Van Ministry

Barbara Acre
Administrative Assistant
E-mail

General Baptist

National Missions
100 Stinson Drive
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-785-7746

Dr. Stephen Gray
Director
E-mail

Jeff Roth

Ministries Coordinator

Barbara Acre
Administrative Assistant
E-mail

Ministry Quicklinks

From the National Missions Director

Join Our Mailing Lists

Stephen Gray

Stepping Out in Faith

   Have you ever felt like Abraham? Called out to an unknown place, sure when you've arrived, and uncertain what the future holds? Yet, Abraham left knowing that God was in control. I am sure many of you have found yourself in that kind of a situation a few times in your life. For me, however, this is a first. Through 23 years of ministry I have always known where God was leading. It was always very clear what He called me to do. Now, I find myself in that awkward position of Abraham - a man without a country.
   Over the last two weeks I have been in a focused season of prayer and personal reflection. God had been stirring in my heart for quite some time, but through the events of the last few weeks He has forced me to take a time to focus my thoughts. On Friday, April 23, I started a weekend of fasting, and by Sunday afternoon God calmed my heart and said, "Trust me. I will lead you where you need to go." Not exactly the awe-inspiring, detailed, and perfectly laid out information I was looking for; but nonetheless I knew God was leading towards something new. What that "something" is I do not know. But I do know this, God is in control; and I trust His leading.
   For now I will carry on in the office as the director of National Missions until the end of August. I will be preparing documents, finalizing information, and laying out the processes of National Missions for the next director, whomever that may be. Pray that God will reveal Himself to me and guide the process of those entrusted with the task of finding a new director. These are interesting days for the General Baptists, and I pray that God will bless all they do.
   As for me and my family, well we will see what God has in store.

Locates New Facility

by Church Planter Carl Nichols

Relevant Church, Locust Grove, Georgia

Great things are happening for Relevant Church. However for the last few months the biggest obstacle we faced was finding a facility that was both fiscally responsible yet met the needs of Relevant Church. After months of searching, and much prayer, we feel we have landed the best facility possible.
The Locust Grove Community Center at one time charging $5,000 per event for 8 hours, then it reduced the rates to $1,200 per day. It planned Relevant Facility

to transform the facility into a senior center in September and no longer lease it to other groups. After meeting with the Henry County commissioners and the Parks and Recreation director, it was decided to lease the facility to us on Sundays for only $2,500 a month. The facility is not used on Sundays and is the perfect setup for our Adult Worship and our Children's Ministry. We have also been able to build relationships with the Recreation director, which will lead to great opportunities to serve our community. Thanks so much for your prayers and support. Pray for our October 3 launch service.

Living the Greatest Command

Flippin Church News by Pastor Vince Daniel
Real Life Church, Flippin, Arkansas

     At Real Life we are starting a series called "Vintage." We will talk about the faith, prayer, and worship of the early church and how they stimulated it to grow. We will end the series with a worship service in the park where a local car club will provide classic cars and a local bank will help with the grill and food. It will be a great day to reach people and tell them about Jesus and what is happening at Real Life.
   In April, our church group decided to assist the fire department that was in charge of our community Easter Egg Hunt. We took candy, brought kids, and even did some face painting. Little did we know that God was up to something. Recently, the assistant fire chief came to church for an inspection. He offered us the event and said that they would help us - another time to reach people and tell them about Jesus. Thankful for a God who opens doors.
   In April's E-Voice we reported we were entering our third week of baptisms. Well there were four weeks, not three. God is so good!
   We have had a great start this year. Pray for us as we do our best to reach the lost for Jesus this summer. I believe there are more people to be touched by the ministry of Real Life. It is my prayer for your church to go "Show Real Life to Real People through the Real Savior, Jesus."

by Pastor Vince Daniel
Real Life Church, Flippin, Arkansas

     At Real Life we are starting a series called "Vintage." We will talk about the faith, prayer, and worship of the early church and how they stimulated it to grow. We will end the series with a worship service in the park where a local car club will provide classic cars and a local bank will help with the grill and food. It will be a great day to reach people and tell them about Jesus and what is happening at Real Life.
   In April, our church group decided to assist the fire department that was in charge of our community Easter Egg Hunt. We took candy, brought kids, and even did some face painting. Little did we know that God was up to something. Recently, the assistant fire chief came to church for an inspection. He offered us the event and said that they would help us - another time to reach people and tell them about Jesus. Thankful for a God who opens doors.
   In April's E-Voice we reported we were entering our third week of baptisms. Well there were four weeks, not three. God is so good!
   We have had a great start this year. Pray for us as we do our best to reach the lost for Jesus this summer. I believe there are more people to be touched by the ministry of Real Life. It is my prayer for your church to go "Show Real Life to Real People through the Real Savior, Jesus."

by Pastor Vince Daniel
Real Life Church, Flippin, Arkansas

     At Real Life we are starting a series called "Vintage." We will talk about the faith, prayer, and worship of the early church and how they stimulated it to grow. We will end the series with a worship service in the park where a local car club will provide classic cars and a local bank will help with the grill and food. It will be a great day to reach people and tell them about Jesus and what is happening at Real Life.
   In April, our church group decided to assist the fire department that was in charge of our community Easter Egg Hunt. We took candy, brought kids, and even did some face painting. Little did we know that God was up to something. Recently, the assistant fire chief came to church for an inspection. He offered us the event and said that they would help us - another time to reach people and tell them about Jesus. Thankful for a God who opens doors.
   In April's E-Voice we reported we were entering our third week of baptisms. Well there were four weeks, not three. God is so good!
   We have had a great start this year. Pray for us as we do our best to reach the lost for Jesus this summer. I believe there are more people to be touched by the ministry of Real Life. It is my prayer for your church to go "Show Real Life to Real People through the Real Savior, Jesus."

   Jody Thompson is a young man any mom would be proud of. He celebrated Mother's Day this year in a unique way, pulling flooded air ducts from underneath a house in a suburban neighborhood along the Harpeth River after the recent floods.
    Jody, a student at Western Kentucky University with his fiancée Laura Payne, told me he had Revolution Jody shared about Jesus with one of the couples he ministered to while working with Hands on Nashville. As thanks, they committed to be at the opening of Revolution Church on September 12 in White House, Tennessee.
   The State of Tennessee has a history of helping others, it's the Volunteer State. It was the greatest command of Jesus to love God and love others, and I am so proud to have young men like Jody living it. September 12 is a big day for Jody, as he will be one of those baptized on our first Sunday. I was blessed to baptize Jody's mom and sister on Easter Sunday at Freedom Church.
   We have a three-fold mission: To LIVE, LOVE, and SERVE. Jody just accomplished all three by sharing Christ through his testimony (live), his heart (love), and his acts (serve). When the love of Christ begins to turn lives around, then that's a Revolution I want to celebrate. Congratulations Jody on living the vision!
   Our team is growing, and we have some big equipment needs before launch. Connect to our facebook page or our official Website to find out how you can help! We are proud to have Tony and Jessica Russell as a part of the team and leading outreach into our community. Next month I will share some of Tony's awesome projects to serve people like Jesus would right here in our town.

Hispanic News
Sheffield Association, California

Mission & Ministry Summit in Franklin, Tennessee, July 26-28 -There will be seven workshops presented in Spanish, geared toward ministry among Hispanics. One class, offered Tuesday, July 27, at 10:30 a.m., will be taught in English with a Spanish translation. These workshops would be of particular help to churches considering a Hispanic ministry. All sessions will be held in Room 1799.

Three-Day Outreach - Iglesia MDDL, pastored by Roeli Cal in Lake Forest, California, held a three-day evangelistic outreach. Iglesia MDDL, pastored by Rene Rodriguez in Santa Ana, supported the effort. The outreach had an average attendance of over 101 with 4 conversions and 3 rededications.
Sheffield Association - A blessing was had by all who attended (150-160) the annual associational meeting. One highlight of the day was the ordination of Pastor Juan Mendoza who leads Iglesia Monte Sinai in Long Beach. Another was the presentation of medallions to seven people who read the Bible through in 2009.
New Location - Iglesia Taller del Maestro, pastored by Alex Morales, just finalized a rental agreement for a new location: 2990 Delta Avenue in Long Beach, California. The group had its first gathering there Sunday, May 16. Bruce Conran says, "This is a good location and building large enough for them to grow. They plan to be on the streets immediately reaching out to their new community."

Reported by Bruce Conran, Hispanic Coordinator

National Missions Web site has been updated. We have added a "Share This" and an "RSS Feed" button at the top left corner of our Web site page. When you click on the "Share This" button you can send the Web site address to a friend or place a link to it on your MySpace or Facebook. The RSS button will help you stay up to date on new blogs. Check out this updated site, www.generalbaptistnm.com.

May 18, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

We just received a call from Rev. Roy Dale Clark, Pastor of the Antioch General Baptist Church in Rushing, Arkansas, informing us of the sudden death of his son-in-law, Steve Fenley. Please pray for comfort and strength for Roy and Jereta and for their daughter Kim and her children and grandchildren.

