No Faith

Okay, I have to admit it. I have lost faith. I didn't ever think I could lose my faith, but it has been repeatedly attacked in the last few months until I no longer can put my trust in the system. Yes, that's right, I no longer have faith in the U.S. government. I no longer believe it is representing me. I no longer believe it is protecting our religious freedoms. I no longer believe it is following the Law of the Land (called the Constitution!). I no longer believe the majority of politicians are honest. I no longer believe it is protecting life (legalizing murder we call abortion!). I no longer believe it is being run by capable people for the most part (left or right). I no longer believe it is honest (hypocrisy abounds in the politicians and the laws they pass!). I no longer believe the wrongs can be reversed. That is, without the help of God. I do believe that God has allowed this government to remain in power. I do believe that I should submit to the laws of the land as long as they do not violate the commands of God. (I will comment concerning the legal system and Constitution later.) I do believe I should pray for our government and leaders. I do believe that I should hope for God's providential hand turning us from our ways as soon as we repent and seek Him. I do believe in the American people. So, maybe I haven't lost my faith. Maybe, I'm just frustrated at the evil and wicked ways of our government. Maybe, I'm frustrated at the apathy of the general public. Maybe, I'm frustrated because we are allowing sin to rule the day instead of righteousness.

But regardless, I will not lose faith in my King! I will look forward to His return as the Most Righteous rules the earth! I will have faith in Him!

ABA Messenger Meeting 2009, Springfield Missouri - Thursday Afternoon

The afternoon session began at 1:30 pm with a motion and second to add the Doctrinal Statement to the Articles of Agreement. The motion failed.

Nominations were then taken for the annual sermon to be presented at the 2010 Messenger Meeting to be held in Charleston, WV. The following men were nominated: Barry Carter, Philip Wysocki, David Proctor, Gary Copeland, Terry Parrish, and Gary Woodard. Bro. Terry Parrish was elected as the speaker with Barry Carter as the alternate.

Nominations were taken for the missionary sermon to be presented at the 2010 Messenger Meeting to be held in Charleston, WV. The following men were nominated: Alvin Dickerson, Randy Cloud (he asked for his name to be withdrawn and it was), Jeremy Valladares, Rusty Seer, Ernie Lawson, Mike Raines, Bro. G. (spelling the name is impossible from me - he is from Lithuania though), Marcus Nyenehtue, and Eddie Williams. Bro. Alvin Dickerson was elected as the speaker with Eddie Williams as the alternate.

Nominations were taken for the following offices:

President - Roger Copeland (elected).
Vice-Presidents (three to be elected) - Darrel Owens, Jim Crain, James Calhoun, Gerald Cummings (he asked for his nomination to be withdrawn and it was). Bros. Owens, Crain, & Calhoun were elected.
Recording Secretary (two to be elected) - Lonnie Wiggins, Terry Parrish, Mike Yoho. Bros. Wiggins and Parrish were elected.
Parliamentarian - David Robinson, David Butimore. Bro. Robinson was elected.
Asst. Parliamentarian - David Butimore (elected).
Music Directors (three to be elected) - Steve Albritton, Bill Crouse, Mike Paulk (all elected).
Director of Meeting Arrangements - Edgar Sutton (elected).

A motion and second was made for the salaries of the Recording Secretary, Director of Meeting Arrangements, and the Assistand Director of Meeting Arrangements to stay the same. The motion passed.

The ABA Credit Union Report was given and approved.

A motion and second was made to remove the Doctrinal Statement Amendment from the table. The motion failed.

A motion and second was made to removed the ABA Credit Union Report from the book. The motion passed.

Due to the meeting being through early, a motion was required for final adjournment. A motion and second was made to that effect. All in favor were asked to stand and thanks was given in prayer for the success, unity, and love demonstrated in the meeting.

The 2009 ABA National Messenger Meeting dismissed at 2:45 pm on Thursday, June 25, 2009.

ABA Messenger Meeting 2009, Springfield Missouri - Thursday Morning

The meeting was opened at 9:30 am with song, Scripture, and prayer. The Enrollment and Finance Committee gave their report. There were 1094 churches reported as of June 25, 2009. (More churches may be added up until July 15, 2009.) There were 956 messengers in attendance with an estimated 1,544 visitors in attendance. An estimated total of 2,500 people were in attendance at the 2009 Messenger Meeting. Missions giving totaled over $10,000,000 for 2008-2009 year (Many churches did not report a missions total, so this number will be much higher.) A motion and second was made to adopt the report. The motion passed.

