JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

MAY 15, 2010 VOL. 64 NO. 10

Oakland Church, Vicksburg Hosts Midyear Meetingby the Editorby the Editorby the Editorby the Editorby the Editor

Oakland Baptist Church and pastorJustin Rhodes hosted the 2010 midyearmeeting of the Baptist Missionary Asso-ciation of Mississippi. The meeting gotunderway on Tuesday, May 18 at 9:30am. State Brotherhood and WMA meet-ings were held Monday evening at thechurch. The church provided threemeals for the two-day meeting. Theyprovided dinner on Monday evening,breakfast on Tuesday morning andlunch for all those attending. This wasa great blessing and helped keep themeeting on schedule due to the distancefrom the church to local restaurants.

After normal opening procedures,reports were heard from each depart-ment and commission of the state work.Churches from each area of the statewere represented, but attendance was

only about 150 individuals.The midyear message was brought

by Bro. Dewitt Bain, pastor of ShilohChurch, Mt. Olive. Bro. Bain brough a

Billy Huffmaster offers resignation asPresident Leon Carmical looks on

Bro. Dewitt Bain brought days message

powerful message on Being in the Spirit.He encouraged us to do all that we dowith the help and guidance of God’sHoly Spirit.

Clerk ResignsClerk ResignsClerk ResignsClerk ResignsClerk ResignsBMA of Mississippi Recording Secre-

tary Billy Huffmaster offered his resig-nation after 29 years of service. Bro.Huffmaster is stepping down as pastorof Skyway Hills Church, Pearl at theend of the year and felt it necessary forthe Association to elect a new clerkbefore the annual meeting in October.This would give the new clerk the ad-vantage of beginning his work fresh atthe October meeting. The Associationelected Bro. Danny Pitts, pastor of FirstBaptist Church of Shady Grove, Laurel,as the new clerk. Huffmaster will finishthe work of printing the 2009 minutebook and helping Bro. Pitts as he as-sumes this position.

ReportsReportsReportsReportsReportsDr. John Adams reported for Moral

Action and emphasized the need to con-tinue to fight for traditional values andmoral issues. This is done through shar-ing information and through contact

Home Discussion Prompts CommitteeDuring the Children’s Home report

by Director Sidney Davis a questionwas raised concerning the number ofchildren currently being served. Bro.Harold Floyd, pastor of Berean Church,Soso, asked about the number of chil-dren at the home. Davis shared thatthere were currently 4 elementary schoolchildren and one young man who re-cently completed a course of study atJones Junior College.

Floyd expressed concern over the lackof children in relation to the size of thefacilities and the cost of operating theHome. Floyd stressed the need for us tohonor our obligation to the children

currently under ourcare, but asked for thetrustees to study andcome up with a solutionto the cost of operationas it relates to the num-ber of children served.He discussed the possi-bility of ‘downsizing’ theoperation to lower costs.Stressing the obligationwe have to the currentchildren he was concerned about thefuture. Floyd said we could “reconsider

SIDNEY DAVISDIRECTOR

CHILDREN'S HOME

Chaplain Bankston promotedby the editorby the editorby the editorby the editorby the editor

Chaplain Lt. Co. Forrest (Bo) Bankston, Jr., has been promoted to the rank ofColonel. Bankston, who currently serves as the head chaplain at Camp Shelby southof Hattiesburg and as the head Chaplain for the Mississippi National Guard,received orders earlier in May, making his promotion official.

Bankston was promoted in a ceremony on May 13, 2010, at Camp Shelby.The official orders read as follows:The president of the United State has reposed special trust and confidence in the

patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of Forrest Bankston, Jr.In view of these qualities and your demonstrated potential for increased

responsibility, you are, therefore, promoted to the rank of Colonel in the Reserve ofthe Army for service in the Army National Guard of the United States.

By order of the secretaries of the Armyand Air Force:

Craig R. McKinleyGeneral, United States Air ForceChief, National Guard Bureau

Bankston was honored with a receptionafter the ceremony. His mother, wifeDeborah, and one son were present for thepromotion ceremony. Bankston was re-cently the recipient of the Kellar Award,given each year by the BMA of AmericaTheological Seminary to a distinguishedgraduate.

Congratulations to Col. Bankston forrepresenting the BMA of America, his Lordand his country with distinction.

Major General William Freeman,Chaplain Bankston and his wife Deborah.

see Committee on page 5see Committee on page 5see Committee on page 5see Committee on page 5see Committee on page 5

see Midyear Meeting on page 2see Midyear Meeting on page 2see Midyear Meeting on page 2see Midyear Meeting on page 2see Midyear Meeting on page 2

A Special MessageA Special MessageA Special MessageA Special MessageA Special MessageFromFromFromFromFrom

Bro Grady HiggsBro Grady HiggsBro Grady HiggsBro Grady HiggsBro Grady HiggsSee Page 5See Page 5See Page 5See Page 5See Page 5

2 May 15, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

with officials at both the state andnational level. He thanked the churchesfor their financial support and encour-aged pastors to stand strong in theirpulpits for biblical morality. Moral Ac-tion will encourage individuals andchurches to participate in their Free-dom Offering on either July 4, 2010 orJuly 11, 2010.

Bro. Sidney Davis reported on thework of the Children’s Home. He sharedthe achievements of the four childrencurrently under the Home’s care. Theyall are doing very well in school and

other activities. Davis asked for contin-ued prayer for the ministry of the Home.Questions were raised over concerns ofthe low number of children under theHome’s care by some of those in atten-dance. (This matter is reported on in aseparate article).

Baptist Music Fellowship DirectorBryson Haden reported on the work of

the BMF. They have helped with musicat a number of state meetings and haveplans to possibly expand their reach inthe future.

Reports were given by both the State

Midyear MeetingMidyear MeetingMidyear MeetingMidyear MeetingMidyear MeetingFrom page 1From page 1From page 1From page 1From page 1 Brotherhood and WMA to the Associa-

tion. Reports on their respective meet-ings will be forthcoming from theirreporters.

Dr. Medrick Savell reported on South-eastern College and shared that the

college had just granted 23 degrees atthe May 2010 commencement. Thiswas a record number and included thehighest number of Bachelor degreesconferred. He reminded us that finan-cial aid is available for students andthat the college will offer six differentcourses during the Summer session inJune.

