one, inc. · ïtlr $r[flrrflry $prflks whywe preach christ hristians have a unique mes-sage and...

Busy Dads

Satan's Limits

Convention Program

MC kogran

\VNAC Program

5 8thAn n ual Convention

National Associationor Free W¡ll Baptists

July l7-21 ,1994Statehouse Convention Center

Little Rock, Arkansas

]'|SIil[VOLUME 4I, NO. óJUNE T994

ARTICLES

4 In the Trenches with DadA young father re-examines his priorities re'garding family, faith and work.

6 Satan's LlmitsThe devil is not in charge, Count on it.

7 Learning from Big BlueA pastor talks candidly about quality control.

I Sweet HarmonySomething wonderful happened in Louisvillelast July.

COLUMNS

The Secretary SpeaksWhy We Preach Christ

The Department Pages

Top ShelfYouth Update

BriefcaseNow, That's Different

Convention Housing FormConvention Pre-Registration Form

National Conventlon ProgramNadonal Youth Conference ProgramWNAC Program

Cover art by Ron Watson

I12

13

17

20

NEWS

21 Free Will Baptist NewsfrontFWBBC Welcome DaysIllinois State AssociationNew Church in MichiganHarvest Child CareMaster's Men Golf TournamentAir Fares to National Convention

Currently23

25

29

30

31

Edltor-ln-chlef: Dr. Melvin WorthingtonEdltor¡ Jack WilliamsEdttortal Asslstant: Marilyn PritchardClrculatlon: Dari GoodfellowPrlnted by: Randall House Publications

Contact (¡SSN 0573-7796), Pub-lished monthly by the National As'sociation of Free Will Baptists, 5233

Mt. View Road, Antioch, TN 37013-2306. Address all corresPondenceand subscriptions to Post OffTce Box5002, Antioch, TN 37011-5002.Phone 615/731-6812.

Annual subscription rates: Indiv-idual-$I2 per year, Church Fam-ily Plan-$12 per year, ChurchBundle Plan-$I2 per year. Second

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1994 Member of the EvangelicalPress Association. POSTMASTER:Send address changes to CONTACÏP. O. Box 5002, Antioch, TN 3701l-5002.

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ïtlr $r[flrrflRY $prflKs

WhyWe Preach Christhristians have a unique mes-sage and ministry in thisworld to serve as models ofthe redeeming work of

Jesus Christ. Described as witnesses,ambassadors, epistles, light, salt andsoldiers, they stand in Christ's steadand beseech sinners to be recon-ciled to God. Christians do notpreachthemselves but Christ.

Preaching Christ requires patienceand power. The god of thisworld hasblinded the mind of sinners throughmalice, errors and prejudice lest thelight of the glorious gospel of Christshould shine into their hearts. Theforces of darkness keep those whohave refused to believe from seeingthe light of the gospel, thus blindingthem to the truth of God.

In the midst of changing attitudestoward sin and salvation, we mustnot change, compromise or cloudthe message of redemption, regen-eration, reconciliation and resurrec-tion. Paul did not preach himself,that is, he did not preach the devicesand imaginations of his own heart.He refused toadvertise his ownideas,gifts or personality.

Hodge says, "To preach one's selfis to make self the end of preaching,that is, preaching with the design toattract to ourselves the admiration.the confidence or homage of men.'iThe truth, text, theme and thrust ofthe gospel is Christ.

The person of Jesus Christ servesas the basis for His redemptive work.He was both God and man. The NewTestament affirms the truth that Godbecame a man in the person of Hisonly begotten son-Jesus Christ. Thevery essence of the gospel is thatChrist became a man in order to bea propitiation for sins of all humanitv.The Jesus who walked on this earthwas the Christ, the anointed Mes-siah, Immanuel-God with us.

fllelvln Worlhington

Tlre portrait of Christ is clearlypresented in the Old Testament sac-rifices which characterized the Mo-saic system. This begins in Genesis Bwhen God slewanimals and clothedAdamand Evewithcoats of skin. Theanimal sacrifices pictured the re-demptive work of Jesus Christ.

The epistle to the Hebrewsaffirmsthis fact. Jesus Christ was the Lambslain before the foundation of theworld. His sacrifìcial death on thecross paid the sin debt. He is picturedand foreshadowed in the rituals andceremonies of the Levitical svstemof worship.

I}ae prophecy that Christ wouldcome is a vital element when wepreach Christ. His coming fulfilledthe prophecies of the Old Testamentand confìrms the truth of revelation.When we preach Christ, we empha-size that He was sent from God inaccordance with the promise of theprophets.

t}lle presentation of C/rr¿bf takesplace in the fullness of time. Theperson pictured in the Old Testa-ment is presented in the New Testa-ment Gospels. Conceived bythe Holy

The Secretary's Scheduleluno 6-l North Corolino Stote Ass0c¡01i0fl

June ó-9 Missouri Stote Assoriotion

lune 8-10 Texos StoÌe Associotion

lune l0-ll We$ Virginio Stote Associotion

June ló-17 Virginio Stote Associotion

lune l7-18 l(entucþ StoreAssorioÌion

June 23.25 lrÄorylond Stote Asmciotion

lune 24.25 Ohio Stote Assoriorion

lune 2ó o.m. Urbono tWB fturch

Urbono, 0hio

p.m. Heritoge Iemple fW8 0urchColumbus, 0hio

June 30-July 3 Aflonñc Conodo

Disldct ksociotion

Spirit in the womb of Mary, He wasborn in a lowly stable in Bethlehem.The long anticipated Messiah hadcome to this earth. The Gospel writ-ers record His works, wonders andwords.

T1te power of Christ remains anessential ingredient in the gospelmessage. He lived a sinless life anddied for the sins of all the world. Onthe third day He rose from the deadand ever lives to make intercessionof us. The same power that raisedJesus Christ from the dead quick-ened us when we were dead in tres-passes and sins. His mighty powermade us alive, raised us from spiri-tualdeadness and enables us towalkin newness of life.

Thepromise of Christbrings com-fort, courage and cleansing to theChristian. Jesus promised that Hewould return. The truthof Hissecondadvent can be described as a com-forting, compelling and cleansinghope. One day Jesus Christ will re-turn for His church. Preaching Christmust include His promise to return.

We preach that Christ came, wascrucified and is coming again. Wepreach that Christ is our Lord. He isour message, our theme.

Lenski conectly says, "Christ Jesusas Lord is not only the center but theentire sphere; not only the centraldoctrine but the sum of all doctrine,omitting none. . . . What a pitiful thingto be preaching ourselves in anymanner or degree over againstpreaching nothing but Christ Jesusas Lord! To devote ourselves whollvto His interests and those of the gos-pel, that is blessedness indeed; tosubstitute ourown little temporal in-terests is the height of folly." r

June 1994, Contact 3

A young fother exomines his role.

In The TrenchesWith DadBy Mark McPeak

ome days I get up before six,but don't start my workdaYuntil after nine. Why? Kids! It'slike this, Andrew's fifth birth-day fell on Wednesday this year.

Since my wife works on Wednesdays,we had to plan carefully. So, we got

4Contact, June 1994

up really early before Mom left at 6: I 5.Andrew opened his presents and Momwas off.

At about 6:30 the phone rang."Mark, the caris spazzing out on me.I just barely got off the interstate with-out being killed!"

She told me where she was andthe race was on. Feeling pressure torescue Mom, we started the morn-ing ritual of dressing, brushing andcombing, only this time at breakneckspeed.

I'm sort of like aworking supervi-

sor on these momings. In addition togetting myself ready, I feed, clothe andgroom Matthew, our l5-month-old.

Amy, our seven-and-a-half yearold, is allergic to mornings. Idäallyshe needs about two hours to transi-tion from sleep to activity. With her,I use verbal cattle prods along withthe typical charts and motivationaltools common to people who'veread too much about parenting.

Andrew's heart is pure. He reallymeans to get dressed. It's just thatas soon as Dad leaves the room hisbelt turns into a weapon, his shoebecomes a jet airplane or the sinkbecomes a place where experi-ments need to be performed withsoap and tooth paste. Life is too in-teresting to miss just so we can hurryaway to the daily routine.

On this very special morning, thepressure kept building. The more Itried to hurry, the slower we went.Andrew wanted to wear his newcowboy boots, then he didn't, thenhe did again. Amy couldn't getstarted. Matthew wanted to be heldor he screamed.

About 45 minutes after Mom'scall, we fTnally arrived to ',rescue,'her. We arranged her transportationand we were off again. We quicklygrabbed the ideal breakfast, dough-nuts and milk, and gotAmyto schooljust before the bell.

After returning home to retrievethe diaper bag I forgot, I dropped theboys at daycare.

I sighed as my adrenaline leveland blood pressure returned to nor-mal on the way to the office. I lookedat my watch, 9:15. I'd been up andactive for over three hours. Now, Icould start my work day.

Overwhelmed

I'm sure I wasn't the onlvdad feel-ing that dreaded feeling-i felt over-whelmed. The flow of events swelledinto a giant tidal wave and I nearlvdrowned in them. Everything I be-lieved about being a good dad-being patient, taking advantage ofteachable moments and modelingmy faith even in crisis-got lost in theflood. I hate to admit it, but I get thatfeeling a lot.

Two factors bring on the over-whelming feeling: responsibilitiesand regrets. Every day has its own

invisible to-do list. I must get up andgo through the routine with my chil-dren three mornings a week. I mustwork hard to serve the people of mychurch. I must care for our houseand the cars, pay the bills and lots ofother stuff. Responsibility is endless,like the surges of an angry sea.

Then there is the subtle torment. Iought to spend more time with mychildren individually, and have moredates with my wife. I ought to praymore. I reallyor.rgåf to exercise regu-larly, write my mom, eat less fat andmore fiber, witness to more people,continue my education, save moremoney, call my congressman andread a book every week.

Regret is deceptive, like the un-dertow which slowly pulls you awayfrom safety and into tire dépths.

Young dads need a survival strat-9gY. Too many of us are drowning.Up to our necks in responsibilityanãemotionally fatigued by regrets,we're easily pulled under. The re-sults of this cycle are all around us-young families torn apart by the sinof a young father, wives and childrenwhose pain leaves scars only Godcan heal. We need a simple plan thatcan serve as a sort of spiritual andemotional compass when life startsgetting c\azy.

Surviving

The first step is to figure out whereyou are. Stop. Read a book like Or-dering Your Priuate World or Man inthe Minor, get on track personally.

Open yourself up before the Lord,pray Psalm 139, "Search me, O God,and know my heart . . . .' He willcleanse your heart and readyyou forobedience.

Establish some personal account-abilitywith a good godly friend or two(Prov. 27 :7,James 5: I 6). You will driftinto dangerous waters if you refuse todrop anchor and get your bearings.

Step two is to establish priorities.Make a list of important things andpeople. The Lord, your wife, yourchildren, your job, your house, yourministry at church and your favoritehobby may all be listed. Ask yourselfthis question, "Which of these can Ilive without?"

I can survive without my job or myhouse or lots of other stuff. But I canttmake it without the Lord and mv

family. Put to this test, the prioritiesare obvious. List them in order of im-portance. Priorities set the course forsuccessful living.

Step three is the hard part. Followthe course-live by your priorities!Psalm 139 ends with these words ,,.

