Psalmist now yearns for things to be as once theywere.

Notice what he says beginning in verse three:“Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thineanger toward us to cease. Wilt thou be angry with usfor ever? Wilt thou draw out thine anger to allgenerations? Wilt thou not revive us again: that thypeople may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, OLORD, and grant us thy salvation.”

“Wilt Thou not revive us again?” he cries.The word “revival” is not found in the Bible.

However, “revive,” “reviving,” and “revived”are found some fifteen times, but they do notin every instance refer to “revival” as we

The writer of Psalm 85 musthave known some glory days in Zion. He knew the joy ofGod’s favor and God’s blessings due to the establishmentof righteousness. “Truly God is good to Israel” mighthave been the Psalmist’s past testimony.

But things have changed. The writer is now distraught.Having moved away from the place of blessing, thecurrent generation in Israel has brought suffering andsorrow upon themselves. (And it should be said, theycan’t blame God! – they did it to themselves!) So the

September is the month of our AnnualFaith-promise Missions Conference atWhittier Lane Baptist Church – the churchwhere I pastor. This year our conference willbe held during the first full week of September. Our people getvery excited about the conference, and it has become one of themain events of the year for our church (perhaps it is THE mainevent!) The people love the missionaries and the work they do,and they demonstrate that love and their faith on CommitmentSunday, as well as each Sunday throughout the year.

It took our church almost thirty years to reach $50,000 peryear in faith-promise missions giving, but it only took six moreyears to reach $100,000. I still get very excited as we count upthe offering on Commitment Sunday as well as at the end of theyear when we review what has been done with the faith-promise offerings. I hope you can sense from this article that Ilove missions and that I am still very excited about andcommitted to the Great Commission. I trust that you are aswell!

September could also be called “Missions Month” for theGlobal Independent Baptist Fellowship. At the September2009 Meeting of the GIBF (Sept. 21-23), we will receive aspecial offering for the Global Independent Baptist Missions(GIBM) Service Office. Last year the Service Officeprocessed a little over $1.3 million for the 26 missionaryfamilies it is currently serving. This is a good start, but Ibelieve in the years ahead there will be many moreconservative, independent Baptist missionaries sent out of goodchurches that will use the GIBMissions Service Office. As Ihave learned at the church I pastor, sometimes the progressseems slow, but if we are faithful God will surely bless – andHe will bless abundantly.

The September GIBM Offering goal is $20,000. This moneywill be used to help with the operating expenses of the ServiceOffice. It is a very reachable goal if a good number of churcheswill see the need and sacrificially give to the offering. Thework done by the Service Office is a great blessing to themissionaries and to their sending churches (at no cost to themissionaries). Brother Dick Webster and his staff lovemissionaries and they understand the needs of missionaries.They are doing a good job and they need and deserve oursupport.

I hope to see you at the September Meeting in Tulsa. I knowBrother Troy Dorrell and the Eastland Baptist Church will begreat hosts and that they have invested much prayer andplanning into the meeting. Brother Bruce Turner and West GateBaptist Church in Tampa, Florida, are also making plans for agreat meeting next February 15-17, 2010. These meetings arewell worth the time and money you will invest to attend them.I am confident that you will be challenged and blessed by themusic, the preaching, and the fellowship with many servants ofthe Lord.

May God bless you as we continue to labor together for Him.

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Volume 9, Issue 4 September 2009Publication of the Global Independent Baptist Fellowship.

...men that had understanding of the times, to know what [they] ought to do... I Chr.12:32

...continued on page 2

IMPORTANT EVENTS TO OUR PURPOSEBy Frank Wood, GIBF Moderator

“THE PROSPECTS FOR A GENUINEHEAVEN-SENT REVIVAL”A message by TOM MALONE (1915-2007)

...continued on page 4

THE NATIONAL GIBF FALL FELLOWSHIP MEETING SET TOCONVENE AT EASTLAND BAPTIST CHURCH IN

TULSA, OKLAHOMA

September 21-23, 2009 (see details on Page 9)

GLOBAL INDEPENDENT BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP

NATIONAL OFFICERSPastor Frank Wood (Indiana), Moderator

Pastor Terry Williams (Texas), Vice-ModeratorPastor Kenneth Walters (South Carolina), Secretary

GIBMissions OFFICERSPastor Dick Webster (Texas), Director

Pastor Robert Lewis (Oklahoma), Executive Asst. DirectorPastor Bill Marshall (Missouri), Advisory BoardPastor Mario Monette (Quebec), Advisory BoardPastor Kerry Nance (Florida), Advisory Board

Pastor Larry Obero (California), Advisory BoardPastor Chad Spence (Texas), Advisory Board

Pastor Bruce Turner (Florida), Advisory Board

GLOBAL BAPTIST TIMESPastor David H. Lydick (Nebraska), EditorBro. Doug Taylor (Nebraska), Editor’s Asst.

Pastor Rich Farinella (Washington), Review BoardPastor Kevin Folger (Ohio), Review Board

Bro. Dave Hardy (Oklahoma), Review BoardPastor Dan Smith (New York), Review BoardPastor Bob Stevens (Quebec), Review Board

CREATURES OF HABIT(an experience in Argentina)

By Missionary Don Nevels

It is not my habit to do church cleanup, but one day I was completing such a job in the driveway ofthe Mendoza church when something toward the sidewalk caught my eye. The sun was behind a ratherlarge person who wore a full-length white robe. The head and shoulders area resembled a blacktriangle. A Catholic nun wearing a habit had arrived on Baptist territory.

I stood beside a wheelbarrow with one hand propped on the end of a long-handled shovel. Shepresented herself as “Sister Elva.” Her mission was to see if we would rent our church bus so shecould take a group of graduating elementary students on an excursion up to the mountains on a givenThursday.

With shovel in hand I pointed to the back where the bus was parked and began walking in thatdirection. Sister Elva, with her clean habit, picked up the wheelbarrow and accompanied me. Ofcourse I protested as I do not have the habit of allowing ladies to carry a trash-filled wheelbarrow,especially ladies with clean habits. I felt badly when she came away from the trash pile with a dirtyhabit, but she said she would clean up her habit when she returned to the convent.

The Heritage Pulpit

TIMES EDITORIALBy the editor

OUR PARENTS’ PARENTS AND OUR

CHILDREN’S CHILDREN

Sunday, September 13th is a not-so-well-knownnational holiday. The date this year is the thirty-firstanniversary of the event’s official recognition. Theholiday is National Grandparents Day. As you mightexpect, its establishment is credited to the impetus of agrandmother.

It wasn’t too long ago that I had little interest in suchthings. No longer. These days I find myself possessinga new appreciation for anything that happens to impartsome benefit to age. Frankly, there aren’t many tangiblethings.

“Grandparenting” is an intangible (though it involvessome pretty special tangibles); my spellchecker tells meit isn’t even a word (but I know better). As I contemplatethe matter my mind reels some, trying to get a grip, whenrealizing the title can actually be used in reference to me.Somehow it seems even worse when I hear it used inreference to my wife!

I recognize grandparents when I see them. Such folksmatch the vision I have of my grandfather. His name wasClarence D. Songer, of Wichita, Kansas. He was mymother’s dad – my parent’s parent, if you will. He wassomething. If you ever watched the old television show,“The Real McCoys,” you saw my grandpa. WalterBrennan played Amos McCoy – the “Grandpa” of thefamily. The creators of the show must have had someexperience with Grandpa Songer because GrandpaMcCoy was in nearly every way a replica of him. AmosMcCoy even walked like Clarence Songer!

I am so thankful I knew him. Until my fifth-gradeyear, I lived right next door to him and grandma; andthereafter we lived only twenty miles apart. It was rarefor more than a few days to pass without being togetherwith them. “Decoration Day,” July Fourth, Thanksgivingand Christmas were truly family holidays back then.During the first twenty or so years of my life, there wasnever a prominent holiday when I was not together withmy grandparents (and my uncles, aunts and cousins). Ifeel bad for today’s families: our transience has madeactually knowing your grandparents an exception to therule. (To me that specific sacrifice is one of the greatestfor missionary families.)

Interestingly, Grandpa Songer died thirty-one yearsago (1978) – just a few weeks after NationalGrandparents Day was established.

As I said, he was something. He was born in 1891 andraised in the farming community of Severy, in the FlintHills region of southeastern Kansas. He was the second-oldest of five boys. When he was about 23, he and hisolder brother, Orville, moved up near Roundup,

Montana, and homesteaded. World War I broke out andthey were both drafted, forcing them to give up theirhomesteads. Grandpa served as an Army cavalryman inFrance in 1917-18, and he never had a good word to sayabout the place; he always dismissed Frenchmen asingrates (I’m thinking not much has changed in nearly acentury!) After the war he returned to Kansas, and heand Fern Chase (Grandma) of Howard, Kansas, weremarried in 1921. He worked in the lumber business untilthe Great Depression put him out of a job. It was then hebegan selling eggs door-to-door, a means of survival thathe in time developed into a large business which wouldeventually stock nearly every grocery store in Wichitaand south-central Kansas with “Songer Eggs.”

He was, like the grandpa that Walter Brennanportrayed, gruff on the outside, but soft-hearted. Henever said hello or goodbye. When he called you on thephone he went right to talking about the things for whichhe had called; when he was done (whether you were ornot) he hung up. Grandma said that for him “hello” wasa waste of time (gruff), and “goodbye” was too final(soft-hearted). Though he never once said it verbally(that I can recall), I knew he loved me. And I loved him.He made a mark on me.

There were countless incidents in which GrandpaSonger evidenced a great pride in his grandchildren.There were four of us – two female cousins, me and mylittle brother. He made much to do over any form ofachievement or talent on our part. But you would have towatch for it; he never gave accolades to you directly.

I could go on, but all you need do is watch AmosMcCoy.

I believe my grandpa’s subtle determination to see hisgrandchildren succeed was because he saw us as anextension of who he was. He knew the rewards ofpersistence, hard work, right-doing and a good family.He wanted that for us, but he wanted that for him – for hislegacy, for his achievement. And I think he died at leastsomewhat pleased with the outcome.

Now some thirty years later, the same concerns havecome to me. I have two grandsons and will most likelyhave three by the time you read this. It is pretty sobering.

As far as the children are concerned, the interests of agrandparent should be no different than that of a parent.In fact, you would think the passion might be greater forparents. But the difference is not in substance. It’s inconsciousness.

It’s like the Norman Rockwell painting of an old manand his grandson on an autumn day preparing to burn araked-up pile of leaves. As the boy’s interest is entirelyon the job at hand, the grandfather is looking skywardwhere a flock of geese are winging their way south. Hisexpression is reflective, noticeably conscious of theseason – as it applies to the season of his life. It is apoignant image.

As I have come to realize, grandparents are moreconscious of time and the brevity of it. When childrenare still in the home, it seems we don’t have time (ormaybe don’t take time) to recognize the special period inlife it is. But as they begin leaving the “nest,”consciousness starts to set in. Vocations, possessions andtemporal pursuits pale in value. Eternal matters startemerging as real priorities. The “heritage of the Lord,”one’s foremost legacy, takes a place of focus. Rightly so!

I mentioned at the beginning of this column thatNational Grandparents Day was the result of the effortsof a grandmother. Think about it. It makes sense.

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David H. Lydick, EditorPublished five times per year by the

Global Independent Baptist Fellowship

Please address all correspondence to:Baptist Times

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e-mail: Editor@BaptistTimes.org

The Baptist Times is dedicated to facilitate theGIBF by providing information, edification, andexhortation for independent Baptist pastors,missionaries, and full time workers. Weencourage pertinent information, photos,articles, etc. worthy of publication. Informationcontained within should not necessarily beinterpreted as endorsement by the Fellowship.

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Times Board of Review:Rich Farinella, Kevin Folger, Dave Hardy,

Dan Smith, and Bob Stevens

After a quick look about the bus she offered to payfor fuel and the bus driver’s wages for the day. Sincethis type of arrangement was not our regular habit, Irequested a couple of days to give her a reply. Whenshe returned, with a clean habit of course, shementioned that her “Mother Superior” wassurprised that she came away from a Baptist churchwith a dirty habit. Regarding the bus, I informedher that we would consider her request under onecondition: that we be permitted to teach a Biblelesson of our choice to the entire group. She saidthat was a very good habit and accepted thecondition.

Since our regular bus driver is in the habit ofworking on Thursdays, it became my task to drivethat day. I arrived at the convent’s elementaryschool just before 8:00 A.M. It was not difficult tolocate Sister Elva among the identically habitedladies since she had the biggest habit of all. All eyeswere toward the big yellow Mercedes Benz bus as Imaneuvered for parking and boarding. Childrenand nuns alike pondered the four sides of the buswhich read, “TEMPLO BAUTISTA BIBLICO DEMENDOZA” in large blue letters. A Baptist bus onconvent property was not a common habit to becertain.

While the obedient children filed in line forboarding, Sister Elva presented me to the otherhabited nuns and to the children as “Pastor Nevels,”explaining that I was like a priest, but from anotherchurch. She then raised her hand and snapped herfingers. The children were in the habit of makingtheir very traditional Catholic “sign of the cross”and responded with orchestral precision, “In thename of the Father, and of the Son and of the HolyGhost, Amen.” Thirty-four children and threemothers serving as assistants boarded very orderly.Sister Elva occupied the co-pilot seat.