Savell announced that the school isseeking SACS (Southern Association ofColleges and Schools) accreditation andalso considering adding a Master ofMinistry degree. The question was askedby Bro. Danny Pitts if the Mastersprogram was a wise move at this timeconsidering that the school was seekingSACS accreditation. Dr. Savell re-sponded by stating that he felt achiev-ing SACS would be easier if the Mastersprogram was already in place. The col-lege is awaiting work of its currentaccrediting agency ABHE (Associationof Biblical Higher Education) on theapproval to offer the Masters degree.

The Youth Department report in-cluded a recommendation to elect DwightLindsey as the new State Youth Direc-tor. Lindsey was elected without opposi-tion. It was noted that the positionwould be on a part-time basis. Lindseyencouraged input and for our churchesto support the department with atten-dance at camps. He stated that theJunior camp still had a few spots left,but that they would be limited to 150campers due to the limits of the campthey are using.

The Missions report was given byDirector Rayborn Freeman. He high-lighted each mission point currentlysupported by the state. Each mission-ary was present and reported on theirindividual field.

Regular monthly support for the over-all Missions program is down consider-

Mississippi Mr. Senior Galilean Dalton McMillanof Bethel Church, Fulton, spoke to theState Brotherhood as State Galilean Pro-moter Mark Jones looks on.

State Brotherhood PresidentRoger Jefcoat presiding over meeting

Mrs. Anita Akers brought the WMAprogram for the Ladies midyear meeting.

ably. Freeman noted that if specialemphasis offerings are not sufficient tomake up the current deficit, that “dras-tic changes are coming”. He indicatedthat these decisions and reviews wouldbe taken care of in July or August.

Freeman noted that he was helpingHillcrest Baptist Church, Yazoo City,after their facility was destroyed in arecent tornado. The church has ac-quired temporary meeting facilities andplans to rebuild on their current site. Itis not known if the insurance settle-ment will be sufficient to rebuild. Anychurch or individual who wants to helpthe church was encouraged to send anoffering to the Bank of Yazoo City andrequest it be deposited into the HillcrestSpecial Fund that has been set up at thebank.

Manager Lavell Lee reported on theRevolving Loan Fund. A number ofdeposits and loans have been made re-cently and business is ongoing. He notedthe slow economy has had some effect onthe RLF, but overall the RLF is in goodshape.

Vern Holifield reported on the work ofthe Commission on Senior Adults andtold of the 2010 Conferences that wereheld in the past couple of months. Hestressed the need to minister to ourseniors and for them to be evangelisticin their day to day lives.

The Association will hold the 2010Annual Session on the campus of South-eastern Baptist College on October 18 &19, 2010.

Temple, Lucedale plans revivalTemple, Lucedale plans revivalTemple, Lucedale plans revivalTemple, Lucedale plans revivalTemple, Lucedale plans revivalTemple Baptist Church, 88 Summer

St., Lucedale, MS will hold revival ser-vices May 30 – June 2. Services willbegin at 11 a.m. followed by lunch andan afternoon service at approximately1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 30. Mondaythrough Wednesday, services will beginat 7 p.m.

Joseph Harris, Professor at South-eastern Bible College, Laurel, will bethe Evangelist for the services.

Pastor B.J. Hudson and the Templefamily invite former members and thecommunity to the services. Lunch willbe served on May 30.

Boguefala Baptist ChurchBoguefala Baptist ChurchBoguefala Baptist ChurchBoguefala Baptist ChurchBoguefala Baptist ChurchGreetings from Boguefala Baptist

Church. We are continuing to updateour church exterior with flower beds,lamp posts, and a wheelchair ramp.These additions are to make our facilitymore accessible and more inviting. Also,we now have our flagpoles illuminatedto pay proper respect to the Christianflag and the American flag. As wecontinue these slight improvements,we are also continuing to experiencegrowth in our membership with severalnew additions since the beginning of theyear.

Recently we were blessed by visitsfrom the Masters Quartet for our quar-terly singing; along with a Sundaymorning appearance by the Servantsgroup. Both services were wonderful.Our Spring revival was held by Dr.

John Adams of Mantachie First BaptistChurch. The average attendance forthe revival was 150 and we were blessedwith two professions of faith.

We are preparing for camp to be heldat Tombigbee State Park on June 7, 8,and 9. Our youth have worked on fundraising projects, the men of the churchhosted a cookout to honor all moms forMother's Day. We have set the time forour Vacation Bible School, "AmazingBible Stories" on Saturday, July 17.Please mark this date on your calendarto attend.

Former Pastorand Missionary dies

William Howard Rhoden, age 87 ofHenleyfield, Mississippi, died Tuesday,May 04, 2010in Carriere,Mississippi.

B r o .Rhoden was anative ofB o g a l u s a ,Louisiana, aBaptist Mis-sionary andMinister anda member ofFirst BaptistChurch ofHenleyfield .

He was preceded in death by hisparents, Robert Ervin Rhoden Sr.andBirdie Rester Rhoden, 3 brothers, JamesRhoden, Everett Rhoden, and RobertRhoden, Jr., 1 sister, Leona Rhoden,nephew, Billy Rhoden.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years,Mary Burks Rhoden of Henleyfield; 3sons, Howard "Howie" Ervin Rhodenand wife, Beverly Rhoden of San Jose,Costa Rica; Daryl Rhoden and wife,Vivian Rhoden of Apple Valley, Califor-nia; Barry Rhoden and wife, CarolRhoden of Plano, Texas; 6 Grandchil-dren, Benjamin Rhoden, AmandaRhoden Avery, Danny Summerton,Michelle Summerton Cain, CaitlynRhoden, and Bronte Rhoden; 3 Great-Grandsons, Lucas Avery, Owen Cain,and Evan Cain; 3 Sisters-in-law, BetsyRhoden of Monticello, Leminda Rhodenof Bogalusa, Louisiana, and Verna Wil-son of Henleyfield; and a number ofnieces and nephews.