. .lead me in the way everlasting." Ican't claim that I love God when He'scrowded out of my schedule. If workgets my best and my family the left-overs, I can't credibly say they comefirst. When my wife feels like a singleparent, she cares little about emptywords and promises.

If I value the Lord, I'll make timeto spend with Him. If I value mywife,she'll come before Monday NightFootball or looking good at work. If Ireally love the children God hasgiven me, I will treat them as pre-cious gifts-even when they unroll thetoilet paper just to see how long it is!

All right, allyou dads. It's time forus to get real. In Jesus' lesson aboutthe wise and foolish builders, theman who built on sand was de-stroyed when the storm came, butthe edifice on the rock was unmov-able.lf you are faking everyone out,you may look good for now, butwatch out! When it gets rough, you'regoing to crumble.

Being real requires a lot of demo-lition. We're always building wallsaround our lives. We shut God outwhenwe sin. We alienate ourwivesbecause of our selfishness and petti-ness. We grow distant from our kidswhen we don't spend time with them.

Break down the walls. Humblvask God to forgive you and make yoüreal every day. Open up to your wifeevery night before going to sleep.Make time to read to, talk to and playwith your kids. And, be real with ailof them!r

AB0UT THE WRITER: Reverend Mork D. MrPeok h m¡n¡iter toodults ot Donehon Free Will Boptist fturrh in Noshville,Tenne¡¡ee.


Principles on Poin lV:

he American church is no-torious for its extremeswings in doctrinal emPha-sis. For years the invisibleworld of angels and de-

mons was virtually ignored inevangelical preaching and writ-ing. Someone who believed in areal and active spirit world wasconsidered superstitious and defi-nitely not God-centered in histhinking. Now we have swung,perhaps, too far in the opPosite di-rection. We see Satan behind ev-ery bush and ascribe to himDower that is not his.'

The divine dialogue in Job'sñrst two chapters makes it clearthat Satan is limited in his abilityto provoke pain and suffering bYthe protective hedge God Placesaround His children (l:12; 2:6)'Satan had the power to touchJob's life only in proportion to thepermission given to Him by theFather. He can never go beYondGod's hedge.

This is a truth to be cherished bY

the suffering Christian. As someonesaid, "Nothing comes to us thathasn't first passed through the nail-scarred hands of God."

Satan's LimitsBy Tom McCullough

Paulassured the Corin-thians of the same truth / / in adifferentapplicationin/ / | Cor-inthians l0:l3.lnother I / words,nothingwould happen I / t" themthat God would not I / suPPlY themeans to confront.

Some believers 7 have swal-lowed the lie of eastern mYsticismthat says there are two equally pow-erful "forces" at odds in the universe:good and bad, ying and yang, dark-ness and light. This is a lie straightfrom hell.

The devilwould love for us to be-lieve that he is as powerful as God'God threw Satan out of His Kingdomonce and willdo it again in that finalday. The Father has never sharedequal polver with the devil, who'sforever a self-important opportunist.

Yes, we should be involved inspiritual warfare, especially in ourprayer closet trenches. But weshould not be so preoccuPied withSatan that we give him authority thatis not rightfully his. We should keepChrist in focus at the center of ourvision but still see Satan at the mar-gin with our peripheral vision.

A. W. Tozer wisely said, "Thesheep need not be terrified bY the

wolf, they have but to staY closeto the Shepherd. The instructedChristian whose faculties havebeen developed by the Word andthe Spirit will not fear the devil.When necessary they will standagainst the powers of darknessand overcome them by the bloodof the Lamb and the word of Histestimony. He will recognize theperil in which he lives and willknow what to do about it, but hewill practice the presence of Godand never allow himself to be-come devil conscious." ¡

A80UT THE WRITER, Tom Mt(ullough is o Free Will B0pr¡51

missionory to Fronte.

nffirq#

\

6 Contact, June 1994

Learning from Big BlueByJerry Norrls

ll my life I have heard thestatement, "lf it ain't broke,don't fix it." I have sincerelyused that statement. If some-thing is going along all right,

iust leave it alone. As long as it doeswell, don't tamper with it. It is onlyrecently that I have come to realizethe folly of such a statement. I don'tknow whether we realize it or not,but every company that does wellfixes it before it breaks. If you waituntil it breaks, you have waited toolong.

In the business world, we can citeIBM, long the dominant force in itsfield. "Big Blue" feared no one; ev-eryone feared them. However, lastyear we saw IBM take a nosedive.They began downsizing for the firsttime. They cut theirdividends forthefirst time. Their stock tumbled morethan 50 points. lt was not a pleasantexperience for this mighty compan¡butthey waited until it was brohe tofix ít.

What am I saying? We must im-prove something, even when it isdoing well. It might do our churcheswell to have a research and devel-opment department.We should beconstantly asking ourselves how canuse improue ourSunday School, mu-síc program, Master's Men,Woman'sAuxíliary, senior adult program,youth minístry?Let's don't wait untilit's broken, and then try to fix it. Let'skeep improving it to the point whereit won't ever get broke!

lndu$ry Revolution

I think one of the present and fu-ture trends isguality.l do not believefuture generations will be as forgiv-ing for shoddy workmanship as pastgenerations. This whole concept isillustrated in our U.S. automobile in-dustry. In the 50's and 60's "Made inAmerica" meant quality while "Madein Japan" meant cheap junk.

However, inthe 50's, anAmericannamed W. Edward Deming went toJapan to sell his Total Quality phi-losophy. Why did he go to Japan?Because America wouldn't listen to

him. Remember, If it ain't brokedon't fix it. The auto industrv inAmerica was the best in the wõdd.It didn't need fixing.Baf it was brokeinJapan, and theylistened to Deming.

We saw what happened in the70's and early 80's. Our Americanauto industry was drowning in redink. Japan became the world leaderin the auto industry. Why? Becausethey embraced Deming's Total Qual-ity concepts. To this day they give anannual "Deming Pnze." Their auto-mobiles outperformed ours by in-credible margins. America tried toexplain it away, but the bottom linewas, Japan was building better au-tomobiles than we were!

When this finally dawned on us,we began to emphasize Total Qual-ity. The result? Today, America is sell-ing cars to the Japanese. We haveonce again become a leader in theindustry. What put us there? Qualíty!

locol Church Creotivity

But ue are inuolued in a far moreimportant ôus¡ness than makingcomputers or automobiles; we arein the business of reaching and teach-ing men and women for the Master.

I do not believe that a church canreach this curuent generation withshoddy workmanship. I believe thatwhen people come to our church

they want to see clean facilities, awell-staffed nursery, prepared teach-ers, a well-prepared sermon, well-presented music, good program-ming, and more. You get the idea?

We may not be able to do all thegreat programs like megachurchesdo, butwe mustdowhatwe dowell.That is difficult for those of my ageniche and olderto comprehend. Wesee church the waywe have alwaysseen church,but I think we must seechurch throughthe eyesof the peopleue are trying to reach.

Many people make their decisionto retum to a churchöeforethevevenpark their car in the church pärkinglot. Directional signs, parking facili-ties landscaping, the outward con-dition of the buildings all play signifi-cant roles in whether or not they re-tum.

I read a phrase the other day thathas stayed in my mind-"continuousimprovement." It doesn't have to betremendous improvements as longas it is gradual and continual. I be-lieve that is what we must always bedoing if we are to be successful inbuilding a church that will gloriff God.T

ÄB0UT THE WRITER: Reverend Jerry I'lorrh potors (olvory Fel-lowship Free Will Boptht fturch in Fenton, llissouri.

I l


he stage was set in Louisville,Kentucky in July 1993. It wasto be the largest Free WillBaptist gathering of the year.We called it the National As-

sociation of Free Will Baptists-theone time of the year when Free WillBaptists from all walks of life andgeographical places gather to wor-ship the Lord and seek to further Hiskingdom-or was it?

The usual tension was present ineveryone's mind conceming upcom-ing business sessions. Hearts wereon edge as decisions were made oneverything from music to missions,but among the confusion a few menwere planning noble efforts for uni-fication.

Singing groups from all four col-Ieges carrying the Free Will Baptistname were scheduled to come to-gether on one unforgettable Tuesdaynight to lead the denomination inworship. Joint practices wereplanned and songs selected, but asthe week's events unfolded, some-thing more began to happen.

As practices were held and timeshared together, members of thefour ministry groups discoveredsomething special and expected.Group members found each other tobe more than names and faces,more than just someone from "thatother college" who sang the samepart or the same song.

They found that they truly enjoyedeach other's company and fellow-ship as believers. They had a bondthat was more than musical-muchmore!

The students bonded throughtheir faith and love for Jesus Christ.They bonded through their belief inFree Will Baptist doctrine. Theybonded through a burning desire toworship Jesus Christ and to lead oth-ers in worship. As they came to knoweach other better, they found thatthey shared the same hopes,dreams, problems, pains and de-sires. They weren't as different asthey had assumed.

A miraculous thing called friend-ship wove its way into their lives toform a strong bond. They foundthemselves seeking each other'scompany for recreational times andother times of sharing throughout theday. Each night after services, they


were naturally drawn together at theRiver Grill or whatever restaurantwas still open at such a late hour. Butregardless of time or place, the fel-lowship was wonderful.

Friendships-good Christianfriendships-were made that wouldprobably last some a lifetime, and avaluable lesson learned that wouldhopefully carry on for generations tocome.

They learned a lesson of Christianlove and unification that is meant forall believers. They were not adver-saries but members together in theBody of Christ (Romans 12). Theylearned that the Body is much morefunctional and useful when all itsmembers work together.

This seemingly simple lesson im-pacted them in a way that they hadnever before felt. Together, theybrought hearts and minds to worshipon that Tuesday night in a way that

no group could have done alone.They experienced worship as theyhad never experienced it. Their nighttogether on that national stage wasnot the end, but a springboard for abright future and more events tocome in the Free Will Baptist de-nomination.

It was a dream come true for at-tendees when students from Califor-nia Christian College, Hillsdale FreeWill Baptist College, Free Will Bap-tist Bible College and SoutheasternFree Will Baptist College stood to-gether in worship that Tuesday nightin Kentucky. My dream is that thespirit of unitybetween those studentswill survive and grow untilwe standtogether in heaven to worship theKing of Kings for eternity!r

ABOUT THE VÍRITIR' Teny Skiles is o groduole of tree Will 8op-

lisl Bible College.

The LessonfromLouisville

SweetHarmony

By Terry Skiles

Hotel ReservationNATIONAL ASSOC¡ATION OF FREE WIIL BAPTISTS

L¡ttle Rock, Arkqnsqs Nqtionql Convention July l7-21, 1994

I Requesls lor reservolions mode ofter 6/17/94 will be returned to you with o list of ovoilob¡lities.I All reservolion requesls will be mode ihrough the NAFWB Housing Bureou--NOT WITH INDIVIDUAL

HOTELS.

I Complete this housing form selecling your I sl, 2nd ond 3rd choice holels ond moil to the HousingBureou. DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS lS FRIDAY, JUNE I 7, I994. Send one form for eoch roomrequesl. Duplicole lhis form if necessory.

I Chonges ond concellolions musl be mode in wriling lo the NAFWB Housing Bureou in Little Rock.O The holel will require o deposil. Complete lhe credil cord informotion on this form or send o check directly

io lhe holel AFIER you hove received your confirmolion.