In His service,

Dr. James Murray

Interim Executive Director

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

Planting Churches - Sharing Christ

May 2010

In This Issue

Stepping Out in Faith

Locates New Facility

Living the Greatest Command

Flippin Church News

Hispanic News

Calendar of Events

June 1-3

Ministers' Conference

Branson, MO

July 9-11

NYC

Roach, MO

July 26-28

M & M Summit

Franklin, TN

September 12

Revolution Church Launch

White House, TN

October 3

Relevant Church Launch

Locust Grove, GA

Contact Info

General Baptist

National Missions
100 Stinson Drive
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-785-7746

Dr. Stephen Gray
Director
E-mail

Jeff Roth

Ministries Coordinator

Barbara Acre
Administrative Assistant
E-mail

General Baptist

National Missions
100 Stinson Drive
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-785-7746

Dr. Stephen Gray
Director
E-mail

Jeff Roth

Ministries Coordinator

Barbara Acre
Administrative Assistant
E-mail

Ministry Quicklinks

From the National Missions Director

Join Our Mailing Lists

Stephen Gray

Stepping Out in Faith

Locates New Facility

by Church Planter Carl Nichols

Relevant Church, Locust Grove, Georgia

Living the Greatest Command

May 12, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

New Members Garvinwood GB Church in Evansville, IN, received five new members last Sunday morning, May 9. Pat Boyer says, "What a blessed event on this Mother's Day. We are praising God for answer to prayers."

Children Remember the family of Pastor Steve and Megan Dame in prayer.
Their 6-month-old son, Caden, and 5-year-old son, Marques, have been recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. At this time both are doing well. Steve pastors Mt. Gilead General Baptist Church near Slaughters, KY.

Three-Day Outreach Iglesia MDDL, pastored by Roeli Cal in Lake Forest, California, held a three-day evangelistic outreach. Iglesia MDDL, pastored by Rene Rodriguez in Santa Ana, supported the effort. Friday, April 30, 95 people came. One young man was converted and a young mother rededicated.
Saturday, 125 attended: three were converted and one man rededicated. Sunday, 85 attended and one person rededicated.

New Location Iglesia Taller del Maestro, pastored by Alex Morales, just finalized a rental agreement for a new location: 2990 Delta Avenue in Long Beach, California. The group has its first gathering there this Sunday, May 16. Bruce Conran says, "This is a good location and building large enough for them to grow. They plan to be on the streets immediately reaching out to their new community."

Choir Robes Carl Masters, pastor of Tennyson GB Church in Tennyson, IN, has a total of 29 choir robes to donate. They are dark red with white trim on collar and cuffs. Contact him at (812) 567-4686 or cmasters67@yahoo.com.

Upcoming Events
May 16: Nursing Home Sunday
May 26: Leadership Team meeting
May 31: Office Closed for Memorial Day
June 1-3: Ministers' Conference
June 4-6: Uth N Missions Rally
June 16: Leadership Team meeting
June 26: Men In Missions Gathering

General Baptist Ministries

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

May 5, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

As most of you know, a great tragedy has come upon Nashville, Tennessee, and its surrounding communities. The weather experts are calling this a "500-year flood." The Nashville area received over 15 inches of rain in a 24-hour period, and the rivers could not handle it. Many people have lost everything, and it's estimated that 90 percent of those affected do not have flood insurance.

Imagine the heartbreak and despair that would come with losing your furniture, clothes, toys, books, family photos, and homes. Tragically, some people have even lost family members. Take a minute and reflect on Jesus' words in Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Many people in middle Tennessee need your help right now. Let's be a ray of light in this otherwise somber time. We've outlined a couple of ways you can get involved to help these people during this desperate time.

1. Pray

All of us should be in prayer right now for these people who are experiencing a very trying time. Pray for their needs to be met and their hope to be restored as they begin to rebuild their lives. While prayer is crucial, let us be careful not to use it as an excuse for inactivity when the need is so intense right now.

2. Donate [Money or Materials]

The cleaning and rebuilding efforts are extensive. Because this flood was unexpected, the materials needed aren't readily available. Because the materials need to be purchased, it becomes expensive. All monetary donations will be given to aid the relief efforts of Samaritan's Purse.

Here are a couple of ways you can donate much needed materials.

· Cleaning Bucket - Fill a bucket with the following items: bleach, trash bags, work gloves, towels, washcloths, and cleaning products.

· Basic Needs Bundle - Because people have lost everything, they need pillows, sheets, blankets, miscellaneous toiletries, and hygiene products.

You can donate funds online by clicking here or mail your funds to General Baptist National Missions. Remember to designate your donation to "Flood Relief."

If you wish to donate materials we have two drop-off sites:

General Baptist Ministries Freedom Church

100 Stinson Dr. 1010 Freedom Church Rd.

Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 Gallatin, TN 37066

At each site we will fill trailers with the relief materials until May 19 and send them to the disaster site periodically over the next two weeks.

Pastors: Perhaps you could collect the materials at your church or a church in your local association and then send them together to Poplar Bluff or Gallatin.

Let's use this as an opportunity to work together serving our world and showing people our love for God and love for our neighbors.

If you have any questions please contact General Baptist National Missions.

General Baptist National Missions

Steve Gray, Director, stephen.gray@generalbaptist.com
Jeff Roth, Ministries Coordinator, jeff.roth@generalbaptist.com
Barbara Acre, Administrative Assistan, nmofc@generalbaptist.com

Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

General Baptist Ministries

100 Stinson Drive

Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901

May 5, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

CTI Graduation The Christian Training Institute (CTI) held its graduation ceremony April 27 in Gallatin, TN. CTI provides Christian education for church leaders in Tennessee and Kentucky. It is accredited through the General Baptist LAMP (Leaders Advancing in Ministry Program). The following completed their studies and received the Pastoral Ministries Diploma: Anthony Green, Tommy Percle, and Mike Stinson.

Former Missionary Dr. David Griffin recently passed away. The funeral was Friday, April 30, at Osborne General Baptist Church in Qulin, Missouri. Dave pastored General Baptist churches in the states and served as a General Baptist missionary in Guam in the mid-1960s. He was the coordinator for the Foreign Mission Board and pastored congregations on the island. He also helped with the ministry on Saipan. Remember his wife, Jerry, and the family in prayer as they face the coming days.

Tennessee Flooding Pastor Casey Reece's mother-in-law was killed in the flooding in Tennessee last weekend, and his father-in-law was injured. Casey is pastor of the First General Baptist Church in Mattoon, IL. Please remember the entire family in prayer. The funeral is Thursday with burial on Saturday.

With the Lord Loye Jane Martin Latch, 93, died in the Southridge Village Nursing Center in Arkansas Tuesday, May 4. She was the widow of Dr. Ollie Latch, who died in 1997. Dr. Latch was a former editor of the Messenger and a pastor. Visitation for Mrs. Latch will be Friday, May 7, from 6 to 8 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Wilburn General Baptist Church Saturday at 10 a.m. Heber Springs Funeral Home will be in charge of the service.

Upcoming Events

May 16: Nursing Home Sunday

May 19: Leadership Team meeting

May 31: Office Closed for Memorial Day

June 1-3: Ministers' Conference

June 4-6: Uth N Missions Rally

June 16: Leadership Team meeting

June 26: Men In Missions Gathering

General Baptist Ministries

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

General Baptist Ministries

100 Stinson Drive

Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901

Talking about Church Health...

Through Empowering Leadership

One essential quality of a healthy congregation is empowering leadership. Many leaders, however, often mistake empowered leadership as the equivalent of empowering leadership.

Empowered leadership leads from positional authority where leaders lead because they are designated as leaders. The corporate world of business and the halls of government are filled with empowered leaders who have been hired or elected to lead while others have been hired or elected to follow.

Empowering leadership leads from mutual trust and out of a team based philosophy where leaders equip, support, motivate, encourage and mentor individuals to release their God-given potential.

Empowered leaders dictate with a "Because I said so!" attitude while empowering leaders discern "Who can best help with...?"

Empowered leadership may reproduce itself in a limited fashion through a leader and chief assistant process where the chief assistant eventually becomes the leader. Empowering leadership has the potential to rapidly expand the leadership ranks of a growing local church by investing in a larger number of individuals and equipping them for the tasks for which they are best suited.

Leadership development is essential for any organization to move forward. I have often thought that leadership development is even more important than structural and organizational development.

John Ed Mathison recently wrote, "Leaders don't lead from behind desks in safe plush offices. Leaders don't lead by simply issuing edicts. Leaders lead by going into the arena, moving to the front of the issue, and inviting people to follow the leader. And people do follow!"

To paraphrase the Apostle Paul...The Lord gave some to be leaders to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Isn't it amazing that way back in the 1st century the Lord already knew and revealed one of the key elements of church growth and church health that we only recently rediscovered?

To advance the cause of empowering leadership Next Level Training includes training resources designed to assist the discovery of spiritual gifts. Gift based ministry, when it is fleshed out to its fullest, results in empowering leadership.

Short Tern Service
Short Term Service

With the overwhelming success of our interns this past year, we will be sponsoring an even larger group of outstanding young students as Summit Interns!

These interns will aid in room and equipment set up, resource distribution, photography, helping workshop presenters, video production, etc.

Various departments will underwrite the cost of lodging for the interns and provide a small stipend for their work. Older teens with basic or advanced technical skills and/or good people skills are welcome to inquire about the internship program.

Contact Todd Luke at 573-785-7746 or by e-mail for more information.

Talking About... Leadership Development Through Summit Workshops

Our Mission & Ministry Summit Workshops are organized around 7 different track groupings with more than 80 different workshops to choose from. A complete listing of our workshops, presenters, daily schedule and room assignments is available at www.generalbaptist.com/summit.
Our workshops tracks include
        Track Designation                                      Description
1. Current Issues/Social Trends        Church Health, Current Issues, Parenting & Family
2. Leadership Development      Personal Development, Volunteerism, Worship
3. Missions & Church Planting           World Missions, Church Planting in the United States
4. Student Ministry                          Ministry to Children and/or Teens
5. Technology                                 Technology/Media
6. The Local Church                         Church Growth, Congregational Development,
                                                     Growth Barriers, Growth Strategies
7. Women's Ministry      Women's Ministry

April 28, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

GB News for April 28

Resignation Dr. Stephen Gray, director of General Baptist National Missions, has tendered his resignation, effective at the end of August. Dr. James Murray says, "Pray for the Executive Council and the Personnel Committee as they seek the Lord's person to fill this position"

Sheffield Association Bruce Conran says, "We had an excellent Sheffield Association meeting on Saturday (April 24). It was a blessing to see the many who were in attendance and the joyful attitude of all who were there...A great highlight of the day was the ordination of Pastor Juan Mendoza who leads Iglesia Monte Sinai in Long Beach. And Juan later got us all even happier when he introduced his fiance, Yanira Barrios, and invited everyone to their wedding on May 22." Seven people who read the Bible through in 2009 were awarded with medallions.

