JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

www.msbaptist.orgApril 15, 2018 VOL. 72 NO. 8

...How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospelof peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

Former Director of Missions James Schoenrock of Texas (at podium) leads the missionary commissioning prayer at the close of the 2018 Annual Meeting of the BaptistMissionary Association of America held in Jackson, Mississippi, April 16-18. Churches and messengers from across the nation assembled at the Jackson Convention Centerto hear reports, worship, approve plans for the future and care for the business of the association, and fellowship in the Lord.

Mississippi Hosts Annual BMA of America Meetingby the Editorby the Editorby the Editorby the Editorby the Editor

The 2018 session of the BMAof America was held April 16-18,at the Jackson Convention Cen-ter in Jackson, Mississippi.

425 churches were repre-sented by messenger and letterwith a total attendance of closeto 600 messengers and visitors.

Following a warm welcomeby Mississippi Lt. Governor TateReeves, the Monday evening wor-ship service was conducted bythe Moral Action Commissionled by Dr. John Adams. An honorguard from the Mississippi Na-tional Guard presented the col-ors. Adams spoke during theGod and Country Rally takinghis subject from Psalm 22 andtitled America, 1969-2019.

Mrs. Sabrina Clayton sang

Mississippi Lt. Governor Tate Reeves Welcomedthe BMAA to Jackson During Initial Session

Mississippi Lt. GovernorTate Reeves

the National Anthemwith followed byprayer led by Dr.Charley Holmes,president of BMASeminary, Jackson-ville, Texas.

The meeting ses-sions began Mondayafternoon with theNational WMA meet-ing at 3:00. The Na-tional Brotherhoodmet Tuesday morn-ing with breakout sessions fea-turing various topics and speak-ers at both 11:00 and 1:00 pm.Business began Tuesday after-noon and continued on Wednes-

day morning.The annual message

was presented byPresident TerryKimbrow of CentralBaptist College,Conway, Arkansas.A highlight of any

meeting is the addi-tion of new churches.Two new churches pe-titioned membershipduring this meetingand they are both

from Mississippi. Pictured aremessengers from South ForrestBaptist Church nearHattiesburg with Pastor andMrs. Sidney Farmer and Grace

Baptist Church, Clinton, withPastor Danny Bartlett beingwelcomed by II VP MarkLivingston.

The messengers approved theCommittee on Arrangementsrecommendation to hold the2021 meeting with Antioch Bap-tist Church, Conway, Arkan-sas. The 2019 meeting will beheld in Rogers, Arkansas, May6-8, 2019.

Officers elected for 2019 arePresident Jeff Swart of Kansas,I VP Mark Livingston of Texas,and II VP Justin Rhodes of Mis-sissippi. Greg Medenwald wasreelected to serve another termas clerk.

The 2019 annual messagewill be brought by Bro. CliffJohnson, pastor of Garrett Me-

morial Church, Hope, Arkan-sas, with Andy Comer ofGeorgetown, Texas, serving asalternate.

60 Plus Years60 Plus Years60 Plus Years60 Plus Years60 Plus YearsA number of ministers were

recognized for their 60 plus yearsin the ministry. Some being hon-ored were not able to be in atten-dance. A. W. Kirkland, GroverLaird, and Howard Rogers fromMississippi were among thoserecognized.

Southeastern PromotedSoutheastern PromotedSoutheastern PromotedSoutheastern PromotedSoutheastern PromotedDr. Scott Carson, president of

Southeastern College was giventime to promote the school and topromote the 70th anniversary ofthe school. He recognized thenumber of alumni attending thecollege and shared the numberof missionaries and pastors whohad attended SBC.

continued on page 2

2 April 15, 2018 • Mississippi Baptist

2018 BMAA Meeting from front page

It was noted by Clerk James RayRaines that the cost of our meetingscontinues to rise while the support andofferings for the minute and meeting

fund has not kept pace with expenses.Many churches continue to send in thesame amount they have for years. Henoted that the cost for the Jacksonmeeting would be significantly over the$20,000 mark. In order to save funds ,in recent years the clerks have beenproducing the annual minute book onCD only and distributed to the churches.

ReportsReportsReportsReportsReportsEach department, ministry, auxil-

iary gave encouraging and positive re-ports. The Coordinating CouncilCoordinating CouncilCoordinating CouncilCoordinating CouncilCoordinating Council com-mended the department directors forthe outstanding job they are doing inleading the various ministries and put-ting forth a unified vision of coopera-tion.

The Council recommended that Janu-ary 2019 be designated as StewardshipEmphasis Month among the churches.

Daniel Springs CampDaniel Springs CampDaniel Springs CampDaniel Springs CampDaniel Springs Camp has had agood year financially with support upand improvements being made to thefacilities. They recommended no changesin the relationship of the camp toDiscipleguide at the present time.

DiscipleguideDiscipleguideDiscipleguideDiscipleguideDiscipleguide Director ScottAttebery explained his resignation asone having two main points. He said hisvision of leadership, direction, and ad-ministration was somewhat differentthan the job currently requires. He alsostated that as a single parent (losing hiswife in an accident a number of yearsago) he did not want to miss the currentyears with his son. He plans to take thesummer to camp, fish, and enjoy beingwith his son.

LifewordLifewordLifewordLifewordLifeword Director Donny Parrishthanked the association for their sup-port and cooperation during the pastyear. Lifeword currently can be heardin 121 countries and one fourth of theearth's population has the opportunityto listen to Lifeword broadcasts.

Parrish shared the vision of theLifeword Cloud being in full operationin 3 to 5 years and giving access to themajority of the earth's poplulation mak-ing God's word available to be heard in200 languages.

Steve Crawley, Ministers ResourceMinisters ResourceMinisters ResourceMinisters ResourceMinisters Resource

ServicesServicesServicesServicesServices new director, shared the vi-sion of depositors being given more op-tions fo their retirement funds. RetiringDirector Ron Chesser gave his finalreport and thanked the association forthe years of support.

