May 19-20, 2017
Landmark Baptist Church
DeSoto, Missouri
May 19-20, 2017 the Churches of the Baptist Missionary Association of Missouri had the privilege to fellowship, study God’s
Word and make plans for doing the work of God as we enjoyed the hospitality of the gracious folks at Landmark Baptist Church in DeSoto. Once again our mission symposium started at 6:00 p.m. Friday evening and continued for three sessions. We enjoyed the teaching of Bro. Jeff Swart, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Galena, Kansas as he focused on Bible Prophecy and its application for us today.
In Session One Bro. Swart used I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and other passages as he spoke about “The Rapture of the Saints.”
Following a short break, Session Two was used to address “Commonly Asked Questions about the Rapture.” Using Scripture to answer the questions, Bro. Swart emphasized taking Scripture literally until the literal makes no sense.” Session Three was held Saturday morning and addressed the subject “Is the United States Mentioned in Prophecy?” All three sessions were very informative and inspirational.
We appreciate Bro. Swart and his wife being with us again this year and thank them for their dedication to the Lord and His Word. Following the Saturday morning Session of the Symposium the messengers of our churches were called to order by President Dale Fish to take care of business concerning the BMA of Missouri.
Due to the absence of our clerk and the fact that we failed to elect an assistant clerk at our annual meeting last October when the Assistant Clerk was elected as President, Bro. Jim Ainley filled this vacancy for this meeting. A petitionary letter was read from Fellowship Baptist Church of Potosi. This church was received and the hand of fellowship was extended to their Pastor Bro. Mike Jarvis on behalf of the Association by Bro. Wayne Gibson.
The following reports were given and approved: the Kenneth Gibson Seminary Student Grant Fund, the Missouri Missionary
Baptist Paper, Missouri Baptist Loan Association, and the ALIVE Report. Bro. Don Burke was elected as clerk and Bro. Brian Meade was elected as assistant clerk of the BMA of Missouri. The Missionary Committee was called to order and heard the report of Assistant Mission Director, James Hoffmann. The committee voted to recommend investing some of our funds in
the BMA of Mississippi Revolving Loan Fund where it can draw interest until such a time it is needed.
The President called the messengers back in session and they approved the Missionary Committee recommendations. The Camp Report was given by Bro. Dan Wisely in the absence of Camp Director Chris Polk. Bro. Dennis Baker gave the Brotherhood report. The messengers voted to keep the Symposium Offering (for Camp Garwood and The Loan Association Grant Fund) open through the end of July. $600 was given during the meeting and another $150 has come in since then. Bro. Ben Kingston expressed his appreciation for the good response to the Renewal Retreat and announced that there will be another Retreat
next year.
Appreciation was expressed to Landmark for their hospitality.
Our annual meeting will be October 28, 2017 at Camp Garwood.
