www.msbaptist.orgDecember 2019 VOL. 73 NO. 23

JOURNAL OF THE

BAPTIST MISSIONARY

ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in thedays of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men fromthe east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born Kingof the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and arecome to worship him. - Matthew 2:1-2

Celebrating The Birth of The King- Immanuel - God With Us

Merry Christmas From Don & Bonnie Brownand the Trustees of your Publication's Department

January 2020 is Publications Special Emphasis

The Lost Christ of Christmasfrom a message by Adrian Rogers

If you’re not careful, you may loseJesus this Christmas season. Ratherthan drawing us closer to Christ, oureyes get distracted by parties and gifts.Many times there’s a let-down in ourprayer life, soul winning, and witness-ing. In the very midst of the Christmascelebration, we lose the Lord Jesus.

Now we can never “lose” Him in thesense of our relationship with Him.Once God puts His mighty handsaround you through Jesus Christ, nopower can separate you from the love ofGod in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).But there’s a difference between rela-tionship and fellowship.

If you lose fellowship with Him you’regoing to be sorrowful. That’s what hap-pened to Mary and Joseph in Lukechapter 2. After a wonderful Passovertrip to Jerusalem, they went a day’sjourney without realizing Jesus wasn’twith them! “Thy father and I have

sought thee sorrowing,” they said whenthey returned and found Him.

Irony of ironies, in the midst of Pass-over, a religious celebration symbolicof Him, they lost Jesus! If you’re notcareful, you may do the same - lose theChrist of Christmas in the midst ofChristmas.

There’s always sorrow when we losefellowship with Jesus. The most miser-able person on earth isn’t a lost person,but a saved one out of fellowship withJesus.

If Mary and Joseph, the two peoplemost intimately associated with Jesus,could lose fellowship, then any of uscould! Some of God’s best saints - Noah,David, Samson, Peter - did at one time.The closer you are to Jesus, the morefire you’re going to take from the devil.He aims his biggest guns at God’s best.

Scratch-offs, lottery tickets can lead to big losses, addictionfrom North Mississippi Daily Journal

It’s just a scratch-off game or a lotteryticket, until it isn’t.

For most people, buying a lottery ticketor scratch-off game will be an inexpen-sive, entertaining lark. They might spenda few minutes day dreaming about whatthey might buy if they won, but they willmove on with their day. But for some itwill become a compulsion that leadspeople to chase the elusive big win.

For some people, gambling can be justas addictive as alcohol or drugs.

“It still produces a high, even thoughthe chemical may be adrenaline,” saidsaid Dody Vail, executive director of theNortheast Mississippi chapter of theNational Council on Alcoholism and DrugDependence.

Scratch-off games became availablein Mississippi recently, and the multi-state Power Bowl and Mega Millionslottery will come online January 30. Nowthat people can gamble in real life with-out driving hours to a casino or crossing

state lines, recovery advocates are con-cerned that more Mississippians couldfall into compulsive gambling.

Spending $50 a week on scratch offsand lottery tickets may not sound like alot, but $2,600 a year is a significantchunk out of the median income in LeeCounty, about $45,000, Vail said.

About 10 percent of the population isvulnerable to compulsive gambling, saidKelly Ferguson of Fair Park Counselingin Tupelo. As with other addictions,people who gamble compulsively con-tinue the behavior in the face of negativeconsequences, like spending money theyneed to pay the mortgage and groceries.

“At the end of the day, they are allbrain diseases,” Ferguson said.

Missing money and disappearingitems that end up in the pawn shop canbe strong indications that gambling hasmoved from recreation to problem, saidMary Greer, executive director of theMississippi Council on Problem and Com-pulsive Gambling.

Rationalizing gambling is a signifi-cant red flag, Vail said. People with gam-bling problems will try to justify theiractions saying things like “I’ll stop whenI win it back,” or “If I win, it will solve allmy problems.”

Borrowing money to buy lottery tick-ets or scratch off games is a sign ofserious trouble. People with compulsivegambling problems often become irri-table and restless if they try to stop.Priorities shift in unhealthy ways.

“They choose gambling over familytime and family outings,” said Tupelolicensed professional counselor ChipPeterson of Fair Park Counseling.

Families and friends usually noticethere’s a problem first.

“It can create family stress and strife,”Ferguson said. “It often happens beforethe gambler starts feeling the conse-quences.”

There are evidence-based tracks totreat compulsive gamblers and specific12-step groups like Gamblers Anony-

mous. While there is a lot of overlap withtreatment for substance abuse, it is typi-cally recommended that people with gam-bling problems seek out specialized treat-ment.

“It’s more evidence-based for gam-bling,” Peterson said. “If they are withother compulsive gamblers (who are seek-ing treatment), they are able to relatemore.”

The Mississippi Council on Problemand Compulsive Gambling maintains ahotline for people who think they or aloved one has a gambling addiction. Italso has a certification program for healthcare professionals, based on the acceptedtraining and treatment proceduresadopted by other states and the NationalCouncil on Problem Gambling. Counsel-ing through the hotline (888) 777-9696 isfree.

As with treatment for other addic-tions, family support and education arealso an important part of treatment forcompulsive gambling.

continued on page 3

2 December 2019 • Mississippi Baptist

Dr. Scott CarsonPresident

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

Southeastern Baptist College Serving ChristWith A Biblical World ViewIn A Christian Atmosphere

Big Screen TelevisionThank you to the Magnolia

Baptist Church of Hattiesburgfor donating $500 towards a bigscreen TV for the café. BlackFriday sales enable us to pur-chase two for the price of one!Praise the Lord for your gener-osity!