Crawley has shared the 3 majorchanges coming to MRS ( his 3rd reportis included in this issue).

SeminarySeminarySeminarySeminarySeminary President Dr. CharleyHolmes shared the seminary report andstressed the biblical teaching andpreaching that is the basis of theSeminary's purpose and goal.

The Annual Seminary Friends Din-ner was held on Tuesday evening.Former Kellar Award winners wererecognized along with all former stu-dents in attendance.

The 2018 Kellar Award winner wasDr. Tony Cleaver. Cleaver is a retiredU.S. Army Chaplain and current Direc-

tor of Distance Learning for BMATS.Cleaver is the son-in-law of the

Seminary's founding president, Dr.Gerald Kellar. He and his wife Jeri SueCleaver reside just outside of Kileen,Texas.

The Seminary has named May 20,2018 as Scholarship Sunday and re-quest that our churches both pray forthe Seminary and her students, and use

continued on page 5

Dr. Tony Cleaver (left) receiving Kellar Awardfrom Seminary President Dr. Charley Holmes

Moral Action Director John Adams bringingMonday vening rally message MRS Chairman Kenneth Lott (right) pre-

sents plaque of appreciation to retiring MRSdirector Ron Chesser while his wife looks on

3April 15, 2018 • Mississippi Baptist

Dr. Scott CarsonPresident

4229 Highway 15 North, Laurel, Mississippi 39440, (601) 426-6346

Southeastern Baptist College Serving ChristWith A Biblical World ViewIn A Christian Atmosphere

President’s PerspectivePresident’s PerspectivePresident’s PerspectivePresident’s PerspectivePresident’s Perspective“Speak not evil one of another, breth-

ren. He that speaketh evil of his brother,and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil ofthe law, and judgeth the law: but if thoujudge the law, thou art not a doer of thelaw, but a judge.” James 4:11

The members of the United StatesArmy Chaplaincy work exceptionally welltogether. How can that be? With somany differing denominations being as-signed together, surely there must becontinual conflict between the chaplains!But there is not. And even though theymay work closely together on commandprojects that sup-port the religiousrights of soldiers,the level of frictionbetween varyingfaith groups is low.Often it is non-exis-tent!

Wouldn’t it benice if we civilian,especially Chris-tians of like faith,could do the same?Should not we bepracticing mutualrespect and supportfor each other as welabor together inthe work of theLord? I find it per-sonally distressing that fellow believers,one who professes to know the Lord, onewho says he is dedicated to following histeachings, one who claims to be bornagain, who says they have faith in Christalone, by His blood alone, and by Hisgrace alone, seems to have a hankeringto pick up an unspiritual rock and hurlit at his or her fellow believing neighbor.

Before we moved to South Texas, Ilived in South Dakota. Growing up inSouth Dakota meant much snow in thefall, winter and the spring. As a kid, myfriends and I would often have snowballfights. It was fun! Lots of fun; untilsomeone got hurt. We developed a ruleabout making snowballs. The rule was,to use only soft snowballs. Hard packedsnowballs and ice balls were forbidden,and definitely no hidden objects such asrocks within the snowballs. Why did weestablish these rules? Because somebodyalways did it! If one did throw a forbiddenobject, then the rest of us shunned that“friend” and that person was no longerallowed to play with us for the rest of theday.

These are children’s rules that mightbe applied to Christian adult interac-tions. Throwing rocks at other Chris-tians is mean spirited. It is not Christ-like and is the opposite of the godlycharacter we are called to exhibit asbelievers in the body of Christ. Shame on

those who call them-selves “Christians”and do such worldlyand ungodly things!Yet, there they are,throwing rocks attheir brothers and sis-ters in Christ.

Are we called to teardown other believersor to build them up?Are we encouraged to pray for others orto seek to destroy? Are we to slanderGod’s work or to seek the promotion ofthe Gospel? Are we followers of Christ or

not? Just whose agenda are we perpetu-ating, our own or that of the kind andgentle Spirit of the Lord?

I praise God for those who earnestlyseek peace and restoration among thebody of believers.

“Let us therefore follow after the thingswhich make for peace, and things where-with one may edify another.” Romans14:19

“With all lowliness and meekness,with longsuffering, forbearing one an-other in love; Endeavouring to keep theunity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”Ephesians 4:2-3

“Follow peace with all men, and holi-ness, without which no man shall see theLord:” Hebrews 12:14

“And the fruit of righteousness is sownin peace of them that make peace.” James3:18

Hmmmm…Hmmmm…Hmmmm…Hmmmm…Hmmmm… I just don’t see any jus-tification in these verses for throwingrocks at another believer or at a workthat promotes the Gospel, do you?

National Day of Prayer BreakfastNational Day of Prayer BreakfastNational Day of Prayer BreakfastNational Day of Prayer BreakfastNational Day of Prayer BreakfastFor a second year in a row, Southeast-

ern Baptist College is hosting the LaurelNational Day of Prayer Breakfast. Theevent will be held in the school’s gymna-sium on May 3, 2018 beginning at 7:30a.m. Last year’s event was a wonderfulsuccess as Christians from all over JonesCounty gathered in our gym to pray forour local communities and our nation.Come join us at this free breakfast eventand support your college! IMPORTANT:To reserve your spot, Text your nameand number of guests to 601-498-8832 byApril 26.

Press DayPress DayPress DayPress DayPress DayOn April 14, local television, radio and

newspaper media were invited onto thecampus of Southeastern Baptist Collegewhere Dr. Carson announced the 70th

anniversary of SBC. In his message tothe media, Dr. Carson provided his vi-sion for the future of the school andintroduced Coach Brad Phillips who isleading the renewal initiative of theCharges basketball team. Visit ourFacebook page to view the news coverageof the event.

