Baptist Missionary Association of Missouri
May God bless you with a joyous new year! We pray that you will have a closer walk with Jesus this year! Thank you God for your blessings in 2013!
Psalm 98:1 says:
“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration in Smithville, MO this past month. Several guests and friends attended our services and celebrated with us on November 24th. We had plenty of food and fellowship, and as always, it seemed to bring lots of smiles and happiness to the hearts of people in attendance.
Our planting process continues, and I trust that your prayers do as well. I ask that you pray about these goals that we recently set for North Lake to meet over the next few months: 1) That we would “Live Sent,” 2) That we would strive to be a “Healthy Church,” 3) That we would become “Good Financial Stewards,” 4) That our worship service attendance would increase to 70. 5) That our LifeGroup attendance would increase to 70. 6) That we would remain engaged in our community by participating in a monthly cause for Christ.
Most of these don’t really need defining, but some of you may be wondering what it means to “Live Sent”. Simply put, “we want each person to be living God’s mission for their life”…. not their own mission, or a part of God’s mission, but really living God’s mission for them. God’s mission is my mission when I live the great commission, live by Kingdom values not cultural values, and I strive to do it the way Jesus taught us to do it. I am realizing that talking about “Living Sent” and actually doing it are two very different things. “Living Sent” requires obedience to God’s Word, and a sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading. I pray that God teaches North Lake to “Live Sent” in the coming months.
Thank you all for your prayers and support of God’s work in Smithville, MO.
Pastor Jamie Jones
Help Me…I’m Stuck!
I remember a time last year when there were some new things happening in my life and ministry. I felt blessed, challenged, passionate, and excited because it seemed that God was up to something big in both my life and my wife’s life. Yet despite these wonderful experiences, I just felt “stuck”, unable to make the decisions that would affect our future. It was a paralysis of my own making as I contemplated different case scenarios, failures, consequences, and unknown factors. Eventually, I would bring this situation to my coach who would help me get “unstuck” and move forward. I came to realize that every pastor or leader needs a coach How did my coach help me?
“And it came to pass, in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed (registered)….
And Joseph also went up out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem….
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:1, 4-7
Giving thanks unto God is good for us to do. We give thanks because of:
1. Our Situation: Things could be a lot worse than they are.
2. Our Supplies: God supplies all our needs and more.
3. Our Strength: “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
4. Our Song: He puts a song in our heart.
There are at least five reasons each of us have for giving thanks:
1. God’s Word, Psalm 119:105.
2. God’s Works, Psalm 107:8.
3. God’s Will, Ephesians 1:5.
4. God’s Wonders, Psalm 105:5.
5. God’s Ways, Psalm 18:32.
This Thanksgiving take time to show your thankfulness by doing something for someone that needs encouragement or friendship.
It is impossible to be thankful when you are always reaching for the emptiness of this world. Think about the meaning of this little verse that Tom McCanless shared at the Association.
We pray without crying, Give without sacrificing, And live without fasting, Is it any wonder that we Sow without reaping.
Saturday, October 26, 2013, forty-five messengers representing eighteen churches along with several visitors gathered in the facilities of Bethany Baptist Church in St. Louis for the 86th Annual Meeting of the Baptist Missionary Association of Missouri. Another thirty-eight churches represented by letter only.
Moderator Claude Evans asked Bro. Harrison Soldona from Lindsay Lane Baptist Church in Florissant to lead the opening song. He was accompanied by Sis. Ladonna Baker at the piano.
Bro. James Hoffmann extended a warm welcome to everyone present before he introduced the new pastor of Lindsay Lane, Bro. Drew Sawyer, who brought a challenging devotional about letting our Light Shine as Jesus instructed us in Matthew 5.
Two petitionary letters were read.
The West Doniphan Baptist Church, Doniphan, MO, and the Abundant Life in Christ Church in Charleston, MO petitioned for membership in the BMA of MO. A motion and second passed to accept these churches into the Association. Bro. James Hoffmann welcomed those present from Abundant Life in Christ into our association. No one was present from West Doniphan.
Bro. Evans pointed out that there needs to be some clarification regarding two statements in our By-Laws which cause some confusion. These statements are found on pages 10 and 11 of the 2012 Minutes.
Under Article IV – Meetings, Section 1, part A, it says “The host pastor shall be in charge of planning the worship service” for the Annual Meeting.
Article VI – Officers, Section 5 it says “The messengers shall, in annual session, elect a speaker and alternate to bring the annual message the following year.”
A motion and second passed to remove Section 5 from Article VI which gives the responsibility of selecting a speaker for the worship service in the annual meeting to the host pastor.