Gifts in Memory for KitchenFund:

Roy and Bessie Ree Fussellin memory of Brother BoyceLeathers

Sybil Bowman in memory ofBrother Boyce Leathers

PewWe are looking for a used pew

to be utilized as a waiting areain the café. The pew needs to beno shorter than five feet. Pleasecontact Dr. Carson at 601-426-6346 if you can help us withfinding one.

SBC ChoirDoes your church or ministry

want to host the SBC “Corner-

President’s Perspective“…and when they had opened

their treasures, they presentedunto him gifts; gold, and frank-incense, and myrrh.” Matthew2:11

As we approach the Christ-mas season, wherein we remem-ber the birth of our Lord JesusChrist, we begin to cast ourthoughts on gifting our lovedones in preparation to celebratethis momentous occasion ofGod’s grace toward us.

Many companies and indi-viduals choose to donate to com-mendable causes at the end ofthe calendar year. Among thenumerous worthy charities thatone can give to, I ask you toconsider including Southeast-ern Baptist College. SBC is aregistered 501(c)3 charitableorganization and every dollargiven to the school is tax de-ductible.

The Lord has blessed us withamazing opportunities forgrowth in 2019. Many of theseopportunities either required usto revitalize previously ne-glected infrastructure or, in thecase of new initiatives, have cre-

ated addi-tional expen-ditures. Theseare all neces-sary in orderfor SBC to con-tinue to re-cover andmove towards u s t a i n e dgrowth whileexpanding our Christian influ-ence among students pursuinghigher education.

SBC was founded 71 yearsago in order to train young menand women in the Bible, whilefollowing their calling in minis-try and in secular career paths.We continue this tradition to-day as our graduates finish theircourse studies, equipped to ap-ply their Christian trainingwherever the Lord leads them.

As I travel the area and con-tinue to meet alumni of thisgreat institution, it is clear tome that SBC has had real im-pact on generations with theGospel of Jesus Christ. I amconstantly impressed withformer students who give creditto SBC as a major marker that

the Lord used in their spiritualjourney. Many reflect on fondmemories, exciting sportingevents, but most of all, how theygrew closer to the Lord while onthe campus of this institution.

Over the decades this spiri-tual influence SBC has had onour students was made possiblebecause of generous donors whorecognized that their giving tothis college had an eternal im-pact on each student. As Godleads us forward would you con-sider allowing the Lord to useyou to bless these current andfuture students of Southeast-ern? I guarantee that every dol-lar donated to the school is usedin the manner it has been desig-

nated or used toward essentialrequirements. The requirementlist is long and dollars are few.We really need and truly appre-ciate all donors and donations.

There are two ways to donateto the college. A check can besent to the school at 4229 High-way 15 North, Laurel MS 39440,or a person can go online to ourwebsite at https://southeasternbaptist.edu/ andselect the “Donate Now” buttonat the top of the landing page. Areceipt will be provided forwhichever way a person donates.

A person may also have siz-able estate money that they candonate to the Southeastern Bap-tist College Foundation. Inter-

est earned on Foundation dona-tions help SBC to meet finan-cial obligations throughout theyear. Currently, the foundationhas in excess of $750,000. TheBoard of Directors has set a goalto increase this amount to $1million. Donations to the Foun-dation can be mailed to SBCwith a notation that it is desig-nated to the SBC FoundationFund.

God bless you as you makeyour decision for year-end dona-tions. I pray for a tremendousand blessed Christmas holidayfor every person reading thisarticle.

“Every man according as hepurposeth in his heart, so lethim give; not grudgingly, or ofnecessity: for God loveth a cheer-ful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Equipping the Saints!Dr. Carson

Bible Professor Ryan ReedMy name is Ryan Reed and I teach biblical studies classes

at Southeastern Baptist College. My wife Jordan and I havetwo amazing children, Knox, who is four, and Lottie, who isnine months old. I also pas-tor Midway Baptist Churchin Newton, Mississippi.

Since the Lord called meinto vocational ministry Ihave always had a desire toteach His word. I knew thatin order to teach His wordwell I needed to prepare my-self in every way possible. Soas a young man I enrolled ina small Baptist school thatwas unashamedly commit-ted to proclaiming God’s holyword. After earning my de-grees, my desire was to help raise up a generation of studentswho, like Ezra, were committed to knowing God’s word,practicing it, and teaching it to others. Southeastern BaptistCollege is just that place.

At SBC, I am able to introduce a generation of students toGod’s word. On a weekly basis I am able to show them thatregardless of their occupational goals and aspirations, Godhas called them to devote themselves to knowing Him. Whetherit’s in parenting, pastoring, or teaching I am mindful of thefact that God has given us an indelible promise: His word shallgo forth and it will not return unto Him void. It will accom-plish what He pleases and prosper in the thing for which Hesends it.

God is at work at Southeastern Baptist College. His word isgoing forth and it is accomplishing great things!

Faculty Spotlight

Ryan Reed Family

stone” Choir? Now is the time toreserve dates for their perfor-mance during the Spring Se-mester. Hurry, their scheduleis filling up quickly. ContactKrista McKenzie at 601-426-6346.

Year End GivingAre you looking for a worthy

cause to donate toward? At theend of the calendar year, manylook for organizations wherethey can contribute in order toimpact the world for JesusChrist and at the same timehelp in their personal or busi-ness annual tax deductions.Southeastern Baptist College isa 501(c)3 charitable organiza-tion. Your donations to SBC arefully tax deductible. Donate to-day! You can do so by going toour webpage at https://southeasternbaptist.edu/ andusing your credit card. Simplyselect the “donate” button onthe right side of the page. Or,you can send a check to South-eastern Baptist College, 4229Hwy 15 N, Laurel MS 39440.

