JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

www.msbaptist.orgDecember 2016 VOL. 70 NO. 23

Church of the Covered Dish BY THOMAS TAPP

Anders Lee

Ministering To Young People

by Anders Lee

“Make the Season Bright!”The Christmas season is just

around the corner. Can you be-lieve it? It seems there is alwaysso much to do during the holi-days. In fact, sometimes toomuch gets put on the calendar!That is particularly true whenit comes to youth groups.

Today I went to the mailboxand found a holiday mail outfrom a church. They were ad-vertising their Christmas pro-grams, services, and events. Onthe youth page I counted 17 funfilled events from November 27thtill December 31st. WOW! Im-pressive? Maybe to some, but,something was sadly missing.

Where was Christ on thatcalendar? Oh, I’m probably be-ing hard on them about it. It’strue that you need to make thingsentertaining for youth thesedays. Yet, youth pastors need toteach their kids to “make theseason bright” by serving oth-ers! How can that happen?

Here are a few ideas -

Focus on MissionariesFocus on MissionariesFocus on MissionariesFocus on MissionariesFocus on MissionariesThe BMA has the best mis-

sionaries you can find on earth!I sure am thankful for them!Can you imagine what it is liketo be away from all of your fam-ily at Christmastime? A lot ofour missionaries are. They sim-ply cannot afford to fly home, sothey will be on the field forChristmas. That is just one ofthe sacrifices missionaries makewhen they answer the call to go.

Pick a missionary family tolove on this Christmas. If youdon’t know any personally, visitbmalife.com/bmamissions/. Onthis webpage you will find many

that your youth group can min-ister to.

Have the whole youth groupsend Christmas cards to a mis-s i o n a r y .Years ago ouryouth sentcards to thePoulins inIca, Peru.They hung allof them up intheir familyroom! AngelaPoulin told usthe cardsmade it feel like back home attheir house for a while.

Send a box of goodies. Whodoesn’t like getting a surprise atChristmastime? Talk about“making the season bright!”Contact the “mom” of the mis-sionary family and find out whatChristmas goodies everyone intheir family love to have fromback home that they can’t get onthe field! Share the items withyour teens and ask them to buy

or bake them for the family.Then, box them all up and shipthem to the family! They will beblown away that you took thetime to send them somethingspecial.

Skype with them! Schedule anight when all your youth aretogether and let them all meetthe missionary and his family!It will encourage them on thefield and expose your teens to hiswork. Then, let him preach aChristmas message for yourteens via Skype! I’ve done itbefore and it’s pretty awesome!

Minister to the ElderlyMinister to the ElderlyMinister to the ElderlyMinister to the ElderlyMinister to the ElderlyNo doubt there are shut-ins

in your church and community.The holiday season can be theloneliest times for them. I thinkof Belle Smith who lived here inHorn Lake, Mississippi. Herhusband had passed years agoand the only daughter she hadlived in California. She was al-

Continued on page 2

Tony Cleaver

The Women in Jesus’ Lineage:Tamar and Rahab

by Dr. Tony Cleaverby Dr. Tony Cleaverby Dr. Tony Cleaverby Dr. Tony Cleaverby Dr. Tony Cleaver(From December 2015 Issue)

Matthew 1:3, 5

We are gathered in worship as we observe Advent, thecoming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Matthewnotes five women in Jesus’ lineage in his opening chap-

ter. Today we will look at Tamar and Rahab.We will read and/or summarize the stories of these two women

from the Old Testament. Tamar is found in Genesis 38. Rahab isfound in Joshua 2 and a part in chapter 6.

As we complete this summary of these twowomen, let’s remember they are included inJesus’ lineage. If I were writing the Bible, Iwould probably “clean it up” a little, andthese two stories might not be included. Yet,God through the inspiration of His Wordincluded these stories for they tell us ofhumanity struggling to be what God in-tended us to be. These two women werechanged through the power of God to becomeHis people, and later they became the ances-tors of Jesus.Yes, there are some life lessons for us in this

congregation today from the lives of these two in Jesus’ lineage:

1. They are both unlikely candidates to be in the line of1. They are both unlikely candidates to be in the line of1. They are both unlikely candidates to be in the line of1. They are both unlikely candidates to be in the line of1. They are both unlikely candidates to be in the line ofChrist!Christ!Christ!Christ!Christ!

One deceived her father-in-law and became pregnant by him.The other was a prostitute. Surely “those kinds of people” don’thave a place in the plan of God! Oh yes, and oh yes, indeed, theydo! Is your own life a “little rough

around the edges” when it comesto past moral performance? Godcan use you in spite of your pastin His Kingdom work. Commityour life to Him right now. Godis in the business of cleaning uplives to make them fit for HisKingdom.

2. They were not only un-2. They were not only un-2. They were not only un-2. They were not only un-2. They were not only un-likely candidates but theylikely candidates but theylikely candidates but theylikely candidates but theylikely candidates but theywere also below the stan-were also below the stan-were also below the stan-were also below the stan-were also below the stan-dards of the “religious”dards of the “religious”dards of the “religious”dards of the “religious”dards of the “religious”people.people.people.people.people.

Here is an incestuous rela-tionship mentioned of all placesin the Bible! Here the other aprostitute and her story is told inthe Bible!

continued on page 7

2 December 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Becky Ulmer is Nursing Home Ad-ministrator of Jasper County Nurs-ing Home, Bay Springs, Mississippi.She is a member of First Baptist,Bay Springs. She may be contactedat becky.ulmer@jghms.com

A Sofilthy's Attic "Rerun"by Barbara White

Thanksgiving 2015Our pastor's Thanksgiving sermon was a bit un-usual - he preached about complainers. Most of usare guilty of complaining at some point in our lives.Some older folks complain because things aren't likethey used to be.Kids complain because they have to go to school, obeyrules, etc., etc.Parents complain that children don't behave as theyare requested.

But thinking about complaining, it goes way back in history.You remember that Moses had to contend with the complainingIsarelites. And that reminds me of a sermon I heard on the radioyears ago. The preacher said, "The children of Israel were strickenwith the disease called grumbling and murmuring. They saidMoses had brought them out there to starve. They didn't have nocornbread, no turnip greens, no onions......."

Another thing, in any given crowd of people there will becomplainers and sadly, the complainers usually rule. Think of the12 spies who were sent to spy out the promised land. Two of thespies saw only positive things, BUT there were the complainerswho said it couldn't be done - so the children of Israel were doomedto 40 years of wandering aimlessly before they were allowed toactually go in and conquer the land.

