JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

www.msbaptist.orgAugust 1, 2017 VOL. 71 NO. 15

Overseas Bible School & Witnessing in Tanzania

Blessings, Impressions, and Experiences of My First Mission Trip

Twelve year old Kennedy Goodwin withTanzanian child during Overseas Bible School

by Kennedy Goodwinby Kennedy Goodwinby Kennedy Goodwinby Kennedy Goodwinby Kennedy GoodwinKennedy is the 12 year olddaughter of Jason and JessicaGoodwin. Jason is pastor ofFirst Baptist Church of ShadyGrove, Laurel, Mississippi. TheGoodwin family has a rich his-tory of missions in the BMA ofAmerica. Rocky Goodwin, of EIMMinistries, is Jason’s grandfa-ther. His father MichaelGoodwin carries on the legacy ofEIM. Jason is also involved inEIM having made a number oftrips teaching, preaching andministering under the EIM ban-ner. Jessica’s father is Dr. Mar-tin Jameson, currently a profes-sor at Central College in ConwayArkansas.

My name is KennedyGoodwin, and I recently went onmy first mission trip. My fatherand I traveled to Tanzania, Af-rica, with a team assembled byEvangelistic International Min-

istries. Not only was this myfirst mission trip, but it was alsomy first time to be on an air-plane. I enjoyed taking off andlanding, but it was frustratingto have to sit still for 10 hoursstraight. It took us nearly 5

days to get to our final destina-tion due to delayed flights anddifferent issues traveling nearlyhalfway around the world. Al-though it was a difficult trip, itwas very exciting. Our mainpurpose was to put on an Over-

seas Bible School for a smallvillage just outside of Shinyangain Tanzania. Wealso attended achurch service,shared the gospelthrough hut to hutevangelism, andvisited an orphan-age for albino chil-dren.

I had the privilege of attend-ing a Sunday morning churchservice in one of the villages ofShinyanga. It was a fascinat-ing experience. The church wevisited was planted thirteenyears ago and met outside.Eighty-five to one hundredpeople attended this service. TheAfrican people were joyful, theysang and some danced duringthe service. My father preachedand used a translator becausethe Tanzanians speak Swahili.They were all very welcomingand liked to shake hands with

our group. It was awesome to seetheir style of worship and regu-

lar church service.It was very differ-ent from worshipservices I’ve seen inAmerica.Each morning be-

fore Bible school wewent hut to hut in

and around the tiny village andshared the gospel. Mondaythrough Wednesday our teamsplit up into groups of four. Eachgroup went with people from thelocal church and a translator.Those we met were eager to hearand they all welcomed us. Theyliked to take pictures and en-gage us in conversation. Theyalso made sure we always had aplace to sit weather it was astump or a small block of wood.It was fun to see all of theirgoats, hens, and dogs because

One woman hadbeen worshiping

her ancestorsher entire life

continued on page 2

What We’re Doing/Where We’re Going at LifewordLifeword Community Radio and the Lifeword Cloud

by Holly Meriweatherby Holly Meriweatherby Holly Meriweatherby Holly Meriweatherby Holly Meriweather

There are 16,000 peoplegroups in the world, and 7,000 ofthem are considered “unreached”with the gospel. A people group isconsidered unreached (UPG)when there is no indigenous com-munity of believing Christiansable to engage them with churchplanting. Generally, that meansless than 2 percent have heardthe name of Jesus. Lifeword’sgoal has been and always will beto seek out those people groupsand present the gospel via theairwaves and all available tech-

nology.In 1965 Harvest Gleaner

Hour (as Lifeword was called foralmost 30 years) began its gos-pel programing from a high-wattage St. Louis radio station.This traditional “broad” castingfrom high wattage stations wasits primary transmissionmethod until four years agowhen a BMA lay leader and theLifeword team began exploringthe idea of using “narrow” cast-ing through low-wattage, inex-pensive equipment that, for themost part, did not require gov-ernment licensing. Once an an-

tennae was installed from thehighest point in a village, on achurch, or at the top of a moun-tain, broadcasts could be heardin a five- to seven-mile radius.In a small village where peoplelive and work within that dis-tance, it has proven to be anincredible gospel tool for indig-enous pastors, churches, churchplanters, and missionaries.

From its fledgling beginningsbroadcasting Kekchi-languageBible reading into a Guatema-lan military base from a nearbyKekchi church, the idea hastaken root and Lifeword Com-

munity Radio (LCR) stationsare now scattered from Chile toMexico, from the western coastof Liberia all the way acrossAfrica to Tanzania, and acrossAsia from Cambodia to remotemountains of the Philippines.BMA churches and missionsare now using LCR to touch thelives of people in ways that pas-tors and missionaries say theynever could have without radio.

The process begins whenLifeword’s visionary leaders inthe Philippines, Africa and Cen-

Raising antenna for stationcontinued on page 4

2 August 1, 2017 • Mississippi Baptist

Ministering To Young Peopleby Anders Lee

they just roamed around their yards.Our team mostly ministered to womenand children because the men wereusually away from home during thistime. There were many large families.We shared the gospel and scripturewith them and several confessed “Jesusis Lord.” “Yesu ni Bwana” (in Swahili).

Putting on an Overseas Bible Schoolwas the main purpose of our trip. It wasa great way to share the gospel withchildren. The Bible school was Mondaythrough Thursday from 2-4 p.m. Ourteam was expecting 200-250 children,

had accepted Christ. Moses, our trans-lator and friend, translated my prayer.I was excited to see people respond to thegospel and accept Christ as their Sav-ior. One woman had been worshipingher ancestors her entire life. When she

heard the gospel, she accepted Jesus asher Savior and without prompting threwoff her ancestry beads and said shewould not need them anymore becausenow she had Jesus. This woman wasone of many who accepted Christ duringour time there. It was amazing to seeJesus work in the lives of so manypeople. This trip helped me better un-derstand missions and why we need toshare the gospel with everyone. I hopethis will be one of many trips to Tanza-nia.

