Anchor Winter 2023

Inside This Issue of THE BAPTIST ANCHOR: CONTENTS: The Anchor Board.......................................................3 College News .............................................................4 ABA Secretary-Treasurer's Report ............................5 Florida State Bap�st Associa�on Report....................6 Test Your Knowledge Crossword Puzzle .....................7 The True Hope of Freedom.........................................8 Florida Bap�st Youth Camp Report ............................9 God Knows our Sorrows...........................................10 The Power of Working Together ..............................11 Learning the Land, Loving the Lord: Shiloh ..............12 Lessons From Fools...................................................14 ON THE COVER: Spiritual Warmth .....................................................15 \"The Power of Working Together\" CG digital painting courtesy BTC Publications Looking for a Man ....................................................16 Digital artwork and photography throughout this Missionary Reports...................................................17 edition courtesy of Baptist Training Center Publications. Print Subscription Rate: $10 Annually. Financial supporters of Emmaus will continue to receive a free subscription. The Baptist Anchor is also available for free online at: emmausbaptistcollege.org/baptist-anchor To subscribe to the print edition, please contact: 706 Dew Bloom Rd, Brandon, FL 33511-6108 Phone: (813) 684-1389 Issue: 2023-01(Winter Edition) The Baptist Anchor, published by Emmaus Baptist College of Brandon, is the periodical of note among the Missionary Baptist churches of Florida, publishing articles, news, and missionary reports. The Baptist Anchor is mailed four times a year in January, April, July, and October. To include your content in the next edition of the Baptist Anchor, please contact the EBC Administrative Dean, Bro. Temple Meek at: [email protected]. Unsolicited articles, advertisements, and news releases are welcome, however publication cannot be guaranteed. The Baptist Anchor and Emmaus Baptist College neither endorses nor is responsible for the contents of articles, advertisements, reports, or other published content, including any opinions stated therein, and the accuracy of the data provided by contributors. Both churches and individuals are encouraged to subscribe to the Baptist Anchor for insightful articles, church and school news, missionary reports, and ministry opportunities. Copyright © 2023, Emmaus Baptist College, Inc. All rights reserved

BOGARD PRESS FLORIDA STATE ASSOCIATION OF MISSIONARY From December through February, Bogard Press BAPTIST CHURCHES 2023 ANNUAL MEETING is excited to provide Adult Sunday school classes with expositional study through the first 14 chapters JULY 11-13, 2023 of the book of Acts. The adult lesson commentary offers 144 pages of study materials that help Bible Hosted by Okeechobee Missionary Baptist Church, Okeechobee, Florida students and teachers dig more deeply into Acts 1-14. We also offer daily devotionals. Hope you will Reserve your room today: enjoy as we study Acts! Hampton Inn BAPTIST SUNDAY 1200 State Road 70 E, Okeechobee, Florida SCHOOL COMMITTEE Phone: 863-824-0003 In September, the committee met in special session Room Rate is $129.00 per night (Make reservations before June 20, 2023) to elect Brother James Crain as business manager Mention Group Code FSA: Florida State Association after Brother Dean Grigsby resigned as of October No tax if you present your church tax exempt form 12, 2022. Bogard Press and the Bookstore in Texarkana are in good condition. The financials are sound and stable. The workforce is at full capacity. Please pray for us as we continue in this great work serving and helping the churches of the ABA in fulfilling the great commission. LADIES AUXILIARY REMINDER This is a reminder to our Ladies Auxiliaries to send your support to Emmaus Baptist College as our State ABA Ladies’ Auxiliary goal for 2022-23. If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Hancock at (863) 677-1622. SEEKING YOUTH PASTOR Lone Oak Missionary Baptist Church of Plant City, Florida is seeking a Youth Pastor. Lone Oak has a well-established group of energetic students that includes children/students PK-12th grade. We are looking for someone who is committed to the Lord and dedicated in helping students develop a Christ- driven life and focus. If interested, please call the Church Office at (813) 754-5278 or Pastor Kerry Beaty at (813) 215-5191 for more information. SEEKING YOUTH PASTOR AND SONG LEADER Leesburg Missionary Baptist Church is seeking a youth pastor and a song leader. Please contact Pastor Cecil Brown for inquiries at (352) 409-7508. SEEKING PASTOR Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Christmas, FL, established in 1868, is seeking a pastor for our congregation of faithful believers. This is great opportunity for someone to minister to a small community. KJV church. Please contact brother Clarance Canada at [email protected] 3