Our pastor said that complaining denies that God is in chargeAND it ruins our testimony.

That's worth thinking about!

Becky Ulmer

SENIOR SOURCES - by Becky Ulmer

This season is highlighted bythe change in the color of thefoliage. After this eye pleasingexperience of beauty in color,the leaf by nature falls from thetree or bush to make way fornew ones to appear in the spring.

Along with the cooler tem-peratures comes an unwelcomedand unfortunate increase in thenumber of "fall"(s) in our olderadults. Falls are the leadingcause of fatal and non-fatal inju-ries in the older population.Aside from the fear of homeinvasion or assault, the fear of afall tops the list on our mindwhen evaluating thesafety of our aging popu-lation, especially for onewho lives alone. Statis-tics show that one thirdof senior citizens will ex-perience a fall. Past theage of 80 this percentageincreases to half. In 2015,31 billion dollars wasspent by Medicare on carerelated to injuries from falls.The average cost of a single fallis $19,440.00 and $37,000 if sur-gery is required. Prevention isthe best treatment. Denial be-comes a big hurdle to clear inmaking changes in ones envi-

ronment. "I am not going tofall", "I just lost my balance", "Ididn't really fall"are all lines ofdefense in main-taining ones au-tonomy despiteobvious signs ofi m p a i r m e n twith walkingand balance.

Bending overand sudden turns accounts for alarge percentage of falls whichresult in serious injury. Cer-tain medications and health con-ditions can contribute to the loss

of equilibrium during thesemoves. Altered posture and gaitoften predispose one to a higherincidence of falls. The alter-ations may be the result of ac-tual physical changes or habit.Your health-care provider can

provide an evaluation and makerecommendations to preventfalls. An adequate description ofthe events leading up to the fallis very important. Some ques-tions that may be asked are:activity prior to fall , new medi-cations (last dose taken beforefall), recent environmentchanges, time of day, feelingprior to event, and was thereloss of consciousness prior to orafter fall?

The old saying "life can changein the blink of an eye" holds truewhen looking at how a fall canaffect ones life. One day they aremanaging their own householdand personal affairs without de-pendence on others . . . then thefall. Maybe a hip fracture, ashoulder fracture, a vertebrafracture or a skull fracture.Bones do break more easily withadvanced age, however a frac-tured (broken) bone is not neces-sary to disrupt and permanentlyalter life as it was prior to theevent. The emotional effectsand fear associated with a fallcan be as "crippling" as the ac-tual injury for the victim andthe family. Often times changeshave to be made to ensure safety.These may not be harmoniousto everyone. This is whereprayer should be inserted in abig way. Pray for understand-

God neverpromised thatthings would

always be easy.He promised

never to leaveus and he willalways holdtrue to this

promise.

ing, guidance, open minds, re-sources, and comfort. God neverpromised that things would al-ways be easy. He promisednever to leave us and he willalways holdtrue to thispromise. As inreaching for ahand in thetime of a fall,his out-s t r e t c h e dhands are aprayer away atall times.

Why waituntil a fall hasoccurred toproblem solvefor ways to" p r e v e n t "them? Look atthe home envi-ronment. Is itsafe? Are thererepairs that need to be made forsafety? Would additional light-ing (nite lights) help? Is there ameans of calling for help in theareas where falls happen at ahigher incidence, bedroom andbathrooms? At what height isthe phone? Do the rugs haveslip resistant backing and dothey lay flat? Is the bed theproper height for ease of gettingon and off? Is there a signal for

family or neighbors that some-thing has happened . . . sched-uled phone calls not answered,blinds/curtains have not beenopened, or they didn't go to the

mailbox? An elec-tronic alert braceletor pendant can no-tify help in the eventof an emergency.

I have used thisverse from time totime to encourage aperson(s) to take aserious look atthemselves, theirspouse or parent,and make the nec-essary (not alwaysdesired) changes toensure safety. Prov-erbs 16:18 “pridegoeth before de-struction, and ahaughty spirit be-fore a fall.”

Let's get more involved and"tuned in" to the safety of oursenior population. So let theleaves fall, prevent our lovedones from falling, and enjoy thebeauty of both longer.

Let the Leaves Fall

ways delighted to have the girlsin the youth come by, paint hernails, decorate her tree, andspend time with her baking cook-ies. Our girls loved it so much,after Christmas one year theymade a commitment to go byonce a month and “hang out”with her.

Don York served in the pa-cific in the Navy during WorldWar II. Most days he sits in hischair watching TV, but atChristmastime he anticipatesthe youth of Central coming byChristmas Caroling to him! Helights up like a Christmas treewhen those kids hug him andsing to him.

There’s no question about it,your teens can “make the sea-son bright” for seniors saints.They will absolutely adore thoseteens for making time for them.

Take Food to theTake Food to theTake Food to theTake Food to theTake Food to theICU Waiting RoomICU Waiting RoomICU Waiting RoomICU Waiting RoomICU Waiting Room

Have you ever been to an ICUwaiting room on Christmas Eve?Not as a patient, as a youthministry effort? I can hear yousaying “ON CHRISTMAS

EVE?????” Yes, on ChristmasEve. There are many familiesthat find themselves there. Theydidn’t plan on it, but they arethere.

Last year a bunch of our youthfrom Central and their parentswent to Baptist Desoto Hospitalin Southaven. They took a fullblown Christmas meal with des-sert for all the families. Therewere twenty eight families therethat night. They gave each fam-ily rolls of quarters for vendinglater on, prayed with each fam-ily, and hugs and tears abounded.Most people there were genu-inely blessed thatsomeone took thetime to reach outto their family onChristmas Eve.The group in-tended to stayfrom 4:30 – 6:00PM and then gohome. They endedup staying longerbecause they werebeing blessedthemselves.

There are tonsof other things youcould lead youryouth to do to serveothers duringChristmastime.

I’m sure it’s cool to have a funfilled calendar for the 35 days ofthe holiday season, but it’s re-ally up to youth pastors to teachteens to take time and serveother people. When Jesus cameto this ole world He came toserve others, not to get served.In this Christmas season, let’s“make the season bright” byshining His light to a hurtingworld around us!