The minutes of the Sunday School Committee were read and approved. The Business Manager report was given. A motion and second was made to approve the report. The motion passed. Pictures were shown of a new press installed in Texarkana. The Editor's report was given. A motion and second was made to approve the report. The motion passed. Information was given concerning the 2010 VBS, the "Chosen" home Bible study materials, the "Jerusalem Priority," and other new materials coming soon. Research is also being done on the feasibility of a college and career (or young adult) curriculum.

A motion and second was made to increase the price of literature by 5%. The motion passed.

A motion and second was made to give the writers a 10% raise. The motion passed.

A motion and second was made to give the Business Manager and Editor-In-Chief a 3% raise. The motion passed.

A motion and second was made to establish an equipment acquisition fund by charging an additional 5 cents on every item sold. The motion passed.

A motion and second was made to give the Secretary-Treasurer of Missions a 3% raise. The motion failed.

The writers for next year were presented and approved. The Sunday School Committee was presented and approved.

Miscellaneous reports were given. The meeting adjourned at 11:30.

The exhibit hall and booths were open from 11:30 am-1:20 pm.

ABA Messenger Meeting 2009, Springfield Missouri - Wednesday Morning

The morning session began with a musical prelude followed by Scripture reading and prayer. It was announced that Bro. Livingstone Lambert, Missionary to Tanzania, would not be able to be present and deliver the Missionary Sermon. Alternate, Bro. Carrion, will speak in his place.

Bro. Darrel Owens opened the Missions Meeting and Bro. Randy Cloud gave the Sec-Treas. of Missions report. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the report. It passed.

A plaque was given to Mrs. Wayne Harper in memory of her husband who served on the Missionary Committee until the time of his death. A standing ovation was given to show the messenger's appreciation for his service.

A motion and second was made to show appreciation to Bro. Cloud, Sis. Cloud, and Sis. Bull by standing ovation. The motion passed.

A short Missions video was shown.

The minutes from Tuesday's Missions Committee Meeting were read and adopted.

A separate vote was called for on Bro. John Steich. It was reported that the mission he is at practices open communion. There was much discussion concerning this issue and a vote was taken. The vote to take him off the list failed.

A separate vote was called for on Renato Rambaoa. It is reported that of the $700 monthly payout some of that money is being used to support ministry expenses. There was much discussion concerning this and the motion to reduce his salary to $500 per month passed. He will stay on the list.

There was no further discussion and the Missions Report was approved.

Nominations were taken for the Secretary-Treasurer of Missions. Bro. Randy Cloud was the only person nominated. He was approved.

The Standing Missionary Committee was elected.

Charles Murphy was replaced by Larry Albritton.
Billy Shepard was replaced by Robert Myers.
Wayne Harper was replaced by Eddie Addison.
Charles Moore was replaced by Kirk Pirnell.

The Committee now consists of the following individuals.
Larry Albritton, Paul Vance, Robert Myers, Roger Stewart, Jerry Baker, Curtis Brown, Edwin Button, Danny Carter, Jim Crain, Billy Daniels, Victor Guzman, Eddie Addison, Jim Jones, Don Justice, Charles Kennedy, Buel Lewallen, Kirk Pirnell, George Moore, Vance Nutt, John Sanders, John Schmid, Bryan Sellers, H. H. Strickland, Jewel Vance, Robert Williams.

A motion was made and seconded to remove the following individuals from the table (These were individual motions were made individually but will be listed together for sake of space.): Stacy Irwin, Marco Mejia, Bro. Corbales (spelling?), David Law. All motions passed.

Stacy Irwin was approved for full salary.
Marco Mejia was approved for full salary.
Bro. Corbales (sp?) was approved for $1,200 per month.
David Law was approved for designated funds.

Bro. Owens informed the messengers it was time for adjournment. Any other mission business would be brought forth in the afternoon session (1:30 pm).

The exhibits were opened from 11:30am-1:15 pm.

ABA Messenger Meeting 2009, Springfield Missouri - Wednesday Afternoon

The afternoon session began with discussion on Bro. Moreno.

A motion and second was brought forth to prohibit any missionary that has been divorced and remarried from receiving any support from the office of Secretary-Treasurer in Texarkana. MUCH discussion ensued and a motion to postpone the previous motion was made. A second was heard and MUCH discussion pertaining to the motion of postponing the previous motion was heard. After some time, a call for a vote was made. The motion for postponement passed 310-245. (This means that the original motion is dead and will not be reconsidered in this meeting.)