Kennedy's father Jason Goodwin with al-bino orphans they ministered to in Tanzania

It’s camp season again! Youth groupsall over the BMA are rolling out! Iabsolutely love camp, been going since Iwas 8. Our group went to camp thisyear! WOW!!! I came home on a “Moun-tain Top” because my son Simon wassaved! Camps have always been instru-mental in our family and ministry.

In 2003, our youth made our annualtrek down to Wiggins,Mississippi, for camp!Latrelle Windhamwas still the StateYouth Director (hesure was devoted)! Imiss camp with himat “Perk!” Well, I di-gress… It was a spe-cial time in my life,bitter sweet actually. I knew that itwould be my last camp with our groupafter serving as youth pastor for nineyears. As I went, some sorrow filled theback side of my heart. Yet, I had a lot ofjoy as we took 73 teens and 11 sponsors!You should have seen us, we looked likea caravan of gypsies.

The camp went by fast and furious asmost camps do. In preparation for it, Ihad challenged the group to each come

The Mountain Topaway from camp with at least threethings from God. Wow! I could never inwords tell you what God did. Seventeens were saved that week, many otherspiritual decisions were made.

When we left the camp and headednorthbound, we were on the “MountainTop!” Our buses were connected byradio. The trip home was designed to be

open mic time. Student after studentcame to the mic, all the buses listened toeach share what God had done in theirlife! Over 50 teens had made some sortof decision that week! MAN!!! The tearswere flowing! The last student (AshleyMartin) boo-hooed and shared. She lit-erally said when she finished, “I’m sohigh on the mountain I can nearlytouch heaven’s floor!” She’s a YouthPastor’s wife now.

You NEVER FORGET special timeslike that in youth ministry! “MountainTops” are awesome! Here are a few tipsfor them:

PRAY FERVENTLY!Moments like I described don’t just

happen. Sure, God can do what Hewants - when He wants, but from myexperience, times like those are born inprayer! I think of the Psalmist when hesaid; “Those who sow in tears shall reapwith shouts of joy!” Make it a weeklyhabit to gather your team, get on yourknees and cry out to God for students toturn to Christ, grow spiritually andsurrender their lives to Christ! In yourprivate prayer closet call their namesout individually. Intercede for thembefore the Lord! No matter what funthings you plan for them to keep themcoming, the battle for their lives issurely won on your knees! So PRAY!Ask God to do incredible things in theirlives individually and in the overallgroup! Remember Jesus said in John15:5 “apart from me you can do noth-ing.”

BE INTENTIONAL!When you plan for special occasions,

you should intentionally engage yourstudents before and as you go to thesecamps. A week or so before, start tellingyour kids that you are praying specifi-cally for them. Make the effort to bepersonal with them. Let them knowthat you are there for them and avail-

able to talk if they need to. Tell each ofthem you can’t wait to see what theLord will do in their lives! Spiritualshepherds don’t manipulate their people,but they do lead them and challengethem. As Pastors we are called to exhortand edify those in our care.

DON’T MISS THE MOMENT!When the date comes, don’t mess it

up! I’ve seen Youth Pastors get con-sumed when they are on trips. Somebecome “Nazi” rule makers. They are sostrict that their agenda of keeping everykid in line builds walls. Some are suchkids themselves that they are bouncingaround in the fun of it all. Then othersare exclusive with their group. Theyhave their favorites, spend most of thetime with them, and invest more in thatholy huddle. Don’t be that guy! Whenyou get to camp don’t forget why you arethere. It can be a very special time if youdon’t mess it up!

TAKE TIME!It’s so exciting when God’s Spirit

begins to convict and draw people toHim! Very early on in my youth minis-try I normally was super busy. At thisone camp, I saw ole Bud Dixon sitting offto the side with a teen boy. It was duringactivity time. He and the boy werepraying. When I came back by, I stoppedto ask how it turned out. Bud laughedwith joy saying he prayed to receiveChrist! Bud always took time to beavailable to the kids at camp. Watchingan older brother taught me a lesson.Paul told Timothy, “do the work of anevangelist.” Man! If you can’t take timeto minister to teens at camp I don’tknow when you will. Make sure youmajor on the spiritual moments at campnot the itinerary!

CELEBRATE & CAPITALIZE!When you head home don’t just chalk

it up as another camp “in the books.”Give God the praise by letting those kidsshare what He did in their lives! Plan apraise service that immediately followsyour return. While the work of the Lordis fresh in their hearts, “let the re-deemed of the Lord say so!” The realwork begins after camp. Capitalize onwhat happened with intentional followup discipleship! Some will need disciple-ship on baptism while others need yourpersonal investment over time to helpthem follow thru with the decisionsthey made! That’s the meat and pota-toes of youth ministry right there! So,get to work dude!

The reality is the group won’t stay onthe “Mountain Top” If you do the followup work correctly, through time whathappened while you were there will bearmore fruit in those kids lives and yourministry than you can even imagine!

Lee is a church planter in Southhaven,Mississippi. He is a pastor and formeryouth minister and may be contacted atanders.lee571@gmail.com

You NEVER FORGET special timeslike that in youth ministry!

“Mountain Tops” are awesome!

Anders Lee

but we ended up having many more.The Bible school was at the area school.Our team was made up of 13 workersand several translators. The Bible les-sons taught the children about cre-ation, sin, the flood, and Jesus’ life anddeath on the cross. We also did craftswith them, and played games. Thechildren were fascinated with Ameri-cans. The little girls would come andhold my hands. They also liked to seethemselves in pictures we took. Therewere more than 600 children and 300adults on our last day.

We also visited an orphanage whichwas predominately for albino children.We gave the orphanage rice, cooking oil,sugar, flour, and some fun things likecandy and kick balls. Sadly, albinochildren are looked down upon becauseof how different they are so we told themthat they were loved and they weremade in God’s image. We also taughtthem a silly song and played with them.I’m so grateful that we were able to loveand spend time with those children.