Lee is a church planter for the BMAof America and Mississippi. He is apastor and former youth minister.Lee may be contacted atanders.lee571@gmail.com

MinisteringTo Youth

Continued from page 1

3December 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Baptist Missionary Associationof Mississippi

Department of Missions and Revolving Loan FundState Missionaries and Wives

601.428.8616 www.bmams.org

Larry GeraldsonDirector

Anders & CarlaLee

Bob & Edie Burch Kenneth & CarolePollock

Bobby & LesaElliott

Danny & BrendaBartlett

Sidney & BeckyFarmer

Wesley & HolleyMartin

Phillip & DawnBurns

Estuardo &Yasmine Marroquin

Elvis & WendyGarcia

Ed & PatriciaDuVall

Reports for Nov 2016

High

Attendance

Membership Total

Offerings Mother Church

Church Planters Bob Burch (Caledonia)

95 74 $4,425.00 East Fulton

Bobby Elliott (Burnsville)

46 51 $1,895.00 Forked Oak

Sidney Farmer (S. Forrest County)

70 51 $5,509.00 Paramount

Danny Bartlett (Clinton)

16 11 $3,418.00 Wilderness

Phillip Burns (Sumrall)

30 11 $4,365.00 First Bay Springs

Wesley Martin (Diamondhead)

34 27 $2,739.00 Campground

Anders Lee (Southaven)

151 107 $13,349.00 Charity

Kenneth Pollock (Batesville)

10 8 $1,405.00 First Baptist Mantachie

BMA of Mississippi Hispanic Missions (Estuardo Marroquin Manager)

(Estuardo Marroquin is also the Co- Pastor of El Camino, which serves as the mother church for the church plants listed below.)

El Camino Marciano Montalvo

(Laurel) 116 123 $4,131.00

Church Planters

Leo Adan (Hattiesburg)

38 13 $644.00 El Camino

Jamie Galicia (Biloxi)

7 3 $8.00 El Camino

Lucas Gomez (Canton)

4 2 El Camino

(Elvis Garcia Coordinator) (Elvis Garcia is also the Co-Pastor of Way, Truth & Life, which serves as the mother church for the church

plants listed below.) Way, Truth & Life

Byron Morales (Ripley)

110 95 $4,768.00

Church Planters

Humberto Regalado (Tupelo)

18 11 $723.00 Way, Truth &

Life

Luis Huchin (Oxford)

40 7 $545.00 Way, Truth &

Life Daniel Polanco

(Horn Lake) 2

Way, Truth & Life

BMA of Mississippi African American Missions (Ed DuVall Coordinator)

(Ed DuVall is also the Sr. Pastor of Homestretch which serves as the mother church for the church plants listed below.)

Homestretch (Cleveland)

36 50 $2,732.00

Church Planters

James Cook (Olive Branch)

20 19 $1,705.00 Homestretch

Collectively, our missionaries reported 211 new contacts, 135 opportunities to share the gospel, and witnessed 11 professions of

faiths, 33 baptisms and 3 joined by letter in Nov.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son isgiven:” Is 9:6given:” Is 9:6given:” Is 9:6given:” Is 9:6given:” Is 9:6

What a wonderful time of year!It is a time of “Grace.” Reaching beyond the great

gulf of our depravity, God’s Word proclaims, “And theWord was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and webeheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of theFather,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

It’s a time of “Giving.” To think that the God ofheaven would so love the world that He would give, andgive to us He did, His only begotten Son.

It is a time of “Going.” “And it came to pass, as theangels were gone away from them into heaven, theshepherds said one to another, Let us now go even untoBethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass,which the Lord hath made known unto us.” “And theshepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for allthe things that they had heard and seen, as it was toldunto them.” Luke 2:15 & 20 As we ponder, during thisChristmas season, just how blessed we are, may we bestirred to glorify our God for His grace poured out onus. May we honor Him in our worship for the gift of His

Son. May we join together to go forward proclaimingHis gospel.

We have enjoyed another wonderful year in mis-sions. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all of youfor the privilege you have given me to serve you.Cherita and I want to wish all of you a very Christ-filled Christmas season.

Two Missions Schedule Organization ServicesTwo Missions Schedule Organization ServicesTwo Missions Schedule Organization ServicesTwo Missions Schedule Organization ServicesTwo Missions Schedule Organization ServicesCaledonia Baptist Mission, Missionary Pastor Bob

Burch, has scheduled their organization for March 18,2017. South Forrest Baptist Mission, MissionaryPastor Sidney Farmer, has scheduled their organiza-tion for June 3, 2017. Bro. Burch and Bro. Farmer willcontinue to serve as Missionary Coaches after theirorganization.

New Missionary ApplicationNew Missionary ApplicationNew Missionary ApplicationNew Missionary ApplicationNew Missionary ApplicationI am excited to share with you that we have one new

missionary application that is presently being pro-cessed. As things progress, we will keep you posted butI alert you now, so that you can join me in prayer overthis matter.

Caledonia Baptist MissionCaledonia Baptist MissionCaledonia Baptist MissionCaledonia Baptist MissionCaledonia Baptist MissionBuilding Project CompleteBuilding Project CompleteBuilding Project CompleteBuilding Project CompleteBuilding Project Complete

The addition to the Caledonia Baptist Mission build-

ing was begun somemonths back. Thenew space will pro-vide much needededucational spaceand fellowship space.Caledonia BaptistMission is scheduledto host the next Mis-sions and Evange-lism Conference onApril 22, 2017.

Grace BaptistGrace BaptistGrace BaptistGrace BaptistGrace BaptistMission BuildingMission BuildingMission BuildingMission BuildingMission BuildingProject UpdateProject UpdateProject UpdateProject UpdateProject Update

In 2017, we areanticipating that we

will be able to secure the necessary building permitand build a first unit building for Grace BaptistMission in Clinton, Mississippi. Please keep this inyour prayers as we move forward.

Midway Baptist Mission has First BaptismsMidway Baptist Mission has First BaptismsMidway Baptist Mission has First BaptismsMidway Baptist Mission has First BaptismsMidway Baptist Mission has First BaptismsIt was exciting to hear from Dr. Kenneth Pollock

that a couple had comeforward for baptismand church member-ship, recently. Dr. Pol-lock is doing a great jobleading in this, ournewest mission project.

Day Star BaptistDay Star BaptistDay Star BaptistDay Star BaptistDay Star BaptistMission BaptizesMission BaptizesMission BaptizesMission BaptizesMission BaptizesTwo RecentlyTwo RecentlyTwo RecentlyTwo RecentlyTwo Recently

Bro. Phillip Burnsreported that he mostrecently baptized Car-rie Tumblin and themission addedJonathan Tomblin,Carrie’s husband, as amember of the mission.It is a joy to see thismission grow. We are searching for land in theSumrall area, please keep this matter in your prayers.