Fall 2018 Basketball!Fall 2018 Basketball!Fall 2018 Basketball!Fall 2018 Basketball!Fall 2018 Basketball!The Lord is doing great things at SBC!

We intend to restart the school’s basket-

ball program this Fall Semester. We areactively seeking men and women forSoutheastern Baptist College basketball!Do you know of any students wanting tojoin the Chargers teams? Point them ourway. Sports scholarships are available.Contact Coach Brad Phillips at 601-426-6346.

Dorm RenovationDorm RenovationDorm RenovationDorm RenovationDorm RenovationOur new recruiter intends to fill our

dorms with new students! Because manyof the rooms and common areas havebeen unoccupied for a while, there isgreat need to bring them back to accept-able standards. Can you be of help? Doyou have materials, or talent, or mon-etary donations to designate toward thisproject? Give us a call at 601-426-6346 orsend Justin Rhodes a note atpastorjustinrhodes@gmail.com.

Free Tuition?Free Tuition?Free Tuition?Free Tuition?Free Tuition?Yes! And if I were you, I would not

hesitate to take advantage of God’s gra-cious gift of a college education at one ofthe finest Christian institutions in theUnited States! Thinking about takingcourses in the Summer or Fall? Thereare several scholarship opportunitiesavailable for our student body that sup-porters of the school have graciouslyprovided. In addition, if you are a BMAminister, there are scholarships spe-cially set aside that are available for you!Our recruiter, Brad Phillips, has all theinformation you need to sign up for classesor contact Ginny Singleton regardingfinancial aid. Both can be reached at 601-426-6346.

Carson’s ArmyCarson’s ArmyCarson’s ArmyCarson’s ArmyCarson’s ArmyBrother Chris Floyd introduced a spe-

cial individual donor concept namedCarson’s Army at the SBC Donor andVolunteer Dinner. Each person has theopportunity to “enlist” with their pledgeat various levels of rank representingtheir ability to give toward SoutheasternBaptist College. If you feel led of the Lordto enlist, call 601-426-6346 today! Pleaserefer to the “Carson’s Army” giving chart

Have Bible, Will Travel“Preach the word...” 2 Timothy 4:2. I

am ready to fill your pulpit! If you are inneed of a guest preacher or request apersonal report on the college, contact meat 601-433-4736 or atscarson@southeasternbaptist.edu

Dr. Carson conducts the invocation for the Jones County Chamber ofCommerce “Eggs and Issues” forum on April 13, 2018 whereMississippi state legislators address local issues with business andcommunity leaders.

May 3, 2018

continued on page 5

Local TV station interviewing SBC President Scott Carson

4 April 15, 2018 • Mississippi Baptist

Don J. Brown, EditorE-Mail - editor@msbaptist.orgWeb site www.msbaptist.org

USPS 353-960P.O. Box 8181

Laurel, Mississippi 39441-8000

Phone 601-426-3293

PRICE$20.00 Per Year by Mail

$15.00 Per Year by EmailCHURCH PLAN

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Published on the 1st and15th of each month by the Bap-tist Missionary Association ofMississippi. Periodical post-age paid at Hattiesburg, MS39402.

Postmaster:Send address changes to

Mississippi Baptist Paper P.O.Box 8181, Laurel, MS 39441

Journal of the Baptist MissionaryAssociation of MississippiDon Brown

Editor

MissionaryCouple LosesSon in Accident

Tristan Samuel Freeman, the18 year old son of BMA Mission-aries Sam and Dawn Freemanlost his life in an auto accidenton Tuesday, April 17, 2018. TheFreemans were home on leavefrom the mission field they servein the Philippines.

Tristan was born July 18,1999 in Hattiesburg, Missis-sippi. He was a sheet metalmechanic with Regional Me-chanicalServicesand wasplanningon enter-ing collegethis Fall.He is pre-ceded indeath byhis mater-nal grand-m o t h e r ,K a yPhillips; paternal great grand-parents, JP & Essie Hinton;Lube & Jennie Freeman; ma-ternal great grandparents,Vernon & Lela Phillips, andMerle Bradley .

Family members include hisparents, Sam and Dawn Free-man; two brothers, Zane Free-man, Seth Freeman; grandpar-ents, Rayburn and Faye Free-man, David L. Phillips; greatgrandmother, Bobbye Sue Bra-dley; uncles, Theron R. "Ted"Freeman and his wife Karen,David S. Freeman; aunts, LisaAlbert and her husband Dave,Lindsay Lindsey and her hus-band Dwight; cousins, Annah,Brooke, Zachary, Noah, Julie,Jonathan, Joshua, Reid, Phillip,Marlee; his best friend, ZacLadner; spiritual brothers, CotyOdom, Dustin "Pale Face"Hariel, Jeffrey Flynn and DustinReid; a host of extended familyand friends and church family.

Funeral services were held atPlainview Baptist Church,Poplarville, Mississippi on Sat-urday, April 21 with burial inthe church cemetery.

Tristan Freeman

A F S

Dale WirickBro. Dale Wirick is available for

service and pulpit supply. He maybe reached at the following num-bers, 228-249-0558 or 228-235-2731 or by Email atwd40wirick67@gmail.com.

Church AppreciatesHelp RebuildingDear Editor:

The members of Bethel Bap-tist church at Port Arthur,Texas are excited to announceour dedication service followingour recover from the effects ofHurricane Harvey last year. Weare very thankful to our God,who has blessed us amazinglyand for those who have helpedus with prayers, encourage-ment, physical work and/or fi-nances. Some have helped usthrough the BMAA EmergencyRelief Fund.

Thank you all very much forthat help. We invite those whohave helped us rebuild ourchurch house to come to ourdedication service. We also in-

vite the friends of Bethel andthose who love Southern Gospelmusic.

