2012 Wild Game Feast

Men and Boys of WRBA, get your tickets soon to attend the 2012 Wild Game Feast that will be held on March 17 at the Baxter County Fairgrounds in Mountain Home.

Jimmy Houston, champion bass fisherman and TV personality will be the featured speaker. The poster above gives a lot of details, and there are phone numbers to gain more information.

Don't miss this great opportunity for fellowship, fun, and food, along with a great testimony from Jimmy.

Hope to see you there!                                                        (Click HERE to view a full sized poster.)

Making It Work Conference 2012

The accompanying poster is to remind you of the upcoming Making It Work Conference planned to assist churches and individuals in their personal growth as leaders and servants within the churches of our area. Click on the Title of this posting or click Here to view a full size poster.

Note that the conference will be held at East Side Baptist Church on Monday, February 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.  Reservations are not necessary, and there are sessions offered for most anyone in your church, 

and every church can benefit from having members attend sessions of the Making It Work Conference 2012.

If you have questions, contact us at 870-453-2575.

CROSSFIRE HOSTED BY FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF FLIPPIN

CROSSFIRE is an outreach ministry to the youth of our area hosted by First Baptist Church of Flippin.  The ministry will feature character assemblies in local churches, a basketball skills camp, and a rally that includes a basketball game between Crossfire and local schools alumni, plus music and testimony and a clear presentation of the gospel.

The basketball game and rally will be held Saturday, October 1, at the Flippin High School gym -- doors open at 6:00 PM.  Look over the brochures below for more information.

 

 

 

BACK FROM BRAIN ANEURYSM

Judy Coble, a member at Gassville Baptist Church and local artist and art teacher, experienced a brain aneurysm in 2009 with a poor prognosis of survival.  Her book, just recently published, chronicles her surgery, the waiting, and the eventual recovery.  Her family shares in her book concerning the days and weeks when Judy was not aware of what was happening around her.  Then Judy shares her early memories and her struggle to regain the abilities she had lost through the aneurysm and stroke.  And the fact that Judy has written this book and typed most of it is evidence of her great progress.

Judy wanted to share her experience with others to declare God's grace has been sufficient from day one till today.  Thank you, Judy, for sharing your story with us!

Copies of her book are available directly from her, Amazon.com, and our office has a limited number of copies for sale.

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE STUDY LEADER TRAINING

One Hour on Sunday:

Making it Count!

Training for Sunday School

& Bible Study Leaders

Sponsored by the White River Baptist

Association Church Development Team

To be held at First Baptist Church,

Mountain Home, 400 Club Blvd.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Lunch by reservation: 12:30 p.m.

Seminars: 1:00-3:30

Leaders of Preschoolers: Susan Bumpas

Minister of Childhood Education,

Park Hill Baptist Church, North Little Rock

Leaders of Children: Allison Kizzia

Preschool & Children’s Specialist, ABSC

Leaders of Youth: Sean Mills

Student Ministry Specialist, ABSC

Leaders of Adults: David Bond

Adult Sunday School Specialist, ABSC

Special for Pastors: Dr. Charles Arn

President of Church Growth Inc. and Author

For lunch reservations, call First Baptist Church at 425-6961 
by Tuesday, September 13.

Catered by Sean’s Restaurant

Cost of $5 per person subsidized by the White River Association

 

"Most churches only take an hour on Sunday for Sunday School, or for a weeknight Bible Study group.  If we believe the Word of God is profitable for living the Christian life, then we need to make that hour count!"

LIVING PROOF LIVE SIMULCAST WITH BETH MOORE

Saturday, September 10, 2011

First Baptist Church (sanctuary)

400 Club Blvd.

Mountain Home, AR

Doors open at 8:30 (coffee, fresh baked muffins and breads will be available)

Event begins at 9:30 - ends at 4:15

Ticket cost - $20 - lunch included - Sean's Restaurant will be catering the lunch

Tickets are available at CBO - Mtn. Home, www.itickets.com or by calling Susie Wilson at 870-405-4080

Beth will be teaching live from Lubbock, Texas - we will watch it live here in Mountain Home.

