JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

DECEMBER 15, 2012 VOL. 66 NO. 24www.bmaofmississippi.com

Rev. G.H. GordonGoes HomeEditor’s Note:Editor’s Note:Editor’s Note:Editor’s Note:Editor’s Note: Bro. G.H. Gordon passedaway on Saturday, December 15. Theinformation below was provided by hisfamily. Bro. Gordon served the BMA ofAmerica and Mississippi with honorand distinction. He was interim editorof the Mississippi Baptist and a trusteeof the Publications Department when Iwas elected in 1978. We extend oursympathies to the entire Gordon fam-ily.

NationalMeetingInformationIt’s Time! - To Make YourReservations for the 2013BMAA Meeting in Norman

The 2013 session of the BMA ofAmerica will meet April 22-24 at thebeautiful Embassy Suites Hotel andConference Center in Norman, Okla-homa. The hotel and conference centerare under one roof and are convenientlylocated just off of I-35 with shoppingareas nearby. There is plenty of freeparking for our attendees and compli-mentary shuttle service is offered tolocal area attractions within a five mileradius of the hotel. All suites haveseparate living and bedroom areas, acomplimentary cooked-to order break-fast will be served to hotel guests eachmorning, and both noon and eveningmeals can be purchased within thehotel.

When the BMAA Committee on Ar-rangements contracts with a conven-tion center to host our annual meeting,

Continued on page 2

Bro. G. H. Gordon

Rev. Granville Hollis (G.H.) Gordon,90, went to be with his heavenly FatherSaturday night, December 15, 2012 atthe home of his daughter, DonnaStrickland. (Funeral services were in-complete as we went to press). Offici-ating will be Rev. Dr. Keith Gordon,Dr. Dale Holloway, and Dr. PerrySanderford and Dr. Don Brown. Hisgrandsons will serve as pallbearers.

G.H. was born October 12, 1922,outside of Picayune to Eugenia andTom Gordon. He and his mother livedwith his sister, Verna Godshaw, andher husband, Walter, on a farm in theMill Creek community of Pearl RiverCounty. After graduating fromCarriere High School, G.H. Gordon

Continued on page 4

2012 Walk for the WorldDeadline Approaches

by Diane Wardby Diane Wardby Diane Wardby Diane Wardby Diane WardNational Walk CoordinatorNational Walk CoordinatorNational Walk CoordinatorNational Walk CoordinatorNational Walk Coordinator

We are approaching a very busy sea-son. Many things must be checked offour to-do lists before the end of theyear. Please check your list and makesure all your 2012 Walk for the Worldmoney has been turned in to Lifeword.You may make donations to Lifewordat anytime; however, for your Walk forthe World donations to count towardthe two youth room makeover contests,we must receive the funds into ouroffice on or before December 31, 2012.So please get your individual or churchofferings mailed in today. Make sureall checks are made to Lifeword and

designated for the Walk for the World;online donations may be made atwww.lifeword.org

We are anxious to see who the twoyouth room makeover winners will be.One makeover will be awarded to thechurch who raises the most money over-all, and the other will be awarded to thechurch who raises the most money percapita. The names of the winningchurches will be announced in January2013.

We extend our thanks to each of youwho faithfully supported Lifeword andthe annual Walk event again this year.May you and your family enjoy a veryMerry Christmas and a prosperous NewYear!

Why the Shock and Awe?

In this time of great concern and social confusion, may the Godof Creation and the Lord of Salvation shine forth in each heartduring this Christmas Season. Let us look to Heaven for an-swers, guidance and comfort.

May the Joy of Christ surround you and yours as we rememberthe birth of the Son of God - Jesus our Savior.

- The Editor and Trustees of your Publications Department

Thoughts About Tragic Mass Shooting

by Franklin Grahamby Franklin Grahamby Franklin Grahamby Franklin Grahamby Franklin Graham(Column First Published in the(Column First Published in the(Column First Published in the(Column First Published in the(Column First Published in the

Washington Post)Washington Post)Washington Post)Washington Post)Washington Post)Amid the "most wonderful season of

all" comes the tragic news of a de-ranged young man entering an elemen-tary school in Newtown, Conn., killing27, including 20 children. Tragically,Christmas for these families will likelybe the darkest of many dark hours tocome. The days when parents couldsend their children off to school withconfidence that they would be cared forand protected seem long gone.

Just this summer we watched asenseless shooting spree in a Coloradomovie theater take the lives of 12 peopleand injure another 59. The nationalpremiere of "The Dark Knight Rises"had Americans clamoring for tickets tobe entertained by violent behavior.When tragedies like these occur, whydo we respond with such shock andawe? Psychiatrist Keith Ablow said,"This kind of shock registers withpeople—because it seems like the un-thinkable keeps moving into the sphereof our reality."

The "unthinkable" first surfaced inmankind thousands of years ago whenCain killed his brother Abel out of merejealousy and rivalry. God had warnedCain, "Sin is crouching at your door,"but Cain ignored God's word and com-mitted murder. God punished Cain fortaking innocent life but the violentshedding of blood has continued forcenturies. Why?

The Bible answers this question withcertainty, "The heart is deceitful above

continued on page 5continued on page 5continued on page 5continued on page 5continued on page 5

2 December 15, 2012 • Mississippi Baptist

CHURCH

NEWS

Commission onSenior Adults

4226 Highway 15 NorthLaurel, Mississippi 39440 Kenneth Flynt

Director

The amazing announcement manyThe amazing announcement manyThe amazing announcement manyThe amazing announcement manyThe amazing announcement manyyears ago (Luke 2:8-11)years ago (Luke 2:8-11)years ago (Luke 2:8-11)years ago (Luke 2:8-11)years ago (Luke 2:8-11)

“And there were in the same coun-try shepherds abiding in the field, keep-ing watch over their flock by night.And lo, the angel of the Lord cameupon them, and the glory of the Lordshown round about them . . . and theangel said, I bring you good tidings ofgreat joy, which shall be to all people .. . for unto you is born this day . . aSaviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Imagine the scene as it unfoldedthat first Christmas evening. Theblackness of night is shattered by thebrightness of God’s glory. His “goodtidings of great joy” are followed im-mediately by shouts of praise from ahost of other angelic beings. Then, assuddenly as it appeared, the celestialhost vanished. DARKNESS, SI-LENCE. A sense of awe and wonder-ment.

For me, the true message of Christ-mas was shouted from heaven to theseshepherds keeping watch over Israel’ssacrificial lambs outside Bethlehem.Christmas is the time to focus on thebirth of the One found whom historyrevolves.

