XXV, #1 January, February 2003
The Servant And
His Lord
by
June Godbehere
Text: Psalm 32: 1- 8
Verse. 8, “ I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Introduction: Notice the last phrase which says, “I will guide thee with mine eye.” In this statement there is an allusion to the relationship between the servant and his master. To illustrate what I see in this verse, think about this: A young man walks into a soda fountain and looks into the eyes of a young girl. Nothing is said, but in that look there is a connection that will last for many years. After 58 years of marriage the love that was sparked in that look has grown and developed. The happiness that resulted can not fully be enumerated. To further illustrate this thought in the oriental society, the master would look at his servant and perhaps with a nod of the head the servant, who was continually looking at his master, would know what the master desired.
David understood that. Verse 7, “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” The servant whose eyes were turned to his master, would have complete understanding of what the master wanted. You might say, knowing the master, he would anticipate his needs God is promising to David and to any person who trusts in the Lord, I will be your hiding place, and if you will follow me, I will deliver you from trouble and sorrow. I will surround you with the songs of deliverance. I will give you victory in life. I will instruct, I will teach you in the way you should travel.
There is not a time in life that we do not need the counsel and guidance of our Lord, who is our Master. We come to the time and place that we need to make a decision in life. We should look to the eyes of our Lord for understanding.
Understand this: God is ready, He is willing, and He is able. He not only offers to be our guide, He desires that we continually keep our eye upon Him. He desires that we follow His leadership.
Our Lord is great and mighty, and because of this, He is able to guide us in our journey. When we make decisions in life, we ought to make God a part of that decision. He will guide us in making right decisions.
David was a man after the heart of God because he constantly turned to God in times of trial. He looked to His Lord for the strength required in all of those lonely and bitter years God’s plan for happiness was in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. His promise was to guide. “I, the Lord, the Almighty God, Jehovah will guide thee. In every aspect of our life ‘I’ will guide, instruct, and teach you what is necessary for you. Keep your eye upon ME!” We do not always remember that the eye of God is watching us. He knows our needs, He understands our frailties. He promises that if we look to him with a trusting heart, he will give us an answer to our needs. If we keep our eye upon Christ, He will guide us to the Word of God. In the Word of God are the principles that can guide us. They are principles that are clear, concise, and if we are looking to our Lord, He will give us understanding that can help us in all of our needs.
The End Times
by
Tom McElmurry
DAVID’S LORD IS STILL WAITING TO COME! PSALM 110, A SONG OF DAVID
Soon Christ will come, and all of His enemies will be placed in subjection beneath His feet. To our way of thinking, He has been waiting a very long time, but to Him it is only a couple of days. Peter attests to this idea as he writes in II Peter 3:8, 9, “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
[1] The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. (PSALM 110:1) This is, of course, quoted in Acts 2:32 - 34, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. [33] Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. [34] For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand.” And His rise to the present position is described in Philippians 2:8 - 11, “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. [9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” He was born about 4 B.C., then crucified and resurrected in about A.D. 30. He will soon have been waiting for 2,000 years to return and have his enemies subdued at his feet. I am persuaded that His return is near, and soon He will be the rod of the strength of Israel out of Zion for a rule of 1,000 years.
[2] The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. (PSALM 110:2) He will sit as King of kings on the throne of David, and His people will be very willing to serve Him in the day of His power. Luke 1:32, 33, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: [33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
[3] Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. (PSALM 110:3) Messiah’s presence among them will make Israel appear like the glistening of the sun’s rays in the morning drops of dew on a great field surrounded by Gentile trees. Just as the pure crystal, holy-like purity of dew seems to be born overnight from the womb of God’s earth, and has its youth in the morning, so will restored Israel begin its new found youth and reign under its returned Messiah. This is an unconditional promise of God. His Messiah will reign as both King of kings and as High Priest forever.