Bruce continued to say, "Seeing all the pastors and the people they brought with them (estimate 150-160 people) and the ministry licenses we issued got me thinking about the great things we are seeing in our churches and how we can go on and improve our ministries as we promote teamwork and leadership training."

Special Weekend Folks at the Mt. Vernon General Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, IN, are calling this weekend Associate Pastor Curt Mort's "a-tion" weekend. Saturday Pastor Curt and his wife, Amanda (Cook), will participate in graduation at Oakland City University. Sunday morning they will present their young son, Samuel, for dedication as part of the morning worship service. Then Sunday afternoon the church will host Pastor Curt's ordination.

Pastor Curt is 1 of 5 men from the Mt. Vernon Church whose ordination was approved by the Liberty Presbytery at its March meeting. Corey Rash and Todd Garrison were ordained in March and April. Clint Willis and Ray Tucker will be ordained in the coming weeks.

In the Ocean Rev. Gary Baldus reported that New Walk Church in Florida celebrated the baptism of more than 90 people in the ocean Saturday, April 17.

Upcoming Events
May 1: Graduation at Oakland City University

May 3: Council of Associations meeting

May 16: Nursing Home Sunday

General Baptist Ministries

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

General Baptist Ministries

100 Stinson Drive

Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901

Baptisms, Baptisms, and More Baptisms

Planting Churches - Sharing Christ

April 2010

In This Issue

Countdown to 10/10/10

Building God's Kingdom

Lafayette Moves Forward

Growth in Flippin

Easter Reports

Calendar of Events

May 3

C/A Meeting

Oakland City, IN

June 1-3

Ministers' Conference

Branson, MO

July 9-11

NYC

Roach, MO

July 26-28

M & M Summit

Franklin, TN

September 12

Revolution Church Launch

White House, TN

October 3

Relevant Church Launch

McDonough, GA

Contact Info

General Baptist

National Missions
100 Stinson Drive
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-785-7746

Dr. Stephen Gray
Director
E-mail

Jeff Roth

Ministries Coordinator

Barbara Acre
Administrative Assistant
E-mail

General Baptist

National Missions
100 Stinson Drive
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-785-7746

Dr. Stephen Gray
Director
E-mail

Jeff Roth

Ministries Coordinator

Barbara Acre
Administrative Assistant
E-mail

Ministry Quicklinks

From the National Missions Ministries Coordinator

Join Our Mailing Lists

Jeff Roth

Countdown to 10/10/10

  With less than six months remaining in "The Power of 10 Challenge,"I would like to take a hard look at the most crucial component of its success. In The Power of 10 we are challenging everyone to give $10 a month and pray 10 minutes a day until 10/10/10. I am so grateful for those of you who have committed to taking this challenge. Lives are already being transformed through your gifts and prayers. (If you haven't committed yet, you still can!) The ultimate goal of The Power of 10 is to see 10,000 conversions by General Baptist National Missions churches by 10/10/10. Wouldn't that be awesome?
  So what is the most crucial component of The Power of 10 Challenge? There is a definite need for funds to help two new churches launch this fall: Relevant Church and Revolution Church. It's extremely difficult to do the ministry that God's called you to without the funds to make it happen. However, as important as I believe giving $10 a month is, I believe it to be even more important that you pray 10 minutes a day for these church planters and their families.
  I believe church planting is the most difficult thing I've ever done. There is the constant grind of setting up and tearing down your portable church. The stress of never having enough money to do the ministries you want to. The pressure of knowing that every service could be the last. The nerves that come with putting everything on the line trusting God is in it. The burning desire to reach every person in your community. All of these things add up to incredible strain on the church planter, his family, his finances, and his relationship with God. As nice as it is to receive a surprise check in the mail, it's even better to know someone is praying for you and your family every day. The thought of someone caring enough to take time out to plead to God for His blessing, on your ministry is truly humbling.
  Please pray for all our church planters! Pray for them, their wives, their families, their churches, their stress levels, their finances, and their spiritual lives.
  For all you The Power of 10 warriors out there, keep giving, keep praying, keep watching God bless!

NMS Offering Update

As of April 14 the 2010 National Missions Sunday Offering stands at $12,220.26. This offering will assist the launch of two new churches: Relevant Church in south Atlanta, Georgia, and Revolution Church in White House, Tennessee.

Please become 1 of 10,000 GBs who join The Power of 10 Challenge! Send your contributions to National Missions, 100 Stinson Dr., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. Earmark your gift "National Missions Sunday Offering."

2009 ABC Offering National Missions is grateful for the gift of $8,419.45 that was raised by WMS groups. This offering is helping Church Planter Kris Freeman of the Revolution Church in White House, Tennessee, to purchase set-up equipment and to impact children's and students' ministries.

Revolution Church will launch September 12 at the H.B. Williams Elementary School. A baptismal service has already been scheduled on the launch date.

Life Change Already? by Church Planter Carl Nichols
Relevant Church, McDonough, Georgia

   Five months ago this April, my family relocated back to Georgia to launch a church that unchurched people would love to attend in south Atlanta. Since then many things have happened. From seeing 24 people commit to being a part of our launch team to hiring a children's director, things are moving at light speed. At our first informational gathering eight people attended who had never been to church or who have been out of church for some time. Of those, four committed to being a part; and the other four want more information on the possibilities for their families.

  I recently had dinner with an old friend, Tim, who went through a divorce about three years ago and had not attended church since. He turned to alcohol after his divorce, and in a sense gave up on God and church. After spending a couple of hours with him, he said to me with tears running down his face, "This is exactly what I needed. You have been such an encouragement to me. I want to get back to where I once was." Tim has since asked me about the possibilities of being in a small group. The exciting thing about the life change that is occurring is that we are still six months from the launch of Relevant Church.
  For more information or to book a service, e-mail CLICK HERE. If you would like to donate, VISIT HERE. Thanks so much for your prayers and support.

by Church Planter Carl Nichols
Relevant Church, McDonough, Georgia

   Five months ago this April, my family relocated back to Georgia to launch a church that unchurched people would love to attend in south Atlanta. Since then many things have happened. From seeing 24 people commit to being a part of our launch team to hiring a children's director, things are moving at light speed. At our first informational gathering eight people attended who had never been to church or who have been out of church for some time. Of those, four committed to being a part; and the other four want more information on the possibilities for their families.

  I recently had dinner with an old friend, Tim, who went through a divorce about three years ago and had not attended church since. He turned to alcohol after his divorce, and in a sense gave up on God and church. After spending a couple of hours with him, he said to me with tears running down his face, "This is exactly what I needed. You have been such an encouragement to me. I want to get back to where I once was." Tim has since asked me about the possibilities of being in a small group. The exciting thing about the life change that is occurring is that we are still six months from the launch of Relevant Church.
  For more information or to book a service, e-mail CLICK HERE. If you would like to donate, VISIT HERE. Thanks so much for your prayers and support.

by Church Planter Carl Nichols
Relevant Church, McDonough, Georgia

   Five months ago this April, my family relocated back to Georgia to launch a church that unchurched people would love to attend in south Atlanta. Since then many things have happened. From seeing 24 people commit to being a part of our launch team to hiring a children's director, things are moving at light speed. At our first informational gathering eight people attended who had never been to church or who have been out of church for some time. Of those, four committed to being a part; and the other four want more information on the possibilities for their families.

  I recently had dinner with an old friend, Tim, who went through a divorce about three years ago and had not attended church since. He turned to alcohol after his divorce, and in a sense gave up on God and church. After spending a couple of hours with him, he said to me with tears running down his face, "This is exactly what I needed. You have been such an encouragement to me. I want to get back to where I once was." Tim has since asked me about the possibilities of being in a small group. The exciting thing about the life change that is occurring is that we are still six months from the launch of Relevant Church.
  For more information or to book a service, e-mail CLICK HERE. If you would like to donate, VISIT HERE. Thanks so much for your prayers and support.

Removing Ropes

by Pastor Christian Farris

Next Level Church, Tarpon Springs, Florida

Sunday, April 18, may have been the biggest move of God we've seen at Next Level Church since the time of our launch. The day was filled with drama, worship, teaching, and cardboard testimonies. At the start of the day we thought the rain was going to keep the people home. But by service time the house was packed. In fact, we had to remove rope from previously blocked off sections to make room for all the people. The day was like a culmination of all that God has done in the lives of the people over the last 15 months. At the end of the service, when the cardboard testimonies began, all that you could see was a wave of people passing, though, whose lives God had drastically changed since we opened the church. God is moving in a huge way!
We are having our first beach baptism of the year, in May. We are on our way to baptizing more in May than we did in all of 2009. Please continue to pray and ask God to move here in Tarpon Springs/Palm Harbor, Florida, as we continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Lives are changing, and that's what it is all about.

