January 2012 Bulletin - The Georgia State Association of Free Will
Transcription
January 2012 Bulletin - The Georgia State Association of Free Will
GEORGIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF FREE WILL BAPTISTS PROMOTIONAL Will Harmon to lead 2012 Couples Retreat JANUARY 2012 PROMOTING EVERY PHASE OF THE DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRY VOL. 64, NO. 1 Reverend Will Harmon, senior pastor at Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist (Fort Smith, Arkansas), will be the featured speaker for the February 17-18 Georgia Couples Retreat at Lake Blackshear Resort in Cordele, according to Executive Secretary William Smith. The annual two-day event includes one night at the lodge, dinner, and a series of lively and entertaining presentations by one of the denomination’s leading pastors. The cost is $135.00 per couple. Reverend Harmon, a Texas native, was converted at age six and answered the call to preach when he was 11 years old. He and his wife Angie married in 1983 and have spent the past 28 years building a strong Christian home while pastoring churches in Texas and Arkansas. They have three children – Whitney (20), Callie (12), and Zane (9). Harmon pastored three churches in 11 years in Texas (Fort Worth and Plano) and Arkansas (Pine Bluff) before coming to the Cavanaugh Church in 1997 where he led the congregation in community outreach and evangelism efforts that resulted in surging membership growth. The Cavanaugh congregation is one of the region’s most outstanding churches. Will Harmon’s influence reaches beyond the local congregations he Will Harmon has served to state and national platforms. He formerly chaired the Board of Trustees at Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College and the Executive Board for the Arkansas State Association of Free Will Baptists, and served as vice chairman for the Randall House Publications Board. He was also elected assistant moderator for both the Arkansas and Texas State Associations. He delivered the 2010 commencement address at Free Will Baptist Bible College. A 1983 Hillsdale College graduate, Harmon earned a Master of Divinity degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Couples Retreat attendees are encouraged to pay close attention when Will steps up to speak, since one of his hobbies is cowboy action shooting. Georgia Couples Retreat February 17-18, 2012 Lake Blackshear Resort Cordele, Georgia Cost: $135.00 per couple Registration Deadline: January 13, 2012 One of the Free Will Baptist denomination’s fast-rising young leaders, Reverend Terry Pierce, has been tapped to lead the three-day Ministers Retreat scheduled April 16-18 at Lake Blackshear Resort in Cordele. Reverend Pierce pastors Tupelo Free Will Baptist Church (Tupelo, Mississippi) and chairs the Free Will Baptist Bible College Board of Trustees. The Illinois native was ordained in 1987 and has pastored churches in Georgia and Mississippi since 1988. He began his pastoral career at First Free Will Baptist Church (Thomaston, Georgia) in 1988, led the congregation four years, and then accepted a call to New Light Free Will Baptist Church (Morgan, Georgia) where he served until 1997. He then assumed the pastoral mantle at Shallowford Free Will Baptist Church in Marietta (1997-2001). For the past 10 years, Reverend Pierce has led the Tupelo Free Will Baptist Church, a culturally-alert and community-oriented congregation. During his 13-year Georgia pastoral ministry, Pierce served six years as Teen Camp Director (1995-2001), 11 years as clerk of the Georgia State Association (1990-2001), and various other district level roles. When he relocated to Mississippi, he chaired the State Youth Board two years and was elected moderator of the Northeast Mississippi Association. He is a member of the American Family Association Board of Directors. The broader denomination called Reverend Terry Pierce Pierce’s name in 2004, and he was elected to the Free Will Baptist Bible College Board of Trustees. He was recently elected to his second term and currently chairs the FWBBC Board of Trustees. Pierce graduated from Free Will Baptist Bible College in 1988 with a B.A. degree in pastoral ministry. While pursuing FWBBC undergraduate studies, he served two summers as a youth minister intern at a Mt. Vernon, Illinois, church. He is on track to earn a Master’s Degree in Christian Leadership at Liberty University. Terry and Belyn Pierce married in 1986. They have three sons – Aaron, Andrew, and Adam. Aaron is a junior Pastoral Training major at FWBBC; Andrew is a freshman Music major at FWBBC; Adam is a high school freshman. Belyn Pierce works as a legal assistant at the Tupelo firm of Mitchell, McNutt & Sams, P.A. Georgia Ministers Retreat April 16-18, 2012 Lake Blackshear Resort Cordele, Georgia Cost: $125.00 per person (includes two nights at lodge and all meals) Registration Deadline: March 12, 2012 Ministers Retreat to spotlight rising denominational leader Ebenezer Church breaks ground for activity center On Sunday, October 23, 2011, the Ebenezer Free Will Baptist Church, Glennville, broke ground for a new activity center. The activity center will be 1500 square feet with restrooms, kitchen area, and storage closets. The building will be used for youth classes, will house games, and will be a place that our young people as well as our church people can gather for times of fun and fellowship. Pastor Rick Cason states that the youth ministry at Ebenezer has grown to the point where such a building was needed. When the church approved the building project, part of the recommendation included a plan to have a certain amount of money as a down payment on the project before any construction was started. This amount was raised in seven days according to Pastor Cason. The people at Ebenezer are excited about the possibilities that the activity center will be a vital part of their church ministry. Plans call for the center to be paid in full when it is occupied. State Meeting Accommodations Best Western Inn & Suites • 101 Dunbar Road • Byron, GA 31008 Phone: 478-956-3056 • Rooms: $57.00 + tax Includes Hot Continental Breakfast • Code: Georgia Free Will Baptists Those involved in the ground breaking service include (l-R) Pastor Dr. Rick Cason, Royce Folsom, trustee, Eddie Skeens, trustee, Lonnie Skeens, deacon, Kelly Folsom, deacon, Edward Driggers, deacon, Donnie Epperson, trustee, Filmore Waters, trustee, Richie Deloach, church member and contractor, and Lee Christensen, youth pastor. Not included in picture, Pete Moore, trustee. From the State Office… Page 2 Georgia Promotional Bulletin The Secretary’s schedule 8 21 7-9 17-18 14 January 2012 Preaching at Colquitt Church, Colquitt. 