[4] The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. (PSALM 110:4) This is referred to in the sixth and seventh chapters of Hebrews. Hebrews 6:19,20, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; [20] Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” And because Christ has entered, and torn asunder, the veil that separated man from God, He is now, as an eternal High Priest, able to save us to the uttermost. Hebrews 7:24, 25 “But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. [25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” In the day of God’s wrath, Messiah shall strike through kings.
[5] The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. (PSALM 110:5) The terror of this wrath is described vividly in Revelation 6:15, 16, “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; [16] And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:” At His Second Advent, during Armageddon, the full judgment of His wrath will be poured out upon the spiritually desolate of this age.
[6] He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. (PSALM 110:6) The place of His maximum wrath is foretold in Revelation 16:16, “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” And the gory details of it are graphically described in Revelation 19:16 - 21, “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. [19] And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. [20] And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. [21] And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”
A Good Time To
Begin
by
Ruth Burnes
INTRODUCTION: In January of every year, we begin a new year. With the old year tucked away in the sea of forgetfulness, we eagerly start anew. Failures of the past year cannot be compensated for, so we must start all over with this new year, putting past failures in the past and resolving to do better this year. I have a challenge to put before you ladies! If you have never read through the entire Bible, why not do it this year? And for those who have read through the entire Word of God, perhaps you might want to do so again! In either case, now in this month of January, 2003, it is a good time to begin!
All too often many neglect to read and study the Bible, and when this occurs, those minds and hearts are fertile ground for Satan to lure them into a backslidden condition.
It is a proven fact that the failure to read and study the Word of God is one of the first steps to backsliding. And with the neglect of Bible reading usually comes the neglect of prayer. And now that person is well on her way to a backslidden condition.
Satan then stirs up strife, bitterness, and resentfulness in the backslider’s heart. That person can attend church services regularly and backslide in the church pew. Bitterness and resentfulness toward someone in the church will further drive the backslidden heart downward and into misery. And once this condition takes over in a person’s life, she finds no joy in fellowship with the church family in worship; she ceases to witness; her love and concern for others wanes. And what has happened? She becomes a fault-finder. No one can do anything right. Everyone is wrong but her. But why not avoid all these miserable things by using this time as a good time to begin reading and studying God’s Word, praying, and doing all the other things that Christ would have His people do in their daily walk for Him. There are various ways to study the Bible: by subject matter, topical studies, Book by Book, etc., but reading the Word all the way through is an exciting exercise as one reads various writers’ accounts of Israel’s history, Israel’s kings and their triumphs, as well as their failures, the work of the early churches, etc.
And then remember to pray consistently, for when we read God’s Word, we are allowing God to talk to us, but when we pray, we are talking to God. In this way, we keep the line of communication open between God and us. We learn what His will is for our lives and how He promises never to leave us or forsake us and how He forgives when we stumble and seek His face in forgiveness. Will you accept the challenge to read the Bible through in 2003? This is a good time to begin!
Parlimentarily
Speaking
by
David M. Butimore, Sr.
In this article, we’ll conclude the introductory material regarding parliamentary procedure by examining
Restorative Motions. Three motions are grouped in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (hereafter, RONR) as “motions that bring a question again before the assembly” since, either by their adoption or by their introduction, they serve the function described by the name of the class. I personally prefer to label this class
restorative motions. The existence of these motions as a separate category may be seen as related to the following principles of parliamentary law: 1) During the meeting or series of connected meetings (called a “session”) in which the assembly has decided a question, the same or substantially the same question cannot be brought up again, except through special procedures that imply an unusual circumstance. 2) While a question is temporarily disposed of (by any of several methods described in this and later chapters) but it is not finally settled, no similar or conflicting motion whose adoption would restrict the assembly in acting on the first question can be introduced. 3) To change what the assembly has adopted requires something more (in the way of a vote or previous notice to the members) than was necessary to adopt it in the first
place. No motion violating principles (1), (2), or (3) is in order, but the restorative motion brought for good reason to reopen a completed question during the same session, or to take up one that has been temporarily disposed of, or to change something previously adopted and still in force, is in order.