A special in song was given.

A motion and second was made to make additions to the statistical report for missionaries (churches started, churches disbanded, missions started, missions disbanded, etc.).

The Camp Trustees report was given and approved. Camp Trustees were elected. Bro. Pevehouse replaced Mike Raines. The Camp Trustees are as follows: Gene Smith, Bro. Pevehouse, Marion Reed, Rick Whicker, Mark Harris.

A resolution concerning Camp ownership was removed from the table. A motion was made and seconded to transfer ownership to Arkansas (Bogg Springs) and to Texas (Pine Springs). Discussion ensued with a vote being taken. The motion was defeated.

The following items are listed but not given full detail due to them being items of usual business.
Report and Election of Chaplaincy Commission.
Report and Election of History and Archives Committee.
Law Enforcement Chaplains Report.
MBSF Report.
Music Director's Report.
Ladies' Auxiliary Report.
Other Miscellaneous Business.

The meeting was adjourned to be reconvened at 6:30 pm.

The exhibits were opened from 4:15-6:20 pm.

ABA Messenger Meeting 2009, Springfield Missouri - Wednesday Evening

The meeting reconvened at 6:30 pm with a music prelude followed by devotional and prayer. A special time of music (30 minutes) was given by the Messenger Choir. A motion was made and seconded to accept nominations for the 2013 meeting place with a vote being taken until there was a clear majority. Rogers, Arkansas, Springfield, Illinois, and Dallas, Texas were the places pre-selected as meeting venues. Two complete votes were taken before Dallas, Texas was chosen by a vote of 676 to 458.

The Mission Committee Presentation gave wonderful words of encouragement to all and ended with the 191 Missionaries and their families supported through the office of Secretary-Treasurer standing at the front of the building. (The line of Missionaries and their families stretched from one end of the building to the other.)

At 8:20 pm, Bro. Carrion, Mexico, brought the annual Missionary sermon. Following the sermon, announcements were made. $10,933.75 was received in the special Missionary offering received Wednesday evening. Scripture and prayer were given and the meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.

The exhibits opened from 9:15-10:30 pm.

ABA Messenger Meeting 2009, Springfield Missouri - Tuesday Evening

The evening's activities began with a musical prelude followed by a Scripture reading and prayer. After prayer, the Springfield, Missouri Veterans presented the colors. The assembly sang the National Anthem and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Bro. John Saunders, Colorado, led in a prayer for our nation and churches.

The messenger assembly was then welcomed by the Host Pastors and representatives from Springfield. A gracious response was given and the 2009 ABA National Messenger Assembly was officially convened. Bro. Edgar Sutton presented the proposed agenda which was adopted. President Roger Copeland was introduced followed by County Avenue BC choir specials. Bro. Copeland's presidential address was entitled "Revive Us Again" (Psalm 85:6). (The full address will not be posted until a later date. It can also be found in the 2009 Yearbook.)

Revive Us Again - Psalm 85:6

I. Recognition of the Past - vss. 1-3
A. Remember the favor of God - vs. 1
B. Remember the forgiveness God supplies - vss. 2-3

II. Request for the Present - vss. 4-6a
A. One source of revival - vs. 4
B. One prayer to pray - vs. 6a

III. Restoration for the People of God - vss. 6b-8
A. A rejoicing people - vs. 6b
B. A people at peace with the Lord and His people - vs. 8

A motion was made and seconded for the message to be printed in the yearbook. Motion passed.

The speaker for the annual sermon, Bro. Robert Myer, Maryland, was introduced by his son. Special music was presented by Gail Holt. Bro. Myer's sermon was on "The Amazing Providence of God."

The Amazing Providence of God - Romans 8:28

I. Biblical Examples of God's Providence
A. Joseph
B. Esther
C. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego

II. Some Examples of God's Providence in the Present Age

III. What Can We Expect in the Future Concerning God's Providence

A motion was made and seconded for the annual sermon to be placed in the yearbook. Motion passed.

President Copeland then called for the following committees: Enrollment & Finance, Resolutions, Memorials, Tellers.

A motion was made to set aside Article 1, Section 2 of the Missions Policy concerning the following brethren: Stacey Irwin, Javier Moreno, David Law, Bro. Corales (sp?), Marco Mejia. All motions were seconded and passed. (These motions were in effect tabled until Wednesday morning's session when they will be taken off the table.)