Building God's Kingdom
by "Ones"

  A few of them wanted to confirm this incredible life change in baptism and did so at the Easter Sunrise Service at Freedom Church in Gallatin, Tennessee. We're so thankful to Freedom and all it has done for us. To be connected to Freedom is just awesome. The staff gave me an opportunity to baptize four people: three ladies and one man, who just returned from a military deployment in Afghanistan. Praise the Lord! And here's the best news, two of the ladies we baptized have additional family members who want to be baptized on the launch day of Revolution Church. So, we now are planning our first official baptism service on our first Sunday. We launch September 12! That's pretty awesome.
  Life change - 135,000 people in two counties north of Nashville who could experience Jesus. It's way over my head to reach them all, but the power of God is so incredible that He builds the kingdom in the multitude of ones: one person, one family, one church, one hope (kind of sounds a little familiar with our M & M Summit coming up, right?). Collectively, those "ones" become a dynamic church turning our community upside down.
  We have a big announcement coming soon about our student ministries. We're continuing to pray for a worship leader. Last thing, we're purchasing a set-up trailer from GBIF. We'd love to share more about the project with you as we try to raise funds to pay it off. Could you pray about helping us? CLICK HERE to check out the details. LIVE, LOVE, SERVE!

Life change - that's what it's all about. To see God's love turn lives around. In fact, that's why we are planting Revolution Church, to see our friends, family, and new people come to Jesus and be launched into ministry.
In the last two months, we have taken huge steps in that direction as our core team has developed. We also have three potential team members still on deployment in Iraq. Revolution Church is growing around the world!

Baptisms, Baptisms, and More Baptisms

Reported by Bruce Conran, Hispanic Coordinator CA Baptisms 2010

Sheffield Association, California

March and April have been both spiritually and statistically fruitful in our Sheffield Association churches. We have seen 61 baptized, with 11 to come as soon as possible, and multiple conversions and rededications. The Lord is blessing!

In March, Pastor Jesús Hernandez and Antonio Perez (both from Iglesia Agua Viva in El Monte, CA) preached in Tijuana, Mexico, in revival services. About 160 people gathered from two churches in Tijuana and nearby El Niño (two of the seven Agua Viva churches that Jesús started and oversees in Mexico). They experienced four conversions and 20 rededications. They then baptized 11 people in the Pacific Ocean at Tijuana.
Sunday, March 21: Pastors Oscar and Lois Chicas, of the Iglesia Jesucristo el Redentor in Pomona, CA, baptized four people in a swimming pool.
Saturday, March 27: Pastors Rene Rodriguez, Roeli Cal, and Alejandro Salinas baptized 13 people from two Iglesia Ministerios de Dios Latinoamericanos (Iglesia MDDL) churches located in Santa Ana and Lake Forest. They baptized in the Pacific Ocean at Corona del Mar, CA. They planned to baptize about 11 more April 11; but due to a death in a large family, which took several of them away, this will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Sunday, April 11: Pastor Nehemias Lopez, Iglesia MDDL in San Rafael, CA, baptized 19 people in the Pacific Ocean near San Francisco (where San Rafael is located).
Saturday, April 17: Pastors Rosa and Remy Estrada baptized 14 people in a swimming pool in Lancaster, CA (which is in the California desert about 75 miles northeast of Los Angeles).

Lafayette Moves Forward

by Pastor Tom Bennett
Life Change Ministries, Lafayette, Indiana

Life Change Ministries in Lafayette, Indiana, with Pastor Tom Bennett, continues to move forward. We have witnessed one profession of faith and four new families attending so far this year. We are looking for many more ministry opportunities in 2010. We are looking to move into a more visible location in 2010 as we wait for the Lord's direction. Click HERE to view Web site.

Growth in Flippin by Pastor Vince Daniel
Real Life Church, Flippin, Arkansas

   We appreciate the prayers and support over the last few months. The results are showing. Spring is upon us; and that means growth, not only in the plants and grass, but also in our churches. I am excited to share what God has been doing at Real Life Church.
  Over the last month our weekly attendance has jumped from 135-140 to 155-160. With new families moving in, we are also seeing a growth in our children's programs. Please pray for this, as we are quickly running out of space in these areas. Sunday, April 18, our infant room (0-18 months) had 13; and for our space, that is a lot of babies! There is also growth among our teens, who are excited about the opportunity to go to the National Youth Conference (NYC) this year. The growth in numbers is exciting; but what we do isn't all a numbers thing, it is an eternity thing.
  Sunday, April 26, we will enter our third week of baptisms. We have had numerous salvations, and God is moving in some of our partners to get more involved. As a pastor, next to seeing someone give his or her life to Christ, hearing someone say, "What can I do to help?" is an awesome thing. We pray that we will continue this trend of numerical and, more importantly, spiritual growth.
  Be in prayer for the next few months as we seek direction in going to a second worship service. (I know, what a great problem to be praying about.) THANK YOU for allowing us to be a part of the General Baptists. Your prayers, calls, and encouragement have been priceless to us. Our family thanks you, and God bless.

by Pastor Vince Daniel
Real Life Church, Flippin, Arkansas

   We appreciate the prayers and support over the last few months. The results are showing. Spring is upon us; and that means growth, not only in the plants and grass, but also in our churches. I am excited to share what God has been doing at Real Life Church.
  Over the last month our weekly attendance has jumped from 135-140 to 155-160. With new families moving in, we are also seeing a growth in our children's programs. Please pray for this, as we are quickly running out of space in these areas. Sunday, April 18, our infant room (0-18 months) had 13; and for our space, that is a lot of babies! There is also growth among our teens, who are excited about the opportunity to go to the National Youth Conference (NYC) this year. The growth in numbers is exciting; but what we do isn't all a numbers thing, it is an eternity thing.
  Sunday, April 26, we will enter our third week of baptisms. We have had numerous salvations, and God is moving in some of our partners to get more involved. As a pastor, next to seeing someone give his or her life to Christ, hearing someone say, "What can I do to help?" is an awesome thing. We pray that we will continue this trend of numerical and, more importantly, spiritual growth.
  Be in prayer for the next few months as we seek direction in going to a second worship service. (I know, what a great problem to be praying about.) THANK YOU for allowing us to be a part of the General Baptists. Your prayers, calls, and encouragement have been priceless to us. Our family thanks you, and God bless.

by Pastor Vince Daniel
Real Life Church, Flippin, Arkansas

   We appreciate the prayers and support over the last few months. The results are showing. Spring is upon us; and that means growth, not only in the plants and grass, but also in our churches. I am excited to share what God has been doing at Real Life Church.
  Over the last month our weekly attendance has jumped from 135-140 to 155-160. With new families moving in, we are also seeing a growth in our children's programs. Please pray for this, as we are quickly running out of space in these areas. Sunday, April 18, our infant room (0-18 months) had 13; and for our space, that is a lot of babies! There is also growth among our teens, who are excited about the opportunity to go to the National Youth Conference (NYC) this year. The growth in numbers is exciting; but what we do isn't all a numbers thing, it is an eternity thing.
  Sunday, April 26, we will enter our third week of baptisms. We have had numerous salvations, and God is moving in some of our partners to get more involved. As a pastor, next to seeing someone give his or her life to Christ, hearing someone say, "What can I do to help?" is an awesome thing. We pray that we will continue this trend of numerical and, more importantly, spiritual growth.
  Be in prayer for the next few months as we seek direction in going to a second worship service. (I know, what a great problem to be praying about.) THANK YOU for allowing us to be a part of the General Baptists. Your prayers, calls, and encouragement have been priceless to us. Our family thanks you, and God bless.

Easter Reports

by Stephen Gray, National Missions Director

National Missions celebrates as we think about what God may do with our work. So far, God has done some amazing things through our new churches as well as some of our alumni churches. Every week I have the privilege of hearing new and moving stories about how God has changed someone's life. This Easter, we were once again able to celebrate tremendous growth from our new works.

Genesis Church, West Plains, MO: 538 in attendance, multiple salvations, and rededications. - Pastor Jeff Smith

Freedom Church, Gallatin, TN: 1,026 in attendance, 26 baptized, 6 saved. - Pastor Terrell Somerville
Next Level Church, Tarpon Springs, FL: 1,400 in attendance over two days, dozens of salvations. - Christian Farris

New Walk Church, Zephyrhills, FL: 1,700 in attendance, over 90 saved. - Pastor Gary Baldus

Baypointe Church, Holiday, FL: 486 in attendance, 6 saved. - Pastor Brian Brown

Crosspointe Church, Clearwater, FL: 451 in attendance, 20 saved. - Pastor Everett Farris

Open Door Church, Holcomb, MO: 144 in attendance - Pastor Kenny Burns (Though this in not an NM plant, we are still celebrating.)

The Refuge, Berkeley, WV: 70 in attendance, 5 saved, and 2 rededications. - Pastor Michael Rosensteel

April 21, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

Youth Event: Skyline Community Church in O'Fallon, IL, sponsored a two-day youth event April 11-12 with Kacy Benson from Texas as the speaker. He spoke at Skyline Sunday evening, a school assembly on Monday, and in Trenton, IL, that evening. A large number of teens gathered for the services, and well over 50 came forward for salvation or rededication.

Revivals: Dr. James Murray was in revival with Bro. Royce Schanda the last week of March at Oak Hill GB Church close to Walnut Ridge, AR. A great spiritual refreshing was experienced with much rejoicing, and people went to the altar for prayer. April 16 Dr. Murray was at the Free Union Association in Kentucky at Rabbit Flat GB Church, pastored by Buddy Brooks. Dr. Murray reported that it was a great service with people giving testimonies, lots of praising and shouting. A great spirit abounded throughout. Sunday, April 18, he preached at Happy Zion GB Church in Annapolis, MO, pastored by Mike Harrison. Many young people were present, a great spirit prevailed, and several went to the altar for prayer.

Meeting in the Philippines:Pray for the General Baptist churches in the Philippines as they gather for their General Association meetings April 22-24 in Davao City.

