Changing times

There is a misleading idea that door-to-door evangelism / outreach is no longer effective in our day and time. I beg to differ with this line of thought. In the mini revival of the fifties, sixties and seventies most households had been approached at least once with the message of Jesus. I can remember people coming to our home. That generation was inundated with this approach. However, since then, a whole new generation has grown up and, sad to say, no one has bothered to share with them the life-changing message. Many have told us “we have lived here for years and you are the first ones to come.”

I want to encourage our churches to approach this field that is white unto harvest. All of us, as children of God, are first and foremost to be reaching out to the lost and hurting around us. Give it a try and you might be surprised by the results. We have found that most people are receptive to our visits. One valuable tool is a questionnaire that helps you assess the spiritual need of the individual as you ask for their input on a variety of matters. After all, everyone loves to give their opinion. These also provide needed information for a follow up visit. A former pastor used to say “if you are going to grow, then you got to go!”

Advisory Committee

In our Advisory Committee meeting last week we were encouraged by the good reports we heard from our missionaries.  Since September 2011, 203 professions of faith have been reported in a total of 243 days. Praise the Lord!

Special Emphasis

We have decided to shorten our Special Emphasis time this year to two months, June and July. We felt our churches needed a break between us and the Baptist Trumpet. You will find a prayer list included in your special packet. We want you to join with us in praying for a different missionary each week. I still have several dates open and would love to come and share what God is doing through your state missions ministry. You might consider contacting one of our missionaries to come and share his work with your church or association. Our national department has challenged all of us to concentrate on planting more churches.  Please join with us to help bring this to pass. With a great Special Emphasis we may be able to start at least one new work this year.

I have been blessed in my Christian walk to have been exposed to men whom I would consider numbered in God’s elite. One such man was my friend, I.V. Hight. His encouragement and impact throughout the last decade has made a profound impact upon my life. His door was always open as time after time I sought his Godly council. I.V. was a man of integrity, a friend indeed and will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Exciting

A refreshing time of fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ mingled with positive and challenging business sessions made this year’s annual meeting one of the most enjoyable I have attended. One could actually feel a spirit of cooperation as we were encouraged by the vision of our department leaders for our future.

While I believe our goal (BMAA) of planting one hundred new churches in the next three years is Herculean, I also believe this can be accomplished. I presently have some projects that could possibly be started by the end of the year if we had sufficient funds. I am asking our churches to help make this a reality.  Please consider being a part of this year’s special emphasis time.

Gratitude

I want to thank those who have given me the opportunity to serve this great association as your Second Vice President. Tears began to fill my eyes as I was humbled to think that you would bestow this honor upon me.  I love all of you and I promise I will serve to the best of my ability. Thank you.