Our prayer for this event is that women would be challenged by God’s Word and transformed by a personal relationship with Christ that impacts their families, churches, and communities for His glory. And long after the Living Proof Live Simulcast has ended, they would be able to say: “I AM LIVING PROOF!” 

Click HERE for more information about Beth Moore and the 2011 Simulcast.

BOOK SIGNING AT MOUNTAIN HOME BAPTIST CHURCH

Dr. Tommy Cunningham, pastor of Mountain Home Baptist Church, has written a book entitled “The Preacher.”  Dr. Cunningham’s book is a humorous autobiography.  Writing about growing up in a medical doctor’s home in the 50’s and 60’s in the delta of Arkansas, you will read of a less complicated time yet a time of unbelievable mischief. Next there is a quick look at the life of a pastor spanning some forty-five years from the turbulent 60’s to the present.  You will laugh and laugh again at the “things” that happened in this minister’s life.  

Dr. Cunningham will hold a book signing on Sunday, August 14^th from 2-4 pm at Mountain Home Baptist Church.  The public is invited to come meet Dr. Cunningham.  Copies of “The Preacher” will be available for purchase and Dr. Cunningham will be happy to sign the book for you.  Refreshments will be served during the book signing.

______

In addition, you can purchase copies of "The Preacher" for $15 at the church office at 1960 Glenbriar, Mountain Home.  If you want your copy mailed to you, then send $20 for each copy to MHBC, 1960 Glenbriar, Mt Home, AR 72653.  The profit from the sale of "The Preacher" will go toward the Honduran mission team.  Your order should specify how many copies you would like and your check should be made to MHBC-HONDURAS MISSION FUND. Be sure and include your mailing address and zip code.

BARRY McGEE AT MOUNTAIN HOME BAPTIST CHURCH

Barry McGee Ministries Coming to Mountain Home Baptist Church

Christian Comedian, Barry McGee, will be at Mountain Home Baptist Church, Sunday, August 7^th for the Sunday morning and evening services which begin at 10:00 am & 6:00 pm.  Barry does musical comedy, drama presentations and speaking engagements.  He is the three time Comedian of the Year with Inspirational Country Music Association.  Barry serves as a Motor Sports Chaplain and does shows at NASCAR/NHRA events.  He has worked with Lee Greenwood, Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs and many more.  Mountain Home Baptist Church is located just off the bypass at 1960 Glenbriar Dr.  For more information call the church office at 425-3150.

DISASTER RELIEF TRAINING OFFERED

White River Baptist Association has been involved in Disaster Relief at least 10 years, with local volunteers serving from Florida to New York as they responded to the opportunities to assist disaster victims.

We currently have a chainsaw trailer and a need to train more volunteers to respond to the call out to serve.  On Saturday, July 23, White River will conduct its second training event for disaster relief volunteers this year.  It will be held at Rea Valley Baptist Church, on 101 South off 62/412 West near Flippin.  Call White River Baptist Association office (870-453-2575) to reserve your place and lunch.  Or call to gain more information about the training or the ministry of Disaster Relief.


The training and orientation will begin at 8:30 AM and go till around 3 PM.  Registration will begin at 8:00 AM.

GRIEF RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP STARTED

 

Are you grieving for a loved one?  Let us help.  Grief Share sessions begin Sunday, July 17, 2011, at Yellville First Baptist Church at 4 PM.

You are invited to just show up at that time, or call ahead to the church office (870-449-6741), or call Gaynell Sasser (870-449-6410).  Sessions will continue for several weeks, and you can begin at any time, since each of the 13 sessions are self-contained.  The sessions will be Bible based.  We request your prayers for the leaders and group members.

Please share this opportunity with others who will benefit from this ministry.

EVANGELISM RESPONSE CENTER TRAINING

Are you looking for . . .

An innovative and exciting evangelism tool?
An opportunity to volunteer from home?
An outlet to provide phone Christian counseling?
An evangelistic tool your church can use to discover seekers in your community? 
A way to know more about how you can have new life in Jesus Christ? 