6:00 pm Auditors yearly review at State Office, Colquitt. 9:30 am February 2012 State Promotional Directors meeting at Wyndham Westshore, Tampa, FL Couples Retreat at Lake Blackshear Resort, Cordele March 2012 State Executive Board meeting at White 15 15-16 16-18 5 3-8 Upcoming events 7 8 13 14 14 14 14 21 21 21 28 29 5 10-12 January 2012 South Georgia WAC District Convention at First Church, Jesup. 10:00 am Martin Association at Colquitt Church, Colquitt. 6:00 pm Registration deadline for Couples Retreat Chattahoochee Association at Trinity Church, Mauk 9:30 am Little River Association at Corinth Church, Brookfield. 9:30 am Georgia Union Association at Crossroads Church, Cochran. 10:00 am Twin Cities Association at Weems Road Church, Columbus. 10:00 am Auditors yearly review at State Office, Colquitt. 9:30 am Midway Association at Travelers Rest Church, Newton. 9:00 am Ogeechee Association at Stony Hill Church, Glennville. 10:00 am South Georgia Association at Memorial Church, Surrency. 9:30 am Gospel sing at White Rock Church, Phenix City. 6:00 pm February 2012 Homecoming at Glennville Church, Glennville. Kerry Steedley, speaker Senior Days at Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, TN. For more information, contact the Enrollment Management Office at PUBLICATION DATA Volume 64 Number 1 January 2012 Henrietta Brown • Production Manager Rhonda Chandler • Circulation Manager Margaret Ann Ivey Daniels • Editor William Smith • Publisher Kent Barwick • Mail Room The Promotional Bulletin is published monthly by the Georgia State Association of Free Will Baptists, P.O. Box 507, Colquitt, Georgia 39837-0507. Phone: (229)758-8900. Fax: (229)758-8907. E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]. It is sent free to affiliated churches and their members. Visit us on the web at gafwb.org Officers of the Georgia State Association of Free Will Baptists are: Wayne Miracle • Moderator Rick Cason • Assistant Moderator Keith Lloyd • Clerk Tim Horne • Assistant Clerk William Smith • Executive Secretary/Treasurer The Promotional Bulletin encourages the submission of news items and announcements relevant to Free Will Baptist life, thought, and ministry. Such items must be submitted no later than the first day of the month prior to which they are intended for publication. The Bulletin also welcomes the submission of unsolicited manuscripts of appropriate articles on Christian themes. Manuscripts must be brief and will not be returned. Please submit to the above address. 11 12 17-18 18 26 26-29 26-29 4-7 12 14 15 15-16 22-24 25 Oaks Church, Macon. 10:00 am GWAC annual meeting at White Oaks Church, Macon. 9:00 am Georgia State Association at White Oaks Church, Macon April 2012 Ministers Retreat at Lake Blackshear Resort, Cordele May 2012 State Youth Competition June 2012 State Teen Camp at Camp Echeconnee, [email protected]. Union Association at Poulan Church, Poulan. 10:00 am Valentine banquet at Colquitt Church, Colquitt. 6:00 pm Couples Retreat at Lake Blackshear Resort, Cordele. Will Harmon, speaker North Georgia Association at Davis House Restaurant, Elijay. 10:00 am Homecoming at Sand Hill Creek Church, Baxley Unity revival at First Church, Hayesville, NC. David Crowe and Joe Arthur, evangelists Revival at Ebenezer Church, Glennville. Paul Smith, evangelist March 2012 Revival at Corinth Church, Brookfield Registration deadline for Ministers retreat State Executive Board meeting at White Oaks Church, Macon. 10:00 am GWAC annual meeting at White Oaks Church, Macon. 9:00 am Georgia State Association at White Oaks Church, Macon Senior Days at FWB Bible College. For information call 800-763-9222 Homecoming at Surrency Church, Surrency 15-18 28-29 5-7 1 3 14 14 14 15 16-18 21 21 28 29 5 6 6 Lizella July 2012 National Association, Memphis, TN September 2012 Advisory board meeting at Alabama Children’s Home, Eldridge, AL November 2012 Senior Citizens Retreat at George T. Bagby State Park, Fort Gaines April 2012 Homecoming at Swainsboro Church, Swainsboro Deadline for State Youth Conference entries Chattahoochee Association at Mt. Olive Church, Reynolds 9:30 am Georgia Union Association at Double Branch Church, Unadilla. 10:00 am Twin Cities Association at White Rock Church, Phenix City. 10:00 am Homecoming at Bay Springs Church, Eastman Ministers Retreat at Lake Blackshear Resort, Cordele. Terry Pierce, speaker Midway Association at White Plains Church, Lucille. 9:00 am Ogeechee Association at First Church, Augusta. 10:00 am South Georgia Association at Oak Hill Church, Alma. 9:30 am Gospel sing at White Rock Church, Phenix City. 6:00 pm May 2012 State Youth Competition at First Church, Albany Homecoming at Bay Springs Church, Eastman Homecoming at Hahira Church, Hahira District associations meeting dates and times Chattahoochee Association 9:30 a.m. January 14 Trinity Church, Mauk April 14 Mt. Olive Church, Reynolds July 14 Bethany Church, Box Springs October 13 Turners Chapel Church, Butler Georgia Union Association 10:00 a.m. January 14 Crossroad Church, Cochran April 14 Double Branch Church, Unadilla July 14 First Church, Dublin October 13 First Church, Eastman North Georgia Association 10:00 a.m. February 18 Davis House Restaurant, Elijay August 18 Davis House Restaurant, Elijay Ogeechee Association 10:00 a.m. January 21 Stony Hill Church, Glennville April 21 First Church, Augusta July 14 Deep Creek Church, Midville October 20 Faith Ministries Church, Metter Little River Association 9:30 a.m. January 14 Corinth Church, Brookfield July 28 Ozias Church, Pearson South Georgia Association 9:30 a.m. January 28 Memorial Church, Surrency April 28 Oak Hill Church, Alma August 4 Philadelphia Church, Folkston October 27 Pine Level Church, Alma Midway Association 9:00 a.m. January 21 Travelers Rest Church, Newton April 21 White Plains Church, Newton July 28 Bellview Church, Colquitt October 27 Berean Church, Albany Union Association 10:00 a.m. February 11 Poulan Church, Poulan May 12 Spring Hill Church, Baconton August 11 Sylvester Church, Sylvester November 10 Bay Church, Bay Martin Association January 8 Colquitt Church, Colquitt 6:00 p.m. April TBA July TBA October TBA Twin Cities Association 10:00 a.m. January 14 Weems Road Church, Columbus April 14 White Rock Church, Phenix City July 14 Bethel Church, Phenix City October 13 Calvary Church, Columbus Around the state … Georgia Promotional Bulletin Calling all Georgia ladies!! GWAC Enlistment, by Donna Jewell On behalf of the Georgia Women Active for Christ (GWAC) Executive Board – please don’t skip over this article!! I want to challenge all Georgia Free Will Baptist Women who do not currently have a local GWAC group, to prayerfully consider becoming members of the