JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

www.msbaptist.orgMay 15, 2016 VOL. 70 NO. 10

2016 Missions & Evangelistic Conference

by the Editorby the Editorby the Editorby the Editorby the EditorIn the photo above Bro. Greg

Medenwald, pastor of Magnolia BaptistChurch in Hattiesburg leads the clos-ing prayer of the 2016 Missions & Evan-gelistic Conference.

This year's conference was appropri-ately held at South Forrest Baptist

Church, a current mission project of theBMA of Mississippi. Missions DirectorLarry Geraldson highlighted the state-wide work of missions during this year'smeeting. He stated that in continuingthe emphasis on missions the 2017Conference will be held at CaledoniaBaptist Church in Caledonia, Missis-

sippi and Missionary Pastor Bob Burch.

The GospelThe GospelThe GospelThe GospelThe GospelThe overall theme of this year's con-

ference was "The Gospel". Messageswere brought on the following subjects,"The Gospel of God" by Director Larry

Senior Adult Conference

North SeniorAdults Meet

The 2016 North Mississippi SeniorAdult Conference was held May 10 atEast Fulton Baptist Church, Fulton. Agood crowd gathered to worship, fellow-ship, sing and enjoy a catfish lunch.

Director Kenneth Flynt led the con-ference that included a memorial toformer EastFulton Pas-tor GaryS m i t h .Smith wasserving aspastor ofEast Fultonand asPresident ofthe BMA ofMississippiat the timeof his death.

Dr. JohnAdams brought the morning messagedealing with the spiritual condition ofour nation and our responsibility asGod' children,

Praise and worship was led by Bro.Bryson Haden with a number of spe-cials brought by others. The afternoonsession included a good Ole Fashioned

"Gaither Style Homecoming" session.Door prizes were given, catfish was

eaten and the senior citizens wereblessed.

Seniro Adult DirectorKenneth Flynt

Dr. John Adams bringing message

Southeastern Baptist College Holds 2016 GraduationThe 2016 class of Southeastern Bap-

tist College received degrees on Thurs-day, May 12. Outgoing Dean Dr. AaronParker brought the commencementaddress and challenged the class toPress On. He emphasized that the pastwas gone and the time to press forwardis what lies ahead for the graduates.

Nine individuals received degrees anddiplomas The 2016 graduating class ofSoutheastern College is pictured to theright.

continued on page 2continued on page 2continued on page 2continued on page 2continued on page 2

2 May 15, 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

Geraldson; "Man The Sinner" by Den-nis Knight, pastor of Paramount Church,Perkinston; "The Gospel of Jesus Christ"

by Blake McCain, pastor of MidwayFirst Baptist, Sumrall; "The Gospel of

MissionsConferencefrom page 1

South Forrest Baptist Mission - site of 2016 Missions & Evangelistic Conference

Larry Geraldson introducing program

Dixons leading worship

Grace" by John Lewis, pastor of EastFulton Church, Fulton; "The Power ofthe Gospel" by Chad Cummins, pastorof Evergreen Church, Seminary; and"The Everlasting Gospel", by JamesSprayberry, pastor of First Baptist, BaySprings.

Missionary ReportsMissionary ReportsMissionary ReportsMissionary ReportsMissionary ReportsEach of the missionaries present gave

reports on their work along with boththe challenges and the blessings. Someof the missionaries were accompaniedby members of their congregation. Thesemembers shared what the missionmeant to them and the changes thathad taken place in their lives due to theefforts of the missionary, his family, thefellowship of the other members alongwith the efforts of the BMA of Missis-sippi in coming to their community and

State Missionaries Reporting

planting a local church.The personal testimonies were shared

highlighting the individual's spiritual

journey and their involvement inchurch. It was obvious to this writerthat our local missionaries are doing a

good work with each having a heart forsouls.

Each missionary present reported onhis personal work highlighting theirchallenges and blessings.

Music, Food & FellowshipMusic, Food & FellowshipMusic, Food & FellowshipMusic, Food & FellowshipMusic, Food & FellowshipMusic and worship was led by Jeff &

Rosalind Dixon from Hillcrest Churchin Yazoo City. Additional special musicwas presented by Harold Floyd.

South Forrest Church was a gra-cious host with the church providingthe noon meal for those attending. Pas-tor Sidney Farmer and the members ofSouth Forrest are to be commended fortheir hospitality.