Cutoff Date:Received by

June 17,1994

MAIL TO:NAFWB Housing Bureau

c/o Little Rock Convention BureauP. O. Box 207

Little Rock, AR 72203or FAX to

501/374-2255

YOUR NAME

ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIPPHONE (WK) (HM)CREDIT CARD TYPE CC# EXP.

By signing below, I oulhorize the hotel confirmed lo chorge my credit cord for one nighl's deposil, which is non-relundoble 4B hours prior lo orrivol.

NAME ON CREDIT CARD SIGNATURE

ARRIVAL DATETYPE OF ROOM REQUESTED:

SINGLE / I PERSON

DEPARTURE DATE

TRIPLE / 3 PEOPLEDOUBLE / 2 PEOPLEQUAD / 4 PEOPLE

NUMBER OF BEDS IN ROOM

HorEt REQUESTED (Pleose indicote lst,2nd ond 3rd choices.):*Rates do EI include 10%o sales tax.

HOTETS Choice ,,rl"'!L ;fft l[,[[n l*[ÍmPqrkinr

-Arko nsos' Excelsior-Heodquorters Hofel s76 $76 s76 $76 Free

Comelot Hotel-t tyC Heodouorrers $óì $ót $ól $óì FraøCopilol Hotel öö5 $85 $85 $85 $5/dovRiverfront Hilton $62 $62 $62 s62 FreeHol¡dov lnn Citv Center $óì $ót $óì $ót FreeBest Western lnn Towne $52 $52 $52 $52 FreeMoster's Economv lnn c,?q $35 $35 Free

PLEASE LIST ROOM OCCUPANTS:

June 1994, Contact I

l. Arkonsos' Excelsior (heodquorlers|

2. Comelot Hotel (NYC heodquorters|

3. Copitol Hotel

4. Holidoy lnn City Center

5. Riverfront Hilton

ó. Be$ lïe$ern lnn Towne

7. Mosler's Economy lnn

North Little Rock

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Arkansas River

Pre-Register by June 24and Pick up YourConvention Packet

on Saturday!Early pick-up available at

Statehouse Gonvention Centerfor those who pre-register:

Saturday, July 163:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 17l:00 p.m.

Pre-Registration ends June 24, lgg4

Meal lnformation'Children's Banquet / $7.00Monday, July 18/ 5:00 p.m.Robinson Center / Exhibition Hall

Hillsdale FWB Gollege Luncheon / $15.00Tuesday, July 19 / 12:00 noonExcelsior Hotel / Ballroom / Salon C

Youth Banquet / $12.S0Tuesday, July 19 / g:00 p.m.Robinson Center / Exhibition HallNote: Until June 24, Youth Banquet tickets will be sold onlyto those in grades seven to age 24 and youth workersaccompanying their group. Others may purchase. availabletickets at the convention.

Music Ministries Breakfast / $9.S0Wednesday, July 20 /7:00 a.m.Riveñront Hilton / Silver City lll, lV

Youth Workers Reception / $6.00Monday, July 18 / g:00 p.m.Camelot Hotel /Plaza West

WNAC Fellowship Dinner / $15.00Tuesday, July 19 / 5:00 p.m.Excelsior Hotel / Grand Ballroom

FWBBC Luncheon / $11.00Wednesday, July 20 / 12:00 NoonExcelsior Hotel / Ballroom / Salons A-B

Master's Men Dinner / $18.00Wednesday, July 20 / 4:45 p.m.Excelsior Hotel / Ballroom / Salons A-B

June 1994, Contact ll

^ersOlet\otsosrro$ø'***ÏfiÏ:'J:*

Please Prínt

Nome:firsl or llome Desired on Eodge

Address:

City:

Church:

Postor's Nome:

Holel 1it known)i

You mcy reg¡sler for oll three convenl¡ons on this form.

Pre-Registrotion FormBy completing the Pre-Regislrolion torm, you will

sve voluoble time ol the convenlion. lf you

pre-regisler, proceed lo o speciol registrolion oreo

where you will receive o pocket conloining your

Notionol As¡ociolion of tlee Will Boptisls pre-printed nome fog, tickets ond moteriols.

Women Notionolly Active for Chrisl

Nolionol Youth Conlerence

Little Rock, AR / July 17 - 21,1994

Phone #' (--r..*-)E Mole E Femole

Stote:

-Zip:

City:

-

Zip:

-

Cômpleted formþ) ond fees mul be moiled to

Convention RegistrotionP O. Box 5002Antioch, TN 3701 l -5002

for

ond received on or before June 24, 1994.

II

III

lf you wonl to regisler for rhe lllofío nol AssocÍofíon, complete Section I.

District Associolion:

Minister: EPolor [Ordoined DLiænsed(l cerrify thot I om o member in good slonding wilh the obove nomed

church ond ossociotion which belong to the Notionol Associotion.)

MISSIONARY fl Foreign (Country)

IHomeDELEGATE: EOrdoined Deocon

QStoteD Locol Church ($ I 0.00)

DNotionol Boord Member

flNotionol OfficerVISITOR: tr

lf Locol Church Delegote --------------> Sl 0.00

SUBTOIAT

Meol Tickets: Quont¡ty

Youth Workers Reception

Music Ministries Breokfost

Hillsdole FWB (ollege [uncheon

TWBBC Alumni [uncheon

Mosler's Men Dinner

x Só.00

x 59.50

x S15.00

x 511.00

x $18.00

lf you wont lo register lor WNAC,complele Section lI.

(Check only one of the îollowing)

DELEGATE: ELocol ($5.00)

flStoteEStote President or Field Worker

flNotionol Officertr

Meol Tickels:

WNAC Fellowship Dinner

Quonfiry

x 515.00

ll locolWNAC Delegole

---------) 55.00

SUBÏOTATVISITOR:

S13.00 =

x 57.00 =x 512.50 =

SUBÏOÏAt

ll you wont to register lor rhe llløfÍo nol Youth ConÍerencercomplele Seclion III.(/.LL those in lst grode through oge 24 must register ro ottend NYC)

Are you o youlh worker? Q Yes E No

Grode completed Spring 1994:

-

Age:

Birthdote: /

-/ -Porenl's (or Guordion's) nome:

Youth Leoder's nome:

On-site regilrotion lee is Sì 5.00

/.dulß over 24 do nol poy NY( fees

iãü hùir rróiri.riJ, ñyc to'purchuse meol tickets/ottend bonquels(unless oge 25 ond up).

Meol Tickets: Quonrity

RegislrolionPre-Regishotion fee

Fee

Ch ¡ld r e n's Bo n qu e t (srcdes ì -ó)

Youth Eonguef (musl be in grode 7

-

lo oge 24 or on o(omponying youlh worker)

llim¡ted . I t¡(kol oer formì

Moke ALI checks poyoble

lo FWB Convention.

No relunds moiled ofterJune 24, 1994.

GRAND TOTAT S

-

Cherk/Money 0rder MUST oaompony this lorm.

Enrlose 0NE cherk to poy oll lees ond titkets,Rec

For

&/M0 #Cl(

Office Use Only

AMTS


The National Associationof Free Wilt Baptists

GorytryI'loderolor

Missouri 5lote A¡sociolion

Theme: "We Preach Christ"Moderator: Ralph HamptonMusic Coordlnator: Randy SawyerOrganist: Richard McDonaldPlanist: Jerry CarrawayReglstratlon Coordinator: George Harvey, Jr.Headquarters Hotel: fukansas' ExcelsiorHotelConvention Offlce: Statehouse Convention Center/Caraway ll, Ill

Convention CenterHalls Il, lll

Camelot HotelSilver Knight

Robinson CenterMusic Hall

Convention CenterHalls ll, lll

Deon Dobb¡PolorPleosontÂaes FWB (hurth

New 8ern, North Corolino

I l:00 MORNING WORSHIp (youth)

Primary/ Junior Church

Teen Church

SUNDAYAFTERNOON / July l7l:00 Early Registration

(Pre-registered only)

l:30 Registration Orientation

3:00 RECISTRATION for NarionâlConvention, WNAC and NyC

5:00 Usher Orientation

5:00 Music Rehearsal

SUNDAY EVENING / July l77:00-8:30 WORSHIPSERVICE

Presiding: Charles CooperSong Service: Daron DwyerMusic: Men's TrioOffertory: New Life SingersDuet: Lange and Jamie PatrickMESSAGE: Kenneth Frisbee

lllork PosthollMissionory(ôte d'lvokeWel Afrko

Kennelh trlsbeePostor

Akron FWB Chunh

Akron, 0hio

Don GulhriePortor(ollin (reek tWB fturrhPlono, Texos

Theme: We fueøch ChrÍst58th Annual Session /July l7-Zlr lgg4

Statehouse Convention CenterLittle Rock, Arkansas

SUNDAY MORNING I July lT

l0:00-10:45 SUNDAYSCHOOL (Adults)

Presiding: Nathan RubleSong Service: Tim MurfinMusic: Stanley Jones SingersAdult Teacher: Daryl Ellis

l0:00-10:45 SundaySchool (Youth)

Primary / Junior Class

Teen Class

l0:45 lntermission

I l:00 MORNINGWORSHIp (Adults)

Presiding: Nathan RubleSong Service: Tim MurfinMusic: Sounds of PraiseOffertory: Sounds of praiseMessage: Gary Fry

Camelot HotelSilver Knight


Convention CenterCaddo Room

Convention CenterOsage Room

Convention CenterCaddo/Osage

Convention CenterCaraway I


Convention CenterHalls ll. lll


7:00-8:30 NYC WorshiP Services

8:30 Mass Adult Choir Rehearsal

8:30-10:00 RegistrationContinues

9:00-10:00 NYCJudges'Reception

9:00-10:00 Children'sActivities(See NYC hogram)

9:00-10:30 YouthActivities(See NYC hogram)

MONDAY MORNING / July 18

7:30 General Board Breakfast

8:00-8:45 WNACExecutiveCommitteeBreakfast

8:00 Registration Continues

8:30 NYCAssemblies(See NYC Program)

9:00 NYC Competitive Activities(See NYC Program)

9:00-10:30 ForeignMissionaryOrientation(For Exhibit Schedule)

9:00-l l:00 WNAC Nominating Committee

9:00-l l:45 WNAC Executive Committee

9:00-12:00 CENERALBOARDConveneS

MONDAYAFTERNOON / July l8

12.00-12:45 WNAC Executive CommitteeLuncheon

NYC Competitive Activities(See NYC hogram)

General Board Reconvenes

l:00

1:30

Camelot HotelRobinson Center

Convention CenterHalls II, Ill


Camelot HotelPlazaWest

Camelot Hotel

Camelot Hotel

Excelsior HotelRiver Valley Room

Excelsior HotelFinleyVinson Room




Convention CenterCaraway I

Excelsior HotelTennis Hall of Fame

Excelsior HotelDoyle Rogers Room

Excelsior HotelBallroom-A



Excelsior HotelBallroom-A

Excelsior HotelBallroom-B

Excelsior HotelBallroom-C

Robinson CenterMain Lobby

Convention CenterHall - l

l:30-2:30 WNAC Seminar(See WNAC Program)

l:30-2:30 WNAC Ministers' Wives Seminar(See WNAC Program)

2:00-3:00 Children'sActivities(See NYC Program)

3:00 Exhibit tuea OPens


3:00-4:00 WNAC State Offrcers Meeting Excelsior Hotel(See WNAC Program) Ballroom-C