Freedom Baptist MissionFreedom Baptist MissionFreedom Baptist MissionFreedom Baptist MissionFreedom Baptist MissionBaptized Five RecentlyBaptized Five RecentlyBaptized Five RecentlyBaptized Five RecentlyBaptized Five Recently

Bro. Bobby Elliott reported that they baptized fivepeople recently at their mother church, Forked OakBaptist Church.

Inside new addition atCaledonia Mission

These are photos of the completed building project whichadded the back half of the building as education andfellowship space.

Dr. Kenneth Pollock baptizingJames & Betty Appleton at Mid-way Baptist Mission

Freedom Baptist Mission Baptismal Candidates. Five werebaptized at the Mother Church, Forked Oak.

Missions Report Continued On Page 7

4 December 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Opinion PageJournal of the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi

Don Brown - EditorDon Brown

www.msbaptist.org

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

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Phone 601-426-3293

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Published on the 1st and 15thof each month by the Baptist Mis-sionary Association of Mississippi.Periodical postage paid atHattiesburg, Mississippi 39402.

Postmaster: Send addresschanges to the Mississippi BaptistPaper, P.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS39441-8000.

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

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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

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in thedays of Herod the king, behold, there came wise menfrom the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that isborn King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in theeast, and are come to worship him. - Matthew 2:1-2

Celebrating The Birth of The King -Immanuel - God With Us

Merry Christmas From Don & Bonnie Brownand the Trustees of your Publication's Department

Random Thoughts - Seasonal & Personal Pastor’s SonDies In Wreck

Patrick William Carmical, oldest sonof Bro. Leon and Mrs. Sandra Carmical,died unexpectedly in an automobile ac-cident on November 23, 2016, in Collins,Mississippi. He was 47 years old.

Patrick is survived by his wife, LaurieHurst Carmical. He is preceded in deathby grandparents Patrick and BeatriceCarmical and Morgan Nelson. In addi-tion to his wife, he is survived by hisparents, Rev. Leon and Sandra Carmicalof Ellisville; grandmother Janet Bray ofMcNeil, Arkansas; brother Chris andMarta Carmical of Ellisville;, sisterJennielea and David Haynes of Char-lotte, N.C.; nephews Drew and WesleyCarmical; Patrick Haynes; and niecesHeather Bruce and Heidi Haynes. He isalso survived by his father and mother-in-law, Don and Peggy Hurst of Laurel,and extended family member JohnKrieger of Kazakhstan.

Patrick was born on November 23,1969, in Searcy, Arkansas. He gradu-ated from R.H. Watkins High School in1988 and from the University of South-ern Mississippi in 2000 with a Bachelorof Science in Construction EngineeringTechnology. He served 3 years with theUnited States Army and is veteran ofOperation Desert Storm. He marriedLaurie Hurst in 2013.

Patrick was an energetic person wholoved being outdoors. He enjoyed hunt-ing, kayaking and being with family.He was an active member of First Bap-tist Church of Laurel.

Funeral services were be held at FirstBaptist Church of Laurel on November28. His father presented the eulogy witha message by Pastor Randy Turner.

The family requested that memorialdonations be made to the MississippiBaptist Children’s Home, 118 Lowe Road,Laurel, MS 39443.

Ulmer and Anders Lee are four indi-viduals who contribute to your Missis-sippi Baptist Paper. We are thankful fortheir thoughts and insights. They areboth informative, entertaining, spiritu-ally appropriate and at times, downright silly (but in a good, blessed way).

As you read their words I wouldencourage you to drop them a note,email, or make a phone call and shareyour appreciation.

Barbara, Chuck, Becky, and Anders,Thank You!

ReflectionReflectionReflectionReflectionReflectionFrom time to time each of us would

profit from pausing and reflecting onthe blessings of life. As God's child weare truly blessed! It's not about mate-rial things, but about life, love, family,and life everlasting.

Just thinking about how we havebeen abundantly blessed is truly a hum-bling experience. If you have not takenthe time to pause and reflect on yourblessings, then Christmas would cer-tainly be an appropriate time to beginthe counting.

Wishing you all aWishing you all aWishing you all aWishing you all aWishing you all aBlessed Christmas SeasonBlessed Christmas SeasonBlessed Christmas SeasonBlessed Christmas SeasonBlessed Christmas Season!

This is being written before Decem-ber 1, 2016. My wife and I have fin- fin- fin- fin- fin-ishedishedishedishedished our shopping for Christmas! Icannot ever remember having finishedthis early. I can call to memory shop-ping for something for my wife and kidsas late as Christmas Eve a time or two.I am told wisdom comes with experienceand age, so I will chalk up the above toage!

SadnessSadnessSadnessSadnessSadnessAs you will read on this page, some

dear friends are feeling the effects oflosing a loved one suddenly and unex-pectedly. Leon and Sandra Carmical'sson Patrick died recently in an automo-bile accident. Our prayers continue forthem and Pat's wife Laurie. May Godcomfort them.

AppreciationAppreciationAppreciationAppreciationAppreciationToo often we seem to take things and

people for granted. While we can't ex-press our feelings to things, we cer-tainly need not forget to share ourthoughts and appreciation with indi-viduals. I want to publicly thank thosewho volunteer to provide regular col-umns to this publication.

Barbara White, Chuck Lee, Becky

Pat Carmical

5December 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Serving Christ With a Biblical World View In A Christian Atmosphere

Danny Pitts - President4229 Highway 15 North, Laurel, Mississippi 39440, (601) 426-6346

SoutheasternBaptist College

Danny Pitts

Something NewSomething NewSomething NewSomething NewSomething NewAlthough Southeastern Baptist Col-

lege has been qualified for and hasoffered Pell Grants and VA Benefits formany years, we have only recently re-ceived a new listing as a MilitaryFriendly School. Academic Dean Dr.Scott Carson led out in our achievingthis recognition. Contact our school ifyou have served our country in themilitary and have an interest in attend-ing college.

HolidaysHolidaysHolidaysHolidaysHolidaysThe Fall finals will be on December

5th and 6th. The office will close onDecember 7th after all grades have beenposted. We will reopen on January 2,

2017. We will check the answeringmachine or have calls transferred to usduring that time. Formal registrationfor the Spring Semester will be on theweek of January 7th with classes start-ing on January 14th. Remember thatyou can complete the registration formonline at www.southeasternbaptist.edu.You can always call me at 601-323-6900.

The mail will be checked almost daily,but if you need information about aspecial donation you wish to give priorto beginning of the new year, please call.Finances are always tight at the end ofthe year and special donations are usu-ally required to meet payroll at Christ-mas and January the first.