EMMAUS BAPTIST COLLEGE Report of Income October - December 2022 Bap�st Anchor COLLEGE NEWSBraddock, Charlo�e........................ 100.00 Campbell, Robin ...... ……....……………100.00 Capital Heights BC, Tallahassee ........ 30.00 Another semester of classes is in the history books, and a new one is just Cone, John & Kelly..............…………….50.00 beginning. The annual Christmas banquet was amazing, with over 150 in Eastside BC, Mulberry ...................... 45.00 attendance. Bro. Eric Sutton delivered a powerful message, the special First BC, Silver Springs ...................... 45.00 music (including the Emmaus Student Ensemble) was soul-stirring, and First Miss. BC, Auburndale ............. 105.00 First MBC, Thonotosassa .................. 60.00 the delicious food was provided by the ladies of several of our local Gant Lake BC, Webster ..................... 75.00 supporting churches. Thanks to everyone who helped make this year's Glenwood MBC, Jacksonville......…..150.00 banquet a success! Monterey BC, Orlando...................... 30.00 Northside MBC, Ocala ...................... 45.00 This Spring semester will see new students moving into the dormitories, Okeechobee MBC............................. 30.00 and an adjunct campus opening in Orlando, with thirteen new students Sura�, Alma.................................... 100.00 enrolled in Emmaus' program there. With the reopening of the graduate- (Individual subscrip�ons not listed) level seminary program, many are reaching out to the college in hopes of Churches completing their Master's and even Doctorate degrees. We are working 60TH Street MBC, Pinellas.............. 200.00 hard on making a world-class online program that will rival any public Bay Lake BC, Groveland ................ 1650.00 or private university. We will need to raise approximately $150,000 to Beulah BC, Lithia............................. 150.00 produce and publish online the 135 undergraduate courses offered at Calvary BC, Osteen .................... 15,000.00 Emmaus. ■ Calvary MBC, Fort Meade............... 120.00 Capital Heights BC, Tallahassee ...... 450.00 EmmMAaRuK YsOUBRaCApLtENiDsAtRSCFOoR TlHlE ege Central BC, Lithia ............................ 410.40 2023 Commencement East Somerset BC, KY...................... 300.00 Services Eastern Ave. BC, St. Cloud .............. 900.00 Eastside BC, Mulberry ................. 1,255.00 Emmanuel BC, Kissimmee .............. 500.00 First BC of East Bay, Riverview........ 200.00 Saturday April 29, 2023 2:00pm First BC of Silver Springs ................. 150.00 First BC,IRC, Titusville ..................... 400.00 Oakwood Baptist Church, Brandon, FL First Coast MBC, Jacksonville.......... 100.00 A meal will follow the graduation ceremonies. First MBC Auburndale ................. 1,100.00 First MBC, Eus�s ............................. 225.10 First MBC Fort Myers...................... 150.00 First Thonotosassa MBC ................. 375.00 Gala�an BC, Orlando ...................... 225.00 Gant Lake BC, Webster ................... 750.00 Glenwood MBC, Jacksonville.......... 300.00 Goodnews BC, Grand Cayman........ 375.00 Grace BC, Lake Wales ..................... 150.00 Lakeview BC, Corinth MS................ 180.00 Landmark BC, Madison................ 1,050.00 Leesburg MBC, Leesburg ................ 450.00 Lockwood MBC, Orlando................ 375.00 Lone Oak MBC, Plant City............ 1,500.00 New Home BC, Wetumpka, AL ....... 300.00 Northside MBC, Ocala .................... 300.00 O’Leno MBC, High Springs.............. 600.00 Okeechobee MBC, Okeechobee..... 391.08 Parkway MBC, Hollywood…… ......….225.00 Emmaus Baptist College Student Ensemble perform several Christmas selections at the annual college Pinegrove MBC, Christmas ...........…900.00 Christmas Banquet before a wonderful message by Bro. Eric Sutton. IndividualsPleasant Way BC, Naylor, GA……..... 525.00 Anonymous (Tuscanooga BC).……......60.00 Riverview Heights MBC .................. 450.00 Crouse, William Jr …........................…25.00 Thir�eth Ave. BC, St. Pete............... 225.00 Anchored Support FND.............. 12,000.00 Ti�on MBC, GA............................... 300.00 Ellixon, Clara Nell…….......….......……….10.00 Towne East BC, Tallahassee .............. 50.00 Garner, George……….............…………100.00 Pantry Offerings Welcome BC, Lithia......................... 800.00 Du�, John……………….............…………..25.00 Register,Kathy…......…................…….240.00 Westwood MBC, Winter Haven...... 800.00 Burde�e, Ralph & Karen….........………50.00 Lowery, Edna Lee…....................……..25.00 Withlacoochee MBC.................... 1,030.00 Deardorff, Ray & Sandra…....……......200.00 North Central Ladies Aux…..............324.00 Zion MBC, Winfield, AL................... 208.13 Statewide Fellowship……...…......……401.30 Withlacoochee MBC............…….......700.00 4

From the Office of SECRETARY-TREASURER OF MISSIONS American Baptist Association PO Box 1050, Texarkana, TX 75504-1050 Phone: 903.792.2312 E-mail: [email protected] Monthly Mission Report December 2022 BEGINNING BALANCE: $2,527,999.40 Dear Churches of the American Baptists Association, RECEIPTS: $ 127,887.74 From June 2012 to June 2019, I had the blessed Interstate Salaries $ 124,042.66 privilege to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of Missions Foreign & National Salaries $ 40,129.05 for the American Baptist Association. When I resigned, Designated $ 10,599.67 my prayer was that the messengers of our association Undesignated $ 302,659.12 would elect a man that had a passion for mission work and was capable of handling the work and travel load TOTAL RECEIPTS: that this position required. When Bro. Roger Stewart was elected, I knew in my heart that he was Gods’ man BALANCE FOR SALARY/EXPENSE $2,830,658.52 for the job. For Bro. Roger, the position of Secretary/Treasurer was a calling. I can honestly say DISBURSEMENTS: that with God’s help he was able to take this position to the next level and to higher ground. His love for Interstate Salaries $ 73,581.25 missions and missionaries drove him night and day to $ 27,215.22 a standard of excellence. Everything he did had to be Foreign Salaries $ 25,870.00 right. There was much consideration behind every $ 40,129.05 word he used in a report or sermon. National Salaries When I received the news of his passing, I was $ 16,804.80 speechless, shocked and numb. My heart broke for his Designated $ 861.79 wife Gena and their family. Bro. Roger set a standard of $ 771.97 excellence for all of us to follow. May we continue to be Sal/Exp of Sec-Treas Office $0 in much prayer for our associated work, the office of $ 1,137.00 Secretary/Treasurer of missions, and for the Stewart Office Salaries family. $ 19,575.56 General Office Till Jesus Comes, $ 186,371.08 Bro. Bryan Sellers Automobile Exp $ 2,644,287.44 Sec/Treasurer Exp Postage $ 116,288.04 Praise the Lord! For the month of December, the missionaries reported to this office 680 salvations and 18 baptisms. That brings the total reported for this associational year of TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS: 3645 salvations and 388 baptisms. BALANCE CARRIED FORW ARD: SURPLUS FOR DECEMBER Thanksgiving Missions Offering collected so far is $295,346.64 6g Five visitors professed Christ at a home 5 Bible study for Sanctuary MB Mission in November 2022 with Missionary Yolito de Gracia, Malabon City, Philippines.