Pastor Dies in AccidentWilliamson, Brianna Williamson andBrooklyn Williamson; parents Jerry andF r a n c e sWilliamson ofLong Beach;s i b l i n g sD e l o r a( D a v i d )Ingerson ofFoley, Ala-bama, Jerry( S h e r r y )Williamson ofG u l f p o r t ,C u r t i s(Cynthia) Hudson of Richton andAmanda Blount of Wiggins.

Our sympathies go out to Bro.Williamson’s family and Sand HillChurch.

Bryan Keith Williamson, pastor ofSand Hill Baptist Church in Lucedale,was killed in an auto accident on April23, 2016. Funeral services were held onWednesday, April 27 at Sand HillMissionary Baptist Church, Lucedalewith burial at Nolan Eubanks Cem-etery. Rev. Jacob Bogart, Rev. Billy RayBond, Rev. Jonathan Williamson andRev. Gary Crisp officiated the services.

Bro. Williamson also was employedby Havard’s Pest Control. He was bornMarch 5, 1965, in Gulfport. He is sur-vived by his wife Mona Williamson;children Kimberly (Cole) Causey ofDenham Springs, Louisiana; Keith(Stephanie) Williamson of Perkinston,Mississippi; Jonathan (Mary)Williamson and Becca Williamson, bothof Lucedale; grandchildren Samantha

Bro. Bryan Williamson

3May 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Obama administration orders public schools to allow'transgenders' to use opposite-sex bathroomsWASHINGTON (OneNewsNow) - Pub-lic schools must permit transgenderstudents to use bathrooms and lockerrooms consistent with their chosen gen-der identity, according to an Obamaadministration directive issued amid acourt fight between the federal govern-ment and North Carolina.

The guidance from leaders at thedepartments of Education and Justicesays public schools are obligated to treattransgender students in a way thatmatches their gender identity, even iftheir education records or identity docu-ments indicate a different sex.

In issuing the guidance, the Obamaadministration is wading anew into asocially divisive debate it has bluntlycast in terms of civil rights. The JusticeDepartment on Monday sued NorthCarolina over a bathroom access lawthat it said violates the rights oftransgender people, a measure that

Lynch likened to policies of racial segre-gation and efforts to deny gay couplesthe right to marry.

The guidance does not impose anynew legal requirements. But officialssay it's meant to clarify expectations ofschool districts that receive fundingfrom the federal government. Educa-tors have been seeking guidance on how

to comply with Title IX, which prohibitssex discrimination in educational pro-grams and activities that receive fed-eral funding, Education Secretary JohnB. King said in a statement.

Under the guidance, schools are toldthat they must treat transgender stu-dents according to their chosen genderidentity as soon as a parent or guardian

notifies the district that that identity"differs from previous representationsor records." There is no obligation for astudent to present a specific medicaldiagnosis or identification documentsthat reflect his or her gender identityand equal access must be given totransgender students even in instanceswhen it makes others uncomfortable,according to the directive.

"As is consistently recognized in civilrights cases, the desire to accommodateothers' discomfort cannot justify a policythat singles out and disadvantages aparticular class of students," the guid-ance says.

The administration is also releasinga separate 25-page document of ques-tions and answers about best practices,including ways schools can maketransgender students comfortable inthe classroom and protect the privacyrights of all students in restrooms orlocker rooms.

The guidance comes days after theJustice Department and North Caro-lina filed dueling lawsuits over a newstate law that says transgender peoplemust use public bathrooms, showersand changing rooms that correspond tothe sex on their birth certificate. Theadministration has said the law vio-lates the Civil Rights Act.

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCroryhas argued that the state law is a"commonsense privacy policy" and thatthe Justice Department's position is"baseless and blatant overreach." Hisadministration sued the federal govern-ment hours before the state itself wassued.

Tupelo ChurchThanks Governor

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryantreads a letter from the South GreenBaptist Church, Tupelo, Mississippi.The church wrote the governor andthanked him for standing for decencyand biblical values.

4 May 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Opinion PageJournal of the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi

Don Brown - EditorDon Brown

www.msbaptist.org

Sofilthy's Atticby Barbara White

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 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

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

Laurel Church Seeking PastorFirst Baptist Church of Shady Grove,

Laurel, Mississippi, is searching for apastor. Any interested individuals shouldsend a resume to Pastor Search Commit-tee, c/o First Baptist Church, 4514 High-way 15 North, Laurel, MS 39440 or emailto fbcshadygrove@yahoo.com. Phone in-quiries should be made to Don Brown at601-426-3293.

Pastor SearchTombigbee Baptist Church in

Mantachie, Mississippi, is seeking a pas-tor. Those interested are asked to contactJames Jones at 662-871-8824(redjones@nexband.com) or Sid Kirkseyat 662-401-5888(kirksey@nexband.com).