Bro. Rhoden was ordained in to theministry in 1960. He served 23 differ-ence churches and missions during hisministry beginning with College HeightsChurch, Poplarville, Mississippi andending with First Baptist, Gardino,California. His missionary service in-cluded the Hobolochitto Association, theBMA of Mississippi, the BMA of Louisi-ana and the BMA of America on variousfields.

Howard Rhoden

It is all I can do to serveGod - Let me do all I can!

3May 15, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

SoutheasternBaptist College4229 Highway 15 NorthLaurel, Mississippi 39440, (601) 426-6346 Dr. Medrick Savell

President

Serving Christ With a Biblical World View In A Christian Atmosphere

2010 Graduating Class of Southeastern Baptist College

GraduationGraduationGraduationGraduationGraduationThe commencement service,

May 13, 2010, was a highlightfor the graduates and South-

eastern Baptist College. Twentystudents received twenty-threedegrees, which is the largestnumber of degrees received inany year. The number of bach-elor degrees was also the high-

est ever. A large number of fam-ily and friends were present tohonor the graduates. Bro. DonBrown gave a good, appropriate,scriptural challenge to thegraduates.

In addition to degrees re-ceived, six students received cer-tificates upon completing a num-ber of hours of courses.

Honors List for Spring, 2010Honors List for Spring, 2010Honors List for Spring, 2010Honors List for Spring, 2010Honors List for Spring, 2010President’s List (GPA 4.0):

Garrett Harvey, 19 hours, BillyPrestage, 13 hours, Charles Lee,12 hours, Marvin Mathis, 12hours, Gary Smith, 12 hours,Sandra Buckingham, 12 hours,and Marcus Raymond, 12 hours.

Dean’s List: George Grund,Jr. GPA 3.80; Alvin Walker,GPA 3.77; George Matthews,GPA 3.75; June Buckingham,GPA 3.75; Adrain Johnson, GPA3.75; Matthew Yontz, (GPA3.75); Genita Pugh, GPA 3.68;Amanda Lavinghouse, GPA3.67; Mark Williams, GPA 3.63;

Bro. Don Brown addressing the2010 class of Southeastern College

Homer Kemp, GPA 3.54; JacobMcKenzie, GPA 3.50; AdamParker, GPA 3.50; MaryLavinghouse, GPA 3.50; andDevon Guy, GPA 3.50.

Summer ClassesSummer ClassesSummer ClassesSummer ClassesSummer ClassesIt is not too late to register for

a class in the summer. Theywill meet June 7 through July 1,on Monday, Tuesday and Thurs-day. Courses available are Col-lege Algebra, Psychology, Soci-ology, English Composition I,Old Testament Survey, and NewTestament Survey. Anyone in-terested in these classes shouldcontact the Admissions office atthe college immediately (601-426-6346).

Memorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial gifts have been sent

recently to purchase librarybooks in memory of Mrs. PatsyWallace Anderson, Mrs. GladysFowler Overby, Mrs. Betty JeanPreuett, Mr. John “Johnnie” P.Barrett, and Mr. Lester M.Odom, Jr.

A memorial gift has also beensent to the Southeastern Bap-tist College Foundation inmemory of Mrs. Ruby Wilson.

We appreciate those who giveto the ministry of SoutheasternBaptist College by sending giftsin memory of their loved ones,and we do pray that God wouldcomfort and bless these fami-lies.

2010 Southeastern Baptist2010 Southeastern Baptist2010 Southeastern Baptist2010 Southeastern Baptist2010 Southeastern BaptistCollege Graduation College Graduation College Graduation College Graduation College Graduation AddressAddressAddressAddressAddress

by Don Brownby Don Brownby Don Brownby Don Brownby Don Brown

President Savell, DeanParker, Faculty and Staff,Guests, and most of all to the2010 Graduating class of South-eastern Baptist College. I amhonored to be asked to addressyou on this very special occa-sion.

What joy you must all feelknowing that you have come tothis point in your lives. A pointof great accomplishment, yetjust one of many importantmarks along life’s journey.

I am confident you have cho-sen Southeastern Baptist Col-lege for a variety of reasons. Forsome it was denominational loy-alty, I commend you for thatchoice and encourage you to befaithful to your work.

Some may have chosen tostudy here due to location, theschool’s reputation as a bibli-cally sound institution, or be-cause it was recommended toyou by a friend or former gradu-

ate.Whatever your reason, I know

you have received a quality, bib-lically based education.

In the Summer of 1980, mywife and I came to work at South-eastern. I left a number of yearsago, but she is still here and willcomplete 30 years of service thisacademic year. I have attendedclasses at Southeastern, both ofour children completed some oftheir college work here and mywife holds a degree in Bible fromthis place that we have grown toappreciate and love.

We love this school, wish herwell and we are glad that you toohave chosen her. I hope you willbe a loyal supporter as an alum-nus and that you will recom-mend her to others.

Graduates, you have com-pleted a course of study pre-scribed by the faculty of South-eastern and reached this pointby your perseverance, your

quest for knowledge and yourdesire to better prepare your-selves for life and for service toour Lord. You are to be com-mended for your efforts and thisaccomplishment.

In delivering the GettysburgAddress, President AbrahamLincoln made this statement,“The world will little note, norlong remember what we sayhere, but it can never forgetwhat they did here”. He spoke ofthe brave men, both living anddead, who had fought atGettysburg.

I do not remember who spokeor what was said at either myhigh school or college gradua-tion. I do remember three things.

1. I graduated2. I was pleased that that day

had finally come, and3. I was most appreciative

when the speaker finished andsat down.

I will do my best to make theend of this address one of yourfondest memories.

While you will most likelyforget who spoke here today andprobably not retain most of whatis said, please let me take a few

moments to challenge you toremember a few things.

1. In Exodus 13:3 Moses toldIsrael “to remember the day thatthey came out of slavery fromEgypt”. To be successful in God’skingdom and His work, we mustall remember that glorious daywhen Jesus brought us out ofthe world and threw off ourchains of slavery to sin. Withoutour faith in Him and the workHe did on Calvary, our timehere this evening would be invain. Remember Your Salva-tion!