The dedication service will beMay 6 at 4 p.m. The SouthernPlainsmen will help us celebratethis momentous occasion with aconcert. Thomas Monroe andChris Blacksmith will speak,and there will be a slide presen-tation of the devastation and ofthe recovery. The service willend with a fellowship meal.

Your help with our buildingshave also helped us to recentlylaunch a new ministry to theHispanic people in our area. Theywill share our remodeled facili-ties with us. Santos Lopez ofHouston will lead in this His-panic outreach.

Paul expressed his thanks tothe Philippians in a way thatspeaks of our appreciation forthose who are a part of our“fellowship in the Gospel:” “Gracebe unto you, and peace, fromGod our Father, and from theLord Jesus Christ.

Letters FromOur Readers

Letters reflect the opinion of thewriter and not necessarily this

publication or the BMA of Mississippi

Revival SetPine Grove Baptist Church of

Purvis will hold revival servicesbeginning on Sunday April 22 andcontinuing through Friday April27. Weeknight services will beginat 7:00 pm with Bro. Brent Longbringing the messages. ContactPastor Charles Lee at 601-596-3416 for more information.

This issue of your paper is notlate - it has been delayed! Thedifference is intent. With theNational Meeting being held soclose to the time of our middle ofthe month, we intentionally de-layed publication to include re-porting on the meeting.

During the national meetingwe were given the sad news thatTristan Freeman, oldest son ofBMA Missionaries to the Philip-pines Sam and Dawn Freemanlost his life in a traffic accidenton Tuesday, April 17.

These words are being writ-ten on Saturday afternoon afterhis funeral. My wife and I couldnot miss his funeral.

The Freemans are our mis-sionaries. Many of our pastorsand mission personnel were alsoat the service.

On a more personal note, Mrs.Dawn Freeman has a specialconnection to the Brown family.She is the granddaughter ofVernon and Lela Phillips andthe daughter of David and KayPhillips.

Bro. Vernon served as mywife's pastor at Liberty Baptist

Church, Isola. She grew up withhis two sons David and Donald.Bro. Phillips was also a Publica-tions Trustee in 1978 when Iwas elected editor. Dawn & hersister were students at South-eastern College while Bonnie andI worked there.

Our connection to these twofamilies is quite close. Davidand Sam Freeman came homefrom the Philippines and en-rolled at SBC while we werethere. We love both the Free-man and the Phillips families.Attendance at the service was amust for us.

The service this morning hon-ored Tristan for the man hewas. His dad Sam brought themessage and shared Tristan'switness for the Lord and howour God is a good, caring andgracious God. He loves us.

We Pray for God's grace asthis precious family grieves forthe loss of their son, but arecomforted that Tristan is enjoy-ing the presence of his Saviorand his God.

Pray for the Freeman andPhillips families.

Deadlines Deadlines Deadlines Deadlines Deadlines Are For KeepingAre For KeepingAre For KeepingAre For KeepingAre For Keeping

I thank my God upon everyremembrance of you, Always inevery prayer of mine for you allmaking request with joy, Foryour fellowship in the gospelfrom the first day until now;Being confident of this very thing,that he which hath begun a goodwork in you will perform it untilthe day of Jesus Christ: Even asit is meet for me to think this ofyou all, because I have you inmy heart…” (Phil. 1:2-7).

Jim Lea, pastor,6247 Garnet Ave.Port Arthur, Texas 77640

CHURCH SEEKS YOUTH PASTOREast Amory Baptist Church,

Amory, Mississippi, is seeking abi-vocational youth pastor.

2018-19 Officers left to right: President Jeff Swart of Kansas, I VP MarkLivingston of Texas, II VP Justin Rhodes of Mississippi, Clerks (l-r) GregMedenwald and Jerome Cooper, and James Raines not pictured.

II VP Mark Livingston welcoming messengers from new churches. On leftBro. & Mrs. Sidney Farmer of South Forrest Church, Hattiesburg,Mississippi and Bro. Danny Bartlett of Grace Church, Clinton, Mississippi.

Moments from 2018 National Meeting

Those individuals interested areasked to send a resume to EastAmory Baptist Church, 905Hatley Road, Amory, MS 38821.

5April 15, 2018 • Mississippi Baptist

this day to receive offerings for scholar-ships for students.

Two current students addressed themessenger body and thanked them fortheir support and the opportunity toreceive their theological education withthe help of available scholarships.

DiscipleGuideDiscipleGuideDiscipleGuideDiscipleGuideDiscipleGuide Trustees asked forpatience and time in their search for anew director. They have asked the otherDepartment Directors Smith, Parrish,and Crawley to help with the work untila new Disicpleguide director is found.

BMA Foundation BMA Foundation BMA Foundation BMA Foundation BMA Foundation Director CharlesAttebery shared the ministry's visionand purpose and encouraged gifts anddonations to help fund the work of eachBMA ministry. The Foundation contin-ues to offer estate planning at no chargeto BMA church members. Throughthese efforts a cumulative benefit to thevarious departments that individualshave placed in their estate plans totalsover $12 million dollars. These fundsare not spent, but the interest they earnwill continue to help fund the work ofreaching the world for Christ.

Missionary CommissioningMissionary CommissioningMissionary CommissioningMissionary CommissioningMissionary CommissioningThe annual commissioning service

for our missionaries and personnel isheld on Wednesday evening at the con-clusion of the annual meeting.

Reports were heard from some cur-rent missionaries and at least five newmissionaries were present to share theirvision and calling to their particularfields.

Director Dr. John David Smith said,"Our God is a sending God - we must bea sending people. To be senders we musthave goers."

The photo on the front page of thisissue shows missionary families, send-ing churches, new missionaries com-missioned, and current missionariesattending the service.

The commissioning prayer was ledby former director Bro. JamesShoenrock.

Retiring missionaries were honoredfor their service and given gifts of appre-

National Meetingfrom page 2

ciation.Photos and ministry fields of various

missionaries are included in this issue.