God’s heavenly messenger bestowedthree titles on this newborn Child. InLuke 2:11, Saviour, Christ, Lord - this

Baby was the incarnate Son of God.Tonight, walk outside and find a

place where you can look up at the skyand see the stars. Then pause for a fewminutes to thank God for the solitudeof a field outside Bethlehem were shep-herds heard heaven’s bold declara-tion. No tinsel, no tree, no commercial-ism to crowd out the message - just aclear announcement of God’s truth “Forunto you is born this day in the city ofDavid a Saviour, which is Christ theLord.”

Hannith and I wish for all our se-niors a blessed Christmas and a happyNew Year.

the rental fee is normally tied to thenumber of hotel rooms we expect ourattendees to use during the meeting.The rental fee in Norman is $5,000contingent upon our use of 200 roomsblocked at the Embassy Suites Hotel.The rental fee will increase by thedaily cost of each room not used.

Terms have been negotiated inNorman that will allow the conferencecenter space to be rent free if we usethe total number of rooms blocked atthe Embassy Suites and four overflowhotels. Please help us fill the EmbassySuites rooms first to cap the cost of therental space and then the overflowrooms will help us get the meetingspace rent free. Our association had topay $12,000 extra in Jackson, Missis-sippi last year because so many of theblocked hotel rooms were not used.Please help us avoid a situation likethat this year.

The Embassy Suites is acceptingreservations now. Please use the fol-lowing link to make your reservationsonline http://www.visitnorman.com/baptist-missionaries/ or call 405-364-8040. Please specify that you are withthe BMA of America group if you makeyour reservations by phone. Rates atthe Embassy Suites are: Single-$120,Double-$130, Triple-$140, and Quad-$150. Reservations will be accepted atthe overflow hotels at a later date.We appreciate your help.

Charles Attebery, Leon Carmical,James Ray Raines

BMAA Committee on Arrangements

NationalMeetingInformationfrom page 1

Listing of names does not indicateendorsement.

This column is forinformation purposes only.

AVAILABLEFOR SERVICE

Harold HolifieldBro. Harold Holifield is available for

fill-in service in churches reasonably closeto his home in Laurel. Bro. Holifield haspastored a number of churches and stilldesires to be used of the Lord. He maybe reached at 601-729-2666.

Sam FreemanBro. Sam Freeman is available for

pulpit supply, interim and pastoral work.Bro. Freeman has been pastoring inMississippi churches since 1999. He ismarried and has 3 children. He may bereached at 601-795-3990 or by email atsfree71@gmail.com

Church Hit By Lighteningby the edtiorby the edtiorby the edtiorby the edtiorby the edtior

The Good Hope Baptist Church,Ovett, was struck by lightening dur-ing a recent thunderstorm. The churchis located on Highway 15, near theLandrum Community south of Laurel.

The main damage was to the churchsteeple. Local volunteer fire depart-ments responded along with some goodsamaritans who were passing by. Thefire was put out quickly and report-edly little, if any damage, to the build-ing.

Pastor Ricky Mitchell stated thedamage was minimal and limited tothe steeple and roof.

Gwen Landrum, who lives in thecommunity, took this photo shortlyafter the fire started. She pointed outthat the flames look like an 'angel' ontop of the church.

If the photo prints well you shouldbe able to see the image that looks'angelic' facing the right. Do you seethe hands folded, the wings and theface?

Photo by Gwen Landrum

Church seeks used pewsThe North Spoon Baptist Church of

Poplarville, Mississippi, is in need ofsome used church pews. If you havesome pews, or know of someone whohas some used church pews, pleasecontact John Miller at 601-795-0330,601-798-8705 or 601-795-5737.

Harmony Association ReportHarmony Association ReportHarmony Association ReportHarmony Association ReportHarmony Association ReportThe December meeting of the Har-

mony Association met at Forked Oakin Booneville Friday, December 12,2012. The evening started with adelicious meal provided by the hostchurch. The meeting began with con-gregational singing and special music,followed by the welcome. The eveningmessage was brought by Bro. DonThornburg of Westview BaptistChurch in Oxord, using Proverbs 14:34-35, entitled America Remember.

There were 5 churches present with69 in attendance and 2 visitors. Theminutes and treasurer’s reports were

approved. We voted to give Bro. KelbyJohnson, Bro. Bobby Elliot and Bro.Bob Burch $1,000.00 each toward theirwork funds. The January meetingwill be in New Hope in Mantachie,with the host church providing thespeaker. The alternate speaker willBro. Tommy Shroad. Bro. BobbyElliott, Bro. Bob Burch, and Bro. LarryGeraldson gave reports.

Mike Smith, moderatorTony Marolt, reporter..

Tombigbee MeetsTombigbee MeetsTombigbee MeetsTombigbee MeetsTombigbee MeetsThe Tombigbee Association met at

East Fulton Baptist Church on De-cember 6. We opened in prayer led byBro. Gary O’Neal. The message wasbrought by Bro. Kevin Clayton titled‘The Jesus The Shepherds Didn't See.’A great meal was served by hostchurch. We had 7 churches representedwith 59 messengers with 13 visitorspresent.

Moderator Matt HudsonReporter Debbie Franks

2013 BMA of MississippiPastor's Retreat

January 28-29, 2013Lake Tiak O'Khata

Louisville, Mississippi

Registration 1:00 PMMonday, January 28

Cost $60.00 (bunkhouse)$40.00 if staying in motel

Theme - Psalm 51:10Theme - Psalm 51:10Theme - Psalm 51:10Theme - Psalm 51:10Theme - Psalm 51:10"Create in me a clean heart,

O God; and renew a rightspirit within me.

For more information contactFor more information contactFor more information contactFor more information contactFor more information contactJustin RhodesJustin RhodesJustin RhodesJustin RhodesJustin Rhodes601-218-3364601-218-3364601-218-3364601-218-3364601-218-3364

3December 15, 2012 • Mississippi Baptist

SoutheasternBaptist College

4229 Highway 15 NorthLaurel, Mississippi 39440, (601) 426-6346

Serving Christ With a Biblical World View In A Christian Atmosphere

Joseph HarrisInterim

President

Christmas at SBCChristmas at SBCChristmas at SBCChristmas at SBCChristmas at SBCThat time of

year is here:food, fun, pre-sents, food, car-oling, Christ-mas plays, food,lights, shop-ping, reindeer,and lest I for-get, food. Thecelebration ofChristmas for most of us has aspiritual emphasis, with goodold American culture mixed in.To not emphasize Christ andfamily is to miss the boat. Oursemester has ended here atSBC and everyone seemedready for the Christmas break.Our sign out front displays themessage: MERRY CHRIST-MAS TO ALL FROM SBC. Webelieve this time of year is stillCHRISTmas and not just somegeneric winter festival holiday.