The following reports were given at various times during the meeting:
The ALIVE report by Brad Banderman; Brotherhood report by Dennis Baker; WMA Report by Terri Adams; Missouri Missionary Baptist Loan Association Report by Dennis Baker, Ted Hurley and David Griggs; the Kenneth E. Gibson Seminary Student Grant Fund Report by James Hoffmann; the Publications Committee Report by James Hoffmann and Jim Ford; The Encampment Committee Report by Chris Polk; the Clerk’s Report was read by Assistant Clerk, Dale Fish; the Missionary Committee Report by Wayne Gibson, Brian Meade, Danny Kirk, and Jamie Jones; and the Resolutions Committee Report by Tom McCanless.
The following were elected to serve in their respective positions with their term ending in ( ): Chris Dicus – ALIVE Committee (2017); Loan Association Officers – all six re-elected (2018); Jim Ford – Publications Committee (2016); and Dan Wisely – Encampment Committee (2018).
Wayne Gibson was re-elected as Chairman of the Missionary Committee along with Dennis Baker as Assistant Chairman and Jerry Adams as Clerk. Ray Thurman was elected and Assistant Clerk.
Claude Evans was re-elected as President of the BMA of MO and Ray Thurman was re-elected as Vice President.
James Hoffmann was elected as Editor of the Missouri Missionary Baptist paper and Don Burke was re-elected as Assistant Editor. It was noted that the paper is in need of special offerings or increased monthly support as adequate funds are not coming in each month. A motion and second passed to give $800 from our Mission Treasury to the paper in order to pay the editor the Christmas bonus we voted to give him last year. Expenses for the last two years have been about $300 a month more than income and our balance in getting very low.
Chris Polk was re-elected as Camp Superintendent and Treasure with Jerry Adams re-elected as Assistant in both positions.
Danny Kirk was re-elected as Missions Director with James Hoffmann as Assistant Director.
Tom McCanless, Rodney Dunlap and Wayne Gibson were appointed as the 2014 Resolutions Committee and Russell Chitwood, Denver Page and Matt Bolen were appointed as the 2014 Enrollment Committee.
A total of $2,250 was received for Minute Fund and Clerk Hire. The Clerk’s salary was set at $1,125 for this year.
The 2014 Annual Meeting will be at Landmark Baptist church in DeSoto, MO and the 2014 Mission Symposium and Semi-annual Meeting will be at Faith Baptist Church in St. Charles, MO.
We were honored to have the following representative of our National Association departments present to give reports of their various areas of labor: DiscipleGuide – Mike Jenkins; BMAA Missions – David Norvell; BMA Seminary – Van Widger; and National WMA – Janet Widger.
Bro. Russell Chitwood brought an inspirational message using Matthew 28:18-20 in which he emphasized that our Master, Mission, Message and Method never changes as we carry God’s Word to the World.
A rising vote of appreciation was given to the host church for their hospitality and the closing prayer was offered as all preachers present formed a circle and held hands in the altar.
I enjoyed the hospitality of Pastor James Hoffmann and the Bethany Baptist Church as they served us during our annual association meeting this past month. I appreciate the confidence of our churches as you reelected me to serve again as your Director of Missions. Our advisory committee and myself will be meeting next month to strategize on how to begin some new church planting efforts.
I am happy to say that my interim pastoral work at Faith Baptist in St. Charles has ended. The church as called Bro. Justin Arender from Louisiana to become their new pastor. Bro. Justin and his wife, Angie, have 4 beautiful children and have recently returned from the Philippines where they had served as missionaries. I am once again available to serve as pulpit fill and to speak about the work of missions at your invitation. Below you will find my annual report to the association:
Our partnership work with the Meramec Association and the BMA of America continues to be blessed of God this past year. Several were saved and baptized while others have stepped into positions of leadership at North Lake Church in Smithville, MO. The mission came very close to leasing a church facility in Smithville, but the owners backed out at the last minute with a leasing agreement beyond the financial means of the mission congregation. Let’s continue to pray for the Jones family as they take another big step toward self support in the coming year.
Once again, Pastor Jerry Adams and the folks at Bethel Baptist Church in Sikeston, were gracious and generous hosts for our annual Mission Symposium and mid-year meeting. We began the symposium on Friday evening with pie and ice cream in the fellowship center as we visited and talked with our missionary guests. We were honored to have Bro. and Mrs. Doyle Moore from the Philippians, Chris Huson, missionary elect to Ecuador, and John Beinlien, missionary to the deaf community in Swartz Creek, MI. Each one of them spoke of their vision and passion for reaching the lost in their respective fields. Bro. Moore finished out the evening with a message from God’s word. The total Symposium offering received was $3,054 for Camp Garwood. Our association blessed each of the visiting missionaries with a $1,000 love offering for their work funds. Thank you for caring for missionaries who serve far beyond our state borders!