If it is desired to resume consideration of a main motion which lies on the table, it can be proposed by means of the motion to
Take from the Table that the motion or series become pending again. (A main motion is said to lie on the table if it was laid on the table earlier in the present session, or in the last previous session with no more that a quarterly time interval having intervened, and it has not yet been finally disposed of). The motion to Take from the Table takes precedence over no pending motion, and therefore cannot be moved while any other question is pending. It yields to privileged and incidental motions related to it, but not to subsidiary ones. This motion is not in order, however, until some business or interrupting matter has been transacted or dealt with since the question was laid on the table; and if it is moved and voted down, the motion to Take from the Table cannot be renewed until some further business has been transacted. No subsidiary motion can be applied to the motion to Take from the Table. It must be seconded, is not debatable, is not amendable, and requires a majority vote for adoption. It cannot be reconsidered _____ since, if it is adopted, the question can be laid on the table again should any legitimate need arise to do so, and since, if it is voted down, it can be renewed each time that any business has been transacted.
If it is desired to strike out an entire main motion, resolution, rule, bylaw, section, or paragraph that has been adopted, such action can be proposed by means of the motion to Rescind the entire question, or by another form of the same parliamentary motion, that is, the motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted which can be proposed to modify only a part of the wording or text previously adopted, or to substitute a different version. The motions to Rescind and to Amend Something Previously Adopted take precedence over nothing, and can therefore be moved only when no other motion is pending. Previous notice of intent to offer one of these motions at the next meeting can be given while another question is pending if it does not interrupt a speaker. Both of these motions yield to subsidiary, privileged, and incidental motions. They can be applied to anything which has continuing force and effect and which was made or created at any time or times as the result of the adoption of one or more main motions. They can also be applied to any precedent created as a result of a ruling of the chair or an appeal that has been taken from a ruling of the chair. All of the subsidiary motions can be applied to the motions to Rescind and to Amend Something Previously Adopted. They must be seconded and are debatable. (Debate can go into the merits of the question which it is proposed to rescind or amend.) They are amendable by the processes of primary and secondary amendments. However, they cannot be amended so that the change proposed by the amended motion then exceeds the scope of a previous notice that was given. Should that occur, the effect of the previous notice is null and void, and the motion can no longer be adopted by a majority vote. If previous notice is provided, these motions are adopted by majority; if previous notice is not provided, or its scope is exceeded, then a two-thirds vote is required. A negative vote on these motions can be reconsidered, but not an affirmative vote.
If, in the same session that a motion has been voted on but no later than the same day on which a business meeting is held, new information or a changed situation makes it appear that a different result might reflect the true will of the assembly. A member who voted with the prevailing side can propose to Reconsider the vote; that is, he can move that the question will come before the assembly again as if it had not previously been considered. A reconsideration can be moved only by one who voted “aye” if the motion involved was adopted, or “no” if the motion was lost. It should be noted that it is possible for a minority to be the prevailing side if a motion requiring two-thirds for adoption is lost. This requirement for making the motion to Reconsider is a protection against its dilatory use by a defeated minority _____ especially when the motion is debatable and the minority is large enough to prevent the adoption of the Previous Question. The making of this motion has a higher rank than its consideration; that is, the motion can be made and seconded at times when it is not in order for it to come before the assembly for debate or vote. With respect to making the motion, it takes precedence over any other motion whatever and yields to nothing. The making of this motion is in order when any other question is pending, and also after the assembly has voted to adjourn if the member rose and addressed the chair before the chair declared the meeting adjourned. With respect to its consideration, it has only the same rank as that of the motion to be reconsidered although it has the right of way in preference to any new motion of equal rank until such a motion has been stated by the chair as pending. It can be applied to the vote on any motion except: 1) a motion which can be renewed, 2) an affirmative vote whose provisions have been partly carried out (Limit or Extend Limits of Debate the only exception), 3) an affirmative vote in the nature of a contract when the party to the contract has been notified of the outcome, 4) any vote which has caused something to be done that is impossible to undo, 5) a vote on the motion to