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“Accusations Without Warrant”

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Dr. John David Smith, Executive Director of Missions
I offer greetings to the churches of the BMAA. It has been brought to our attention that an individual has mailed information to some of our churches with accusations concerning current North American church planter Brandon Cox. These accusations are derived from Brandon’s relationship/connection to Rick Warren and Warren’s approach to reaching Muslims.

I want to inform our churches that this matter has already been dealt with according to biblical patterns for conflict resolution. This individual was afforded multiple interviews with BMA Missions leadership, the leadership of the sponsoring church, officers of our national association, and the BMA Missions advisory committee.
The conclusion of this multitude of counselors was/is as follows:

The missions advisory committee, made up of 15 men chosen by our churches, made the following conclusion (taken directly from the minutes): Motion and second, that after a thorough investigation, the committee affirms our support of Brandon Cox and that he is biblically sound and that the accusations made by _____ are without warrant. We partially base this conclusion on Brandon Cox’s statement: “Jehovah is God alone, and His Son Jesus is Savior alone. There is no other god and no other redeemer. His righteous jealousy demands exclusive and absolute obedience from His followers.” -Motion carried.

The leadership of Garrett Memorial Baptist Church (sponsoring church) made this declaration: We believe Brandon Cox is faithful to our Lord Jesus, to the preaching of the gospel, and have seen no evidence whatsoever that gives us concern.

Here is a statement from Brandon: There is no other way to the Father but by Jesus, the one and only Way, Truth, and Life. All of us are sinners, deserving of hell, but God freely offers justification and salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. No matter the cultural context, we must be ultra-clear about this gospel. The preaching of God’s inerrant, infallible Word is the central aim and goal of my entire ministry. I’m thankful for the wise, godly men who have heard my mind and heart and have expressed their affirmation of my commitment to doctrinal soundness in all things.

The leadership of BMA Missions unequivocally declares our support for Brandon Cox. We rejoice in the obvious anointing of God upon his life and ministry, and we pray that He will continue to pour out His richest blessings on Brandon, his family, and his ministry.

Resolutions of Moral Action

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Resolution #1
Appreciation for our Military
Whereas, U.S. Military appreciation is needed. The cause and cost of freedom, democracy and peace is being advanced by the diligent and courageous performance of members of our United States military, who serve our country faithfully, both here and abroad, while they are aggressively engaged in the global war on terror; and
Whereas, All the conflicts have not been fought and or soldiers are still in the battle to win the war as well as restore civil order at the risk of their own livers; and
Whereas, Military service entails a comprehensive sacrifice from each soldier and from their families, friends, and communities, now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the messengers of the Baptist Missionary Association of America meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, April 2014, commend and salute our service men and women, in all branches of the military who are serving faithfully and honorably, both at home and abroad; and be it further
Resolved, that we pray for the safety and well-being of our military personnel at all times, with particular attention to those who are in harm’s way; and be it finally
Resolved, That we express reverent thanksgiving to Almighty God, the Judge of all nations, who is mightier than all armies and who alone is able to save, and ask His continued guidance and mercy upon our troops and our nation.
Resolution #2
The Destruction Made by Gambling
Whereas, the tidal wave of gambling in our country has left in its wake pain and destruction in the lives of countless individuals, including children, poor and the elderly, and
Whereas, many state governments have believed the lie that state-sponsored gambling will improve their local economy and provide funds for education, despite evidence to the contrary, and
Whereas, state government by tacit approval of the so-called benefits of gambling become a predator rather than a protector of its constituents, and
Whereas, the commercial advertising of gambling further increases the negative effects, and
Whereas, often the tide of gambling has been turned n American history by God’s people who knelt in confession and stood in conviction;
Be it Therefore Resolved, that we, the messengers of the Baptist Missionary Association of America assembled in Little Rock Arkansas, April 2014 call on all Christians to exercise their influence by refusing to participate in any form of gambling or its promotion; and
Be It Finally Resolved, that we urge our political leaders to enact laws restricting and eventually eliminating all forms of gambling and its advertisement.
Resolution # 3
Recognize the need to elect Godly leaders to political offices
Whereas, politicians sometimes will proclaim Christianity; and
Whereas, some corrupt politicians use religion for political ends; and
Whereas, these type of political leaders are guilty of selling faith for corrupt power;
Be it therefore resolved, that we born again believers in Christ work to elect good and Godly men and women who share our Biblical values and who support our churches’ policies of morality; and
Be it therefore resolved, that we urge these Godly political representatives to take care of the public trust; and
Be it therefore, further resolved, that the Baptist Missionary Association of America meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, April 2014, work diligently to elect good and Godly men and women to public offices in the United States.
Resolution #4
To stand firmly against homosexuality
Whereas, Christians can and should minister to homosexuals and lesbians in a biblical manner; and
Whereas, God can work through our lives to minister and touch those that are practicing this immorality; and
Whereas, our pulpits and lecterns can proclaim the destructiveness of the Gay Rights Movement in America;
Therefore, be it resolved, that we urge the Baptist Missionary Association of America messengers meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas in April 2014, to take a Biblical stand against homosexuality in a Christian manner.
Resolution #5
Reaffirmation of the United State government to support and help protect the Jewish nation of Israel, God’s people
Whereas, we believe Jehovah God attested both the existence and the continuing existence of the Jewish people and be the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ; and
Whereas, we pray for peace in the Middle East; and
Whereas, we Christians believe that the present state of Israel maintains a divine right to the land given to Abraham;
Therefore, be it further resolved, that the messengers and churches of the Baptist Missionary Association of America meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas in April 2014, urge the United States government to maintain a recognition of Israel and support unequivocally her right to exist as God’s people.