2. Remember that life is short.Job said that his days were fasterthan a weaver’s shuttle and thathis life was as the wind. Jamescontinued that thought when hesaid life is but a vapour thatappears briefly and is then gone.Each of us has been to the graveside of one whom we loved dearlyand understand that life is trulyshort. The time we do have to doHis work is short and we mustbe about our Father’s business.Remember that life is short!

3. Remember your calling - Inthe first chapter of his secondepistle the Apostle Peter exaltsthe Lord Jesus Christ as theMessiah who gives faith, grace,peace, and life. He exalts Christas the Divine Messiah - the Cho-sen of God. Peter tells us thatthrough His son Jesus, God hasgiven us great and exceedingpromises.

He then lists a number ofthings that should be found inthe believer and encourages usto add them to our lives - faith,virtue, knowledge, self-control,patience, godliness, kindnessand love.

Peter tells us that these thingsare not found in the lost of thisworld, but rather in God’s chil-dren. He then implores us to

“make our calling and electionsure.”

I challenge you to regularlyrecall the time of your personalsalvation and then to look deepinto your own soul and remem-ber the great task to which Godhas called you. Regularly - makeyour calling sure!

By keeping our calling freshin our minds we will be encour-aged to run with all our mightthe race that is set before us.

4. Remember Your Mission -God’s call on your life is differentfrom the call He has given oth-ers.

Pastor - Be the best pastor yourchurch has ever had. Remem-ber, God called you to pastor andshepherd that flock. Rememberyour mission! Preach to them,teach them, lead them with thededication and love that Jesusdid.

Missionary - God gave you aheart for a certain group ofpeople. He knows their needsand has chosen you to presentHim to them. Go to them withthe fire deep in your heart andbe like Jeremiah when he saidhe must preach God’s word andjust could not hold it withinhimself! In your own uniqueway, be the vessel God will useto pore Himself out into theirlives.

Teacher - With all the love andenthusiasm of the Samaritanwoman ,who, after she came toknow Jesus as her savior, raninto town to share that knowl-edge with others - I challengeyou to share the knowledge thatyou have gained with those thatGod will put in your charge.

Mentor - Take that individualunder your arm and disciple

continued onpage 5continued onpage 5continued onpage 5continued onpage 5continued onpage 5

4 May 15, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

Opinion PageJournal of the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi

Letters FromOur Readers

Letters reflect the opinion of thewriter and not necessarily this

publication or the BMA of Mississippi

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

USPS 353-960P.O. Box 8181

Laurel, Mississippi 39441-8000

Phone 601-426-3293Fax 601-763-4430

PRICE$20.00 Per Year by Mail$10.00 Per Year by Email

CHURCH PLAN$ 1.30 Per Month

Published on the 1st and 15th of each month by the Baptist MissionaryAssociation of Mississippi. Periodical postage paid at Hattiesburg,Mississippi 39402.

Postmaster: Send address changes to the Mississippi Baptist Paper,P.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS 39441-8000.

Church of the Covered Dish BY THOMAS TAPP

Listing of names does notindicate endorsement.

This column is forinformation purposes only.

AVAILABLEFOR SERVICE

Don BrownEditor

Double and TDouble and TDouble and TDouble and TDouble and Triple Blessingsriple Blessingsriple Blessingsriple Blessingsriple BlessingsThis editor recently had a

double blessing. I was honoredto be asked to bring the com-mencement address to the BMATheological Seminary a fewmonths ago and had been look-ing forward to the event (quitenervously I might add). Then afew weeks ago I was asked toaddress the 2010 class at South-eastern Baptist College. Hon-estly, I thought "My, My, whatare these people thinking."

I am truly honored andhumbled to have participated inthe program for both of thesefine institutions. I serve as atrustee of the BMA TheologicalSeminary and have previouslyworked for Southeastern Col-lege. My wife completes 30 yearsof service to SBC this July.

In preparing the words that Iwould speak and consideringthat these two events were onlytwo days apart, both addressesshare a great deal of similari-ties.

I am printing the words Ispoke at Southeastern in thisissue. I pray that they will be ablessing to anyone of you who isgraduating or has a graduate inyour family.

Triple BlessingTriple BlessingTriple BlessingTriple BlessingTriple BlessingThe Brown family has a deep

love for the Gerald and MaryLou Kellar Family. Mrs. Kellar'sbirthday is May 30. She sharesthat day with my oldest grand-daughter. When Kiersten Rosswas born in the year 2000, Mrs.Kellar wrote her a letter. I amprinting that letter in this issueas a birthday wish to Kierstenand as a tribute to a lady wholoved others and showed it in somany ways. I do this to help

each of us par-ents, grand-parents andfriends appre-ciate the livesof our lovedones and as anexample ofencourage-ment.

My 10 yearold grand-daughter willget this letter and read it. Know-ing her I am sure she will bethrilled and excited to receivesuch a letter. I also feel that asshe grows older and if her mothergives her the letter again on her18th or 21st birthday that itmay be even more meaningful.

Let us each do what we can totell others how much we lovethem and encourage them asthey mature and reach adult-hood.

O, by the way, "Happy 10thBirthday Kiersten, from Papawand Nina!"

July 26, 2000July 26, 2000July 26, 2000July 26, 2000July 26, 2000Dear Kiersten,Dear Kiersten,Dear Kiersten,Dear Kiersten,Dear Kiersten,

Welcome into the home ofGlen and Kelly Ross. How happyyou made me on my 80th birth-day! The gang at Southeasterncalled me that day knowing thatI would be delighted that Donand Bonnie’s first granddaugh-ter had arrived. Of course, theywere on their way to see you.

It will be easy for people tofigure your age when you saythat you were born in the year2000. May those be good andrewarding years for you.

Our prayer is that God willbless you special - along withyour kind and loving family.

Remember that God has greatthings for those who trust inHim.

Our love always,Gerald and Mary Lou Kellar

Another BlessingAnother BlessingAnother BlessingAnother BlessingAnother BlessingCongratulations to Chaplain

Col. Forrest "Bo" Bankston onhis recent promotion. A promo-tion ceremony was held recentlyat Camp Shelby (see story onpage 1 of this issue) where Chap-lain Bankston serves as the headchaplain. He is also the headchaplain for the State of Missis-sippi National Guard. Congratu-lations and may God bless yourministry.