A resolution concerning Bogg Springs and Pine Springs being given to Arkansas and Texas churches respectively was presented and approved. This motion being tabled will be brought forth at a later date.

An amendment to Article 7, Section 2 (or 7?) and Article 9, Section 1 failed to pass.

An amendment to Article 3, Section 1 passed and was tabled until a later date.

An amendment to the Doctrinal Statement (two new statements) was passed and laid on the table until a later date.

An amendment to the Missions Policy brought forth by Bro. Brooks failed (a 2/3 vote was needed and was not achieved).

The meeting was then adjourned (9:15 pm) until Wednesday morning at 9:15 am.

Following this session, the booths and exhibits were opened.

ABA Messenger Meeting 2009, Springfield Missouri - Tuesday Afternoon Part 2

Following the afternoon session a special workshop, World Missions Focus, was held in the John Q. Hammons room of the University Plaza Hotel. The workshop was sponsored by Faith Baptist Church-North Little Rock as a part of Lynn & Brenda Raburn's World Missions Ministries. The meeting was co-hosted by East Somerset BC, Faith BC-Cabot, and Flatwoods MBC.

Bro. Dean Grigsby welcomed those in attendance and introduced the workshop and speakers. Bro. Rusty Teer, Thailand, spoke on "The Myth of The Hungry Heart." Bro. Daren Clements, Asia, spoke on "The Myth Of The Closed Door." Bro. Joel Cobbs spoke on "The Myth Of The Finished Task." Bro. Alvin Dickerson, Scotland, and Bro. David Helmick, Kosova, led in prayers for world evangelism. Bro. Randy Cloud, ABA, concluded and led in an invitation time of prayer. Music was provided by Precious Seed and Shawn Crane.

ABA Messenger Meeting 2009, Springfield Missouri - Tuesday Afternoon

The National on Salary (cont.) had the following discussion concerning: Bro. Solomon Travilla (cont.), Bro. Emmanuel Tejada, Bro. Solomon Travilla, Bro. Renato Rombaoa, Bro. Marcus Nyenehtue, Bro. Espinosa. Some discussion pertained to basic questions, others towards doctrinal issues, while some pertained to salary. The National on Salary were approved. The National on Designations were approved with the exception of Javier Moreno who was removed because of a change in location. He will be brought forth to be added again at tonight's meeting. The Missionary Helpers were approved.

During the afternoon session, questions arose concerning the authority of the Sub-Committee and certain other motions. Bro. David Smith also made a motion to add some statistical requests to the missionary form. This motion was called out of order by Bro. David Robinson, Parliamentarian, because the motion would have to be made at tomorrow's meeting.

A motion and a second was made to adjourn. Motion passed.

ABA Messenger Meeting 2009, Springfield Missouri - Tuesday Morning

The Missionary Committee meeting opened at 10:00 am with a welcome, specials in song, and a devotional by Bro. Billy Shepard of Texas. Following the opening remarks and ceremony, Bro. Randy Cloud brought the annual report of the Secretary-Treasurer of Missions for the fiscal year of 2008-2009. (The following is but a synopsis of the entire report. The entire report will be posted at a later date.)

For the fiscal year 2008-2009, $2,499,210.41 was given to help the missionaries preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (through the office of Secretary-Treasurer in Texarkana). Approximately 640 churches and individuals send mission offerings monthly to the office of Secretary-Treasurer of Missions. The 2008 Special Thanksgiving Mission Offering totaled $263,337.48. The Thanksgiving Offering was received from 29 states and 3 foreign countries.
For the past year, the missionaries have reported 22,605 professions of faith, 5.062 baptisms, 57,053 visits made, 55,945 personal presentations of the gospel, 17,661 sermons preached, and 16,321 lessons taught. Self-supporting churches have been established in Africa, India, Germany, Philippines, Mexico, Costa Rica, Texas, and Colorado. Missionary Joel Cobbs reports 24 churches organized in Africa. Missionary James Taylor reports the organization of one church in Africa. Bro. Sankya reports 3 churches organized in India. One church has been organized in Germany with many organized in the Philippines, etc.
185 missionaries will be recommended for support through the office of Secretary-Treasurer of Missions. These missionaries are serving the Lord in 26 states and 31 foreign countries. If all of the Interstate, Foreign, and National Missionaries are approved as recommended without any raises, the monthly payout will increase approximately $9,500.00. With any raise, the payout will, of course, increase. The balance in the mission treasury at the end of May 2009, was $683,383.19.