3:00-5:00 Free Will Baptist Camp Meeting Convention CenterSpeaker: Richard Adams Halls II, lll


5:00-6:30 Children'sBanquet

6:00 Music Rehearsal

MONDAY EVENING / July l8

7:00-8:30 WORSHIPSERVICE

Presiding: David JoslinSong Service: Scott BullmanSession Called to Order and

Offertory: Pruitt FamilYSolo: Joy HendersonMESSAGE: Dean Dobbs

7:00-8:30 NYC Worship Services

8:30 Men's Chorale Rehearsal

8:30-10:00 Exhibit tuea OPen


9:00-10:00 Board of Retirementlnformation Meeting


9:00-10:30 TEAM Mission Program(See NYC Program)

9:00-10:30 YouthWorkers' Reception

9:00-10:30 NYCCompetitiveActivities(See NYC Program)

l0:00 Exhibit A¡ea Closed

TUESDAY MORNING / July l9

7:30-8:30 StatePromotionalPersonnelBreakfast

8:00 NYC Competitive Activities(See NYC hogram)

8:00 Registration Continues

Moderator tntroduced: Waldo Young, ClerkAppointment of Committee on Committees:

Ralph Hampton, ModeratorWelcome to Little Rock: David Joslin,

Promotional Director, fukansas State AssociationMass Adult Choir: Doug Little, Director


Robinson CenterExhibition Hall


Convention CenterHalls II. lll


Convention CenterHalls Il, III

Convention CenterHall I


Excelsior HotelLaHarpe Room

Camelot Hotel


Camelot HotelPlaza West

Robinson CenterCamelot Hotel

Excelsior HotelRiver Room



8:30 Exhibit tuea OÞen

9100 WOMEN NATTONALLY ACTTVEFOR CHRIST (See WNAC program)Presiding: Mary Neal, president

9:00-ll:00 PASTORS'CONFERENCE

9:00Presiding: Carl CheshierSpeaker: Glen McGriff

t0:00Presiding: Carl CheshierSpeaker: Glen McGriff

9:00-12:00 Master's Men Board Meeting

I l:10 WNAC Missionary ServiceSpeaker: Robert Bryan

NYC Competitive Activities(See NYC Program)

WNAC Reconvenes(See WNAC Program)

Mass Adult Choir Rehearsal

Men's Chorale Rehearsal



Excelsior HotelBallroomA-B


Convention CenterHalls Il, Ill



Convention CenterHalls ll, III

Convention Center

Excelsior HotelRiver Valley Room

Convention CenterFulton Room



Convention CenterHalls II, llt


Excelsior HotelGrand Ballroom

Convention CenterHalls ll, III

TUESDAYAFTERNOON / July lg

l2:00-l:30 Hillsdale FWB College LuncheonSpeaker: Terry Stafford

l:00

l:30

l:30-3:00 TheologicalTrendsseminar

lpeaker: WendellWalley John pope RoomSubject: "Amazing Crace and Plain Morals,,

l:30-3:00 MusicCommissionSeminar

l:30-4:30 Master's Men CongressPresiding: James Vallance


3:30 Truth & Peace Alumni Reunion

4:00

5:00

5:00-6:45 WNAC Fellowship DinnerSpeaker: Lorene Miley

TUESDAY EVENING / July 19

7:00-8:30 WORSH¡PSERV|CE

Presiding: Waldo youngSong Service: Randy SawyerMusic: Mini-concert with comb¡ned college choirsVictory Campaign OfferingOffertory: Master's Peace QuartetMusic: Master's Peace QuartetMESSAGE: Don Guthrie



8:30-10:00 Exhibit tuea Open


9:00- I 0:00 Children's Activities(See NYC Program)

9:00-l l:00 Youth Banquet

l0:00 Exhibit tuea Closed

WEDNESDAY MORNING I Juty 20

7100-8:30 MusicMinistriesBreakfast

7:30 State Leaders Breakfast

8:00 NYC Competitive Finals(Bible Competition)


I I :30-12:30 NYCAwards Ceremonv(See NYC Programj

l2:00 REGISTRATION CLOSES

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON / July 20

l2:00-l:15 Free Will Baptist Bible CollegeLuncheon


Convention CenterHalls ll, Ill



Camelot Hotel


Riverfront HiltonS¡lver City III-tV

Excelsior HotelLaHarpe Room

Robinson Center



Convention Center


Excelsior HotelBallroom-A,B

Camelot Hotel


8:30 Exhibit Area Open

9:00-l l:45 CONVENTION BUSTNESSSESSION Halts ll. IllModerator's Message: Ralph Hampton

Report of Credentials Committee andSeating of Delegates

Partial Report of General BoardPartial Report of Nominating Committee

REPORTS OF NATIONAL DEPARTMENTS(Board members elected at conclusion of each report.)

Executive Office: Melvin WorthingtonHome Missions: Roy ThomasMaster's Men: James VallanceBoard of Retirement: William EvansFree Will Baptist Foundation: William Evans

l:30

l:30

NYC Seminars / Activities(See NYC hogram)

CONVENTION BUSINESSReconvenes

Scripture Reading and PrayerAssistant Moderator: Carl Cheshier


l:35 REPORTS OF NAT¡ONAL DEPARTMENTS (continued)Sunday School and Church Training: Alton LovelessForeign Missions: R. Eugene WaddellFree Will Baptist Bible College: Tom MaloneCommission for Theological Integr¡ty: Leroy ForlinesRadio-Television Commission: Bob ShockeyMusic Commission: Vernon WhaleyHistorical Commission: Marv Wisehart

2:00-3:00

8:30-10:00 Exhibit Area Open

9:00 NYC Awards Ceremony

10:00 Exhibit tuea Closed

THURSDAY MORNING / July 2l

7:00-9:00 Foreign Missions Board Breakfast

7:30-9:00 SundaySchoolBoardBreakfast

8:30 Exhibit tuea Open

9:00 CONCLUDING BUSINESSSESSION

Convention CenterHalll


Fxcelsior HotelTennis Hall of Fame



Convention CenterHalls ll, Ill

3:30

Children's Activities(See NYC Program)

General Board Final ReportPartial Report of Nominating

NYC Worship Services(See NYC hogram)

WORSHIPSERVICE

Camelot Hotel

Convention CenterHalls II, lll

Excelsior HotelBallroom-A, B

Convention CenterHalls II, III




4:00

4:00

4:45

5:00

6:00

CommitteeElection of General Board Members

Business Session Recessed

Men's Chorale Rehearsal Convention Center(Orimmediatelyfollowing Halls ll, lllbusiness session)

Master's Men DinnerSpeaker: Don Wagner

Music Rehearsal

Music Rehearsal

WEDNESDAY EVENING / July 20

Scripture Reading and PrayerAssistant Clerk: Keith Burden

NYC Report: Dean JonesWNAC Report: Mary R. Wisehart

Report of Committees:-- Registration-- Budget-- Resolutions

Nominating Committee Final ReportElection of General Officers

Adjournment

Exhibits Closed(30 minutes after convention adjournment)

7:00-8:30

7:00-9:00

ll:45

l2:t5

Presiding: Milton WorthingtonSong Service: Vernon WhaleyRecognition of Missionaries: Milton WorthingtonMen's ChoraleMissions Offering: Milton WorthingtonOffertory: New Covenant QuartetSolo: Lisa McGeeMESSAGE: Mark Paschall

TOCAL CHURCH DETEGATE CREDENTIATS

THIS CERTIFIES THAT

is o dulyBoptisls

outhorized delegoie to the NotionolAssociotion of Free Will

(Nome of Churth)

r

@otffi'-1ffi'6i(Pofor)

IMPORTANT: This {orm properly signed ond occomponied by o $ I 0 registro-lion fee enlitles o locol church delegote lo register for voting privileges.


Arkansas' Excelslor Hotel-Headquarters Hotel

National Youth ConferencezTthAnnual Conference / July lZ-Zl, l gg4

Camelot Hotel - Robinson Center / Little Rock, Arkansas

Theme: "Be Strong and Courageous"Conference Dlrector: Dean JonesConference Coordlnator: Donald MyersChlldren's Coordlnator: Lisa JonesOffice Manager: June McVayReglstratlon Coordlnator: Jill PointerITIYC Offlce: Camelot Hotel / fucade EastPractice Rooms: Robinson Center/401 & 403

Robinson Center- RCCamelot Hotel - CHStatehouse Convention Center - Convention Center

(NYC operates under the auspices ofthe Sunday School and ChurchTraining Department.) DeanJones

a'*;."*Å, .

':j

LI

-J

Donald Myers

SUNDAY MORNING / Juty l7

9:30-9:45 MorningDevotion

l0:00-10:45 SUNDAYSCHOOL

Primary/Junior Class

Teen Class

l0:45 lntermission

I l:00-12:00 MORNINCWORSH|P

Primary/Junior Church

Teen Church

SUNDAYAFTERNOON i July l?3:00 NYC Registration

SUNDAY EVENING / July lZ


Children's Worship

Teen Worship

8:30-10:00 NYCRegistrationContinues



Camelot HotelBlack, White, Silver Knight










9:00-10:00 NYCJudges'Reception

9:00-10:00 Children'sActivities

9:00-10:30 YouthActivities

MONDAY MORNING / July l88:00 NYC Registration Continues

8:00-5:00 Art Gallery Open

8:00-6:30 NYC Exhibit Area Open

8:15

8:30

9:00 NYC COMPETTTIVE ACTIVITIES

Music and futs Section IKeyboard

Music and futs Section 2Vocal Duets

CamelotHotelPlaza West





Camelot HotelGolden Knight


Robinson CenterCallery lll

Robinson CenterGallery ll

Morning Devotion Robinson CenterMusic Hall

NYCASSEMBLIES Camelor Horel(Required of ALL Competitors) Robinson Center

Music and Arts Assembly Robinson CenterAll Entries and Coaches Music Hall

Bible Bowl Camelot HotelAll Teams and Coaches plaza West

Bible Tic-Tac-Toe Camelot HotelAll Teams and Coaches plaza East

Sword Drill/Memorization Camelot HotelAll Entries and Coaches Arcade Wesr

l0:00

MONDAYAFTERNOON / July l8

t:00 NYCCOMPET¡TIVEACTIVITIES

Music and Arts Section 4 Robinson CenterVocal Solos - Male Music Hall

Music and futs Section 5 Camelot HotelVocal Trios Black, White, Silver Knight

MONDAY MORNING / July l8

Music and Arts Section 3Oral Communicationslndividual Entries

Bible Bowl

Bible Tic-Tac-Toe

Bible Sword DrillGrade 4

Bible MemorizationGrade I

Music and futs Section 6Vocal Quintets

Music and Arts Section 7

Oral CommunicationsPoetry/Prose

Bible Bowl

Bible Tic-Tac-Toe


2:00 Bible MemorizationGrade 2


3:30-4:30 TurningPoinVHorizonPre-Test Session #l

5:00-6:30 Children'sBanquet

MONDAY EVENING / July l8


Children's Worship

. TeenWorship

8:30-10:00 NYCRegistrationContinues



Camelot HotelPlaza East

Camelot HotelfucadeWest

Camelot HotelA¡cade West

Robinson Centerr 02-l 03




Camelot Hotelfucade West

Camelot HotelA¡cade West

Robinson CenterMain Lobby




Camelot HotelBlack,White, Silver Knight




l:00 NYC COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES

8:30-10:00 NYC Exhibit tuea OPen


9:00-10:30 TEAM Mission Program

9:00-10:30 YouthWorkers'Reèeption

9:00-10:30 Music and A¡ts Section 8Oral CommunicationsDuet Acting

9:00-10:30 Music and futs Section IOral CommunicationsReaders Theater


8:00 Morning Devotion

8:00 NYC Registration Continues

8:00-5:00 Art Callery


Music and A¡ts Section l2Keyboard,/lnstrumental Solo

Music and futs Section l3Oral CommunicationsSkits (A-C)