In anticipation of the divine task before me thatday, I felt it necessary to “break the ice” with thechildren who chuckled over my first name, Donald,as in “Donald Duck” – a most unusual name inLatin America. I mentioned to Sister Elva that wehave a habit of praying before embarking onexcursions, to which she said that was a very goodhabit and asked that I recite one of our Baptisttraveling prayers. Thankfully I no longer have thehabit of praying in that fashion. The childrenlistened very respectfully. Sister Elva again raisedher hand and snapped her fingers, and once morethe children, while making the sign of the cross, allresponded in perfect unison, “In the name of theFather, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,Amen.”

All the windows were open as we departed fromSacred Heart Convent School, heading southwest tothe mountains. I felt a bit strange when peoplelooked at the Baptist bus with a fully-habitedCatholic nun in the copilot seat, but for over an hourI was able to witness to her, considering thisoccasion a special “open door” from the Lord.

While passing through a village we came upon afuneral procession. Sister Elva asked if I wouldplease stop until the people passed with the casket.I could see she had a very persistent habit of raisingher hand and snapping her fingers – which she didagain – and the children spoke out in perfectharmony from the windows of the bus, “In the nameof the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,Amen,” while at the same time making their sign ofthe cross. The people in the funeral processionlooked bewildered at the bus, as they were not in thehabit of seeing such procedures from Baptists.

We finally arrived at our destination, acampground which had a lovely forest area withsnow-melted streams where an occasional fish orfrog jumped, captivating the attention of the

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CREATURES OF HABITcontinued from page 1…

Plan now to participate in the 2009 Missions Office Offering!

The GIBMissions Service Office is a clearing house. It is not a landholding company nor a loan office. It is, after all, what many pastorshave needed to help their missionaries get to the field and then knowthat someone is paying attention to their daily concerns in the USA.Missionaries, sending church, or supporting churches are not chargedfor any service provided. To this date Liberty Baptist Church ofLewisville, Texas, has been able to underwrite the office utilities andmany of the related expenses of the Service Office. This year s offeringwill permit the much-needed expansion of the office to accommodatethe growing work load. We are asking the Lord for eighty churcheswho will contribute a minimum amount of $250.00 each at theSeptember meeting in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for this once-a-year offering.Each pastor who leads his church to give at least this amount willreceive a beautiful golf shirt with GIBMissions embroidered on thefront.

Need: Office Space and Office ExpensesGoal: $20,000Date: September 2009Term: Commitment in September; given asap.

Mailing Address: GIBMissions602 Manco RoadLewisville, TX 75067Telephone 972 679 8392

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GIBM SERVICE OFFICE

REPORTBy Robert Lewis, GIBM Exec. Asst. Director

What Does A MissionaryLook Like?

“1 Samuel 9:2 – And he (Kish) had a son, whose namewas Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and therewas not among the children of Israel a goodlier personthan he: from his shoulders and upward he was higherthan any of the people.”

You probably know the story. After the period of theJudges, the children of Israel wanted a king to rule overthem (like all the other Canaanite kingdoms). Israelrejected Jehovah’s Lordship and insisted on a mortalruler; therefore the Lord had told the prophet Samuel (ISam 8:22), “Hearken unto their voice, and make them aking.” The young man Saul was chosen. Saul “looked”the part of a leader. His physical appearance was“goodly” (beautiful, best, better, pleasant, well-favored.)

Many times I have wondered about the vocation ofstrangers I pass while traveling through airports.Sometimes I have tagged them strictly on theirappearance as “preachers,” “computer geeks,”“salesmen,” or some other vocation. Having noknowledge of them or their life qualities, and not havinghad one word of conversation with them, I am sure I missthe mark nearly every time.

Sometimes a dignified-looking, middle-aged man willcatch my attention and I try to remember him as apreacher. He looks familiar. Perhaps I know him. I don’twant to be embarrassed by not remembering his name. Isearch my mind trying to recall if I have in fact met theman before. But then in some cases he lights up acigarette or lets out a vulgarity, ending my suspicions ofhim being a preacher. The fact is you just can’t tell bylooking.

In the Bible we are not given the physical qualities of apreacher and we are not told to emphasize one physicalquality over another. Certainly good health and vigor areto be desired, but movie stars and athletes have health andvigor – most of them would not qualify as pastors ormissionaries.

So what is the standard by which a determination canbe made concerning spiritual leaders?

In the anointing of David to be king in Israel, even

Samuel himself thought that the oldest son of Jesse was“surely” the choice. “But the LORD said unto Samuel,Look not on his countenance, or on the height of hisstature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seethnot as man seeth; for man looketh on the outwardappearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (ISamuel 16:7)

In Proverbs 4:23 the Bible concludes that the issues oflife proceed from the heart. (Unfortunately we cannotlook on or know the heart.) Jesus gave us one way todistinguish a good man from an evil man: “A good manout of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth goodthings: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringethforth evil things.” (Matthew 12:35) Perhaps it is not at all“looking” that gives us the proper evaluation of a goodman. I think it must be “listening” to what comes out ofhis heart.

Nearly anyone can fill out some questionnaire withacceptable answers. Notorious are the stories of thosewho have filled out forms and even passed some“committee test” for a position in the ministry, while laterfailing the “treasure test.” Such folks know the rightanswers but their heart is not in the ministry; they mayonly be looking for a position with benefits. Theirinterest helps them to secure a position but their love isnot in service. They know nothing of sacrifice and littleof commitment. They are about climbing the ladder ofworldly success measured by worldly standards. Like aSupreme Court justice they seek perpetualempowerment; all they must do is get past the“committee.” But unlike justices they are accountable fortheir conduct after their appointment.

Missionaries come in all shapes, sizes and colors. TheLord is seeking men and women who are not “cookiecutter” representations of some famous person orpersonal hero. They would most-likely make bad copiesof somebody else anyway. The Lord is “internallyinterested” – looking for men and women whoseconversation and conduct reveal that Jesus is the treasureof their heart. They are of the sort which have a proventestimony of godly service, though they may never havebeen chosen by men to succeed at anything.

There are basic needs that characterize missionaries:they need good training; they need to know they are God-called; and they need to know what they believe from TheRule of Faith and Practice – the Word of God. But theyalso need a conscious understanding about matters of theheart: that regardless of their physical service for Christ,God is now listening to and looking upon their hearts.And while their outward appearance may be important to

those around them, it is not near as important asconsistently revealing their heart through conversationand conduct.

Only God truly knows the heart. Men can only listento what comes out of the heart; but such attention willhelp our judgments to be closer aligned with God’s. Suchattention will help ensure that the money we spend onmissions is spent on missionaries whose treasure is JesusChrist. Such attention will give us an expectation of agiven missionary having good success for the Lord – asHe defines it. “This book of the law shall not depart outof thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day andnight, that thou mayest observe to do according to allthat is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy wayprosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”(Joshua 1:8)

We need to ask questions. Written questionnaires havea place, and in some cases so do committees. But mostimportant is an attention to the outpouring of the heart.When the Lord reveals to us a soul whose treasure isJesus and His Word, we must encourage them. We shouldfan the flame of love they have for the Lord and helpthem to follow His will for their life.

Though all godly missionaries do not look alike, whatthey do have in common is the treasure in their heart.That treasure is Jesus. “But we have this treasure inearthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may beof God, and not of us.” (II Corinthians 4:7)

All the authority any missionary needs is the authorityof his local, independent Baptist church. It does notmatter what some action “looks like” or “seems to be” toothers. A missionary may not be popular, nor look thepart, nor fit the mould. But when his church and hispastor are convinced that he is in love with Christ Jesusand wants to serve others, they will be his authority.They will help him, commission him, send him andsupport him. With their help no one will be able todiminish the treasure in his heart or stifle his enthusiasmfor that treasure.

It is my hope that all those whom the Lord has calledinto the gospel ministry will step past the barrier ofhumanistic thinking and opinions and go, by faith, as faras God will take them. Even if they get negativefeedback from folks who think they do not “fit,” basedupon some preconception, they will be able, by God’sgrace, to overcome every obstacle and accomplish aChrist-honoring, soul-winning, church-planting ministry.

THE HEARTLANDBBC REPORT

By Pastor Sam Davison,

President

REFLECTION,GRATITUDE, ANDENTHUSIASM

At this writing, August has justbegun. It was 102 degrees today in Oklahoma City. I’mnot one to live in the past, but each year at this time, sincethe summer of 1998, I cannot help but reflect upon theevents of that summer eleven years ago.

“Hot!” “Miserable!” “Brutal!” Those were some ofthe words used to describe conditions as the work wasunderway preparing the campus for the first semester ofHeartland Baptist Bible College. In the early days of thatAugust of ‘98, the campus still appeared to be animpossible situation in terms of use by the first week ofSeptember. Work was going on in the cafeteria building,the administration building, the gym, the ladies’ dormand the men’s dorm. People of Eastland Baptist Churchof Tulsa, Bible Baptist Church of Stillwater, andSouthwest Baptist Church worked feverishly in theintense heat. Volunteers came from a number of placesto help and do what they could, if only for a day or two ata time. When the folks from Pacific Coast Baptist BibleCollege arrived, making the move from California (theHowse, Jett, Onley, and Thomas families, plus a fewsingle students), they had a look in their eyes that said,“What have we done?” (They weren’t accustomed to

such beauty as they viewed Oklahoma City for the firsttime!)

Finally, on Monday, August 31st, the big day came. Amiracle had taken place and the campus actually lookedpretty good. A big tent was erected and we were readyfor the first “Opening Days” service of the relocatedPacific Coast Baptist Bible College – now renamedHeartland Baptist Bible College. Yep, it was August inOklahoma – the temperature was about 105 degrees as Idrove onto the campus for a cookout and the openingconvocation. People came by the hundreds (over 1,300).The tent was packed and scores sat in chairs on the eastside of the tent, finding some shade. I’ll never forget thesheer enthusiasm, excitement, and even the awe at whatwas taking place. Tired and weary volunteer workerswere vindicated and energized. The atmosphere waselectric!

The move from California to Oklahoma had takenplace under the leadership of PCBBC / HBBC PresidentTerry Randolph and the tireless labor of Academic DeanRoger Howse. So much controversy, so many obstacles,so little money, so little time; and yet there we were,ready (“ready” was a relative term) to launch the firstschool year in Oklahoma City.

As we now begin our twelfth year as Heartland BaptistBible College, I want to give thanks to God on severalfronts. (This publication is not big enough to hold all thatcould be acknowledged.)

Thanks be to God for the administration, faculty andstaff who made the move from California and whocontinue to faithfully serve with those who have beenadded through the years. Heartland BBC is not what it isbecause of geography and/or property; it is what it isbecause of people!

Thanks be to God for giving us our current Executive

Vice-President, Jeff Copes. Bro. Copes and his wife Pamand daughter Victoria are loved and appreciated, and theyare all major players in the life of the school. Later thisfall Bro. Copes will begin his tenth year with Heartland.

Thanks be to God for every supporting church and thepastors who lead their churches to help Heartland BaptistBible College succeed. It continues to be that over 40%of the costs to operate the school come from supportingchurches. But individual pastors’ support also comes, ina major way, as they preach in chapel services and specialmeetings, and as they attend various college-hostedmeetings and have a presence on the campus. Pastors,missionaries, evangelists and church staff workerscontribute so much just by being “on site” from time totime and among the students.

Thanks be to God for great preaching meetings eachAugust, January and May. For eleven years the preachinghas been Christ-honoring, challenging, convicting anduplifting! Men of God have here preached the Word ofGod and it has helped shape what Heartland Baptist BibleCollege is and needs to be.

Thanks be to God for the students He has sent andcontinues to send to Heartland. Even as I write, I am soexcited about meeting the new crop of students for the2009-10 school year. Our administrators, faculty, staffand the Southwest Baptist Church family all share myexcitement.

This month as students once more begin arriving, it isvery likely dirt will be moving and the wheels of progressturning on construction of the new Chapel Auditorium. Isuspect the construction project on campus will only fanthe flames of enthusiasm as the new semester begins.

In summation, thanks be to God for all who rejoicetogether in twelve years of blessings and who mean somuch to Heartland Baptist Bible College.

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in Gen 29; and he wrestled for power with God here inthis passage.

Jacob wanted God’s favor and God’s power more thanhe wanted food or rest or the company of others. Thetheophany Angel asked Jacob to “Let me go,” but Jacobrefused. He wouldn’t let go because he wanted to proveto God that he would pay the price for His blessing,regardless of the cost. And he got what he went after, aswe read the glorious results of the experience in verse 28:“Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: foras a prince hast thou power with God and with men, andhast prevailed.” The Angel said, “…as a prince hast thoupower with God and with men…” This is the right order:power with God and then with men.

Oh, for a personal experience today like Jacob had withGod there at the Jabbok ford!

Not only was Jacob revived, not only did he experiencethe power of God in his life, but his family had revival,too! The account of this household revival is found inGenesis 35:2-5: “Then Jacob said unto his household,and to all that were with him, Put away the strange godsthat are among you, and be clean, and change yourgarments: and let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I willmake there an altar unto God, who answered me in theday of my distress, and was with me in the way which Iwent. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange godswhich were in their hand, and all their earrings whichwere in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oakwhich was by Shechem. And they journeyed: and theterror of God was upon the cities that were round aboutthem, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.”