MusicMusicMusicMusicMusicMusic for the association was pro-

vided by two great sources. The BMASeminary Singers let in traditionalhymns and brought specials. The Sing-ers are staff members (and one trustee)from the Seminay in Jacksonville, Texas.

Jeremy Wilkinson of Campground

First VP Jeff Swart (left) presents certifi-cate to Bro. A.W. Kirkland recognizing his60 plus years in ministry.

Larry and Tammy Wood – Ukraine – servedwith Farley Street Church, Waxachie, Texasfor 17 years. He is 58 years of age and feltthat God is in this mission work for them.Young adults there (87%) say God playsno part in their lives, that they have nohope. By presenting Jesus Christ and lov-ing them, they will introduce them to aloving, savior.

Steven and Candice Schroeder – PapuaNew Guinea - Will translate their languageinto the Gospel so they can share it withthese people. The people have no writ-ten language – that is the reason for theirgoing to this country. They are hungry tohear about Jesus and when one village hasa written Bible they can share with an-other village.

Tracy and Wendy Miller from RosewoodChurch, Tyler, Texas – Will work in At-lanta, Georgia. They are the only BMAEnglish speaking missionaries working inGeorgia.

Baptist Church, Gulfport led congrega-tional singing along with a group madeup mainly from Campground Church.

An Associational Choir was formedfrom the messenger body with greatparticipation and great music.

BreakoutBreakoutBreakoutBreakoutBreakoutBreakout sessions covering various

topics were proved on Tueaday. Topicswere Sahring Christ with Muslims,Multi-Generational Ministry: Serving

Together, Serving One Another, Oppor-tunities withing the Hispanic Commu-nity, How to Counsel from God's Word,Basics of Churh Security, and FundingYour Future.

Each session was presented two timesand well attended.

WMA & BrotherhoodWMA & BrotherhoodWMA & BrotherhoodWMA & BrotherhoodWMA & BrotherhoodReports from the WMA and Brother-

hood will be included in our next issuealong with additional information.

New BMA Missionaries Commissioned at 2018 Annual Meerting

Bryan and Pam Resier – Missionary to Romania. Wentto Romania on VSM trip. Took his wife the next yearand she fell in love with Romanian people. Then hetook children and they felt the call to go there also.

Jimmie and JulieWalker – Philip-pine Bible Col-lege – Have 5children. Wantto fol low inJohn and LindaMoore’s steps.Plant newchurches, equipother ministersto go out andstart newchurches. Philip-pine studentsare wanting to go to Southeast Asia and start new churches. Godhas paved the way for these young ministers to go to these countriesto tell these people about Jesus and to fulfill the Great Commission.

in this publication. Praise the Lord! Wealready have our first Major and ourfirst General enlisted into Carson’sArmy!

A Golden Opportunity!A Golden Opportunity!A Golden Opportunity!A Golden Opportunity!A Golden Opportunity!SBC possesses the 2018 Gold Award

level as a military friendly college! Haveyou served in America’s armed forces?Then you probably have Veterans Ad-ministration tuition benefits that youcan use toward a free education righthere at SBC. I urge you to contact yourlocal VA representative for an evalua-

Southeastern College Report from page 3

tion of your benefits. You earned them!And remember, many benefits are nowfully transferable to family members.SBC has numerous students receivingVA assistance for both online and in-classroom tuition.

Alumni AssociationAlumni AssociationAlumni AssociationAlumni AssociationAlumni AssociationWe are reorganizing our Alumni As-

sociation and reaching out to identifyand contact every alumnus who hasever taken courses at our great school.We will recognize all our alumni attend-ing the BMAA annual meeting in Jack-

son and will have a table set up withschool memorabilia on display. One ofour primary initiatives in the monthsahead is for our Alumni members toconsider giving $56 per month in aneffort to raise $58,000 over the next 12months. We have many infrastructureissues that must be addressed. Will youallow God to use you? Alumni Sam andJudy Oglesby have graciously acceptedto lead this effort. Please contact themat 601-550-8513 orpastor_1@comcast.net to verify that yourcurrent contact information is correct

6 April 15, 2018 • Mississippi Baptist

Phone 662-316-6233 www.facebook.com/bmamsyouth Kelby JohnsonDirector

Youth DepartmentBMA of Mississippi

DATE…Camp will be May 31-June 2(Thursday-Saturday)SPEAKER…Dr. John David SmithTHEME…ABIDE*Our theme is ABIDE and is taken fromJohn 15:5 where Jesus says, “I am thevine, ye are the branches: He that abidethin me, and I in him, the same bringethforth much fruit: for without me ye can donothing.”

LOCATION…Waukaway Springs ChristianRetreat CenterThe address to Waukaway is 189 Co Rd2351, Vossburg, MS 39366You can read more about Waukaway attheir website:www.waukawaysprings.comThey do have a camp store where you canbuy T-shirts and another souvenirs.

COST…$100 per person

WHAT TO BRING?Bedding…(Waukaway just provides amattress so you’ll need a pillow, sleepingback, sheet blanket, etc.)

“ABIDE”BMA of MississippiBMA of MississippiBMA of MississippiBMA of MississippiBMA of Mississippi

State Youth Camp 2018State Youth Camp 2018State Youth Camp 2018State Youth Camp 2018State Youth Camp 2018We have many churches signed up for camp already but there is still room for

you! Whether you have a couple of kids who need a camp experience this summeror a large group that you would like to bring, we can still fit you in. Our focus, asalways, is to have a Christ-centered, Bible-saturated, family-oriented time together.Check out all the information below and let me know if you are interested. Thanks!