End of the Year GivingEnd of the Year GivingEnd of the Year GivingEnd of the Year GivingEnd of the Year Giving2012 is almost over and some

donors wait until the end ofDecember to make a donation.Southeastern Baptist Collegeis registered as a 501 (c) (3)organization and all gifts areconsidered tax deductible con-tributions in accordance withInternal Revenue Code 170.Now is a good time for indi-

A good meal enjoyed by all

Students brought food

Southeastern Students and Staff at Laurel Christmas ParadeSoutheastern Students and Staff at Laurel Christmas ParadeSoutheastern Students and Staff at Laurel Christmas ParadeSoutheastern Students and Staff at Laurel Christmas ParadeSoutheastern Students and Staff at Laurel Christmas Parade

Campus MealCampus MealCampus MealCampus MealCampus MealThe students and staff re-

cently celebrated with aThanksgiving/Christmas din-ner celebration. Everyone par-

ticipated by bringing their fa-vorite dish. The students didan outstanding job in settingup tables and chairs and deco-

rating for the season. The fel-lowship was great and the foodwas exceptional. Chalk it up toone more fond SBC memorythat will be cherished in thehearts of all forever.

viduals to give and now is cer-tainly a good time for SBC toreceive. We are doing our partto end in the black in June 2013with recent budget cuts imple-mented in November that af-fected all employees.

The cuts had to be made inorder to not spend more thanwe are taking in. This was es-pecially difficult to announceto employees, coupled with thefact no Christmas bonuses wereavailable for this year. The loy-alty and dedi-cation of thestaff here is ex-ceptional and Iappreciate thestaff for theirunderstandingin these times.I deeply appre-ciate them fortheir work andloyalty to theLord and SBCand I especiallyappreciate ours u p p o r t i n gchurches, asso-ciations and donors for theircontributions and prayers in2012. Continue to pray for theBoard of Trustees in theirsearch for the right man to leadSoutheastern Baptist College.

Merry Christmas from SBC.

Christmas ParadeChristmas ParadeChristmas ParadeChristmas ParadeChristmas ParadeSoutheastern has experienced many “firsts” over the past six

months and participation in the local Christmas parade was justone more. This student led project was fun for all as students andstaff prepared a float to match the Bayou Christmas theme. TheSERTOMA club of Laurel sponsors this event each year and it isbilled as the largest Christmas parade in Mississippi. The routeis over two miles long and thousands of people lined the streetsof Laurel on Saturday, December 1. It was great advertising forthe college and a lot of fun for all involved.

Letters FromOur Readers

Letters reflect the opinion of thewriter and not necessarily this

publication or the BMA of Mississippi

Report on Go Forth Bap-Report on Go Forth Bap-Report on Go Forth Bap-Report on Go Forth Bap-Report on Go Forth Bap-tist Worship Center, atist Worship Center, atist Worship Center, atist Worship Center, atist Worship Center, amission point in Lucedalemission point in Lucedalemission point in Lucedalemission point in Lucedalemission point in LucedaleDear Editor,

The mission started with aburden for missions by mis-sionary Donald Hilbun in 2011.After several weeks of Biblestudies, prayer, and much de-liberation, it became clear thatthe Lord was moving on me tobegin a work in this area. Afterbeing convinced this was thework to which I was to proceedin, I shared this vision withPastor John Mills of Pineview

Baptist inLucedale.BrotherMills int u r ns h a r e dthis withPineview.In Febru-ary of2 0 1 2Pineview,a f t e rmuch prayer, unanimouslyidentified me as their mission-ary for this work.

Since February we have hadconsistent growth. We are av-eraging in attendance 25. Thisaverage includes Sunday andWednesday services. Membersare being won in door to dooroutreach. We do not solicit formembers from other churches.Some have united with us that

were not involved in otherchurches.

Our support comes mainlyfrom our tithes and offerings.These tithes and offerings av-erage about Four Hundred andFifty dollars per week. Othersupport comes from Pineviewwho gives about $200 permonth; Pleasant Hill $25 permonth, and Biloxi River $100.Sanctuary chairs were pur-chased by Westhaven, RockHill, Campground, PleasantHill and Pineview. Rock Hill isfaithful in many areas of theministry. Campground andPleasant Hill have given us twopersonal love offerings in 2012.

We have been seeking prop-erty in North Lucedale andNorth George County. Everybid and investigation we maderesulted in closed doors. Wedidn’t know why, but God did.

During the praying and seek-ing we didn’t know the Lordwas working on a saint in asister church to make an offerto us. In North Lucedale citylimits we were offered a six-teen acre campus for$40,000.00. We did not bid onthis property. God spoke to herand this was her offer. We arein the process of acquiring thesefunds at present from our statemissions office. Once the prop-erty is paid for we will begin

construction. If you would helpwith this purchase you may doso through our mother church,Pineview Missionary Baptistin Lucedale.

A very special thanks to mylovely wife, Sister Patsy, for allher work with me here andabroad.

In His Service,Missionary Donald Hilbun601-508-5784Pastor John Mills601-408-0537

Donald & Patsy Hilbun

4 December 15, 2012 • Mississippi Baptist

Don BrownEditor

Opinion PageJournal of the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi

Baptist Missionary Associationof Mississippi

www.bmaofmississippi.com

DEPARTMENTS & COMMISSIONS

Mississippi Baptist PaperP.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS 39441

601-426-3293

Southeastern Baptist College4229 Highway 15 North Laurel, MS

39440 - 601-426-6346

State Youth DepartmentP.O. Box 4247, Laurel, MS 39441

662-397-6832

Baptist Children's Home118 Lowe Rd., Laurel, MS 39443

601-426-3928

Missions & Revolving Loan Fund4226 Highway 15 North, Laurel, MS

39440 - 601-428-8616

Commission on Senior Adults4226 Highway 15 North, Laurel, MS

39440601-729-3198

History & Archives Commission4229 Highway 15 North, Laurel, MS

39440601-729-8098

Moral ActionP.O. Box 88, Mantachie, MS 38855

Don J. Brown, EditorE-Mail - editor@msbaptist.orgWeb site www.msbaptist.org

USPS 353-960P.O. Box 8181

Laurel, Mississippi 39441-8000

Phone 601-426-3293Fax 601-763-4430

PRICE$20.00 Per Year by Mail

$10.00 Per Year by EmailCHURCH PLAN$ 1.30 Per Month

Published on the 1st and 15thof each month by the Baptist Mis-sionary Association of Mississippi.Periodical postage paid atHattiesburg, Mississippi 39402.

Postmaster: Send addresschanges to the Mississippi BaptistPaper, P.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS39441-8000.

Church of the Covered Dish BY THOMAS TAPP

married Miriam Culpepper. Soon af-terward, he enlisted in the Army AirCorp and was stationed in Liverpool,England during WWII.