Help requested forHelp requested forHelp requested forHelp requested forHelp requested formission research tripmission research tripmission research tripmission research tripmission research tripDear Churches,

My family and I are prayer-fully considering serving as mis-sionaries to Kingston, Jamaica.Jamaica is a country that hasseen many short-term mission-aries over the years that has ledto Christianity as the religiouspreference (84%). However, ofthis 84%, only 26% claim to beevangelical. Furthermore,church attendance is somewherearound 25%. John David Smithand I visited Jamaica in Marchof this year and found the peoplewe visited in Kingston to belargely nominal Christians andopen to hearing the Gospel ofChrist.

My wife and I have been pray-ing about missions work in Ja-maica for about a year and ahalf. God has laid the city ofKingston on our heart becauseof the large population (1.7 mil-lion people in a country of 3million), and the many opportu-nities there to lead many toChrist, disciple them, and es-tablish BMA churches.

Currently, we are planninganother research trip toKingston, Jamaica, June 14-21.My wife and oldest daughter

(Kailey) will be joining me as weinterview more American mis-sionaries and local pastors withthe Jamaica Baptist Union. Thisresearch trip will cost just over$3000. We are praying thatmany churches will prayerfullyconsider supporting us as weseek more information and con-firmation concerning a missionin Jamaica.

We truly appreciate any con-tribution the Lord lays on yourheart and ask that you send itto:BMAA Missions DepartmentB.J. and Marci Sullivan WorkFund9219 Sibley Hole RoadLittleRock, AR 72209In His service,B.J. and Marci Sullivan

Harold HolifieldHarold HolifieldHarold HolifieldHarold HolifieldHarold HolifieldBro. Harold Holifield is avail-

able for preaching appointmentsor any way the Lord may usehim. You may reach him at 601-729-2666 or email him athah@megagate.com.

Jim IngramJim IngramJim IngramJim IngramJim IngramBro. Jim Ingram, a member

of Shiloh Baptist Church, Mt.Olive, has made known his callto the Gospel ministry. Bro. Jimhas been a great blessing to usat Shiloh and we heartily rec-ommend him to our sisterchurches. He is available forpulpit supply, revivals, or any

way theLord mayuse him.He may bereached at601-797-9933 ort h r o u g hhis pastorat 601-797-9161.

B r o .D e w i t tBain, pas-tor

Shiloh Baptist Church

Jim Ingram

Midway First Baptistto OrdainBrad Stephens

On Sunday May 23, 2010 theMidway First Baptist Church ofSumrall, Mississippi, will beordaining Bro. Brad Stephens tothe full work of the Gospel min-istry. Bro. Stephens acceptedthe call of God some nine yearsago. He has worked as ministerof music and with youth in twochurches before coming to Mid-way.

Bro. Stephens is married toCharie Jackson Stephens andthey are the proud parents oftwo children.

His work with Midway hasbeen in the area of Music Minis-ter and Pastoral Assistant. Hisduties have also included educa-tion and outreach.

Bro. Stephens is pursuing aMasters degree at New OrleansBaptist Theological Seminary.

All ordained personnel areinvited to be a part of this ordi-nation service. The time will be2:00 PM.

Leon Carmical, Pastor.

5May 15, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

how we are going and the budget wehave. We might could do better withwhat we have”

A number of individuals made com-ments concerning this topic. MattHudson, pastor of Hopewell Church,Fulton, noted that the children wereunder the care of the Home and not theDavis family, from a legal basis. Heencouraged the Association to “look atthe situation realistically, to look to thefuture and what the future is for theHome.” He shared concerns about theamount of funds being spent to care for4 children.

Board Chairman Donnie Boutwellwarned to not “get more concerned aboutnumbers than we do about ministry.”He shared that there were some types ofchildren that the Home does not need toattempt to care for. He noted that we arenot equipped to care for certain childrenwith certain types of behavioral issues.He indicated he understood the concernover expenses, salaries and other asso-ciated costs.

Bro. A.W. Kirkland said he had beenassociated with the Home since beforethe days of former Director G.W. Pierceand understood some of the problemsthe Home faces.

Arthur Smith, pastor of HopewellChurch, Laurel, shared that he is alsoon the Big Creek Missionary Commit-tee and discussion has been raised con-cerning using the Home’s facilities andproperty in cooperation with the StateYouth Department. Funds are avail-able from the Big Creek Association(and the State Youth Department) forthe construction of Youth camp facili-ties.

Smith made a motion for the modera-tor to appoint a committee to work withthe Youth Department and theChildren’s Home to consider combiningthe departments and/or having campsat the Home. After discussion concern-ing the makeup of this committee, andwhether the two department trusteeboards should do this study, the motionpassed.

Later in the day President LeonCarmical appointed the following to thiscommittee: Denny Patterson, RogerAkers, Ted Quimby, Roy Caldwell, MattHudson and the Chairman of the YouthTrustees Philip Burns and Chairman ofthe Home Trustees Donnie Boutwell.The committee met later to organize. Itis expected that a report will be forth-coming at the 2010 annual meeting inOctober.

CommitteeCommitteeCommitteeCommitteeCommitteeFrom page 1From page 1From page 1From page 1From page 1

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them, love them and help them to growin God’s grace and His knowledge. Helpthat individual be all that God wouldhave them to be and help lead them tospiritual and personal heights that oth-erwise they might not attain.

Chaplain - Stand in the gap and givespiritual support and guidance to thosewho may be in difficult situations; thosewho have given their lives to areas ofservice that put great strain and pres-sure on them. Be there for them and bethe one who can bring compassion,understanding, and support into a pres-sure filled life.

Business person, mother, worker, ser-vant - which ever path or ministry Godhas placed in front of you, fulfill it asunto the Lord, for He is the one who allof us actually work for. Do all unto Himand for His glory.

Make sure you remember YOURMISSION!

5. Lastly, let us remember who weserve. In the first chapter of Mark’sGospel, Jesus goes into the synagogueat Capernaum and is confronted by aman with an unclean spirit. This un-clean spirit knew at once who Jesuswas. We need to often remind ourselvesof who Christ is. The unclean spiritreferred to Jesus as “the Holy One ofGod.”