Clothing…You’ll need clothing for ourworship services, for play time, for swimtime, and for night time. We leave this toeach church group to decide how theirstudents should dress but we encourageeveryone to be modest at all times. Pleaseno 2-piece swimsuits.BibleToiletries (deodorant, soap, shampoo,toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, etc.)Medications (Each church group leader isresponsible for their students’ medica-tions.)SnacksMoney (This is optional for those whomay want to buy from the camp store.)Hat/SunscreenEACH attendee needs a YOUTH DEPT.release form filled out when you come tocamp.EACH attendee needs a WAUKAWAY re-lease form.

QUESTIONS?If you have any further questions, contactBro. Kelby Johnson atkelbyjohnson@yahoo.com

General Information…

Growing up, my next door neighborand I spent about ninety percent of ourfree time in the woods or creeks. In a notso political environment in a small coun-try town in south Louisiana, we enjoyeda freedom unencumbered by the "mindeverybody else's business" police andwere therefore able to live a pretty nicechildhood without having to wear bubblewrap in case we tripped and bruised ourknees. We traveled down the roads inthe back of pickup trucks, road ourbikes without helmets, and sometimeseven ate dessert before the main course;the main course often being a can ofsardines, which, looking back, someoneprobably should have spoken up andprevented us from eating.

But I digress. Our evenings afterschool consisted of throwing our schoolbooks on the table and roaming the

"Ummm, Gag, Possum"woods until dark. We would take our.22 rifles and shoot squirrels, rabbits,birds, coons, possums, and whateverelse we could manage to get into our

sights. If we shot it, we had to dosomething with it. We would oftentimescarry the game home and put it on thegrill, or fry it up with some rice andgravy. The coons and possums wouldgenerally just be used to sell their hidesand make a few dollars to buy some

more bullets. However, on occasion wewould cook the coons up for our supper.Our families didn't always join in on thefeast that we would prepare, but thatjust meant more for us.

One day we decided to experimentwith a possum that we had dispatched,after all, we had heard that folks atethem with sweet taters and onions.

This was before theinternet and wouldhave required us go-ing to the library tofind out the validity ofthese claims thatpeople actually con-sumed possum. Thatseemed an excessive

amount of effort, so we just went withthe rumors we had heard. It is onething to skin a possum with the idea ofselling its hide, and quite another toskin one with the prospect of eating it.Without going into the gory details ofthe butchering process, let it suffice thereader to know that an hour or so ofgagging and dry heaving ensued. Now,

I have never been squeamish aboutthese sorts of things, but then again, Ihad never processed a possum with thethought of consumption either.

With an uncanny insight into thefuture, mom had already prepared asupper consisting of fried chicken, greenbeans, and, of course, rice and gravy. Itwas as if she knew our little experimentwould end in failure and queasy stom-achs. It was nice knowing that someonewas looking out for us after all, while atthe same time giving us the freedom tolearn from our mistakes and mishaps.Perhaps she was just teaching us howour heavenly Father would allow us afreedom to try our own ways, but wouldalways be there looking after us.

I heard overseas that they eat snails.We have a few slugs in the garden thatneed harvesting and that is pretty muchthe same thing as a snail. I'll let youknow how it turns out.

Lee serves as pastor of Pine Grove BaptistChurch, Purvis. He may be reached byemail at leecharles47@yahoo.com

From The Mind of Chuck Lee

Bro. Chuck Lee

Now, I have never been squea-mish about these sorts of things,

but then again, I had neverprocessed a possum with the

thought of consumption either.

7April 15, 2018 • Mississippi Baptist

Kenneth FlyntDirector

COMMISSION ON

Senior Adults4226 Highway 15 North

Laurel, Mississippi 39440MORAL ACTION

Baptist Missionary Association of AmericaDr. John M. Adams,Director

P.O. Box 305, Mantachie, MS 38855 - 662-231-3863On The Web at www.macbma.net/

Email - fbcdjmaj@yahoo.com John Adams

We are excited about this special day of prayer to be held on the first Thursdayof May (May 3). We will join millions of Christians across the land to ask God forhis mercy and his goodness. These are exciting days in America's churches and wehave a God who will answer.

As Moral Action Director, I encourage our B.M.A. churches to participate. Godwants us to pray.

Dr. John Adams

On Tuesday, May 8, the North Mis-sissippi Senior AdultConference will meetwith Hopewell BaptistChurch, Dorsey, andPastor Matt Hudson.This promises to be oneof the best and you don’twant to miss it.

Dr. Scott Carson,president of Southeast-ern Baptist College will lead our wor-ship service and will lift our hearts to

Heaven as we worship and praise theLord. Bro. Bryson Haden will lead ourmusic for the day and will have anotherGaither Style Homecoming choir in theafternoon.

The Dorsey Volunteer Fire Depart-ment will cater the noon meal and whata good job they do in preparing our food.

Door prizes will once again be givenand this is always a time of fun andexpectation.

Registration will begin early and theday’s program will begin at 9:30 am, the$15 registration fee will provide for thenoon meal and the all day activities.Make your plans to be in attendanceand invite others to come with you.

We anticipate an outstanding day offun, food and fellowship, don’t miss it.The seniors of North Mississippi knowhow to enjoy the blessings of the Lord.So we will see you, Tuesday, May 8th atHopewell Baptist Church near Fulton.

PROTECTING YOUR CHURCHby Dr. Allen Tilley

from Baptist ProgressLast year, the unthinkable happened

at First Baptist Church of SutherlandSprings. Unfortunately, such tragediesare becoming commonplace in churches.Every church needs a plan for defendingthemselves from an active shooter. Al-though no plan is foolproof, here aresome basics that will help you protectyour church.

Pray for your church’s safety. Whilewe should work as hard as possible tomake our churches safe, let’s neverforget that we desperately need God’spower, strength, and protection. Re-member, if we don’t ask, we won’t re-ceive (James 4:2).

Develop a security plan. This planshould include all issues of security,

from active shootersto child abuse. Checkwith your local lawenforcement for rec-ommendations. Onceyou develop a plan,put a copy in thehands of all yourchurch members.Select a safety team.