Ultimately, my favorite thing we didwas the hut to hut evangelism. It wasa great way for us to share the gospelwith people in their homes. On the lastday I was asked to pray for those who

My First Mission Trip from page 1

A group of children ministered to duringthe Tanzanian Overseas Bible School

3August 1, 2017 • Mississippi Baptist

From The Mind of Chuck Lee

Not Good To Be Alone

Bro. Chuck Lee

Not only is it not good to bealone, but it is very good to

assemble ourselves together

I didn't say it. God said it. "It is notgood that the man should be alone"(Gen. 2:18). The wolf tends to target thesheep that wanders off by itself. Divideand conquer is the motto of the enemy.Don Henley and Glenn Fry actually didfairly well by goingsolo, but even they re-united for a while.

My wife and chil-dren have on occasiongone off somewhereleaving me at homealone. Let me tell you,it is nothing like thatmovie with the little boy staving off therobbers. I find myself the victim ofconscientiousness. I stay consciencewell into the wee hours of the morning,living off of a couple of hours of sleepeach night. It's weird. For some rea-son, their lack of presence affects myday to day and night to night routine.

In twenty four years of preaching, Ihave had to be gone from Sunday ser-vices at the church I pastor very fewtimes. In fact, including an illness ofsome sort, I could probably count on onehand the times I have had to miss.There have been a few mid-week ser-vices due to revivals and such throughthe years. Every time I am away, thereis a sense of emptiness. Not only is itnot good to be alone, but it is very goodto assemble ourselves together. Again,

not my words. The devil has convincedmany that this is not true, but Goddoesn't lie. (I'll just throw this in for nocharge. If you make a habit of missingthe assembly of the church, you areseparating yourself from the flock. Re-

member the wolf!)I have been guilty of talking to my-

self. My wife questioned me about thisone day, so I told her I only do this whenI desire an intelligent conversation. Thatdid not go well. For a while, I had plentyof time to converse with myself, but Iwound up getting in an argument withmyself and quit speaking to myself.That is the ultimate occasion of loneli-ness, when you won't even speak toyourself.

Being a child of God means you arenever alone. And, I guarantee anyconversation you have with Him will bebetter than the one you have with your-self.Lee serves as pastor of Pine Grove BaptistChurch, Purvis. He may be reached byemail at leecharles47@yahoo.com

Pray One DayJoin other pastors in Mississippi/Alabama area to pray for revival in the

church, and also learn how to develop a culture of prayer in your own localchurch body.

This free training will take place on August 7, and lunch will be providedduring this full day of training. These four sessions will be included:

- Making prayer a priority in worship- Community-wide prayer events- Starting a prayer movement with other pastors- How to have a praying Sunday school or small group

Pastor Todd West, leader of DiscipleGuide’s Activate church revitalizationministry, will be conducting the training, and welcomes all pastors to register!The training will be located at 77 Midway Church Rd., Sumrall, Mississippi,from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 7.

To register for this training, email DiscipleGuide at heidi@discipleguide.org,or call 501-749-4500.

Church member recognized for serviceFor 25 years, Charles Ashley never missed a Jones County Junior College Board

of Trustees meeting. He was recognized at the statewide meeting of the MississippiAssociation of Community & Junior College’s Board of Trustees and at a recentJCJC Board of Trustees meeting. Despite a heart attack, knee replacement surgeryand his battle with esophageal cancer, he has not allowed anything to prevent himfrom attending every monthlyboard meeting over the 25years.

Ashley shared, “My proud-est accomplishment as a JonesCounty Junior College Boardof Trustees member has toinclude seeing the campus im-provements and the new build-ings. Together as a board,we’ve accomplished a lot.”

Despite being unable to at-tend the two-year college, twoof his three siblings and bothchildren all attended or gradu-ated from JCJC. He explained,“I registered for classes thenmy dad died at the age of 43. Ihad to work and care for mysiblings, Bobby, and Larry,who attended JCJC, and mysister, Marcella who graduated from Jones. My wife Diane and I are both proud ofour son Charles Renee and daughter Delinda who graduated from Jones. Also,Diane and I are both Lifetime Members of the JCJC Alumni Association.”

Ashley, currently the longest serving member of the JCJC Board of Trustees, isa member of First Baptist Church of Shady Grove, Laurel. He is the head usher andgreets each one as they enter the church each Sunday.

Jones County Junior College President Dr. Jesse Smithpresents a plaque of recognition and appreciation toCharles Ray Ashley for his years of service.

4 August 1, 2017 • Mississippi Baptist

Church of the Covered Dish BY THOMAS TAPP

Journal of the Baptist MissionaryAssociation of MississippiDon Brown

Editor

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

USPS 353-960P.O. Box 8181

Laurel, Mississippi 39441-8000

Phone 601-426-3293

PRICE$20.00 Per Year by Mail

$15.00 Per Year by EmailCHURCH PLAN

$ 1.30 Per Month per Family

Published on the 1stand 15th of each month bythe Baptist Missionary As-sociation of Mississippi.Periodical postage paid atHattiesburg, Mississippi39402.

Postmaster: Sendaddress changes to

Mississippi Baptist PaperP.O. Box 8181

Laurel, MS 39441-8000

What We’re Doing at Lifewordcontinued from front page

tral and South America findpeople groups who have neverheard the gospel in their heartlanguages. Sometimes theirsearches include difficulties likeflood-swollen rivers, mosquito-infested jungles, muddy roads,dense mountain foliage, cara-bao (and other animal) trans-portation, and uncertainweather conditions. Oncethey’ve discovered unreachedareas, these leaders will makecontact with nearby pastors orchurches who pay the $350 forLCR equipment, which is a nec-essary part of the process: Ifthey “own” it, they’re more likelyto use it.