Church Seeks Music DirectorLebanon Baptist Church is in need of a

part-time music director. This personwould be over leading worship serviceSunday morning and night, as well asdoing cantatas and other special music.We are looking for someone who is ableto incorporate both hymnals and contem-porary style music. All interested personswho have questions or would like to sendtheir resume may do so by emailing AdamParker at parkeradam288@gmail.com.

Staff PositionsAvailable

Hoop SnakesI was digging around in my "attic" a few days ago and I came across

this article from Jack Sunn's column. Here it is:"Many years ago Mississippi was infested with what was known as

hoop snakes.The snakes were more than 9 feet long and extremely poisonous.

To move, the snake would attach its mouth to the end of its tail, for a 3-foot circularhoop and roll at a very high speed.

A story was told about a man and his wife, Walter and Beulah Bell Murgertroyd,who were raking leaves near their house one day when Beulah spied a hoop snakerolling down the hill. Beulah screamed for Walter to watch out, and he waited untilthe snake was very close before stepping to one side and causing the snake to buryits fangs in a 10-inch oak tree.

The snake's venom was so poisonous it caused the tree to immediately beginswelling. Within a year the tree was about 36 inches in diameter. Walter cut thetree and built Beulah a chicken house.

A few years later, Beulah rubbed coal oil on the inside walls of the chicken houseto get rid of chicken mites. The coal oil not only killed the mites but killed the poisonin the lumber, causing it to draw up so much that it smothered 20 of the best RhodeIsland Red hens they had."

All who believe that, stand on their head! All who don't, give me a quarter!Matthew 12:36 says we will give account of every idle word that we have uttered.

I seem to stack them up frequently.

Our Only Hope - The Gospel of Jesus Christby Don Brownby Don Brownby Don Brownby Don Brownby Don Brown

I hope you are as concerned as I amabout the current state of society. Itseems to me that the whole world hasgone mad. Satan is surely alive anddoing all he can to confuse the minds ofmankind in order to accomplish hispurpose of deception and destruction.

The government of our nation, andcertainly the current administration, istaking us in directions that are aston-ishing. Who would have even consid-ered that we would be having discus-sions about who can go into whichbathroom, shower, or changing room inour schools and in retail establishments.Who would have thought that our gov-ernment officials would set rules forwho may use which rest rooms.

It has not been too long since the U.S.Supreme Court ruled on changing thedefinition of the sacred institution ofmarriage.

How is it wrong to refuse to partici-pate in certain activities that are againsta person's deeply held religious beliefs?Who would have thought that the gov-ernment of this nation would force its

citizens to accommodate that whichGod commands to avoid?

The spiritual and cultural downwardspiral over the past few years, and yesthe last few decades, seems to be gain-ing speed at an unstoppable rate. Weask ourselves what has happened andwhat can we do about it?

I think the answer to the "what hashappened" question is twofold. Goodpeople have been silent to the constantonslaught of the liberal, progressive,and ungodly direction taken by ourelected leaders and liberal educators.This simply tells me that Satan willuse, and is using, all at his disposal tolead the spiritually blind to eternaldestruction.

Additionally, too many pulpits arevoid of the moral, spiritual, ethical, andcommon sense instruction that is nec-essary for an orderly society to exist.Our Lord is longsuffering, but He is alsoa just and jealous God. How long can wesurvive and how long will God toleratethe sinful direction of our land?

The solution is a personal and nationsweeping revival - a revival of purpose,

a revival of spiritual awakening, and arevival of personal responsibility.

2016 is an election year. Governmentwill not solve our problems and electedofficials are not our saviors. That beingsaid, it is the responsibility of all ofGod's people to seek out righteous lead-ers and to hold them accountable to thestandards that make for an orderly andmoral society.

The answer begins with a burdenedheart, prayer, and action. If our heartsare not concerned, then all is lost. If wedesire a different direction, then prayeris essential. When we are alarmedenough, we will pray and then we willtake the necessary action to effect change.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the surecure for a nation's sins. Our nation is inperil. Men, women, boys and girls needChrist.