SBC FoundationThe Southeastern Baptist

College Foundation is a fantas-tic way to support your collegewell into the future. Interestfrom the Foundation helps sus-tain the financial needs of thecollege. We currently have$750,000 in the Foundation. Ourgoal is to grow this amount toone million dollars. If you areinterested in transferring as-sets or including the SBC Foun-dation in your will planning,contact Dr. Carson for more in-formation on how to invest inthe present and futuresustainability of SBC.

Veterans BenefitsSBC possesses the Gold Award

level as a military friendly col-lege! Have you served in America’sarmed forces? Then you probablyhave Veterans Administration tu-ition benefits that you can usetoward a free education right hereat SBC. I urge you to contact yourlocal VA representative for anevaluation of your benefits. Youearned them! SBC has numerousstudents receiving VA assistancefor both online and in-classroomtuition.

Available to PreachThank you for the many

churches providing Dr. Carsonan opportunity to preach the Wordof God to your congregations! Dr.Carson is available to fill the pul-pit for preaching or to make apresentation about the great workand vision of Southeastern Bap-tist College. You can reach him at601-433-4736 or atscarson@southeasternbaptist.edu.

SBC Ambassadors recruiting new stu-dents at Wayne Academy’s Collegeand Career Day in Waynesboro

Alumnus Gary Smith, Pastor of Sa-lem Missionary Baptist Church ofPaulding, Mississippi, delivered a pow-erful sermon in the Fall Semester’sfinal chapel service

3December 2019 • Mississippi Baptist

Anders Lee

MINISTERING TO YOUNG PEOPLEby Anders Lee

MERRY CHRIST-MESS!!!They say that Christmas is

the “most wonderful time ofyear!” I for one would agree,because I love the music, thelights and the food!!! YUM!!!But… it is one ofthe busiest timesof the year. Quitefrankly, it’s cha-otic! If your fam-ily and ministryis anything likeours, your calen-dar is as full aswe all were atThanksgiving! In the firsttwenty two days of December,we have 4 school events withour kids, 5 church parties and 4special Christmas services tofinish organizing and lead in,not to mention going to work.Come the New Year I’ll be gladit’s over! Many times Christ-mas seems like a Christ-MESS!LOL

So how do we deal with all ofthis as it approaches? Here are5 thoughts for the busy YouthMinistry leader or for that mat-ter any ministry leader!

Get OrganizedWith parties and year-end

deadlines, our calendars arepacked! It’s easy to forget things.And, when you forget, you be-come even more overwhelmed.Take a morning and focus ongetting organized. Once you cansee everything clearly laid outfor you, you’ll feel some relief.

It’s Okay to Say NoThis time of year almost ev-

eryone will be asking somethingof you. Prioritize who you sayyes to. Once you do, it’s okay tosimply tell someone your calen-dar is packed and has no moreroom for other events. In orderto avoid the unnecessary stressof an over packed calendar, don’ttake on last minute projects orfeel like you have to attend ev-ery event thrown at you.

Make Time for your FamilyTrust me when I say this,

your kids grow up FAST. WhenI was in youth ministry my kidswere little. I spent untold hourswith our youth because of apacked calendar. Take my ad-vice, before you schedule all youryouth events, schedule impor-tant family time! You won’t re-gret it!

Give BackCertainly it’s the time of year

when the youth calendar shouldhave fun events on it. Teens areexpecting it to be “the most won-derful time of the year and toGET a lot. Lead your youth groupto serve and give back to theirchurch & community! When youplan all those events, includesome opportunities for yourteens to love others by doingservice projects. Last year I wit-nessed a youth group spendingpart of their time off from schoolcleaning leaves out of the yardsof some elderly folks who neededhelp. That’s the kind of thingthat teaches them a work ethicand to care for others… I lovedseeing that!!! Christmas is a

Christ-MESS if teens are onlygetting. So GIVE BACK thisChristmas through your youthin some way!

Remember What the Seasonis All About

Don’t get so busy that youlose sight that it’s all about theGospel! All ministry eventsshould point people to Jesus! Ifyour ministry calendar is sim-

ply full, but not full with theintent on maximizing the Gos-pel, you’re busy for the wrongreasons!

Hope those tips help… buckleyour seat belts!!! Here comesCHRISTMAS!!!

On a personal noteI am so thankful to be able to

share with you throughout theyear here in the MississippiBaptist. I pray that my articlesare a blessing in one way oranother! I want to wish you andall of yours a very Merry Christ-mas and a blessed and produc-tive New Year!!! I pray that 2020will be a great year for the causeof Christ and the churches ofthe BMA!!!Lee is a church planter inSouthhaven, Mississippi. He is apastor and former youth ministerand may be contacted atanders.lee571@gmail.com

2019-20 Southeastern Charger Basketball ScheduleMen's Schedule Lady's Schedule

Support Southeastern BasketballAnother near capacity crowd at the SBC home gameagainst William Carey University

The SBC Chargers and the Trinity College of Florida men’s teams pray togetherat the end of the game

You can lose Him in strangeplaces. You can lose your senseof the Lord Jesus while work-ing on the Christmas music andall the festivities. Jesus hadrather have you sit at His feetthan sing in the choir. He’drather you spend quiet timealone with Him on your kneesthan be in church. I’m notagainst being in church or sing-ing in the choir. But if you’renot careful, the things you dobecome a substitute for yourlove for Christ. They can comebetween you and the Lord.

How They Lost HimMary and Joseph, “suppos-

ing Him to have been in thecompany, went a day’s journey”(v. 4). Are you “supposing” theLord Jesus is with you? Haveyou really checked? Does God’sSpirit bear witness with yourspirit that Jesus is a right, liv-ing reality to you? You can go tochurch, hear sermons, takenotes, sing hymns, give money- and suppose you’re in fellow-ship with Christ, but note!Sometimes even in the middleof religious celebrations you canlose Him, going away one stepat a time.