A Great Time For JoyA Great Time For JoyA Great Time For JoyA Great Time For JoyA Great Time For JoyLuke2:8 And there were in the samecountry shepherds abiding in the field,keeping watch over their flock bynight. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lordcame upon them, and the glory of theLord shone round about them: and theywere sore afraid. 10 And the angel saidunto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bringyou good tidings of great joy, whichshall be to all people. 11 For unto you isborn this day in the city of David aSaviour, which is Christ the Lord.

The message of the birth of the Mes-siah Savior was good news to the shep-herds. It also should cause us to rejoicegreatly. The event of the eternal God theSon becoming human stands as a miraclebeyond our comprehension. The theo-logical term used to express the conceptis Incarnation. We know its truthful-ness because of the revelation of Scrip-ture. The details of how is mysterious,but the explanation of why He, as theInfinite God, would care about us finitecreatures is even more beyond our un-derstanding. The obvious result of medi-tating on this should cause praise andgreat joy in us.

HAVE A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS.

Listing of names does not indicateendorsement. This column is for

information purposes only.

AVAILABLE

FOR SERVICE

Dr. Scott Carson is Availablefor Preaching Appointments

After 30 years of service, Dr. ScottCarson recently retired as an ArmyChaplain and is thenew Academic Deanat Southeastern Bap-tist College in Lau-rel. Dr. Carson is alsothe Chaplaincy Di-rector for the BaptistMissionary Associa-tion of America.

He is available tofill pulpits and forspecial patrioticthemed services and events. He may becontacted at 601-426-6346 (m-w); cell at601-426-4736; or email atscott.r.carson@gmail.com.

Hunter PhillipsBro. Hunter Phillips is still available

for service either to fill in or pastor. Heand his wife Jessica are members ofTiger Creek Baptist church in Ovett,Mississippi. They have two childrenand are energetic to serve the Lordwherever he sends them. He can bereached at 601-550-1109 or by contact-ing his pastor Bro. Jerry Overstreet at601-735-0141.

Dr. Scott Carson

Church Staff PositionGreenwood Baptist Church, 1400

Greenwood Church Road, Fulton, Missis-sippi, 38843 is seeking a person for theposition of music director. The position isbi-vocational and traditional type of mu-sic. For more information please contactchurch by mail or call 662-862-3785 or662-862-9375.

An Opportunity To Help A Needy People and Share Christ’s LoveA Report On Hatian Ministry by BMA Missionary Michel Poirier

Editor's Note: I had the privilege to visitHaiti a few years ago with a BaptistMedical Missions team. Bro. Poirier waspart of that team and I saw the great needof the Haitian people and the great lovethat Bro. Mike has for them. We saw themedical need, the nutrition need, and theneed for Christ. The Haitians are in needof help. Bro. Mike Poirier is a vital part ofthe help network that is reaching thesefolks with physical, material, and spiritualhelp. What a great project for a church, agroup, a class, or an individual to be a partof. Read his letter with an open heart andhelp as you can.

A Letter From Bro. Mike PoirierA Letter From Bro. Mike PoirierA Letter From Bro. Mike PoirierA Letter From Bro. Mike PoirierA Letter From Bro. Mike PoirierI am looking through the window as

I write this report, looking at the snowcoming down thinking about my recenttrip to Haiti. What can I write, whatcan I put in this letter to show to thereader the situation after the Hurri-cane? May God give you the picture inyour heart as your read about Haiti inthese few moments.

Arriving at Port au Prince I wasready to go to church without having tochange. Upon arriving at the church inOnaville we had to walk and balanceourselves on broken cement blocks whichwere placed along the inside wall of theproperty because the water had not yetdrained off and the property was stilllike a swamp. It was amazing, butpeople still came to the service in spiteof this problem. What was amazing to

me was to see the women trying tobalance themselves and carrying theirsmall children over these broken blocks.That is dedication my friend! Would youhave been there?

Preaching on Sunday night I had myfirst encounter with those pesky hun-gry mosquitos! They were viscous andhungry and I can tell you that nobodyslept during the preaching that night.They were all over the people, legs, andarms, head wherever they could getyou. Praise the Lord for Mosquito repel-lent. Just a little humor on my side (donot tell them) I had repellent on and Ifelt so bad for them that I pretended to

swat the pesky things away from me sothey did not feel so bad.

Now the time had come and we aregetting ready to go to Pitit-Goâve to helpsome families that we know. This trip isabout 5 hours. During the trip our Fordoverheated and we had to stop manytimes to give him water. We are loadedwith food, mattresses, clothing, shoesand more. Arriving to the meeting placeon the side of the road we give thematerial that was designated to thefamilies.

News had come of thieves stoppingthe supplies from coming into the re-gions (Les Cayes) and they were steal-

ing the people to get out of their miseriesI realize that it will take more then justa few pieces of tin and wood and nails fortheir dwelling place. House after househad roofs missing. Trees are down andthe people make charcoal with the treeto take to the market to sell. What I seewith my eyes is disturbing. I wish I hada lot of money to relieve some pressurefrom these victims. My prayer is thatGod will have mercy on the people. Lifeseems hopeless to many of these people.

How will they get over this tragedy?How can I give hope for the families? of

No roof but still believed that God can help! That is faith..ing all the contents from the trucks.But Praise be to God that we wereprotected from ALL of this. The Lordallowed us to be traveling in the middleof a UN caravan that was heading to thesame place. God is So Good To Us myfriend !

Now we are on our way to Les Cayes,oh yeah the truck is overheating again!We had to stop for another ½ hour. Nowa few weeks after Hurricane Matthewpassed through things are settling down.We have a clear view of the devastationthat happened in the South Westernpart of Haiti. After three weeks of help-

continued on page 6

6 December 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST

CHILDREN'S HOME118 LOWE ROAD, LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI 39443 - (601) 426-3928

SIDNEY DAVIS - DIRECTOR SIDNEY DAVIS

The Glory of the Lord Shone Round About ThemThe Glory of the Lord Shone Round About ThemThe Glory of the Lord Shone Round About ThemThe Glory of the Lord Shone Round About ThemThe Glory of the Lord Shone Round About Them“And, lo, the angel of the Lord, came upon them, and the glory of the Lord

shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” Luke 2:9.On what otherwise was a quiet and ordinary night the shepherds trembled

as they witnessed the unusual appearance of an angel. This magnificent sightfrightened them, but soon they heard the message that had been predicted forcenturies. The Messiah had come!