Several outstanding things are found here. First, arevival usually starts with one person or a small group.This one started with Jacob and spread to his wholefamily. Also we see that sin had to be dealt with beforerevival would come. Jacob said, “Put away the strangegods that are among you, and be clean, and change yourgarments.” God demands separation! He demands aclean life and absolute surrender to His Lordship beforea real heaven-sent revival can take place.

This revival in Jacob’s family was so genuine that “theterror of God was upon the cities that were round aboutthem.” This family not only went back to Bethel (“thehouse of God”), but they went back to El-Bethel – the“God of the house of God.”

There was another revival in Bible times – in the nationof Israel under the leadership of Samuel (I Samuel 7:3-4):“And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, Ifye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then putaway the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you,and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve himonly: and he will deliver you out of the hand of thePhilistines. Then the children of Israel did put awayBaalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.”

Israel was being overcome by their enemies (as is toooften true in the churches of Jesus Christ today!) Whenthey returned to the Lord and put away their “strangegods” and spiritual adultery, giving the Lord thepreeminence due Him, a great revival took place.

The prophet Samuel cried unto the Lord in behalf ofhis people and, as is almost always the case in God’sWord, one dedicated child of God was responsible for therevival being sent from heaven. Oh, that God wouldburden the hearts of the men of God today – burden themto pay the price, to expose sin as it is, to weep before Godday and night until revival comes to every Bible-believing church in America!

Revival came, too, in Elijah’s day, as recorded in IKings 18. Elijah saw fire fall from heaven – literally!(The need in the crucial hour of our day is the same – toexperience the fire of heaven fall upon our churches.)After “the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burntsacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, andlicked up the water that was in the trench,” the peoplewere humbled by the convicting Spirit of God. We aretold, “And when all the people saw it, they fell on theirfaces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; theLORD, he is the God.”

It was a God-sent revival which honored God, broughtheavy judgment upon false religion and set the hearts ofGod’s people on fire! Elijah’s prayer of faith in God’sability is a masterpiece! In sixty-three words he sawGod’s mighty arm move into action.

How about the great revival that took place in Ninevehunder the preaching of Jonah? This short Old Testamentbook may be more an account of God’s work in the life ofGod’s instrument than in a city. For I repeat, revivalusually begins with one man whom God deals through.

Then, too, there was the great revival in Israel

following the 70-year captivity, begun with a burden onthe heart of Nehemiah and continuing through the visionof Zerubbabel and the preaching of Ezra. Ezra describedit this way (Ezra 9:9): “For we were bondmen; yet ourGod hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hathextended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia,to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, andto repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall inJudah and in Jerusalem.”

Finally, who could deny that a mighty revival came inJerusalem on Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2? In thisgreat moving of God, a number of things took place thatwe need to have happen in our day.

First, there was the glorious, wonderful unity of God’speople. Some five times we read that they were “of oneaccord and in one place.” Here is God’s transforming,enabling work when cowardly Christians were made boldto witness and win the lost. In fact, a by-product of thisrevival was the thorough and sound conversion of somethree thousand souls who “gladly received his word (and)were baptized: and the same day…were added unto (thechurch).”

Scripturally, we do not expect today that God willanswer our desire for revival with visible, cloven tonguesof fire and with an audible, mighty rushing wind – thiswas a specific, prophecy-fulfilling, sign event. But wecan expect that the same God Who sent revival toJerusalem on that day can still stir dead churches and givedemonstrative spiritual power, warmth and compassion.We can expect God to once again stir His churches – thisliving army of God – until we shall encompass this worldin a blazing flame for His glory. We can expect to befilled with the Holy Ghost and empowered just as theywere then.

Lord, do it again as You did in Bible days. Do it againas You have done on occasions in church history. Lord,please do it again!

There must be a mighty, biblical revival in Americatoday if the presence and blessing of God is to continue.Desperate is THE NEED WE HAVE OF REVIVALTODAY.

Only the most blindly-optimistic could deny that thechurch age is in a bad state and in great need of arefreshing from God. Let me give a few reasons whyrevival is badly needed in this generation.

First, to be frank, there are few Spirit-filled Christians,if you consider the vast numbers of folk who profess tobe saved. And in Ephesians 5:18, God plainly commandsthe people of God to “be filled with the Spirit.” Spirit-filled Christians have victory. Spirit-filled Christiansovercome the world, the flesh and the devil. Spirit-filledChristians bear fruit – “fruit of the Spirit”and fruit thatremains!

You may be a Christian leader – a pastor, an evangelist,a missionary, deacon, Sunday school teacher or churchofficer, but may I ask you as honestly and as humbly as Iknow how: Are you filled with the Spirit of God?Constantly in the Book of Acts (the “Handbook onChurch Building”) we read that first century believerswere filled with the Holy Ghost. That accounts morethan anything for the fire of God demonstrated in theirdaily lives. Holy Spirit power was the means ofmultitudes being saved, of churches being establishedand of the gospel being spread “to the uttermost part ofthe earth.”

Second, the Bible clearly tells us that when revivalcomes, in spite of the burden and travail that will givebirth to it, God’s people will have joy. The Psalmistsurely had that in mind when he asked, “Wilt thou notrevive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

Christians seem so despondent today; they have losttheir joy. In contrast, first century Christians, even amidgreat persecution, were found with a “joy unspeakableand full of glory,” even “rejoicing that they were countedworthy to suffer shame for his name.” And their joy wasan attraction to the lost. A despondent, defeated,demoralized and distasteful Christianity is evidence ofthe need of revival!

Many of us run in a circle of friends who are eithermembers or pastors in great soul-winning churches, andwe forget that scattered across America (and around theworld) are literally thousands of churches that callthemselves fundamental, Bible-believing churches, butthey are churches which are not winning souls to Christ.If these churches baptize half a dozen converts a year,they feel they are doing well. Too many churches haveactivity, but no “fire from heaven.”

I say this is not Bible Christianity. This is not the kindof Christianity that fills a city with its doctrine. This is

might consider it. When we come to an examination of the Word of God

on “revival,” we must ask the Holy Spirit to help us layaside all preconceived opinions and all traditionalpractice. If we are to experience biblical revival in ourgeneration, we must determine from God’s inspired Wordwhat a true, scriptural revival really is. An example of thelack of knowledge of true revival is the usual advertisingwe attach to such a meeting. We say, “Revival will starton Sunday, April 3rd and end on Sunday, April 10th.”Now who but God Himself knows if real revival will“start on Sunday, April 3rd?” And if, by His grace, it didstart, what Christian worthy of the name would want sucha wonderful thing to “end on Sunday, April 10th?”

A heaven-sent, a God-sent revival is not just a specialservice, “crusade” or evangelistic campaign. A truerevival is a refreshing from God, a rejuvenation of anexisting spiritual life, a fire from heaven, a moving ofGod’s Holy Ghost in and upon the lives of born-againpeople.

Modern-day revival efforts are often directed towardthe unsaved, when in reality only the saved can berevived. However, it should be understood that whenrevival comes, the unsaved will be reached. David said,“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold mewith thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thyways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

Let us seek from the Bible the answers to suchimportant and relevant questions as: Were there genuinerevivals in Bible times? Have there been biblical revivalsin the history of the New Testament church? Can wehave a scriptural, heaven-sent revival today? Are greatcampaigns today, involving thousands of people, amanifestation of God’s power? Is there such a thing as acounterfeit revival?

To all these questions and more, God has the answer!James confidently declared, “If any of you lack wisdom,let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, andupbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

First, let us see that THERE WERE REALHEAVEN-SENT REVIVALS IN BIBLE TIMES.

Again, though the word “revival” is not found in thepassages with which we shall deal, nevertheless, thesesame passages do describe that renewing work of God weknow and yearn for.

Jacob knew the meaning of revival. He, like many ofthe saints today, needed to know experientially a realrevival from God. He had lived deceitfully. He practicedsubterfuge and by cunning trickery had twisted thecoveted birthright from his brother while misleading hisblind father. He had spent twenty years or more awayfrom home and had prospered materially, but notspiritually. However, the day of reckoning arrived, as italways does, and Jacob met up with the people he hadwronged.

In Genesis 32:24-30, concerning Jacob, God recordsboth a personal and a family revival: “And Jacob was leftalone; and there wrestled a man with him until thebreaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailednot against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; andthe hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as hewrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the daybreaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thoubless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? Andhe said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called nomore Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou powerwith God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacobasked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. Andhe said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name ofthe place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and mylife is preserved.”

We are told, “And Jacob was left alone.” Being alonewith God is a vital step toward revival. It is such a timewhen God’s holiness and sovereignty is recognized. It isa time when we must face up to personal sins. It bringsa face-to-face experience with God when the soul’s needsare laid bare before Him.

Jacob also travailed with God. He “wrestled” with theLord all night long. It was a time of sweat, tears, exertionof body and agony of soul. It was a struggle.

It seems Jacob was in a wrestling match most of hislife: He wrestled before his birth in Gen. 25:22; hewrestled for his birthright in Gen. 25:33; he wrestled forIsaac’s blessing in Gen. 27:21-23; he wrestled with Laban

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not the kind of Christianity at which people “marvel,taking knowledge of them.” Powerless Christianity is theform common to our generation – a Christianity indesperate need of revival.

The good news is that REVIVALS AREDEFINITELY POSSIBLE IN EVERYGENERATION!

The Psalmist wondered about that when he said, “Wiltthou draw out thine anger to all generations? Wilt thounot revive us again…?”

But God’s Word is plain: revival can happen anytime,anywhere and to any people. It can happen in ourgeneration! The key is meeting God’s requirements andclaiming His promises.

One of the greatest promises in the Bible regardingrevival is in II Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which arecalled by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; thenwill I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, andwill heal their land.” Some particulars in this verse needto be remembered today.

First, “If my people…” A revival is reviving the lifethat already exists. For a child of God, there is spirituallife within him! An unsaved man can be redeemed, butonly a Christian can be revived.

Second, “If my people…shall…” There are four thingsGod’s people must do. These four things are not easy, butthey are a must: Number 1 – they must “humblethemselves.” Jesus gave the example (Phil. 2:5-8): “Letthis mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who,being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to beequal with God: but made himself of no reputation, andtook upon him the form of a servant, and was made in thelikeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, hehumbled himself, and became obedient unto death, eventhe death of the cross.”

In this instance, humility is a matter of forgetting one’sreputation. It is being willing to take the low place ifnecessary. It is becoming obedient to God no matterwhat the cost. It is to die to self and to be “crucified withChrist.” Humility is no light thing; it is a character traitnot found in many believers today. Too many of us boastof our accomplishments as if God would be impoverishedwere it not for our efforts. But Jesus said, “Whosoevershall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shallhumble himself shall be exalted.” In I Peter 5:5-6, Godexhorts us to “be clothed with humility: for God resisteththe proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humbleyourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, thathe may exalt you in due time.”

Humility is a prerequisite for revival. If we will notstart where the Lord Jesus started, we will not have whatHe wants to give.

Number 2: God says for “my people” to experiencerevival, they must “pray.” There has never been neitherwill there ever be a true, heaven-sent, biblical revivalwithout prayer. It is clear; James says: “Ye have not,because ye ask not.”

When I was a young preacher, I held a meeting in alittle country school in northern Alabama where many ofmy family members lived. Hundreds of folk attended themeeting. After I had been preaching for a few days(morning and evening), a relative of mine stood with awhite, ashen face and said, “There will be a great revivalhere, because I prayed all night last night.” As tearsstreamed down her face, she added, “The promise camethat a revival would take place and our loved ones wouldbe saved.” Scores of my own loved ones were convertedin that meeting. Some years later, on the occasion of my91-year-old grandfather’s funeral, I realized that therewas not one of his 109 living descendants who had notbeen saved. Let me tell you, revival comes in answer toprayer!

Men of old prayed. It is said that Charles Finney wouldunsaddle his horse, climb up into the loft of a barn, throwthe horse’s blanket about his shoulders and pray in thesub-zero weather until he perspired, travailing with Godfor revival. Young David Brainard knelt in the snow,imperiling his own life, and prayed for the conversion ofthe American Indians.

We need saints of God like those of old who will go tothe secret place of the Most High and stay on their facebefore Him until victory comes.

The Number 3 “must” or requirement for God’s peopleto see revival is for them to “seek (His) face.” NoticeJeremiah 29:13: “And ye shall seek me, and find me,when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Thepersonal pronoun “me” is used three times in this verse.

Many of God’s servants are not seeking the right thing.

We may seek an increase in attendance or membership inorder to have a good report, but God said, “Seek me; seekmy involvement and my doing!” “Seek my guidance andmy glory.”

The Number 4 essential listed in II Chronicles 7:14 isfor God’s people to “turn from their wicked ways.” It iselementary to say there can be no revival withoutaddressing the sin matter and for each believer topersonally repent of their sin. “Judgment must begin atthe house of God.” Proverbs 28:13 tells us, “He thatcovereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confessethand forsaketh them shall have mercy.” And in Isaiah59:1-2 we find, “Behold, the LORD’S hand is notshortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, thatit cannot hear: but your iniquities have separatedbetween you and your God, and your sins have hid hisface from you, that he will not hear.” Sad that the victoryGod wants to give is too often withheld because of “sinin the camp.”