These resolutions were adopted by the messengers of the churches of the Baptist Missionary Association of America in their annual meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas April 2014

Brotherhood Spring Retreat

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The BMA of Missouri Brotherhood Spring Retreat was a great blessing! The weather was ideal and eighteen men studied the Scriptures, fellowshipped, and of course enjoyed great food prepared by Bro. Lucas Polk.
Bro. Roy Callahan prepared a wonderful devotion entitled, “Are you ready?” Bro. Callahan’s devotion focused on “Are you Ready” to serve the Lord when you face adversity in your Christian journey. Following our devotion time, we enjoyed personal testimonies from several of the men. It was wonderful blessing listening to their experience of salvation.

After breakfast on Saturday the men enjoyed the Third Annual Turkey Shoot. Jeremy Nettington and Roy Callahan were the winners of the Turkey Shoot.
There was a three-way tie between Brian Whitlock, James Callahan, and Don Adams in the Skeet Shoot with six of nine hits.

I would like to encourage the men of the churches of the Baptist Missionary Association of Missouri that do not have an organized brotherhood, to start a brotherhood within your local church. The purpose of the brotherhood is to promote Christian fellowship, biblical leadership education, and mentoring.
This ministry depends on the financial support of the churches of the Baptist Missionary Association of Missouri. We want to encourage your church to support this ministry.

by Dennis Baker, Brotherhood President

Women’s Missionary Auxiliary of the BMA of America 2014 Resolutions

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WHEREAS, we live in a society that is moving further and further away from the concepts of God and His Word, we shall resolve to:

  1. Be more committed to our own personal study of God’s Word, spending time in prayer and preparing ourselves to be better fit for His service.
  2. Be available and willing to work and serve in each of our own local churches and strive to help make a difference in our communities.
  3. Be faithful and supportive in our State Associational work.
  4. Join together nationally, with urgency as we realize the soon return of our Savior, to help the Baptist Missionary Association of America keep the Great Commission and carry the Gospel to the world.

Resolutions Committee
Jodi Rhea – Oklahoma
Debbie Clark – Oklahoma
submitted by Norma Womble, Reporter

May 2014 – Mission Director’s Report

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Within the past couple of months, many of our BMA of Missouri churches have received a letter from one of our churches that has expressed dismay at the number of churches planted in the past decade or so. I, too, wish more churches had been planted and that the attempts that were made had been successful. I asked a missional leader about how we could intensify our efforts. He followed up my question with another question: “What do you need from the BMA of Missouri to start another church plant this year?” I had to pause for a couple of minutes and think about that question before I could answer. I responded with the following 3 needs:

    1. I need a church planter and his family whom the association could recommend and approve of their election. I think it would really be great if we could raise-up a planter from our own BMA of Missouri “family”. They would already know the culture, the demographics, and the needs of our state. Less time would be needed for them to immerse themselves into the culture and community of the “Show-Me State”.
    2. I need 3 to 4 churches who would serve as “partner churches” to the new plant. Of course we need a “Mother Church” or “Sponsor Church”, but we also need the extended family to come along side of and help with the initial start up efforts and costs. Partner churches might provide people, funds, equipment, prayers, mission teams, etc. The more churches involved in the process, the greater the momentum and growth. Churches plant churches…not missions directors, nor missions department.
    3. I need our churches to increase their missions giving. I have heard the argument that if we had more church plants going, then our churches would rise to the challenge and increase their giving. I don’t believe that is the sole reason for decreased giving. I do believe that many of our churches are in a “survival mode,” rather than a “let’s expand the Kingdom mode.” When churches begin to feel a financial crunch, the first thing that is cut out of the budget is mission giving. I would be hard-pressed to favorably explain that line of reasoning to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:1-5). We need more money to support planters!

As your state director of missions, I have prepared myself to assess, train, and coach church planters. It is my part-time job within the BMA of America missions department to do these things all across the world and we are finding great success! I am ready and willing to do the same here in our state, but I need your help. If the above three things could happen, then we could get started with one more church plant this year.

I have been in contact with a young man who is seeking God’s will about getting a new church planting effort going in the southeast portion of the state. I do not have his permission to share his name, but I would like for you to pray for him as he begins his first Bible studies with a group of people this month. It may be the beginning of a new church.

by Danny Kirk

One in Heart

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2014 Annual Meeting of the BMA America

The theme for this year’s BMA of America meeting in Little Rock was “One In Heart,” and it proved to be prophetic because a sense of harmony was pervasive throughout the meeting.

This year’s attendance was about the same as last year, 517 messengers and 128 visitors. But a highlight was that eight churches petitioned to be a part of the BMA, four English-speaking churches and four Hispanic churches: Clinton Baptist Church, Clinton; Piney Woods Baptist Church, Northport, Ala.; Cornerstone Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Texas; New Heart Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, Miss.; Center of Life/Centro de Vida, Brenham, Texas; Center Of Life/Centro de Vida, Somerville, Texas; Iglesia Bautista Sin Paredes De Salinas, Salinas, Puerto Rico; and Iglesia Bautista el Mesias in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico.

The President’s Message by Ed Stephenson Monday night and the annual message by Missionary Eric Johnson were inspirational. Wonderful music was presented, including mini concerts by the Central Baptist College Singers and Choir and Violinist Jaime Jorge.

April 2014 – Mission Director’s Report

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I ran across an article where a church planter/coach was doing a consultation with a group that was focused on small town and rural church planting within a particular region. It caught my attention, because many (if not most) of our churches are in small towns and in rural areas. His advice to this association of churches was to focus on making disciples– because if they make disciples, a church might come out of the harvest. Instead of thinking, “How can I plant a whole church?” he encouraged them to ask where they could release 2-3 people to be incarnational missionaries.

Imagine if several of our existing churches in a particular region could each release a few people in this way, then they could together set up a support structure for all of those incarnational missionaries that networks them together. They could gather together for worship and support, using a simple church model so they could free up more time to focus on making disciples during the rest of the week. They may be working in different places during the week, but can provide emotional and relational support for one another when they come together. If a Bible study arises out of this effort, then great! If two or three Bible studies are created, then that is even greater. Perhaps one of the sponsoring churches could make a larger investment and call this a satellite campus. Eventually, as these small groups continue to engage their community, a church may very well be planted. The risk is minimum, but the rewards may be great!

We have invested huge sums of money to plant a missionary in a particular area, only to see him leave the field after 2-5 years and with little to show for it. It would be great if there was an approach, where someone felt led to begin with just 2-3 people and see what happens. If churches are to plant churches, then it means that the pastor will release people to leave their Sunday School and start a Bible study in their home. In this very simple way, a church can truly be involved in church planting. The people involved can engage in pilot projects that are more outward focus and relational in nature. There is no pressure to raise-up a self-supporting church in 5 years. Instead it is a step of faith in seeing what God might do with people who are willing to invest in those who are unchurched and not connected with Christ-followers.

Danny Kirk

Mission Symposium

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worldMay 16, 2014 at
Faith Baptist Church
2310 Muegge Rd.
St. Charles, MO

6::00 p.m.

Come and enjoy the fellowship and hear missionaries Jamie Jones, John Herring, and Larry Barker!

All are WELCOME!

He is Risen!

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Happy Easter!