Last week, the Springdale area was hit with some severe weather. Having not one, but two of our new missionaries in that area, I called and was relieved that, although the storms were close by, neither Roberto nor Clinton received any damage. Clinton said his family spent finding out all was ok, I said, “Welcome to Arkansas, where if you don’t like the weather just stick around a few hours.”
Please keep all our missionary families in your prayers. It is my prayer that all our churches and families fared as well.
What’s Special About Special Emphasis?
In years past, our Association decided to allow each of our departments to set aside a time each year to attempt to strengthen and help bring stability to their area of ministry by asking our churches to take up a special offering above and beyond their general support. We are very happy that, over the years, our people have rallied to this challenge. Each year, the directors are given the task of coming up with a need or needs and an amount to help cover the cost of these so they will be able to hopefully increase their effectiveness or at least maintain it.
For instance, the Baptist Trumpet is currently involved in their Special Emphasis time. I cannot imagine not having the Trumpet coming each week to keep our people informed on all the ministries of the BMA. The Trumpet is vital to State Missions as well as the other departments of the state. Please give as liberally as possible. All the funds received are directed back into your state work. It’s your money being invested in your ministries. Central Baptist College, Youth Department, Trumpet and Missions have their being in your generosity.
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “Last Monday, we had the biannual meeting with the Advisory Committee. It was a pleasure to talk about the work in North Little Rock and pray with these men of God. God bless the ministry of each brother, their lives and their families.
“Tuesday and Thursday, a nurse came to the house to give me the infusions recommended by the doctor. It was a hard week for me as themedication drained my energy and caused a severe headache until Friday afternoon. However, God is doing the work in my body and I no longer need the walker to walk. I don’t walk like I used to, but I am moving forward. Now I can go up and down the steps of the atrium without the help of another person, and I only support myself on the pulpit. I thank God for helping me in this situation. Thank you for your prayers for my health.
“During the announcements at our Sunday meeting, we reported on what was raised last weekend for the playground construction project — $1,302. We thank God for that provision. In preaching, I continued our series of studies on Proverbs by looking at chapter 17. The large number of practical applications for daily life that Proverbs provides is very interesting. I hope the church is taking advantage of it.
“God bless you, and thank you for your prayers.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “In the Berean Groups (groups in homes), we continue to preach the Word of God. I ask you to pray for the southwest Little Rock group so that it can be activated again. Our desire for this year is that we will have two new groups. Each group has a different community life, but something in common with each group is that we share our life and the Word of God.
“Last Saturday, we attended Leslie’s funeral. She was the young lady who died in a car accident at the age of 31 and left behind four children. Pray for the Garzona family for peace that only God can give and comfort.
“Sunday, we began a series of sermons that have to do with the cross, its message and its impact on each disciple. Each sermon lays the groundwork for the final theme — the victory of Christ Jesus in the resurrection. Our resurrection service will be at 6 in the morning, followed by breakfast for fellowship time.
“Thank you very much for supporting the missions. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “On Monday of this week, I went to Little Rock to give my biannual report to the Missionary Advisory Committee and State Missions Director Paul White.
“While I was waiting, I visited with Jeff and Allan in the Trumpet offices. We had a very nice visit. They do so much to help and
support not only the missionaries, but also the churches and people in our association.
“Then I gave my report, and every member of the committee was so supportive and genuinely concerned with how we and the mission are doing. We spent a great deal of time in the meeting in prayer.
“After my meeting, I got to meet Brian, our newest missionary, and talked with him for a while. I also got to see a couple of the other missionaries — Clinton and Ruben — and visit with them. I also talked to Roberto, our other new missionary. I had met him previously in Dallas. I am telling you all of this to let you know that the other missionaries and I are truly blessed to have the support of this association. These men you have elected serve the association, and I hope you realize just how important they are to all of our ministries, and to yours too. They are sincere and serious about the work they have been given to do. May God truly bless them.
“We thank you all for your prayers and support for us, Faith Chapel, Flippin and our community. We ask that you please continue. God is answering them!”
The Table, Springdale: Clinton Morris writes, “Monday was crazy, between the driving and the community group at the house. The report to the Missions Committee went well. Thanks to all the people that showed up. Thanks also to my sending pastor, Andy Neal who attended the meeting.
“We had 28 at our community event, and 3 new people showed up. Sam stepped in and met with my Mormon contacts. (I’m so thankful to be able to hand off outreach like this.)
“Thursday was nine hours of discipleship — for some reason, this seems to be a great day for these kinds of meetings. I’m glad Drew has been able to step in to lighten the load. The micro meetings were on Friday, we had a meet-up for a birthday party for one of our core families.
“Saturday was helping one of the community members do an event at their house in Bella Vista, and I met a few first-time people. There is a need for this type of church and outreach in Bella Vista. I am praying that God will send me next year to reach them.
“Drew preached on Sunday. I have been working with him on the nuts and bolts, and it’s so exciting to see the work paying off. We are getting ready for Easter as a church. There is an event planned for the Saturday before Easter.”
Faith Journey, Benton/Hot Springs Area: Bryan Clay writes, “God is great all the time! After a month of searching and following God’s direction, we were able to meet with the owners of a potential meeting site in Benton.
“God showed His faithfulness toward us, and we were able to secure this place. We feel it will be a perfect place to build the foundation of Faith Journey Mission. The building is an event center located in Benton called The Cabin 3H. It is used to host various events such as weddings, showers and reunions. The owners are Christ-focused, mission-minded and eager to help see our mission succeed in advancing the kingdom of God.
“We will begin to work out the details in the next few weeks on when to meet and what those meetings will look like. It is an exciting time for us. Please continue to pray for God’s guidance as we begin this process. Where God guides, He provides!”