Check out the following website to gain more information, such as how and when this ministry is carried out.  But, there is another and better way — On July 10, from 2 to 3:30 PM at the Hensley Building at East Side Baptist Church in Mountain Home, there will be volunteer training for the Evangelism Response Center.                                                                                                                                                                 

Information regarding the Evangelism Response Center 
can be found at the website -- http://www.erconline.net/                                                                                                               

                                                              

This is a great ministry for senior adults as well as adults that have time to log in and receive phone calls from persons seeking spiritual assistance.  Please share this opportunity with others who may not know of this unique ministry.

CARROLL ROBERSON MINISTRIES

Carroll Roberson

Carroll Roberson Ministries Coming to Mountain Home Baptist Church

Sunday, July 17^th at 10:00 am, Carroll Roberson will bring the morning message.  Sunday evening Carroll Roberson will present a concert at 6:00 pm.   Carroll Roberson’s ministry is multi-faceted.  Carroll is available to do concert events, revivals, and Bible seminars.  He carries the message of Christ to multitudes each year. MHBC is located just off the Sheid-Hopper Bypass at 1960 Glenbriar.  The concert is free of charge and a nursery will be provided for both services.  For more information, call the church office at 425-3150.

WRBA WILD GAME DINNER 2011

The participants begin to gather for the meal

White River Baptist Association hosted its first annual Wild Game Dinner on Saturday, April 16.   153 men and boys (a few daughters attended also) participated in event held at the Exhibit Building at Baxter County Fairgrounds.  The menu included deer burgers, wild hog, and few unnamed entrees that tasted similar to opposum.  The meal was supplemented by covered dishes provided by the participants.

David Small kicks off the event

The program included brief introductions to our ministries by the WRBA Family Ministry Team leader (Randy Livingston) and WRBA Associational Missionary (Maurice Hitt).  David Small and Jim Brown, two of the planning committee members, shared their vision for future wild game dinners, and kicked off the event.  The pastors who were present were introduced along with the full planning committee.

Estel Grigg shares today's turkey hunt

After a great meal, Estel Grigg shared this morning's successful turkey hunt by his son and granddaughter.  (It made me wish my grandsons lived close enough for me to take them hunting.)  After an inspiring video of pro fisherman, Hank Parker, who shared his salvation testimony, Eric Smeltzer closed the service with a message on how God can take a "mess" and straighten out a person's life through forgiveness that only God can give.   

 Eric, pastor of The River Bible Church in Mountain Home, took a simple illustration of getting his dad's fishing reel all tangled-up, and by his father's skill, put the reel in order.  In the same way, God can take our mess and by His grace He can clean us up.

Eric Smeltzer share a testimony of God's grace

The Family Ministry Team of WRBA are already planning for next year's event.  Thank you for all the effort to make this year's Men and Boys Wild Game Dinner a successful event that is intended to draw us closer to the Lord and to our families.

ENGAGE SOCHI -- MAY 31, 2011 PRESENTATION

Engage Sochi Arkansas Summer Tour
May 31 - June 3, Five Locations

Are you ready to engage Sochi?  Sochi, Russia, will be the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics/Paralympics, but there’s a lot to do before and after the Winter Games!
Starting in early 2012 and going well into 2014, IMB representatives will be hosting teams in Sochi for:

• English language training/outreach for locals
• Prayerwalking
• Training local believers/strengthening local churches and home groups
• Black Sea Beach Reach-Evangelism

Most teams that serve before and after the Olympics will be able to lodge at no cost, thanks to the support of the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering!  Your costs will include roundtrip airfare to Sochi, meals, and in-country transportation, which will be shared with the group you are with.  Groups will have the option of stopping off in Moscow for a tour (cost extra).

  Though the above information speaks of 5 locations, one of those is right here in Mountain Home.  It will be hosted at East Side Baptist Church.  Meal is at 5:30 - 6:45 PM, and Presentation is from 6:45 to 7:15 PM.  Registration for the event is required -- Click ONLINE HERE to make your online Registration; or call Jill at 800-838-2272 extension 5149.