GWAC. You may not know where to start and for that, we have an answer – contact GWAC Field Worker, Sheila McCardle, or any other member of the GWAC Executive Board, which is listed on the Georgia Women In Touch segment of this issue of the Promotional Bulletin. We will personally meet with your group of ladies and walk you through the entire process, and answer any questions you may have. Ladies, it would be great to be able to double our membership before the sstate meeting in March! You might ask, “How will forming a WAC group benefit the ladies of our church”? I do have an answer to that, but first, let’s turn that around and ask, “What can our ladies do to benefit WAC?” We are not here TO BE SERVED, but TO SERVE! Following is an excerpt from the WNAC Website: Women Nationally Active for Christ is an auxiliary arm of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. We exist to help each woman fulfill the Great Commission through her God-designed roles in the home, church, commu- nity and world. Recognizing and respecting pastoral leadership, WNAC desires to assist local congregations in implementing and encouraging thriving Bible-based, outwardly focused women’s groups and networking them together in order to accomplish greater Kingdom goals. Let’s look at just a few of the functions of the WNAC and how it benefits all of us: Maintains the Provision Closet for our missionaries to shop for home/school supplies free of charge; Coordinates/ administers all national conventions and retreats; Promotes WNAC locally and worldwide; Provides support system for local, district and state WAC groups, offering ideas, answering questions and providing encouragement for Free Will Baptist women, international workers and missionaries; Publishes Treasure Bible study guide; Designs, publishes and promotes Bible studies for use in WAC meetings and/or individual study; Promotes designated special weeks of prayer (Pre-Thanksgiving & PreEaster) before major World/Home mission offerings; Sets and manages the overall WNAC annual budget; Receives all monies given to missions or designated projects and disburses funds according to each WAC’s instructions; and Administers funds and provides student scholarships for students studying for various ministries. And this is only the short list! When your ladies group becomes a WAC Couples Retreat Registration February 17-18, 2012 • Lake Blackshear Resort, Cordele Speaker, Will Harmon First names __________________________________________________ Last name ____________________________________________________ Phone (_______) -_____________________ Georgia State Ministers Retreat • April 16-18, 2012 Lake Blackshear Resort • Cordele, Georgia Terry Pierce, Speaker Name Church ______________________________________________________ Email Email address: Husband ______________________________________ Wife ________________________________________________________ Registration Deadline - January 13, 2012 Retreat cost per couple $135.00 – This includes room and Friday evening meal. Please send $135.00 registration fee to: GAFWB ~ PO Box 507 ~ Colquitt, GA 39837-0507. Make check payable to: GAFWB If you have questions you may contact the State Office at: 866758-8900, email: [email protected] ________________________________________________ Phone (_______) -_____________________ Address Page 3 member, you will receive a very generous welcome packet from the WNAC, which includes everything you need to form your WAC group. Here is another excerpt from the WNAC website: Like many organizations, WNAC does have a membership fee of $15.00 per year per member ($1.25 per month.) As a WNAC member, you have a voice in the decisions that are made, which affect the Free Will Baptist women and various ministries. You also belong to an international network of women all striving for the same purpose and goals. It is so true, that together we can accomplish much more than if we work separately. WNAC membership fees are very important to the overall function of the WNAC office. Locally, you can set your own dues in any fashion you choose. The state annual dues for membership in the GWAC is only $3.00 per member per year! You will be part of a network of ladies and friends to help you become connected to Free Will Baptists locally, statewide and nationally! The GWAC hosts the GWAC State Meeting, and the Annual Prayer Retreat at Norman Park. There’s not enough space in this article to list all of the benefits of forming a WAC group in your church. Please call someone NOW on the GWAC Board to learn so much more about how to become connected to WAC. We’ll be waiting to hear from YOU!! Registration Form Address______________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ______________________________________________ January 2012 ______________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Roommate ____________________________________________ Registration Deadline – March 12, 2012 Registration fee: $125.00. This fee will cover your hotel room and six meals. Send this form along with your $125.00 registration fee to: GAFWB ~ PO Box 507 ~ Colquitt, GA 39837. Make all checks payable to: GAFWB. You will not be considered registered until the office receives your form and $125.00. If you have questions you may contact the State Office toll free at: 866-758-8900. Happy New Year from the Georgia State Office and the Promotional Bulletin staff! Truth launch service a huge success Page 4 Georgia Promotional Bulletin January 2012 add ministries and plug in our people. Since launch we have added 5\five new folks to ministry areas, and we have several families that plan to return to our services. We are busy doing follow-up and are seeing great results! We hope that this will mark a huge step forward for us. Thank you for your interest in and support of our ministry here. We are working hard for God’s glory and His kingdom. We are so excited to report our launch service results to you! How things have changed since our first preview service in February! The last nine months of Bible studies, church events, core building, outreach events, and services culminated in our launch on November 27. We had to delay this move for a few months to allow the McCraney family to settle into the ministry here. This actually proved to be an added blessing as we added another two musicians during this time period and expanded our worship setting. We felt fully confident that our ministry was not lacking as we planned for launch. Our goal was to be fully prepared to handle a quality worship service with ushers, greeters, nursery, children’s church, café area, full band, audio and video personnel, and setup crew. The months preceding launch allowed us to grow