Now, God didn’t say the promises like we find in IIChronicles 7:14 (as well as in other places) are written tous; He said they are written for us. Romans 15, verse 4assures us, “For whatsoever things were writtenaforetime were written for our learning, that we throughpatience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”And in First Corinthians 10:11 we are told that suchthings “are written for our admonition.”

We can have revival today!I remember years ago when we had begun the work of

starting Emmanuel Baptist Church. We launched outwith fear and trembling, yet with hope and expectancy.In the little building we purchased was a safe which therealtors had said was included as a part of the deal. Oneday while I was there alone praying, I sat down in frontof that safe and began to tinker with the lock. I triedvarious combinations to see if I could break the code andopen the door. None of my efforts worked. The big,heavy, iron door remained locked fast and secure.

I finally went to the telephone, called the realtor andasked if he had the combination to the door. He gave mefour numbers to try and I sat down to turn the lock. Iwent first to the right, then to the left, then to the rightand back to the left. The numbers he gave workedperfectly. When I turned the handle, the door opened tome with ease.

The way to get the door and windows of heaven toopen is by using God’s combination, God’s formula.There is no other formula for revival! God’s plan works;we just need to work His plan.

Someone might say, “Well, it may work in some places.But where I labor is too hard, too dry.” But God says,“He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dryground into watersprings.” (Ps 107:35) He can make ariver in a dry place. Nothing is too hard for God. He cansend revival to your place!

So, there is a record of great revivals in God’s Word;and there is certainly a great need of a heaven-sent revivaltoday. It is great to know there is always the possibilityof revival, even in this Laodicean age.

But the last thing to consider is this: IS THERESUCH A THING AS A COUNTERFEIT REVIVAL?That is, is there such a thing that seems to be revival, butis not?

No doubt about it! When we study who Satan is, whathis characteristics are, and what his program is, it isevident there can be such things as counterfeit revivals.

Isaiah 14:12-14 gives us much insight into Lucifer’sprogram in the spiritual realm: “How art thou fallen fromheaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cutdown to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Forthou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, Iwill exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit alsoupon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of thenorth: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I willbe like the most High.”

It is important to know that Lucifer is a fallen angel.He was known as the bright and shining one. He is aspiritual being, but not in the sense that we think of it. Iheard someone once say, “Just because something isspiritual does not necessarily mean it is of the HolySpirit.” Lucifer is the leader of evil spirits. The laststatement recorded from him is this: “I will be like themost High,” and all through the Bible he has sought to fillthat place.

He is an imitator, a fake. God is triune, so Satan has afake trinity – one that the Book of the Revelation tells uswill climax with God’s judgment and destruction.

God has His gospel – the gospel of grace through faith.Satan has a fake gospel, “another gospel” of works and

self-righteousness, which he has taken to the uttermostpart of the earth.

God has His churches, blood-bought churches ofwhich Christ is the Head. Satan has his churches – aman-centered montage of assorted “isms” and cults.There are more “churches” headed by Satan today thanthere are scriptural churches with Christ as their Head.

Transforming himself into an “angel of light,” Satan’smost effective tool for destruction is religion. In SecondCorinthians 11:3, 13-15 Paul warned, “But I fear, lest byany means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through hissubtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from thesimplicity that is in Christ…For such are false apostles,deceitful workers, transforming themselves into theapostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself istransformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is nogreat thing if his ministers also be transformed as theministers of righteousness; whose end shall be accordingto their works.” The Apostle John agreed. He said inFirst John 4:1, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but trythe spirits whether they are of God: because many falseprophets are gone out into the world.”

Spiritual confusion and apostasy are conditionsespecially identified with the Last Days. We are to “try”or prove the validity of “spiritual” organizations, eventsand things by the standard of God’s Word. Much today iscalled “revival” or “the work of God,” but when measuredby the scriptural standard it is found to be counterfeit.

Genuine revival brings about many good things. Socialreform is a result of revival; it is not the cause of revival.Real revival produces salvation and Spiritually-transformed lives; it is not the consequence of somehumanistic “decision” and commitment to change. Realrevival provokes people to follow the Lord Jesus inbaptism and to enlist themselves for a place of service ina Bible-believing, Christ-honoring church.

Be alert; be discerning. Remember that Satan said, “Iwill be like the most High.” Today, so much of what isdeemed spiritual or “of God” is merely an imitation ofthe real thing.

As the Psalmist said, “Oh God, Wilt thou not revive usagain: that thy people may rejoice in thee?”

May He give a real spiritual refreshing, a stirring, amoving from Heaven. May the fire fall. May there be ashaking in the mulberry trees. May there be a movingupon the waters and a trembling beneath our feet. Ohthat a genuine heaven-sent revival would come in ourgeneration; and dear Lord, let it begin in me.

““HHEE WWAALLKKEEDD WWIITTHH GGOODD””

Author unknown

“He walked with God!” Could better be written?

Little of what he thought or said has been told;

Not where or what he wrought is e’en mentioned.

“He walked with God:” brief words, but of gold!

How many souls were touched on his journey

And helped by his labors, we never may know;

Still this we read – words of such grandeur:

“He walked with God” while he walked here below.

And after long years of such blest conversation,

One day he walked, then was not – God said,

“Come!”

“Come from the scene of weary, sin sadness;

Come to the fuller communion of Home!”

Such be the tribute of thy pilgrim journey,

When life’s last mile has bravely been trod,

When thou hast gone to all that awaits thee,

This simple epitaph: “He walked with God!”

Louis and Jeannette Baldwin have faithfully served theLord for thirty years. God has used them to have a greatimpact on thousands of lives.

Brother Baldwin was led to Christ by two men fromFairfax Baptist Temple doing seemingly routine visitationwork on a Tuesday night in 1976. Little did they knowthe impact that night would have on the “Father’sbusiness.” Five years later, Lou Baldwin started theNorthwest Baptist Temple, later relocated and renamedCrossroads Baptist Church in Baileys Crossroads,Virginia, just outside Washington D.C. Fifteen churcheshave been started across the country by men sent outfrom Crossroads, and those churches are nowreproducing themselves by sending out even moremissionaries to start churches around the world.

The Conference on Evangelizing Black America(COEBA) which Bro. Baldwin founded is a ministry ofCrossroads and is an effort to plant fundamental Baptistchurches that will effectively minister to the needs ofBlack America.

Crossroads Baptist Church recently voted in Dr.Baldwin’s son, Kenny, a nationally-known preacher in hisown right, to succeed him as pastor when he retires fromthat place of service in 2011.

Thanks to Bro. Doug Robertson, Pastor of WestOmaha Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska – anotherchurch planted out of Crossroads Baptist Church – fordoing the interview work for the Baptist Times whileattending the 15th annual COEBA Conference in July.

BAPTIST TIMES: Thank you for this honor, Bro.Baldwin; it’s good to have some time during theCOEBA conference to interview you for the BaptistTimes. Please tell us about yourself, where you wereborn, about your parents and your life growing up.

LOU BALDWIN: I was born in Tallahassee, Florida,and spent most of my life growing up on a dairy farm. Imoved into the city my third year of high school. I leftthe Tallahassee area after getting married in April of 1966and moved to the northern Virginia area. There I workedfor the government for a little while, then in aconstruction business for a time, and then eventuallystarted my own business. I walked into an independentBaptist Church in 1976 and received Christ as mySaviour three months later. Shortly thereafter Isurrendered to preach. It was two years after that westarted Crossroads Baptist Church.

My dad will be 99 years old on August 10th; my momis 89. I am very close to my parents. I moved them uphere to Virginia in 1973 and got them an apartment. Dadis in church every Sunday and mom is battling withAlzheimer’s right now. They were and still are goodparents.

Dad never went to church until I started Crossroads in1981. All the years we grew up, Mom went to church allthe time and took us to Sunday school at a traditionalchurch. But when I started Crossroads Baptist Church,Dad came with us – as a matter of fact, he is a chartermember. All through my childhood, he spent a lot of timewith us, and Mom was just a faithful Christian whoprayed daily for him to get saved. It was actually throughher going to Fairfax Baptist Temple that I came to knowthe Lord.

TIMES: Tell us about how you met your wife,Jeanette.

BALDWIN: Jeanette and Igrew up in the same town.We went to different gradeschools, but to the same highschool. Her sister was in myclass and Jeanette was a yearbehind me. I graduated in1964 and she was a senior in

high school. We met that summer, started dating and Ifell in love with her. She was 16 when she finished highschool and I was a freshman in college. We married twoyears later.

TIMES: Describe the events surrounding yoursalvation – when you got saved and how it all cameabout.

BALDWIN: Well, I started playing golf when I was 27;and I played golf seven days a week. I owned my ownbusiness so I had time to get away. I was manager of anational temporary healthcare staffing service. Therewere two black managers in the country and I managedthe office in Washington, D.C. There was another fellowthat managed the one in Patterson, New Jersey, and I

went up to see his business. We became friends and hecame down and visited us. He was in D.C. one EasterSunday and we decided to go to church. We lived twomiles from Fairfax Baptist Temple. Jeanette and my sonMichael had already gone there and had becomemembers, along with my mother. Mom actually wentthere on a bus and told Jeanette about it.

Jeanette went there, fell in love with it, and they joinedthe church; so my friend and I went there that particularSunday, stood in the vestibule at church and heard thegospel for the first time. It was the first time I had beenin a church in twelve years and I heard the preacher say,“Let me take a Bible and show you how to go to Heaven.”And of course, you know, the invitation was given whereyou raise your hand if you are lost, and then if you aresaved; and I would not do either. My wife was nudgingme [SMILING]; and three months later a deacon andanother man from the church called me on the phone oneTuesday night.

We were sitting at the kitchen table and they said, “Wewant to come over.” I gave the phone to Jeanette and shegave it back to me and said, “No, they want to see you!”I know the Holy Spirit led me to let them come in thatnight. It was 8:45, and we went downstairs to my recroom where they took a Bible and led me to Christ. Iwent the next Sunday, made a profession of faith and gotbaptized the following Sunday. I think I have missed oneSunday morning church service in 28 years.

TIMES: Tell us about your children right now, howthey are serving the Lord.

BALDWIN: I have three children. Michael just turned40 last week! It is hard to believe it has been that long,but Michael is our first child. He is really the only onethat we planned to have. You know, I was in business;Jeanette had her idea of retiring at 35, being wealthy andall that [LAUGHING], so the one kid was enough for us.From the time he was two and a half until five, Michaelwent to a Catholic daycare. Then he went to kindergartenat this Catholic school. I was lost, but he would comehome and talk about being a priest. Of course I wantedto find the Lord, and I knew Catholicism was not right,so I took him out in first grade and put him in a publicschool. He was always far ahead of the other kids. Iremember going to the public school a mile or so fromwhere we lived. The teacher came and had all of hispaperwork in her hands and she just dumped them in myhands. She said, “I have 30 kids in my class and I don’thave time for this little smart…” you know, kid[LAUGHING]. So she dumped all his paperwork in myhands, and I said, “I’ve got to do something about myson.” The summer I got saved Fairfax Baptist Templestarted a Christian School. Michael was one of the firststudents.

Right after I got saved, I had a desire to have adaughter. So we prayed and I asked God specifically togive me a daughter and Dee Dee was born. We now hada boy and a girl that were eight years apart and we aredone. Then God gave us Kenny. Kenny just showedup! We were down in Williamsburg one day and my wifewas on a swing set or something and she felt kind of sick.She went to the doctor the next day and the doctor said “Itis possible.” And she said “What does that mean?” Hesaid “You are pregnant.” [LAUGHING] She startedcrying – she really did. She started crying because thatwas not in our plans at all. Kenny was born on mybirthday.

Mike took over our church choir when he was 15, andhe has been the associate pastor here since 1994. Ofcourse Kenny is our youth pastor, and became the pianistwhen he was 13. Dee Dee was a little stubborn when shewas younger, but she is just a phenomenal Christian, agreat wife, great mother, and her life is just totally soldout to the Lord. God gave her a good husband, and hasgiven both of our boys good wives. So we just thank theLord.

My kids have always served the Lord. I have never had

to ask them to go to church. We do everything together;even the two boys. It is like I am one-third and each ofthem is one-third, and our ministry has always been likethat. That is why it was so easy when Michael told usabout Miracle Mansion (a ministry of our church I intendto give myself to after I retire from pastoring ) toimmediately vote Kenny in to be the next pastor, becausethey have been serving in the ministry since day one.

TIMES: Describe your call to preach, going into theministry, and church-planting ministry. How did Godorchestrate all that?

BALDWIN: Well, when I got saved, keep in mind I wasthe only active black man in Fairfax Baptist Temple.Evangelist Larry Clayton has always had a burden forBlack America and he talked to Pastor Calvert about that.Pastor Calvert got burdened from hearing Larry Claytontalk about it, and he went back to the church at 3:00 AMone morning and prayed, “God help me to dosomething!” God laid upon his heart the need to start afundamental Black church in Washington, D.C. That wasin 1976 – before I got saved. So, when I got saved Bro.Calvert looked at that as a fulfillment of his prayer. Hestarted working with me personally and started tellingme, right after I got saved, “I believe God has called youto preach.” This terrified me because I could run abusiness, but I knew I couldn’t preach.