From 2012 to 2014, IMB representatives Don and Diane Combs will host teams for the projects listed above.  Don and Diane will be here on May 31 to share their vision and how you and your church can be involved in this amazing opportunity for missions efforts during the 2014 Olympics.


For more information, check out overview document by clicking HERE.

MEN AND BOYS WILD GAME DINNER

YOU ARE INVITED!

Men and Boys Wild Game Dinner

Saturday April 16, 2011
Baxter County Fairgrounds
Sponsored by WRBA Men's Ministry Team

Shooting Contests, Games, Door Prizes,
Exhibits, Lots of Great Food, Great Time of
Fellowship for Christian Men and Boys

Speaker - Eric Smeltzer

Tickets $5.00 plus a covered dish.
Doors Open at 3:00 p.m.
Meal Served at 5:00 p.m.
 

For More Information, Contact:
Gary Sloan at 870-427-3836
OR
Randy Livingston 870-404-2292

White River Baptist Association
P.O. Box 358, Flippin, AR 72634
870-453 -2575

NEW BLOG

I am posting here that I have begun second blog called LOADED AND COCKED. Just click the blog name and it will take you there.  The first posting will explain its purpose.  There is a LIKE button on the site plus a place to subsribe or follow the postings.

I am interested in your response to this personal writing project.  I hope you will enjoy it!

Mission partnerships . . . here and beyond!

We are asking everyone to begin praying for us (WRBA) as we seek God's direction in mission partnerships right here in our own backyard or further out. We don't need to ask His will about does He want us to do it ( He wrote that instruction down just so we wouldn't forget it; see Matthew 28:18 plus the three other text messages :-) ). We do need to ask Him to guide us as to who, when, what and where.
If you are interested in your church getting involved locally or beyond, please call the WRBA office or write me at artmanjackg@gmail.com . "Here am I, send me Lord" is a great place to start the prayer. See you on the field.

Jack Gilliland
Rea Valley Baptist
Mission Ministry Team

Baptist Relief for Japan

I am sure the issue of how can you or your church respond to the disaster and tragedy in Japan has come to your mind.  Clicking on Japan Relief will take you to the web address of Arkansas Baptist State Convention Japan Relief site. Individuals or churches can also contribute to the Japan Relief by donating through White River Baptist Association by mailing a check to WRBA Japan Relief Fund, P. O. Box 358, Flippin, AR 72653.  We are providing this as an alternative only for your convenience.  White River will send all contributions to this fund to the ABSC Japan Relief. 


In addition to financial responses we can provide, I encourage you to intercede on behalf of the victims and their families, missionary families living there, and Americans who live and work there.  As tragic as the earthquake and tsunami are, we can believe that God will compassionately work among the communities there.  Pray that a spiritual awakening will occur among the people.

The New York Times has an interesting presentation of before and after satellite photos of the area affected by the earthquake and tsunami.  There is a blue slider in the midst of each picture that allows you to slide right and see the before photo and then as you slide left you will be able to see the after effects of the disaster.  It is a sobering piece of photo journalism.  Click HERE to view those photos.

MAKING IT WORK CONFERENCE 2011

On Monday evening, February 28, White River Baptist Association is sponsoring the Making It Work Conference 2011 which will be held at Gassville Baptist Church from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.  The Leadership and Worship Team of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention is co-sponsoring that event, which was planned by the ABSC Team along with the Church Development Team of WRBA.

The seminars offered that evening were designed with pastors, staff, deacons,  youth and children's workers, women, and church members in mind.  In other words, all the church leaders will benefit from attending this event.

Seminars topics include the following: Sharpening Pastoral Skills, A Biblical Worldview (What it is and How to get it), Reflecting His Glory, A Deacon (Be it, See it, Do it), Reach Generation Now, and Discipline...Who needs it?

Each seminar will have a conference leader who serves in ministry area that includes their topic -- so you will be getting good information from experience and training.