Music and Arts Section l4Oral CommunicationsPuppetry (Live)

Bible Bowl

Bible Tic-Tac-Toe


Turning PoinVHorizonPre-Test Session #2

9:30 Bible MemorizationGrade 3

TUESDAYAFTERNOON / July l9


Camelot HotelBlack,White, Silver Knight




Robinson Centerr 02-l 03



Robinson CenterGallery III

Robinson CenterGallery II

Robinson Center20t-202






Camelot Hotelfucade East


8:15 NYC COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES

Music and futs Section l0 Robinson CenterVocal Solos-Female Music Hall

Music and futs Section t I Camelot HotelVocal Quartets Black, White, Silver Knight

Music and Arts Section lEChorales

Music and Arts Section l6Choirs

Music and Arts Section lZOral CommunicationsPuppetry (Recorded)

Music and Arts Section t8lnstrumental EnsemblesBrass Solos

Music and Arts Section 19Oral CommunicationsSkits (D-F)

2:00.3:00 Children'sActivities

3:30 Truth& PeaceAlumniReunion

TUESDAY EVENING /July l9


Children's Worship

TeenWorship

8:30-10:00 NYCRegistrat¡onContinues



9:00-ll:00 YouthBanquer

IryEDNESDAY MORNING / July 20

8100 Moming Devotion

8:00-12;00 Art Gallery

8:00-5:00 NYC Exhibit tuea Open

8:00 NYC Reg¡stration Continues

8:15.10:15 Final Bible Competition

l0:30-l l:30 Turning PoinVHorizon Competition

I l:30-12:30 NYCAwards Ceremonv(Bible, Arts,Writing)


CamelotHotelBlack,White,Silver Knight

CamelotHotelGolden Knight

Robinson Center201.202

Robinson Centert02_t03

CamelotHotelPlazaWest







Camelot HotelBlack,White,Silver Knight



Robinson CenterGallery lll






WEDNESDAYAFTERNOON / July 20

l:30-2:45 Youth Workers' Seminar Camelot HotelGolden Knight

l:30-3:00 Youth Seminar Camelot HotelBlack,White,Silver Knight


3:00-4:00' YouthWorkers'Seminars

Christian Camping

lnvolving Your Kids in Ministry

WEDNESDAY EVENING / July 20

7:00-8:30 NYC Worship Services CamelotHotelRobinson Center




Camelot Hotel-MC Headquartere



CamelotHotelGolden Knight

Children's Worship

TeenWorship

9:00-l l:00 NYC Awards Ceremony

This program ís subject to change.


Women NationallyActive for Christ59th Annual Session / July 18-19' 1994

Statehouse Convention CenterLittle Rock, Arkansas

Theme: "The Bible: Light on the Way"Scrlpture: Psalm I l9:105Hymn: "ThyWord Have I Hid in My Heart"Muslc Coordlnator: Joyce LittleOrganlst: TenaStahlPlanlst: Sue Patton

SUNDAY AFTERNOON / July 17

l:30 Registration Orientation

3:00 REGISTRATION

MONDAY MORNING / July l8

8:00-8:45 WNACExecutiveCommitteeBreakfast

9:00-l l:00 WNAC Nominating Committee

9:00-l l:45 WNAC Executive Committee

MONDAY AFTERNOON / July 18

12:00-12:45 WNACExecutiveCommitteeLuncheon

l:30-2:30 WNACSeminarTheme: "Light on the Way"Presiding: Mary NealSpeakers: Lila Faye Morgan

DawnSweeneyCarol Reid

l:30-2:30 WNACMinisters'WivesSeminarPresiding: Everyl GetzSpeaker: Winona Riggs

3:00-4:00 WNAC State Officers MeetingPresiding: Mary Wisehart

Convention CenterOsage Room

Convention Center'Caddo/Osage


Excelsior HotelTennis Hall of Fame


E¡<celsior HotelFinleyVinson Room

Excelsior HotelBallroom-B


ExcelsiorHotelBallroom-C


i,,

Wlsehart Neal

#..ftu".,,'6'",'ri l'/\''//

t\ tl

Mlley


9:00 WOMEN NATIONALLY ACTIVE Convention CenterFOR CHRIST CONVENTION Halls ll, lll

Presiding: Mary NealCongregational SingingDevotion: Deleen CousineauSpecial Music: Pastors'Wives Trio

Welcome: Mary KeltonCreative Arts Awards: Melissa RiddleCredentials Committee ReporUSeating of DelegatesExecutive Secretary-Treasurer's Report :

Mary R. WisehartResolutions Committee ReportAppreciation Committee RePort

I l:10 WNAC MISSIONARY SERVICE Convention CenterHalls ll, lll

Congregational SingingOfferingSpecial Music: Levan and Vicki HubbardMessage: Robert Bryan

TUESDAY AFTERNOON / July 19

l:30 Congregational Singing Convention CenterMusic: North Little RockWomen Halls II, IllRegistration Committee ReportWNAC Special Feature: "Don't Say That Name"

Speaker: San Dee Stone

Adjoumment

WNAC Fellowship Diinnerlnvocation: Eugene Workman

Speaker: Lorene MileyBenediction: Dwight Fletcher

Excelsior HotelGrand Ballroom

3:00

5:00

Bible college "welcome Days" one of schooPs BestNASHVILLE, TN-After register-ing 372 visitors from 75 churchesin 17 states, Free Will BaptistBible College's recruitment di-rector Neil Gilliland observed thatthe recentWelcome Davs wouldprobably be described ás one ofthe best the college has held."Evidentþ, we made a good im-pression," he said. "We had morethan twice as many applicationsfor enrollment as from anv Wel-come Days group we've everhad." The event was held at thecollege March 31-April 2.

PresidentTom Malone told the

FWBBC student body, ,,Thoseyoung people are the kind wewant to have here somedav."

President Malone had reasonto be pleased since his homestate of lllinois was representedby the most visitors-93. The larg-est church group also came fromIllinois: Decatur FWB Church.

Other states with large repre-sentations were Tennessee (40),North Carolina (45) and Georgia(36). Large church groups camefrom Emmanuel FWB, Wabash,IN (15); Bethel FWB, Kinston,NC (11); and l0 each from First

FWB, Russellville, AR; First FWB,Walnut Ridge, AR; and PeaceFWB, Wilson, NC.

A number of young peoplerededicated their lives duringservices that included ministriesof the college choirand the Evan-gel Players. They also enjoyed aNorth-South men's basketballgame that saw the South victori-ous for the sixth consecutive year,according to Coach Byron Deel.

Two Welcome Days are sched-uled for the 1994-95 school year:November l7-19, 1994, andMarch 30-April l, 1995.

Master's Men SetGolf TournamentANTIOCH, TN-The second an-nual Master's Men fund-raisergolf tournament gets underwayAugust 1 l, according to JimVallance, general director. Thecost is $65 per player or $240 fora foursome that register together.

Tournament play begins at7:00 a.m. at the Old Fort GolfCourse. The course is located 18miles east of the National OfficesBuilding off L24 at Exit 78-4.

Jim Vallance said reservationsand fees must be made prior toJuly29. Contactthe Master's Menoffice for registration forms andmotel information.

Master's Men DepartmentP. O. Box 5002

Antioch, TN 37011-50026t5/731-68t2

Michigan Vl¡elcomes New ChurchDOWAGIAC, MI-The newestFree Will Baptist church in Michi-gan organized November 7, 1993,with 12 charter members, ac-cording to Pastor John Kruger.Good Shepherd FWB Church ofDowagiac began in August lgg3afterasmall group of people metto discuss starting a Free WillBaptist church in Cass County,Michigan.

Two weeks later the groupwas able to rent a building fromanother denomination with theoption to buy. Monthly rent forthe 14O-seat structure was $300.The structure included fourclass-rooms, two offices, an 8O-seatfellowship hall and a $35,000purchase price.

PastorJ. D. Tolbert and mem-bers from First FWB Church in

South Haven assisted with re-modeling. The Good ShepherdChurch joined the West Michi-gan Association just six days af-ter it organized.

Pastor Kruger said the churchhas given more than $1,200 incooperative funds through theassociation. The group hasdoubled in size since its organi-zation and hosted the West Michi-gan Association in May.

Good Shepherd FWB Churchis located at 309 DeweyStreet inDowagiac.

Last chance topre-register for

this year's convention.(See pnge 12.)

Discount Air Fares toNASHVILLE. TN-The NationalAssociation of Free Will Baptistshas made special travel arrange-ments for attendees and theirfamilies who willbe flying to the1994 National Convention in LittleRock, Arkansas, July 77-21, ac-cording to Executive SecretaryMelvin Worthington. Ambassa-dor Travel, Inc. in Nashville hasbeen selected as the agency ofrecord to provide members at-tending the convention with dis-count travel services.

Ambassador Travel, Inc. hassecured discounts for air travel

National Conventionto Little Rock. These fares can-not be purchased through an-other travel agency or directlywith the airlines. These are con-tracted group airfares. First classtickets may also be booked ifdesired.

Ambassador Travel, Inc. hascontracted for travel dates start-ing two days prior to the con-vention and two days after theconvention.

To book your airspace at theoffered discounted rates, callAmbassador Travel, Inc. toll-freeat l-800/489-2009. This is a diÊ

Availableferent number than last year. Askfor Janice Jakobik and identifyyourself with the Free Will Bap-tist National Convention.

Advise the Ambassador agentof your name, number of pas-sengers traveling, city of origi-nating flight, correct mailing ad-dress, telephone number (homeand business). For easy billing,have a current credit card readyat the time of booking. Ambassa-dor Travel Inc. will process andmailthe tickets to you.

All services from AmbassadorTravel. Inc. are free.

Illinois Re-ElectsClyatt ModeratorBENTON, Il-Moderator LarryClyatt was elected to his sixthconsecutive term by delegatesat the 34th annual Illinois StateAssociation. Clyatt pastors FirstFWB Church in Benton wherethe March 18-19 session met.

Clerk Larry Cook, elected tohis lOth term, reported that 170registered for the two-day meet-ing. This included 50 standingdelegates, 30 elected delegates,4 local church delegates and 86non-delegates.

The business highlight focusedon upbeat reports on missionworks in Chicago and Spring-field where missionaries DavidPotete and Ken Doggett pastor.Delegates also adopted a $ 170,000state budget.

Four men preached during themeeting. Illinois pastors RandyScott and Ronnie Mitchellpreached along with FWBBCprofessor LaVerne Miley and for-eign missionary Fred Hersey. Theassociation theme was, "TheOpen Door," from Revelation 3:8.

The 1995 state associationwillmeet March l7-18.

tioning institution in l2 months.Advancement Director for Har-

vest, Chris Dotson, said the minis-try "has developed a broad baseof support across Virginia inchurches, businesses, civic orga-nizations and socialservice agen-cies."