Following the war, he returned hometo meet his eighteen month old daugh-ter, Tessa. He and Miriam built ahome and he worked with Interna-tional Harvester in Picayune. Feelingthe call into the ministry, he was or-dained April 2, 1950. He then movedhis family to Jacksonville, TX, wherehe attended Jacksonville Baptist Theo-logical Seminary.

During his 58 years of ministry, hepastored: Friendship Baptist Churchand Little Flock, Jewett, TX (1950-51);Rural Shade, Kerens, TX (1951-52); Ogden Avenue, Mobile, AL (1952-54); Stanton Way, Mobile, AL (1954-

58); Creston Hills, Jackson (1958-65);Shady Grove, Laurel (1965-74);Creston Hills, Jackson (1974-84); Roll-ing Hills, Jacksonville, FL (1984-86);Temple, Lucedale (1986-89); HighlandPark, Hattiesburg (1990-96); Shiloh,Mt. Olive (1996-98); and Pear Orchard,Jackson (1998-2008).

For eight years, he served as editorof the Mississippi Baptist, the weeklypaper of the Baptist Missionary Asso-ciation (BMA). He also served as Di-rector of the BMA Publication Depart-ment and as Recording Secretary ofboth the state and national Mission-ary Baptist organizations.

Throughout his life, he was an avidwood craftsman. His porch swings,tables, and Christmas decorationswere often gifted to family and friends.He and Miriam especially enjoyed timespent at their getaway place in JasperCounty.

He was admired and respected for

his devotion to being a Christian wit-ness. G.H. loved the Lord, the churchand his family.

He was preceded in death by hiswife of 65 years, Miriam; his eldestdaughter, Tessa Gordon Darst; andhis great grandson, Nathan Key. He issurvived by his wife, Ruby Kennedy;son, Keith (Judy) Gordon, Pearl; Cathy(Jay) Johnson, Ashville, NC; ConnieLowe, Laurel; and Donna (Nick)Strickland, Brandon: grandchildrenGordon Darst, Gerald Gordon II, Dr.Jessica Gordon, Rodney Johnson,Jeannie Johnson, Deidra Johnson, LoriLowe Key, Lou Lowe, Sally SlaterEasterling, Tom Slater, and StevenSlater; and 14 great grandchildren.

The family would like to give specialthanks for the care given by PamHorton, Lolita Jackson, Flora Bilbrew,Sandral Mack, John Anderson, JackieCoates, Lyquita Anderson and MaryNason.

G.H. Gordonfrom page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1

Things That Need Our AttentionWith all that is going on in the world

we still must continue to work andoperate on a daily basis. We are notcalled to quit nor arewe to be timid inthese difficult anddangerous days inwhich we live.

January 2013January 2013January 2013January 2013January 2013Contrary to what

a great number ofpeople fear and whatsome do not under-stand, I do not thinkthe 'world will end'on December 21, 2012 as some creditthe ancient Mayan civilization as pre-

dicting. This world will not end end end end end forquite some time, for first Jesus mustcome for His church. I do hope that Hecomes soon.

Barring His return for another 30days or so, we must ask that you againsupport this ministry with a good Spe-cial Emphasis Offering in January2013.

Each year it becomes harder to ac-cept the new number that we have todeal with - I thought the year 2000 washard to accept, but each subsequentyear just adds another level of "wow".

We continue to plan and work forthe future. That being the case, we arelooking for a good Special Emphasisoffering from our supporters.

Would you plan now to give a goodoffering to your Publications Depart-ment in January? This annual offer-ing is a vital part of our operatingbudget and is a real need.

G.H. GordonG.H. GordonG.H. GordonG.H. GordonG.H. GordonIn March of 1978 at a special called

meeting of the BMA of Mississippi andat the request of the Publications Trust-ees, I was selected as the editor of theMississippi Baptist. The driving forcebehind that selection was Bro. G.H.Gordon. He was a trustee and InterimEditor. He had a vision for this work toexpand and become a full-time minis-try.

Many things have changed over thepast 35 years. Budgetary concernscaused this ministry to become part-time a few years ago, but the vision ofBro. Gordon continues. I know theMississippi Baptist is better today dueto his vision for this department andthe work of our churches as a whole.

Pray for the family in their loss, butcelebrate and honor the Lord for thehomegoing of Granville H. Gordon.

5December 15, 2012 • Mississippi Baptist

Your Support & Gifts Are Appreciated!Your Support & Gifts Are Appreciated!Your Support & Gifts Are Appreciated!Your Support & Gifts Are Appreciated!Your Support & Gifts Are Appreciated!

January 2013 - Special EmphasisJanuary 2013 - Special EmphasisJanuary 2013 - Special EmphasisJanuary 2013 - Special EmphasisJanuary 2013 - Special Emphasis

Our Need - $10,000Our Need - $10,000Our Need - $10,000Our Need - $10,000Our Need - $10,000

Don BrownEditor JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

On The Web at www.msbaptist.org

Your Support & Gifts Are Appreciated!Your Support & Gifts Are Appreciated!Your Support & Gifts Are Appreciated!Your Support & Gifts Are Appreciated!Your Support & Gifts Are Appreciated!That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalm 26:7

January 2013 - Special EmphasisJanuary 2013 - Special EmphasisJanuary 2013 - Special EmphasisJanuary 2013 - Special EmphasisJanuary 2013 - Special Emphasis

all things, and desperately wicked(Jeremiah 17:9). In fact, the Bible givesclear testimony to just how evil thehuman race became. "The Lord sawthat the wickedness of man was greatin the earth, and that every intent ofthe thoughts of his heart was only evilcontinually. And the Lord "was grievedin His heart" (Genesis 6:5-6).

Where do we go from here? We mightstart by looking at what we watch andlisten to. For example, South Koreanrapper sensation, Psy, who has gainedworldwide acclaim by singing thatAmericans should be killed "slowlyand painfully," including, "daughters,mothers, daughters-in-law and fa-thers" was featured last weekend at"Christmas in Washington," a charityconcert attended by President Obama.Parents and children are feeding onentertainment that portrays violencewhether through lewd television pro-grams, violent movies, offensive mu-

sic, vulgar video games and anything-goes Internet gaming sites.

Society craves violence as long as itcomes in the form of entertainment.Our outlook changes when we becomeits victims. This is precisely why Goddid not stand by unconcerned. His lovefor mankind is so overwhelmingly pow-erful that His wrath against evil isrevealed from heaven against all un-godliness and the unrighteousness ofmen (Romans 1:18). The Bible saysthat people suppress the truth throughunrighteous behavior that begins inthe mind.