Florida State Baptist Association Report Edwin Button, Secretary-Treasurer The amounts reported below are only the monies sent through the Florida State Secretary-Treasurer of Missions and do not necessarily reflect the total missions giving of each church. Mission Offerings for Sept - Nov 2022 First MBC, Auburndale Grace, Lake Wales: M. Thornton .............................. $300.00 Youth Camp ............................... $300.00 State ........................................... $210.00 Youth Camp ................................. $75.00 R. Burde�e ................................. $600.00 Interstate ..... .................................$90.00 Texas Bap�st Inst. ...................... $225.00 Foreign...... ..................................$105.00 Leesburg Bap�st, Leesburg: Philippines ..... .............................$450.00 Capital Heights, Tallahassee L. Malonzo ..... .............................$350.00 State .......................................... $200.00 I. Imseeh..... ................................$100.00 Anchor ......................................... $30.00 G. Ramos Jr. ..... ...........................$300.00 Central, Lithia Youth Camp ............................... $450.00 K. Sibley ..................................... $300.00 Bay Lake, Groveland Youth Camp ............................... $260.40 T. Barker ..................................... $300.00 J. Gonzalez ................................. $260.40 T. Cribbs ..................................... $300.00 State ....................................... $1,050.00 D. White ..................................... $300.00 K. Foster ..................................... $750.00 Welcome, Lithia State .......................................... $150.00 Macedonian Miss. Serv.............. $750.00 P. Armstrong .............................. $100.00 J. Gonzalez ................................. $750.00 Youth Camp ............................... $400.00 Emmaus ..................................... $450.00 State Ladies Aux ........................ $750.00 J. Quito ...................................... $300.00 ABA Travel ................................. $750.00 Kendrick Bap�st, Ocala ABA Disaster Relief .................. $1,000.00 Interstate ................................. $1,170.00 F. Crook.................................... $2,550.00 Romanian Missions ................. $1,800.00 Gant Lake, Webster T. Molden ................................... $750.00 W.R. Goulding ............................ $750.00 Pleasant Grove, Milton Anchor ......................................... $75.00 FL Miss Dev ............................. $1,350.00 Youth Camp ............................... $750.00 D. Jones ..................................... $750.00 State .......................................... $225.00 FL Miss Dev ............................. $1,500.00 G.R. Ward .................................. $750.00 D. White ..................................... $750.00 B. Johnson ................................. $750.00 Calvary Bap�st Orlando Emmaus ..................................... $750.00 Ma�ngly family......................... $750.00 State .......................................... $150.00 ABA Disaster .............................. $750.00 FL Mission Dev ............................. $60.00 ABA Travel .................................. $150.00 J. Meredith ................................ $750.00 Youth Camp ............................... $200.00 J. Gage ....................................... $750.00 T. Meek ...................................... $750.00 Cornerstone Ministries................ $50.00 Interstate ................................... $300.00 K. Sibley ..................................... $750.00 Miss Training Ministry ................. $50.00 D. Love� .................................... $750.00 C. Fernandez .............................. $750.00 D. Rohr ....................................... $100.00 A. Phillips ................................... $750.00 E. Brown .................................... $750.00 Texas Bap�st Inst. ........................ $50.00 J. Gonzalez ................................. $750.00 B. Be�s ...................................... $750.00 Willie Davenport ........................ $750.00 T. Tirse ....................................... $750.00 Calvary Bap�st Osteen B. Rutherford ............................. $750.00 B. Lane ....................................... $750.00 D. Vestal ..................................... $750.00 D. Love� .................................... $750.00 State ..................................... $35,000.00 ABA Disaster Relief .................... $500.00 G. Knight .................................... $750.00 J. Ellerbe .................................... $500.00 K. Amburgey .............................. $750.00 Legacy Bap�st, Sarasota New Road Addic�on Rec. ...... .....$250.00 B. Jones ...................................... $750.00 R. Boyle ...................................... $750.00 G.R. Ward .................................. $300.00 Westwood, Winter Haven K. Hutcheson ............................. $750.00 FL Miss Dev ................................ $150.00 Mongolian Missions .................. $750.00 K. Foster ..................................... $300.00 C. Angulo ................................... $300.00 D. Rohr....................................... $750.00 P. Lamb ...................................... $750.00 First Bap�st, Silver Springs Parkway, Hollywood: Interstate ............................. $300.00 FL Miss Dev ................................ $150.00 Emmaus ..................................... $225.00 State ............................................ $30.00 State .......................................... $225.00 Anchor ......................................... $45.00 T. Cribbs ..................................... $225.00 J. Gonzalez ................................. $450.00 Youth Camp ............................... $225.00 Emmaus ..................................... $150.00 Interstate .................................... $225.00 M. Jones .................................... $300.00 6

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: BEGINNER PEW WARMER SUNDAY WARRIOR BIBLE SCHOLAR Answers on page 9 7

The True Hope of FREEDOM “…Christ in you, the hope of glory:” - Colossians 1:27 Do any of these women have any real hope of freedom? If their hope comes only through a blank, white piece of paper or even a kind, unsaved husband, then there is no real freedom. The old lady and the millions of men, women, boys and girls around the globe must know more than unwelded doors, open Bedouin tent flaps, a benevolent government, or even kind, loving families to be truly free. A Green Blade of Grass As I sat down to prepare this article, my mind couldn’t In the book, The Passing of the Night, about his seven and help but focus on a blank, white piece of paper. It had one-half years as a POW in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” no writing or marks on it. It was not torn. It was held Robinson Risner relates, and later shared in my office, a up by an old Chinese lady who was pleading silently from a special moment of intense feeling of freedom. He spent heart begging for a hope of freedom. 4 ½ of those years in solitary confinement. He was alone The reporter said that she was one of thousands across China without anyone else to talk to, or so it would seem. While who were willing to risk imprisonment or even death rather waiting to share his testimony in my chapel at Ft. Hood, he than continue the forced imprisonment of the Communist talked at length about several events that strengthened his government. The reporter noted a burning apartment complex appreciation of true freedom and its source of hope. behind the old lady. He said that firemen were unable to First, he related how that when he was captured, the North save many of the occupants inside due to their apartment Vietnamese took away what they thought was everything doors having been welded shut by the government. Was that he possessed. They told him that he had no one who she in shock from the helpless screams of her imprisoned, cared or even knew that he was alive. They demanded that burning neighbors? Was this grandma begging for the life he could not speak to anyone without their permission, and of a starving grandchild whom she had left to go find food? the only things he was permitted to possess were what they chose to lend him! –Funny, being born again, he had inside him all of what they thought they could deny him!!! The old lady knew that to speak out loud would mean certain beating by the police and possibly even death. She found herself in the same position of many women who through the centuries have been abused, beaten, and burned alive or maybe treated kindly so long as the name of Jesus was not uttered. She could only do what many of these women have done: hope for change without saying a word. Her silence reminded me of 1 Peter 3:1 “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;” I thought back to the subservient, helpless Bedouin women that I saw in the desert of Saudi Arabia. They could not even go outside without their husband’s permission. They could be left alone by the government-empowered husband’s one word spoken three times: divorce! If they were disobedient, the Koran authorized the husband to beat them and send them to their room. [Surah 4:34] 8