5May 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

Letters FromOur Readers

Letters reflect the opinion of thewriter and not necessarily this

publication or the BMA of Mississippi

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

SoutheasternBaptist College

Danny Pitts

Serving Christ With a Biblical World View In A Christian Atmosphere

Summer CoursesSummer CoursesSummer CoursesSummer CoursesSummer CoursesRemember to call Southeast-

ern Baptist College and registerfor classes now. Two onlineclasses will be taught this sum-mer: OT-435, Old TestamentPoetry (Job, Psalms, and Prov-erbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song ofSolomon) and OT-436 (Isaiah,Jeremiah, and Lamentations).The complete Fall Schedule is

available at our website(www.southeasternbaptist.edu.)Do not forget that all Fallcourses will be taught on cam-pus and online. Call Mondaythrough Wednesday at 601-426-6346 and speak to Ronnie Kitch-ens about registering for theSummer classes or to pre-regis-ter for the fall schedule.

GraduationGraduationGraduationGraduationGraduationThe 2016 Graduation Services

for Southeastern Baptist Col-lege were held on Thursday,May 12, 2016. Eight graduates

Outgoing Dean Dr. Aaron Parkerbringing the commencement address

A special 'gift bucket' given toDr. Aaron Parker as he steps

down as Academic Dean.

received their degrees. Somereceived both their associate’sand bachelor’s degrees. RetiringDean Dr. Aaron Parker broughta challenging commencementaddress. For efforts during thepast year, a number of studentsand teachers received recogni-tion for special honors whichthey had received. We rejoicewith the graduates over theiraccomplishments. We ask ev-eryone to pray that God willbless their credentials andknowledge to redound to theglory of our Savior.

Church of the Covered Dish BY THOMAS TAPP

From The Mindof Chuck Lee

Lee pastor's PineGrove Baptist Church,Purvis. He may bereached by email atleecharles47@yahoo.com

Phobi-addictA good friend of mine had an

aunt that was a hypochondriac.She was always at death's doorringing the doorbell wanting toenter in, but was constantlyturned down entrance. I thinkit was just because nobody onthe other side wanted to listen toher bellyaching. She was fi-nally proven right about herpoor health when she died at theyoung age of ninety-seven. Infact, when she crossed over theriver, they had to check herpassport twice to be sure thatthis time was the real deal.

It saddens me to know thatpeople spend their whole lifewaiting to die and never enjoy-ing the day that has been giventhem. What a miserable exist-ence this must be for someone tohave to endure. Besides that, itbrings down everyone aroundthem as well. Also, it takesaway from people with real is-sues like me.

I'm a Phobi-addict. I neverused to be, but as age has slippedup on me, I find myself findingeveryday things in which to bein fear. Snakes, heights, eleva-tors, clowns, and politicians toname a few, although I realizesnakes, clowns, and politiciansmay be classified into one group.These things never used tobother me, that is, until I be-came wise enough to realize the

danger they imposed. Beingolder and wiser is not quite asmuch fun as being younger anddumber. I guess I could growolder and not wiser, but I'm notsure that a person gets to beolder without getting wiser. Younever hear of the elderly saying,"Hey y'all, watch this"!

It bothers me to think that asa younger version of myself, Inever once worried about get-ting stuck in an elevator on thethirteenth floor with a snakehandling politician workingnights as a clown. To think, Iwasted the majority of my lifebeing carefree when I could havebeen worrying about the ozonelayer, national debt, and aliensinvading. I'm afraid that ifthere was a group meeting forPhobi-addicts, I would be tooscared to go, especially if it washeaded up by someone namedRay who was a Greek scholar.On the other hand, I might re-ceive some ideas about newthings in which to be afraid.

Missionary ReturnsTo Field & Shares NeedsDear Pastor, Church family,and praying friends:

I trust that you are doing welland continue to enjoy God’sgreatest blessing upon your life.After a couple of months on fur-lough we are back in India.Thank you for your prayers andkind hospitality during our stayin the United States. Our kids,Joanna and Jason, even thoughexhausted with the traveling,have thoroughly enjoyed the visitand got to learn and experiencemany new things in the shortperiod of time.

As we settle down and con-tinue to minister, God's callingon our family has been veryclear through the years to reach

regions that has been unreachedwith the gospel. Romans10:14,15.. Says…“How, then,can they call on the one theyhave not believed in? And howcan they believe in the one ofwhom they have not heard? Andhow can they hear without some-one preaching to them? And howcan anyone preach unless theyare sent?”

God has called us to workwith BMAA missions whosepurpose is to make disciples whoare disciple makers and plantchurches. Through the yearsthis ministry has touched thelives of thousands and hasbrought Christ into their lives.The ministry will produce thefruit not only winning souls toChrist, but raise local leaders tobe fulfillers of the great commis-sion.

Pray for the Bible Institutethat trains local leaders, for theHope House for Girls, TheLifeword radio program, theChristian schools with 1800 chil-dren, women’s ministry, small

groups and all the church plant-ers and their families.