The world today treats Jesus in anumber of different ways - but rarely isHe recognized as the Holy One of God.

We understand the world’s view -They do not know Him - They have notstudied Him - They have not been calledto serve Him - They do not love Him!

Southeastern College Graduation Addressfrom page 3from page 3from page 3from page 3from page 3

We must remember He is the “HolyOne of God”. He is the one who saved us.He is the one who called us. He is the onewho sustains us!

Let us not overlook that Jesus is theone we serve!

Well, I have challenged you to re-member and we must remember muchin life. I urge you to remember - 1. Yoursalvation 2. Your limited time 3. Yourspecial calling 4. Your particular mis-sion 5. The One whom we serve.

One more thing - Remember thattrue learning never stops. You havecompleted a course of study - you haveearned the credits - they totaled up tothe required number in your area ofstudy. You are about to receive a piece ofpaper recording that information, butremember, learning never stops! Con-tinue to ask the questions that you wantanswered. Do not be afraid to ask why.Do not hesitate to question ideas and thetruth. The truth will stand on its own.Always believe God - for He is alwaysright.

Now - one last thing - Remember topersevere. Struggles will come, BUTVictories can and will be won! Theenemy of mankind will seek out you andyour ministry and attack you as youlabor for our Lord. He is that roaringlion of whom Peter sternly warned us!

During World War II, England neededto increase its production of coal. PrimeMinister Winston Churchill called to-gether labor leaders to enlist their sup-port. At the end of his presentation heasked them to picture in their minds aparade which he knew would be held inPicadilly Circus after the war. First, hesaid, would come the sailors who hadkept the vital sea lanes open. Thenwould come the soldiers who had comehome from Dunkirk and then gone on todefeat Rommel in Africa. Then wouldcome the pilots who had driven theLuftwaffe from the sky.

Last of all, he said, would come a longline of sweat-stained, soot-streaked men inminer's caps. Someone would cry from thecrowd, 'And where were you during the

critical days of our struggle?' And from tenthousand throats would come the answer,'We were deep in the earth with our facesto the coal.'"

Not all the jobs in God’s kingdom areprominent and glamorous. But it isoften the people with their "faces to thecoal" who help the Lord accomplish Hismission.Whatever you must do in your life - DOIT AS UNTO THE LORD! It was Godwho called you to the work and God whowill reward the faithful servant!

Later, as Churchill was addressingthe graduates of his old preparatoryschool during some of the dark days ofthat War, he spoke these words. As youhear them today, I challenge you, asgraduates who have been called to God’sroyal service and to all of us in Hiskingdom’s work, to heed these samewords.

Churchill said, “Never give in. Nevergive in. Never, never, never, never innothing, great or small, large or petty -never give in, except to convictions ofhonor and good sense. Never yield toforce. Never yield to the apparentlyoverwhelming might of the enemy!”

Let me emphasize that Satan is ourenemy. As he confronts us as we traveldown life’s road, let us heed Churchill’swords and never give in and never giveup.

I leave you with the inspired words ofthe Apostle John from I John 4. “2Herebyknow ye the Spirit of God: Every spiritthat confesseth that Jesus Christ iscome in the flesh is of God: 3 And everyspirit that confesseth not that JesusChrist is come in the flesh is not of God:and this is that spirit of antichrist,whereof ye have heard that it shouldcome; and even now already is it in theworld. 4 Ye are of God, little children,and have overcome them: becausegreater is he that is in you, than he thatis in the world.Make sure that you have set your heartto overcome for Christ’s sake. Congratulations on your academicachievements and may God richly blessyou all.

A letter of thanks from Grady HiggsTo The Churches of the BMAA

It has been my privilege to serve thechurches of the BMAA as ExecutiveDirector of Missions for the past sevenyears. It has been a wonderful experi-ence and I thank God for allowing me toserve Him in this capacity. As I closethis stage of ministry, I do so withthanksgiving to God for all of His bless-ings upon BMAA Missions. I also carrya deep sense of gratitude for the pastorsand members of BMAA churchesthroughout the world for their supportand cooperation.

My life has been significantly en-riched by being a part of the mission

work of the BMAA. I have been soblessed as I have interacted with ourmissionaries, pastors, and churches.God has truly blessed the BMAA withsome of His finest men and women whoserve as our missionaries. It has been ablessing to visit various mission fieldsand to witness their work as well as thededication and work of our ForeignNationals.

I thank God for the privilege of serv-ing with the fine men and women in theoffice, and for those who have served onthe Advisory Committee during my ten-ure in the Missions Office. Another rich

blessing hasbeen to see theresponse of ourpeople enrollingin the Interces-sory PrayerF o r c e . H o wwonderful ithas been to seetheir commit-ment in bring-ing our mission-aries to God inprayer eachday.

I thank my dear wife, Norita, for herfaithful support in this ministry. Thetruth is, I couldn’t have done it without

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Grady Higgs

6 May 15, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

GMA GirlsGMA Promoter - Beth Caldwell

166 Twin Creek Rd, Lucedale, MS 39452601-947-6011

Sunbeam Promoter - Linda Dertinger132 HowardHill Road, Soso, MS 39480

601-729-2908

GMA Newsby Carli ReederMississippi GMA State President

Hello Everyone! As you all know summertime isarriving quickly which means summer camps willalso be here shortly. National GMA Camp will beginJune 15th and end June 18th. The Theme is “HowGreat is Our God”, and the theme verse is I Chronicles16:25. The project for this year is the Philippine BibleCollege, and the goal is $25,000.

The Pastor for the week will be Bro. Luis Ortega,Director of Programming for LifeWord Media Minis-tries. The National Officers have decided to decorate inthe theme of stars and outer space. Some of the campactivities will be Shining Stars for girls who are inthere Maiden through Princess Steps, and then therewill be a Queens Day.

Afterglow will be one of the fun activities for girls toget to share their talents with others. There will bemany other activities planned, and it will be a greattime for all of the girls to come together. The officershave worked extremely hard for this camp to be thebest and for everyone to have a great experience. I hopethat you all will be able to come and just join us in thetime of Worship and Praise to our God. He is trulygoing to Bless this year.