our core to about 55 people, giving us the foundation we wanted for a full-fledged church. Our people really took up the challenge to invite friends and family for the event. When the dust settled on the day, we had 94 in attendance, with 34 first-time guests. Added to that was another 12 second-time guests. The great news is that all of our guests are legitimate contacts for our church! We even had a few families out of town! This day not only marked the date when we transitioned to every week services, but it helped our core to see our vision and what really could be done with a little extra effort. Please pray for us in the days ahead as we continue to The wonderful working of God’s spirit is unexplainable. The greatest thing this side of Heaven is when young people bow on their knees and ask God to come into their hearts. It is truly humbling to be a small part of the unexplainable. We would like to share some of the unexplainable ways God has been working through Free Will Baptist Family Ministries: We can report to you that this is our 12th consecutive year of witnessing over 100 children saved in a year. Our dedicated staff ensures our youth realize the commitment they are making and encourage them in their new walk with the Lord. We praise God for each eternal decision made for His Kingdom. During this year alone, 132 young people have received Christ as their personal Savior – 12 on one Sunday! We were also overjoyed when 7 of our youth were baptized in August, with an additional 14 also expressing their desire to follow Him in baptism. 66 babies have been born to moms receiving services from The Hope Center, with several more to deliver before the end of the year. There has never been a time that Family Ministries needs you to believe in us more than right now and believe the time and cost is worth it for: • prayer for God’s protection and provision for this ministry Donnie Burke greets those who came for the service. Enthusiastic singing was a part of the service. News from FWB Family Ministries Harvest Child Care Ministries wants to help families Harvest Freewill Baptist Child Care Ministries, located in Duffield, Virginia recently celebrated 18 years of ministry to abused, abandoned, neglected or troubled children. Since that time, over 1,400 children have lived in a Christian home environment with caring, loving house parents. Within the last three years our ministry’s focus has shifted. While we still serve children who are in state’s custody, we now focus more and more on privately placed children – children from our church families who come here without the involvement of state authorities. This is a new and exciting trend for the ministry. Without the involvement of the state, we have more latitude to provide the services we feel the families need. These children are able to stay longer – some indefinitely. Also, we find that these children are better behaved and more willing to accept guidance and support from us. What a blessing it is to work with families, within our own network of churches, who need extra support to care for their children. One such child came to Harvest the very day his parents’ divorce became final. With the ongoing turmoil within the family, this family needed the support Harvest provides. With the structure and nurturing Harvest provided, along with family counseling; after a few months this young man was able to be reunited with his mom, and to a more workable relationship among all of the family members. He learned that structure was so important to his success that he gave his parents our behavior management program, so they could learn how to parent him when he returned home. Children want rules and boundaries - this is how they know they are loved and cared for. This is the success of Harvest! We would like to help you as well. If you or a family in your church is in need of the services Harvest offers, please call Executive Director, Newl Dotson at 276-546-4400. You may visit our website at www.harvestcm.org for program descriptions. • • • • those being won to Christ the unborn babies being saved our seniors being cared for lives and families that are being changed Please join us in our ministry efforts: • send gift cards or a monetary contribution to provide Christmas for our youth • invest in eternity through estate giving, endowments & annuities • cherish a loved one with a memorial gift or contribution in their honor • go to our website at www.fwbfm.com and make a credit card donation For more information on ways you can help, contact our office at 423.639.9449. FWBBC student named “Best Senator” at TISL Georgia Promotional Bulletin January 2012 Page 5 The 42nd General Assembly of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) met November 17-20 at the State Capitol and elected Free Will Baptist Bible College junior Frank Thornsbury as “Best Senator” for the 2011 session. The model legislature which originated in 1966 is conducted by college students from across Tennessee and provides students with an education about state government and an opportunity to express their opinions on state issues. Mr. Thornsbury, a 20-year-old History major from Kentucky, led a four-person delegation from FWBBC as the college participated in its first TISL event. Other FWBBC students in the legislative team included freshman Collin Lane (Arkansas) who served as alternate senator, sophomore Bethany Coats (South Dakota) who functioned as a higher education lobbyist, and junior Daniel Coker (Mississippi) who served as a representative. “This was a first for all of us,” Thornsbury said. “It was an exciting four days, almost magical, as we prepared legislative bills and interacted with serious-minded students from 60 colleges regarding political and ethical issues of the day, knowing that some of the legislation we prepared would be presented to the Tennessee General Assembly. Many TISL bills from previous years have, in fact, become law. What a great experience! I’m looking forward to the 2012 session and an even greater involvement by FWBBC students.” The FWBBC administration and staff encouraged student FWBBC Student Body participation in TISL. president Thornsbury Dr. Jon Forlines, vice speaks on Senate president for student floor. services, arranged funding for the Thornsbury-led delegation. The session days were long and full, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and extending to 9:00 p.m. In addition to winning “Best Senator” designation by his TISL peers, Frank Thornsbury was named to the Committee on Higher Education and appointed to the Election Commission. He was aggressive on the Senate floor, speaking repeatedly, debating and discussing issues to the point that