Nevertheless, Pastor Calvert committed, in August of1977, to start a Black church in Washington D.C. We hadten days of meetings. We put a piano on a bus witheveryone who was part of the team. My family comprisedthe only black people in the team going to help start achurch to reach black people. We went into a Black area,set up a platform, and for ten straight nights we hadchurch services there. Pastor Calvert and Larry Claytonwould preach and I would do the announcements. It wasan interesting experience [SMILING]. At the end ofthose ten days, we had about thirty to forty people,including a man who lived just around the corner, andwho allowed us to begin meeting at his home. We startedthat church in his home. Later on, we took thirty-two ofthose folks out to Virginia and baptized them.

I was in business at that time and we would attendSunday school and the morning worship service atFairfax Baptist Temple, then Pastor Calvert and I wouldgrab a bite to eat and drive to Washington D.C. At 2:00PM, we would have Sunday school and church servicesthere.

Frankly, all that time I had no burden for black peopleat all. I was just being a loyal supporter of my pastor. Weheld services there for ten months, and then finally got aBlack pastor called in to preach and take over the work.That was in May of 1978.

In July 1978, I was sitting in Fairfax Baptist Temple ata fellowship meeting listening to a Black pastor preachwho was literally belittling black people. He was talkingabout how ignorant Black people were and how theycould be “baptized with water hoses.” Two other blackpreachers were there, and the rest of the fellowship wasmade up of just white preachers. You can imagine mesitting there, with no interest in my people at all. But Iam black, and I heard him criticizing and making fun ofthe people who were eight and a half miles from wherewe were sitting.

When that meeting was over, I got in my car and droveback to my office. That was on a Tuesday.

I started talking to the Lord. I said, “God, why is hemaking fun of those people? Those people are bad off,but somebody needs to reach them. They should havewhat we have.” And all of a sudden, DONG! – It came tome that God wanted to use me to do something about it!

All that week, I was burdened – heavily burdened; butI still was afraid. I fasted andprayed about the call to preachbecause I did not want to do itbecause Pastor Calvert wantedme to or because everybodyelse thought that I could be apreacher. I only wanted to doit if God called me! I fastedand prayed and just said,“Lord, I have got to get thissettled.”

So, I put out a fleece. It seemed Pastor Calvert nevergot up to talk or give announcements without saying, “Ibelieve God is calling a black man to start a church.” Hewould almost always do that. But, this particular Sundaynight, I said “Lord, if You really want me to preach, lethim do that tonight.” The service continued on and henever mentioned it. But then out of the blue, he turnedthe whole conversation to that need, and that was all he

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Getting to Know God’s ServantsTHE TIMES INTERVIEW: Dr. Louis Baldwin

talked about; and I was gone![LAUGHING] I was up on myfeet, and I remember goingforward to the altar and I gotthere and looked him square inthe eye. I will never forgetwhat he said. He said, “You arenot doing this for me?” And Isaid, “No, I’m doing it forGod!” Honestly, I had more

peace about that decision than I did when I got saved. Ihave never been more peaceful! By the way, it is now 28years later and I have never questioned it!

TIMES: Do you believe there is anything differentabout reaching Black Americans with the Gospel?

BALDWIN: It’s no different reaching Black America!The gospel works with anybody. Black people, I think,may be even more receptive to the gospel than most whitepeople are; so I do not think that has ever been an issue.There are many black people saved today in COEBAchurches because black people want to hear the gospel,not because the gospel is different. You know; you haveknocked on doors. Black people are very receptive toGod, and so there is no difference in presenting thegospel. But discipling Black Americans is very different!It is difficult to introduce them to what we might callnormal fundamental Christianity and start Baptistchurches in the Black community.

TIMES: Then talk about that for a moment. Whatare the differences with planting churches in BlackAmerica or with discipling Black Americans?

BALDWIN: The difference is that black people whohave been in traditional black religion all of their livesknow nothing about Biblical Christianity. What wepresent to them in basic Biblical, fundamentalChristianity is something they have probably neverwitnessed, and they do not know how to comprehend it.When they confront it, they basically see white people.Their culture is different; they sing a little different, theyrespond a little bit different; and if they come into asituation where they have just white people (and God hasmade us different), they do not know how to adjust tothat. So, it is hard to get them into something with whichthey are not comfortable. That is really the reason Ibelieve God established COEBA, to help more blackpeople see other black people serving in churches that areBiblical.

TIMES: That leads into the next question: What isCOEBA exactly, and why is it unique?

BALDWIN: The name “COEBA” does not reallydescribe what it is. We call it “Conference onEvangelizing Black America” because we have an annualconference. But COEBA is a movement and a burden ofmy heart. Picture me in the Fairfax Baptist Temple as ablack man, raising my family, hearing the truth all thetime, and being taught about the home, taught aboutgiving, taught about how to live for God, and having allthat change your life. I see all the blessings in my family,and then all of a sudden I am burdened because I knowit’s not fair for me to have these things while people thatwork for me do not have this, or while people in myfamily do not have this. And then I see in the Bible thatGod says we need to take the gospel to every creature. Itis then that I see a need to specifically reach Blackpeople. But how do we accomplish that?

Well, I know black people can identify with blackpeople. So COEBA was created to address that need – itis a ministry of Crossroads Baptist Church to not only getblack people saved, but to then disciple and train them,and to plant churches where black people will be calledof God out of those churches to get involved in God’sprogram for reaching the world.

I have been on the board with Baptist InternationalMissions, Inc. (BIMI) for twenty years. Bro. ManuelGregory was the first black missionary who used them.There is something wrong when you travel around andyou don’t see any black missionaries. We need morechurches that effectively reach black people if we aregoing to have more black missionaries.

TIMES: Would you describe COEBA as afellowship?

BALDWIN: It is deeper than that. It is a ministry outof Crossroads Baptist Church to plant churches that willreach black people and train Black leaders. Thosechurches that identify with our Biblical philosophy, bytheir own choice, can be involved in it. It is not a missionboard and it is not a fellowship.

We certainly do fellowship (in the verb sense) at ourannual meeting. The annual meeting has a three-fold

purpose: 1) to educate fundamental Christians about thepotential in Black America; 2) to encourage black peoplewho attend, helping them to see they are not the onlyBlack fundamental Christians; and 3) to enlist support –to get financial and prayer support to help plant thesechurches. (That is why we have an annual meeting, andhave in the past had regional meetings – you were at theone in Arkansas years ago.) That is the whole purpose.But it is really just a ministry out of our church. Most ofthe men affiliated with COEBA were sent out fromCrossroads, but then over the years we have been able tohelp some other Black church planters.

Some Black pastors differ with our philosophy. Wehave a passion to reach black people, but we also have apassion to reach the world. We would not be comfortableif white people could not come to our church. If we hadsuch a culture, music, philosophy, or manner which madea majority of white people in the country veryuncomfortable because they felt it to be unscriptural, thenwe would not be a New Testament church. A lot offellows will go out and start these fellowships they call a“Black Fellowship.” We are not “Blackfundamentalists;” we are Biblical fundamentalists whojust happen to be black. I have preached this at BobJones, Tennessee Temple, Crown College and Heartland,so there is no secret to the philosophy of COEBA.

TIMES: Why do you think some white pastors –independent, fundamental Baptists – do not support acollective effort to reach Black America?

BALDWIN: I really do not know. Honestly, I could tellyou that I have had well-known men of God sit downwith me like you and I are sitting here, and they have said,“My white brethren do not support what you are doingbecause they are not running it, they are not controllingit.” I have heard people say they think it is divisive; youknow, “You can have something black; why can’t we havea white organization?” And yet if you look around thecountry, you cannot find a movement in America that isany more mission-hearted than COEBA. I mean, we givea million dollars a year, collectively, to missions and havedone that for years. And for the first several years ofCOEBA we had more white people come here for theannual meeting than we did blacks. Some pastors ofwhite churches did not want their black members toattend because they thought those members would leaveand go to a COEBA church. But we would never try togo around pastors and recruit their members. That is notthe purpose of COEBA (and it’s wrong to do!!) We justwant black church members to come so they can bestrengthened and go back to their churches and help theirchurches reach more black people to bring into theirchurches.

TIMES: Related, why do you think someindependent, fundamental Black pastors would notsupport COEBA?

BALDWIN: Again, they often disagree with how we dothings, or we are labeled as thinking we are better thaneverybody else. I was part of a Black fellowship for fiveyears. I was the secretary. I had problems with themusic. I had problems with the lack of mission effortsand church planting efforts. It is basically those guyswho do not support us because of a difference inphilosophy.

TIMES: What has been the response of traditionalblack religious establishments towards you and otherblack pastors like yourself who are independent andfundamental – the AME churches for example?

BALDWIN: There is very little response. Most of themdo not come. They would feel uncomfortable at ourmeeting because we are “local church,” independentBaptists, and we are different from everything else theystand for. But, as far as being criticized in this area wherewe are, that is not the case. We use Warner BaptistChurch’s parking lot; they are a very traditional “Blackchurch,” and their people do not come to our church.

We are very respected by the “traditional” community.We do not spend time running them down, preachingagainst them or anything like that. In fact, they will tell

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their people, “Go to that church;that is where you get saved.” Sothey respect what we stand forand they know where we stand.

It is hard to get traditionalpeople to become fundamental,independent Baptists. Many ofthem are not saved. Most all ofthe traditional people who havejoined our church are people whohave come here and gotten saved, or they have been real“spiritual babes” and have come here to grow spiritually.

TIMES: How has Crossroads Baptist Church, itschurch plants and COEBA helped worldwidemissions?

BALDWIN: First of all, collectively, the COEBAchurches probably support over 500 missionaries aroundthe world – to the tune of a million dollars a year; andmost of that is foreign missions. So it has helpedfinancially.

It has also allowed missionaries who may not haveunderstood anything about black people to be able topresent their ministries in these Black churches. That hasbroken down barriers. And COEBA has motivated andstirred more white churches to be started than it has blackchurches. It has caused individual churches and pastors’fellowships to get back to church planting. One examplewould be Pastor Dan Smith, at Buckley Road BaptistChurch in Liverpool, New York; they have started 7, 8, 9,or 10 churches as a result of coming to COEBA.

TIMES: This is my twelfth COEBA meeting. I havebeen coming twelve years in a row, and this year I havenoticed how many of these young kids have grown.The Gregory boys, in particular, tower over me; andthat got me thinking about this generation beingstarted right. A lot of kids at Crossroads were savedat a young age (4 or 5 years old) and now are growingup and are teenagers or getting married. I don’t evenknow what question to ask about it; it’s justremarkable and wonderful to see, because I knowchildren and young people are close to your heart. So,is there anything you want to say about that?

BALDWIN: I have had a vision to see a generation ofblack children grow up in a Biblical church likeCrossroads. You’ve heard me use the illustration of thenew car and used car. The used car can be repaired andmade to run, but it never runs like a brand new car wherethe steering is tight, the engine runs smooth, and you hitthe gas it takes off. That’s the difference betweensomeone saved out of a traditional church and a youngblack child saved early in life and brought up in a sound,Biblical church. A black person saved in a traditionalchurch will only change so much. Fortunately, I didn’tspend much time in traditional churches. I got saved in avery conservative, upper-middle class, fundamentalchurch.

I do not expect men that come out of my church and mygeneration to accomplish what God is going toaccomplish through future generations. There are goingto be other Kenny Baldwins out there. In my opinion, wehave kids here that can preach as well as some of the guyswe have who have been out pastoring for several years. Imean, these kids grew up in it. I hear them everySaturday morning stand up and preach good messages.

I have always perceived COEBA and my generation asjust cutting down the trees, and maybe Kenny andMichael and guys of their generation will come along andpave the road. But one of these days, maybe in five or tenyears (and I have told Don Sisk this), there will be moreblack kids and black missionaries and families going tothe mission field out of these churches than even what wehave out of a lot of the other churches. God is raising upa generation to do that. I have seen it coming for a longtime. And if I don’t live to see it come to fruition in mylifetime, I’m okay with that. I can wait until I get toheaven and see what God is doing, because I do not mindbeing a vessel. And that is all I am: a vessel.

The kids coming up are more talented than I am. Imean, I grew up on a dairy farm, and you know, Kennyand Michael, well, I think Kenny is one of the mostanointed preachers I have ever seen. He has done morewith young people than any fundamental preacher in thehistory of fundamentalism. That is a big statement, but itis true! He has preached more to young people in the last13 years than Jack Hyles, Bob Gray and Bob Jones – allthe people that we have known – and nobody in historyhas ever done what God has done through him. So, when

...continued on page 9

COEBA CONFERENCECONVENES IN VIRGINIA

A report by Larry Clayton

The Conference On Evangelizing Black America(COEBA) convened July 6-9, 2009 at the CrossroadsBaptist Church in Bailey’s Crossroads, Virginia, whereBro. Lou Baldwin is pastor.

The COEBA national gathering takes place the first ofJuly every year, and this year was a special“Homecoming Meeting” as it was held in the homechurch of the movement. Pastor Baldwin and theCrossroads Baptist Church founded COEBA in 1993for the purpose of starting New Testament Baptistchurches in areas of America that had predominantlyblack populations – not just for black people but for allpeople in unreached areas of needy cities.