I hope you will attend and encourage others to be present for this conference.  Click HERE to see a copy of the program.

BROWN LIKE COFFEE

Brown Like Coffee is authored under the pseudonym, "The List Guy."  The title really has little relationship with the content except that the major sections are marked by certain coffee names such as Cup of Joe, Expresso, Mocha, and Cappucino.  The sub-title prepares you better for the content and purpose of this volume: "For students who think outside the box." 

The List Guy has some great chapters for students who really want to avoid the trends of college students who fail to find who God really wants them to be.  Here are some sample thought provoking chapter titles: Three Lame Reasons to Go to College,  Six Reasons I Am a Follower of Jesus, Seven Questions to Rock Your World, Three Professors from Hell, Six Steps to Dynamic Dating, and Five Students Who Are Changing the World.

One of the most significant chapters for me was Three Stories of Faith and Courage as The List Guy gives an account of young people who saw the obstacles, experienced the fear, and made tough decisions despite the opportunity to avoid hard times. 

I highly recommend this volume to high school seniors, college students, youth ministers (and pastors), faculty, and parents of college-age students. It would also make a nice gift for graduating high school seniors.

I wish I had the book 46 years ago when I started college.

 

PRAY --VOTE -- PRAY

Tuesday, November 2, is the date of the general election, and we all need to cast our ballots.  I am not promoting any candidate or political party through this blog, but I am promoting the need for citizens to express their right and privilege of voting.  The correct chronology appears to me to be: pray, vote, pray.

Pray: pray concerning the election and who God would have you cast your ballot.  It really doesn't matter who the polls say will win or who others encourage you to vote for.  Take your lead from above.

Vote: go to your voting precinct and exercise your duty as a citizen.

Pray: pray for those who are elected.

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior." 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Christians are citizens of earth and citizens of heaven and have responsibilities toward both. "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's.  Give unto God what belongs to God."  A prayerful vote and a prayerful follow-up to an election is an exceptional way of giving to both Caesar and God.

ANNUAL MEETING OF WHITE RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

The 168th Annual Meeting of White River Baptist Association will take place on October 18, 2010 at New Hope Baptist Church located 5 miles south of Yellville on Highway 14 South.  The first session will begin at 4:00 PM, and will include a report from the Family Ministry Team and will conclude with the Doctrinal Sermon by Bro. Jimmy Dale Huskey, Pastor of Bruno Baptist Church.  The first session will be followed by a meal for the messengers from the churches.

Emil Turner

The second session of the Annual Meeting will begin at 6:30 PM and will include reports by the Administrative, Church Development, and Missions Ministry Teams.  The session will conclude with the Annual Message delivered by Dr. Emil Turner, Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.  Bro. Gene Carson, Moderator for WRBA and Pastor of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, will preside over the Annual Meeting.

Each church affiliated with White River Baptist Association elects a certain number of messengers that is determined by total membership from the previous year's report.  Contact Barbara Carson or Maurice Hitt at 870-453-2575 to determine the maximum number your church can send, though unlimited guests from the churches are welcome.

THREE RIVERS BIKER CHURCH CONDUCTS BENEFIT FOR ARKANSAS BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOMES

The Benefit for the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home went well this past Saturday.  Riders from around the state and some from Kentucky participated in the event, enjoyed the food, fellowship and worship. John Steer was the guest speaker, and by the way, he is a great singer too.

It is estimated that 160 attended the event with at least 57 coming by motorcycle.  (Notice the last picture to get an idea of nearly 60 cycles in the parking lot.)  I saw a number of churches represented at the event from our area and around the state.  It was great to see another new church helping out at the event -- Bar None Cowboy Church had folks helping out with directing traffic and parking, and cooking. 

The gifts to the AB Children's Homes were 7 bags of toys and nearly $1000 in financial gifts.  I appreciate the efforts of Three Rivers Biker Church (3RBC) and their pastor, Jim Greenslade.  God is at work at 3RBC!

John Steer and Jim Greenslade, Pastor of 3RBC

Guest Speaker John Steer is surprised by friends from KY

3RBC Parking lot is filled with Motorcycles -- just like they hoped

MARK LOWRY CONCERT -- WHAT A BLESSING!