During this Christmas season, weshould turn our minds and hearts fromwickedness and remember what Godhas done for the world He loves. Hesent His only Son, the Lord JesusChrist, as the Christmas Child to pointus to the way of truth. "For God soloved the world that He gave His onlySon, that whoever believes in Him

should not perish but have everlastinglife" (John 3:16). His innocent bloodwas shed to cover our sinful hearts,and to those who will seek Him, Heoffers His abiding peace. He is thepeace that surpasses all understand-ing.

The same God who gave the worldHis greatest gift, will also comfort thehearts of the grieving—in Newtown,Conn., or anywhere else—for He un-derstands grief. He became a curse forus so that His promise would be ful-filled through faith in Him (Galatians3:13). This is the shocking awe, thatGod would send so great a message inthe form of a child. Indeed, this is themessage of Christmas.

Why the Shock and Awe?continued from page 1continued from page 1continued from page 1continued from page 1continued from page 1

National Brotherhood ProjectFor a number of years our Brother-

hood promoter was Bro. Arthur Smith.When it came to promoting a worthycause, no one could do it better thanBro. Smith. Even when he was sickthis past April, he willingly spoke ofpromoting our worthy project. Sincehis death in May, there has been no

promotion of the project. In his place,I want to keep you informed about ourproject.

Moral Action of America is ourproject. Dr. John Adams and the staffof this department deserve our sup-port. Our country is in a great moraldecline. So far this year there hasbeen over 600 instances where ourfreedom has had to be defended in thecourts. In a country where we aresuppose to have religious freedom, it isfast becoming put down.Without your support this departmentcannot promote morality among ourchurches. Dr. and Mrs. Adams visitour legislatures in Washington to letthem know we are holding them ac-countable for the leadership of ourcountry.

Please support Moral Action ofAmerica with your prayers and mon-etary gifts.

Please send offerings toRobert Bynum43 Bear Pen Creek RoadLaurel, MS 39440

6 December 15, 2012 • Mississippi Baptist

Mississippi W.M.A.Blinda Lee, President

77 Morrow Rd., Purvis,MS 39475601-596-3417

blinda.lee@lamarcountyschools.org

Corresponding SecretaryMrs. Shirlene Smith

730 Hwy 533, Laurel, MS 39443601-729-5638

TTTTTen Mile District WMAen Mile District WMAen Mile District WMAen Mile District WMAen Mile District WMA Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting

Northeast District WMA ReportNortheast District WMA ReportNortheast District WMA ReportNortheast District WMA ReportNortheast District WMA Report

2011-2012 Theme - Commit-ted to God - “Commit thy wayunto the Lord; trust also inHim; and He shall bring it topass” Psalms 37:5.

The Ten Mile WMA held itsrmeeting on October 8, 2012, atVardaman Street BaptistChurch, Wiggins. The meetingwas called to order by the FirstVice President Louise Crawley.President Myrtis Mallett wasabsent due to family illness.

Sister Louise Crawly blessedus with a devotional fromPsalms 103. “Visualizing Your-self as a Pumpkin,” She used areal pumpkin to remind us thatall Pumpkins are different andall come in different sizes. Weare the same way, all differentmade by our maker The LordJesus Christ. Pumpkins aredistributed to all areas in theUnited States. We need to con-tinue to pray for the Lord tosend his spirit inside us on adaily basis. God open the top ofus and look inside me. What dowe see on the outside of thepumpkin? Lord help us to re-move what is inside of us, for-give us of our sins. Pumpkin’s

eyes are different sizes. Psalms1-19 we can see our Lord, wecan open our eyes to faith andsee ourselves in the mirror.Daily rededicate our lives tothe Lord. The Pumpkin’s Nosewas a cross showing us Faith inthe cross. The Cross symbol-izes Forgiveness. The Earsgive us the sign to Listen to theLord’s word (we all need to workin this area - John 47). ThePumpkin’s mouth reminds usto spread the word of JesusChrist, win souls and daily bemissionaries.

The ladies of the Ten MileWMA acknowledged the pres-ence of Sister Virgene Bell. Hergrandson brought her so shecould attend the meeting.

A Video, “The Great Physi-cian,” was shown and encour-aged us to have Faith, Joy,Believe, Trust, and Know thatGod is in control.

We enjoyed refreshmentsand a great fellowship with TenMile Baptist Church. Our nextmeeting will be at Ten MileBaptist Church on January 14,2013.

Reporter Maria Ochoa

The Northeast District WMAmet at East Fulton ChurchNovember 13, 2012, at 6:00 p.m.for a delicious meal of sand-wiches and good hot soup. Pas-tor Gary Smith led the prayerand blessing on the food. Thankyou East Fulton for such alovely meal and your hospital-ity!

After the meal PresidentStacy Smith called the meet-ing to order. There were 38members present with 6churches represented. Mrs.Elaine Smith gave a report onthe State meeting. The Stateproject for 2012-2013 will befinancial assistance to the twoWMA ladies and three GMAgirl’s mission trip to Ukraine.Any funds left over will go toBro. Ed Duvall’s work fund.

The Northeast District nextproject will be Moral Action,Dr. John Adams director. TheWMA National Project for2012-2013 will be Camp Colo-rado. We were delighted to haveBro. Bob Burch and his wife

Edie. They showed slides of theprogress of the Caledoniachurch building in the Colum-bus area. They had their firstmeeting there November 18,2012. Our prayers are with you.The program was very impres-sive. Mollie Bean sang “Mightyto Save.” Good job Mollie! Thetheme of the meeting was “Fall-ing Before Jesus.” Several la-dies read different scripture ofpeople who fell at the feet ofJesus and were healed,cleansed, and forgiven. A verygood program for our day whenso many people are too proudto fall before Jesus!

The following announce-ments were made: Rita Sweatwill speak at Bethel BaptistChurch on January 16, 2013 at6 p.m. Everyone is invited tohear her. Mrs. Donna Lawrenceis home, but very much in needof our prayers. May God blessyou, Donna and Bro. David. Alove offering of $170.00 wastaken for them. Anita Akersasked us to remember her

daughter-in-law Julie Akers inprayer.

A retreat planing meetingwill be held at East FultonChurch sometime in January.The next district meeting willbe at First Baptist, Mantachieon February 12. We want tothank Debbie Hopper for print-ing our yearbook for 2012-2013.Beverly Bean led the closingprayer.