With the understanding that “social and politicalinclinations of our day should have no impact on God’sability to accomplish His will” and that “religion, racism,multiculturalism and traditionalism have failed blackpeople in America,” Pastor Baldwin along with his familyand church followed the Bible system of church plantingand established a mission which endeavors to reach theworld through starting churches in needy cities across theUSA. Bro. Sam Davison once said, “Praise God for LouBaldwin and COEBA – a gift from God to BlackAmerica.”

The COEBA national conference features preaching –great preaching! There is also great music and sweetChristian fellowship. Revival broke out in the servicesthis year; there were great invitations along withshouting and praising to God. The meeting is notpolitical, it is Biblical. It is not denominational, it isindependent Baptist. All are welcome. My wife, Lois,and I have been going for many years and we have alwaysbeen fed and blessed. A special treat this year was thatthe conference gathered in the nation’s capital. Lois andI were able to visit some of the greatest places in ourwonderful history; among them was the church whereGeorge Washington attended, and we saw the very pewhe sat in. On the church wall was written the TenCommandments and the Apostle’s Creed.

Praise God, through the efforts of COEBA more than25 churches have been planted. And those churches arenow supporting missionaries all over the world to thetune of millions of dollars. The Bible plan works inwhatever country, culture or condition. You can getinformation by calling (703) 845-0286, or by referencing[www.coeba.org]. Next year’s conference is scheduledfor July 5-8, 2010.

GREAT WEEK AT YOUTH CAMPIN THE NORTHWESTA report by Dan Lydick

The Northwest Baptist Senior Youth Camp, June 29th

– July 3rd, held each year in a camp facility nearSpokane, Washington, saw the Lord do great things in thesummer of 2009. The power of God was clearly uponthe preaching of Pastor Sam Davison of SouthwestBaptist Church of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Hepreached with fire in every service. The Monday nightmessage on “Highhandedness” set the stage, breakingdown the pride that so often keeps God from doing thework He desires to do in hearts. By Friday night 114 ofthe over 320 in attendance had responded to God in someway; 25 of those were teenagers who trusted Christ asSaviour.

Also, preaching and teaching during the week wereBro. Garry Matheny, missionary to Romania; Bro.Tyrone Jackson, missionary to Trinidad; Bro. TomWallace, missionary to England; and Bro. JoelReasoner, missionary going to Russia. Each day heartsbecame increasingly tender as the Word of God “broke upthe fallow ground” in the hearts of teenagers as well asadult counselors. It was a great week!

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45th ANNIVERSARY ATLAKEWOOD BAPTIST TEMPLEIN WASHINGTONA report by Dennis Fountain

It was all great! But, no photos... no report... Just gotway too busy. Just finished VBS with 43 saved thisweek. Love Ya Dave!!

Editor’s Note: And this is one of my friends! (Oh, thejoy of being an editor.)

NEBRASKA CHURCHCELEBRATES 10 YEARSA report by Mike Szekely

On Friday, August 7, 2009, Lighthouse BaptistChurch of Loomis, Nebraska, celebrated their 10thAnniversary. Pastor Mike Szekely planted the churchand has served as pastor throughout the church’sexistence. The evening celebration kicked off with aNew York strip steak supper for all in attendance (withall the steaks being anonymously donated). Aftersupper, the Glen Schmidt Family, a gospel bluegrassgroup from Open Door Baptist Church of Bismarck,North Dakota, blessed all in attendance with somewonderful music.

Following a short break, the main service began withcongregational singing and testimonies. The firstmissionary that the church had ever supported, Bro.Eddie Goff, now a pastor in Hastings, Nebraska, was inattendance, and he gave the first testimony. Mrs. ThresaChamberlain was honored with a gift and flowers for herfaithful ten years of service as the church’s pianist.Pastor Szekely and Mrs. Michelle Szekely were honoredwith gifts as well. The highlight of the evening was thetremendous, Spirit-filled message on “Giving Your Alland Don’t Quit,” preached by Bro. Dave Cook,missionary to Manitoba, Canada. God blessed andmoved in a mighty way amongst the crowd of over 140.

The anniversary services closed out by enjoying afellowship time of homemade ice cream and strawberryshortcake dessert. Lighthouse Baptist Church was sograteful to have guests from the immediate area and alsobrethren from sister churches in Nebraska. Most of allthe church was thankful to God for ten blessed years ofministry.

M A S S A C H U S E T T SC H U R C H C E L E B R A T E S3 5 Y E A R S

A report by Mike Carney

Lighthouse Baptist Church of Holbrook,Massachusetts, celebrated their 35th Anniversary inJuly with special guest Bro. Bruce Turner, pastor of WestGate Baptist Church of Tampa, Florida. The churchcelebrated with an old-fashioned “tent meeting,”followed by a church-wide barbeque. Eight souls weresaved during the meeting, and a high attendance for theyear of 250 was reached on Sunday morning. 2009 hasbeen a great year for the church with 45 saved duringservices and 18 baptized.

Brother Turner founded the church (then calledBraintree Baptist Temple) in July of 1974, and continuedas pastor there until 1988. Under his ministry the churchpurchased land and built a new facility where they laterchanged their name to Lighthouse Baptist Church. In1979 Bro. Turner also began a Christian school ministrythere which is still functioning today.

Bro. Mike Carney, a former missionary to Hungary,is now the pastor. He became the pastor in March of2006. Pastor Carney is a product of both LighthouseBaptist Church and Bro. Turner’s ministry, havingreceived Christ in 1977 when he attended the church viathe church’s bus route.

GIBF of TEXAS MEETS INBURLESONA report by Paul Cooper

Pastor Terry Williams and Boulevard Baptist Churchof Burleson, Texas, hosted the GIBF of Texas Meeting onJuly 20-21, 2009. The featured preachers were: PastorDick Webster of Liberty Baptist Church, Lewisville (andGIBMissions Director); Pastor Paul Calaway,Fundamental Baptist Church, Alvarado; Pastor CharlesTrull, Twin Cities Baptist Temple, Wake Village; andPastor Bruce Turner, West Gate Baptist Church ofTampa, Florida. Special music was provided by thechurch choir, their men’s and ladies’ quartets, Bro. TimKnutson of Springfield, Missouri, and by the FloridaBaptist College Ensemble. There were 36 pastors,missionaries, and ministry workers present, plus manyothers joining the Monday night crowd of over 300 folks.

The GIBF of Texas officers are: Chairman DennisWebster of Bible Baptist Church , Ennis; Vice-chairmanChad Spence of Landmark Baptist Church, Red Oak;Treasurer Charles Trull of Twin Cities Baptist Temple,Wake Village; and Secretary Don Smith of GarrettBaptist Church, Garrett. The GIBF of Texas now hasseven home missions projects supported monthly.Meetings are held bi-monthly. Host pastor Terry Williamsis the GIBF National Vice-Moderator.

W.L. SMITH MINISTERS IN FIJIA report by the editor

During the month of July, 2009, Bro.W.L. “Bill” Smithtraveled to the islands of Fiji in the South Pacific. Hisministry included several opportunities to serve the Lordtogether with six missionaries and three national pastors.He was hosted in the home of missionaries Bro. and Mrs.Duane Onley, and had the privilege to preach in sixdifferent churches on the islands (two of which were newchurch plants). A total of seventeen were saved.

One feature of Bro. Smith’s G.L.O.B.E. ministry(Global League of Baptist Missions) is his special seriesof practical Bible courses – a ministry he has conductedin scores of foreign countries at churches, youth andfamily camps, staff worker retreats and Bible colleges.Two of those courses, “Distinctive Marks of a BaptistChurch” and “Casualties in the Ministry” were taught inFiji at the Lighthouse Baptist Church where Bro. NaviBola is the pastor, and at South Pacific Baptist College.A total of 80 folks took the courses and 14 Bible collegestudents received credits for their work.

MEN’S RETREAT ALL SET FORNORTH-CENTRAL REGIONA report by the editor

The High Plains Baptist Men’s Retreat, held each yearnear Omaha, Nebraska, is set for Thursday night throughSaturday noon, October 8-10, 2009. The retreat site is acamp facility in the woods just outside Ashland,Nebraska. Scheduled speakers are Pastor Dean Herringof South Valley Baptist Church in Kuna, Idaho; andPastor Dwight Scott of Bannister Road Baptist Church inKansas City, Missouri. Special music will be providedby the GloryBound Quartet from Heartland BaptistBible College. All food and lodging is provided(including a Friday night smoked barbeque cookout).The only items needed are bedding, towels, and toiletries.Retreat fees and other details may be obtained bycontacting Midlands Bible Baptist Church in Bellevue,Nebraska (pastor@MidlandsBBC.org; 402-731-5932).

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children. They all soon asked Sister Elva if theycould go for a hike in the forest. Enthused about theidea, she asked if I would lead the activity. The boysdropped their football to join in line with the girls.Sister Elva, at her age (?) and in spite of her ratherlarge habit, kept pace for a while before laggingbehind. She appeared to enjoy the walk along thestream, and as we passed in front of a shrine of theVirgin beside the trail she again raised her hand andsnapped her fingers. All together came theresponse, “In the name of the Father, and of the Sonand of the Holy Ghost, Amen.”

The path led us to a place where we had to crossthe stream on stepping stones. Sister Elva wasreluctant to cross, thinking her habit might becomea hindrance. But the children insisted she not leaveus and return to the camp. So she bunched up herhabit in one hand while several children and Iwaited on the other side with stretched out armstoward her. About halfway across she got nervouson a teetering wet stone and dropped her habit,which now kept her from seeing the next stone tostep on.

Nobody was in the habit of seeing a Catholic nunfloundering in a mountain stream. The girls

screamed for me to rescue Sister Elva, since I wasPastor “Donald Duck.” We quickly pulled her fromthe muddy stream but, boy, she emerged withanother really dirty habit. Usually we rejoice whensomeone drops a habit, but in this case it became astumbling block in the midst of the stepping stones.

We returned to the camp. By the time we finishedeating I had had plenty of opportunity to makefriends with the children and we gathered in ashaded area for my permitted Bible lesson. I hadasked the Lord to use this occasion for His glory.My lesson was on the Wordless Book. I sensed theLord’s presence and the children responded to mynumerous questions on each color. Sister Elvamade no attempt to interrupt, though I waswondering about her thoughts. I gave an invitationsince I had a captive audience I felt very likely Imight never see again. With all heads bowed andeyes closed (even Sister Elva’s), no one raised theirhand requesting prayer for salvation. Likewise, noresponse on my second appeal, but on my thirdattempt one hand came up. It was Sister Elva’s –who was the last person I expected to raise theirhand. I looked at those fingers that were in the habitof snapping and to which all those lost childrenwould respond together in a religious chant. Withfear and trembling I acknowledged her upliftedhand, after which two boys then raised their hands.

When the lesson time was finalized, elevenCatholic children and a Catholic nun had professedfaith in the resurrected Saviour!

On the return trip I could now speak to Sister Elvaas a sister in the Lord. I expressed concern abouther returning to the convent with such a dirty habit,but she said not to worry about it since she hadseveral other habits back at the convent and she wasgoing to be making some significant habit changes.

Someone has said that we are creatures of habit.But in Ephesians 2 the Apostle Paul speaks abouthabit changing: “Wherein in time past ye walkedaccording to the course of this world, according tothe prince of the power of the air…(as) children ofdisobedience…But God, who is rich in mercy, forhis great love wherewith he loved us, even when wewere dead in sins, hath quickened us together withChrist, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised usup together, and made us sit together in heavenlyplaces in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come hemight shew the exceeding riches of his grace in hiskindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For bygrace are ye saved through faith; and that not ofyourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lestany man should boast.”

As I see it, habit changing (course changing) iswhat it’s all about.

CREATURES OF HABITcontinued from page 2…

I look at that I know, “to whom much is given, much isrequired.” God does not put such abilities in us just forus to enjoy. And that is why tomorrow morning Kennywill load up in a van with six young people and drivedown to Crown College, because Clarence Sexton wantshim to preach the final message of his national youthconference.

TIMES: Last question: any comment on thecurrent U.S. president?

BALDWIN: I am totally, TOTALLY against hisphilosophy and principles. He does not stand foranything that I stand for. But in other ways, I amsupportive of him.

I am disappointed in fundamental Christianity becauseof the negative comments said from the pulpit about thePresident personally, and about his family. I’m trying todisciple black people (and some white preachers that Iidentify with) who attack Barack Obama personally thatsuch attacks make it difficult to reach someone who cameout of traditionalism. I get calls from black people aboutthat. Traditionalism holds any black politician in highesteem. I think we made a terrible mistake with Obama.I said he is selfish, he is a liberal, and I think we shouldclearly attack his policies instead of making it a fightagainst the man and his family. We must learn how toseparate that in fundamentalism.

Some think they can get in the pulpit on Sundaymorning and preach against Barack Obama just like theypreached against Martin Luther King, rather thanpreaching the Bible. They don’t realize that it hurts thoseblack people who are listening. They’ve been waiting allthese years for a black president and even though he’s notright, he’s still black. Policy-wise, he does not stand foranything I stand for; but I hope God will turn him around.But, that is a whole different subject; and besides, aroundhere we do not preach politics, we preach the Bible.