I just ask that you would keep this camp in yourprayers and also the lives that will be touched. Wehope to see many girls come to know Christ throughthis camp. Pray that God will continue to work in andthrough each one who has taken part in planning forthis camp. Our heartbeat is to reach the lost. Wethank you in advance for all your prayers.

Sofilthy'sAttic

by Barbara White

Be EccentricI get a "briar in my craw" (if you don'tknow what that is, ask a chicken) everytime I hear a youngun' say, "Well, ev-

erybody else is doing it." Well, so what? God went toa lot of trouble making us all different, our fingerprints, our voices, our DNA, etc., all prove that we aredifferent. Then most humans start at an early agetrying to be like every body else. And age doesn't seemto have much influence on this yearning to be likeeverybody else. Look at clothing styles, hair styles,cars, trucks, etc., etc. Our preacher said the other daythat even adults are influenced by peer pressure to belike everybody else.

Maybe we need to be reminded of the scripture inPsalm 139:14. "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully andwonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and thatmy soul knoweth right well."

Be an original. If that means being a little eccentric,so be it.

The Holy Land Hosted by Kirk & Toni Shelton

Departing November 2, 2010 $3,198.00 from Dallas

Your Program Features:

• First-class hotels • Professional English-speaking guides • Breakfast & dinner daily plus all tips and taxes • Visits to sites such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Sea of Galilee,

Megiddo, Jericho, Qumran, Masada, and much more • A special overnight stay at a Dead Sea resort

Space is limited! Call for more information:

Kirk Shelton 972.935.6898 kirk@fellowshipforney.org Kirk & Toni Shelton

News FromNews FromNews FromNews FromNews FromBMAA MissionsBMAA MissionsBMAA MissionsBMAA MissionsBMAA MissionsCouple plans to serve in Couple plans to serve in Couple plans to serve in Couple plans to serve in Couple plans to serve in AfricaAfricaAfricaAfricaAfrica

Bradney and Eileen Lopez feel called of the Lordto serve as BMA missionaries in Angola, Africa.They are from the "Church Without Walls" inGuayama, Puerto Rico. Bradney will graduate witha degree in missions from Central Baptist College inDecember.

They are planning a survey trip to Angola in Julyof this year in order to evaluate current ministriesand plan for future ministry. If you would like tosupport them please send your offerings to the BMAMissions office in Little Rock, Arkansas, marked"Bradney and Eileen Lopez." The Lopez's have twochildren Jose Daniel and Jireh.

Dr. John David SmithExecutive Director of MissionsBMA of America

Prisoners BiblePrisoners BiblePrisoners BiblePrisoners BiblePrisoners BibleCrusade ReportCrusade ReportCrusade ReportCrusade ReportCrusade Report

For the year 2010 PBC have given free to prisoners1,916 English Bibles; 640 Spanish Bibles; Biblestotals, 2,556; 344 New Testaments; All Study Books5,146; 972 Study helps, totals for all Bibles andmaterials to date in 2010 is 9,018. These were sent into22 prisons. Chaplains report 544 people saved (19,386since 1/1/2000). 9 new Chaplain requesting Biblesfor the 1st time.

I have traveled 5,988 miles, I have personally seen2 confessions of Faith in Jesus Christ 2010 (311 since1/12000), visited 7 churches, 10 associations meeting& 20 prisons visits, taught 23 bible study classes,

taught 1 volunteer worker's class. I have preached 6sermons in churches, 6 in prisons. PBC's EvangelisticTeam has conducted 6 Worship services in prisons in2010.

Since 1973 we have given 193,938 Bibles; Total forall bibles and materials: 565,501

Praise the Lord for this note! The WMA Ladies ofthe BMA of America reached their goal of raising$10,000.00 to buy books for women in prison. Theygave to our ministry 2,410 study books for women. Wehave sent 1,226 of them along with bibles to 7 stateprisons for women already. Our goal is to place all thebooks along with bibles into as many women's prisonsas possible during the coming weeks. This hasincreased our postage expense but, so far the Lord hassupplied for the need.

Once again I ask that you pray about a "PrisonersFamily Ministry" in your Church. The Goal is toministry to families with love ones in Prison!

On May 4, 2010; The Prisoners Bible Crusade was37 years old, Praise the Lord!

Letter from a Women's prisonLetter from a Women's prisonLetter from a Women's prisonLetter from a Women's prisonLetter from a Women's prisonin Muncy, Pennsylvaniain Muncy, Pennsylvaniain Muncy, Pennsylvaniain Muncy, Pennsylvaniain Muncy, Pennsylvania

Dear Friends in Christ: Thank you for yourrecent donation of the Spanish and King James Ver-sion Bibles, Also the books for women dated April,2010. The community here at SCI - Muncy greatlyappreciate your continued Thoughtfulness and gener-osity. Have a blessed day.

Sincerely,D. Reitz, Chaplain; FCPD

Again, our thanks for your prayers and support forthis Bible Ministry to people in prisons.

Paul E. Lee, Director PBCIsaiah 55:11 inside prisons!

7May 15, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

BMA Seminary 2010 Class

Grads Front Row Left to Right:Grads Front Row Left to Right:Grads Front Row Left to Right:Grads Front Row Left to Right:Grads Front Row Left to Right:Alfred Kundasai Njau, Kilmanjaro, Tanzania; Ashraf NabeelAnwer Sara, Baghdad, Iraq; Nicholas K. Kerry, Mineola, Texas;Billy Jo. Garrett, Bullard, Texas; Jill Alana Weisner, Lufkin,Texas; Paulina K. Anaab, Kumasi, Ghana; Dante’ McCain, Shreve-port, Louisiana; Juanita Johnson, Shreveport, Louisiana; AliceHolland, Shreveport, Louisiana; Wade A. Hobbs, Palestine, Texas;Lucy Wachuka Kamau, Kerugoya, Kenya; Richard Joseph Miller,Mixon, Texas

Grads Second Row Left to Right:Grads Second Row Left to Right:Grads Second Row Left to Right:Grads Second Row Left to Right:Grads Second Row Left to Right:Warner Johnson Collier, III, Tyler, Texas; Scott Attebery, ElDorado, Arkansas; Kenneth W. Johnson, Sr., Ft. Worth, Texas;James L. Brown, Shreveport, Louisiana; Marvin Lawrence Tay-lor, Tyler, Texas