Reconsider, or 6) when practically the same result as desired can be obtained by some other parliamentary motion. It must be seconded; however, unlike the making of the motion which must be done by a person who voted with the prevailing side, the seconding can be done by any member regardless of how he voted on the motion to be reconsidered. It is debatable in all cases in which the motion proposed to be reconsidered is debatable, and when debatable, opens to debate the merits of the question whose reconsideration is proposed. It is not amendable and requires a majority vote for adoption regardless of the vote necessary to adopt the motion to be reconsidered. The motion to Reconsider cannot, itself, be reconsidered. If it is voted on and lost, the motion to Reconsider cannot be renewed except by unanimous consent. By the same principle, no question can be reconsidered twice unless it was materially amended during its first reconsideration.Note: If any of our readers have questions or comments regarding parliamentary procedure, send them in care of the Missionary Baptist Herald, Attn.: “Parliamentarily Speaking” 1195 E. Shepherd Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
Bigger Graves
By
Dennis Wharton
Is it possible, that the Bible word "Hell" just means the grave? There are at least a couple religions who teach that the word is only referring to the grave. And of course, there are multitudes in the world who do not believe there is a place of fire and brimstone reserved for un-repentant sinners. I like the idea of no hell. If hell is only the grave then I do not have to be concerned about my friends and relatives going to a horrible place of fire and torment for all eternity. I would not have to feel guilty about not talking to the people God puts in my life about the need of salvation from the grave. It would certainly make church services and our family gatherings a more comfortable atmosphere if we could get rid of all that burning, crying out in pain, horror, and torment of hell for eternity talk eliminated. One thing for sure, those who say that people who preach and teach a fiery hell are just trying to scare people into getting religion would be hushed when a proper understanding of the "hell-grave" doctrine was being taught.
Some would have us believe that we must be a Greek and Hebrew scholar and understand those original languages to know the real meaning of the word ‘hell.’ I would not want to be guilty of inferring that there is not value in the study of the original languages. We appreciate the pastors and students who have dedicated their time to better understanding of the Bible through the study of languages. What I would infer though is that every serious student of the Bible can clearly see the meaning of the word "hell" without any knowledge of original languages. The expert scholars of the King James English version of the Bible translated in the purest way the intent of God in the use of the word "hell." Context and common sense will guide the student to clear understanding of exactly what God meant when He told us about the place called hell.
Common sense will reveal to us that God was not talking about "Bigger Graves" when He said in Isaiah 5:14, "Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it." I believe it would also be clear that God has not prepared a big grave that nations could fit in when He said in Psalms 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."
The Bible is clear that hell is a horrible place of torment, reserved for all who reject Christ as a Savior. It is an eternal dwelling place for the lost as the scripture clearly states in Mark 9:43, "And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:" Jesus’ description of a lost man in Luke 16:23 again makes clear as crystal that hell is not a grave but a horrible place of torment for the rejecters of God’s only begotten Son, "And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom." If the "Big Grave" doctrine can be found in the Bible it is probably in Revelation 20:14-15, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." In this scripture we see that time when all the lost dead in hell are delivered up, judged, and then cast in the lake of fire which burneth for ever and ever.
Mission
Project
MaY 2K3
What an exciting time in which we are living! The Lord has been good, and He continues to bless us with many opportunities to share His Word. Currently we are planning a mission project in May of 2003 with Florida Baptist Schools to the country of Ecuador. Seven students will be traveling with me. The group will be working together with Jim Gage, Missionary to Latin America. This trip will be sponsored by the Westwood Missionary Baptist Church.
Our purpose in going will be to evangelize the lost and establish a New Testament Church in Ecuador. God has given us an open door to preach the Gospel to a people who have never heard it before! It is our hope and prayer that you would consider supporting this tremendous endeavor to carry God’s Word to the regions beyond. The cost for each student will be $800.00. Any assistance you can make, whether prayerfully or financially, will be truly counted as a help and blessing to us. The experience and impact of this trip on the lives of these young men and their ministries will be priceless. With your participation, your church will be sharing in the fruits of our labor. (Philippians 4: 17)
You may send offerings to Westwood Missionary Baptist Church. Please designate them for the “Florida Baptist School Trip.”