That very night, a Savior, Jesus, had been born. The shepherds were amongthe first to share in the glory of His birth. But praise be to the Lord, the splendorof that night continues to shine forth every time a lost sinner receives Jesus astheir Lord and Savior. May we celebrate the glory of Christ’s birth during thisChristmas season!

The children and staff of the Home would like to convey our thoughts,prayers, and best wishes to you during this Christmas season. Thank you foryour friendship, prayers, and love. May the joy of Christ fill your hearts. Havea Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Special EmphasisSpecial EmphasisSpecial EmphasisSpecial EmphasisSpecial EmphasisWe would like to express our gratitude and thanks to the response thus far

to the 2016 Special Emphasis for the Mississippi Baptist Children’s Home forthe months of October and November. As this emphasis time comes to a closewe would like to thank each church, Sunday School class, auxiliary, andindividual for your participation in meeting the needs of the Home through yourgenerous giving. May the Lord richly bless you allaccording to his riches in glory by His Son, the LordJesus Christ!

Student Recognized on Awards DayStudent Recognized on Awards DayStudent Recognized on Awards DayStudent Recognized on Awards DayStudent Recognized on Awards DayRecently our sixth grade girl received the Student of

the Month Award and also the Principal’s List for thefirst nine weeks of the school year. We rejoice to see ourgirls and boys do well in their studies at school.

Remember in Prayer and Focus VerseRemember in Prayer and Focus VerseRemember in Prayer and Focus VerseRemember in Prayer and Focus VerseRemember in Prayer and Focus VerseContinue to remember the ministry of the Home in

your daily prayers. “And, lo, the angel of the Lord cameupon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round aboutthem: and they were sore afraid.” Luke 2:9.

Student of the Month

Two young boys trying to help with donated ricePeople waiting to get some roofing tin to repair their homes

Haitian Hurricane ReliefFrom page 5

site out of mind, but in this case it is outof site and on my heart.

My prayer is that in the weeks tocome this letter would affect your heartfor the victims of Haiti. I am so thank-ful for all that you have done and sacri-ficed, but please do not forget this mis-

sion field. We Love you all in Christ.For the cause of Christ in Haiti.

Michel Poirier (418) 209-3710, 52 RtePrésident Kennedy, Vallee Jonction. Qc.Canada, G0S3J0. Email:ostervald@axion.ca orpastorpoirier@gmail.com

The only one that can make a differencein their life situation is Christ, Praisethe Lord for the churches of the BMA ofAmerica for giving thousands of dollarsto help the people recover. Food, likerice, peas, sugar, spaghetti, oil, cloth-ing, and 400 sheets of tin (to repairroofs) was divided between 100 families.We would love to do more because notevery one got food and tin in the commu-nity. Most of all thank you for your

prayers, generosity and loving hearttowards the people in Haiti.

There were two other Haitian preach-ers with me who preached to the crowd,giving the gospel of Christ and a hope ofeternal salvation. We don’t know howmany trusted Christ after we left, butthey heard the gospel. I wish I couldspend more time with the people of LesCayes, but the money has run out andI had to go home. The old saying is out

From The Mind of Chuck Lee

Bro. Chuck Lee

Bacon!I had flame-grilled, bacon wrapped

corn the other day. I must say that itwas quite tasty. In fact, I'm not thatmuch of a corn eater, so I was a bithesitant to even try it. The next night,we took some tenderized deer steak, cutin strips, with a mixture of cream cheeseand jalepeno peppers, and wrapped thewhole thing with strips of bacon. Watch-ing Alabama beat my LSU Tigers didn'teven slack my appetite for this delicacy.So I made an educated assumption.Bacon is really, really good.

I have yet to find anything that bacondoesn't enhance. Sure, there have beenattempts to makebacon flavored icecream, but I amspeaking of thecrispy, salty, heavensent bacon thatsizzles when it is in afrying pan. The kind that encouragesheart doctors to immediately purchasea second home when seeing televisioncommercials in high definition promot-ing bacon. If the industry could figureout how to make bacon smell comethrough the speakers of a car radio, theWaffle Hut would be as busy as Wal-Mart on Black Friday every day of theweek.

They say the best tasting food is the

worst for the body. That's probablytrue. However, is life really worthliving if you can't en-joy the moments?More than likely, videogames, computers,and television sets areguiltier than bacon forthe decline in healthof people, and I-phonesprobably should sharesome of the blame.

Grab you a handful of your favoriteblood pressure medicines; get the black,cast iron pan hot; scramble an egg or

two; and cook yousome bacon to go withit. Put it on a saladif you are a healthnut…er…advocate.Make it crispy, notsoggy. Seize the day.

It may be the last one you get to enjoy.So, while bacon tastes great but clogs

your arteries, it also makes you awarethat one day you will go into eternity.Maybe the bacon industry will hire meto write their slogans, but I'm not sit-ting around holding my breath untilthey do. I hear bacon frying.

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

7December 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

South Forrest Baptist MissionSouth Forrest Baptist MissionSouth Forrest Baptist MissionSouth Forrest Baptist MissionSouth Forrest Baptist MissionBaptized Three RecentlyBaptized Three RecentlyBaptized Three RecentlyBaptized Three RecentlyBaptized Three Recently

Recently, The Big Creek BaptistChurch “J.O.Y.” Group visited SouthForrest and received a tour of the facil-ity and a presentation from MissionarySidney Farmer concerning the work atSouth Forrest. Big Creek raised over$500.00 as a special offering which wasdonated to South Forrest. The member-ship at South Forrest now stands at 51after these most recent baptisms.

Hispanic Missions UpdateHispanic Missions UpdateHispanic Missions UpdateHispanic Missions UpdateHispanic Missions UpdateOur Hispanic Missions Manager, Bro.

Estuardo Marroquin, and I would liketo express our deep appreciation to:Evergreen Baptist Church; East FultonBaptist Church; Bethel Baptist Church;Plainview Baptist Church; andTombigbee Association, for helping uswith special offerings to help purchase amobile home for the Oxford Hispanicmission project. Bro. Luis Huchin andhis family have been staying in a oneroom area of the church property, be-cause the county required that someonereside on the property or we could nothave mission activity. We had initiallyfound a mobile home, but it has sincesold, so we are again looking. Please

pray that God will open the door for usto find a used mobile home or a largeenough RV to a meet this need.