Church News: Rev. Casey Reese, pastor of the First General Baptist Church in Mattoon, IL, reports having another baptismal service and baptizing eight people. The church recently adopted its new constitution and bylaws.

60th Anniversary: Rev. and Mrs. David Winders celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary April 14. Rev. Winders is retired and has pastored in the West Kentucky Association. The two are still active, as they and their son, Pastor Nicky Winders, sang special music at the associational meeting last week.

Upcoming Events
May 1: Graduation at Oakland City University

May 3: Council of Associations meeting

May 16: Nursing Home Sunday

General Baptist Ministries

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

General Baptist Ministries

100 Stinson Drive

Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901

April 20, 2010

Prayer Request for Greg and Sandy Dickerman

Please pray for the Greg & Sandy Dickerman family. Greg's mother is critically ill and not expected to survive much longer. Greg and Sandy will travel from Saipan, where they are our missionaries. They are expected to get to St. Louis, Missouri, tomorrow to be with Greg's mother and their loved ones. Please pray for safe travel and for God's sustaining grace and peace for Greg's mother. Pray for strength and comfort from the Lord for this family.

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

Tuesday's Tip

April 20, 2010

Crazy Risk? A Weekend With No Volunteers

by Tobin Perry
Imagine if your church had no volunteers next week. No one to direct cars. No one to pass out bulletins. No one to display music lyrics on a screen for worship. Imagine that your staff has to do everything next weekend. Sound crazy?

Jimmie Davidson thought so. When the creative team of Highlands Fellowship in Abingdon, VA, started talking about the idea as part of a weekend focus on "Crazy Service," Davidson, the church's senior pastor, thought the idea sounded risky. They depended upon their volunteers to help make the service effective and well-run, the kind of worship service where people wanted to invite their friends.

But the Highlands team also knew that a weekend without volunteers was an ideal way to show the congregation just how much volunteers mattered to the running of the church.

Highlands has always been the kind of church that takes risks. So on Sunday morning, Davidson and his staff gathered the volunteers for a thank-you breakfast. That's when he told volunteers they wouldn't be volunteering that day.

When people came into the worship services that weekend, they were struck by a completely different kind of Highlands experience. No one was there to hand out bulletins, help with parking, put the lyrics to the music on the screen, or greet people as they came in.

Just one person was up front leading worship - not the typical worship team and praise band. The staff handed out the song lyrics copied poorly on sheets of paper.

And although Jimmy had told the church this would be a bad weekend to bring their friends, few people listened. There were many first-time guests. In time, Davidson explained what was happening to the congregation and apologized to guests. People seemed to "get it." During the service, 500 people committed to serve at Highlands. (The church has about 1,250 volunteers throughout a typical week.)

Here are some tips Davidson shared for other churches considering a "volunteer-less" weekend service:

This shouldn't be how you start mobilizing people for ministry. Highlands had already done ministry fairs and taught frequently on the idea of S.H.A.P.E. (during the weekend service and in C.L.A.S.S. 301). Plus, Davidson notes he has been at the church for 15 years and earned credibility along the way.

The staff needs to be well-informed. Since they are doing a lot of the work during the service, they need to know what is expected of them.

Don't tell your volunteers until that morning. Word will leak out anyway. Let it be as much of a surprise as possible.

You'll still want children's ministry volunteers. Davidson wanted parents to be able to focus on the message without distraction.

Let the service be rough. That's part of the experience. The roughness will help the congregation understand more clearly the value of volunteers during the weekend service.

If may be a crazy risk, but with preparation and planning, this could be just the thing to communicate a strong message at your church on the priesthood of all believers.

Tobin Perry lives in Woodstock, GA, with his wife and two sons. He now serves as a content design editor on the Mission Education Team at the North American Mission Board, S.B.C. Previously, Tobin served for six and a half years on staff of Saddleback Church, as a pastor in Southern Indiana, and as a missions journalist in Nicosia, Cyprus.

April 14, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

New Pastor:The First General Baptist Church of Kennett, MO, has called Rev. Jeff Bralley as pastor. Jeff has been working in Poplar Bluff, MO, and filling the pulpit for pastors in the area.

Homecoming:Calvary General Baptist Church of Adairville, KY, had its Homecoming Service April 11 with Dr. John Sloan as guest speaker. A lady who attended the church for the first time made a decision to be baptized.
Pastor Brent Johnson has been the pastor since the church began in November 1996. The church is considering plans for an addition.

Update on Surgery:Randy Vollmar is doing well after his hip replacement surgery last week.

Overseas Trip:International Missions Director Sean Warren and MVP Coordinator
Johnny Jourdan will travel to Guam and Saipan April 15. Then accompanied by Saipan missionary Rev. Greg Dickerman on April 20 they will travel to the Philippines for the annual General Association meetings of the General Baptist Churches of the Philippines, which meets April 22-24. April 26 Greg will return to Saipan, and Sean and Johnny will proceed to Hong Kong for meetings with our team in that region of the world. Pray for safe travel
and for positive results for the extension of His kingdom.

Thank-you:Former missionaries to Honduras Sid and Vicki Smith send their thanks for prayers on behalf of Sid, who is home recovering quite well from his recent open-heart surgery. The Smiths served three years at Faith Home in Honduras and now make their home in Hardenville, Missouri.

Upcoming Events
May 1: OCU graduation
May 3: Council of Associations meeting
May 16: Nursing Home Sunday

General Baptist Ministries

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

General Baptist Ministries

100 Stinson Drive

Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901

Ministers and Spouse Health Screenings

Dear Nancy,

Due to early interest in the Summit 2010 all available rooms at BOTH our host hotels are currently taken. To help accommodate the large number of attendees, we have compiled a list of additional local hotels.

*The Hilton Garden Inn, conveniently located less than one mile from the Marriott - Cool Springs, has agreed to match the Marriott's rate of $107. You can make online reservations by using the Group/Convention Code "GBM" or by calling the hotel at 615-656-2700 and asking for the General Baptist Ministries rate.

While we have not negotiated a rooming block with the remaining hotels, they have offered discounted rates or setup a corporate rate for General Baptists. Some of you may qualify for a better rate on your own, such as AAA, AARP, etc.

A link to each hotel is provided in the Quick Links area on the right. All distances are measured from the Franklin/ Cool Springs Marriott.

Be sure to ask for the General Baptist rate!

*Hilton Garden Inn - 1 mile North
9150 Carothers Parkway
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 656-2700 - Discounted Rate of $107
Online Reservations use Group/Convention Code "GBM"

Courtyard by Marriott - 1/2 mile North

2001 Meridian Blvd.
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 435-0042 - Discounted Rate
Speak with David in sales E-mail

Hampton Inn - 2 miles West
7141 South Springs Dr
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 771-7225 - Corporate Rate
Call for Reservations Only

Days Inn - 3 1/2 miles South
3915 Carothers Parkway
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 790-1140 - Discounted Rate
Call for Reservations Only

This year The Summit is sponsoring FREE health screenings for all ministers and their spouses. The health screenings will take place on Wednesday morning in the Thoroughbred Boardroom from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. All you need to do to take part in the screenings is to fast after midnight the night before.

The Screenings will cover height,weight, blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, glucose, and overall health exit interview with our health professionals.

Contact Todd Luke at 573-785-7746 or by e-mail for more information.

Quick Links

Hilton Garden Inn

Courtyard by Marriott

Hampton Inn

Days Inn

Summit Home Page

Full online registration is now available! Just click here to go to our registration page. You can fill out the registration form and pay right there. You can also download a registration form to fill out and return by mail or fax.

All the details are HERE!

Summit onSite

Making a local impact we cannot do alone.

The Summit onSite is sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive at this year's Mission & Ministry Summit in Franklin, TN. The Summit blood drive is Tuesday, July 27, from 3-7 p.m. in the Mustang and Quarter Horse rooms. Please sign up by June 21 to help the Red Cross allocate its resources. Sign up HERE!

Help the Nashville Rescue Mission as it reaches out to Middle Tennessee by offering faith-based recovery programs; and food, clothing, and shelter to the homeless. Bring some canned goods or other non-perishable food stuffs to the Summit. Bring a car load. Bring a truck full. Bring a van full!

Bring your donations to the Summit. We will have drop-off locations in the convention area for all the truck loads of food you bring!

April 7, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

The Mission & Ministry Summit will soon be upon us. We are expecting the largest crowd possibly in history. Theme: "One Savior, One Church, One World."

Please pray for Moderator Terrell Somerville, who will have hip replacement surgery in May. Pray that healing will become swift and complete.

It has been nearly 15 years since our restructuring of the denomination. At the Executive Council meeting yesterday, it was decided that the Executive Director, Leadership Team, and select pastors would be asked to review our entire structure and make recommendations, along with developing a plan for the adoption of churches that wish to join or affiliate with General Baptists.

God has given us a window of opportunity. An allotted time to do ministry. Winning the lost is still our primary mission. What a joy to be able to share the gospel. What a privilege!

For His glory and honor!

In His service,

Dr. James W. Murray

Hip Replacement: Randy Vollmar, a minister in ILLMO Association, requests prayer concerning hip replacement surgery being done Thursday, April 8, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Randy has pastored and now does pulpit supply for area churches.

Retirement Celebration: Blue Springs General Baptist Church in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, will host a retirement celebration for Rev. Clayton Sellers Sunday, April 11. A former elementary school principal and deacon at Welling General Baptist Church, Rev. Sellers is retiring from the pastorate after serving Blue Springs Church for 30 years.

Sanctity of Human Life Offering: Dr. Darrell Hillhouse, Compassionate Care director, reported at the Executive Council meeting Tuesday, April 6, that the 2010 Sanctity of Human Life Offering is at $19,495. This comes from 50 General Baptist churches and 34 individuals. The goal is $20,000.