he became known as “The Face” of conservative religious colleges. “I felt right at home confronting colleagues in open debate,” Thornsbury said, “and for that, I credit all the C-Span I’ve watched since age 14. The world of public policy needs more individuals with a jurisprudence guided by biblical truth. My greatest experience at TISL was being named ‘Best Senator’ on the Senate floor. While some self-gratification was involved, the overwhelming sense of representing FWBBC well trumped all other emotions.” Mr. Thornsbury serves as president of the FWBBC Student Body. His plans for 2012 TISL participation include writing more bills for the legislature and leading a larger delegation of FWBBC students to the State Capitol. “Since day one of my FWBBC Student Body presidency,” he said, “it has been my goal to build up our community domestically and to share that community of faith and learning on a local, national, and global stage. Attending TSIL is the first step in our reaching out to a lost and dying world that desperately needs to hear the Good News.” A new book titled Evangelicals and Nicene Faith: Reclaiming the Apostolic Witness includes a 23-page chapter by Free Will Baptist Bible College president Matt Pinson. The 16-chapter, 272-page paperback edited by Timothy George, dean of Beeson Divinity School and a senior editor of Christianity Today, was published in October 2011 by Baker Publishing Group. Dr. George said, “Evangelicals and Nicene Faith: Reclaiming the Apostolic Witness is a fascinating collection of essays by first-rate scholars from various evangelical traditions. What is surprising is how each one affirms the abiding validity and relevance of the Nicene faith for the life of the church today.” Commenting on chapter eight written by President Pinson, Dr. George said, “Dr. Matthew Pinson has written a superb essay, ‘Confessional, Baptist, and Arminian,’ in which he surveys the importance of Nicene belief within the General- Free Will Baptist Tradition. He traces this trajectory through early Baptist pioneers like Thomas Grantham and Joseph Hooke as well as their spiritual descendants in America.” Dr. George continued, “Dr. Pinson is one of the leading Baptist scholars, and he illuminates his own ecclesial heritage by placing it in continuity with the Great Tradition of historic Christianity. In doing so, he aptly illustrates this famous statement by the late Jaroslav Pelikan in whose memory we have dedicated this book: ‘Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.’” The book grew out of a 2009 conference, “The Will to Believe and the Need for Creed: Evangelicals and the Nicene Faith,” at Beeson Divinity School at which President Pinson spoke. Pinson’s chapter in the book is joined by contributions from scholars such as Timothy George, Gerald Bray, Thomas Oden, and Ralph Wood. Dr. Pinson said, “I am delighted to have a chapter in this book, and especially excited that the Free Will Baptist story can be told in this wider evangelical venue.” Dr. Pinson is frequently published in professional theological journals. He has written two books—A Free Will Baptist Handbook (1998) and The Washing of the Saints’ Feet (2006)—and served as general editor for two others: Four Views of Eternal Security (2002) and Perspectives on Christian Worship: Five Views (2006). He also wrote a pamphlet in the Heritage Series titled “Free Will Baptists and Church Government” (2008) for the Free Will Baptist Historical Commission. He is a member of the Commission for Theological Integrity of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Seventy-seven prospective students from 15 states attended Fall 2011 Welcome Days November 10-12 at Free Will Baptist Bible College, according to Rusty Campbell, director of enrollment services. This marks an almost 80% increase over the Fall 2010 when 43 students participated. Campbell also reported a 50% rise in the number of states represented, up from 10 a year ago. The group included 17 students from Michigan, 12 from Tennessee, 11 from North Carolina, seven from Illinois, six from Arkansas, five from Ohio, four from South Carolina, three from Alabama, two each from Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, one from Florida and one from Missouri. Mr. Campbell said, “Our Enrollment Management Team went all-out this summer and fall to make contact with students, parents, and pastors. They’re a great group to work with, and they’re committed to bringing more students on campus. When the prospective students arrived last week, we were ready with answers to their questions and three days of special events to give them a taste of what it means to be a student at FWBBC. We emphasized FWBBC’s high-quality academic programs as well as its deeply spiritual campus life. We hope many of the students decide to enroll here.” Visitors enjoyed a full schedule that included two nights in the dormitories and a musical Thursday evening that featured “Front Porch Pickin’ and Games,” plus late-night Spiritual Life group meetings in the dormitories. They attended classes Friday and heard 2006 FWBBC graduate Craig Batts speak in chapel. The President’s Reception for seniors, parents, and sponsors met in Thigpen Theater after chapel. A campus-wide tour Friday afternoon acquainted visitors with the 17 campus buildings. They then gathered in the Coffee House for a time of interaction with current FWBBC students, and later some kick ball, dinner, and 90 minutes of Camp Fire and Smores, before the Flames Classic Basketball event closed out Friday night activities. Saturday morning the students shared a continental breakfast before packing up and returning home. Exit evaluations completed by visiting students indicated that their preferred areas of study in college focused on education, English, history, business, biology, music, psychology, science, nursing, missions, and pastoral ministry—all areas in which FWBBC offers associate’s or bachelor’s degrees. One student reflected, “I had a great time and enjoyed the time with my youth group. I really liked my host—she seemed nice.” Another visiting student said, “It was swell! Thanks for the fun weekend.” A third student simply cheered, “Welcome Days was great!” The Spring 2012 Welcome Days is scheduled April 19-21. For more information, contact the Enrollment Management Office at recruit@ fwbbc.edu. Nicene Faith book includes chapter by Pinson Attendance jumps 80% at FWBBC Fall 2011 Welcome Days Thank you from FWBBC – Forum12 announcement Free Will Baptist Bible College thanks everyone who supported the Ketteman Christmas Scholarship Drive. The annual Christmas Drive helps fund institutional scholarships to assist students in reaching their educational