Bro. Marroquin also reported thatthe mission in Biloxi will hold its first

Missions Report - continued from page 3cooperate SundaySchool at Temple Bap-tist Church next Sun-day. They are expect-ing 15-20 people to at-tend. This is a hugestep forward and werequest that you liftthem up in yourprayers. MissionaryJaimes Galicia,brother of Bro. RodolfoGalicia, has stepped upto lead in the mission,along with his brother George, after thedebilitating health issue of Bro. Rodolfo.

Mission and Mother Church WorkMission and Mother Church WorkMission and Mother Church WorkMission and Mother Church WorkMission and Mother Church WorkTogether to Host Evangelism EventTogether to Host Evangelism EventTogether to Host Evangelism EventTogether to Host Evangelism EventTogether to Host Evangelism Event

Campground Baptist Church and Pas-tor Bryan Atwood, will host an outreachevent during Mardi Gras along theMississippi Gulf Coast on February 17-18, 2017. Missionary Wesley Martinand members of Redemption BaptistMission will be participating in thisevent. The two day event begins withoutreach training at 6:00 pm at Camp-ground Baptist Church on Friday, Feb-ruary 17th (Meal will be provided.). Thefollowing day, participants will gatherat 9:30 am and the event will go until2:00 pm. If you have a group from yourchurch that would like to participate,call Pastor Bryan Atwood at 228-224-

6466 to register. The cost is $35.00 andthis covers the price of a T-Shirt and thepurchase of Bibles. Please register byFebruary 1, 2017.

Revolving Loan Fund UpdateRevolving Loan Fund UpdateRevolving Loan Fund UpdateRevolving Loan Fund UpdateRevolving Loan Fund UpdateOur RLF Fund continues to be sound

with plenty of money available to loan.Our current rate of interest on loans is4.25%. We can also loan money torefinance and pay off a loan which yourchurch may have taken with a commer-cial bank.

Contact Us -Contact Us -Contact Us -Contact Us -Contact Us - You can email us atmissions@bmams.org or call us at 601-428-8616. Visit our website atwww.bmams.org. Like our Facebookpage at https://www.facebook.com/bmamsmissions.

Missionary Philip Burns recently baptizedtwo at Day Star Mission. Above with Jenni-fer Davis and below with Carie Tomblin

Big Creek Church JOY Group visits South Forrest Baptist Mission

As a Christian, a religious person,what do I do to assist the life of theperson involved in an incestuous rela-tionship? What do I as a religiousperson, and I hope a Christian, do toassist the life of the prostitutes of ourcommunity?

The Pharisees, the religious people,made fun of Jesus when he allowed alady wash his feet with her tears andwipe them dry with the hair of her head(Luke 7). If he were a prophet he wouldknow she is a sinful woman! How arewe today doing on this? Most of us judgeand judge quickly the lives of thosearound us and call them “below ourstandard”, and they are to be thrownout. We must be inclusive in our out-reach to all. God was inclusive accord-ing to Matthew chapter one. He in-cluded these two women who were be-low the “religious” standards.

3. Family traditions and cultural3. Family traditions and cultural3. Family traditions and cultural3. Family traditions and cultural3. Family traditions and culturalpatterns are not impossible to over-patterns are not impossible to over-patterns are not impossible to over-patterns are not impossible to over-patterns are not impossible to over-come as one commits their life andcome as one commits their life andcome as one commits their life andcome as one commits their life andcome as one commits their life andfamily to the Lord.family to the Lord.family to the Lord.family to the Lord.family to the Lord.

Both of these women “went against”what was the normal for their familypractice. Both of these women wentagainst what was the “normal” for theirculture. This is one of the most difficultthings in the world to accomplish.

Many in life find themselves caught

in the tradition of mom, dad, grandma,granddad, or some other family behav-ior. They are trapped and cannot getloose from what is causing them somuch hurt. Many people are caught incultural traditions and cannot extricatethemselves. Our own cultural traditionof American Paganism is one such cul-ture from which people cannot get loose.

The power of God in Christ can changeyour family ways of doing things andthe power of Christ can change the holdyour culture has on you. Give Christthat opportunity now in this service.

4. Commitment of your life to the4. Commitment of your life to the4. Commitment of your life to the4. Commitment of your life to the4. Commitment of your life to theLord can change the course ofLord can change the course ofLord can change the course ofLord can change the course ofLord can change the course ofhistory.history.history.history.history.

It is true of these two women. Theyare in the lineage of our Lord. Whatthey did lives forever in the life of Christ.They were counted worthy to be a partof the lineage of Jesus. It is recorded ofthem that God chose them to be a partof the history of Jesus the Messiah.

What you bind of earth is bound inheaven and what you loose on earth isloosed in heaven. Jesus told this toSimon Peter after Peter confessed whoChrist really was-the Messiah of God,the Son of God! Simon confessed Christand the course of the world was changed.You can confess Christ and the course ofthe world can be changed. It will bechanged in your own life. It will bechanged in your home. It will be changedin your relationships. It will be changedat your job. It will be changed forever ineternity with God.

ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusionThere are many kinds of people in the

world. Not all of them have perfectlives. Some are bent, crooked, perverse,and shady. Those kinds of lives are likemy life--imperfect. Matthew tells usthat through God’s grace my imperfectlife can be used enough to be a part ofGod’s work.

A woman who willfully promoted in-cest-how awful, filthy, nasty, and re-pugnant! A woman who sold herself formen’s sexual pleasures-how dreadful,soiled, wicked, and disgusting! Godgraced their lives and they were part ofthe family of Jesus the Messiah, theAnointed One of God.

How is your life? Dear brother, anddear sister, is there past history youwould not want anyone to know? Isthere some lifestyle in the past that issomething you would not want to showin the light of day? These two womenwere like that. Yet God collected theirlives with His grace to change them. Noless is promised to you today. Come tothe altar with me in our invitation toreceive Christ as your Saviour. Comejoin at the altar this morning. Take myhand, and tell me you want to becomea member of this church.

We celebrate his coming and his birthat this season. Joy to the world the Lordis come! The Lord has come throughtwo unusual women.

Christ can come right here, rightnow, this very minute, and in this veryplace into your life if you will ask Himto do so.

The Women inJesus’ Lineage

continued from page 1

Oak GroveAssociation Report

by Ed Steele, ReporterThe Oak Grove Missionary Baptist

Association met with Cornerstone Bap-tist Church in Hattiesburg on Novem-ber 17. Following a wonderful mealserved by the church, the meeting be-gan at 7:00 with ten churches beingrepresented. Bro. Kenneth Flynt waspresent to speak on behalf of the Com-mission on Senior Adults. The messagewas delivered by Cornerstone Pastor,Bro. Glen Pace.

