillSmithNEBRASKA• Plains Baptist Church, 2902Randolph St., Lincoln, NE 68510,402/435-4760. Pastor Raymond SmithNEW JERSEY• Open Bible Baptist Church,2625 E. Main St (RT. 49), Millville,NJ 08332. 856/863-0226,Email:gardner07@comcast.net PastorDanny GardnerNEW MEXICO• High Plains Baptist Church,2800 E. 21st Street, Clovis, NM88101-8620. 505/769-1382 PastorCharles D. MillerNORTH CAROLINA• Northside Baptist Church, 333Jeremiah Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262,704/596-4856 Pastor Brian Boyles• Mid-Way Baptist Church, 6910Fayetteville Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603.919/772-5864 Pastor James L.Upchurch• Trinity Baptist Church, 216Shelburne Rd., Asheville, NC 28806,704/254-2187 Pastor Ralph Sexton, Jr.• Central Baptist Church, 6050Plain View Hwy., Dunn, NC 28334,910/892-7914 Pastor Tom Wagoner• Berean Baptist Church &Academy517 Glensford Dr., Fayetteville, NC28314910-868-5156, www.bbcfnc.orgPastor Sean HarrisOHIO• Bible Baptist Church, 990W. Main, Mt. Orab, OH 45154.937/444-2493Pastor Charles Smith• Ashland Ave. Baptist Church,P.O. Box 86, 4255 Ashland Ave.,Norwood, OH 45212. 513/531-3626Pastor Jerry E. Jones• First Baptist Church, 1233 US Rt.42, Ashland, OH 44805. 419/289-3636Pastor F. R. “Butch” White• Grace Baptist Church, 3023 N.Union Rd., Middletown, OH 45044,513/423-4658 Pastor Roger D. Green• Calvary Baptist Church, 516W. Sunset Dr., Rittman, OH 44270,330/925-5506 Pastor Jerry BurtonOKLAHOMA• Temple Baptist Church, 2200E. Oklmulgee, Muskogee, OK 74403.918/687-4793 Pastor Alton ChilesOREGON• Tri-City Baptist Temple, 18025S. E. Webster Rd., Gladstone, OR97027. 503/655-9326 Pastor KenMcCormickRHODE ISLAND• Ocean State Baptist Church,600 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI02917, 401/231-1980 Pastor ArchieEmersonSOUTH CAROLINA• Lighthouse Baptist Church, 104Berkeley Sq. Lane, PMB 250, GooseCreek, SC 29445. 843/824-6002 www.lbcgc.org Pastor Bobby GarvinTEXAS• Central Baptist Church, 2855Greenhouse Rd., Houston, TX 77084.281/492-2689 Pastor Larry Maddox• First Baptist Church of Meadowview,4346 N Galloway Ave.,Mesquite, TX 75150. 214/391-7176Pastor R.D. Wade• Liberty Baptist Church, 602Manco Rd., Lewisville, TX 75067.972/436-3493 Pastor Dick Webster• First Baptist Church, Hwy. 64,Wright City, TX 75750, 903/839-2700Pastor Richard G. Boone• North Park Baptist Church,4401 Theiss Rd., Humble, TX 77338.281/821-2258 Pastor Tim Thompson• Berean Baptist Church, 302 N.Town East Blvd., Mesquite, TX 75182.972/226-7803 Pastor David Mills• Cypress Creek Baptist Church,21870 Northwest Freeway, Houston,TX 77429. 281/469-6089 Pastor BillCampbell• Burleson Boulevard BaptistChurch, 315 N. Burleson Blvd., Burleson,TX 76028-3907. 817/295-4342Pastor Terry M. Williams• Temple Baptist Church, 4301Thomason Dr., Midland, TX 79703.432/694.3634 www.tbcmidland.comPastor Stephen WillisVIRGINIA• Community Baptist Church,Chantilly, VA, Washington D.C. area.703/968-8871. www.cbc4me.org PastorMike Aylestock• Faith Baptist Church, 3768 S.Amherst Hwy., Madison Heights, VA24572, 434/929-1430 Pastor BrianHudsonWEST VIRGINIA• Fellowship Baptist Church,U.S. Rt. 60 E. at Huntington Mall,Barboursville, WV 25504,304/736-8006 Pastor Jerry WarrenChurch ads areavailable to anyBBFI church for$10 per issue.To place an ad, call(417) 831-3996.February 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 29

AfterWordsReflecting on my dad’s retirement By Janette Hendricks LangeAssociate Pastor | Lumpkin Road Baptist Church | Augusta, GASunday, January 10, 2010, was my dad’s last day in thepulpit of Highland Park Baptist Church, a churchhe has pastored the last 36 years. I wish I could havebeen present for that bittersweet service, or at least for thefollowing Sunday when the church hosted special morningand afternoon services, celebrating all that the Lord hasdone in so many lives through his ministry. But the needsof my own family of six prevented me from making the trip.So I had to be content 1,231 miles away, sipping hotchocolate on an unusually cold Florida day, reflecting ondad and mom’s ministry, and how the Lord used theirexample to establish a special legacy I expect will continuetill the Lord returns.Dad and mom love missionaries, and they taught mybrother and me, as well as our church family, to honor theseheroes who leave the comfort of this great country to sharethe gospel in foreign lands. Highland Park has faithfullysupported