Easter Among New Churches: National Missions is celebrating a great Easter among the new churches. Many of these churches saw record attendances. Better yet, many celebrated life change as people came forward to give their lives to Jesus. Here are a few of the reports: Genesis Church, West Plains, MO: 538 in attendance, multiple salvations and rededications; Freedom Church, Gallatin, TN: 1,026 in attendance, 26 baptized, 6 saved; Next Level Church, Tarpon Springs, FL: 1,400 in attendance over two days, dozens of salvations; New Walk Church, Zephyrhills, FL: 1,700 in attendance, over 90 saved; Baypointe Church, Holiday, FL: 486 in attendance, 6 saved; Crosspointe Church, Clearwater, FL: 451 in attendance, 20 saved. Open Door Church, Holcomb, MO, had 144 in attendance. Though this is not an NM church plant, we are still celebrating. Continue to pray for these churches as God leads new people to them. Pray that they will be able to disciple them well.

International Missions: International Missions thanks God for His care and watch over former missionary Sid Smith. Sid had heart bypass surgery late last week and is expected to make a full recovery. Also, please be in prayer for some strategic meetings the mission will be having with individuals and organizations over the next few weeks.

Upcoming Events
April 14: Leadership Team meeting
May 1: OCU graduation
May 3: Council of Associations meeting
May 16: Nursing Home Sunday

General Baptist Ministries

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

April 1, 2010

Prayer Request for Sid Smith

Please pray for Sid and Vicki Smith. Sid will be having a triple by-pass surgery at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 2nd. His surgery will be at the Baxter Regional Hospital in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Sid and Vicki Smith served as missionaries in Honduras from 2006 through October 2009.

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15 NIV)

March 31, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

Child Diagnosed: Please pray for Madison, youngest granddaughter of Pastor John Stepp (First GB Church of Princeton, IN). She has been diagnosed with severe juvenile diabetes and was being transferred last week from Guam to a military hospital in Hawaii. Her father, Brad, John's son, is deployed in Afghanistan and has been given emergency leave to be with his family.

New Format: MOARK Association met Saturday, March 27, with a new format for its gathering. Those attending had a choice of attending 2 out of 3 workshops. Following these equipping sessions, there was a worship session where churches were challenged to take the "next step" in ministry and outreach. Moderator Charles Richardson had visited the communities of each church in MOARK and done man-on-the-street video interviews. Each church received a copy concerning its community. A condensed business session was conducted in the afternoon. Pastoral Ministries Director John Sloan says more associations are beginning to use their meetings as equipping sessions.

Skeleton Staff: Monday, April 5, and Wednesday, April 6, many of the support staff at General Baptist Ministries in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, will attend training from 8 a.m. to noon. This training is designed to enhance their skills in data management. The GBM building will remain open with a skeleton staff in place on those mornings.

Among Hispanics: Bruce Conran writes from California, "Many good things are happening in our churches. March 21, Pastores Oscar and Lois Chicas baptized four people who received Christ as Savior in their church in Pomona, CA. The same weekend (plus Thursday and Friday before), Pastor Jesús Hernandez and Antonio Perez (both from El Monte, CA) preached for four days in Tijuana in revival services. About 160 people gathered from two churches in Tijuana and in El Niño (nearby). As a result, they had four conversions and twenty rededications. They then baptized eleven people in the Pacific Ocean in Tijuana. This past Sunday, March 28, Pastores Rene Rodriguez, Roeli Cal, and Alejandro Salinas baptized thirteen people in the Pacific Ocean in Corona del Mar, CA. In two more weeks, on April 11, these same pastors, Rene, Roeli, and Alejandro, from their two churches (Santa Ana and Lake Forest) will baptize about that many more who could not be present this week. For all of this and so much more, praise the Lord!"

Upcoming Events
April 2: Office Closed for Good Friday
April 6: Executive Council meeting

Leadership Team

Franklin Dumond, John Sloan, Linda McDonough, Sean Warren, Steve Gray

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

Planting Churches - Sharing Christ

March 2010

In This Issue

Churches Catch the Vision

'Has Just Exploded'

Doing What No One Else is Doing

National Missions Sunday

Calendar of Events

March 2010

National Missions Awareness Month

May 3

C/A Meeting

Oakland City, IN

July 26-28

M & M Summit

Franklin, TN

September 12

Revolution Church Launch

White House, TN

September 26

Salt Lake City Launch

UTAH

October 3

Relevant Church Launch

McDonough, GA

Contact Info

General Baptist
National Missions
100 Stinson Drive
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-785-7746

Dr. Stephen Gray
Director
E-mail

Jeff Roth

Ministries Coordinator

Barbara Acre
Administrative Assistant
E-mail

Ministry Quicklinks

From the National Missions Director

Join Our Mailing Lists

Stephen Gray

GB Churches Catch

the Vision

   Over the last few months I have been made aware that several General Baptist churches have caught a vision for starting new churches/ministries in hopes of reaching their cities with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This fall, the Liberty Hill General Baptist Church, Aid, Missouri, and First General Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, will launch into new adventures.
    Led by Associate Josh Trotter, Vantage Point, a upcoming ministry of First General Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau, will launch a new campus in the northwestern area of Cape. Dean Jaggers, pastor of the Cape Girardeau church, is excited that his people have gained a kingdom mind-set and are willing to launch out into this new ministry. The new work will launch sometime in September.
    Liberty Hill, Missouri, led by Pastor Phil Warren, is launching a new work in the Puxico area under the leadership of Scott Sifford. Liberty Hill leadership is genuinely excited about the opportunity to launch a Cowboy Church in Puxico and reach many who have not been reached before.
    I think it is exciting and something for General Baptists to celebrate when local churches catch a vision for church planting and mother a church on their own. Imagine what might happen if all our churches caught that same vision. We could change our nation in a generation.

'Has Just Exploded'

Doing What No One Else is Doing by Church Planter Carl Nichols
Relevant Church, McDonough, Georgia

   Over the last few months God has blown our minds. When we moved to south Atlanta in November 2009 it was just my wife, Julie, our son, Jase, and me and a dream to launch a church for the unchurched. I have been amazed at how many people have been wounded by a previous church experience and no longer attend church or who have never really been connected to a church. With that in mind, we have been so burdened to reach those no one else is reaching.
   Since November, we have set out to raise funds to help launch and build a team of people to make it happen. To date, our fund raising is doing well; but the most exciting part is the people on the team.
   We will host our first informational meeting the end of March and expect 20-25 people to attend. Of those who will be there, at least half do not attend church anywhere, and many have never been connected, but have said firmly they are very interested in being a part of Relevant Church. I believe to reach people no one else is reaching, we have to be willing to do what no one else is doing; and that is exactly what our mission at Relevant Church will be. Please pray for us as we move forward and see lives changed for the cause of Christ.

by Church Planter Carl Nichols
Relevant Church, McDonough, Georgia

   Over the last few months God has blown our minds. When we moved to south Atlanta in November 2009 it was just my wife, Julie, our son, Jase, and me and a dream to launch a church for the unchurched. I have been amazed at how many people have been wounded by a previous church experience and no longer attend church or who have never really been connected to a church. With that in mind, we have been so burdened to reach those no one else is reaching.
   Since November, we have set out to raise funds to help launch and build a team of people to make it happen. To date, our fund raising is doing well; but the most exciting part is the people on the team.
   We will host our first informational meeting the end of March and expect 20-25 people to attend. Of those who will be there, at least half do not attend church anywhere, and many have never been connected, but have said firmly they are very interested in being a part of Relevant Church. I believe to reach people no one else is reaching, we have to be willing to do what no one else is doing; and that is exactly what our mission at Relevant Church will be. Please pray for us as we move forward and see lives changed for the cause of Christ.

by Church Planter Carl Nichols
Relevant Church, McDonough, Georgia

   Over the last few months God has blown our minds. When we moved to south Atlanta in November 2009 it was just my wife, Julie, our son, Jase, and me and a dream to launch a church for the unchurched. I have been amazed at how many people have been wounded by a previous church experience and no longer attend church or who have never really been connected to a church. With that in mind, we have been so burdened to reach those no one else is reaching.
   Since November, we have set out to raise funds to help launch and build a team of people to make it happen. To date, our fund raising is doing well; but the most exciting part is the people on the team.
   We will host our first informational meeting the end of March and expect 20-25 people to attend. Of those who will be there, at least half do not attend church anywhere, and many have never been connected, but have said firmly they are very interested in being a part of Relevant Church. I believe to reach people no one else is reaching, we have to be willing to do what no one else is doing; and that is exactly what our mission at Relevant Church will be. Please pray for us as we move forward and see lives changed for the cause of Christ.

   Have you ever been a part of something God is doing that makes you sit back and admire how awesome He is? Revolution Church is less than six months away from seeing the life-changing message of Jesus take hold in our small communities of White House and Cross Plains. The momentum in our town for what God is about to accomplish is incredible. In the heart of the Bible Belt, we are on a border between two huge counties north of Nashville where as many as 135,000 people don't know Jesus or attend church. What an opportunity!
   On Sunday night, March 14, Revolution Church held its first community info meeting with approximately 30 adults plus children present. Out of the meeting, the vision for our church has just exploded. We have purchased a 20-foot trailer with equipment for our set-up and tear-down and should be receiving delivery of the trailer within the next two weeks. We can't wait to see what is available to us from a former church plant and then start making a list of what we need prior to our Revolution logo launch scheduled for September 12 at the H.B. Williams Elementary School.
   So many churches, organizations, and individuals have already partnered with us, but it is not too late to be a part of the Revolution Church team. We specifically want to thank Women's Ministries' for its ABC Offering, which will be used to help with our set-up equipment and to impact our children and student ministries. Pay special attention to the MVP: Stateside team schedule. Be willing to take a journey and sign your church group up to outreach with us. For more MVP: Stateside information contact its Coordinator, Jeff Roth, at the National Missions office at 573.785.7746 or E-mail.
   If you would like to know more, check out our Web www.myrevolutionchurch.com or call me anytime at 615.881.9969 to let us know how we can share more about Revolution Church with you. Remember, LIVE, LOVE, SERVE, and be blessed as the love of Christ turns lives around- that's the Revolution.