Next, in a perfect example ofthe multiplication process, vi-sionary leaders identify, train,and coach other leaders in in-stallation, maintenance and op-eration of new LCR stations intheir areas of ministry. This iswhere ministry support part-ners are needed. The cost of this

Training local pastors & workers is key to effectiveness of LCR stations

training can be as high as $1,800for travel, transportation andaccommodations. Expenses aregreatly reduced, however, whenindigenous broadcasters, stationmanagers and engineers can dothe training, but Lifeword USAis always available for supportand coaching.

At present there are about 80of these little stations on the air.While most are able to operate

without licenses, that is not al-ways the case. Three stations(that we know of) are in the finalstages of being formally licensedby their country’s governmen-tal communications authorities.

Lifeword Community Radiois reaching the unreachedthrough “broad” and “narrow”casting, and now the vision con-tinues with the Lifeword Cloud.Plans are in the works for arepository of broadcasts and dis-cipleship materials accessible inthe heart languages ofunreached people groups. In thecoming months, the specifics ofthose plans will be released, sopray for the Lifeword team aswe seek God’s guidance in thiseffort.

Dale WirickDale Wirick is available for pul-

pit supply or wherever the Lordmay lead. He may be reached at228-281-6476 or 228-235-2731or by email atwd40wirick67@gmail.com.

Laurel Church Staff OpeningsParkview Baptist Church is cur-

rently accepting resumes for theposition of part-time music direc-tor. Please send resumes topastor@pbclaurel.com or contact

Staff Openings Available For Service

Making a DifferenceWe often hear the phrase "make a difference". That is something

that many individuals aspire to, but seemingly far too many fail toaccomplish. The Christian is certainly commanded to "make adifference" in the lives of others and in this world.

In this issue you will find many references to individuals, ministries,and efforts that are actively making a difference in this world. Christcommands us to go and make a difference. Our front page story byKennedy Goodwin is certainly an example of individuals making adifference. We have a featuring a layman who is making a differencein his church and his community. Charles Ashley is a good example ofmaking a difference in his community and affecting the lives of others.

As you look at these two articles and also consider our othercontent, we ask that you think about individuals and/or ministries thatyou know of in your local church. We are looking for good examplesof living out the Gospel and influencing our world for good. We wouldlike to share the works and ministries of others with our readers.

Our desire is that by looking at these types of activities we willrejoice with those who are involved and let them encourage us toindividually and collectively be engaged in life work and ministry withthe desire and purpose of 'making a difference'.

If you would like to share some activity with us give us a call at 601-426-3293 or email the editor at E-mail.

Phone Apps AvailableI had a conversation recently with one of our staff writers concern-

ing sharing information in the most effective way. He said bluntly, "Youneed a phone app to allow our young people and others to connectwith the paper. That is how so many get their news and informationtoday."

He was talking specifically about teens and youth, but the applica-tion covers all age groups today. We have taken steps in this direc-tion and now have an Android app for phones and tablets and an Apple(ios) app for those with Iphones, etc.

Go to your various source for apps - Play Store for Android and theApple Store for I-phones. We will upgrade and update the apps asneeded.

These apps will give you access to our website and the informationthat is posted there. The full issue of the Mississippi Baptist is still onlyavailable by subscription, but this service is free.

We will have various articles available on these apps and strive topost information appealing to our followers. Let us know what youthink!

Church Seeks PastorWilderness Baptist Church, in

Vicksburg, Mississippi, is seekinga full time pastor. Our currentaverage Sunday morning wor-ship service attendance is 45 to48. Our SundaySchool attendance averagesaround 20. For anyone inter-ested, please send a resume' toWilderness Baptist Church, 5415-C Gibson Road, Vicksburg, MS39180.

Bro. Shane Singleton at 601-319-0344.

Parkview Baptist Church is cur-rently accepting resumes for theposition of part-time church sec-retary. Must have bookkeepingexperience and be familiar withQuicken. Please send resumes topastor@pbclaurel.com or contactBro. Shane Singleton at 601-319-0344.

5August 1, 2017 • Mississippi Baptist

Dr. Scott CarsonPresident

Serving Christ With a Biblical World View In A Christian Atmosphere

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

SoutheasternBaptist College

President’s PerspectiveI took last week off to be with my

family as grandbaby number four wasborn. Both baby and mom are doinggreat and Theo (Theodore) is enjoyingbeing loved on by his parents and sib-lings… not to mention Gigi and Kerpa(that’s Linda and I)! It does my heartgood to see our children and grandchil-dren doing well and growing towardmaturity with strongfaith in the Lord. Iam committed as afather and grandfa-ther to help themgrow in the Lord andto become respect-able Christian peoplewhom I am proud ofto carry on the legacyof the Carson name.It reminds me of thepassage in 3 John 4: “I have no greaterjoy than to hear that my children walkin truth.”

In a similar way, Southeastern Bap-tist College carries a tremendous legacyof faithful Christian leaders. Since com-ing to Southeast Mississippi I haveheard many reports of the powerfulimpressions this college has had onpeople related to the school. Manyalumni have stopped by reminiscingtheir blessed days while they studiedhere on our campus. They always stopand gaze upon the pictures of our pastpresidents while sharing fond memo-ries with the rest of us. Current stu-dents love their professors and staff andoften help us to recruit others to attend

this great institution of the BMA ofMississippi.

Recently, members of the staff con-ducted an annual review of statistics asrequired by our accrediting agency. Thatsounds really boring, right? Well, onestatistic stood out among the rest. Wediscovered that Southeastern BaptistCollege students score higher than thenational average in EVERY category intheir required Bible exam of the 139colleges represented in the NationalAssociation of Biblical Higher Educa-tion! Now that’s a legacy to uphold! Youcan be proud of the professors and staffof Southeastern Baptist College! Helpspread the word of this school’s highestmarks earned in Christian education.This is THE college that you, yourchildren and grandchildren should at-tend and we have the boring statistics toback that statement up!