I tell people we are to be committed to the Bible, topray for our country and, even though we do not agreewith his policies, we still need to pray for the President.Also, a large percentage of fundamental white Christians

in America fasted and prayed that John McCain wouldwin overB a r a c kO b a m a ;but Gods t i l la l l owe dhim towin. Wem u s tr e a l i z ethat Goda l l owe dhim to bein thatposition,whether itis forgood or

for judgment. So we better not try to override God; somany people do not seem to understand that. And we asa nation, as much as I love America, are moving far awayfrom being a Christian nation and standing on theprinciples of God. If God were to pour out His judgmenton us, we cannot complain because we deserve it.

So, that is where I am on that situation. I stay awayfrom politics and stuff. I just preach.

THE TIMES INTERVIEWcontinued from page 7…

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THIS MATTER OFETHICS, Part 5

Grandchildren have to be close tothe most fantastic idea God everconceived. Someone has saidhumorously that grandchildren are aparent’s reward for not killing theirchildren. The Bible confirms thisunique blessing by comparing

grandchildren to a crown: “Children’s children are thecrown of old men; and the glory of children are theirfathers.” (Prov. 14:6) Jokingly, I hope, we claim we canspoil our grandchildren and send them home. In reality,we do our best to make sure their time with us is special,but I trust we also want to be a godly influence in theirlives.

Ethics is not an everyday grandparent/grandchild word.Even though we may not use that term, we should wantour grandchildren to do right.

My wife, Grace, and I major on the grandkids having agreat time when they are with us. However, we also teachthem to have fun in a way that does not rob anotherperson of a good time as well. For example, for years afavorite activity of ours has been to buy small balloons touse as water balloons. We all “get into it,” but there aresome boundaries. Water balloons are not to be thrownwhere they will cause damage and the small pieces ofballoons left from the war must be picked up. So,Grandma and Grandpa will buy the balloons and get intothe fracas with the grandkids, but we will not let themleave us alone to the cleaning up chores.

Now it is time to ask whether those good qualities wewant in our grandchildren apply to all of us, too.

We all enjoy having a good time and I support that. Wepreachers and our wives love fellowship, as do our churchmembers. Many can’t get enough of it. I have alwayslooked forward to national fellowship meetings. What awonderful thing to see friends from across the country

and from other countries. I believe fellowship was partand parcel of the early church, according to Acts 2:42.But, even if it is a great thing, is it possible that goodfellowship can be enjoyed at other people’s expense?

Consider this: It is 9:30 p.m. following a wonderfulservice. Everyone is still cranked up and continuedfellowship becomes the order of the night. After sometime, two couples head to a restaurant. A third couplearrives, and then a few others trickle in – the group hasbecome six couples. It is now 10:30. The sign on thedoor says closing time is 11:00, but someone quicklyremarks, “That means we have to be served by then.”That may be true, but doesn’t the sign suggest a desiredclosing time?

Then there is the seating. Two separate tables areavailable for seating, but the group declines them becausethey all want to sit together. So about five minutes tillclosing all twelve are finally seated. You know the rest.It takes them forever to order. Then the people at one endcan’t talk to the people at the other end (too far) andbetween the time when they order and when the foodcomes seats are exchanged. The server returns with thefood and is confused as to who gets what. The serverasks but there is so much noise no one answers. And onit goes.

Somewhere between 12:00 and 1:00 the party finallybreaks up. The restaurant has all been cleaned except forone area, and it’s a mess. The six-couple group hasstayed longer than any group that has eaten there that day.They were also quite demanding. And the tip, whichshould have been most generous due to the extended stay,was minimal. But after all, everyone had a good time.Everyone? What about the employees?

Whenever we come together, let’s have a great time.I’m all for it. However, if we are going to have a banquet,let’s plan it, not just show up. If we cause undue workand stress (and we often do) let’s make it worthwhile tothose working and stressing. Let’s leave in such a waythat we can leave a tract behind and the workers willsmile and say, “Yeah. I’d like to know more about peoplelike that.”

Let’s have a good time, but not at the expense of others. Until next time – do right.

THE FLORIDA BAPTISTCOLLEGE REPORT

By Pastor Bruce E.

Turner, President

KNOWING WHO WEARE AND WHEREWE’RE GOING

Here we go again! Another year of blessings andchallenges await us as we open the fifth year of classes atFlorida Baptist College.

It has been an exciting summer for the college, andespecially so for three of our student couples who weremarried. We rejoice for them. It is wonderful how Godbrings together two hearts with their differences anddistances, making them one.

Now as classes resume, we all return to the primaryfunction of our Bible college: training men and women tofulfill God’s purposes for and through them. We intendto instill in them some very important principles as wesee them go on in their lives of service to the Lord.

First, this college is unashamedly Baptist. We are notjust Baptist in name, but in practice. We are separatistBaptists who are not interested in linking up with anyothers unwilling to stand by the pure Word of God. Wewant to send out Baptists from Florida Baptist College –Baptists who know and understand the heritage theyhave. We believe it important to know that ChristHimself is the founder of the Church, and that His churchcontinues on today in an undisrupted line of doctrinalsuccession.

Second, we are unashamedly Bible. We standconvinced that we have the pure Word of God and that theAuthorized Version (KJV) does not need to be defended,but rather declared. We certainly intend for our students

to understand the issues, but not get so caught up incontroversy that they miss the point. The point is todeclare God’s Word. Therefore we have set out to teachthe culture, content, concepts, characters, and Christ inevery book of the Bible. Once our students have learnedthe content, we then teach them how to teach and preachthe blessed truths contained therein.

Third, we are unashamedly local church. We do notbelieve in a universal, invisible Church. We believe thechurch Jesus established and died for is the local NewTestament Baptist church. “That is strong,” you say?Well, we believe it to be biblically true! So we purposeto train our students that since Jesus loved the church andgave Himself for it, we should do the same. Becomingministers of the gospel of Christ with a servant’s heart isthe goal we have for every student at Florida BaptistCollege.

Fourth, we are unashamedly soul-winners. We believeand teach that the first part of the Great Commission is toevangelize (win the lost to Christ) – going into all theworld winning souls and planting churches. We expectour students to be soul-winners. We instruct them to besoul-winners, and we rejoice that they are doing a greatjob in this area.

Fifth, we are unashamedly separated. We believe thatJesus has called every believer to a life of holiness. Wedo not believe we are better than anyone else, but we areseeking to be better (that is, more righteous in Christ)each day that we live. We believe that separation fromthe world begins with separation unto God. We don’tintend for our students to think they are the only onesliving for Christ; but we do intend that they desire holyliving as they learn to love their Saviour. FBC believesthat how we love God affects how we serve God. Weintend for every student who leaves here to be one who“stands in the gap” for righteousness.

Finally, we are unashamedly committed to academicexcellence. While we believe in an emphasis on Spirit-empowered preaching, we also believe such preaching isenabled by a systematic study and knowledge of truth(see II Tim. 2:15). Scriptural and practical training is

The Preacher's Studywith Bro. Dave Hardy

important. Florida Baptist College and Bruce Turner have an

undying commitment to all “truth” being judged in thelight of God’s Truth. We are not going where the secularcrowd is going; therefore we have no interest in using oradapting their vehicle (secular education). Our educationmajors will leave FBC with a firm conviction fromscripture that God is the source of wisdom andunderstanding, and that the vehicle designed to impartthose virtues has always been His institution (church).Our country has raised a generation of secularists whohaven’t a clue as to what we know: wisdom begins withGod, comes from God, and belongs to God.

This fall, as Florida Baptist College pursues anothernew academic and spiritual year, we do so with a clearunderstanding and anticipation of the soon-coming of ourSaviour. Therefore, it is with a sense of urgency that webegin year number five, knowing that what we do forChrist we must do NOW.

Bro. Lydick,How much is it for our church to put an ad in

the Baptist Times in a business card size?

Pastor Fidel HughesMesa, Arizona

Bro. Hughes,As of right now, the Church Ad page proposal

that was presented in GIBF Meeting in Phoenixhas been put on hold, due to some serious illnessin the staff. The proposal will have to wait until,probably at the earliest, the first of next year.When it once again becomes a real prospect, wewill promote it and enlist for it.

You can, however, currently place your churchon the Church Listing page (Page 11 each issue)for $75 flat rate per year. (We also offer aClassified Ads section, expressly for staffing,equipment and such; the rate is $4.00 per linein a 3” column, no photos.)

Thank you for your interest in the matter; Iknow there may be others confused by the lack ofaction to this point and you have given me anopportunity to explain the delay. Best regards;and thanks again.

Bro. Lydick,I sure would like to continue receiving the e-

paper. Thank you for the good work. I pray youcan, by His grace, keep it up!

Missionary John SpoelstraThe Netherlands

Thank you, Bro. Spoelstra, for your kind words,and especially for your interest in the paper andmoral support. You will continue to receive aPDF copy. God bless you and your good workthere in the “Old Country.”

Editor’s Note: For those who don’t know, weare currently unable to send a hard copy of theBaptist Times overseas (unless it is sent by way ofa missionary’s sending church – we will do that).Instead, we email a PDF version of each issue,and missionaries usually receive that long beforehard copies are received here in the states. If youknow a missionary who would enjoy receiving thepaper, just send us his name, email address, andfield of service.

Editor,I would like to notify you of my intent to

subscribe to the Global Baptist Times. Thank youfor an excellent publication. The informationgleaned from the GBT is well worth the $15 rate.

Pastor Dennis UlreyManhattan, Kansas

Thank YOU, Bro Ulrey, for both the kind wordsand the subscription. It is encouraging to knowwe are a blessing and a worthy ministry (as wecertainly want to be).

Dr. Larry Clayton P.O. Box 29Celina, OH 45822(216) 533-8239DrLarryClayton@AOL.com

Evangelist Mike HaxtonNW Baptist Home Missions Paper(Ex-Mormon Bishop)6201 Tieton Dr.Yakima, WA 98908Cell Phone #: 509-952-3520

Evangelist Hal Hightower21 years of Pastoral ExperienceRevivals, Miss Conf., S.W. Conf.26737 Gene Dr. Lebanon, MO 65536(417) 718-4412

W.L. “Bill” SmithGlobal League Of Baptist

Evangelism (GLOBE)9320 S. Barnes AvenueOklahoma City, OK 73159(405) 692-7078GLOBEpastor@cox.net

Joe Asbury Christian Stewardship MinistryP.O. Box 519Hymera, IN 47855(812) 201-5082

Missionary Evangelist Tom FurseDirector- Lighthouse Baptist

Press Ministry1515 Space Ave. Rapid City, SD 57701(605) 431-0395LBPM@cleaninter.net

Evangelist Steven H. OsttenCall: (405) 615-3545 or

(405) 262-4801Website: www.stevenostten.comE-mail: stevenostten@cox.netDeclaration Ministries out of

Southwest Baptist Church,OKC. OK

Evangelist Jon T. ShonebargerMidlands Bible Baptist Church,Bellevue, NESpiritual WarfareConferences/Revivals(719) 371-1577jtshonebarger@yahoo.com

Evangelist Billy IngramPreaching for Revivalwww.BillyIngram.orgBillyIngram@BillyIngram.org(770) 539-2228

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CHURCH LISTING

EVANGELIST LISTING

Church Listing rates are $75 per year;Evangelist Listing rates are $60 per year.Please send your information along withyour listing fee to:

Baptist Times - Church/Evangelist Listing2407 Chandler Road East,

Bellevue, NE 68005

“Trials are not for God to learn about you – Heknows everything; trials are for you to learn outabout God.”

—Jon Shonebarger

“Having now lived as long as I have, I’m like thetwo old women who were sitting in their rockingchairs on the porch of the rest home, and one saysto the other, ‘I’m so old, all my friends who’vegone to heaven think I didn’t make it.’”

—R.O. Woodworth

“There is absolutely not one scintilla of evidencein the Bible or out of it that the church wasfounded or began on Pentecost. If those whoclaim Pentecost as the birthday of the church willsearch the records they will find that any churchborn on that day or afterwards is too late to receiveany commission from our Lord…it follows,scripturally and logically, that any church born onPentecost or any day thereafter has no commissionfrom our Lord to do anything and must be ahuman institution and not a divine one.”

—J.T. Moore

“My reading of history convinces me that mostbad government results from too muchgovernment.”

— Thomas Jefferson

“Christians don’t tell lies; they go to church andsing them.”

—A.W. Tozer

“Christ alone can save the world, but Christ cannotsave the world alone.”

—David Livingstone

“When anyone in a society gets something fornothing it means that there are others who getnothing for something...A lot of us wantsomething-for-nothing, or at least something-for-less, and so we create ‘The State’ in our ownimage. Only a moral transformation will changethat image, and nothing short of it will topple ‘TheState.’ A people with larceny in their souls willeventually write a form of theft into their statutes,as we have done. If people do covet theirneighbor’s property they will surely find legalways to get their hands on it, and a pliant ‘socialconscience’ will bend around to approve. We willinvent ‘The Welfare State’ – an oxymoronic termif ever there was one!”

—Edmund A. Opitz

“Every other religion says ‘do.’ True Christianitysays ‘done!’ The great transaction is done, and weare simply invited to believe it.”

— J. Vernon McGee

“He that is of the opinion money will doeverything may well be suspected of doingeverything for money.”

—Benjamin Franklin

“If my preaching rubs your fur the wrong way,then turn the cat around.”