Second, He shared God’s blessing of a single, green blade Florida Baptist of grass. For months, he was denied the pleasure of even Youth Camp looking outside. One day he spied a slight crack along the bottom of a wall. Peeping out, he was greeted by his new 4645 BAPTIST ISLAND RD. friend, one blade of green grass. Although the one blade GROVELAND, FLORIDA 34736 was all that he could see, it told him that there must be more. He knew the blade was alive and it reminded him Ithank everyone for the love, prayers, and support. that there surely were many, many other blades that he We are getting supplies and projects ready for could not see. The blade of grass greeted him each morning the Sowers coming in January-March. We have for over a week when just the right light shone. When it finished the new putt-putt course and supposed to start could no longer be seen, what he saw from then on in his on pool screen enclosure before Christmas. Thanks to mind’s eye were many blades of grass. He couldn’t actually St Cloud MBC the bathroom in Westwood dorm will see them, but by faith he knew they were out there. be remodeled, supplies have been ordered by Brother For the remaining of his imprisonment, that little blade of Ben Brittain. We had a Retreat with Revival Baptist grass reminded him of Bible verses such as II Corinthians Church in October, and they donated funds to remodel 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight,\" Isaiah 40:8 “The one of bathrooms in Camp Managers House so we will grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God have that finished in January. Schedule of events are shall stand for ever,” and finally, a verse that he couldn’t Youth Rally retreat 13-14 in January, Young Ladies quite quote, but remembered: 1Peter 1:24-25 “For all flesh Retreat on February 3-4 and Men’s Retreat February is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. 17-18. Looking forward to seeing everyone as they The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But attend. Thank you all for allowing us to be out here as the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word we labor together for God’s Kingdom. ■ which by the gospel is preached unto you.” TRUE HOPE! Thank God, the believer’s hope is not found in a blank piece of white paper or a blade of green grass. Our hope, our true freedom is found in the one whose gift is written in the glory of the heavens and related to us by the Holy Ghost through the black letters on white pages of The Holy Bible. ■ Dr. George Garner Bo Johnson Chaplain (Lt. Colonel) US Army, Retired Camp Manager Director, Blessed Hope Foundation FLORIDA BAPTIST YOUTH CAMP RECEIPTS SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2022 Anonymous Dona�on.................. 2,000.00 First, Silver Springs ......................... 200.00 Okeechobee, Okeechobee ............. 289.52 Bay Lake, Groveland .................... 1,500.00 First, Thonotosassa......................... 125.00 Oleno Bap�st Church...................... 200.00 Beulah, Lithia.................................. 100.00 First, White City .............................. 200.00 Parkway, Hollywood ....................... 150.00 Calvary, Orlando ........................ 12,200.00 Forrest Avenue, Apopka ................... 25.00 Pleasant Grove, Oxford................ 1,250.00 Capital Heights, Tallahassee ........... 300.00 Ft. Cooper, Inverness ...................... 120.00 Riverview Heights, Wauchula ......... 200.00 Central, Lithia ................................. 143.85 Gala�an Bap�st Church.................. 150.00 Ruth & William Stoll ....................... 100.00 Charlo�e Palmer ............................ 100.00 Gant Lake, Webster ........................ 500.00 Six�eth Street,Pinellas Park............ 300.00 Debra Fagan.................................... 200.00 Glenwood, Jacksonville .................. 150.00 St. Cloud, St.Cloud .......................... 200.00 Eastside, Mulberry.......................... 970.00 Grace, Lake Wales ............................ 50.00 The Overcomer COGOP ............... 2,597.84 Evergreen ....................................... 200.00 Landmark, Madison........................ 500.00 Tuscanooga, Groveland .................. 100.00 First Coast, Jacksonville .................. 100.00 Leesburg Bap�st Church................. 200.00 Wayne and Lolli Burgner .................. 70.00 First of IRC, Titusville ........................ 50.00 Lockwood, Orlando ........................ 748.75 Welcome, Lithia.............................. 200.00 First, Auburndale............................ 200.00 Lone Oak, Plant City ....................... 480.00 Westwood, Winter Haven .............. 200.00 First, Kenansville.......................... 1,421.80 Midway Bap�st Church .................. 200.00 Withlacoochee MBC....................... 200.00 First, Masco�e................................ 600.00 Northside, Ocala............................. 160.00 Total........................................... 29,951.76 Answers to \"Test Your Knowledge OF: Biblical Characters\" Crossword Puzzle: Across: 2.Naomi 7.Barnabas 8.Jonah 10.Peter 12.Anna 16.Ananias 17.Isaac 18.Ahasuerus 19.Nabonidus 20.Amos 22.Esau 24.Adam 25.Joseph 26.Matthew 28.Solomon 30.Timothy 31.Abraham 32.Jezebel 34.Aaron 35.Joshua 36.Japheth Down: 1.Samson 3.Nun 4.Matthias 5.Caiaphas 6.Jeremiah 9.Augustus 11.Shadrach 13.Absalom 14.Zechariah 15.Zebedee 21.Manasseh 23.Job 27.Enoch 29.Nicodemus 33.Lazarus 9

GOD KNOWS OUR SORROWS Exodus 3:7-8a – “And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows ; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians…” Frank Graeff spent much of his life as a pastor do we? In our weakest and most frail moments of life, working with children and teens. He was known we need to remember that God is not oblivious to our for his cheerful countenance and for his joyful encounters with disappointment, pain and suffering. He outlook on life. One friend described him as a “spiritual knows our sorrows. And in the fullness of His time and optimist, a great friend of children; his bright sun- His plan, He brings to us the comfort that we need. God shining disposition attracts him not only to children, has never abandoned or forsaken His children and He but to all with whom he comes in contact.” But Graeff has committed Himself to never doing so. We should suffered from frequent serious illnesses that limited take heart and be sure to remember that when life his work for God. One day in utter despair he turned happens to bring our way pain and suffering, we can to the pages of Scripture for comfort and was greatly encouraged by the words found in I Peter 5:7, “Casting know, REALLY KNOW that our Savior does care. ■ all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” Not very long after reading this verse, Graeff penned the Sincerely & prayerfully, words of an aged hymn that we often are found singing: Bro. Kerry Beaty EBC Dean of Students Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song, As the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long? Oh, yes He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares. IF WE WILL PUT OUR CARES IN GOD’S HANDS, HE WILL PUT HIS We say He cares. We teach He cares. We preach that He cares. We sing about the tender caring nature of PEACE IN OUR HEARTS. our God, but do we really believe HE CARES? Well, 10