In all things shewing thyself a pat-tern of good works: in doctrine shewinguncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, soundspeech, that cannot be condemned; thathe that is of the contrary part may beashamed, having no evil thing to say ofyou. Titus 2:7-8

Special EmphasisSpecial EmphasisSpecial EmphasisSpecial EmphasisSpecial EmphasisSoutheastern Baptist College’s Spe-

cial Emphasis Month continues to theend of August for focused donationsfrom churches and individuals. All BMAof Mississippi churches should havereceived materials to assist them in thecollege’s fund-raising campaign. If youdid not receive your packet, give us acall and we will get it mailed to you

immediately. Our goal is to raise$20,000. As a reminder, SoutheasternBaptist College is a 501(c)(3) certifiedtax deductible charity.

President Installation ObservancePresident Installation ObservancePresident Installation ObservancePresident Installation ObservancePresident Installation ObservanceYou are invited to an Inauguration

Ceremony for Dr. Scott R. Carson inrecognition of him taking the reins ofleadership for Southeastern BaptistCollege. The event will be held at South-eastern Baptist College on August 3,2017 at 6 pm in the college gymnasium.Dignitaries attending include presidentsor vice presidents of each BMAA educa-tional institution, the Mayor of Laurel,the President of the Association of Bib-lical Higher Education, and the Lieu-tenant Governor of Mississippi. If at-tending, please R.S.V.P. by calling theschool at 601-426-6346.

Fall Pre-registrationFall Pre-registrationFall Pre-registrationFall Pre-registrationFall Pre-registrationTime is short! NOW is the time to

register for the Fall Semester! Classesbegin August 15. Among the manycourses offered is Greek I. Learn tostudy God’s Word in the original Greeklanguage! Contact Ronnie Kitchens orMs. Emma Bond at 601-426-6346.

BMATS Course OfferedBMATS Course OfferedBMATS Course OfferedBMATS Course OfferedBMATS Course OfferedIn conjunction with the BMA Theo-

logical Seminary, Dr. Carson will teacha course entitled, “Special Studies inMinistry - Current Pastoral Issues”this Fall at Southeastern Baptist Col-lege. Classes begin August 15, 2017.This course is BOTH at the Masterslevel and the Bachelors level with slightlydifferent requirements for each level.The class will explore the pros and consof contemporary worship movements.Contact the BMAT Seminary to regis-ter at toll free: 800-259-5673 or viaemail: bmats@bmats.edu The BMATSwebsite is: http://bmats.edu/ You mayalso contact Dr. Carson for additionalinformation at 601-426-6346.

Special ProjectsSpecial ProjectsSpecial ProjectsSpecial ProjectsSpecial ProjectsIf your church or ministry activity

would like to take on a special project tohelp the college we have several thatneed addressed. Some projects include:replacement of the flooring in the mainhallway and offices; upgrading the exte-rior of the main building; fixing theexterior of the men’s dormitory; up-grades to our apartments; securing elec-tronics for our classrooms; the pur-chase of new HVAC units for the Li-brary and Faculty House. This list isnot exhaustive, but these are some ofthe projects that are toward the top of

our list. A big thank you to Mrs. DelightJefcoat for volunteering to work ourlandscaping project!

Television CommercialTelevision CommercialTelevision CommercialTelevision CommercialTelevision CommercialThe television commercial for South-

eastern Baptist College continues toproduce fruit with several new appli-cants referencing it as the reason fortheir discovering our college and desir-ing to study God’s word at SBC. Will youhelp us to continue the commercialthrough August? One month of televi-sion advertisement costs $2,000.

Available ScholarshipsAvailable ScholarshipsAvailable ScholarshipsAvailable ScholarshipsAvailable ScholarshipsTake note! There are several scholar-

ship opportunities available that indi-viduals and families have graciouslyprovided for our student body. Our re-cruiter, Ronnie Kitchens, has all theinformation you need to sign up forclasses and financial aid. ContactBrother Ronnie at 601-426-6346 orrkitchens@southeasternbaptist.edu

VA BenefitsVA BenefitsVA BenefitsVA BenefitsVA BenefitsSBC possesses the 2017 Silver Award

as a military friendly college! Have youserved in America’s armed forces? Thenyou probably have Veterans Adminis-tration tuition benefits that you can usetoward a free education right here atSBC. There is a time limit to your VAbenefits, so I urge you to contact yourlocal VA representative for an evalua-tion of your benefits. You earned them.Use them before it’s too late! And re-member, the Post 9-11 GI Bill is fullytransferable to family members. SBChas numerous students receiving VAassistance for both online and in-class-room tuition.

VehicleVehicleVehicleVehicleVehicleSoutheastern Baptist College is in

need of a late model four door pickuptruck with low mileage. Our currentmini-van is old with high mileage andin need of replacement. Contact us ifyou are interested in donating yourtruck. Southeastern Baptist College is a501(c)(3) certified tax deductable char-ity.

Available to PreachAvailable to PreachAvailable to PreachAvailable to PreachAvailable to PreachThank you for the many churches

providing Dr. Carson an opportunity topreach the Word of God to your congre-gations! Dr. Carson is available to fillthe pulpit for preaching or to make apresentation about the great work andvision of Southeastern Baptist College.You can reach him at 601-433-4736 orat scarson@southeasternbaptist.edu

Employees of Rhodes Painting working on front areas of the main building and gymnasium of Southeastern Baptist College.

Touching Up Our Facilities

Mission Congregation in Need of Church BusHomestretch Baptist Church, Cleveland, Mississippi, is in need of a late model

church bus that is handicapped accessible. Our current church van is old with highmileage, no air conditioning and in need of repair, hence a replacement vehicle isneeded. If you or your church can help with this please call Bro. Ed Duvall at 662-402-8222.