That’s how people backslide.Mary and Joseph lost Him onestep at a time. They walkedaway, taking for granted He

was with them.It’s dangerous to think we’re

right with God when we’re not.Samson rose up to fight thePhillistines not knowing “theSpirit of God had departed/”The Laodicean church “knewnot.” It was “wretched, miser-able, poor, blind and naked.”

Take inventory If God’s Spiritis not vibrant in your heart, ifthere was ever a time you lovedJesus Christ more than you loveHim at this moment, to thatdegree you’re backslidden.

You might have left Himwhen you started neglecting thesecret place of prayer. You’llfind Him when you go back tothat secret place of prayer. Youmight have started neglectingthe house of worship. That’swhere you’ll find Him. Youmight have left Him when somegrudge arose in your heart.You’ll find Him when you goback and make that right. Youmay have left Him when somegrievous sin or habit entered.

Where Did They Find HimAgain?

Right where they left Him.And so will you. You’re gong tofind Him right back where youlost Him. Jesus is right there.You’re the one who moved.

Let these thoughts be a warn-ing to our hearts in the Christ-mas season. Help us, Lord, notto get so wrapped up in thethings of Christmas that welose You in the midst of thecelebration.

Lost Christ ofChristmas

from page 1

4 December 2019 • Mississippi Baptist

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

USPS 353-960P.O. Box 8181

Laurel, Mississippi 39441-8000

Phone 601-426-3293

PRICE$20.00 Per Year by Mail

$15.00 Per Year by EmailCHURCH PLAN

$ 1.50 Per Month per Family

Published on the 1st and15th of each month by the Bap-tist Missionary Association ofMississippi. Periodical postagepaid at Hattiesburg, MS 39402.

Postmaster:Send address changes toMississippi Baptist Paper

P.O. Box 8181, Laurel, MS39441

Journal of the Baptist MissionaryAssociation of Mississippi

Don BrownEditor

It Certainly IS The Season!The last two months of eachyear present us with oppor-tunities to reflect on ourlives, our blessings, and ourrelationship with our God.The two holidays thatpresent themselves,Thanksgiving andChristmas, shouldgive us pause.They should causeus to reflect on theOne who should bethe center of each.

The Lord God hasrichly blessed us as anation, as individuals, andas His children. Regardlessof our health, wealth, or cir-cumstances, we can all agreethat He has blessed us be-yond our expectations, ourneeds, and beyond thatwhich we deserve. A popu-lar radio host's responsewhen asked how he is doingis, "Better than I deserve".That certainly applies to therest of us also.

When we stop and reflecton the blessings we enjoy,we must admit that we aredeeply "thankful" for God'scare for us.

Christmas gives us oppor-tunity to reflect on the great-

est gift ever bestowed uponhumanity. He gave His OnlySon. He has showered Hislove upon all mankind by

providing a Savior, a De-liverer, an Advocate for

the lost souls of man-kind. What a loveGod has for us!

We are trulythankful for all theblessings of life thatGod gives. Let us bemindful of the great-

est gift as stated bythe physician Luke as he

wrote the following words,"And the angel said untoher, Fear not, Mary: for thouhast found favour with God.And, behold, thou shalt con-ceive in thy womb, and bringforth a son, and shalt callhis name JESUS. He shallbe great, and shall be calledthe Son of the Highest: andthe Lord God shall give untohim the throne of his fatherDavid: And he shall reignover the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdomthere shall be no end." Luke1:30-33

May you all have a VeryBlessed Christmas Celebra-tion.

Sofilthy's Atticby Barbara White

And It Came To PassMy favorite scripture is

"And it came to pass". We'veall had unpleasant thingscome into our lives and I amthankful that it didn't cometo stay but "it came to pass".The Psalm 30:5 confirms

this. "........weeping may endure for anight, but joy cometh in the morning."

Long TimeTexas Pastor Dies

J.D. Hudson was born on Sep-tember 22, 1918 in RunnelsCounty, Texas and was blessedwith 101 years of life. He leftthis earthly home on October29, 2019 to bewith his Lordand Savior. AWorld WarTwo veteran heearned therank of StaffSergeant. Hem a r r i e dCharlie FayeBowles in 1939 and the couplehad three beautiful children to-gether. He graduated from Jack-sonville College in 1954. Hepastored Baptist Churches for38 years in Texas but preacheduntil he was in his 90’s.

Bro. Hudson was preceded indeath by his parents, adoringwife Faye, Son Jimmy, 2 sistersand 3 brothers, and son-in- lawPhil Simons.

He is remembered by 2 daugh-ters, Gloria and husband RonChesser, and Ann Simons; twograndchildren, great-grandchildren,and seven great-great grandchildren.

J.D. Hudson

Long Time Pastor DiesReverend Carl Garrett Willis,

86, passed away November 15,2019, in Conway, Arkansas. Hewas born on May 20, 1933, inWheaton, Missouri, to JohnGarrett Willis and GeorgiaWillis. He was the oldest of 4children.

He started his ministry atage 18 and continued to preach

and pastor for57 years untilhis retire-ment in 2008.He presentedthe gospelwith great en-thusiasm andhad an amaz-ing knowl-edge of theBible which

was evident in his messages. Hepastored 8 churches in Arkan-sas, Louisiana and Texas. Hislast pastorate was at GraceTemple Baptist Church in Ar-

Carl Willis

lington, Texas, from 1977-2008.He enlisted in the Air Force atage 19 and served as a crewchief on a B-47 bomber for 4years.

He is preceded in death by hisfather, mother and one sister,Mary Snell.