THE POWER OF WORKING TOGETHER Romans chapter 16 is an interesting chapter. One key to being successful in the work of God is to Most of the verses are Paul sending greetings recognize that it is God’s work. That seems obvious, yet and thanks to people who have helped him in many times we look at the ministry God has given us his ministry. Some like Apelles (vs.10), Urbane and as our ministry. We expect people to do our bidding to Stachys (vs.9) and Amplias (vs.8) are only mentioned help us do what we want to accomplish and then wonder once in the Bible. We only know what Paul says about why they are hard to motivate or reluctant to do what we them here. Yet their service was of a nature that Paul want them to do. did mention them. What an honor to have their names However, if we recognize that this is God’s work, and forever recorded in God’s Word as faithful servants of the people that we are working with are sent to us by God and helpers to the greatest missionary in history. God to accomplish the work, we will have a different This reminds us that, even though Paul is regarded as attitude. Instead of seeing workers as someone to use for the greatest missionary, his accomplishments are not his the accomplishment of our goals, we realize that they alone. God brought people into his life at various times are sent to us because they have a talent or skill that God when he needed their help. If we are going to accomplish wants to use for the accomplishment of His will. When people are allowed to use what God has given the work God has for us, we must learn them for His glory, they will be much more how to work with others. inclined to enjoy their work and work harder with less stress. It is amazing what God’s people can do when they work together for the glory of God! ■ Temple Meek Administrative Dean, Emmaus Baptist College 1111

Learning the Land, Loving the Lord SHILOH A NEW DAY IS DAWNING 5:51 AM. The excavation team of the Associates of Biblical Research trek the path up the hill of Shiloh, Israel and get to witness the breaking of the first rays of light over the mountains each day before getting to work. (photo taken June 9, 2022) Is there any hope to be found in the darkness of life? of the pomegranates that hung from the hem of the High When the world is evil, when people are cruel, when Priest’s robe. Of great significance would be the location life is unfair… is there any hope? I imagine those of the Old Testament Tabernacle. There are two leading questions ran through the mind of Hannah as she made her thoughts as to the location. Both are easy to imagine the way with her husband “yearly to worship and to sacrifice tent, but more importantly, the glory cloud of God! It unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh” (1 Samuel 1:3). was here at the Tabernacle in Shiloh where the story of Hannah is told. Shiloh was located 20 miles north of Jerusalem in the Hill Country of Ephraim (also known as Samaria). In Judges 21:19, the Bible describes the location as “on the north side of Beth-el, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Beth-el to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.” Shiloh was located along the major north-south trade route (Trunk Route or Way of the Patriarchs) that ran through the heart of the country. When Joshua conquered the Promised Land, he gathered the tribes to Shiloh to divide the land. It was here that the Tabernacle stood for 369 years before being destroyed by the Philistines. The archaeologist’s spade has been shoveling dirt at Shiloh for many years. Many incredible discoveries are still being made today. Among the discoveries are walls from the Canaanite period (200 years before Joshua), as well as from the time of Hannah and Samuel. Dr. Scott Stripling and his team of archaeologists are the third major effort to excavate ancient Shiloh. One of their significant finds is a clay pomegranate from the time of the Hannah bringing young Samuel to Eli the high priest. tabernacle. It was perhaps for decoration, a replica of one (artwork courtesy BTC Publications) 12

“wept sore,” “I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit.” What do you do when your heart is grieved like Hannah? When you see the injustices around you? When you experience the pains of life? When you endure the cruelty of others? You do what Hannah did. Hannah said she “poured out my soul before the LORD.” Here is wonderful news: Hannah asked the Lord to “remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life” (verse 11) and verse 19 says, “and the LORD remembered her.” You know the story; God gave Hannah Samuel and Hannah gave Samuel back to God (verses 24-28). What do we learn? 1) God is very aware of our problems and pain; 2) God cares; 3) God provides hope to the hopeless and light in the darkness. This child Samuel will become the greatest judge Israel ever had. He will be the prophet who calls Israel to repentance. Samuel will Dr. Scott Stripling, the Director of Excavations for the Associates for anoint the first two kings of Israel (Saul and David). The Biblical Research at ancient Shiloh speaks to the new volunteers at importance of Samuel in the Bible narrative and for the the base of the current excavations. The round building at the top of nation of Israel cannot be overstated. In one of the darkest the hill is the Shiloh visitor's center. (photo taken May 30, 2022) seasons in both Hannah’s life and Israel’s history, God heard and answered prayer. In our lives, God still hears The setting of the story is the period of the Judges. and answers prayer. I do not know what “bitterness of It was a time when there was “no king in Israel: every soul” or “sorrowful spirit” you may be enduring, but this I man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges do know: God loves you, cares for you and He can cause 21:25). This was a time of spiritual decline and political a new day to dawn in your life. Pour your soul out to God. oppression. Israel went through a cycle of drifting from Who knows what He will do. ■ the Lord and embracing idols. As a result, God sent foreign oppressors to rule over them. Eventually, they would become overwhelmed with their situation and cry out to God. When they did, God heard and raised up a deliverer who conquered the enemy and ruled over them. Eric Sutton The land would have rest, for a season. It is in this context that Hannah’s story is told. However, President, American Baptist Association Pastor, New Home Baptist Church beyond the national distress in Israel, there was distress in Hannah’s heart due to the personal pain she was experiencing. Hannah was childless, not by her own will, “but the LORD has shut up her womb” (1 Samuel 1:5). To be childless in those days was thought to be a curse from God. In fact, Moses promised that if Israel would walk with God, “there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle” (Deuteronomy 7:14). Yet, Hannah was barren. To make matters worse, her husband had a second wife (Peninnah) who had sons and daughters. The Bible tells us that Peninnah was less than compassionate toward Hannah. In fact, she is called Hannah’s adversary and the Bible says she “provoked her sore, for to make her fret” (1 Samuel 1:6). Have you ever been there? Life is unfair and people are unkind? When you read Hannah’s story you find phrases like, “she wept, and did not eat,” “bitterness of soul,” 13