The next meeting will be with GoodHope Baptist Church near Columbia onJanuary 12. Each year, the Januarymeeting is designated as the time for arally for the Children's Home. Eachchurch is encouraged to be representedand come to be a blessing to the Children'sHome.

God put a cross

between you and hell.

If you want to go to hell,

you will have to crawl

over the cross of Jesus

8 December 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Women's Missionary AuxiliaryPresidentLinda Smith

2816 Old Bay Springs Rd.Laurel, MS 39440

601-470-1398

Corresponding SecretaryMrs. Shirlene Smith

730 Hwy 533Laurel, MS 39443

601-729-5638

Girls Missionary AuxilliaryState Youth Auxiliary Director

Beth Caldwell166 Twin Creek Rd,Lucedale, MS 39452

601-947-6011

State GMA PromoterBecky Farmer

464 Churchwell RoadHattiesburg, MS 39401

601-596-1005becky@southforrest.org

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

Youth DepartmentBMA of Mississippi

As we come to the end of another year, many people will reflect back overthe past 12 months and think of all that has taken place. For many, it wasa great year! Blessings abounded. For others, it was a year filled withdifficulties and trials. For most of us, it was a mixture. We faced ups anddowns, but we know our God was with us every step of the way! Regardlessof how your 2016 went, we can all look forward to 2017. We can hope and prayfor a better year! We can be excited to see our families and churches moveforward in the way the Lord has called us to go. And as we look into 2017, wehave 3 dates we encourage you to mark on your calendar.

The "Sharpen" Youth Leadership Conference returns this year and will beon February 18 at Temple Baptist in Laurel. Bro. Josh Daniels will be thespeaker.

The State Youth Camp will be June 5-7 at Waukaway Springs ChristianRetreat Center. Bro. Donnie Parrish will be the speaker.

The State Youth Mission Day will be on June 24.We will release more information about each event in the coming weeks!As you look forward to 2017, I encourage you to take part in our activities

so that we can enjoy fellowship with our churches and strengthen the faith ofour children and youth in the BMA of Mississippi. Your State YouthDepartment wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Mississippi State WMA Treasurer’s ReportNovember 1, 2016

Shirlene Smith, TreasurerMississippi State WMA Project for 2015-2016

75% WATER FOR CHRIST ................................................................. $13,386.2325% GENERAL FUND ....................................................................... $ 2,096.69Total Received ...................................................................................... $15,482.92

The WMA voted to transfer $1,613.77 from the General Fund to make a total of$5,000.00 for Water 4 Christ to finance the drilling of another well in Ghana, Africa.This makes a total of $15,000.00 given this year. Skyway Hills Baptist Church,Pearl, contributed $5,000.00 for a well and the Mississippi State WMA contributeda total of $10.000.00 for two wells. We are indeed grateful to God for blessing theWMA to be able to give this amount—the most that has ever been given in one yearto a project!

After contributing $2,000.00 to the hurricane relief fund in Haiti and otherspecial projects, the balance in the State WMA General Fund at this time is$7,319.26. Our project for 2016-2017 is Water 4 Christ and the General Fund. MayGod give us another year of record-breaking giving for His honor and glory! Pleasesend your funds for the State Project and General Fund to: Shirlene Smith; 730Highway 533; Laurel, MS 39443. God bless each of you.

BMA of Mississippi Churches receiving certificatesfor contributing $100.00 or more to the WMA Project

Berean Baptist Church, SosoBig Creek Baptist Church, SosoEast Amory Baptist Church, AmoryEast Fulton Baptist Church, FultonFirst Baptist Church, Bay springsFirst Baptist Church, CalhounFirst Baptist Church,

Henleyfield (Mary Rhoden)First Baptist Church, Shady GroveHopewell Baptist Church, FultonHopewell Baptist Church, LaurelLee’s Chapel #2 Baptist Church,

PicayuneLebanon Baptist Church, LaurelMovella Baptist Church, LucedaleParamount Baptist Church, WigginsParkview Baptist Church,

Gautier, Reunion OfferingParkview Baptist Church, LaurelPine Grove Baptist Church, Purvis

Sharon Baptist Church, LaurelSkyway Hills Baptist Church, PearlTemple Baptist Church, LucedaleTen Mile Baptist Church, WigginsVardaman St. Baptist Church,

WigginsWilderness Baptist Church, Vicksburg

Associations:Associations:Associations:Associations:Associations:Washington Asso. District WMAHobolochitto Asso. District WMA

Top Five ChurchesTop Five ChurchesTop Five ChurchesTop Five ChurchesTop Five Churchesin Contributionsin Contributionsin Contributionsin Contributionsin Contributions

Skyway Hills, Pearl ........... $5,774.76Parkview, Laurel ................. 1,000.00First, Calhoun......................... 920.00Temple, Lucedale .................... 820.00Vardaman St. Church............. 722.40

GMA Officer Reportby Amy Mitchell, State GMA Historian

Hey guys! We are so excited to have camp this year and we've been working hardto make it a good and fun one. We'd like everyone to come join us March 17th & 18th.The theme for this year is the Peace of God and the verse is Philippians 4:17. Pleasepray for the camp for God's will to be done. Can't wait to see y'all!

By Jason Prewitt, Camp DirectorBy Jason Prewitt, Camp DirectorBy Jason Prewitt, Camp DirectorBy Jason Prewitt, Camp DirectorBy Jason Prewitt, Camp DirectorDaniel Springs invests in young lives. Since 1965, countless children and teenagers

have attended camp with over 10,000 professing faith in Christ! Many BMA pastors andmissionaries have surrendered to ministry under the roof of the main tabernacle. Theinvestment Daniel Springs has made into the lives of our young people has producedgreat fruit.

Now, the camp is in need of investment. Over the past two years, lower-than-expected income has resulted in a difficult financial position. Most likely, the camp willbe forced to borrow money to cover operating expenses this year.

The camp belongs to BMA churches. That’s why I want to make the need known toyou. We need an increase of $13,000 in monthly support. We are asking churches andindividuals to prayerfully consider helping.

The need is urgent and the cause is great. If Daniel Springs has invested in your life,would you be willing to invest in the life of Daniel Springs? With your help, we can ensurea great camp experience for BMA young people for years to come.You can give online at danielsprings.com/give or by sending support (marked “DanielSprings”) to P.O. Box 1749, Conway, AR 72033.

Thank you in advance for your Daniel Springs investment.

The Daniel Springs Investment