Though God has called us tothis ministry, I can’t do withoutpeople behind me. I want you toconsider being a great commis-sion partner. There are a coupleways you could think of invest-ing in this ministry. As westruggle daily with discourage-ment, persecution, and all hin-drances, I need your prayer sup-port. And at the same time Ineed people who will make afinancial investment in thisministry. With the recent bud-get cut of 20% it is extremelyimportant to raise this supportto meet the needs.

Would you pray about beingmy partner in the Kingdomwork? I am not looking for ananswer right away but want foryou to take your time and keepit in prayers.

In ChristBro. Prashant PrakashBMAA Missionary to India

6 May 15, 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

Virtuous Womenby Tiny Dyess

The ladies of Good Hope BaptistChurch, Columbia, have been involvedrecently in a project making clothingfor poor children who are in need. Theclothing will be given to various mis-sionaries to be distributed. There will bepretty new dresses for girls and nicenew short pants for the boys.

Most of us are familiar with the ladyof acts 9:36 named Tabitha or Dorcas.She had the wonderful testimony that“she was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did,” and verse 39 says

“. . and all the widows stood by him(Peter) weeping and showing the coatsand garments which Dorcas made, whileshe was with them.” By the power ofGod, Peter raised her from the dead,“and many believed in the Lord.”

This picture features some of ourladies who became “the spirit of virtu-ous Dorcas.” We salute you all and alsothose who helped, but are not in thispicture.

We especially salute Mrs. BettyKendrick who is spearheading thisproject for us and also Mr. Pete Kendrickfor cooking hamburgers for us.

Northeast Ladies Meetby Martha Duncan, Reporter

The Northeast District Ladies Re-treat was held at East Fulton BaptistChurch on April 23. The Program,"Quilted Together" was presented byAnita Akers. "In the multitude of mythoughts within me thy comforts de-light my soul." Psalms 94:19. TheTheme: Worship. Scriptures used:Psalms: 40:11, Isaiah 54:10, James 1:12,John 3:14-16, Jeremiah 31:3. Musiclead by Beverly Beane, Linda Collins &

Mississippi State WMACorresponding Secretary’s Report

Mrs. Shirlene SmithMay 2, 2016

Total to account for .. $ 18,585.10General Fund .................. $ 10,469.17 75% Project (Water 4 Christ . 1,103.54Precious Jewels (printing fund) ..................... 20.00Ladies’ Retreat Fund ............. 6,992.39Total ........................... $ 18,585.10

Project Update: 75 % Water 4 Christ ..... $ 1.103.54 25 % Gen. Fund + Designated Offerings ....... 409.20Total ........................... $ 1,512.74

Please send offerings to:Shirlene Smith730 Hwy 533

Laurel, MS 39443

Patty Harlow with Joseph Johnson onthe piano. There were two break-outsessions: God's Love, What's Your Su-perpower? And God's Protection, AllDolled Up. A delicious meal was cateredby Bro. Steve & Jenny Bennett.

Master Builders Continues Workby Nelda Malone- reporter

The first week in April was the timeset for The Master’s Builders to begintheir annual job at Daniel Springs Campin Gary, Texas. Camp Director Jason

Prewitt had plans for the men to tearout the concrete cinder block dividers inthe bathrooms in 5 dorms and to buildnew walls and doors for each one. Therewas a lot of precise sawing going on!!They also cut and installed vinyl planksfor the floor in each shower,installed a door betweenthe rooms in the workers’dorm to give some privacy,constructed 2 lifeguardstands and built 32 shadowboxes for each dorm to dis-play scriptures, pictures,info etc. They also built aGaGa Ball Game Pit andplaced it, and one previ-ously built, on the grounds.

This was the 141st jobfor the Master’s Builders. There were13 RVs parked in the parking lot, with3 men staying in the workers’ dorm,and one that drove back and forth eachday, for a total of 17 men.

While at Gary, we attended the Dedi-cation Service for the new building atBethel Baptist in Clayton, Texas. TheMaster’s Builders helped in the con-struction of this building in Septemberof last year.