Walt Lanier, Associate Pastor
Westwood M. B. Church
Our expenses for the last quarter were $18,705.94. At one time we were down to just over $300.00 in the shipping and mailing fund, but God has provided through His people, and all the needs were met. All shipments and mailing were completed. Amen!
We shipped a 20-foot container to Ghana, Africa on October 7. A missionary there, Brother Larry Morgan, contacted us requesting literature surplus if any was available. We had plenty on hand, and his sponsoring church presented us with a check to pay for the shipping cost. We shipped a large crate of Christmas gifts to orphanages in Romania. The project was headed by Landmark MBC of Gould, Arkansas, and they raised the funds to pay the expenses.
A container was shipped to Davao City, Philippines on November 4. We plan to ship to Kenya, Africa in the spring. We will include any item churches or individuals would like to send in these containers. Please contact us if you need more information.
We are now shipping and mailing to 33 foreign countries and several destinations in the United States. New Guinea is the newest country on our list. We will mail literature this month to about 60 destinations. The cost of mailing the literature and books we send is $1.00 per pound. Our cost is about $3,000.00 per mailing. That means we mail one and one-half tons per quarter.
Literature, hymnals, Bibles, and other religious books are needed in order to fill the orders we receive. Please mail your donated materials to World-wide Literatrure Projects, 1310 North Cherry, Hamburg, AR 71646 . If you have materials you would like to drop off at one of our collection centers, call or fax (870) 853-5374 to find out the location closest to you.
International Christian Publishers
by
Joel Meredith, Pastor
Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
Efforts continue in the Philippines to develop a literature curriculum for the churches and missions throughout the Philippines. This will be a slow process, and we covet your prayers and support in this worthy effort.
Plans by ICP were to send Bill and Rita Johnson to Thailand in early December to work with missionary Nicky Barnett and his interpreter to train them in the use of computer equipment and in translating available literature in the native language. They will also work with the vice-president of a seminary in Rangoon, Myanmar to train him in the use of the computer programs and the work of translating into the Brumese language. They will also teach and lecture in the seminary to train students in the use of a Sunday School curriculum. We will need funds to purchase computers and software as well as travel expenses, about $2,000.00, for the Johnsons. We are very excited about the possibilities of these efforts and pray for God to use them to reach souls for Christ. There are millions upon millions throughout this part of the world who need Christ. Please help us to reach as many as we can. Your support would be welcomed and is badly needed.
ICU Director
Joel Meredith
National Women’s
Auxiliary Honors
Mrs. Maxine Dean
Mrs. Maxine Dean was honored for 45 years of faithful service to the National Women’s Auxiliary at their annual meeting on June 18, 2002, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mrs. Dean was recognized for her outstanding dedication and service to the National Women’s Auxiliary. In 1958 Mrs. Dean led her church to bring a resolution to the ABA Messenger Meeting to organize a National Women’s Auxiliary. The following year marked the first meeting of the National Women’s Auxiliary. Mrs. Lois Crittenden, National Women’s Auxiliary Historian, and Mrs Carol Myers, National Women’s Auxiliary Assistant Publicity Director, presented Mrs Dean with a plaque and a memory book. The memory book presented to Mrs. Dean was a compilation of many notes, pictures, letters and poems from ladies all over the world. Mrs. Dorine Winger did an outstanding job of compiling these memories into a book that Mrs. Dean will treasure for years to come. In the 2002 business meeting, presided over by the 2002 National Women’s Auxiliary President, Susan Vance, the ladies voted unanimously to bestow upon Mrs Dean the Office of Publicity Director Emerita. This honorary lifetime position entitles Mrs. Dean to all the rights and privileges of an officer of the National Women’s Auxiliary and gives her the right to address the ladies of the National Women’s Auxiliary at any time. It is hoped that Mrs Dean’s wisdom and vision will continue to assist the National Women’s Auxiliary leadership as they continue to utilize the available human and fiscal resources in the Lord’s service. Mrs. Dean served as President of the National Women’s Auxiliary in 1961 and served as Publicity Director for a number of years. Mrs. Maxine Dean is a wonderful example of a life surrendered and devoted to the Lord — not to mention a role model and mentor for countless women.