6 August 1, 2017 • Mississippi Baptist

BMA Missions Behind the Scenes – John David Smithby Mati Spencerby Mati Spencerby Mati Spencerby Mati Spencerby Mati Spencer

Editor’s NoteI first met John David Smith

when my family joinedParkview Baptist Church in

Gautier, Mississippi in 1973.His dad, Arthur Smith, wasthe missionary pastor and

John David was just a smallboy. Our relationship grewas he attended Southeast-ern College where my wifeand I were both working. Ithas been a joy and blessing

to see how the Lord hasused him to further His

kingdom

With a sum total of twenty-five yearsin BMA ministry, along with a heart forthe study of missions and a passion forthe lost, Dr. John David Smith leadsBMA Missions witha love for his Savior.

Though he hasheld the title of ex-ecutive director since2010, the years lead-ing up to that pointwere filled withhands-on ministryand study whichequipped him for hiscurrent role, whilechanging many livesalong the way.

“I say all the timethat missions-minded churcheshelp produce mis-sionaries, and mis-sions-minded fami-lies do it better,” saidDr. Smith.

Thankfully, he didcome from a missions-minded familywhere his church-planter father oftenhad missionaries stay in their homewhen they spoke at his church. Accord-ing to John David, he always received adouble portion of missionaries by hear-ing them at church and then againwhen they stayed in his home.

In addition to being a part of a familyand a local church body that valuedmissions, Dr. Smith was a part of the

BMA’s discipleship program for boyscalled the Galileans while he was grow-ing up, and through that program, hewas exposed to many missionaries.

“When I was eighteen,” ex-plained John David, “I sur-rendered my life to ministry.A few months after that, Isurrendered my life to inter-national missions, though Ihad known that’s what I wassupposed to do for a few years.”He faithfully followed God’s

call to the foreign missionfield, first marrying his mis-sions-hearted wife Kim. Thenthe newlyweds flew to theirhome for the next twelveyears: Cape Verde, Africa.When they first began their

ministry in Cape Verde, Dr.Smith said he was very“green,” in the sense of beingvery young. But he remem-bered his zeal and idealism,which he hopes is temperednow with wisdom and a deeperwalk with Christ.

“Cape Verde was so awesome,” hemused. “I was on God’s anvil, and hewas pounding away on me.”

His focus while he lived on the mis-sion field was developing disciple mak-ers and leaders, and his vision for mis-sions is still the same today. God usedhis time of ministry in Cape Verde toform him and his missions philosophyand practice.

Now that he is back in the UnitedStates and working as executive direc-tor of the Missions department, Dr.Smith is responsible for the overalldirection and vision for BMA Global

Missions. That includes a vast scope ofresponsibilities, and he relies on histeam to carry out this vision.

“Obviously for me, as for any otherleader, the greatest thing in my firstseven years has been the great leadersbeside me. Brother Phil Knott has doneamazing things to implement missionsaround the world. Larry Barker hasdone amazing things to try and promoteand carry out church planting in theU.S. Eric Johnson is coming in to Phil’sspot, and I anticipate great things.”

During Dr. Smith’s spiritual walkleading up to his surrender to interna-tional missions and eventual career inthe BMA Missions department, he hadto answer many questions about whereGod was leading him and why he should

leave the comforts of the United Statesto pursue a life of foreign ministry. Sowhy should someone consider missions?

Dr. Smith believes there are plenty ofreasons for someone to enter the mis-sion field – unsaved people, the opportu-nity to start more churches, being thelocal manifestation of Christ in new

areas, meeting physical needs, etc. –but the one dominant reason to becomea missionary is to do it for God’s glory.

How does one get involved in mis-sions? According to Dr. Smith, afterknowing for sure that God has calledthem, the next step is talk to a localchurch leader and express that leadingfrom God. Then contact BMA Missionsand conversations will begin about nextsteps as far as training, missions educa-tion, assessment, and fund-raising.

“Start with your local leadership,then we’ll come sit down with you aboutwhat God is leading you to do,” said Dr.Smith.

Dr. John David Smith does what hedoes for one main reason: He has cometo understand that God is a missionaryGod. Through 25 years of working inBMA ministry, he has dived more deeplyinto his relationship with the Lord andis convinced that he, like every otherbeliever, is here to make God’s nameknown to the nations.

“From a theological, biblical basis,that drives me a lot,” said Dr. Smith.“From my own relationship with God, Ihave no doubt that God has led me to theplace where I am to be doing what I’mdoing. I’m right where God wants me tobe. I believe I’m doing exactly what Godmade me to do. Working with mission-aries every day – it’s absolutely mypassion.”

In addition to working as Missionsexecutive director, John David Smith isa missions professor at Central BaptistCollege, where he believes he is alsousing his God-given gifts to further thekingdom.

“My mentor took me through an evalu-ation recently,” Smith said. “And helooked at me and said he had never seenanyone that’s so doing what God madethem to do. But I certainly believe firstand foremost that God has put mewhere I am to have a small role infulfilling his global mission.”

To him, there is no greater joy thanin helping others fulfill the mission ofGod as well.

John David Smith with Cape Verde Group

BMMI Offerings Solicited In Honor Of Dr. Ralph Izzard

Dr. Ralph Izzard - Making a Difference

On The Road Again

This editor had the joy of traveling withDr. Izzard and other BMMI team mem-bers to Haiti a few years ago. He is indeedthe BMA’s “energizer bunny’. He keepsgoing and going and going. God hasgranted him good health and a heart forthe sick and lost. May the Lord continue tobless him. This worker is worthy of hisreward.

Dr. Ralph Izzard Still going strong at82

Dr. Ralph Izzard is director of BMMI(Baptist Medical Missions International)The medical missions arm of the BMAof America

On July 30, Dr. Izard turns 82 yearsold. I hope and pray that when I turn 82that I am still faithfully serving theLord and impacting lives as much as heis. I am so blessed to know him and toget to work with him each day. Heamazes me with his knowledge, stamina,and humor. I can not tell you how muchI have learned from working with him.This past year he has allowed me totravel with the BMMI family and to“learn the ropes" of BMMI. I will beforever grateful for that.

I know that you all know what aspecial person he is. I am amazed at howrespected he is not only here, but allover the world.