Initialcontact by Harvest offì-cials with Virginia's social ser-

management team of NewlDotson, executive director, andTeresa Tilson, program director.Their motto is "Serving Christthrough Kids." For more informa-tion about the home, call:

703/523-2315or write:Harvest

Duffield. V A 24244-0259.

Virginia Children's Home FullDUFFIELD, VA-Since its open-ing in August 1993, the newestFree Will Baptist children's homehas served 32 children and hashad more than 60 additionalap-plications for admission. Har-vest Child Care Ministries wentfrom being an idea in co-found-erNewl Dotson's mind to afunc-

vices division indicated a two-year delay before the ministrycould receive a license to operatein the Commonwealth. However,one year later, Harvest had a li-cense in hand. At this point onlylack of space prevents Harvestfrom serving more children.

Harvest is currently under the

Main building for Harues! Child Care Minístries

[llfiRr¡lrrY

Fifty years ago, some nice peoplestarted a Free Will Baptist church inMcAlester, OK. Today, that congrega-tion celebrates its golden anniversary-50 years of ministry-as First FWBChurch. Pastor Ernest Harrison, Jr.said the two-day celebration began Sat-urday, April 23, with an all-day singing.Sunday morning the group broadcastãlive 3O-minute broadcast from theirsanctuary. AII former pastors and char-ter members were recognized and hon-ored. Tillie Oliver gave a review of thefirst fifty years in the church's historv.Former pastor, Lynn lVood, delivere-dthe keynote address.

Pastor Wylle Perkins reports sevenbaptisms and six new members atSamantha FWB Church in Leesburg,oH.

The Frlendly FTVB Church in Colum-bus, OH, witnessed six conversions andwelcomed two new members. AlanWright pastors.

And here's more good news fromOhio. Pastor Curtis Booth notes l7 con-versions, five baptisms and a number ofrededications at Gahanna FWB Churchin Gahanna, OH.

The fifth annual Teen LeadershipConference sponsored by the Okla-homa FWB Christian Education Boardmet in March with l6 churches partici-pating. Some 38 teens (grades g-12) andeight adults met at New Home FIVBChurch in Tulsa for the event. Two Okla-homa pastorsJerry Banks (Cushing)and Bob Thomas (Locust Grove)-spoke on subjects ranging from leader-ship to Christian duties. Board memberBrad Ransom and promotional secre-tary Paul Allen directed the event.

They sure do things different inFlorida. Margaret Merkh, member ofRyanwood Fellowshlp FWB Church inVero Beach and retired FWB foreignmissionary backed her car into a newLincoln Continental at a shopping cen-ter. She brought the owners of the dam-aged car home with her to discuss thematter and led them to the Lord. Thevhave been baptized and joined théchurch. Pastor Randy Bryant said he'sthinking of commissioning Sister Merkhto back into as many new cars as pos-

sible in order to continue her outreachas a smashing evangelist.

Pastor Roger Ballard at First FWBChurch in Tecumseh, OK, led E. J.Cope to the Lord on March l. He thenbaptized the 74-year-old man on March4. Brother Cope joined the church onMarch 6. That night while he was sleep-ing, the Lord called E. J. Cope home.What an incredible five davs!

While members were wôrking on thenew building at Eggville FTVB Churchin Tupelo, MS, an anonymous donorgave a surprise gift of a new steeple forthe building. Pastor Gerald Gann saidthat an ice storm in early February forcedthe congregation to meet by candlelight,using kerosene heaters to keep warmduring one Sunday in February.

Members at First FTVB Church inPearl, MS, celebrated 20 years of ser-vice to their community. Pastor DickteDees said 209 people attended the 20-year celebration. Former pastor andfounder, Rev. J. L. Gore, returned justin time to help them celebrate comple-tion of the foundation and floor for a newauditorium to seat more than 400people.

Congratulations to Randy Jackson,assistant pastor at New Hope Fellow-ship FlüB Church in Cocoa, FL. BrevardCounty officials awarded Brother Jack-son the Excellence in Public ServiceAward for his contributions in commu-nity outreach.

Contact welcomes The Messenger,publication of Townsend FWB Churchin Townsend, DE. Pastor RlchardAtwood said the congregation has beenaveraging 200 in attendance on Sundaymorning. The congregation voted unani-mously to build new church facilities.They intend to raise $75,000 in cash dur-ing 1994.

The Oklahoma State lVoman's Aux-lliary has established a state Woman'sAuxiliary scholarship in the amount of$1,000, according to President MaryAlice Bridgeman. The scholarship fundwas established to assist young womenfrom Oklahoma who attend Free WillBaptist colleges.

Flrst FWB Church in Mt. Vernon, IL,began publishing a newsletter called,

Keystone. Ronnie Mltchell pastors.When thieves break through and

steal, about the only thing they leavebehind is frustration. That's the feelingnow at Bethel FWB Church in SouthRoxana, IL. Pastor Randy Corn saidthieves stole the church safe and all itscontents including the Sunday offering.Thieves also ransacked the pastor's of-fice and the office of the church secre-tary.

What is 16 feet high and sits on aroadside in Granite City, IL? It's the newsign at Peace FWB Church. PastorDavldMalone said the church has designated1994 as the "Year of Challenge."

Something's happening in Califor-nia. Pastor Dolce McAlister reports 27baptisms and 29 additions at TurlockFIVB Church. Flrst FWB Church inStockton baptized 24 converts, wel-comed 22 new members and began anew building project, according to Pas-tor Matthew Upton. Pastor Jtm McAl-lister reports 58 conversions last year atHarmony FWB Church in Fresnô.

Members of Rocþ Pass FIVB Churchin Nebo, NC, honored their pastor,Milton Holllfield, Sr. for his l4 vears astheir leader. During his ministry at theRocky Pass Church, he led the group tobuild a 400-seat sanctuarv with addi-tional educational space. A-"This is YourLife" program, love offering and fellow-ship dinner honored Pastor Hollifield for45 years in the ministry without missinga Sunday service.

Pastor Earl Dean Morrls reportsseven conversions at Chrlstian Homet'lVB Church in Hlndsvllle, AR. ¡


Capital StewarshipMctory CampaignMarch 1994

Update

Goal Gifts BalanceState

Alobomo

Arizono

Arkonsos

Allonlic (onodo

(olifornio

Colorodo

Florido

Georgio

Howoii

ldoho

lllinois

lndiono

lowo

Konso¡

Kenlurky

Louisiono

Morylond

l,lithigon

Mississippi

Missouri

Irlontono

Nebrosko

New l,lexito

North (orolino

NortheostAsto(.

NorthwelAssoc.

0hio

0klohomo

South (orolino

Tennessee

Texos

Virginio

Wel Virginio

Wisconsin

0ther

Tolols

s 7ó,397.ó3

t,228.93

7ó,8ó0.94

1,570.51

t7,216.76

789.1 I20,703.30

38,1 79.1 9

I 84.54

353.37

16,176.29

7,868.27

266.99

1,287.82

35,454.34

94.23

ó,8 t 2.t 0

r5,iló.1915,559.8ó

ó0,484.40

27.48

t02.08

59ó.80

59,1 t8.06

883.41

1,087.58

40,923.ó6

92,271.60

I 8,335.75

78,557.09

I 1,547.20

24,323.33

4ó,204.51

T76-ó,5s-t39

5 1,s50.00

ì,905.00

28,976.44

.00

I ó0.00

r,r 05.00

3,r03.ó2

I 8,088.4ó

500.00

.00

r,055.00

1,400.00

.00

.00

2,992.29

1,300.00

250.00

3,990.00

r,3ó0.35

29,332.87

50.00

.00

.00

2,4ó4.00

.00

I 00.00

ì0,3ró.8ì3,767.58

570.00

26,847.97

5,295.52

ó75.00

500.00

55.00

2,978.85

5-uo¡suó

s 74,847.63

(ó7ó.04

47,884.50

t,570.5r

t7,056.76

(3r5.82)

I 7,599.ó8

20,090.73

(3r5.4ó)

353.37

15,12t.29

6,468.27

266.99

I,287.82

32,462.05

(r,205.74

ó,5ó2.r 0

I t,t 2ó.1 9

t4,ì99.51

3t,ì51.53

122.521

ì02.08

s96.80

5ó,ó54.0ó

883.41

987.58

30,ó0ó.85

88,504.02

17,765.75

51,709.,l2

ó,25t.ó8

23,ó48.33

45,704.51

(55.00)

(2,978.85)

Sór5"8-tIó5

March 1994

RE(TIPIS:

Slole

Àlobomo

Arizono

Arkonsos

(olifornio

(olorodo

0elowore

florido

Georgio

llowoii

ldoho

lllinois

lndiono

lowo

l(onsos

l(entucky

l.ouisiono

Morylond

Michigon

Mississippi

Missouri

Monlono

New Jersey

New Mexico

llorth (oroìino

0hio

0klohomo

South (orolino

ïennessee

ïexos

Virginio

Wel Virginio

Wiyonsin(onodo

l.{orlhrvesl Âsot.

0tha

Tolols

DISBURSEMII.IIS:

Ixerulive 0ffire

foreign Missions

I\ryBB(

tlome Missions

Reliremenl & lnsuronce

Moler's lìrlen

(ommission for

Iheologicol lnlegrity

tWB foundolion

Hislorkol (ommission

Music (ommission

Rodio & TV (ommission

llilhdole nWB (ollege

0ther

Iotols

Designoled

s ì 5,324.42

70ó.ì3

ì ô390.20I 55.00

.00

t00.00

ó82.82

9,230.4.l

.00

.00

6,052.27

t,58 I .ó0

90.00

.00

r ó5.00

80.00

.00

26,751.68

396.80

I 1,075.ì 8

.00

.00

260.25

2,09ó.00

3,082.85

3ó,345.ó5

18,768.67

10,0ó9./ó

10,749.77

r,t34.t ì

7,I BB.89

55.00

.00

ì 00.00

st i8.ì3B.4ó

CO.OP

s 74.ì 5

82.00

/.83ì.54

828.58

.00

.00

.00

ì,5i9.55

.00

.00

t,854.0ì

3r0 53

.00

2ó.95

97.93

.00

75.00

4,026.97

449.49

2ó.00

.00

.00

5.i5550.00

ó,733.1 0

.00

r 88.3ì

r,359.24

50r.35

50.00

r ì 8.49

.00

.00

.00

.0ì

Tolol

s r 5,398.5/

i88.ì324,221 .7 4

983.58

.00

r 00.00

ó82.82

ì0,809.9ó

.00

.00

I,906.28

ì,892.t3

90.00

26.95

262.93

80.00

75.00

30,784.ó5

84ó.29

il,t0ì.t8.00

.00

2óó.00

2,ó4ó.00

9,8t 5.95

3ó,345.ó5

I 8,95ó.98

I ì,429.00

I 0,i5ì .ì 2ì,ì84.ì ì

7,307.38

55.00

.00

r 00.00

.0ì

5204.907.4ì

5 27,20]'.73

ì01,701.4ì

ì3,985.12

3ó,ì91.ó4

2,00r.30

3,0óó 53

t4t.8ó1,7 4t .64

ì 08.99

ì ì 1.8ó

r 39.8ó

2,023.90

I ó,485.57

m4to-i4f

lllorch'93

s 239.32

858.25,( sls A?