LESSONS FROM FOOLS What we can learn from the spiritual train wrecks of Bible characters. The Bible is filled with people who believed in God; 3. BALAAM TEACHES US TO LIVE WHAT YOU people who worshiped God; people who talked BELIEVE about God, yet they took a nosedive into moral and spiritual disaster. Many great lessons can be learned from Things were going great for Israel. They were undefeated and headed to the playoffs! They were on a mission to these train wrecks. get to their promised homeland. God was fighting their 1. CAIN TEACHES US TO DEAL WITH ANGER battles and giving them repeated victories. One by one He was angry at God and his brother. It all came to a head resistance was being neutralized. They approach Moab. one day around a family worship service. It ended with the Balak was the king of Moab. He knows they are next in first murder in human history. He failed to mitigate his anger. line for a major crushing. Numbers 22 chronicles this sad 2. ESAU TEACHES US TO ESTABLISH TRUE VALUES story. Balak knows he cannot match Israel militarily, so he decides to abandon the natural and pursue the supernatural. He was surrounded by privilege. Priceless gifts of God He sends a delegation to Balaam over 400 miles away. were given to him, and he failed to see their value. He Balaam is a prophet who has had some incredible success. sold his birthright simply because he was hungry. He He lives in Pethor. We know 2 things about Balaam: surrendered the “right now” for the later. 1. He knew the God of Abraham. 2. He had remarkable spiritual gifts. Balak sends a very large signing bonus with the draft committee. Balaam has never seen this much money in his life. He asks the committee to spend the night while he prays. He prays and God tells him to NOT curse Israel. He relays this message to them, and they go home. Balak does not quit so easily. He sends the A-Team with a bigger check. Balaam has already been told NOT to curse Israel. Balaam “prays” about the matter again, hoping God will change his mind before the bank closes! God gives Balaam permission to go and is angered at him because he did not have the character not to go. On the way to meet Balak, Balaam’s donkey sees Jesus three times. Balaam beats the poor beast for not listening! I find this incredibly ironic. Balaam is angry at the donkey for refusing to follow instructions. She seems to be an appropriate analogy for the greedy, self-willed prophet! Balaam and the donkey. (artwork courtesy BTC Publications) Balak and Balaam finally meet, and Balak instructs the preacher to curse Israel. He refuses to do it. Balak is 14

enraged and fires him. Before Balaam goes home, he tells Balak how to stop the Jews: invite them to the next “worship-orgy.” He does and they come. Tragedy follows. There are three lessons to be learned from Balaam. 1. GIFTS WITHOUT CHARACTER ARE USELESS They are useless at best and dangerous at worst. He was gifted. His gifts were known 400 miles away. He wound up being a burden instead of a blessing. God’s people would have been better off without him. Preachers may be gifted orators but if they have little or no character, they are a burden to God’s people. Gifts should never outrank character. 2. MONEY WITHOUT INTEGRITY IS A CURSE Money was his problem. A person cannot serve two Spiritual Warm masters. One will have to make a choice at some point. Balaam discovered there was money in a different message. Preach something besides God’s Word and it can be financially profitable but spiritually disastrous. 3. BELIEFS WITHOUT BEHAVIOR ARE DEADLY Balaam heard God speak. He saw God’s face. He spoke When winter comes around, the temperature drops, God’s Word but did not live it. The issue in most people’s and people look for ways to warm themselves up. They lives is not what to believe, but how to behave. The will search for ways to satisfy their longing for some major issues are settled. Missionary Baptists have a good sort of warmth. Many things can bring this temporary grip on theological truth and propositions. Yet many satisfaction, from a cozy sweater to a mug of hot Missionary Baptist people are as empty of character as cocoa, but the feeling of warmth is something that was Balaam. His beliefs were one thing, his behavior will eventually go away. It's easy to turn to physical was something else. One’s character and conduct must solutions to try to bring comfort but in Proverbs 3:5-8 be congruent. The demons believe and tremble. We must it states \"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and become living translations of God’s Word in our culture. lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways Preachers are responsible for embracing the truth on a acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not level that supersedes the oral. I fear in our generation wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from we have reduced Christianity to terminology and catch evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy phrases. We know what to say to any given audience to bones.\" light their theological embers. It is our duty before God; our honor and privilege to become the truth we preach. This passage of scripture in Proverbs reminds us that There is the verbal presentation of truth and there is the there is more to life than physical comfort, and it is visual presentation of truth. These two must mesh into a only in trusting the Lord that you can find true comfort life that reveals the character of God to a very dark and and peace. If you acknowledge Him in every way and vile world. ■ trust in His understanding rather than your own, then He will direct your paths and steer you in the right direction according to His will. So, while simple things such as a coat or hot cocoa can make you feel warm on the outside, the only thing that will bring you lasting comfort is the Lord. ■ Jim Harris The article above was written by Tiffany Jones, a student at Emmaus Baptist College. This article was chosen from among the Faculty, Emmaus Baptist College Fall Semester English Composition class as one of the most well Pastor, Riverview Heights written editorial essays submitted, highlighting the skills and hard Missionary Baptist Church work of the students. 15

Yes, I was looking for a man. It isn’t a phrase I station’s malfunctioning air pump until confident I was am known for using but here it is in print. To safe to continue my journey. My son was on the phone avoid being misunderstood and thrown in the asking questions and keeping up with the progress. pool of naughty girls, please read on. Plans to drive Tire sensors can be helpful, but often aggravating and approximately two hours on Thanksgiving morning to misleading. join family began in my driveway. I prayed, “God it is I share my experience because the title alone brings you and I today, so please guide and protect.” Traveling thoughts and memories along with encouragement. I alone is not unusual for me and I don’t mind it at all. am reminded of a magazine’s slogan from years past, God, me, my favorite music, and radio station never “Send me a man who reads” when advertising for a run out of things to see and think about. Not far from specific position. At one time a branch of our military home, I was alerted by a ping and glaring message service recruited with “The Marines are Looking for a while driving over a large city. A tire problem requires Few Good Men.” Later, Bill Gaither wrote the lyrics to immediate attention, so I began searching for the “A Few Good Men,” a song with a powerful message. nearest exit. Multiple lanes of Interstate traffic brought I recall several Biblical examples like Ezekiel’s call for instant concern. My conversation with God picked up a man to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30) and David’s as I pulled into a large gas station and beheld a beehive mighty men (II Samuel 23: 8-39). Not all of these of activity: the ideal place to check the pressure with were gifted men. They were faithful, available, and my gauge had it been in the glove box. I do have road teachable: the type of men we need to lead our homes, service and could have called for service; however, this country and churches. God help us to raise Godly Men was a holiday and response could have been lengthy for leadership positions. ■ or not at all. Most importantly, I had part of our Thanksgiving meal in the trunk of my car. The thought Lois Crittenden entered my mind to approach a man and ask if he had a tire gauge. No offense ladies, but I did not see nary a female kicking tires. I was looking for a man and not just any man would do. Could he or would he be willing to change a tire if needed? Does he have time to help me? Does he look harmless? After observation and prayerful direction, the choice was made, and I met a very nice man that day. He fought with the gas 16