Betty Moody, Reporter

Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank YYYYYou Tou Tou Tou Tou To The Mississippi WMAo The Mississippi WMAo The Mississippi WMAo The Mississippi WMAo The Mississippi WMA Ladies! Ladies! Ladies! Ladies! Ladies!by Bro. Rocky Goodwin, EIM Directorby Bro. Rocky Goodwin, EIM Directorby Bro. Rocky Goodwin, EIM Directorby Bro. Rocky Goodwin, EIM Directorby Bro. Rocky Goodwin, EIM Director

& Fonda Norris, Shepherd Bags Coordinator& Fonda Norris, Shepherd Bags Coordinator& Fonda Norris, Shepherd Bags Coordinator& Fonda Norris, Shepherd Bags Coordinator& Fonda Norris, Shepherd Bags Coordinator

We want to say a big“THANK YOU!” to the Missis-sippi State WMA ladies. Wow,what a blessing when we re-ceived the offering for the Shep-herd Bags Ministry. It couldnot have come at a better time.Funds had gotten so low thatwe could not order sup-plies but now we willbe able to start backafter Christmas mak-ing bags. The offeringcame just as we hadreturned from Hondu-ras delivering over2,000 bags.

In addition to thechildren, the Gospelwas preached to school admin-istrators, principals, teachersand village officials at eightschools. Many heard the truthof the Gospel of Jesus Christfor the very first time and ac-cepted Him as Savior. At onevillage we preached andhanded out bags in the coolmountain rain. But it wasworth it!

Many think only of schoolchildren when thinking of theShepherd Bags and who it isreaching. But take a momentto read below just a few of thehighlights we’ve experiencedthis year while handing outbags. Up in the rural mountains, (Imean way up, it took us fourhours by four wheel drive truckto reach it!) we went to thesevery small schools that wasmiles away from any town andgave simple presentations ofthe Gospel and at each placewe had people get saved. Atone school there was a very tallboy and he was dressed verypoorly. When asked who hadinvited Jesus into their heartsto raise their hands. His handsshot up. He told us he raisedboth hands because he wantedto make sure we knew that hehad asked Christ to save him! On that same trip, we had tohire a policeman to go with usbecause it was coffee harvest-

ing season. He was in hisstarched blue uniform & with arifle slung over his shoulders.At the very first school that wewere able to present the Gos-pel he stood outside the schoolwindows and during the invi-tation he bowed his head. While

he didn’t say anything then, atthe second school he justseemed different. He jumpeddown from the truck and start-ing helping unload boxes. Whenit was time to pray at the nextschool, he took off his hat andput it over his heart. When wedrove back down the mountainand dropped him off at his roadto walk home, he told Bro.Manuel Lepe, our EIM direc-tor in Honduras that he wanteda Bible and he had asked Christinto his heart at the firstschool!!!! This summer we did a Bibleschool in Honduras. Eachmorning we would go out andtake Shepherd Bags to differ-ent village schools. At one ofthe schools, as soon as we droveup this woman walks over andasks can Bro. Rocky andManuel come and pray with alady in the house (it was acrossfrom the school). Right insidethe door was a bed and a ladywas on it that was dying ofcancer. She looked like a con-centration camp survivor shewas so thin. Bro. Rocky sharedChrist with her and she prayed.She raised her skinny arm andsaid, “I am so at peace now andnot afraid to die.” “I am so gladyou came to my house today.”We wouldn’t have ever beenthere at that village if we werenot there delivering ShepherdBags. So I always tell peoplethat not only are children be-ing saved but adults are as well.We’ve had a Catholic schoolprincipal saved and some teach-ers too. We were heading to a school todeliver bags this summer andthe river had flooded the roadand we couldn’t get there. Wewondered what to do since wehad a truck load full of Shep-herd Bags. So we just startstopping at every house back

on the way home that we seekids at and start sharing Christand give them bags. At onehouse that we had passed ev-ery day going to Bible schoolthere was a lady with childrenthat we would see. We stoppedand her children ran behind

the back and shewouldn’t come to thedoor. She finally didand we shared Christand she received Him.After that, each daywhen we would passher house going toBible school she wouldstand out there andsmile and wave really

big. One lady on the team madea neat spiritual observation.She said, “all week long wedrove by and she would shrinkinto the “darkness” of herhouse. After she was saved shecame out into the “light” towave. Her whole facial expres-sion was different. On that same day that theriver was flooded we stoppedat a house and gave two ladiesand three children some bags.The children were really youngbut we shared Christ and thegrandmother was saved!!! When we make our unisex bagshere in Warren, we put our 7”EIM Spanish John 3:16 frisbeesthat we’ve had designed for us.While giving them out in Hon-duras, the children turnedthem over and said, “dish”.They thought they were some-thing they ate out of. When wedemonstrated and showedthem how to throw them, theirfaces lit up. We said, “Look theWord of God is flying all aroundthis school yard!” They havebeen a huge hit in Hondurasand we feel blessed that we’releaving the Word with themand those will be played within all the schools and neighbor-hoods.

When we go into the schoolsand villages YOU are therewith us because you have lovedthe souls of children andpartnered with us to see thatthe Gospel is preached in coun-tries around the world. We can’tsay it enough but we reallycouldn’t do it without you!

Please join us in praying forour last Shepherd Bags Distri-bution Team. They will be inHonduras passing out bagsDecember 14-19. Please praythat many will be saved.

Have a Merry Christmas anda blessed New Year!

7December 15, 2012 • Mississippi Baptist

CHILDREN'S HOME118 LOWE ROAD, LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI 39443 - (601) 426-3928

SIDNEY DAVISDIRECTOR

Keep Christ in ChristmasKeep Christ in ChristmasKeep Christ in ChristmasKeep Christ in ChristmasKeep Christ in ChristmasSoon it will be Christmas

day and we will recognize thebirth of our Savior and sooncoming King. It is good that wecan choose to celebrate withthe shepherds the good newsthat was announced by theangel to them that indeed aSavior had been born. Luke2:8-11.

From now to Christmas daymany shoppers will be crowd-ing the shopping malls anddepartment stores rushingaround to purchase gifts. Thatis just great for the corpora-tions and store owners becauseit’s the time of the year whentheir business is making a goodprofit.

To others this time of theyear is merely taking a trip totheir favorite vacation spot. Tomany children Christmasmeans getting that longawaited toy or gift.

The youth at our church pre-sented a Christmas programrecently that depicted a familyputting out their manger scene,but baby Jesus could not befound. Many members of thefamily were not too concernedthat He couldn’t be found.

You know, Christ can get

lost among all the excitementof Christmas time if one is notvery careful. Finally, babyJesus was found and the man-ger scene wascomplete. ThisChristmas willnot be completeif Christ is notthe centerpieceof our Christ-mas.

Praying thatyou will have aChrist filledC h r i s t m a sfrom all of us at the Children’sHome.