For the past 12 years Dr. Izard hastaken teams all over the world meetinghealthcare needs to some of the poorestpeople, people who otherwise would notbe able to see a doctor. Many of thesepeople heard the gospel for the first timebecause of BMMI. Their physicalhealthcare will probably not be great

again after we leave, but the people whocome to accept the great physician intheir lives, their spiritual life will neverbe the same. That is why we do what wedo. Over 12 years, I just wonder howmany people accepted Jesus because ofthe ministry of this man? This takes a

lot of sacrifice for him to travel as muchas he does. Especially since Mrs. Judyhas suffered back issues and can nottravel with him. Please pray for them.

During the last month or so offeringshave not been as good as they have been,so I was wondering if you would like tojoin me this month with a special BMMIoffering in honor of our fearless andageless leader. He does not know I amdoing this...and I might be in trouble. If

you feel lead to invest in a ministry thatis continually investing in others willyou consider making a donation in honorof Dr. Ralph? If you would like to send acard with a favorite picture or story, I

am sure that he would appreciate that,as well.

Send offerings to BMMI/Dr. RalphIzard, P.O. Box 878, Conway, AR72033.

7August 1, 2017 • Mississippi Baptist

SOUTHEASTERN BAPTIST COLLEGE

* SILVER AWARD MILITARY FRIENDLY SCHOOL FOR 2017

* #7 MOST AFFORDABLE SMALL PRIVATE COLLEGE FOR 2017

Our Needed Goal - $20,000

Special Emphasis 2017Special Emphasis 2017Special Emphasis 2017Special Emphasis 2017Special Emphasis 2017

Daniel Springs Needs Your HelpChurch camp is so much more than

just fun. Though there is an abundanceof fun, Daniel Springs Baptist Campsurrounds students in an environmentof spiritual growth and discipleship. It’sa vital part of many young lives and acherished memory of many more.

But this BMA camp legacy is indanger.

Daniel Springs is experiencing finan-cial difficulties, and a line of credit hasbeen established with a local bank. Thisfinancial strain is not a result of spend-ing problems. Camp Director JasonPrewitt works on a very tight budgetand makes the most of every singledollar.

Our problem is simply one of income.Daniel Springs maintains minimal reg-istration fees so that churches of everysize can afford to bring their childrenand youth to experience the impact ofDaniel Springs. In the past, churchofferings helped cover the gap that campregistrations did not cover. However,over the past few years, costs for DanielSprings have increased, causing sig-nificant losses. If finances do not im-prove by the end of this summer, thecamp trustees will be forced to makedifficult decisions.

The children and youth of the BMAneed Daniel Springs. It’s a crucial mis-sions tool that has reached countlesspeople for the Kingdom of Christ. Addi-tionally, Daniel Springs Camp has beenused by God as a place where missionar-ies and pastors have surrendered to theministry. These people are the Chris-tian leaders of the current and futuregeneration, and God used Daniel Springsto mold them.

Bryce, a 13 year old young man thatattended the camp this summer, saidthat being at Daniel Springs has madehim think differently about sharing theWord of God. Stormy, age 16, says thateveryone at Daniel Springs helps herfind out more about herself, as well asbrings her closer to the Lord. Camryn,11 years old, said that now that she hasspent time at Daniel Springs, she wantsto meet new people and develop a rela-tionship with them, so that they canend up talking about God.

These are real, missional, disciple-ship opportunities that are happeningevery week at Daniel Springs. Lives arebeing changed as you are reading thisstory, but that may not be the casemuch longer if the financial strain con-tinues. But there is hope! You and yourchurch body are that hope.

Consider taking a group of studentsto camp this year. There’s still time toregister! If you haven’t been to DanielSprings lately, you’re in for a treat!Camp Director Jason Prewitt hasworked diligently to create a camp thatour churches can be proud of. Visitdanielspringscamp.com for more infor-mation. You’ll be pleased with the per-

sonal staff of college students, coordi-nated programming, and upgraded fa-cilities.

Another way to help Daniel Springsis to prayerfully consider how yourchurch can support camp through regu-

lar giving. Over the years, church giv-ing to the camp has declined. Yet theimportance of camp ministry is at anall-time high. In a fast-paced, technol-ogy-driven world, students need a placeto escape distractions and focus onChrist in a safe environment. For overfifty years, Daniel Springs has beenthat place for the BMA. Let’s make sureit remains for the next fifty years.

Current projections indicate that thecamp will need at least $85,000 to finishthe year in the black without any debt.That does not include any money formajor improvements. The bottom lineis, going forward, the ministry of DanielSprings needs about $100,000 more in-come per year to operate and maintainthe camp. Based on past giving, this isnot an impossible goal.

It’s clear that we have a problem.Will you and your church be part of thesolution? Support for the camp may besent to Daniel Springs Camp, P.O. BOX1749, Conway, AR 72033.

8 August 1, 2017 • Mississippi Baptist

Baptist MissionaryAssociation of Mississippiwww.bmaofmississippi.com

DEPARTMENTS & COMMISSIONS

Mississippi Baptist PaperP.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS 39441

601-426-3293

Southeastern Baptist College4229 Highway 15 North

Laurel, MS 39440601-426-6346

State Youth Department4226 Highway 15 North

Laurel, MS 39440662-397-6832

Baptist Children's Home118 Lowe Rd., Laurel, MS 39443

601-426-3928

Missions & Revolving Loan Fund4226 Highway 15 North

Laurel, MS 39440601-428-8616

Commission on Senior Adults4226 Highway 15 North

Laurel, MS 39440601-729-2613

History & Archives Commission4229 Highway 15 North

Laurel, MS 39440601-729-8098

Moral ActionP.O. Box 88, Mantachie, MS 38855

662-282-7425

Big Creek Ladies RetreatAugust 11-12, 2017

Big Creek Baptist Church, Soso, Mississippi

Bearing Much Fruit"But he fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,peace, longsufferng, gentleness, good-ness, faith, meekness, temperance:against such there is no law." Gal. 5:22-23