— Curtis Hutson

“Soul-winning and separation are not incontradiction to each other, but in complimentaryrelationship to each other. The same Apostle Judewho fervently appealed for believers to manifestcompassion for the lost, thus ‘making a difference’in the eternal destiny of souls, was the sameapostle who exhorted and pleaded for saints to‘contend for the faith which was once deliveredunto the saints.’”

— Don Jasmin

“It takes one woman twenty years to make a manof her son, and another woman twenty minutes tomake a fool of him.”

— Helen Rowland

“Outside a dog, a book is man’s best friend; butinside a dog, it’s too dark to read.

—Groucho MarxBT Classified AdsPlace your classified Ads here!

“$4.00 per line, in a 3” wide column; no photos.”

ALASKAVictory Baptist ChurchPastor Joe Carson2520 E. Tudor Rd.Anchorage, AK 99507(907) 868-7654www.VBCAnchorage.com

ARIZONAEast Mesa Baptist ChurchPastor F.M.Hughes752 S. Ellsworth Rd.Mesa, AZ 85208(408) 986-9827

Cornerstone Baptist ChurchPastor Terry Randolph4041 E. Phelps Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85032(602) 867-2700

ARKANSASLiberty Baptist Church Pastor Jim Stanley2909 S. PineCabot, AR 72023(501) 941-5235

CALIFORNIALancaster Baptist ChurchPastor Paul Chappell4020 E. Lancasater Blvd.Lancaster, CA 93535(661) 946-4663www.lancasterbaptist.org

Bible Baptist ChurchPastor Larry Obero2432 East 18th St.National City, CA 91950(619) 267-3761

Lighthouse Baptist ChurchPastor Jim Preston12140 Indian St.Moreno Valley, CA 92557(951) 924-5094www.mvlbc.com

Mira Mesa Bible Baptist Church Pastor Willie M. Del9920 Scripps Lake Dr., 101San Diego, CA 92131(858) 527-1801(858) 527-1802 fax

Liberty Baptist ChurchPastor Dwight Tomlinson1000 Bison Ave.Newport Beach, CA 92660(949) 760-5444www.libertybaptistchurch.org

FLORIDABible Baptist ChurchPastor James Johnson280 Riviere Rd.Palm Harbor, FL 34683(727) 771-7979

INDIANACornerstone Baptist ChurchPastor Don Mitchell10701 E. 56th St.Indianapolis, IN 46235(317) 823-6897

Lighthouse Baptist ChurchPastor Dan Tidd6950 E. Raymond St.Indianapolis, IN 46235(317) 359-4275

Whittier Lane Baptist ChurchPastor Frank Wood1371 Whittier LaneNew Castle, IN 47362(765) 529-2454www.whittierlanebaptist.org

LOUISANACentral Baptist Church Pastor Bob Nolan105 Hummingbird LaneLaFayette, LA 70506(337) 984-3384

MISSOURIBible Baptist Church Pastor Kent Hogan800 S. Baker Blvd.Carthage, MO 64836(417) 358-4394www.bbccarthage.com

MONTANALiberty Baptist Church Pastor Rick DeMatoP.O. Box911 (Sierra & Greenmeadow Dr.)Helena, MT 59602(406) 458-6300

NEBRASKAMidlands Bible Baptist ChurchPastor David Lydick2407 Chandler Rd. EastBellevue, NE 68005(402) 731-5932www.midlandsbbc.org

Heartland Baptist ChurchPastor Dennis Gruber411 Black Hills Ave. STE 1Alliance, NE 69301(308) 760-0378www.sowinginalliance.org

Fellowship Baptist ChurchPastor Merv Goodrick1515 W. South St.Lincoln, NE 68522(402) 477-7541

NEVADALiberty Baptist Church Pastor David Teis6501 W. Lake Mead Blvd.Las Vegas, NV 89012(702) 647-4522

NEW YORKOpen Door Bible Baptist Church Pastor Pete Montoro30-85 35th St.Astoria, NY 11105(718) 728-4410

Buckley Road Baptist ChurchPastor Dan Smith4962 Buckley Rd.Liverpool, NY 13088(315) 457-0570

OHIOCleveland Baptist ChurchPastor Kevin Folger4431 Tiedeman Rd.Brooklyn, OH 44144(216) 671-2822www.clevelandbaptist.org

Celina Baptist TemplePastor Steve ClaytonP.O. Box 297505 Celina-Mendon Rd.Celina, OH 45822(419) 586-3646www.celinabaptisttemple.org

OKLAHOMASouthwest Baptist Church Pastor Sam Davison1300 SW 54th St.Oklahoma City, OK 73119(405) 682-1491www.southwestbaptistchurch.com

Eastland Baptist ChurchPastor Troy Dorrell1835 S. 129th East AvenueTulsa, OK 74108(918) 437-4707www.ebctulsa.org

PENNSYLVANIAChrist Independent Baptist ChurchPastor Vic Rivera1618 Womrath St.Philadelphia, PA 19124(215) 288-5667www.cibc1.org

SOUTH CAROLINASouthside Baptist Church Pastor Kenneth Walters1229 S. Anderson Rd.Rock Hill, SC 29730(803) 324-0627 WRHJ – 93.1 FMwww.southsidebaptistrh.org

Bible Baptist ChurchPastor Jim Parrish255 S.21 Bypass (PO Box 266)Fort Mill, SC 29716-0266(803) 547-2761

TEXASLandmark Baptist ChurchPastor Chad SpenceP.O. Box 69Red Oak, TX 75154(972) 576-3180

VIRGINIALandmark Baptist ChurchPastor Don Sumpter4000 Creighton Rd.Richmond, VA 23223(804) 643-7711

WASHINGTONAllen Creek Baptist ChurchPastor Monte RoeP.O. Box 1899Marysville, WA 98270(360) 657-5007

Bible Baptist ChurchPastor Marvin McKenzie12307 Canyon Rd. EastPuyallup, WA 98373(253) 535-3165www.bbcpuyallup.org

Berean Baptist ChurchPastor Rober RenoP.O. Box 73042Puyallup, WA 98373(253) 841-4100www.bbcsouthhill.com

Highland Park Baptist ChurchPastor Steven Koppelmann1505 S.W. BartonSeattle, WA 98106

Lakewood Baptist TemplePastor Dennis Fountain10650 Military Rd. S.W. Suite #1Lakewood, WA 98498(253) 584-2500

Woodin Valley Baptist ChurchPastor Rich FarinellaP.O. Box 570Bothell, WA 98021(425) 481-1075

CANADAEglise Biblique Baptiste Pastor Robert Stevens971 rue GibraltatSherbrooke, QC J1N 2G2(819) 564-1278, (819) 864-0497

Eglise Biblique Baptiste Metro SudPastor Mario Monette3395 MountainviewSt-Hubert, QC J3Y 5N4(450) 445-6659

ENGLANDCalvary Baptist ChurchPastor Russ IvisonSt. Johns Ambulance HallSaunders Avenue, Bedworth“Biblical Answers to Life’s Questions”

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COMING GIBF MEETINGS:

September 21-23, 2009Eastland Baptist Church

Tulsa, Oklahoma

February 15-17, 2010West Gate Baptist Church

Tampa, Florida

The Greatest Job in the WorldBy Mrs. Tresa ScholzFlorissant, Colorado

It was a bright, sunshiny,Sunday morning. I woke upthankful that God allowed me toenjoy it. The air was crisp butthe sun was warm on my face. Iwasn’t exactly sure why, but itseemed I had a spring in my step.

My family and I made our wayto our little country church, and,as usual, we arrived there much earlier than anyone else.Our two little boys and their mile-wide smiles makewonderful greeters at the front door. We watched anunfamiliar car pull up and some visitors walked to thedoor. The lady greeted me with an enthusiastichandshake and even a hug. Her husband also greeted mewith a firm handshake and a warm smile, but he askedme a question that left me stammering. He said, “So areyou the pastor here?” I stumbled about trying to findsome kind way to say, “NO WAY!” I finally answeredhim, “No sir, my husband is the pastor here; I am hiswife.” Thankfully our gracious song leader rescued meand began to explain to him why we do not believe inwomen pastors. I think it was that very moment that Irealized how thankful I was for MY job.

I am amazed that God allows me the opportunity toserve Him. I am even more thankful that God allows meto serve Him right alongside my husband, who is also mypastor. And I am thankful for all those in my life whohave taught me and invested their lives in mine. I canhonestly say that I have the greatest job in the world— Iam a helpmeet for God’s man. Although there are many“helps” a wife can provide in her role as helpmeet, I willmention only four.

1. Encourage Your HusbandSatan and his host are always working very hard

against anything godly or right. Satan revels in nothinggreater than to see a preacher – a messenger of the gospel– hang his head in discouragement and defeat. It wasn’tuntil a few months after my husband became pastor ofthis little church in the mountains, that I began to realizethe weight on his shoulders. There is a very real spiritualbattle going on in the ministry, especially when thegospel is being preached and souls are responding. Theword “encourage” means “to give courage to; to increaseconfidence or strength of mind.” I am learning that the

preacher’s wife must strive to find every opportunity tobuild him up and encourage his heart. Many times hewill feel as if he is standing for right all alone. I want tobe my husband’s biggest cheerleader.

2. Minister to Your Husband and with Your HusbandThe truth of the matter is that in our church I, too, am

a minister – not the pastor, mind you, but a helper to thepastor (my husband). Webster defines “minister” to be “achief servant; one to whom a king or prince entrusts thedirection of affairs of state (or home); a delegate, arepresentative.” I Corinthians 11:9 states, “Neither wasthe man created for the woman; but the woman for theman.” I was created for my man, to be a helpmeetexpressly for him.

I take God’s Word literally, especially when it speaks tomy role as a wife. My goal is to help him in any way Ipossibly can. My purpose is to always look for needs thathe might have and aim to fulfill those needs, even beforehe asks.

Since my husband is the pastor, then our whole familyhas the opportunity to minister and serve others together.There are countless times when my husband NEEDS meby his side for integrity’s sake. Being there for him isimportant, being an integral part of his ministry.

My husband believes firmly that our entire family is inthe ministry together. Even at times when our childrenand I cannot be with him, we are praying for him. Whatbetter way to teach children how to serve the Lord than todo it together as a family!

Make your husband’s life your life.3. Love Your HusbandSince I was raised in a pastor’s home, I am well aware

that the pastor is not always liked. He sometimes takesthe brunt of people’s anger and their verbal abuse. He iscommanded by God to “speak the truth in love” (Eph4:15), but it is not always received well. Therefore thepastor’s home needs to be a haven, a place full of love.Home is the place where he must know he will be lovedunconditionally (Titus 2:4).

It is the wife who sets the tone of the home. Rememberthat he needs his wife to be his sweetheart and lover. It isvery easy to get caught up in the busyness of the ministryand neglect the most important earthly relationship wehave. Love is an expression that, for a woman, starts inher heart and mind. Plan ahead for ways to express yourlove to your husband.

4. Pray for Your HusbandMrs. Terri Chappell, author of It’s a Wonderful Life,

issued a challenge in her book to pastor’s wives. She saidmake a list of 31 different ways to pray for your husband.She suggested praying specifically for him each day ofthe month. Pray for his health, strength, and safety. Praythat God will give him wisdom in all his decisions that

day. Pray that God will speak to his heart concerning themessages he preaches. Pray that God will protect himfrom Satan’s fiery darts and attacks. Pray that God willshield him from temptations. Pray that God will directhis every step that day. Pray that God will bless him.Pray, pray, pray for him every time God brings him toyour mind.

God has given me the amazing job of encouraging,ministering, loving, and praying for His man. I would notchange it even if I could. I truly believe I have thegreatest job in the world.

This poem, which I found in Church Planting: aSourcebook from Experience, Vol. 1, edited by TraceyJones and Dan Lydick, sums up the place of a pastor’swife pretty well:

The Preacher’s WifeBy T.R. Buzzard

In the shadow of the parsonage stands a figure oft’obscure.Just behind the faithful preacher is his wife, devout and pure.

She is with him every moment helping make his work progress,And you can’t discount her portion in his measure of success.

Oft’behind the scene of action, often never seen or heard:Yet she stands forever ready just to give a helping word.

It is not in active service that her worth is really shown,But in bearing heavy burdens that to others are unknown.

With encouragement and vision she must urge God’s servant on –When the shadows are the darkest and his courage almost gone.

With her home forever open, and her work quite never done,She is ever his lieutenant in the battles fought and won.

The Pastor’s WifeThe Pastor’s WifeSEPTEMBER 2009

LEAVE ROOM FOR GODBy Oswald Chambers

As workers for God we have to learn to make room forGod – to give God “elbow room.” We calculate andestimate and say that this and that will happen, and weforget to make room for God to come in as He chooses.Would we be surprised if God came into our meeting orinto our preaching in a way we had never looked for Himto come? Do not look for God to come in any particularway, but look for Him. That is the way to “make room”for Him. Expect Him to come, but do not expect Himonly in a certain way. However much we may know God,the great lesson to learn is that at any minute He maybreak in. We are apt to overlook this element of surprise,yet God never works in any other way. All of a sudden,God meets the life – “When it pleased God…” (Gal. 1:15)

Keep your life so constant in its contact with God thatHis surprising power may break out on the right hand andon the left. Always be in a state of expectancy, and seethat you leave room for God to come in as He likes.

SEPTEMBER 2009