National
Women’s Auxiliary
Memorial Committee
It is often true for women that Thanksgiving and Christmas sometimes just bring the hustle and bustle of family gatherings, shopping trips and endless hours in the kitchen. But I do hope that I am not alone in carving out a few moments to thank the Lord for all He has done for me. As I think back over the past year a number of people, who have worked tirelessly for our Lord and have been called home, come to mind. There are especially a number of Christian women who have been an example to me and who have been called home recently. While it saddens my selfish heart, I am thankful for their example of Christian strength and service.
This year the national Women’s Auxiliary is asking ladies to gather the names of women who have been active in local or national auxiliary work and who have been called home to be with the Lord this year ( June 2002 - June 2003). Those are women who have demonstrated their faith by service to their local church through the work of the women’s auxiliary. These are women who labored long hours with no thought for recognition. These are women who perhaps were placed in positions of leadership and led with a humility and grace that defied worldly concepts of leadership. These are women who are today jewels in our Master’s crown in Glory. Have you names of ladies who have been a part of the local, state, or national Women’s Auxiliaries and have been called home? There will be a memorial presentation at the national meeting of the National Women’s Auxiliary in 2003.
Mrs. Debbie Yoho, with her committee, will be collecting these names from now until the meeting of the National Women’s Auxiliary in June, 2003. If you have information to submit, please send the name of the lady to be memorialized and the name of her home church. All memorial information may be sent to one of the committee members listed
below: Mrs. Debbie Yoho, 534 Log Shoals Road, Greenville, SC 29607
debbiejoyoho@msn.com
Mrs. Karen Chandler, 1489 S. Henney Road, Choctaw, OK 73020
karencandler@netzero.net
Mrs. LaDean Paslay, 9901 Wild Oak Court, Oakdale, CA 95361
ripbowl33@dot1web.com
Tax and Retirement
Seminar
by
Kenneth W. Beene
Last year at the California State Associational meeting enthusiastic interest was shared concerning a tax and retirement seminar.
Clovis Missionary Baptist Church led out in a program on November 23, 2002, as a result and hosted a meeting for this purpose. Our featured speakers, Brother Brian Wiggins and Brother Roger Bowline covered a wide range of material.
Some of the areas covered were: Annual Federal Filing Reports for Churches, Workers Compensation Laws, the new IRS rules concerning parsonage allowances. It was pointed out that with proper use of IRS guidelines, pastors could lawfully save on taxes, thus having a greater use for their tangible income. By using the full amount of allowances and deductions, a church could save a pastor hundreds of dollars.
Our speakers also shared a variety of avenues churches can use to provide a pastor retirement program. There were several in attendance that shared the process they were currently using to provide for their pastor in his later years. I have personally read letters of appreciation. Unfortunately there are sorrowful stories concerning the veterans of the ministry who are not yet being supported.
The result of this meeting have been very positive. One pastor shared that after the church reviewed his pastoral expenses and real income, they gave him a $500.00 monthly raise. I hope this action happened in more than one church, We were introduced to other qualified business men in the state that are interested in helping. The churches and pastor seminar concluded with a request that we have an annual Tax and Retirement Seminar so that others can better be informed.
Brother Brian Wiggins and I have discussed having satellite meetings rather than a centrally located meeting to allow for more representation from our churches.
We appreciate Brother Roger Bowline from Woodbridge MBC and Brother Brian Wiggins from Cypress MBC for their time and expertise. We appreciate those that came and attended for the greater work of the ministry. As pastor of Clovis Missionary Baptist Church, I personally express my appreciation to CMBC for this meeting and the ladies that helped prepare a meal for our guests.
Macedonian Missionary Service
by
Leon Jasper
Thanks to your prayers and financial support, we have finished our projects for the year without any major problems, and my travel fund is not showing any red ink. The Lord has shown Himself extra special in many areas.