He is survived by his wife of67 years, Virginia, son GaryWillis (Janette) of Conway, Ar-kansas, daughter Linda Knightof Midlothian, Texas, grandchil-dren Heather (Brian) Thomas,Ryan Knight, Kirby (Taylor)Willis, Ross (Bailey) Knight,Raquel Knight, four greatgranddaughters, brother James(Betty) Willis, sister Faye (Don)Kunze, and a host of nieces andnephews and extended family.

Services were held at CentralBaptist Church, Conway, Ar-kansas, on Wednesday, Novem-ber 20, 2019. Memorials can bemade to LifeWord Ministries,611 Locust St. Conway, Arkan-sas 72034.

Fulton Churchcalls pastor

Bro. Matt Hudson has ac-cepted the call as pastor of Wal-nut Grove Baptist Church inFulton, Mississippi.

2019 Senior Adult Conference Held in BransonHundreds of senior adult

BMA Baptists from acrossAmerica gathered for three daysof worship, entertainment andfun at the 2019 edition of theBMA National Senior AdultConference. The site for theevent was the Branson Conven-tion Center in Branson, Mis-souri.

Greg Medenwald, pastor ofMagnolia Baptist Church inHattiesburg, Mississippi,brought three inspiring mes-sages and David Attebery, di-rector of Celebrate Recovery atNorthwest Bible Church inRogers, Arkansas and Neil

D u m a s ,w o r s h i ppastor atC o r n e r -s t o n eB a p t i s tChurch inJackson-v i l l e ,Texas, ledin wor-ship. At-t e n d e e salso en-joyed aconcert by the Gold City Quar-tet, a comedy set from DennisSwanburg and attended theHaygood Family Music Show.

Donny Parrish, executive di-rector at Lifeword, said that ev-ery department in the BMA hada hand in making the event spe-cial for BMA Senior Adults.“Your BMA department direc-tors have a special love for thesefolks who have not only been ablessing to God’s work in thepast, but are a vital part of God’swork today! It was a joy to see allof our national directors presentand each of our national depart-ments play a role in the confer-

ence.”Not only did the participants

enjoy a great week of fun, theyalso helped fund missions in acritical part of the work — theMiddle East. An offering wastaken, and $15,000 was raisedto help the ministry of CharlieCosta in Beirut, Lebanon.

National Senior Adult 2020will be held November 16-18 atChateau On The Lake inBranson, Missouri. KirkShelton, pastor of Calvary Bap-tist Church in Fayetteville, Ar-kansas, will be the conferencespeaker.

-Via Baptist Trumpet

5December 2019 • Mississippi Baptist

BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

Missions Department &Revolving Loan Fund

State Missionaries, Coaches & Coordinators and Wives

www.bmams.org - 601.428.8616Larry Geraldson

DirectorEd & Patricia

DuVallEstuardo &

Yasmine MarroquinJason and Kylie

HowardWesley & Holley

Martin

Johnny & Neta Williams

Sidney & BeckyFarmer

Kenneth & CarolePollockPhillip & Dawn

Burns

Josh and Mary HelenDaniels

Refuge Baptist Mission at Kiln,Mississippi, Holds First Service

Weeks and months of planning fi-nally came to fruition this past Sundaywhen 116 people gathered at the Kilnpublic library to experience and partici-pate in the first corporate worship ser-vice of Refuge Baptist Mission. Mis-sionary Josh Daniels and his wife MaryHelen, along with the team of volun-teers from Refuge, led in a wonderfulservice. From the parking lot to thepew, the team had all the bases coveredand was very well organized in its effortto make all who came feel welcome.Midway First Baptist, the motherchurch, was represented in the servicewith 9 people who drove down. We arepraising the Lord for a great first day.

Salt Light Baptist MissionBaptizes Four

“Salt Light Baptist Mission has beenblessed the past few weeks! We've hadvisitors each service with a high atten-dance of 32 for morning worship. Werecently had our Thanksgiving serviceand dinner at the Mission and we bap-tized four people that morning. There'sstill a few more that need to be baptized.

We also started mid-week Disciple train-ing classes on Wednesday nights. Wehad three men and three women par-ticipate. The Lord is blessing us and weare so thankful! We very grateful for allthe prayers and support from the people

and Churches of the BMAMS. With theLord and your help, we're going forwardwith the Gospel of Jesus.” – MissionaryJohnny Williams

Merry Christmas fromMidway at Batesville, Mississippi

We “give thanks unto the Lord, forHe is good,” His mercy toward us con-tinues day by day. The blessings of theLord are upon us we know, even thoughour congregation has been touched byvarious bouts of illness. Attendance hasbeen below average for a few weeks butshould be building back soon. In spite oflow numbers, our worship services have

continued and have been great momentstogether with God. Bro. TommyShroads, our worship leader, has beguna children’s church segment as a regu-lar part of our morning service. Eventhough there is usually only one childpresent, everyone enjoys the brief les-sons. Last year we decided to partici-pate in the annual Operation Christ-mas Child program and put togetherabout 30 boxes. This year we collecteddesignated items each month and whenthe boxes were packed this time, we had42 boxes. On the third Sunday in No-vember, we surrounded those boxes andhad a prayer for those who would re-ceive them this Christmas. It was excit-ing to see our members working to-gether on this project and to see themlooking beyond our needs as a MissionChurch to those who are in much greater

need. At this writing, Thanksgiving ispast, and Christmas is almost here. Ihope that everyone enjoyed a great andblessed time with family at Thanksgiv-ing, and I am praying that everyone hasa merry and joyful time at Christmas,remembering our dear Savior’s birthand allowing His love to flow throughall of us to those around us. MerryChristmas and blessings to all.” – Mis-sionary Kenneth Pollock

Redemption Baptist MissionAdds Two New Families

“As we finish the Thanksgiving holi-day season, I look around and marvel athow God has blessed the mission thispast year. We were able to buy a build-ing, remodel it and begin services. TheLord added to our congregation andgrew the people we had previously. Weare almost finished discipling 14 peoplewho will become leaders of various min-istries throughout the church. We arelooking forward to some service projectsin our community and the chance to bea blessing to needy families during theholidays. I am thankful for all the fi-nancial support and prayers that havebeen given on our behalf. On behalf ofeveryone at Redemption, I would like tothank the Association for loving andinvesting in us. We hope you have ablessed holiday season, and may Godbless all of your churches.” – Mission-ary Wesley Martin 

Canaan Baptist Missionat Waynesboro

Merry Christmas to you all! The year

Cherita and I want to wish all of youa wonderful Christmas. For us, this isa great time to count our blessings, andamong our blessings is the visit of ourchildren and grandchildren. It is withgreat anticipation they we await theirarrival.