Guest Speaker

Jenae Polok, Galena, KansasRegistration $40.00Registration $40.00Registration $40.00Registration $40.00Registration $40.00 - Includes Fri-day Supper and Saturday Breakfast

For more information contact Big Creek Baptist Church at 601-763-8100 8:00 am - Noon or email office@bigcreeksoso.com

Oak Grove Association ReportThe Oak Grove Association met with

Midway First Baptist Church on July13. We were grateful to be able to wel-come Bro. Greg Piercy, who is the newPastor at Calvary Baptist Church inPurvis. ro. Phillip Burns reported onhis work with the Day Star BaptistMission in Sumrall. Bro. EstuardoMarroquin reported on the Hispanicwork in Mississippi and introduced Bro.Leo Adan who leads the mission inHattiesburg. Bro. Justin Rhodes gave areport on Southeastern Baptist Collegeon behalf of Dr. Carson. Bro. Ted Quinbyreported as our Missions Ambassadorand relayed a message from Bro.Geraldson concerning the status of theMissions Office.

Our next meeting will be our annualmeeting on September 14 at Corner-stone Baptist Church, Hattiesburg. Wewould appreciate our churches mailingtheir annual reports to Bro. Sam Oglesbyas early as possible so the Committee ofDigest of Letters and Finance can beginpreparing their report as soon as theyarrive. The members of this committeeare Larry Lott, Barbara Steele, andTony Graham.

Ed Steele, Reporter

Kicking Off Session One: SOAR 2017This story is the beginning of a four-part series of stories about each of theSOAR 2017 sessions.

Dustin Wisely saw the ugly side ofchurch.

He lived a double life growing up – arule-following, Christian-mimicking lifearound his church, but alife that looked like theworld at school. By four-teen, he was even leadingSunday school, Bible stud-ies, and worship songs, buthe tried so hard in hisfaçade that his friends sawthrough him. They knewhe was living a split life,and in his heart, Dustinknew he wasn’t a trueChrist follower. He didn’tlove God.

That is, until his eigh-teenth birthday, when God saved hissoul. No more “playing Christian,” andno more living that contradicting life.Christ had redeemed him. Though therewasn’t even an invitation at churchthat evening, Dustin went forward andmet his father, the pastor, at the alterand confessed.

“I talked to my dad and confessed tothe church that all that they saw was alie,” said Dustin. “I was a Pharisee. Tostand before my church and acknowl-edge my sin was so humbling and sofreeing.”

Soon after his salvation, Dustin sur-rendered to preach. That is what broughthim to eventually be the keynote speakerat SOAR 2017, speaking fromPhilippians 1 and 2 about living a self-less life.

Dustin challenged the 1,700 students

that crowded in to the Texas Ballroomat the Gaylord Texan Resort to do some-thing difficult – something that im-pacts those around them. He spoke topush the students to action because oftheir own convictions, not because theiryouth pastor or parents expect it ofthem.

“I don’t believe that you find any-where in Scripture where God callsChristians to do nothing,” said Wisely.“I did things that looked spiritual. Weare not calling you to do spiritual stuff.We are calling you to love God, and outof that love of God will come the desireto make him known.”

In conclusion to the first session,Wisely administered this challenge tothe students: “If God shows you that hehas specific rules of how he wants you tomake him known, will you say yes?”

Everything about the session, fromencouraging students to participate inVolunteer Student Missions to the wor-ship from We the Union and all aspectsof the SOAR Village, challenged stu-dents to live out a selfless life as aminister of the gospel, even as youngstudents.

‘Ladies On A Mission’ Banquet PlannedThe WMA of Mississippi will host a banquet for all of the ladies of our churches. Thebanquet will be at First Baptist Church of Shady Grove in Laurel on Monday night,October 16, at 7:00 pm. This is in conjunction with the Annual Meeting held atSoutheastern College in Laurel. The theme is “Ladies On A Mission. We will sharemore information later, but now is the time to mark your calendars and plan toattend.

Big Creek Association‘Back To School’

ServiceThe Big Creek Youth Committee is

hosting a back to school service at South-eastern Baptist College on Saturday, Au-gust 12 from 6-8 pm. Our speaker will beBro. Blake McCain and worship will be ledby Josh Goldman. This event will be forgrades 7-12 (any lone 6th grade studentsmay attend). If you have questions pleasecontact Adam Parker atparkeradam288@gmail.com or BryanLinkins, belinkins@gmail.com. We lookforward to seeing you there!

Compass Literature’s fall editionSong of Solomon -A Love for All Seasons

Marie is a young, single woman whohas recently come to know Christ, andis working her way throughstudying the Scriptures. Sheis learning the value of God’sheart for her, and how hepursues her daily with anendless love. Jacob andCaroline have been marriedfor forty-two years, and arestill striving after God’s per-fect will for their marriage.Michael has been widowedfor years, and isn’t search-ing to get remarried soon.How would a study aboutlove benefit all of thesepeople?

We know from 2 Timothy 3:16 thatall Scripture is given by inspiration ofGod, and is profitable for doctrine, forreproof, for correction, for instruction inrighteousness, but does that mean it’sall worth studying? What about Song ofSolomon? Is it just a book for newlyweds, or would it apply to Marie, Jacob,Caroline, and Michael?

Compass Literature’s fall edition, A

Love for All Seasons, takes its readersthrough the greatest song, the Bible’sbook of love poetry, and applies it topeople in every stage of life. The studywill dive deep in to studying allegoryand parallelism in the lines of poetry,while also taking time to look at the big

picture of God’s ceaselesspursuit of his church.

No matter if you’re single,widowed, divorced, or havebeen happily married formany years, the flowingwhole of the Song of Solomonwill come alive to you, as itstudies the mystery andpower of the love of the Fa-ther, and our love for oneanother.

Compass Bible Studies isproduced by theDiscipleGuide, a department

of the Baptist Missionary Association.You can find out more about Compassat discipleguide.org, or by calling800.333.1442.