To Go or Not to Go

by Pastor Christain Farris

Next Level Church, Tarpon Springs, Florida

Jason Young, who has been with me from the beginning It's been exciting to see the growth at Next Level Church. Not just numerical growth but the spiritual growth has been amazing to witness, too. Recently I received a call from my lead guitarist, of the launch. He informed me that he had been given a huge opportunity to go on tour as a lead guitarist with a band that was just signed by a large record company. The tour was to begin in Europe, which meant if he took this position I would have obviously lost him as a guitarist for our church and as a very key partner to our core team here at NLC. When I asked what he was planning to do his

Guitarist Jason Young

response was amazing. He said, "It's an easy choice. I'm staying right here. Next Level is where God changed my life, and I know that God is going to use me to help bring change to others' lives, too." WOW! What a testimony. When I found Jason, he was deeply involved in alcohol, the party crowd, and anything else that he thought would bring him happiness. Now he's serving God and has a heart to see lives changed with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so proud of this dude. I can't wait to see how God is going to use him in the future.

Cody Connection

by Pastor Vince Daniel

Real Life Church, Flippin, AR

   Things in Flippin are going great. We have seen growth in the last few weeks with anticipation of going to two services in the spring. We are seeing substantial growth in our children's department, and that has been exciting. Our Life Groups have taken off and are having a great effect in connecting people with others in our church.
   Cody, a local boy with lots of things going for him decided he needed more excitement; so he began to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Cody went through several years of this lifestyle before finally hitting a treatment center and then ultimately Real Life Church. Cody came and accepted Jesus as his Savior. Immediately, Cody got involved handing out cards and info on our church to his friends and family. We have had baptisms directly from Cody's witnessing and are looking for more. Cody has been an inspiration to people in our church.
   I always go back to the man with the withered hand in Scripture as I think about Cody. When Jesus asked the man to "stretch forth his hand," why didn't he show his good one? I think Jesus had the man in a place of safety where he could show his faults and when he did, it allowed a healing to occur. Don't you wish our churches were safe places where people could show their weaknesses and allow Jesus to heal them.
   That is what we do here at Real Life, "Showing Real People Real Life thru Jesus Christ." We are able to do this because of people like you who support National Missions. Keep us in your prayers as we look toward two services. Also pray that our Life Groups would continue to connect people to one another. Thanks so much for the prayers and support.

Smitten

by Cynthia Vargas

Iglesia Jesucristo El Redentor, Pomona, California

I am very fortunate to be part of the Iglesia Jesucristo El Redentor family. For six years I visited many churches. I had a relationship with the Lord; but like many people, I still held on to my stumbling blocks. My growth in the Lord was dormant until I let go and let God completely direct my life. Now I see it flourishing. It was hard since the world was all I knew while wanting so much to live the Christian life. It took some time to get acclimated to the things of the Lord. But while being taught, loved, and encouraged I found my peace with God. I was smitten at Iglesia Jesucristo El Redentor.
Pastors Oscar and Lois Chicas are truly anointed of God and have become so important to my life

Chicas Family

and spiritual growth. Their love for the Lord is so transparent, and not just theirs but their three children is as well. They are all about God's business. They are caring, great counselors, and always ready to lend a helping hand. Pastors Oscar and Lois are investing to help me discover my gifts and talents. I know that I am where the Lord wants me to grow. The Lord is refining, shaping, and molding me to finally be the woman He has called me to be. And very importantly, my children are growing in the Lord also. My life is so different today and I thank God for the changes He has brought about in me through His church (and mine).

Wherever They Are

by Church Planter Charles Hill

Mission West, South Jordan, Utah

   We are excited as we seek to plant churches in the 24-plus cities without ONE Christian church! Yes, the number keeps growing. It was 22 last month! Think about this: The city I live in is 48K, and there are only TWO churches! We are currently around $1,500 toward our goal of $8,000 a month to launch. Praise God we are underway!
   I have been speaking at several associations around the country and would love to come and share the vision with you and your church. If interested, please e-mail me. It has been a joy, honor, and privilege to meet the different church leaders and servants who are slugging it out on the front lines around the country. The General Baptist leadership team and pastors are some of the finest men and women I have ever met, and I mean that! They have taken us in and supported the spreading of the gospel that we seek to do here in Utah. THANK YOU to each of you who are taking this calling seriously!
   In two weeks, our first studies will be taking place out in the community. We are using "Alpha," a basic study of the Christian faith geared toward seekers, and are going wherever the Lord leads and where non-LDS (Mormon) people hang out. You might just find us in a community center, cafe, pub, or just wherever we can share the love of Jesus and His gospel. Please pray as we launch out in a community where churches are rare to non-existent and up to 80 percent of our community is Mormon. We need God to show up in a big way as we seek to live out the calling He has given us.
   I look forward to sharing what God is doing through these groups next month and the life change as we launch our first outreach efforts. Feel free to go to www.missionwest.tv, and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter. Thanks for your love, prayers, and support in Jesus' name and by HIS power!

National Missions Sunday Offering

Funds for the 2010 National Missions Sunday Offering are now being received at our office. You can be a part of this challenge by praying 10 minutes a day for the work of National Missions and giving $10 a month until 10/10/10. Your offering will help finance The Power of 10 goals and to assist new churches.

Just imagine the power behind 10,000 General Baptists praying 10 minutes a day for National Missions and our missionaries. Imagine the life-change we could celebrate!

Mail your contributions to General Baptist National Missions, 100 Stinson Dr., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

March 24, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

In Michigan: The weekend of March 12-14, Jeff Roth was in Flint, MI, one of the areas hit the hardest by current economic depression. Jeff is Ministries coordinator for National Missions. He says, "In a time of depression, people need hope. On Friday night I got to speak at 'The Alley,' which is an inner-city ministry provided by First GB Church of Flint. Well over a hundred students from all walks of life filled the culturally relevant facility to hang out, play games, listen to music, eat, and hear a message.
Several students acknowledged their desire to have a personal, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ...Youth Pastor DJay Akers does a phenomenal job reaching out to these students and encouraging them with the hope only God can provide. Please pray for this ministry to grow, blossom, and continue changing students' lives!"

Ordinations Authorized: The presbytery of Liberty Association authorized the ordination of seven General Baptist ministers as part of the 187th annual meeting of Liberty Association. The ordination services will be held at a variety of times this spring as scheduled by the churches that requested the ordinations. Three of those to be ordained had completed their studies in LAMP (Leaders Advancing in Ministry Program) and were presented the General Baptist Certificate of Pastoral Ministries. They are Todd Garrison, Raymond Tucker, and Clint Willis. The others to be ordained are David Depoister, Curtis Mort, Corey Rash, and Brad Keenan.

Several Events: Mt. Olivet Association used a portion of its 141st annual meeting hosted by the First GB Church in McLeansboro, IL, to offer workshops, a fellowship meal, and a concluding worship service featuring Pastor Luther Rhodes.

Health Issue: Rev. Terrell Somerville, pastor of Freedom Church in Gallatin, Tennessee, learned Monday, March 22, that his mother has stage IV melanoma cancer in her leg and an undiagnosed spot on her kidneys. Terrell reports that the family will be getting a second opinion but also looking for a surgeon. He asks for "much prayer" for his mom and the family.

Upcoming Events
April 2: GBM office closed for Good Friday

April 6: Executive Council meeting

April 14: Leadership Team meeting

May 3: Council of Associations meeting at OCU

Leadership Team

Franklin Dumond, John Sloan, Linda McDonough, Sean Warren, Steve Gray

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

General Baptist Ministries

100 Stinson Drive

Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901

Ministers and Spouse Health Screenings

Dear Nancy,

The Summit Planning Team has been working hard on the workshops for this year's Mission & Ministry Summit. This year we have more than 80 workshops in 7 different tracks. Our tracks consist of:

Current Issues/Social Trends
The Local Church
Leadership Development
Missions & Church Planting
Student Ministry
Technology
Women's Ministries

We have posted a down-loadable PDF listing of all the workshops and their descriptions on the Summit website. The list also includes times and room assignments. The Workshop schedule at a glance will be posted as soon as available.

You may also download the complete workshop listings in PDF format here.

Summit Interns

Quick Links

Summit Workshops

Hyatt Place-Franklin, TN

Summit Interns

Summit Home Page

Red Cross
Franklin Chapter

Nashville Rescue Mission

Summit onSite

Making a local impact we cannot do alone.

Bring your donations to the Summit. We will have drop-off locations in the convention area for all the truck loads of food you bring!

March 17, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

What a People!: Dr. Jim Murray writes, "Once again you have honored me by allowing me to serve as the interim executive director. I accept this new opportunity, not with fear and trepidation but with joy and excitement. Even for a possible short period of time. I look forward with a spirit of unity and cooperation to the sharing of my vision not only with the Leadership Team but also with my wonderful people called General Baptists.

"I haven't changed much since my calling as a General Baptist preacher over 60 years ago. As my dear brother Mack Williams used to say, '...the main thing is still the main thing!' In other words, let's win the lost at any cost. I believe our best days are here, so let's move forward together and rejoice for evermore as the fruit-gathering day approaches. I love you dearly. What a people! To God be the glory."