A motion was made and seconded for the report to be approved. The motion passed. A motion was made and seconded for no pay raise to be given to the missionaries this year due to economic issues. The motion passed. The minutes of the sub-committee meeting held in May was read and adopted.

The moderator, Bro. Charles Murphy of Texas, called for a vote on the newly recommended missionaries for interstate on salary. A note was made that Daniel Tijerina's sponsoring church withdrew his name. The vote was taken and the missionaries approved (Bro. Larry Frye and Bro. Danny Young). A vote was then called for on newly recommended interstate on designations. Bro. David Law's name was withheld from the voting due to a change in location. His name can be brought up at the Tuesday evening meeting for addition to the list. The vote was taken and the missionaries approved (Bro. Alan Schoeff, Bro. Kelly Stringer, Bro. Caleb J. Wood). A vote was then called for newly recommended foreign on designations. The vote was taken and the missionaries approved (Bro. David Bostick, Bro. Wally Mann). A vote was then called for newly recommended national on salary. The vote was taken and the missionaries approved (Bro. Romeo Dizon, Bro. Orlando Lastimosa, Bro. Fernando Pangilinan, Bro. Boyet Ricafrente). A vote was then called for newly recommended national on designated funds. The vote was taken and the missionaries approved (Bro. Aaron Teck). A vote was then called for newly recommended missionary helpers. The vote was taken and the missionary helpers approved (Bro. John Claypool, Bro. Roy Walls).

The following contains the re-recommended missionaries (which will not be listed individually except for cases of a separate vote being called). The Interstate on Salary missionaries were approved with the exception of Tom Patterson. His name was removed because he is now pastoring a church. The Interstate on Designations were approved. The Foreign on Salary were approved. The Foreign on Designations were approved. The National on Salary section had the following discussion concerning: Bro. Solomon Travilla. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 and was to reconvene at 1:30 pm.

ABA Messenger Meeting 2009, Springfield Missouri - Monday

The activities started at 6:30 pm at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. At 7:00 pm, the Missionary Share Time started and lasted to almost 9:30 pm. Each Missionary was given two minutes to share the work with which they are involved. The American Baptist Association of Theological Schools (ABATS) also met on Monday evening. The meeting began at 7:30 pm with most of the schools represented. The minutes from the January meeting held at Heritage Baptist Institute were read. A further informational report was given by Bro. Carl Fitzgerald, President of Heritage Baptist Institute, stating the goals of the January meeting and workshops. Each school representative was given an opportunity to give an update concerning the state of their respective school.

More information will be posted following the sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The Country House

It is interesting to note the number of small, community (rural) churches in East Texas. There seems to be one "on every corner." You could even go so far as to say, it's the buckle of the Bible belt. Yet, with so many churches, there are so many not saved, serving the Lord, or spiritually growing. An interesting question arises then (which may actually be a separate issue from the thought above): What has been, is, and will be the impact of small, country churches in East Texas? (And yes, it is very opened-ended...so just go with it!)

Iron Out The Details

I know Halloween is a few months away, but you can never start too early looking for a good costume. Maybe I won't get all steamed up if I wear this costume. At least there shouldn't be any wrinkles to my Halloween plans!

Extra-Biblical Resources?

There has been, for quite some time, a debate on whether or not churches should use printed literature prepared by outside organizations. In other words, should a church use Sunday School books or only the Bible. Should they allow a person to use outside sources for reference and help or only rely upon the Holy Spirit. Is there a middle ground? Are there exceptions? Is it of any consequence to your church?

Boomerang Express VBS

Why is this posted on a mind-numbing Monday? Because it's mind-numbing that it's time for VBS again! I thought we just finished the one from last year! Oh well. It's here, so let's get after it. Please pray for all the teachers, workers, etc. as they teach children how "It all comes back to Jesus!"

Boomerang Express VBS
June 8-12
6:30-9:00 PM
Ages 3 yrs-5th grade

A Conflict Of Beliefs?

While reading about the murder of abortion doctor, George Tiller, I noticed that he was killed at a church which started me pondering some thoughts. How can a man who claimed membership at a Reformation Lutheran Church perform such ungodly and hideous acts such as abortion? Was his religion just that...a religion? Did that church teach that life did not begin until birth? Was it a "don't ask, don't tell" type situation? Obviously, anyone can claim Christianity and still live a life of sin, but usually it is not an "open" sin. Of course, he probably did not see abortion as a sin, so there was no conflict of interest...I mean beliefs.