Our anticipation cannot compare tothe anticipation that all humanity ago-nized with, just prior to the birth ofJesus. Prophets had foretold, and eventshad pointed to the day. Their search isrecorded in 1 Pet 1, “Of which salvationthe prophets have enquired andsearched diligently, who prophesied ofthe grace that should come unto you:”

One can only imagine what it was

like to hear, “… Fear not: for, behold, Ibring you good tidings of great joy, whichshall be to all people. For unto you isborn this day in the city of David, aSaviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke2:10-11

On that glorious day, our Saviourinvaded, through the stall of an un-named Inn Keeper, a fallen worldguarded by Satan and all his demons, inwhich we all found ourselves in bond-age. Simeon would rightly testify toGod the Father about this baby Jesus, afew days later at the temple, “…mineeyes have seen thy salvation.” Luke2:30b Paul would encourage Titus inchapter 2 to, “… adorn the doctrine of

God our Saviour in all things. For thegrace of God that bringeth salvationhath appeared to all men,…” WhatJOY! GLORY!

Among the many reasons we servethe Lord through missions is to ensurethat our children and grandchildrenhave the liberty to know this story andto adorn this doctrine and receive thisgrace. As those precious children’svoices echo in the background of thisseason, “Oh come let us adore Him…”,I am challenged to remember that ourwork is not done! There is so muchmore to do! We need new missionariesto go plant churches in new locationsacross Mississippi.

Our current missionaries are doingan excellent job. Enclosed is a briefreport from some of them along withtheir well wishes at Christmas.

As Cherita and I plan to spend sometime with our children and grandchil-dren, as we always do, by God’s grace, Ilook forward with excitement to seeingtheir little faces glow as they open theirpresents. But most of all, I look forwardto whispering in their little ears thestory of Jesus. For I do not want toforget that this is my first and mostimportant mission field. God bless eachof you and Merry Christmas!

116 folks attended the first service ofRefuge Baptist Mission in Kiln, Mississippi

Salt Light Baptist Mission hold first Thanksgiving fellowship

Christmas Shoe Boxes

continued on page 6

6 December 2019 • Mississippi Baptist

has flown by. As it comes to an end andwe approach Christmas, I have to pauseand thank God for all He has done forme, my family and the Mission Church.When I began this journey and thework of planting a Missionary BaptistChurch in the Waynesboro area, therewere many things I did know not! Butwhat I did know was that there was aneed and that God would bless throughHis churches to meet the needs wewould have. Neither the Lord nor Hischurches have failed us! You have beengenerous with your prayers and yourgiving, and all at the Mission Churchthank you! We will continue to pressforward for the glory of God. We willcontinue to reach out to the lost withthe Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will notin the process compromise our beliefs.And by the grace and help of God work-ing through His churches we will planta New Testament Missionary BaptistChurch! May God bless you all thisChristmas! This December we will beputting together small gift bags andgiving them out in the community. Prayfor us that the Lord will allow this tomeet and minister to new people! –Missionary Jason Howard

Merry Christmasfrom Bro. Ed DuVall

Homestretch is excited about wherewe are in terms of spiritual growth. Weare halfway through our discipleshiptraining in the ABC’s of ChristianGrowth. We will continue our Disciple-ship training with a transition into us-ing the Disciple Way material at thebeginning of the year. Our people areexcited about getting to know God in adeeper way. We are grateful to Bro.Sidney Farmer for traveling to Cleve-land to provide us with training in theuse of the Disciple Way material. Wehave some hopeful prospects for a newmissions’ opportunities in the upcom-ing year. We will share more about thisopportunity later. Please keep us inyour prayers.

Congratulationsto the Farmer Family!

Missionary Coach and Pastor of SouthForrest Baptist Church, Sidney Farmerand his wife Becky, announced thattheir son, Austin and his wife, Caitlinare expecting a child in May of 2020.“Sidney and I are extremely excited toshare the news that Austin and Caitlinhave received a blessing from God. Thissweet little blessing will be arriving inMay.”

Report onRestoration Ministry

Paul Spurlin, Coordinator of Resto-ration Jail Ministry, visited with theBig Creek, Oak Grove, and WashingtonAssociations during their respectivemeetings held during the month ofNovember, introducing the churches toour efforts to help them minister to

Missionsfrom page 5

74 Yearsof Ministry

Keeping YouInformed

editor@msbaptist.org - 601-426-3293 - www.msbaptist.org

January of each year is designated as the “Special Emphasis Month” for yourPublications Department. Our churches and people are asked to receive a spe-cial offering during January to raise funds for the continued operation of this minis-try.

Your gift is used throughout the yearto help fund this work. Your gift is spe-cial to us and very much appreciated.

They help us continue to keep youinformed about the work God is doingthrough the Baptist Missionary Associa-tion of Mississippi and America.