Our Builders family is still mourn-ing the loss of our dear friend and fellowworker, John May. And while on thisjob at Gary, we loss another dear friend.Robert Ramey, our almost 90 year oldMaster’s Builder, was called Home.Robert was with us as we worked atBethel last year and was there workingwith us a Daniel Springs. He enjoyedthe work so much and we enjoyed beingwith him. Robert was not present for“circle up” prayer Tuesday morning,but he WAS present with our Lord.What an inspiration and blessing hewas to us all. We miss John and Robert,but are so thankful for the preciousmemories we have of each. Please re-member the families of these men,

especially Barbara May.If you feel the Lord is leading you

toward this ministry, if you have anyquestions, or if your church has build-ing needs, you can contact our Office

Coordinator, Bro. John Mangum at 318-205-5155 or his cell 318-607-4100 or ourField Coordinator, Eddie Sikes at 903-725-6549 or his cell 479-462-1675.

P.S.

Jason Prewitt had asked for anyonewho had a testimony of the ministry ofDaniel Springs to write in and I alwaysplanned to, so now is my opportunity.

This writer was a 19 year old wife andmother of a 2 month old, who went tochurch that morning because my oldersister told me to get up and go. TheGMAs of the church had been to DanielSprings for camp. Five girls were savedand they gave their testimony in theworship service. Until then, I neverrealized I was lost, but the Holy Spiritconvicted my heart and I realized I wasnothing without Christ! I surrenderedmy life to Him on June 22, 1969, atChaybeate Springs Baptist Church,Plain Dealing, Louisiana. Thank youLord and thank you for the ministry atDaniel Springs. II Timothy 1:12b.

Masters Builders workers

Getting to work

Revival Notices

lunch at the church and an afternoonservice at 1:00 p.m. Nightly serviceswill be at 7:00 p.m. Monday throughWednesday. Pastor Joe Watson and theSharon Church family invite all to comeand worship with them. The church islocated in the Sharon community at4346 Sharon Rd., Laurel.

Leakesville Missionary BaptistChurch will be holding revival servicesJune 6-10. Our speaker will be Bro. Charles(Chuck) Lee. Services will be at 7:00 eachevening.

Sharon Baptist Church Sharon Baptist Church Sharon Baptist Church Sharon Baptist Church Sharon Baptist Church near Lau-rel will hold revival services June 12-15,2016. The speaker will be Bro. JustinCameron. The church will hold regularSunday morning services at 10:30 with

7May 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST

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

SIDNEY DAVIS - DIRECTOR SIDNEY DAVIS

The Joy of the LordThe Joy of the LordThe Joy of the LordThe Joy of the LordThe Joy of the LordThere is one thing for sure as we make our journey in life, we need the Lord’s

help and strength. Read 1 Kings 19:1-8. God gave Elijah strength to do Hiswork, verse 8. When it came to the every day task of life Elijah discovered thatthe walk God had called him to journey was too great for him to do by himself.He was prone to become discouraged and weary.

He found out on a personal basis that only God can give the help needed forthe journey of life. Yes, we can trust the Lord for a lifetime. As the days,months, and years go by we can take assurance that God is very near to us togive us the strength needed. “…and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.”Deuteronomy 33.25.

God gives us the strength for the days ahead as we wait before the Lord atthe beginning of the day. May we begin each day meditating on His Word,prayer, and worship. Above all, may we surrender ourselves to Him. Yes, itwill make a difference in our life as we graciously bow ourselves to the Lordand allow Him to meet every need of the day. Nehemiah says, “the joy of theLord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10.

Graduating SeniorGraduating SeniorGraduating SeniorGraduating SeniorGraduating SeniorIt is a joy and delight to announce that Alden

Brunty will be a part of the 2016 graduating class ofWest Jones High School. Graduation ceremonieswill take place on Friday afternoon, May twentieth,two thousand and sixteen at three o’clock at theMagnolia Center, Highway 11, Laurel, Mississippi.

Alden plans to attend Jones County Junior Collegein Ellisville this Fall. Remember Alden in yourprayers as he enters this all-important phase of hislife as he prepares and plans for his future.

Congratulations Alden on your achievements.Our prayers and best wishes are with you. Proverbs.3:5,6.

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 girls and boys and the ministry of the Home in

your prayers. “…for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; forthe joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10.

Alden Brunty

Showing some backbonein the Tar Heel State

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory

(OneNewsNow.com)(OneNewsNow.com)(OneNewsNow.com)(OneNewsNow.com)(OneNewsNow.com) - A family advo-cate says more Americans need to fightthe Obama administration and useNorth Carolina's governor as a rolemodel.

Andrea Lafferty, who heads the Tra-ditional Values Coalition, is applaudingNorth Carolina for not allowing thefederal government to bully the stateinto allowing men to use women's facili-ties.