MISSION REPORTS AROUND THE WORLD AFRICA Danny Jones  Udon Thani/US Anthony Phillips Carcassonne KENYA Sponsoring Church Sponsoring Church Calvary BC C. Fernandez Kenya/Uganda/US Westwood MBC 4606 Lake Margaret Dr. Orlando FL 32812 Sponsoring Church 3210 Ave G NW First BC of East Bay Everything starts up in September here in 10102 Old Big Bend Road Winter Haven FL 33880 France. Kids are back to school and our Riverview FL 33569 We've got a busy Spring schedule ahead as English class restarted. Our good friends from the Lord continues to bless in our ministries. Florida, Randall & Tammy Gillespie, came for God has opened a door of opportunity for We will be forming and pouring the foundation a survey trip to pray about doing mission work our ministry through some of the Landmark for the Udon Thani dormitory building in in Germany. Then, in October Joshua and I Baptist Pastors we have worked with over the January. I hope to return with a larger building had the privilege of spending five days in Paris years in the unreached country. A lot has been crew later this year to complete the project. In with Brother David Hardin and my pastor Steve purchased for the church in Evaclet which is February, I have a Baptist History Conference Rutherford. This was a survey trip for Brother located at the base of Mt. Elgon. So thankful followed by a teaching trip in Colombia. In Hardin in preparation for the Olympic Bible for First Baptist of East Bay for partnering with March I will be preaching in Texas followed by project which a team of about 50 people are this new church plant. We currently have 10 a Biblical Archaeology lecture at a seminary in planning to come in 2024 to hand out Bibles churches organized which are meeting under Mexico, then off to Israel and Jordan for our and share the gospel. If you are interested tents. Would you pray for God's provision annual tour. In May, I will be back in Israel for in coming to participate in the Olympic Bible for this project which will cost approximately the Shiloh archaeological excavation which Project, please go to www.theobp.com. $8,000 for building the sanctuary? We also will last until right before the ABA meeting in want to thank to all churches of the ABA and Spokane, Washington. I am currently also SPAIN individuals who partner with us in East Africa working on publishing three new books with and Florida. the BTC Publications ministry, as well as the Daniel Estrada Malaga publication of the Baptist Anchor magazine. ASIA Sponsoring Church JAPAN PHILIPPINES First BC Shin Kamoda Wayne Stringer  PMD PO Box 8 Sullivan MO 63080 Tokyo Sponsoring Church: Our trip to Mexico was successful. Since last Sponsoring Church White Rock MBC August, we have been teaching Thursday Calvary Baptist Church 12545 Hwy 7 W nights in the seminary in Mexico City where 410 N Marshall St Center TX 75935 I graduated. Another blessing from God was Henderson TX 75662 The work on Christian MBC is going well. They the opening of our new building for which we We held an evangelistic meeting with the are enjoying the help from members of sister have been praying a year. The Lord allowed theme “The Bible and Happiness.” During churches who have joined them in working us to visit Barcelona where Brother Julian is the meeting, we saw two salvations and two project. Project #17 will continue very soon preaching. We have been helping them since baptisms. Praise the Lord! We also started to and pray that everything will go smoothly. We they began working there. Please keep them challenge students to memorize Bible verses will be attending the Texas State Meeting, and in your prayers and also pray for us as we that they can recite each week, and they are PMD will be hosting free lunch in appreciation continue working for the Lord. happy to accept the challenge. In November of the support from the churches in Texas. We ROMANIA JMBS Seminary will host missionary training will be praying about hosting one in Arkansas Kolt Mackrill Brasov lectures and a Bible conference with Brothers next year. Again thank you for your love of Sponsoring Church Joe Morell and Chase Reynolds. Our chapel missions and this ministry. Langdon Street BC needs some renovating, which we are planning EUROPE PO Box 33 Somerset KY 42502 to start in January. We are looking for about Last month we continued to have wonderful $3,000 for the total project. Please remember FRANCE services in Zărnești. We sold the old mission this in your prayers. house in Brasov and used the proceeds to 17