Mark Lowry

A glimpse of the crowd

Stan Whitmire accompanies Mark

Mark engages the crowd

 It was standing room only (approximately 1100 attending) Monday evening at First Baptist Church in Mountain Home as Mark Lowry gave a great performance for the Senior Adult Night of Encouragement.  Before Mark began his concert, First Day, an "a capella" group from Mountain Home, gave a performance that was well received by the crowd.  Folks from the White River area churches and across northern Arkansas attended and enjoyed this special night for Senior Adults.  

Mark, with his accompanist Stan Whitmire, gave us inspirational encouragement from new musical solos as well as hymns of the faith that Mark sang or led us to sing with him.  In addition, Mark helped us all laugh at ourselves and at his antics on stage.  For sure, not many persons besides Mark Lowry can take a major auto accident and a motorcycle accident and turn those stories into an opportunity for laughter.

Mark closed the concert with a moving presentation of the song he wrote -- Mary, Did You Know?  As he closed, he gave a clear, simple, and complete presentation of the gospel.  I was blessed from the first till the last.

This is the 5th year the Senior Adult Night of Encouragement has been offered, and it was Mark's second appearance.  In these 5 years, Dennis Swanberg and Buddy Greene have also appeared as guest performers. I appreciate all the preparation that was made by Max Pyron, Senior Adult Minister at FBC, and his senior adult leaders.  I am glad that White River association was able to help in a small way to jointly sponsor this event with First Baptist Senior adults.

MARK LOWRY IN CONCERT

 What? Senior Adult Night of Encouragement                               

What's That? Free Concert for Area Senior Adults 

When? September 27 - 7:00 PM

Who? Mark Lowry, gospel singer and humorist

Where? FBC Mountain Home, 400 Club Boulevard

Contact Info?  870-425-6961

Sponsored by FBC Senior Adult Ministry and Family Ministry of White River Baptist Association

Reminder -- Sunday School/Bible Study Leader Training

One Hour on Sunday -- Making it Count

I just wanted to remind Pastors and other leaders that White River Baptist Association is sponsoring a Sunday School Training event this Sunday at 1 PM, with a meal provided at 12:30 PM ($5 each for the meal).  It is hosted at FBC Mountain Home Christian Life Center.

Leaders for the event include Josh Hunt who will train utilizing his Disciplemaking Teachers material.  In addition, Bob Bunn, Todd Capps, and Jerry Vogel will be leading sessions for Youth, Children, and Preschool teachers/leaders respectively.  Bob, Todd, and Jerry serve with LifeWay Resources in Nashville.  

This level of training is not often available in our area, and we hope there will be additional persons who will attend the training event, which is designed to support the local churches. 

Contact Barbara at White River Baptist Association (870-453-2575) by Thursday at 3 PM to pre-register for the meal.  If you do not reach her, contact the office at FBC Mountain Home.  If you miss those two offices, then I encourage you to show up at the door.  If you haven't preregistered for the meal we cannot promise but hopefully there will be food enough for you.  However, if you arrive only for the training, there will be plenty of space.

I hope to see you there.

THE LAND BETWEEN

In early August I attended the Global Leadership Summit sponsored by Willow Creek Association and hosted at FBC Mountain Home. One of the speakers was Jeff Manion, Senior Teaching Pastor of Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  His subject was "the land between."  His presentation was a significant part of this year's Summit, and I purchased his book by the same title.

The Land Between is subtitled "Finding God in Difficult Transitions" and therefore it deals with our response to changes that life brings "where life is not as it once was, and where the future is in question."  Manion outlines the difficulties of the Sinai Wilderness that Moses faced while leading the people of Israel from the security of being an enslaved people in Egypt to becoming the people of God living in the Promised Land.  The land between appears to be a place or time that is ripe for complaint and meltdown as we experience the unwelcomed changes in health, employment, relationships, and fear of an uncertain future.  Have you been there?  Most of us have ... or will. At the same time the land between is also a time in our lives that is fertile for growth in faith and spiritual maturity.  