JOURNAL OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

DON BROWN, EDITOR

Don BrownEditor

SPECIAL

EMPHASIS

NEEDS

$10,000JANUARY 2020

people in their local county jails.  Hethanks each of these associations fortheir encouraging comments, discus-sions, and prayer support and thanksthe Washington association for agree-ing to financially support the new min-istry.  Restoration Jail Ministry alsothanks Pastor Donald Brown, BuffaloBaptist Church, for offering to provideBibles from Prisoners Bible Crusade aschurches need them within local jailministry.  Paul reports having a con-

versation with one county sheriff whohas agreed to a meeting in early Janu-ary to discuss how churches may beginministering in his jail. 

As always, if your church would liketo help with local jail ministry, pleasecontact Paul atpaul.restoration.ministry@gmail.com. Finally, as we enter December, Resto-ration Jail Ministry wishes all of you a“Merry Christmas” as you take time tocelebrate the birth of our Savior.  

New Website On The WayI am told that our new website should

be ready to launch by January 1, 2020.I am excited! We have been waitingpatiently for the redesign and construc-tion and I will be meeting with thedesigner next week to finalize things. Iwant to thank each of you for beingpatient with us, as we have gone throughthis transition.

continued on page 8

7December 2019 • Mississippi Baptist

COMMISSION ON

History & Archives

Jason HowardDirector

4229 Highway 15 NorthLaurel, Mississippi 39440

The Whitsitt ControversyOne of the great truths that

Missionary Baptists have hadto contend for is that Baptistpeople and churches are of Di-vine origin and have continuedin succession from the personalministry of Christ. Our Doctri-nal Statement affirms that webelieve in 1) the establishmentof the visible church of Christduring His personal ministryand 2) the perpetuity of Mis-sionary Baptist churches fromChrist’s days on earth until Hissecond coming. Leading up to1800 to mid-1800s, it was theconsensus among Baptist histo-rians that Baptists were of an-cient origin. A few of the great

but nearly forgotten Baptist his-tory books are Ray’s BaptistSuccession by D.B. Ray; BaptistChurch Perpetuity by W.AJarrel; History of Baptists byG.H. Orchard; The History ofthe Baptists, Thomas Armitage;A History of the Baptists by J.T.Christian; and The Trail of Bloodby J.M. Carrol to name a few.

There was one great “Contro-versy” and one great “Move-ment” that took place duringthe 1800s through early 1900s.One involved Baptist history,“The Whitsitt Controversy.” Theother involved church doctrine,“The Landmark Movement.”While the Whitsitt controversydealt a blow to the confidence of

Baptist People concerning theirorigin, the Landmark Move-ment helped restore Baptistchurches to their primitive pu-rity. The churches of the BMAare one of a few groups left whohave held and should hold tena-ciously to the old paths.

In 1880, while serving asPresident of the Southern Bap-tist Theological Seminary inKentucky, Dr. William Whitsittpublished an article in the NewYork Independent, a widely cir-culated pedobaptist paper, con-cerning what is called the 1641“Discovery.” This publishedfinding was that, in 1641, agroup of English Separatistsbegan the practice of immers-ing. If this were true, it wouldmean there were no Baptistchurches prior to 1641, and thatBaptists find their origin in theChurch of England – the daugh-ter of Rome. Whitsitt’s articlein the Independent did not bearhis name, though it later cameto light that he was the author.In 1896, Dr. Whitsitt was cho-

sen to write an article forJohnson’s Universal Encyclope-dia. In Johnson’s Encyclopediahe made the statement that“prior to the year 1641 the Bap-tists of England practiced sprin-kling and pouring for baptism;but that about 1641 immersionwas substituted in the place ofsprinkling and pouring for bap-tism.” This statement itself iscontradictory. If there was noone baptizing by immersionprior to 1641, then there wereno Baptists. And yet, he stated,“prior to the year 1641 BAP-TISTS practiced sprinkling andpouring for baptism.”

Of course, this caused a greatdeal of controversy, so much sothat he was pressured to resignas President of the Baptist Theo-logical Seminary in 1899. D.B.Ray wrote to the Seminary, ask-ing for their position concern-ing Baptist History prior to Dr.Whitsitt’s article. The responsewas received in letter as follows,“Rev. D.B. Ray, Dear Bro. yoursof June 22nd is just received,

owing to my absence for somemonths from the State. I hastennow to reply by saying that it isnot true that the Southern Bap-tist Theological Seminarythrough its Professor of Historyascribes the origin of Baptiststo the Church of Rome, or theReformation of the 16th cen-tury. You ask – ‘Have the Bap-tists as churches a divine orhuman origin? Have the Bap-tists originated from the churchof Rome, or the Reformation ofthe 16th century?’ I answer thatBaptist churches in my opinionare of divine origin, and origi-nated in the first century underthe preaching and founding ofthe apostles of our Lord. Theywere not then called Baptistchurches, because they had noneed of any distinctive title in-asmuch as there were not inthat age any other kind ofchurches under the divine or-der of things. Very truly, yourbrother in Christ, Wm. Will-iams.”

continued on page 8

BUFFETFrom The Mind of Chuck Lee

Bro. Chuck Lee

"Supper!" I can still recallthe countless times as a childwhen I would hear mom hollerus in from outside with the newsthat supper was ready. As achild, I knew that it was time toleave what I was doing andpromptly return home to eat.There were times that we wouldgo inside and sit down on thebench to a plate of those hugewhite beans with pieces of hamin it. To this day, I still don'tlike those big old white beans.At that point in my life though,I had no choice. I had to eat thewhite beans. My portionwould be the size of apostage stamp, abouthalf the size of a wholebean, and was still morethan sufficient.