Grads Third Row Left to Right:Grads Third Row Left to Right:Grads Third Row Left to Right:Grads Third Row Left to Right:Grads Third Row Left to Right:Clinton Eric Goble, Emerson, AR; Gena Medley Smith, Humble,Texas; Brian Keith Harris, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; LawrenceThomas, Little Rock, Arkansas; Joe Dan Ballard, Jacksonville,Texas; Joshua C. Currie, Kennard, Texas; Marcus L. Ellison,Shreveport, Louisiana

SOAR ‘10June 30 – July 2, 2010

Sheraton Hotel in Dallas, TexasRoom rate $109 per night

1-888-627-8191Direct 214-922-8000

SOAR Registration - $70www.DiscipleGuide.org/conferences

Deadline June 7th

John David Smith

Bobby Tucker

Darin Neely

Know Hope Collective featuring Mark and Will from Audio Adrenaline

Solace FoundWorship

Reach Your CityBoarders for Christ

Thor RamseyComedian

Commission on Senior AdultsVern D.Holifield, Director

4226 Highway 15 NorthLaurel, Mississippi 39440

I am writing this article onMay 19, 2010. We have a beau-tiful day here in South Missis-sippi. The Lord has given ussome needed rain. The freshveggies are really good. I pityfolks who are not able to have agarden and enjoy the fresh veg-etables. God is good today, andHe is good all the time.

AssociationsAssociationsAssociationsAssociationsAssociationsMy wife and I attended the

National Association in April.We were honored to representour home church, Calvary Bap-tist in Taylorsville. Brother

John Riles is our pastor. TheBMAA meeting in Ft. Smithwas one of the best nationalmeetings I have attended in along time. The fellowship was

tops. The preaching was great.The combined choirs did a greatjob. I was proud of our South-eastern College Choir. One ofthe highlights was the electionof missionaries. Mississippi waswell represented as four youngladies from Mississippi wereelected to serve on foreign fields.Besides this, our new ExecutiveDirector of Missions is a Missis-sippi native.

We attended the midyearmeeting of the BMAM on May18. We met with the OaklandBaptist Church, Vicksburg, andpastor Justin Rhodes. This was

one of the best meetings Ihave attended here in Mis-sissippi. The fellowshipwas good, the singing wasgreat, and the messagewas powerful. BrotherDewitt Bain was at hisbest. An important mat-ter or two was discussed.Harmony was noted in itall.

It’s A FactIt’s A FactIt’s A FactIt’s A FactIt’s A FactEvery facet of our lives

is under attack today. OurChristian testimony, our fam-ily, our church, our associations,our nation, our lively hood, ourbank accounts, and our health

care. It is time for us to clean upour own lives. It time for us tocheck up on our Spiritual tem-perature. How close am I to Godand His will? How committedam I to the Word of God and tothe work of God? Am I commit-ted to God and His work, or amI committed to my little worldalone? It is a fact, it is time toexamine ourselves, and it is timeto pray about every facet of ourlives. Yourself, your family, yourchurch, your Associationalwork, your country all need ourprayers, not our criticism.

I am humbly proud to be num-bered with Missionary Baptists.I love the Bible doctrines webelieve. I believe our principlesof cooperation are Scriptural.Are we men and women whoserve in the Association perfect?No, but neither is any one else.

Bluegrass Music from Mississippi Five

Door prize drawing

continued on page 8continued on page 8continued on page 8continued on page 8continued on page 8

8 May 15, 2010 • Mississippi Baptist

Grady Higgs Letterfrom page 5from page 5from page 5from page 5from page 5

The North Senior DayThe North Senior DayThe North Senior DayThe North Senior DayThe North Senior DayThe Lord gave us a wonderful day. East

Fulton Baptist Church and Brother GarySmith did a wonderful job hosting themeeting. The music was good all day. Dr.John Adams and Brother Todd West deliv-ered two powerful messages. The food wasgood as well. We registered 140. We willpush for 200 next year.

The theme for the two conferences wasevangelism. The music and the preachingall zeroed in on the theme. I believe thework of evangelism is coming to life againin our churches. Jesus said go, and as yougo make disciples. That Commission hasnever been changed or nullified by theLord. As churches we both go and grow, orwe dry up and die. The late Brother W.J.Burgess use to say, "a church is either onthe way to the mission field, or to thegraveyard."

Church VisitsChurch VisitsChurch VisitsChurch VisitsChurch VisitsWe enjoyed visits to Broadmoor, Merid-

ian and the New Heart Mission inHattiesburg.

her.Norita and I thank you for your prayers,

your invitations to visit your churchesand the opportunities to share in the workof BMAA Missions. We have grown to loveour people as we visited in hundreds ofchurches and associations. You have beensuch a blessing to us.

Words cannot express our shock at yourgenerosity shown to us at the recent meet-ing of the BMAA in Fort Smith. Thanksfor your kind words, your expressions ofthanks and the gift of a vacation in Ha-waii. We appreciate your kindness andlove so much.

How thankful I am that God has raisedup Dr. John David Smith to serve as ournew Executive Director. He is a man ofvision and commitment to Christ. God hasespecially prepared him to lead in everyfacet of mission work. Dr. Smith is one ofthe finest young men I know and he will doan excellent job of leading our missionprogram to new levels of excellence. He isassuming a role with gigantic responsi-bilities and he, and his family, will needyour prayerful support in every way.

In my opinion, it is time for us older mento step aside and thrust younger men intopositions of leadership, and to walk alongbeside them as they lead. God is raising upa new generation of young men who areanointed of God as pastors of BMAAchurches and they need to assume posi-tions of leadership in our Association. Ipraise God that John David Smith is oneof these.

I will continue to assist Dr. Smithanyway he desires. My prayer is that ourFather in Heaven will continue to pour outHis blessings upon the BMAA and that wewill continue to increase our effectivenessin making disciples throughout the na-tions. May God be glorified through thework of BMAA Missions as we reachthe world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

With Brotherly Love,Grady Higgs

Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior Adults Adults Adults Adults Adults - from page 7- from page 7- from page 7- from page 7- from page 7