 While we face those difficulties transitions, it is good to know that God sees our burdens, hears our prayers, and cares and seeks to rescue us for our strengthening.  And sometimes that strength for us may come through the pain of being disciplined, stretched, and trained in the midst of those unwelcomed changes.  I recommend highly this poignant book that is filled with illustrations of personal stories of Manion's own journey as well of those of friends and parishioners, while sharing further insight of what it meant for Moses to lead a people who found difficulty in The Land Between Egypt and Canaan.  Where are you on this journey?

TO SAVE A LIFE MOVIE EVENT AT FIRST BAPTIST OF FLIPPIN

 

Just the facts:

When? -- Saturday, September 11, from 7 to 9 PM

Where? -- FBC, Flippin at intersection of North 8th and Alford Streets

How much does it cost? -- FREE

Why? -- It may change your life forever.  For many, it has.

What else? -- Hang out after the movie for FREE food and drinks

Looks like a great event to bring your friend to attend ..., or a group of friends.  By the way, this is rated PG13. 

To go to the official website of To Save a Life Movie, click on this link. 

Brad Gilliland makes it to Red Square

Jack, Sara, and Brad in front of St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square

I took the photo from Jack's Udmurtia blog.  It is such a great picture, and not only is it great that the team arrived in Moscow, but that Jack and Sarah's son, Brad, got to make the trip.  Jack has wanted to take Brad there for sometime, and now the mission is accomplished.  To know Brad is to love him.  I am somewhat sad that I couldn't make this trip, but glad they are there.  Jack's latest posting is a great one that picks up on lost sheep being found.  I hope you will check it out.  Click HERE to view all his postings from the current trip.

REA VALLEY TEAM ARRIVES IN RUSSIA

The Kremlin and Red Square of Moscow in the winter

Jack Gilliland contacted me this morning to tell us that he and the team has arrived safely in Russia, and now in Udmurtia.  Keep an eye on his Udmurtia blog or I will keep you all updated through White River's blog or my facebook page.  Thanks for praying for the team, and they ask that you continue to do so!  More information later.

BIKERS RIDE FOR ARKANSAS BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Motorcycle Benefit Rides: The first begins at the Salem Park at 9:30 a.m., the second begins at Fred's Dollar Store in Yellville at 9:30 a.m. Both end in Gamaliel at the Three Rivers Biker Church.

Non-riders can meet at 3RBC at 10:30 a.m.  The church is located on Hwy 101, 3 miles north of the 101 bridge across Norfork Lake.

Guest Speaker will be John Steer, decorated Vietnam veteran.  Free lunch, music, and camping will be provided.  Please bring a toy or a ten dollar donation for the children's home. The event will close with a formation of bi-plane airshow.

Contact:  Jim Greenslade 870-404-7916

What a great opportunity for churches to work alongside 3RBC in involving folks in assisting the Children's Home ministry in our state! MLH

THE TESTAMENT by John Grisham

I recently completed my second reading of John Grisham's The Testament.  The Testament was published 11 years ago in 1999 and it chronicles the search in the Pantanal region of Brazil and Bolivia for an heir to a fortune, while other potential heirs jockey to the get their "slice of the pie."  The search, though, is what is intriguing to me.  The heir being sought to apprise her of her incredible wealth is a missionary for World Tribes Mission serving in that isolated part of the world with Indians who have not advanced beyond the Stone Age.  The one enlisted to find the heir is a lawyer who has lost two families to two major destructive "ism's" -- work and alcohol.  The one being sought needed nothing; the searcher needed something to fill his empty life.


Grisham's book has the clearest presentation of the gospel I have ever read in a non-religious book.  I was struck by the emptiness of greed, selfishness, neglectful parenting, and addictions that animated the characters developed by Grisham.  At the same time, it is made apparent that God's grace is real and at work in the darkest corners of the map, and in the darkest recesses of sinful man.