Pick people who arepassionate about se-curity. If possible,

select those with a background in lawenforcement. Place these individualsnear entryways and children’s areas.

Limit access to your facilities. Thedays of leaving all your doors open allthe time are long gone. After the servicestarts, lock doors or have someone sta-

tioned at them. Limit the number ofkeys, so they don’t fall into the wronghands. If you haven’t changed locks ina while, consider moving to digital ac-cess that can be changed frequently.

Train your people. Don’t just instructthem what to do in an emergency,rehearse. Set aside time on a Sundaymorning to put your plan into practiceAdditionally, remind them to watch foranything unusual. Those with keeneyes and discernment can save lives.

Safety is not an expense but an in-vestment. If you can’t afford to keepyour members safe, maybe you shouldclose your doors permanently. Keepingyour people safe should be a priority,regardless of the cost. Security is asmuch a ministry as any other in thechurch.

Take precautions. Consider retain-ing a local police offi cer during services.Host or attend a training seminar. Con-

tact your church insurance companyabout making your facilities safer. Mostoffer reductions in premiums forchurches that follow their guidelines.Furthermore, have someone outsideyour church come and assess yourchurch’s safety precautions. An out-sider can see things that you take forgranted.

Be proactive. Church shootings areincreasing every year in America. Wemust be prepared. The downside is justtoo great. Saving lives both spirituallyand physically should always be a prior-ity.

Dr. Allen Tilley is pastor of First Bap-tist Church of Carthage, Texas. He hasover 30 years of pastoral experience,and God has continually blessed hisministry with dynamic spiritual andnumerical growth. Contact him atallen@ firstbaptistcarthage.com.

Allen Tilley

BAPTIST MEDICAL MISSIONS IN HAITIby Landon Mills

Sheridan, ArkansasOn March 16th a team of 7 men

connected with Baptist Medical Mis-sions International (BMMI) and trav-eled to Haiti to serve the citizens of Port-au-Prince. The team consisted of Dr.John Ladd & Dr. Chad Trammel ofTexas, Dr. David Chung of Missouriand Dr. Stephen Warrick, Stew Stewart,Micah Powell and myself, Landon Mills,of Arkansas. We stayed 9 days at BlueRidge Compound on the outer edge ofHaiti’s capital city of Port-au-Prince.Under the guidance of Haiti MissionaryMichel Poirier, Pastor Romiche Bastienand several members of the Bastienfamily, we were able to organize a 5-daymedical clinic in the Port-au-Princearea. Through the clinic we were able toprovide much needed medications toover 780 citizens of Port-au-Prince and17 individuals accepted Christ.

With this being my first missionwork away from the comforts of theUnited States, I had no idea what toexpect. When we arrived in Haiti Fri-day afternoon it didn’t take long for meto realize just how poverty stricken thecountry was. Electricity and clean wa-

ter, two commodities that we Ameri-cans take for granted, were nonexistentin many areas of Port-au-Prince. Withno recycling or trash services to speakof, the city streets were lined with gar-bage and waste. To say the living condi-tions there were rough is an understate-ment. However, the people of Port-au-Prince seemed very content with theirlives. We saw many smiles throughoutthe week and during our clinic. I believethe one thing that stood out to me themost throughout the trip was the people’sresilience. The people of Haiti work

hard for what they have. The medicalneed in Port-au-Prince is immense andthere were several patients that camethrough our clinic that needed surgeryor other treatment needs that we couldnot meet. But the people were veryappreciative of what we gave them andwe were able to serve the community tothe best of our abilities.

As we pulled out of the gate of thecompound for the last time heading tothe airport on the morning of March24th, I couldn’t help but think of thesmiles on the faces of the many patientswe saw. I know in the big picture ofHaiti, what we were able to accomplishwasn’t much. But for 17 of those peoplewe were an avenue for them to come toknow Christ and accept Him as theirSavior! That is something to be proudof and cherish forever.

Our BMMI Pharmacy Team

8 April 15, 2018 • Mississippi Baptist

How Are We Changing?Article #3

In the first and second articles regarding upcomingchanges at Ministers Resource Services (MRS), weaddressed the “why” and “what” questions. In thisfinal article in the series, we will address the “how”question.

MRS currently maintains a trust fund managed byManning & Napier of Rochester, New York. The fundis classified as a “Long-Term Growth” investmentwith 50-60% of the portfolio typically invested instocks. With a long term perspective more heavilyweighted in stocks, there is naturally some volatilityassociated with this investment. As such, a number ofour retirement age participants choose to move theirmoney out of the retirement plan so they can invest inmore conservative options to preserve their accumu-lated savings without as much exposure to this vola-tility. Conversely, younger pastors with a longer timehorizon are looking for investments with higher ratios

of stocks in the portfolio than the current fund providesin order to maximize growth.

In order to meet the needs of all plan participantsbest, MRS will be expanding theinvestment options. This changewill involve engaging a new min-istry partner, Envoy Financial ofColorado Springs, Colorado. Withover 30 years of experience serv-ing churches, denominations andfellowships, they bring an arrayof ministry services reflecting theneeds expressed above and more.Envoy currently serves over 3,000churches and over 200 ministries located in 50 states,as well as missionaries in 63 foreign countries. Youcan learn more about their history and service com-mitment by viewing their website atwww.envoyfinancial.com.

In lieu of a single trust fund, the new structure willinvolve participants maintaining their own individualaccounts. This arrangement will allow the invest-ments to be tailored to the unique needs of the indi-vidual based on age and life circumstances. As sharedpreviously, the majority of participants will likelyprefer a more passive investing approach similar toour current structure. To accommodate this need,

Changes Coming ToMinisters Resource Servicesby Steve Crawley, Ph.D. – Executive Director Elect

Steve Crawley

Target Date and Risk Based fund options are avail-able. For those desiring custom portfolios, high qualityfunds are offered, along with council and trainingthrough Envoy’s financial advisors. Further, onlineaccess to your account and fund balance is availableseven days per week, 24 hours per day. You will alsobe able to change investments on-line as you or youradvisor deem necessary.