goals at FWBBC. Forum12 Bible Conference meets March 4-7, 2012, on the FWBBC campus. This year’s theme is “Revitalizing the Church.” For more information and to register, visit the website: www.fwbbc.edu/forum12. Page 6 Georgia Promotional Bulletin January 2012 Bunch resigns to take Missouri executive post On November 10, 2011, the Free Will Baptist International Mission Board voted to accept the resignations of 28-year veteran missionaries to Panama Stan and Brenda Bunch. The resignation is effective February 29, 2012. Stan and Brenda will relocate to Missouri, for Stan to embrace the role of Executive Director of the Missouri State Association of Free Will Baptist Churches, effective March 1. Stan and Brenda have served God and the Mission well, stated General Director Clint Morgan. Their ministry in Panama has been creative and effective, and has proven enduring. They’ve evangelized, discipled new believers, planted churches and led them to national leadership. God is moving in Panama; people are turning to Christ, leaders are emerging, and local churches are reproducing. Stan and Brenda have played a key role in all of those areas by their exemplary lives and service, affirmed Jeff Tu r n b o u g h , director of field operations. I will Stan and Brenda Bunch Stans miss leadership and insight on the Missions leadership team, but I know he will use those same gifts to serve the state of Missouri well. The Bunches were appointed to missionary service in May 1983 and departed for Panama a little over a year and a half later in January 1985. Stan and Brenda have three children: Jonathan, Alicia, and Amanda. We extend our deepest appreciation to the International Missions Department, and all of our supporters over the years, for having granted us the opportunity to be involved in the exciting and fulfilling ministry of international church planting, Stan wrote in their November 7 resignation letter. We have been privileged to work with some of Gods choicest servants and remain committed to the task of world evangelism, albeit through another ministry. For 20 years, Free Will Baptist International Missions and the Free Will Baptist denomination have celebrated the ministry of the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, Lar Nova Vida, in Araras, São Paulo, Brazil. This institution is not directly affiliated with International Missions or Brazil’s Regional Association of Free Will Baptist Churches. Because of a variety of recent changes made by the current leadership of the children’s home, Free Will Baptist International Missions, following the recommendation and counsel of Latin American Regional Director Stan Bunch and the Brazil Field Manager Kenneth Eagleton, has determined to discontinue its partnership with Lar Nova Vida. As a result, International Missions will no longer channel funds or provide personnel for this ministry. For the past few years, since the departure from active missionary service of Jim and Shirley Combs, the founders of the home, an effort has been underway to move the home toward Brazilian leadership and support. Many positive steps have been taken in that direction. “We praise God for the hundreds of children whose lives have been positively impacted by the ministry of Lar Nova Vida,” stated Clint Morgan, general director of International Missions. “Many children whose lives may have ended on the streets of Araras, without knowledge of Jesus, now serve Him and lead productive lives. We pray the home will continue to meet not only physical needs, but also the most important need of all—a clear understanding of the gospel message.” The eight members of the Board of Free Will Baptist International Missions met December 78, 2011, in the Mission’s office in Antioch, Tennessee. The two-day, intensive session, bathed in frequent prayer, yielded encouraging reports, positive actions, and difficult decisions. Jeff Turnbough, director of field operations, took the board members on an inspiring virtual tour of the IM world, highlighting many opportunities our missionaries and ministry partners currently are witnessing, in spite of the economic crisis the Mission is facing. “Our missionaries are working effectively and God is blessing in unprecedented ways,” Jeff stated. Joel and Lydie Teague were appointed as two-year, short-term interns to France. Currently, the couple lives and works in France and will travel to the States in 2012 to raise ministry awareness and funds. “Even in the midst of continued financial challenges,” Board Chairman Danny Williams emphasized, “I am optimistic. God is working in marvelous ways globally and I am confident people within our denomination will respond financially to ensure the gospel continues to be made known around the world.” The board voted to approve a $6.1 million budget for 2012, a full $1.15 million less than the initial framework budget adopted in April 2011. The board instructed General Director Clint Morgan to develop action plans for coping with further financial deficits. He is to present these to the board for review and approval as soon as possible. In an ongoing effort to end financial shortfalls and to rebuild cash reserves, the board voted to postpone sending all new missionaries as well as veteran missionaries currently on stateside assignment to their fields of service until “cash reserves reach a sustainable level of 10% of the operational budget.” The board voted to implement this strategy as an ongoing standard policy. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis with the approval of both the general director and the board chairman if a failure to return to the field of service will result in a legal, career-altering situation. “All those currently slated for stateside assignment in 2012 will still return to the States,” affirmed Clint Morgan. “We need all hands on-deck, sharing the marvelous work God is doing through Free Will Baptists and encouraging our people to pray and give.” All board members were present for the twoday session: Nelson Henderson (AR), Jeff Manning (NC), Greg McAllister (CA), Tom McCullough (MI), Rob Morgan (TN), Mark Price (OH), Danny Williams (AL), and Randy Wilson (OK). The hardest task I’ve had thus far as general director, Clint Morgan stated, most certainly was calling missionaries who expected to leave the States in January and tell them their departure is on hold. Following the December board meeting, the general director made phone calls to Tim and Kristi Johnson (Spain), Heath and Joni (creative access), Mick and Rachel (creative access), and Jennifer (creative access). All of them expected to depart over the next few weeks. Also told to delay travel plans were Steve and Becky Riggs (France), Darren and Dana (creative access), David and Angie (creative access), Sam and June McVay (Spain), and Dale and Sandra Bishop (Japan). In an ongoing effort to end financial shortfalls and rebuild cash reserves, the board voted to postpone sending all new missionaries as well as veteran missionaries currently on stateside assignment to their fields of service until cash reserves reach a sustainable level of 10% of the operational budget. The board voted to implement this strategy as an ongoing standard policy. At any point that cash reserves fall below 10% of the operating budget, stated Board Chairman Danny Williams, deployment of missionaries will be halted so that those already stateside can assist in raising the funds to keep all other missionaries at their stations. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis with the approval of both the general director and the board chairman if a failure to return to the field of service will result in a legal, career-altering situation. All those currently slated for stateside assignment in 2012 will still return to the States, affirmed General Director Clint Morgan. We need all hands on deck, sharing the marvelous work God is doing through Free Will Baptists and encouraging our people to pray and give. Scheduled to return for stateside assignment during the first quarter of 2012 are Kenneth and Rejane Eagleton (Brazil), Jaimie and Tammy Lancaster (Uruguay), and Shane and Joy (creative access). We are immensely grateful for those who have been staunch supporters of the Mission throughout the years and especially during the financial crisis that has plagued the global economy, emphasized Sam McVay, missionary to Spain and interim development director. However, we must have more churches and individuals to become sacrificially involved in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. FWBIM no longer partnering with Brazil Children’s Home Board seeks to move forward while halting losses Board postpones missionary deployments Georgia Promotional Bulletin Jan./Feb./Mar. 2012 Volume 4, Issue 2 The Ghost of Christmas Past is with us! Many of us are haunted by the bills that will soon come due. Others may be haunted by the disappointments of Christmas wishes and dreams that failed to materialize. And did a few extra pounds show up to haunt? Hopefully some of the ghosts of your Christmas are the smiles on the faces and the light in the eyes of your family as you gathered together for food and fellowship. The lingering strains of Christmas music from your church congregation and choir may still haunt your quiet moments. Most of all, I hope you are haunted by the warm feeling that comes from sharing yourself and your resources with others: the single mother who lives nearby, the opportunities provided by the Salvation Army kettles, our missionaries at home and abroad, the Ketteman Student Scholarship Drive at Free Will Baptist Bible College, the WNAC general fund. If by some chance you missed your opportunity to share, especially with these last three, it’s not too late. You can still send a check and start your New Year off right and get rid of any ghost of regret you may have! Share your news with us! Send articles and photos to: hbrown [email protected] or send regular mail to: Henrietta Brown; 40 Lookout Lane, Kinsey, AL 36303. January 2012 Page 7 Georgia Women In Touch Georgia Union WAC meets at White Oaks The Georgia Union Woman Active for Christ met September 24, 2011, for its annual meeting. Present were representatives from Cornerstone Church, Plesant Hill Church and White Oaks Church. Acting president Donna Jewell called the meeting to order, and following a devotional by Glenda Davidson and special music by Virginia Bowles, she apppointed committees to carry out the business of the day. A delicious brunch was served by the ladies from White Oaks. The group reconvened after the brunch and the business session was held. The business included electing Glenda Davidson as the new president to replace Henrietta Brown who moved out of the state during the summer. The speaker for the day was Henrietta Brown, who spoke to the group about bearing the burden of prayer and financial support for our missionaries, both at home and abroad. She also provided a portion of the special music for the day. The next annual meeting of the GUWAC will be September 22, 2012, at Cornerstone Church, Fort Valley, Georgia. Virginia Bowles provides special music for the GUWAC meeting. Calvary Church hosts annual WAC meeting Calvary Church in Columbus, Georgia, hosted the annual meeting of the Twin Cities WAC. Presiding at the meeting was Debra Van Pelt, president of the group. Following a short devotional and appointment of committees, the group enjoyed a delicious meal provided by the ladies from Calvary. After the business session, Debra introduced Henrietta Brown, who provided special music for the day and was also the speaker. Henrietta challenged those present to pray for specific needs of our missionaries rather than generalities. She provided the members group with address labels for a home missionary and a foreign missionary and suggested that they correspond with the missionaries to provide support and encouragement. Ladies from Calvary Church and First Columbus Church attended the meeting. Hearts of Fire Book Review Ladies from the Twin Cities WAC gather at Calvary Church for the annual meeting. By Steve and Ginny Clearly On behalf of Voice of the Martyrs Published by Thomas Nelson Reviewed by Donna Jewell After I read Touching the Untouchables, I was eager to learn more about the foreign missionaries who have, and continue to, dedicate their lives to preaching and teaching the Gospel to those in third world countries, at the risk of their own lives. It was then that I found Hearts of Fire in my book collection, a paperback book still wrapped in plastic, which I had received as a Christmas present two years ago. God allowed me to rediscover this book at just the right time. I had a hard time putting this book down! Hearts of Fire is very intense reading and describes in vivid detail the sacrifices and persecutions suffered by eight unbelievably strong women of faith and determination for the cause of Christ. These women had very few, if any, luxuries in life that we so easily take for granted. At least one of the women in the book suffered her first beatings and persecution at the hands of her own Muslim father, who would rather kill his daughter than for her to own a Bible. I cried many times while reading Hearts of Fire as I learned about the horrible attacks and unspeakable hatred suffered against these precious women of faith. Some were thrown in disgusting, overcrowded prison camps