It was worth the re-read, and is my favorite of all of John Grisham's books. I have just learned that after a decade of "no's", it appears that a contract has been established to make a movie of The Testament. Only time will tell if the movie carries the message that Grisham apparently wanted to convey.

Visit from Allen Ballard

A couple of weeks ago, I was surprised and blessed to have a guy drop by to see me whom I had not seen in awhile.  His name is Allen Ballard.  Allen served a few years back as youth minister at Gassville Baptist Church.  Since then he has pastored a couple of churches in Arkansas, and recently has moved to the upper peninsula of Michigan. I was blessed to hear of the work he is involved with there, as he pastors one small church and is planting another.  He also has a vision of starting other works in the surrounding area.

Allen Ballard and The Connection Church

There are some great opportunities for churches in our area to partner with Allen in the current works and to be involved in future ones.  There are needs for churches in our area to make summer missions trips to work with him.  The beauty of such trips is that blessings go both ways -- to church planting in Michigan...and to the churches that give of themselves in missions.  In other words, you cannot go wrong, when you partner with the work of the kingdom of God.

Allen left some material with me including a dvd video about the work.  It is available upon your request.
In addition:
1.  Check out the following website:  www.theconnectionsbc.com
2.  Allen's email for making contact with him: theconnectionsbc@mail.com

WELLSPRING

Mark and Tina McManus

I have become aware that a church and ministry has begun in the Walnut Ridge, AR, area and that one of our current pastors has been invited to come and lead that ministry.  Brother Mark McManus, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church near Yellville for the last 9 1/2 years, and his wife Tina and family, will be leaving soon for the Walnut Ridge area.  For me, I am going to miss Mark greatly.  He has been a very good friend to me in my 6 years here at White River Baptist Association, and I hate to see him leave.  But we all know that each of us need to be where God has called us.

Mark has given me material that describes the need for which Wellspring is being planted, and for churches in our area, there are ways in which you can cooperate with Wellspring and Mark in this effort.  If you desire more information, please contact me at our office in Flippin.  I can put you in touch with Mark and the work there.  Or contact Mark at wellspringpastor@gmail.com or call him at (870) 404-2406.

Here are some areas in which you could help:
1.  Pray for the Wellspring effort, and Mark and his family specifically. 
2.  Arrange with Mark a visit to the field and perhaps see if a summer missions effort could be put together for next year. 
3.  Perhaps he may need help in the spring to do a door to door survey, or a summer VBS.
4.  And of course, there are financial needs that perhaps your church could assist with, especially in the first couple of years as the work is planted and begins to develop.

And as I enumerated at first, yes, we can pray... because there are those in the Walnut Ridge/Hoxie area that need the Lord...just as they do here.

IF YOU WANT TO WALK ON WATER...

John Ortberg

  ...YOU'VE GOT TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT!  

The book is the winner of the 2002 Christianity Today Book Award.  John Ortberg has served as Pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California since 2003.  He served other churches including Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, where he was teaching pastor for 9 years and where he was serving when he completed the above volume.


I became aware of John Ortberg as a speaker and writer a few years ago when I read his book, When it is all over, it all goes back into the box.  I enjoyed his Biblical insights, his straight-forward evangelical theology, and his crisp humor.  So when I heard about this book (though it had been out for awhile), I was ready to listen.  Dr. Tommy Cunningham, on one of his visits with me during my hospital stay in February, told me about discovering and enjoying the book, If You Want to Walk on Water... and he encouraged me to read it.  I noted his recommendation and ordered the book.  My wife started reading it before I got the chance, and she shared insights with me.  Recently, I got my opportunity and found it very meaningful, and it became a reference for me as I have taught six lessons from the passage found in Matthew 14: 22-33.


I was encouraged to hear God speaking to me and his churches that we do not need to sit in the boat...that we do need to hear the Master calling us to life and ministry beyond the boat life...and that "if we ever expect to walk on water, we have got to get out of the boat!"  Thanks to John Ortberg for penning this enjoyable and challenging volume, and for Pastor Cunningham for recommending it.  I now commend it to all those who take time to read my musings in the White River blog.