Every now and then,mom would "treat" usto beef liver. I'm notsure if anyone in ourhousehold liked beefliver, but I think momhad heard that it was agood source of iron. Idon't care how much ketchupyou put on liver, it still tasteslike liver. Most of the time itwould be liver and onions, butsometimes she would try andtrick us by frying it up with riceand gravy. I think she felt thatif she fried it, that we wouldenjoy it more. It was that or shewas just being mean by trickingus into believing we were eating

fried tenderized steak.Here in Purvis, Mississippi,

we have a restaurant that has abuffet forlunch duringthe week. Ev-ery day theyhave friedchicken on themenu, butthey generallyhave anothermeat of some sort for each day ofthe week. My favorite is friedand blackened catfish Fridaywith some gumbo slathered over

the top. On one day of the weekthough, he always puts out liverand onions as one of the choices.Ha! You're not fooling me! Well,you did that one time, but afterthat I knew it was liver and notsteak. I asked the owner why hewould subject his patrons tosuch misery and he said, "Be-lieve it or not, people really likeit". And sure enough, I looked

around and people were eatingthe stuff. It was mostly theolder crowd that went throughthe depression and learned toeat just about anything, but theywere eating it.

Growing up, I was alwaystaught to not overfill my plateso as not to seem like a pig.There were some things saidabout being polite too. The otherday I watched a man put, notone, not two, not three, but fourgrilled pork chops on his plate. Iwas getting worried that therewould be none left by the time Igot there. In fact, I had a littlebit of self-righteous thinkinggoing on in my mind and I amnot sure why. I thought thatthe polite thing to do would be toget just one so that other peoplein line could get one as well andtherefore not have to hold upthe line while waiting for thecook to bring out another pan ofpork chops. Then I lookedaround and it seemed that ev-eryone had the same idea asthis man. Plates were filled tooverflowing. It was as if every-one was worried that the kitchenwould run out of food and theywere going to get theirs before itwas all gone! I got a little ner-vous and wondered if I hadmissed something on the news.But alas, it was just people be-ing people.

I know what you are think-ing. Bro. Chuck is going to usethis as a way to point out howwe should crave the spiritualfood that God provides just likewe indulge ourselves at the buf-fet. That would be a good

thought, but I just wanted toshare that people really do eat awhole lot when it comes to allyou can eat buffets. It is a sightto behold. You should try justobserving this phenomenonsomeday. It is really very enter-taining.Lee serves as pastor of Pine GroveBaptist Church, Purvis. He maybe reached by email atleecharles47@yahoo.com

Scripture Thoughts by Cleaver

Tony Cleaver

1 Peter 4.16 “But if anyone suffers as a Christian…”

Persecution is a real thing. It is an act against someone-inthis case Christians-with focus to damage them, to intimidatethem, to stop them, to discredit them, to im-prison them, or even to silence them in death.Sometimes a Christian believes he or she isbeing persecuted, but it is not because of theirstand for Christ and His Church. They arebeing persecuted-probably being sociallyshunned and shamed-because they are simplyunpleasant and obnoxious people.

It is not for Christ they are persecuted; it isfor their unbearable and unending diatribes regarding oth-ers. It is not for Christ they are persecuted, it is because theyhave a life goal of telling others they are wrong because theydo not behave in the same manner as the spiteful speakerrequires.

Dear Reader, let us not make others miserable with ourrants. Don’t confuse this kind of malevolent behavior withdoing the work of God. Oh yes, you will be the one rejectedbecause of your conduct, but you are not suffering as aChristian. You are suffering because of your own unjustifi-able behavior. But if anyone suffers, really suffers, for thecause of Christ, let them entrust themselves to a faithfulCreator while doing what is good.

8 December 2019 • Mississippi Baptist

Activities from State Mission Projects

This blow dealt by Whitsitt, whileserving at the sacrifices of Baptist people,has proven to be the tool of our adversaryto identify and reconstruct Baptists asProtestant. It was not long until thecommonly and almost unanimously heldview of succession was largely discardedby our SBC brothers, who are now cred-ited for being the largest Protestant de-nomination in America. Dr. Whitsittstated that “if in the future it shall everbe made to appear that I have erred inmy conclusions, I would promptly andcheerfully say so.” Dr. Whitsitt’s “Dis-covery” was, in fact, proven to be in errorand refuted by Baptist historian DavidBenedict and others. In 1897, Dr. Joseph

Angus, English preacher and writer,cited the existence of 26 churches prac-ticing immersion before 1641 and gavethe names of 21 pamphlets opposingBaptists and their manner of immer-sion. However, Dr. Whitsitt never didlabor to heal the wound he inflicted uponthe Baptist People. D. B. Ray said, “Noman now living will see the end of thehurt Dr. Whitsitt has done the Baptists,no matter how often his position is re-futed.” History influences doctrine. Oncea Protestant origin was assigned to Bap-tist churches and accepted, it was notlong until the doctrine of those acceptingthis error began to reflect that of Protes-tantism. History Matters!!! (Informationcredited to Ray’s Baptist History,D.B.Ray, The Battle for Baptist History,I.K. Cross, and The Coming Destructionof the Baptist People by James R. Beller.)

Historyfrom page 7

Folks greeted as they arrive for the firstservice at Refuge Baptist Mission

Great Music and Worship atRefuge Baptist Mission's first service

Refuge Church Holds Public Service

Missionary Josh Daniels casting his vision andexpounding upon Ps 46 - God is our Refuge

Missionary Josh Danielsand his wife Mary Helen

Midway Mission, Batesville

Kenneth and Carole Pollock

Childrens Church with Tommy and Stella

Midway Baptist Mission Prepares to sendChristmas Shoe Boxes

Missionary Josh Daniels and Director LarryGeraldson at the first service of RefugeBaptist Mission in the Kiln, Mississippi

Salt Light Mission

Salt Light Baptist Mission holdfirst Thanksgiving fellowship

Photo on LeftSalt Light Baptizes Four