t,3ì t.85

.00

.00

t,55ó.10

8,90i.05

.00

.00

14,926.70

.00

90.00

48.03

3ó3.ì 4

40.00

r 50.00

ì 5,098.85

3'16.71

9,7 63.36

.00

.00

47.84

2,042.70

4,03i.88

45,503.94

ì 5,4iì.65ì 0,2ó9.94

I ì,t ó8.82

275.57

3,ì 51.92

.00

.00

.00

.00

ì49.ì 8

t,624.67

ì 43.54

ì 49.t 8

ì49 ì8t,455.75

3,088.6i

slîj_3t4T

Yeor To Dole

5 30,522.05

808.ì379,130.23

t,ó9t.06

ó,325.83

r 00.00

|,428.27

32,692.82

.00

.00

35,ó51.ó3

2,475.62

ì 80.00

37.84

ì,ó38.34

300.00

1,262.71

4ó,t 7ì.38

2,08t.55

38,3r 8.r I.00

.00

832.88

9,192.34

I 8,238.74

ì2ì,330.ó5

52,753.27

28,723.81

29,468.57

3,9ì 5 58

I 3,2ó1.93

55.00

.00

r 00.00

.0ó

s558.ó88.4i

4t4.ó8

4,332.23

3s8.30

352.81

398.83

5,782.6t

28,777.81

5ßs188-17

52ó.7ó8.9s

s B,/0ó.90

99,798.37

r 2,082.08

34,702.30

842.90

t,908.t3

ì 00.50

1,25ì.rB

67.63

70.50

98.50

2,023.90

ì ó,485.57

ffs-J3e-¡¡

sì 8,494.83

1.903.04

r,903.04

ì,489.34

ì,ì 58.40

ì,ì 58.40

4ì.3ó

49ó.4ó

41.3ó

41.3ó

41.3ó

.00

.00rtmr

s 2s,323.r0 s 8ì,ó05.14

90,382.63 272,78l..65

i r,3ì3.81 40,352.99

3ì,559.i4 108,01 4.38

2,575.23 ó,ìó9.ì4

3 .7?4 .7 6 9 ,347 .84

Direclory Updole

fl.oRtDA

Bill Wil¡on to Íirl (hurch, Deerlield Eeoch

GIORGIÀ

Jeff lunlord t0 Íirsl Churth, Thomoslon

Oovid Horper to Polmos (hurth, leory

0KLAH0tf'Â

Jefl Plunketl to Stroighl Street fturrh, I'lormon

8¡ll 80rlon to Belhel Churrh, P¡cher

Jimmy Woldrop to (hristion Grove (hurth, Potolo

from Bethlehem (hurch, Von Buren, AR

John Risley to Silver (ity (hurrh, Jennings

Gorlond Oovidson 1o Broken Arow (hurrh, Sroken

Arrow


MASTER'S MEN

Minístry in the Marketplace!By Jim Vallance

From my heart today, I say, "lt's time to wake up. You are about to losethe onlyministrythis denomination has forthe la]¡rnen." The Master's MenBoard met inApril to discuss cutting this work back to a part-time effort. youknow that isn't the direction any of our ministries need to move. Yet, pastorsand church members possess the only key to unlock the potential of thisnational department for continued ministry.

I thank God for the men and churches who gave to this work in 19g3.Many have active Master's Men groups that contribute to the outreach oftheir churches.

The column of figures on the right shows the 1993 gifts from your state.several states with large amounts reflect that we have a limited number ofchurches within its borders. one notable exception is.Michigan. Those dearfo-lks gave $2.19 per member from iust 43 churches. And thè major portionof those gifts came from less than a dozen churches! So, they êven haveroorn for greater stewardship for this ministry. Every state cañ improve.

The secular world sets before our nation and world such an anay ofungodly men lifted up as heroes and perpetuates these individualé asmodels. Christian men are mocked and ridiculed in society today. Anoveremphasis onthe material has diminished recognition of godliness andcharacter. More than ever before, Free Will Baptists need a ministry of, by,for and to the laymen!

Free Will Baptist laymen unite to form a powerful force for evangelism,ministry, service to church and community, fellowship and pérsonalspiritual growth. Men unite across the nation through annual membershipor as Lifemembers to form a coast-to-coast and international ministry. Thèlocal church chapters and state Master's Men tailors a program to the ñeedsof the men in the congregations and community. These activities mayinclude. . .

,) ftlen's proyø ond fellowship breokfosts

. rtrlonthly meetings for spirituol chollenge ond growth

a Church (onstruction Teomsfor home ond foreign missions, ond locol chulches

a Assislonce for senior citizens, widows ond shuþins

a Fund+oising proiects, induding tuolsfor missionoiles

. Spoding ond recleotionol octivities

o Visitotion

a illen's letreots-locol, stotg regionol ond notionol

. [0y recognition through loymon of the Yeor oword

. . . all this and much, much more.How can you become involved? A simple phone call will speed up the

p_rocess of mailing information on how to tap into the ministry for laymen.You may also ioin in our ministry through prayer and fìnancial supþort. . .

our two most imperative needs.One special project for lgg4 is the "Build a House" Campaign. Each

church and man is asked to give the building cost of one square-foot of ahouse. When we receive donations for 2,000 square feet of space, ourvolunteer laborers will construct a house, sell it and give the prôfit to thedepartment. The initial funding will be available to do it again and again.sounds likegood stewardship. The costof one square foot of building ié thecurrent market value of construction forhomes, just $35. Yourdonatiõn willwork for the Lord over and over again. ¡

f993 Glving

Stote Gifts PerMember

41................. $.3042................ .714R................ .5'lcA................ .32co............... .00F1................. .32GA............... .42Ht .............. ... 3.23tD .............. ... 1 .78t1.................. .77rN................. .19tA ................. 5.07KS................ .03KY................ .0414.............. ... 2.1 4M0............... .04Ml ................ 2.19MS................ .19MO .............. .32MT................ .00NE................ .59NJ................ .00NM............... .91NC............... .05oH............... .20oK............... .43sc................ .r0sD................ .00TN................ .54TX.............. ... 2.02v4................ .09wv............... .20cD.....,......... .00

.l993 Averoge

1992 Averoge

Spendoble lncomeI 993

$7 5,162.31

Spendoble lncome1992

$80, t 75.33

3óA394


WOMAN'S AUXITIARY

Woman's Windous on the WorldFrom My Window

"Get those feet off that board!" I can stillhear Mrs. Fort, my swimming teacher, "en-couraging" me to dive into the water. I wasafraid of the risk. After all, if I hit the water flat,I risked water bums on my exposed midriff. IfI didn't keep my head down and let it followmy arms into the water, I'd burn my face. Istood on the dMng board contemplating therisk, and I never leamed to dive well.

Are we afraid to risk? Too often we make aquiet, comfortable nest for ourselves. Then,like invisible fences, we post invisible signs:Do Not Disturb. Do Not Intrude On My Space!

Reach out to a troubled teen? Oh, no, wemay get hurt. Get involved with someone whohas a terminal illness? Too much risk.

Reach out to those with special problems orneeds? They really will not appreciate it any-way. And we'll only be rejected and hurt.

Risk takers! We need more of them.Risk takers are willing to expose themselves

to hurt. Risk takers may be fearful, but in spiteof fears, they plunge into situations that maymean failure. Theyarewilling to risk theirstuff,their wealth, even life itself for something big-ger, more important, more valuable.

Does our Christianity demand that we berisk takers?

"When he had found one pearl of greatprice, [he] went and sold all that he had, andbought it." Have you found the priceless pearl?Then it's worth all you have to risk.

"Cast thy bread upon the waters." Watch itfloat away. Who knows where it will go?

What are we risking when we give our-selves fullyto God and in His service to others?Actually we aren't risking anything at all.

The bread? "Forthou shaltfind itaftermanydays."

All we are and have for the precious pearl?"Whosoever will lose his life for my sake, thesame shall save it."

A life of service? "Forasmuch as ye knowthat your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Risk it all for Him.

Preregister forWNAC in Little Rocþ

You may still preregister for the conventionin Little Rock, July 18-19. Notice that thosewho preregister may pick up their materials

Saturday in the Statehouse Convention Centerregistration area.

When you register, be sure to order yourtickets for the WNAC Fellowship Dinner.

If you wish to pay for tickets to the dinner formissionaries, enclose the money and namethe missionaries to receive them.

Preregistration forms must reach the Na-tional Offices Building byJune 24. Forms thatcome in after that date cannot be accepted.

Local Delegates Pay $5Local women's groups may send one del-

egate to the convention in Little Rock. Thelocal delegate fee is $5.

The fee should be enclosed with the prereg-istration form orpaid at the registration deskinLittle Rock.

Secretaries' Reports Are CrucialFor the last few years the WNAC office

could compare reports from the state conven-tions with the actual dues recorded for theyear from that state. This year, since the $10dues became effective January l, 1994, duesmay vary from district to district.

The annual reportwill showonlythe mem-bers recorded on the secretary's report. Secre-taries should be as accurate as possible inreporting membership.

Reports must be in the WNAC office July LA hundred years from now the researcher

will know us only by the written record.

Plan Now for WNAC EmphosisAlthough WNAC is included in the Rest of

the Family Offering in September, women areasked to plan a special emphasis among thewomen of the church for this year. Until there issolid support in the September offering for all theagencies included, the WNAC office will needthe extra gifts for the support of the work.

Plan a special program forAugust, highlight-ing the purpose, history and achievements ofWNAC, especially for the women ofyourchurch.

Plan a special offering for the national of-fice. Quarter folders are available from theWNAC offìce.r

26Contact, June 1994

BOARD OF RETIREMEIUT

Retired and Happy!By William W. Evans

Recently, during the same week, two menvisited my office. Each had served localchurches and a national ministry. They werepioneers in their own right. Each was verymuch an individualist but at the same timecommitted to our Free Will Baptist work.

During the pastyear, each of these menhadmade the decision to retire. After 40 years theychose to step down from full-time service, butnot without facing some tough questions.

How will I like retirement?Do I have enough to get by on?What will it be like to no longer be in the

"main stream" of a church or ministry?What will I do with my time and abilities?Where will I live?Both men struggled with these and other

questions over an extended period of time.Yes, these men of faith wrestled with thesequestions. Their focus was not the same, butboth confessed to struggles in all these areas.

What were their conclusions? Their answerswere not the same for each question.

One chose to relocate; the other remainedin the home he had occupied for several years.

One had several assets to support himselfand his wife; the other had somewhat less.Both receive Social Security and a retirementfrom our Free Will Baptist Retirement Plan.

Both have found new places of service inthe Body of Christ, however, neither serves ina formal position. One man is developing aministryto the grieving; the otheris continuingan active soul-winning outreach. There is noend to their opportunity for service.

But these decisions and new activities arenot what captured my attention.

Both men proclaimed without reservationthat theywere as happyas theyhad everbeen.Both were convinced that theywere presentlyin the will of God.

So far, both men testified, their funds wereadequate to meet their needs. Neitherwas sobold as to claim sufficient funds for any emer-gency, but each expressed faith in his heav-enly Father for the unknown of their tomor-rows.

Were they just trying to convenience them-selves? I don't think so. I worked with bothmen during their decisions to retire. There

were several changes evidenced to me in thislast visit. Now the clouds and shadows weregone from their eyes, the tension gone fromtheir facial muscles.

Both menshared howGodwas using themin new exciting ways. They were no longer"professional ministers" but men who loveGod and seek to please Him.