Recent Church VisitsRecent Church VisitsRecent Church VisitsRecent Church VisitsRecent Church VisitsWe were with the Magnolia

Baptist Church in Hattiesburgon Sunday, December 2nd fortheir evening service and theirannual Children’s HomeChristmas and fellowship.Then on Sunday, December 9thwe were with the Lee’s Chapel#1 Baptist Church nearCarriere for our annual visitwith them.

Remember in PrayerRemember in PrayerRemember in PrayerRemember in PrayerRemember in PrayerContinue to remember the

Home and its ministry in yourdaily prayers.

Sofilthy's Atticby Barbara White

Goethe’ Goethe’ Goethe’ Goethe’ Goethe’s Ws Ws Ws Ws WritingsritingsritingsritingsritingsI was thumbing through a book the other day

and came across this writing by Goethe. I dug alittle and learned that he was born in the 1700's andlived into the 1800's. Even though this was written

centuries ago, it's still applicable to modern day times. Readit and see if you don't agree.

There Are Nine Requisites for Contented Living

Health enough to make work a pleasure;Wealth enough to support your needs;Strength enough to battle with difficulties and overcome

them;Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them;Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished;Charity enough to see some good in your neighbor;Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to

others;Faith enough to make real the things of God;Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the

future.

(Just think of the words that were written many centuriesbefore these were written that are still applicable to our livestoday. God's Word will never become outdated.)

Family ArkMinistries

Travis Plumlee

They Have A Good Home LifePart Three - Encouragement

This is a series of articleswritten to help us focus ourpassions and priorities on whatmakes a good home life. I hearpeople talking in church aboutother people's kids or theirmarriages; and they all agreethat these people have a "goodhome life". What characteris-tics make up a good home life?What are the common threadsin the family fabric of Chris-tian homes that are healthy,holy and work well? Hopefullythrough this series of articles,it will help you learn, focus,and increase your efforts onthese traits that are found con-sistently in homes that are anice place to grow up in or growold in.

ENCOURAGEMENTENCOURAGEMENTENCOURAGEMENTENCOURAGEMENTENCOURAGEMENTIf love is the foundation of

the good home and forgivenessis the roof we live under, thenencouragement becomes theframework for all the rooms ofthe good home. In my confer-ences, sometimes I get thecrowd to laugh when I ask themto raise their hands up ifthis is a true statementfor them. "How may ofyou are depressed andneed counseling becauseyou are over encouraged?How many of you will saythat you can't stand itanymore if you get anymore thanks from yourfamily, your co-workersand your fellow church mem-bers? You need help at homebecause you are simply overappreciated?" Laughter en-sues. But in reality, it is kind ofsad isn't it!

Very few people are appreci-ated for the beautiful personthey are in Jesus Christ. Weare Sons and Daughters of theMost High God. II Corinthians6:18. We are princes and prin-cesses of the King. Romans8:17. He has made us wonder-ful. Psalm 139:14. He hascrowned us with glory andhonor. Psalm 8:5. He has madeus in his beautiful image, Gen-esis 1:27, yet others around usfail to see it or acknowledge it.

Therefore, most Christiansdrag through life with discour-agement. It often times leadsto depression. It can lead tofeelings of being unworthy,worthless, hopeless, and un-loved.

As a personal note to your-self, you can find encourage-ment from the Lord. If you have

very little encouragement,don't look for people to give it toyou and then get depressedwhen they don't. You encour-age others. Let your light shinebefore others. But you can al-ways encourageyourself in the Lord.How? By memoriz-ing those scripturesI just listed earlierin the article. Itdoesn't matter whopeople say you are.It only matters whoGod says you are.He says he abso-lutely loves and ac-cepts you forever.Romans 8:38,39. If no one elseencourages you, encourageyourself by knowing truly whoyou are in Jesus Christ. You'reroyalty. Don't look down. Lookup!

Do you know what one of themost powerful tools is to keepall kids off of drugs and alco-

hol? Encouragement. It is fre-quently discouraged kids thatgravitate to the wrong peergroup who pull them down intothe depths of chemical abuse.Everyone is built by God toneed love and acceptance.When we don't find that athome, we as humans tend to gotry and find it somewhere else.We shouldn't. But we do.

When people are not ac-cepted or encouraged at home,they go find friends who doaccept them and encouragethem. However, it is most likelyin an ungodly way. People whoare stuck in a marriage that isnot encouraging will oftentimes resort to looking for acheap substitute for what they

are needing and missing athome. It can be adultery. It canbe overwork at the job. Accep-tance through looks by overexercising. Trying to beg forencouragement by changing

the way we look.Some even look foracceptance and en-couragement atthe bottom of abottle. But encour-agement can onlytruly be given to usfrom our Creator.And then we mustpass it on to thosewe love.

I Thessalonians5:11, "Wherefore comfort your-selves together, and edify oneanother, even as also ye do."Families should comfort eachother as they live together. Wedo this by edifying each other.Edify means to build up. Buildeach other up. Don't alwaystear down. Our saying in ourhome is - Build Up or Hush Up!Edify comes from the root wordfor building. A store front onMain Street is called the edi-fice. We are to build up. Buildup your mate. Build up yourparents. Build up your kidsand grandkids. None of us getenough of it. You may thinkyou are encouraging, but all ofus can do more of it.

Ephesians 4:29, " Letno corrupt communi-cation proceed out ofyour mouth, but thatwhich is good to theuse of EDIFYING,that it may minister

grace unto the hear-ers."

I quote this verse everysingle day. The way youtalked to that person just

now, did it build them up? En-couragement can come in manyforms. It can be nice actions. Itcan be showing kindness andappreciation. But the Biblestates that the best way to en-courage someone is throughyour words. It is easy to criti-cize and complain. Ask God tohelp you see the good in people.Then, take an action. Actuallystart saying something to oth-ers. Each day, make it a pointto encourage someone you see.Write a card. Send an e-mail.Give a hug. Say to someone, "Ireally appreciate you because .. . ".

A good home life is where allfamily members thrive withinthe walls of encouragement.

8 December 15, 2012 • Mississippi Baptist

Larry GeraldsonDirector

The Spirit of ChristmasThe Spirit of ChristmasThe Spirit of ChristmasThe Spirit of ChristmasThe Spirit of ChristmasHave you ever been challenged to

get in the Christmas spirit? Have youever wondered exactly what thatmeans? I’m afraid that the Christmasspirit, referred to by the world, is worldsapart from the central truth of thebiblical text. In Luke 1:35 the scrip-tures say, “And the angel answeredand said unto her, The Holy Ghostshall come upon thee, and the power ofthe Highest shall overshadow thee:therefore also that holy thing whichshall be born of thee shall be called theSon of God.”