Scalia's absenceopened door for NClawsuit

Former JusticeDepartment attorneyJ. Christian Adamsbelieves the recentdeath of SupremeCourt JusticeAntonin Scaliaemboldened the DOJto pursue a federallawsuit againstNorth Carolina'sbathroom law.

Adams, now chiefcounsel of the Public Interest LegalFoundation, believes this issue will ul-timately reach the Supreme Courtwhich, because of Scalia's passing, isshort one conservative justice right now.

"The reason this case got filed isbecause Justice Scalia died [in Febru-ary]," Adams tells OneNewsNow. "So Ithink [U.S. Attorney General] LorettaLynch and President Obama and all theother radicals at the Justice Depart-ment are counting on a Supreme Courtthat looks very different than the onefrom last January."

Adams categorizes the lawsuitagainst North Carolina as "part of thefundamental transformation" the presi-dent promised before assuming office.

"And in this case it's to use federalpower to create an imaginary civil rightfor men dressed as women to go intobathrooms," the attorney continues. "Itis not part of the federal law, but thatdoesn't stop this administration frombringing lawsuits in court based onwhat they wished the law was ratherthan what the law really is."

"If they choose to [withhold funding],it would be a massive miscalculation bythe Obama administration .... It wouldbe unprecedented in American historyfor that to happen. So I don't thinkthat's going to happen.

"But if it did, then what do you do?You have to make cuts to the govern-ment .... You have to tell the people ofNorth Carolina Because of what they'redoing in Washington, DC, and how theyare breaking the law, they are keepingyour tax dollars, not letting you have it,not letting the least advantaged, most-disadvantaged students in North Caro-

lina have those funds that already be-long to them."

The state is led by Gov. Pat McCrory,who has been vilified by homosexualactivists and the media for signing HouseBill 2 last month.

House Bill 2 stipulates people mustuse the public restroom that correspondswith their gender at birth. Yet whilethat sounds like common sense, law-makers in North Carolina "created state-

sponsored discrimination" against thetransgendered in North Carolina, U.S.Attorney Genera Loretta Lynch claimedin a May 9 press conference.

That press conference came after theU.S. Department of Justice demandedthat North Carolina drop its new law -and gave the state a deadline to do so.Instead, McCrory announced the statewas suing the DOJ and Lynch went tothe microphones to compare the TarHeel State to Jim Crow.

Contrary to President BarackObama's view, Lafferty says, accommo-dating transgendered people is not acivil rights issue.

"Martin Luther King Jr. didn't marchon Selma so that grown men and boyscould march into girls changing roomsand showers," she observes.

The transgendered are "psychologi-cally unhealthy people who clearly needhelp," Lafferty says, but not at theexpense of the majority of Americans,including women and children in publicrestrooms.

OneNewsNow has noted thattransgenderism was considered a men-tal illness until 2013, when the Ameri-can Psychiatric Association dropped theterm "gender identity disorder" in favorof "gender dysphoria," because the newerterm is less "stigmatizing."

Much like comparing North Caro-lina to Jim Crow, the U.S. Dept. ofEducation is using Title IX anti-dis-crimination legislation to demand thatpublic schools accommodate transgenderstudents or face a federal lawsuit andloss of funds.

Much like North Carolina's gover-nor, a group of parents and students in

Illinois are suing the Obama adminis-tration over that policy.

The lawsuit argues the federal gov-ernment has "violated students’ funda-mental right to privacy and parents’constitutional right to instill moral stan-dards and values in their children," TheWashington Post reported.

It wasn't the intent of Congress inpassing civil rights legislation to maketransgender a protected class, Laffertyargues.

"The Obama administration," saysLafferty, "is interpreting this law byregulatory fiat."

State Youth Camp - June 6-8, 2016Waukaway Springs, Vossburg, Mississippi

We will once again meet at Waukaway Springs Christian RetreatCenter in Vossburg, Mississippi. The dates for this year's camp isJune 6-8 and the cost is $100 per person.

We are very excited to have Bro. Blake McCain as our speaker thisyear.

One new change for this year is that we are opening up camp forall ages. Many of the children who have attended our Junior Campsover the years are now reaching their teen years and we want tocontinue providing the camp experience that they have come toknow and love.

For more information and to preregister, contact Bro. KelbyJohnson at 662-316-6233 or kelbyjohnson@yahoo.com.