A few days after our midyear meeting, tragedy struck the community of Moore, OK as a Category F-5 tornado tore through the neighborhood. During our national meeting in April I was privileged to visit two BMAA churches in Moore. Realizing that many of our BMAA families were affected by this storm, I asked our special mission committee to consider giving an offering to help with relief. The brethren authorized me to send a check for $5,000 to Pastor Doug Brewer and the Southgate Baptist Church to help them to minister to those in need. Thank you again for caring for those in desperate need of help.
On a positive note, there was an increase of $6,000 in church offerings over last year’s total. Please continue to support your state missions program with your prayers and offerings. Thank you for allowing me to serve you as your Director of Missions for the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Danny R. Kirk
Tell me, what would you do if 675 refugee families crashed the door of your church because they were needy and hungry? I agree, it is a good problem, but it is a problem, none-the-less.
These families came from areas where you and I could never go. Then God, in His time and through sad circumstances, brings them to us. Can we sit idly by and not help them? This is not an easy question to answer when you do not have a continuous flow read more…
By Veteran Middle East Missionary (via Baptist Trumpet)
Tell me, what would you do if 675 refugee families crashed the door of your church because they
were needy and hungry? I agree, it is a good problem, but it is a problem, none-the-less.
These families came from areas where you and I could never go. Then God, in His time and through sad circumstances, brings them to us. Can we sit idly by and not help them? This is not an easy question to answer when you do not have a continuous flow of support to help these families. And even if we did, is it our goal only to feed them?
I have always been a fan of the sovereignty of God. I like to be responsive to His moves, especially when they relate to the affairs of nations and men. I like to see every event as a platform for sharing the gospel. I like to be used of God to snatch people from the fire.
This pretty much tells you where we stand in relationship to the Syrian problem we are facing. Though I despise war, I can always see God’s hand as it allows me to share the gospel so that refugees who have seemingly lost everything can be saved for eternity.
This week, we made the decision to stop registering more families on the relief lists because we are running out of funds, space and personnel. Our team is visiting every family to map their needs and then decide what type of assistance would be best. The visit is always an opportunity to share Christ.
In the last week, we have had revival meetings at our refugee center east of Beirut and hundreds attended. Many stayed afterward to pray and seek the Lord.
Those of you who follow my Facebook page are staying up-to-date on what’s going on here. We have given out 250 blankets, and mattresses are on order. We have set aside $14,000 for mattresses and clothes.
When you look at the faces of these dear people and see the broken pride and the tears of loss and bewilderment, you wonder what tomorrow will hold for them. I saw one Muslim lady in one of the services who dealt with that question by singing, from the bottom of her heart, “I know who holds tomorrow.”
Another gentleman came to me, weeping, after hearing the message. “They killed my brother before my eyes,” he said. “Can I take revenge?” Then he broke down because he knew he had to wait on the Lord, forgive and be a peacemaker. He also realized that this can only happen if his own sins are forgiven and Christ is the Lord of his life. With tears streaming down my face, I laid my hand on him and led him in prayer.
These stories are only a sampling of what we encounter every day here.
In America, we are so far removed from the sights and sounds of war. But here we see families that are torn apart, children are killed and mothers raped. And, in many cases, it falls on the shoulders of missionaries on the field to care for them, pray with them and for them and show them the way to Jesus.
“Joujou,” who is in her thirties, is the leader in one of our Bible study groups. She has always been wheelchair bound and had been limited in what she could do here. But she loves the Lord and His Word, and now, for the first time in her life, she is able to share her faith with others and help them study the Word.
We are up to three Bible study groups, with an average attendance of 15 in each one. With the way things are going, next time you read an update there will be more.
Our refugees are learning English, and we are up to two classes. Would you like to teach? Would you like to share the gospel in English, then give them homework to memorize John 3:16 in English and explain it? Doors are open, would you join our team?
I am ecstatic that churches of the BMAA have taken interest in what is going on here. Now is the time to show the love of Christ in action. Not only do we need funds, we need people who are willing to serve among the refugees and share Christ with them.
Let me close with two urgent needs.
Prayer — There is resistance and opposition that we cannot talk about openly in this context. Prayer can break down the barriers.
Funds — We need plenty! In the past, our churches have responded with generosity, and I am grateful. Would you do that this time also? I would like to raise $100,000 for this project. I know we can do it. If 100 people or churches each gave a $1,000, we could raise that amount in one day. I believe God and I have confidence in His people.
Thank you for trusting me to be your missionary in this part of the world. It is probably the toughest, and most dangerous, field on our missionary map. Your ongoing prayers and continued support have produced fruit for eternity. Please help me continue the work.
Please send all gifts clearly designated for Syrian Refugee project to:
BMAA Missions Department
P.O. Box 30910
Little Rock, AR 72260.