John MacArthur describes whathappened; “Here is really where thestory of Jesus Christ starts histori-cally. The angel Gabriel comes to ateen-aged girl, probably 13 or 14, liv-ing in a humble home, no doubt, in anon-descript town called Nazareth andtells her that God has chosen her forspecial grace and special favor whichis that she will become the mother ofthe Son of God and that she will con-ceive and bear that Son while still avirgin.

Obviously from a human perspec-tive, that is not possible. In verse 34Mary says, "How can this be since I'ma virgin?" In verse 37 the angel re-minds her, "Nothing will be impos-sible with God." What is going to hap-pen is described in verse 35, "The HolySpirit will come upon you," in place ofa man, a husband, "and the power ofthe Most High will hover around youand because of that you will have aholy child who will be the Son of God."

Now the conception of Jesus Christin this manner is unique in all thehistory of humanity. This is the onlytime this has or ever will occur. This isabsolutely critical to the Christianmessage. This is critical to the gospel.This is critical to Christianity, to bibli-cal theology because it protects thenature of Christ as God and Man. Hehad to be born of God to be Son of God.He had to be born of a woman to be Son

of Man. And so in thisincredible miracle,Mary who is humanand God who is di-vine are brought to-gether and one is bornof God and of womanwho is God and Man,the God/Man JesusChrist. And the na-ture of Jesus Christ

as God and Man is at the heart of theChristian faith. If anyone denies thedeity of Jesus Christ, they have de-stroyed Christianity. What you haveleft is a satanic, deceptive, counterfeit,lying religion invented by men anddemons to destroy the truth.”

The doctrine of the virgin birth isessential to our gospel. My prayer thisChristmas is that the Holy Spirit willovershadow those who are lost, in yourfamily and mine, and that faith in theLord Jesus Christ will be conceived intheir heart bearing fruit unto repen-tance and that they may receive thegift of grace from the Heavenly Fatherfrom whom all blessings flow.Prayer Requests

Please pray for Kelby and JessieJohnson. Jessie posted this onFacebook recently: “Kelby and I wantto let everyone know what is going onwith our pregnancy. We found outtoday that baby Adley has Trisomy 13.Trisomy 13 is a genetic disorder thatinvolves abnormalities of the brain,heart, face, hands, and feet. It is likelythat Adley will not survive the preg-nancy. I am fine physically but as youcan imagine there are many emotionsat this time. We ask for prayers thatGod's will be done and that we wouldgrieve and suffer in a way that bringsglory to God. We are so thankful forthe comforting prayers, calls, and textsfrom so many. We know that God issovereign over all things and will leadus through this situation.” "Thereforelet those who suffer according to God'swill entrust their souls to a faithful

Creator while doing good." 1 Peter4:19

Also, pray for Ms. JoAnn Boone,wife of missionary Ray Boone who isbattling a very bad foot injury. Also,remember Edie Burch, wife of mis-sionary Bob Burch, who is returningto the Oncologist for follow-up appoint-ments.

Sadness and JoySadness and JoySadness and JoySadness and JoySadness and JoyOur office is filled with a mixture of

sadness and joy as we say, “Goodbye”to Ms. Lori Garrett and say, “Wel-come” to Ms. Brandy Riley.

Ms. Lori has served our churches

faithfully for over 15 years. Her skillscoupled with her gracious spirit havebeen a tremendous asset to the entireBMA of Mississippi. Lori is from Soso,MS, a member of Lebanon BaptistChurch, and began working for theBMA of MS Missions & Revolving LoanFund Depart-ment in May1997 after feel-ing led by theLord to do so.We so greatlyappreciate herservice andcontributionand she will bemissed by all ofus.

We welcomeMs. BrandyRiley as thenew Office Manager of the BMA ofMississippi Missions and RevolvingLoan Fund Department. Ms. Brandywas born on November 18, 1972 and isfrom Wiggins, MS. She graduatedfrom Mississippi Gulf Coast Commu-nity Collegeand the Uni-versity ofS o u t h e r nMississippiwhere sheearned aBachelor’sdegree inB u s i n e s sAdministra-tion with anemphasis inAccountingand aMaster’s degree in Business Adminis-tration. Brandy has over 15 years ofaccounting and management experi-

Brandy Riley

Bro. Geraldson presentingMrs. Lori Garrett with plaque

Lori Garrett displayingplaque recognizing her

15 years of service

Ken & Brandy Riley

ence and feels blessed to now be able touse her experience for the work of them i n i s t r y .Brandy mar-ried her hus-band Ken in1994 and Godhas blessedthem with 2c h i l d r e n ,Brianna andKris. Brandyserves along-side her hus-band as hepastors Leba-non BaptistChurch inLaurel. Wefeel fortunateto have Ms. Brandy serve with us andwe welcome her to our team.

High Attendance ForHigh Attendance ForHigh Attendance ForHigh Attendance ForHigh Attendance ForThe Month of NovemberThe Month of NovemberThe Month of NovemberThe Month of NovemberThe Month of November

Church PlantersBobby Elliott 41Bob Burch 28Kelby Johnson 25Justin Rhodes 15Ray Boone 49Sidney Farmer 30

Hispanic Missions - SouthHattiesburg 13Biloxi n/aLaurel 142

Hispanic Missions - NorthTupelo 25Oxford 12Ripley 120

African American WorkIndianola 60Olive Branch 12Cleveland 24

Revolving Loan FundRevolving Loan FundRevolving Loan FundRevolving Loan FundRevolving Loan FundHere is where we stood as of the end

of November: Gross Assets =$16,269,812.29, an increase of$840,412.94 since August 1, 2012. Weopened 15 new investment accountsthis fiscal year totaling $491,459.84.We have issued new loans this fiscalyear totaling $239,943.80.

Matching FundsMatching FundsMatching FundsMatching FundsMatching Funds$50,000.00 and $35,000.00 respec-

tively, have been made available tohelp reduce the cost of the buildingloans of Bob Burch and Sidney Farmer.For every dollar raised up to theseamounts, it will be matched and willdirectly reduce the costs associatedwith the purchase and construction oftheir new facilities. So, if you wouldlike to make a special donation to thesefunds, please send it to the BMA ofMississippi Missions Department des-ignated for Burch or Farmer matchingbuilding fund.

From All of UsFrom All of UsFrom All of UsFrom All of UsFrom All of UsWe pray that all of you will have awonderful Christ centered Christmas.God bless you!

Southeastern Baptist CollegePresident Search

The Board of Trustees of Southeastern Baptist College, Laurel,Mississippi, is seeking candidates for the position of President. Allthose interested in applying for the position should send theirresumes to the Board of Trustees Chairman, Richard Welborn, 811CR 31, Heidelberg, MS 39439 by January 30, 2013.

Carolyn Hagler, Recording SecretarySoutheastern College Board of Trustees