8 May 15, 2016 • Mississippi Baptist

COMMISSION ONSenior Adults4226 Highway 15 North, Laurel, Mississippi 39440 Kenneth Flynt

Director

North Senior Adult Conference Review

Shifting Gearsby Larry Barker

Director of Operations North AmericaBMA of America Missions Department

(from Baptist Trumpet)

The very first car my wife and Ibought together, right before we mar-ried, was a 1974 Mustang II. It did nothave an auto-matic trans-mission; itwas a five-s p e e dmanual. Shehad neverdriven a stickshift before, sothe trainingbegan. Thereis nothing likelearning to drive a five-speed to see howwell you will really be able to get along.She was doing quite well until one daywe had an errand that required her todrive where the area was quite hilly.

Unfortunately, the traffic light caughtus where the hill was the steepest, andnow the real test was about to begin.When the light turned green she tried,but we rolled backward. Again she tried,but the result was the same.

The man behind us was quite con-cerned, waving his hands and honkinghis horn. I pulled up the emergencyhand break in the middle console, toldher to gun it and pop the clutch, and I letthe brake down. You can get rubbereven in a four-cylinder!

She became very proficient with amanual transmission, which proved tobe quite useful while we were living inRomania.

Learning to know when to be in theright gear at the right time allows theengine to function at its optimum. Inthe wrong gear at the wrong time, andthe engine labors and can even shutdown.

Being in the right gear at the righttime is also important in our lives for uspersonally, our families and whereverwe may work. If you are in the wronggear at the wrong time, damage can bedone.

The following gears are used in thebook Five Gears: How to Be PresentWhen there Is Never Enough Time byJeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram.The key is to be aware of the gear youare in and the gear others are in aroundyou, then be willing to shift into theneeded gear for the moment.

We will run over people if we chooseto continue at the speed we are travelingand are unwilling to down shift, slowdown and be fully present and focusedon them where they are at the moment.

• First Gear is the Recharge Mode.This is where you completely unplugand are able to get refreshed, rechargedand re-energized. This is your timealone with God and making sure you get

the rest and relaxation that you need.This is why there is a day and a

night, a Sabbath, a time to work and atime to rest. God placed these restrhythms into our lives for our healthand well being. Do not skip over firstgear and try to start off too fast inanother gear because you will eventu-ally damage your engine.

• Second Gear is the Connect Mode.We must learn to be fully present withour families. The people we love themost deserve our best in the area of ourundivided attention during quality timetogether. We cannot afford to always bedistracted and guilty of being physicallypresent but not emotionally.

Are you connecting appropriately withyour wife and with your children? Thereality is that miscommunication growsexponentially the busier our lives be-come.

• Third Gear is the Social Mode. Thismiddle gear gives us the ability to shiftdown or uppretty easily. We can downshift intosecond gear where we can spend qualitytime with someone that allows us to getto know hem more personally.

Look for these opportunities andcpitalize on them, but also be ready topshift to being able to multi-task. Thekey to third gear is being aware of whatis needed at the moment and havingEQ” — emotional intelligence. • Fourth Gear is Task Mode. This iswhere we are multi-tasking and work-ing hard in several different areas. It isinteresting that 85% of people are usu-ally in this gear, but you cannot staythere forever.

It is not good if the first thing you doin the morning and the last thing you doat night is to check your email. All of usneed to learn when to shut it off and toshutdown. This gear can be exhilarat-ing and bring a lot of personal satisfac-tion as we check things off of our “to do”list.

• Fifth Gear is the Focus Mode. Nowyou are 100% focused on the task, andyou are uninterrupted as you completeit. This has been described as being “inthe zone.”

I have asked several what that lookslike in their particular field. A police-man shared with me that it is when heis able to help someone. An owner of afactory shared with me that it is thattwo to three minutes every day wheneverything and everyone is working inperfect harmony.An NFL quarterback said it is when hecan see the whole field and knows whateveryone is going to do and how thedefense will react — the opposite oftunnel vision.

When are you in “the zone?” Where isyour sweet spot, the time when you areat your best and can be the most produc-tive? It may be in 90-minute segments,early mornings or right after lunch.Maybe you need to get around people tobe “in the zone,” or you need to be lockedin a room by yourself with a white

marker board as you dream and visual-ize.

Once again, though, you cannot stayin fifth gear forever. There will be timeto downshift into multitasking, thendownshift again to be social again.

To properly drive a five-speed trans-mission, you must be aware of how theengine sounds, the terrain, the correctspeed needed and be sensitive to what isneeded at the moment.The same is true in our lives as webecome more self-aware of the gearneeded for us to be productive and per-

Larry Barker

sonable. You cannot always be the so-cial butterfly, because there is work tobe done; nor should you continually beall about the work while ignoring rela-tionships.

Healthy Christians know when toshift gears!