many, many missionaries over the years, andnow I have the privilege of introducing my own childrento heroes of the faith (like the Marshalls in Wales and thePeters family in Hungary) whom I first met as a child. As thelegacy continues, our children now love every opportunityto play with, pray for, and give to visiting missionaryfamilies. I am thankful for a dad and mom who gave me thisheritage to share with our little ones and in the classes weteach each week in the ministry here.It is no secret around Elkhart, Indiana, that dadis one of the friendliest guys in town. Having a “goodreport of them which are without,” dad has ministered toeveryone from lawyers to car dealers, bank tellers to thelocal pharmacist (with whom he regularly swaps storiesof twin grandbabies). No person is too impressive or tooinsignificant to be shown the love of God. Now every time Iget to serve someone, I have the opportunity to share God’sgraciousness with them, and am privileged to be extendingthe legacy of the friendliest guy in town.Dad was friendly, but not just to adults. He has madechildren feel important for so many years, that years afterattending Highland Park on the bus ministry, they wouldcome back to that church building to talk with the manwho had first shared Christ with them. Dad felt kids wereworth the effort it took to develop a good lesson, and he wasinfamous for his dramatic storytelling. He was a popularchapel speaker in our Christian elementary school, and itwas no surprise that I later became a summer missionaryfor Child Evangelism, telling stories in much the same styleas my dad. I’ve not literally stomped my way through theplatform floor as he has, but I’ve been privileged to sharecountless Bible and missionary lessons with children eagerto hear of God’s power and faithfulness. Legacies can indeedbe fun to continue!No one understands all a pastor’s wife does, except forher family. I had an amazing in-home example to watchand then follow. Mom’s commitment to help dad succeedin his calling has been endless. All the way through to thatlast service, she has put in countless hours to aid him bothbehind the scenes and in the limelight, as needed. She putmy brother and me through Christian school by workingas a legal secretary, and yet found time to write Sundayschool lessons, do the church bookwork, and play the pianofor every service. Her love for the ladies in the church wasshown in the banquets she planned, the hours of biblicalcounseling she gave, and the notes of encouragement shewould write. What shoes I have to fill! May my children seeme serve alongside my pastor-husband with a sweet, willingspirit, appreciating every God-ordained opportunity to usemy gifts for His glory.While I am sure I’ll be recognizing more about the legacymy parents have given me in years to come, it is fitting toclose with perhaps the most important one of all: dad andmom followed the admonition of Deuteronomy 6:6-7 as theymodeled walking with God on a personal level each day. Notonly did they spend hours in sermon and lesson preparation,but they also spent significant time daily letting God changethem in their quiet time with Him. I’d wake up very early inthe morning and hear my dad petitioning God for the peoplein our church and community, as well as for our family. I’dwatch my mom disappear into her room, Bible in hand,reappearing later visibly refreshed and at peace. Now, everytime my children happen upon me in the big blue chair, cozywith my Bible and notebook, they recognize that I’m having“special time with God.”I look forward to the day when they are reading wellenough to enjoy their own pursuit of the knowledge ofGod, and the changes His Word will bring. It is up to them,whether they will continue this legacy begun by theirGrandpa and Grandmom Hendricks in the far-away, snowystate of Indiana. But I have no doubt that as long as theyare alive, grandpa and grandmom will be praying for theirprecious grandchildren, and I know for a fact that God hearsand answers my dad and mom’s prayers.Pastor Floyd Hendricks retired after 39 years of ministrySunday, January 17, 2010. He has pastored Highland ParkBaptist Church in Elkhart, Indiana, 36 years. Janette HendricksLange is married to Jason Lange, Associate and Youth Pastor atNew Testament Baptist Church, Largo, Florida.30 | Baptist Bible Tribune | February 2010

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