College Happenings: General Baptist Bible College (GBBC) in the Philippines marked its 45th anniversary with a three-day celebration Feb. 10-12. This school year, which started last June, there are 427 students in the basic education department up to the tertiary level. With this, GBBC was able to start 12 weekly cell and Bible study groups, led by faculty and staff. March 31 nine students will graduate from the college department. GBBC President Joyce Porcadilla says, "Please pray for their preparedness and for God's leading in their lives as they will go out to the field and do the harvest."

New Pastorate: Dr. Darrell Hillhouse has been elected as pastor of First GB Church of Francisco, IN. He has been pastor of Beulah GB Church in Union Association.

Baptisms: Rev. Rick Sellers, pastor of Mt. Zion GB Church in Wadesville, IN, reported 10 baptized Sunday, March 7, with five new members and others now completing their membership classes.

Upcoming Events
March 17: Leadership Team meeting
March 18: Budget Committee meeting
March 21: National Missions Sunday
March 22: Mission & Ministry Summit Planning meeting

April 2: Office Closed for Good Friday

April 6: Executive Council meeting

Leadership Team

Franklin Dumond, John Sloan, Linda McDonough, Sean Warren, Steve Gray

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

General Baptist Ministries

100 Stinson Drive

Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901

March 10, 2010

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

Salvations, Baptisms, New Member: Pastor Terry Gamblin writes from Howell General Baptist Church in Evansville, IN, "We have had three adults accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and six children have been saved during our Wednesday night Youth program. We have had four baptized and one has joined the church. Praise the Lord!"

Dies in Car Accident: We received word March 3 that Jayapaul Alexander, son-in-law of the late Pastor Raj of India, was killed in a tragic car accident. His wife, Jessie, and two daughters are left behind. Sean Warren and Sam Ramdial of General Baptist International Missions had just been with him and Jessie in India a few days before the accident. Pray for this family and Jessie's sister's family, Prakash and Jemima Pamu. Prakash directs our General Baptist ministries in India. This family has experienced the loss of their father, Pastor Raj; their mother; a sister; and now Jayapaul. Our deepest sympathies go out to them at this time. Letters and cards of condolences can be sent to Jessie Alexander through International Missions.

Successful Surgery: Pastor Alfredo Alberty underwent a radical nephrectomy last Friday in Florida for renal cancer. His wife, Daisy, reports the six-hour surgery was a success. The cancer was contained in the kidney, and it was removed. "We all rejoiced and praised God!" she said. He is making a good recovery. His vitals are excellent, he is no longer in ICU, and he has been walking slowly.

Next Level Training at Associational Meeting: SEMO Association used a generous amount of time at its annual meeting to offer Next Level Training to its church leaders. More than 100 church leaders participated in 1 of 3 Growth Barriers Workshops offered Sunday, March 7, at First General Baptist Church in Jackson, MO. The annual business session was held in the afternoon, and the group enjoyed a meal together prior to the training. Kevin Mann was the moderator. Franklin Dumond, Chris Vaught, and Ken Slater facilitated the workshops.

Beth Moore Simulcast: Union Association will host the Beth Moore simulcast "So Long, Insecurity" Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Camp Clark outside Dixon, KY. Tickets are $25. For more information or to register, go to www.uagb.org.

Upcoming Events
March 17: Leadership Team meeting
March 18: Budget Committee meeting
March 21 National Missions Sunday
March 22: 2010 Mission & Ministry Summit Planning meeting

Leadership Team

Franklin Dumond, John Sloan, Linda McDonough, Sean Warren, Steve Gray

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

General Baptist Ministries

100 Stinson Drive

Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35759877/ns/world_news-africa

March 8, 2010

Hundreds slaughtered in Nigeria religious violence

Suspicion falls on Muslim group after three Christian villages attacked.

Jesus spoke these words to the disciples in Luke 22:28, "You are those who stood by me in my trials."

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ while they are suffering.

Click on news link below:

"The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7 NKJV)

Office Personnel

Sean Warren, Director

Sam Ramdial, Assistant Director.

Johnny Jourdan, MVP Coordinator

Carol Lawrence, Administrative Assistant.

Contact our office at 573-785-7746 or gbimnews@generalbaptist.com

General Baptist International Missions
www.gbimissions.org

General Baptist International Missions
100 Stinson Drive
Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901
573-785-7746

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

Men In Missions Gathering: "Men In Missions--God's Disciples!" is the theme of this year's General Baptist Men In Missions Gathering, Saturday, June 26, at Howell GB Church, 1520 Delmar, Evansville, IN. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the gathering starting at 9 a.m. Registration cost of $10 includes lunch. "There will be very little business, but plenty of praise and worship," says Pastor Steve Forister, Men In Missions director. The day will feature two special speakers. Awards will be given to men's groups for their work during the past year.

Spring Fest: Pastor Pedro Ramirez invites you to "Spring Fest" Saturday, March 20, from 6-9 p.m. The event is being held at 3793 Hwy. 65 S, in Clinton, AR. To see more details and RSVP, click HERE.

Survey: The General Baptist Minister/Staff Compensation Package survey was mailed last week. It can be returned in the self-addressed, stamped envelope or completed on the Pastoral Ministries Web site. Anyone needing a copy should contact Pastoral Ministries.

Rooms for the Summit: Our host hotel for Summit 2010 has reached capacity.
We have signed a contract with the Hyatt Place/Nashville/Franklin for the same rate as the Marriott of $107. Make reservations by calling (615) 771-8900 and asking for the group rate for the General Association of General Baptists. The online reservations link is HERE. Congregational Ministries will continue to assist with registration and advance information.

Improved: Sean Hernandez, 6-year-old grandson of Pastor Jesús Hernandez, is still in the hospital but is much improved. He is expected to be released this week. Pastor Hernandez and Sean's father, Dan, both express their gratitude for the prayers of everyone.

Upcoming Surgery: Daisy Alberty and her husband, Alfredo, moved from Florida to Georgia to start a church. But due to Alfredo¹s health, they are back in Florida. Alfredo was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cancer at the beginning of the year. His cancer spread to other areas and he was not given any hope and only three months to live. Friday Alfredo will undergo a radical nephrectomy. His kidney along with the tumor will be removed. Daisy asks, "...for ardent prayer from all of our friends. Please pass the word so God can do a healing miracle in his life."

Break-in: An intoxicated young man broke into First GB Church in Cape Girardeau, MO, last Sunday night. He did not steal anything, but he ramsacked the offices. He found keys to the youth room, took the cushions off the couch, laid down on them, and passed out. The church custodian and the police found him still in the youth room Monday morning. Debbie Johns, who attends FGBC, wrote, "I heard...that the church is not going to press charges against him but asked him to do some community service at the church. Sounds like God sent him there for a reason. He apologized to Pastor Dean (Jaggers) and said he was guilty and was sorry and had been drinking because he and his girlfriend had a fight. Need to pray for this young man. God definitely works in mysterious ways."

Upcoming Events
March 18: C/A Budget Committee meeting
March 21 National Missions Sunday

March 22: 2010 Mission & Ministry Summit Planning meeting

Leadership Team

Franklin Dumond, John Sloan, Linda McDonough, Sean Warren, Steve Gray

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

Dear General Baptist Family,

Today we have very sad news to share with you. The son in law, Jayapaul Alexander, of the late pastor Raj of India has been killed in a tragic car accident. His wife Jessie, and two daughters are left behind. Our deepest sympathies go out to them in their time of deep grief and mourning.

This loss comes as a shock to the mission as we were just in India and visited with Jaypaul and Jessie. We would ask you to pray for the families involved. We would also ask you to pray for Prakash and Jemima Pamu. Prakash directs our General Baptist ministries in India. But especially pray for Jemima, as she is the older sister of Jessie. This family has experienced the loss of their father, Pastor Raj, their mother, their younger sister, and now Jaypaul.

Letters and cards of condolences can be sent to the mission, and we will forward them on to India. Please clearly mark the card for: Jessie Alexander.

Thank you, and God bless.

Sean Warren
Dir. Of GBIM

Dear Nancy,

Due to early interest in the Summit 2010 all available rooms at our host hotel are currently taken. We have, however, negotiated an additional rooming contract with the Hyatt Place for the same rate as the Marriott. The Hyatt Place is located only 1.5 miles from our host facility, just down the road and around the corner.You can reach reservations by calling (615) 771-8900 and asking for the group rate for the General Association of General Baptists or on-line HERE. This is a direct link to our group reservations with the Hyatt Place

Hyatt Place Nashville/Franklin/Cool Springs

650 Bakers Bridge Avenue
Franklin, TN 37067, USA
Phone: (615) 771-8900
Fax: (615) 771-9888

Maps & Directions to Hyatt Place Nashville/Franklin/Cool Springs

Sincerely,
Todd Luke
General Baptist Ministries

Summit Interns

Quick Links

Hyatt Place-Franklin, TN

Summit Interns

Summit Home Page

Red Cross
Franklin Chapter

Nashville Rescue Mission

Summit onSite

Making a local impact we cannot do alone.

Bring your donations to the Summit. We will have drop-off locations in the convention area for all the truck loads of food you bring!

General Baptist Friends and Leaders,

Dr. James W. Murray was named president of the General Baptist Council of Associations (C/A), Inc., and interim executive director of the General Association of General Baptists by a unanimous decision of the C/A Executive Council today, February 26, 2010. Dr. Murray is president emeritus of Oakland City University in Oakland City, Indiana.

Leadership Team

Franklin Dumond, John Sloan, Linda McDonough, Sean Warren, Steve Gray

General Association of General Baptists
E-mail: edofc@generalbaptist.com
Office: 573-785-7746

"...doing together what we cannot do alone."

General Baptist Ministries

100 Stinson Drive

Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901