and beaten to the brink of death, yet they continued to proclaim their unwavering faith and loyalty to the One and Only True God. I strongly recommend this book in which you will learn about real people (Adel, Purnima, Aida, Sabina, Tara, Ling, Gladys and Mai) who suffered real persecution at the hands of nonbelievers. Read on!!! Hidden in the pages of this issue of the Promotional Bulletin is Tiny Toad, in keeping with our GWAC Retreat theme, Toadally Trust God. Find Tiny, write your name, January issue, and the page number where Tiny appears on a 3”x5” piece of paper and drop it in the box when you register for the retreat. Win a prize! Watch for another chance to win next month! Find the Toad... GWAC Executive Board Sandra Jackson, President 229-941-4063 Debbie Cason, Vice President 912-654-2383 Leslie Baldridge, Secretary 706-561-1356 Linda Gay, Treasurer 229-985-4793 Becky Woods, Historian 229-246-6547 Sheila McCardle, Field Worker 229-787-5964 Sheree Parker Member-at-Large 770-361-5142 Carmen McKenzie Member-at-Large 478-892-8178 Terra Smith Member-at-Large 229-758-8282 Henrietta Brown 334-699-4135 Donna Jewell 478-218-8750 Media Coordinators Page 8 Georgia Promotional Bulletin Income Anonymous Chattahoochee Mt Olive Thomaston Trinity Turners Chapel Georgia Union Bay Springs Christian Hill Cornerstone Cross Roads Double Branch Eastman First Mt Ararat New Hope Pleasant Hill Warner Robins White Oaks Little River Cool Springs Open Door Ozias Solid Rock Zion Hill Martin Colquitt Corinth Donalsonville First Hebrew Mothers Home Mt Gilead Mt Glory New Salem Thompson Midway Albany First Bellview Berean Blakely First Cedar Springs District Association Macedonia New Light Patmos Travelers Rest January 2012 Receipts for October 2011 63,248.21 115.00 2,193.80 933.68 380.32 300.00 579.80 5,311.63 250.00 389.23 475.00 110.00 1,068.30 210.00 148.98 466.00 577.60 396.52 1,220.00 4,603.30 680.00 538.30 450.00 250.00 2,685.00 5,746.12 2,646.99 174.10 300.00 300.00 277.43 451.50 440.00 721.60 434.50 12,461.96 6,645.12 822.02 97.90 171.00 2,234.80 800.00 350.00 315.12 676.00 350.00 Miscellaneous 5,109.94 Book Sales 27.94 Cox, Doug 100.00 First Restoration Church 200.00 Mrs. Wynelle Clower 50.00 Proctor, Lloyd 40.00 Senior Citizens Retreat 4,500.00 Wimberly, W.J. 42.00 WNAC 150.00 North Georgia Liberty Bible Shallowford Ogeechee Deep Creek Faith Ministries Friendship 1,275.00 1,075.00 200.00 1,599.10 215.00 356.80 200.00 Lyons Peace Stoney Hill South Georgia Alabaha Baxley Bethel Camden Corinth Corinth SS Ebenezer Glennville Jesup First Liberty Memorial New Hope New Life Fellowship Oak Hill Philadelphia Pine Level Piney Grove Satilla Savannah First Spring Grove Surrency Swainsboro Twin Cities Calvary Weems Road White Rock Union Bay Cairo Fellowship Grace Greenwood Midway New Hope Poulan Expenses FWB Bible College Bozeman, Steven General Fund 593.30 134.00 100.00 19,684.42 50.00 532.10 50.00 180.00 1,148.67 22.45 1,835.60 564.75 830.59 742.00 600.00 1,925.00 344.47 522.91 2,274.98 1,210.00 847.60 1,555.00 3,630.00 17.82 469.70 330.78 1,381.59 797.70 179.55 404.34 3,766.35 324.20 218.00 489.65 276.10 490.00 1,515.40 403.00 50.00 63,248.21 3,340.10 100.00 3,240.10 Home Missions 4,027.90 Bowling, Rick - TN 100.00 Burke, Donnie - Co 360.70 Byers, Tim - OH 40.00 Cheatham, Scott - CO 40.00 Crabtree, Jeff - Canada 125.00 General Fund 913.58 Goodman & Bennett - AZ 762.75 Grimes, Daryl - PA 10.00 Gwartney, Howard - AZ 135.00 Long, Barry - CO 247.80 Nason, Joel - NH 15.00 Reynolds, Bill - RI 90.00 Smith, John - CA 25.00 Wallace Land Fund 79.95 Wallace, Ron - AK 1,051.42 Wright, Randall - TX 31.70 International Missions 3,761.09 Barker, Molly - Uruguay 25.00 Bishop, Dale - Japan 226.25 Combs Children’s Home 116.12 2012 Retreat Schedule Eagleton, Ken Jr. - Brazil Gainer, Mirial - Japan Global Evangelism Fund Griffin, Debbie - Japan Holland, Curt - Brazil Hubbard, Heath - Spain Little, Shannon - Japan Lytle, Steve - Panama McVay, Sam - Spain Morgan, Clint - Africa Price, Matt - France Snow, Nathan - Japan Support Services World Mission Offering 86.25 10.00 84.95 281.25 25.00 589.95 150.00 15.00 45.00 86.25 233.75 968.55 459.97 357.80 Miscellaneous Ministries1,103.00 Camp Little River 510.00 GA Union Min. Retirement 28.92 GA Union Mission Board 149.49 Harvest Connection 90.42 Ogeechee Williams Account 10.00 Powell, Mark - Germany 25.00 South Georgia Kingsland 264.17 Union Retirement 25.00 National Ministries Cooperative Receipts Media Commission AL Children’s Home SC Children’s Home TN Trula Cronk Home Rest of the Family 2,495.04 392.40 200.00 1,088.44 327.26 286.94 200.00 State Ministries 47,276.08 Acts 1-8 19,059.25 GA Cooperative Support 23,638.89 GA Ministers Retirement Trust 50.00 Promotional Materials 27.94 Senior Citizens Retreat 4,500.00 State Mission Board 1,245.00 Cartersville Building Fund 25.00 Crank, Bill Bartow County 195.00 Damon C. Dodd Offering 100.00 General Fund 530.00 Hollis, Jay - Harris County 195.00 Tift County 200.00 Georgia Coop State Office Promotional Executive Board Camp Board C.E. Board Mission Board Ministers Retirement FWB Bible College National Coop 23,638.89 9,700.00 2,666.67 657.17 1,215.15 1,729.16 4,361.22 1,127.22 829.63 1,352.67 Georgia Acts 1:8 19,059.25 Global Evangelism Fund 12,388.50 Josh & Ashley Bennett 381.19 Donnie & Susan Burke 381.19 Jeff & Heather Goodman 381.19 Barry & Jessica Long 381.19 Ron & Janice Wallace 381.19 State Mission Board 4,764.80 Couples Retreat – February 17-18, 2012 Lake Blackshear Resort, Cordele Will Harmon, speaker Buddy Johnson, music Registration deadline – January 13, 2012 GWAC Prayer Retreat – April 13-14 Norman Baptist Assembly, Norman Park Ministers Retreat – April 16-18, 2012 Lake Blackshear Resort, Cordele Terry Pierce, speaker Tim Horne, music Registration deadline – March 12, 2012 Ministers Wives Retreat – September 2012 Lake Blackshear Resort, Cordele Senior Citizens Retreat – November 5-7, 2012 George T. Bagby State Park, Fort Gaines Randy Jackson and Len Blanchard, speakers Registration Deadline – October 1, 2012 2013 Retreat Schedule Couples Retreat – February 22-23 Lake Blackshear Resort, Cordele Registration deadline – January 16, 2013 2014 Retreat Schedule Couples Retreat – February 21-22 Lake Blackshear Resort, Cordele Registration deadline – January 15, 2014 * The office will send out a confirmation letter to all those who register for any retreat or camp session sponsored by the State Association. The letter will be mail two weeks before the retreat. If you register for a retreat and you do not receive a confirmation letter at least 7 days before the retreat, please contact the State Office. For more information you may call the State Office toll free at: 866-758-8900