From a technical perspective, the first major step inthe change process will involve transferring fundsfrom the existing 401(a) plan’s custodian to a new401(a) plan custodian. This step is necessary to trans-fer assets to Envoy’s platform, as a mass transfer canonly occur to the same type retirement plan. Once thistransfer is made, the 401(a) plan will be frozen whilea new 403(b)(9) plan will be in place to receive all newcontributions. The second major step in the changeprocess will involve BMA churches or entities officiallyadopting the BMA 403(b)(9) Retirement Plan. Eachchurch then becomes a member sponsor and is af-forded the opportunity to tailor plan provisions to meetits specific needs. Once the paperwork is signed byeach church or entity to adopt the 403(b)(9) plan, theassets from the 401(a) plan will be rolled into the403(b)(9). Of course, you will be guided through theprocess each step of the way to provide a seamlesstransition.

Freeman Family Ministering in Philippines(Tristan - back row right - lost in recent auto accident.

Freemans In Christby Mati Spencer

“For me, it was more of an ‘ah-ha!’ moment.”This is how Sam Freeman, BMA Missionary to the

Philippines, explained that God called him to themission field. Having been a missionary kid in thePhilippines, he was accustomed to a life of foreignministry, but it wasn’t until he was 18 and living inthe United States that he trusted Christ for salvation.

“At the age of 29, the Lord called me to the ministry,and I became a pastor,” said Freeman. “I pastoredchurches in Mississippi. I always knew there was apossibility that God wanted me to do something else.”

In 2014, the Lord laid it on Sam’s heart to return tothe Philippines to preach. For him, it was that “ah-ha!” moment, but for his wife, Dawn, the calling wasmore of a gradual realization.

“I knew I could never do this unless God called heras well,” explained Freeman. “One night, she said,‘Sam, if the Lord calls you, I will come.’”

Though it was a difficult to leave their church backhome because they were very happy, the Freemansknew God wanted them in the Philippines. Theirinitial ministry burden was for publications and get-ting discipleship curriculum in to the hands of the 115BMA churches in the Philippines.

“As we began our deputation, we had to raise$50,000 to buy a new printing press, in addition to ourmissions fund for the field. In two months, we raisedthe money for the press, and God also provided themoney for our mission fund.”

Sam Freeman explained that moving to the Philip-pines was quite an adjustment for the family, as theirthree sons were 15, 11, and 8. Though at was anintense process, Freeman explained that the Lordgave them a measure of grace.

Freeman Family, PhilippinesFreeman Family, PhilippinesFreeman Family, PhilippinesFreeman Family, PhilippinesFreeman Family, Philippines“My older son became a force in the Philippines,”

Freeman explained. “He’s a big, tall guy, and throughactivities like playing basketball with the Filipinopeople, God used him in ways we could never imagine.”

Freeman went on to explain that this past year,

opportunities for the two younger sons to be a godlyinfluence in the community have arisen as well. Dueto an elementary school being across the street fromtheir home, the two youngest Freeman boys have hadministry doors opened to them that Sam and Dawnnever dreamed possible.

“These things are helping us to plant a church inLiptong, Valencia, our neighborhood,” said Freeman.“We’ve been here for a year laying the groundwork,meeting in the gym, and bringing more people in linewith us to work.”

Currently, they are in the process of investing in thepeople in their area and making disciples. BrotherSam explained that since they are in a more impover-ished area, the people must see how much God lovesthem before they will be receptive to the gospel mes-sage. Because of this, the Freemans are showing lovethrough giving food to the hungry, providing schoolsupplies, and just generally loving on the people ofLiptong, Valencia.

“God has revealed even more areas where we wantto begin planting churches,” continued Freeman. “Thegoal is to have three active church plants by the end ofour next term. We are praying that God would sendpeople for us to mentor and train, getting themplugged in to service. If we can get them plugged in, ittransforms their lives and they transform the world.”

Sam Freeman, Philippines

Along with their church-planting ministry, theFreemans conduct a publications ministry that printsand distributes discipleship material for the churchesin the Philippines. At the end of 2016, Brother Free-man explained that their ministry did not have enoughfunds to finish out the year, and they had no potentialclients.

“We started praying that God would open the door,”explained Freeman. “Three days before we closed forthe year, a pastor called us and said they needed 1,000books printed. We went from being 400 in the negativeto 52 to the good.”

Sam continued to explain that during that time ofyear, everything is normally closed. This printingproject that the church requested was for February –they just happened to order it two months in advance,which saved the publication ministry.

“Every time we felt like we were up against a wall,all of a sudden God did something to remove that wall,”said Freeman. “Sometimes friends would call at theexact time that our family would need it – they didn’tknow how much it meant to us.”

Sam went on to explain many other circumstanceswhere God intervened, such as when he met a believerfrom Ft. Smith, Arkansas, who lived in the Philip-pines and was able to mentor their family when theyneeded it.

Another example was one time when Sam wassupposed to fly to Mindanao, but his flight got can-celled for an unknown reason. As a result, he flew toMindanao the next Sunday morning and ended upsitting next to the famous boxer, Manny Pacquiao,who is a Christian. Sam was able to give Mannyinformation about their ministry, and at the end of theflight, with Manny’s bodyguards surrounding him,they were able to pray together for each other’sministries.

“He signed my Bible in pink ink,” laughed Free-man. “The verse was Philippines 4:13. As a boxer, hewasn’t always the biggest, but he was one of thebaddest!”

The ministry of the Freeman family is growing andthriving as God is blessing. Would you join us inpraying for them as they share Christ across thePhilippines?