In Belize, He gave a great harvest of souls. Missionary Steve Meece has already started a church in one of the towns where we had a medical campaign with those who were saved while we were there in March.
In July, when we crossed the border into Mexico with nearly 100 people, fifteen vehicles, and more than $100,000.00 worth of medicine, we told the border guard who we were (Macedonian Medical Team) and where we were going, and he motioned all fifteen vehicles through without checking anything.
We know that we were not the only ones praying for the success of our mission because the day before, there was another group which crossed the border, and they were detained for over four hours and were charged an enormous tax on the medicine that they were bringing in the country.
In November, when the Medical team, thirty-eight of us, went to Peru, the customs officials only questioned three of our ladies, but only to ask if their clothes were their personal belongings.
The builders have also had great success this year. In Nevada, Michigan, Macedonian Office Building in Kentucky, and all the other projects, the Lord blessed with a good number of workers and their safety. The Gospel was spread and souls were saved.
Again, thanks for your prayers and financial support. You have helped make all this possible.
Mission Builder
by
Bobby Beach
Westwood M. B. Church
What a busy and rewarding time we have had the last three months. September 6th thru the 14th, we were able to help Eastside Baptist Church in Mulberry, Florida. We removed the old roof from their church and then helped them re-roof. David and Vicke Moseley, Randy and Debbie Taylor came to help re-roof. What a blessing this church and Bro. Tim Thompson were to us.
Franklin Road Baptist Church:
September 21st thru September 28th David and Matt Moseley, Randy Taylor and I met Richard Wharton in Henderson NV and helped Bro. Jim Bennett on another phase at Wagon Wheel Missionary Baptist Church. We were able to get the baptistery in, the rest of the walls up, the plumbing topped out, and the choir loft and stage area put in. Please remember Bro. Bennett and Wagon Wheel M. B. C. in your prayers as they work to complete their building.
Macedonian Missionary Service:
October 10th thru 26th we were able to help with the Macedonian Office Building. We had a good turn-out for this project and were able to leave it in the dry A special thanks to Kim and East Somerset Baptist Church for the great way they took care of us. I will be returning in November to help complete this project.
Please remember us in your prayers and if you would like to help financially, please send to Westwood Missionary Baptist Church, designated Bobby Beach Mission Fund. Thank you and God bless.
Braille Ministry
Takes Quantum Leap
by
Marvin Prevost
We have very exciting news! The timetable for having the Baptist Sunday School Committee literature available in Braille has moved forward dramatically. Sunday School and BTC literature, at all levels, will be available in Braille, starting in March, 2003, beginning with the spring quarter. We continue to have gospel tracts in English and Spanish for distribution in outreach to the blind. The Discipleship book, Trail of Blood, The Golden Key, by Dr. Ben M. Bogard, and The Glorious Church, by Dr. Roy M. Reed will be ready to mail out by June, 2003.
We are learning as we go and, as a result, we now find that we will need an additional piece of equipment. It will be necessary for us to obtain a 40-cell Braille terminal for editing. This will greatly increase our efficiency and significantly reduce the time needed for editing and formatting. We hope to be able to purchase one that has been reconditioned still on warranty, but even that will cost $2,500. The many hours required for embossing, assembling, binding, and packaging for mailing has forced us to constantly look for ways to improve our efficiency. The time factor will become more crucial as the volume of production increases.
We are so blessed and encouraged by the excitement and joy expressed by those who hear about the availability of the Braille literature and their anticipation of receiving it so soon. All of this activity is wonderful, but with it comes many challenges and need for increasing expenses. We ask that you continue to pray for us and to partner with us in the Desktop Braille Publishing ministry. But above all, please inform us of blind people you know who can benefit from the Braille material. We can be reached by mail at First MBC, Fresno, 1195 E. Shepherd Ave., Fresno, CA 93720; telephone: (559) 435-3555 or e-mail mprevost@cvip.net.
01/23/2003