What do they have to tellus?There are several things. One is that time

relentlessly pushes all of us into aging, there-fore we should plan for it as best we can. (Boththese mensaid theywished FreeWill Baptistshad provided a plan earlier, and that they hadparticipated more generously.)

The shock of retirement is not nearly whatthey feared.

They are not in storage, but have manymore options for service than they previouslythought.

They are depending on Social Security, pen-sion benefits from our Free Will Baptist Plan,personal saVings and investments and the Lordfor daily needs (not necessarily in that order).

They are happy because they have foundthe place God wants them now. They arecontent because they have done what theycould to prepare for this hour. They are confi-dent because their faith is still intact.

Oh, yes, they also told me of their interest inthe ministries they had retired from. Therewas a tone of awesome appreciation forwhatGod was doing without a hint of jealousy orregret. It was really refreshing.

Your personal clock of service is running.What will you be like when you retire? r


Æb FoBErGr[ MISSToNS

RFEncouraged!

Geneoa Poole and herhusband, Bobby, haoeIabored in RibeirõoPreto, Brazil, since1962. They arecunently on furlough.


By Geneva Poole

Elated? Happy? Disappointed? Encour-aged? Discouraged?

Missionaries are certainly human, so theydo experience these emotions.

At one time, it looked like our work inBrazil was moving in the wrong direction.Attendance was down and enthusiasm waslow. We were discouraged! Although wetried to rebound, something seemed to keepus from snapping back.

The Lord KnewThe Lord knew just what would help! He

brought this story to our attention:One night in the early days of our min-

istry in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, a fairly well-dressed man wandered into the small meet-ing hall after the service was well underway.He listened, but appeared to be perplexed.After the service Bobby talked to him forjust a few minutes, got his name (Sr. José, Ithink) and the address of the boardinghouse-his temporary lodging.

The very next day Bobby sought to findSr. José. He knocked several times on thedoor. It seemed like no one was in, butBobby persisted and the man finally cameto the door.

The two men began to talk, and soon, Sr.José's account of personal agony gushedforth! He told Bobby he had been on theverge of taking his life as the knock came onthe door. He had been a pastor with a lovelywife and family. But somehow he fell into sinand everything went sour. He felt he hadlost everything. In fact, life seemed nolonger worth living.

God's Word at WorhBobby took God's Word and explained to

him that it was not too late. After sometime, Sr. José prayed and asked for God'sforgiveness. Then, with a promise to callagain, Bobby left.

A day or two later Bobby did call again,but the room was vacated. No forwardingaddress had been left.

For a time we continued to pray for theman, but we heard no more from him.

Then, some years later, Dona Maria fromour church went to visit some of her familywho lived in the state to the north of us. Shewas originally from that state. After sometime in the area where she was reared,Maria felt impressed to visit a relative wholived in "the interior" of the state.

A Timely VisttSince she was there on a Sunday, she lo-

cated a small Baptist church near her rela-tives and visited it. As in most small congre-gations, every eye turned in her direction asshe entered and seated herself. The peopleseemed happy to have her. During the an-nouncements, the pastor recognized the vis-itor and asked Dona Maria to stand, give hername and where she was from. This wel-come made her feel very much at home.

As soon as the service ended, the pastormade his way to Dona Maria to find outmore. He questioned, "Did you say you arefrom Ribeirão Preto and your church is theFree Will Baptist?" She quickly answered af-firmatively. He then responded, "l reallydon't know if a pastor I once met is stillthere or not, but perhaps you know him. Hisname is Bobby Poole."

Maria's eyes lit up to find someone so faraway who would know her pastor. She re-sponded, "l certainly do! He's my pastor!How did you know him?"

The Story ReuealedThen his story tumbled from his lips. As

he unfolded events in his past and his en-counter with her pastor, he added, "Be sureto tell Pastor Bobby I owe a lot to him. Theday he talked to me there in Ribeirão Preto,I got my life right with the Lord. Afterward, Imade things right with my family and withmy denomination. God has already used meto start two churches."

Wher¡- she returned to Ribeirão Preto,Dona Mà{a carefully related to us the story,just whé-n:ve needed it!

Elated? Yes.Happy? Naturally.Encouraged? Indeed we were! I

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A Summary of Christian HistoryBy Robert A. Baker, revised by John M. Landers(lloshvllle: lroodmon ond Holmon Publlsher¡, 1994, 413 pp., hodbcch S24.g9)

he late Robert A. Baker wasregarded as one of the out-standing Baptist church his-torians of his generation. The

opportunity to study under him inseminarywas one of the highlights ofmy academic career.

This book, first published in 1959,was designed to serye as a textbookfor introductory church historyclasses. It was Dr. Baker's opinionthat most textbooks designed for in-troductory classes contained such amass of historical detail that the be-ginning student soon became lost.

In this book, he concentrated onthe most important people andevents. In the classroom, he supple-

mented the text with lectures in whichhe introduced additional historicalinformation, much of it drawn fromoriginal sources.

Baker wished to revise the bookbutwasunable todosobecause of illhealth during the lastyears of his life.Prior to his death he approved thisrevision by John Landers, one of hisformer students.

Landers made several changes inthe book which make it more usefulfor today's students. He includedquotations from 52 important Chris-tian documents, both ancient andmodern. Dr. Baker used manv ofthem in his lectures

In the original edition, Dr. Baker

gave only brief attention to events inthis century and almost none toevents since World War II. Landersrewrote the last two chapters to in-clude a much more comprehensiveanalysis of the most important eventsof this century. He has also givengreater attent¡on to the contributionsof women and minorities to Chris-tian history.

A Summary of Christian Historyhas been an outstanding introduc-tory volume to the field of churchhistory for many years. This revisionby John Landers will enable it tocontinue serving the needs of theChristian community for years tocome. I

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Contact P.O. Box 5002 TN 3701l-5002

June 1994, Contact 2i

THE 1994 NÁT/ON,ALYOUTH EVANGELISTIC TEAM

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The 1994 MET consists of winners and top-scorers from the 1993 National YouthConference i:e Louisville, Kentucþ. These twelve high-school students will be touringfor ten days this summer in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Their pro-gram, Be Strong and Courageous, will focus on the power of the cross, through mod-ern-day and Biblical testimonies. Please uphold them in your prayers and make plansto attend a service in vour area.

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Cnrunen MomçmenyHollnvood, FL


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[Yow, That's Different!magine this ad appearing inthe classifieds of the Jerusa-lem Chronicle about 800 B.C.Position Auailable: Interna-

tional firm seeks uersatile, open-minded prophet to conduct 40-dayeuangelistic uusade in large Assyriancity. Send resume to Main Gate,Nineueh.

If such an ad had appeared, theone man who absolutely, positivelywould neuer have answered it wasthe very man who got the job-acertain son of Amittai named Jonah.What on earth was God thinking?

If I'd been in charge of pasto-ral placement in Israel, I'd have senta guy like Daniel to that rough crowdin Nineveh-a man with diplomaticexperience, a man gifted with pro-phetic insight, a man who knew howto keep the big cats calm.

But God who knows all knewbet-ter. Instead, God deputized a man todo a job who hated the job so badlythat he thought he preferred drown-ing in the Mediterranean Sea topreaching on the streets of Nineveh.

A mistake? Hardly. After a three-day prayer retreat at the Moby DickInn, Jonah suddenly became cross-cultural in his outlook and Ninevehhad a revival that swept from theking to the kitchen.

The point being: God followsHis own timetable, and He seldomdoes anything the same way twice.God let Samson jerk the gates off thewalls of Gaza with his bare hands inorder to escape the Philistines. Butwhen the Romans had Simon PeterIocked in the Jerusalem pokey, Goddidn't send old Muscles to rescuePeter; He sent an angel with a pass-key. Same God, same problem, dif-ferent solution.

At times it wasn't jails but waterthat created barriers. When the RedSea prevented Israel's exodus from

Egypt, Moses stretched out the rodand dried a road across the sea bed.But Jesus didn't need the dry roadwhen the Sea of Galilee threatenedthe disciples. He walked on the wa-ter to reach them. Jonah, on theother hand, tried to use the Mediter-ranean Sea as a hideout from Godand ended up going tourist class un-der the. sea in the belly of a whale. Itwas all God's plan done God's wayin God's time.

Luke the beloved physicianwouldhave been as out of place callingdcwn fire on Mt. Carmel as Elijah theprophet trying to act as cupbearer forArtaxerxes. We'd best leave the as-signment of duty posts with God.

With God, when a lamb isenough, a lion is too much. David'shands killed the giant, but those samehands could not build the Temple.Samson's strength destroyed thetemple of Dagon, but Paul's preach-ing bankrupted Diana of the Ephe-sians. Be what you are, and God willuse that.

We're so caught up in the idea thatin order to be successful we all mustsee it alike, say it alike and sr'ng italike that we ignore reality. DoesGod wantyou to build a megachurch?Then build one. But don't criticizethe man God sends to pastor a ruralchurch with 50 in the communitv.

Remember, the dinosaur andihehorse flywere created the same day.Neithei coutd claim credit for hisuniqueness but both had beentouched by the same Hand.

God intends for some of Hispeople to disappear into society likesalt in food. They quietly change thetaste of workplaces and homes andcommunities. Their praise must waituntil judgment day.

On the other hand, God intendsthat others of His people stand outlike cities on hills, as flares against

the darkness. They make daringstatements and boldly call society torepentance in public displays.

Which of these methods is cor-rect? Both! The difference is God'schoice. Those who listento the voiceof God know when it's time to holdon like a branch hugging the vine.Theyalso knowwhen it's time to turnIoose like the Antioch Church (Acts1l:l-2) and fling themselves awayfrom home and hearth.

When God tells us to stayput,it's because we need to wait for Hispower (Acts 1:8). When God tells usto scatter, it's because His timetablehas come full circle (Acts 8:l).

One day the order of business forthe church is feeding widows (Acts6). The next day it's dealing withdoctrinal heresy (Acts l5). Which isthe right way? Both! Social concernsare important, but they must neverbe so important that theypush asidedoctrinal purity.

Benjamin Disraeli once observed,"How much easier it is to be criticalthan to be correct."

When life takes a turn wedid not foresee and can not explain,we frequently resort to the error ofJeremiah and attempt to "humbly"lecture the Almighty as he did (Jer.12:1-4).

That's when the response of Godexplodes like a thunderclap: "lf thouhast run with the footmen, and theyhave wearied thee, then how canstthou contend with horses? And if inthe land of peace, wherein thoutrusteth, theywearied thee, then howwilt thou do in the swelling of Jor-dan?" (Jer. l2:5).

We have enough onourplatewithout second-guessing God. Godtold Jeremiah to keep his mind onhis own dutyand Hewould take careof the big stuff. Hmmm. Now, that'sdifferent. r

Jock Williqms

June 1994. Contact 3l

CONTACT

P. O. Box 5002

Antioch, Tennessee 3701 1-5002

Second class postage paid al Antioch, Tennessee, and additional offices.

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BECAUSE YOU CARE AND GIVEour pastors, ministers, missionaries and churchlay employees can look forward to having theirneeds met in their older years.

Mail your gift in honor or memory of that special someone to:

Board of RetirementNational Association of Free Will BaptistsP. O. Box 5002 Antioch, Tennessee 37011-5002615-731-6812

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FmhER's Doy

June 19, 1994

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