MISSION NEWS (continued) purchase a new mission house in Zărnești joined online with our special speaker for this PAPUA NEW GUINEA where we are starting the church! We moved year, Kelli Reynolds. The ladies raised about into the new house last month and are excited $1400 dollars to help the translation ministry to about all the new ministry opportunities! We the Yefta tribe. I am so thankful that I had the Matthew Thompson  Papua continued filling in for Bro. Mike Rogers while chance to visit our sending church Northern Hills he is away on furlough. We would like to thank Sponsoring Church: all those who helped us with this move. True friends are a treasure and we thank God for BC and shared a report. God bless you. Sublett Rd. Baptist Church each one of them! Juan Gonzalez Tantoyuca P.O. Box 172076 Sponsoring Church: Arlington, TX 76003 Praise the Lord, Sarah and I got married in 30th Ave BC September, and the next month we took our UKRAINE PO Box 60066 St. Pete, FL 33784 survey trip to Papua New Guinea with Brother By the Grace of God we were able to work Chase Reynolds. Lord willing, we will be moving Damien Austin Zhytomyr in different places. We had our first VBS in there as soon as we get our visa, hopefully Sponsoring Church: Tantoyuca with 50 in attendance. Then, the between February and April. We will start Westwood MBC second group in Lindero Tametate had 30 working with the people. Someday we would 3210 Avenue G NW in attendance. The third group was in La love for the language group that we will work with Winter Haven FL 33880 Esperanza, and the last was in PalmarAquiche. to be involved in OneStory workshop which is a Melanie and I were able to spend Thanksgiving In total, there were four profession of faith as a part of Chase's ministry. Six different language with our family here in central Florida for the product of VBS. Pray for us as we have needs. groups are translating stories from the Bible. first time in 12 years and we are truly blessed. Help us raise funds for the building ($10,500), God’s guidance & provision throughout the trip Ukraine had its first snow of the season, so we roof for La Esperanza ($300), and a roof for the further confirmed his leading us to Papua. God are thankful that we are in Florida. Speaking Lindero church ($600). We also had our church helped us see a way forward once we get there. of thankful, our people in Ukraine wants to organization service on December 10. make sure that we send a special “thank you” to all the churches that are helping through the Oceania We are so grateful for all of this. Ukrainian Relief Fund. We are so thankful for our friend Slava who is from English church South America SOLOMON ISLANDS & Bible study, our secretary Olga who took COLOMBIA the task of transferring & sending the monies Doug Clements  Honiara to designated people, Nicholai & Alex are continuing to preach to our church members Sponsoring Church: Gilberto Pinzon Bogota First MBC Butterfield Sponsoring Church: and working with several pastors in the region. PO Box 174 Malvern , AR 72104 First Baptist Church So much to be thankful for. If you would like to continue to help the Ukrainian Relief Fund, In November, I was afforded a very special PO Box 398 Port Salerno FL 34992 you can send it to our sponsoring church. privilege to deliver the annual message at Please mark your check UKRAINIAN FUND. the Arkansas State Assoc. Meeting at Sharon Another month has left us full of blessings, Baptist Church in Benton, AR. On Nov. 13, and we are nearly finished with this year. My we also visited Pastor Trey Emory & Hyde health continues improving and having medical RUSSIA Park. The great report with this visit was they controls. Thanks very much for your prayers. Holly Couch St. Petersburg re-affirmed their commitment to the SIMBSS Our school, Instituto Teologico Bautista De Sponsoring Church: students in the Solomon Islands. We’ll be Colombia, celebrated our 30th closing in Sublett Rd. Baptist Church compiling a list of books that students need November. A special service was held with P.O. Box 172076 for the January trip. We are trying to travel special speaker Pastor Alberto Gelvez from Arlington, TX 76003 to another area after we finished in Solomon Grace MBC in Bogota. Our work in the northern Most of this past month has been spent on Is. It seems like there still reason for concern, part of the country is doing well. They are working on the Basic Bible Course translation, so we are cautious to go to that area. Please presently meeting at Brother Cubillos living spending time with people, sharing the gospel, pray for this situation. room. Please help us raise the funds to buy a and answering questions about their faith. property for a new place to meet. VANUATU Nothing major has happened, but we praise God that we are able to do the things He wants Walt Emry Port Villa James Gage Villavicencio Sponsoring Church: Sponsoring Church: us to do. I am also so thankful for those who Westwood Missionary Baptist Church continue to pray and support me here. Westwood Missionary Baptist Church 3210 Ave G NW 3210 Ave G NW Central America Winter Haven, FL 33880 On December 18, Farumaury MBC ordained Winter Haven, FL 33880 This is a time to rejoice! We are ringing in the MEXICO Bro. Nicholas Nalpini as pastor and Brother New Year and rejoicing in abundant blessings. Sael Kawai as deacon. What an awesome A. Gonzalez  Leon experience! There were over 125 people who We have celebrated 50 years of missionary activities in Colombia and Latin America. Sponsoring Church: attended. We spent the last month in a small We have new mission works, have baptized, Northern Hills BC 6000 Sammy Lane studio apartment which we were thankful for, taught, and tried to further God's work. Five men but God has given us a two bedroom house from the Piapoco Reservation have faithfully Texarkana, AR 71854 to rent which suits our needs much better. We attended seminars for over 10 years. They were Blessings to you all from Leon, Mexico. On Oct. 6th & 7th, we had the National Ladies retreat. spent almost $1,000 getting our car repaired. baptized and ordained to the ministry to return Now we must have it inspected and licensed. to their people and teach the truth of Scripture. About 100 ladies were in attendance and 40 Thank you for your prayers and support! Pray for this continued work. 18

MISSION NEWS (continued) Caribbean bring a crew. International HAITI Jacob Ellerbe Evangelism Ministry Phil Gavila Sponsoring Church: Sponsoring Church: Jean Isma Westwood Missionary Baptist Church Saut Champlois 3210 Ave G NW First BC of East Bay 10102 Old Big Bend Road Sponsoring Church: Winter Haven, FL 33880 Riverview, FL 33569 Westwood Missionary Baptist Church 3210 Avenue G NW Through our evangelistic outreach ministry, we The Lord blessed greatly on my November 5th have seen 224 souls come to Christ this year ministry trip to Ebenezer BC with pastor Ruben Winter Haven FL 33880 through personal one on one evangelism. We Coronado and the J.L. Mitchell Seminary in Thank you all for praying for our family, and your faithful support. The church is doing have trained up and discipled a number of soul Saltillo, Mexico, teaching Biblical Missions. winners in Florida, Pennsylvania and Maryland. On our last night of teaching, we presented 12 well; each Sunday we have visitors, people Now their churches are continuing the job of Thompson Chain Reference Bibles to the first are getting saved, and new members are joining the church. In 2022, we saw 14 souls regular weekly outreach and evangelism. year seminary students given by my sponsoring church, First Baptist Church of East Bay come to salvation. Amen! We started working Mark Clements Bogard Press headed by Pastor Tim Myers. Thank you for all on a new building for the church that will give us space to accommodate more people. We 4605 North State Line Ave. your prayers and support. have finished setting the foundation of the Texarkana, TX 75503 50 years in our Chase Reynolds building. Our prayer is to see the completion September, we celebrated current ABA building on North State Line Ave. Sponsoring Church: of the building by this year if God wills. Part of the event included the Baptist Sunday Sublett Road BC North America School Committee opening a time capsule that PO Box 172076 Arlington TX 76003 was placed into the foundation in 1972. Inside We did missionary training at Flatwoods BC in were around 80 artifacts including a brief history Mt. View, AR. There were 39 participants along U.S.A. of ABA. As we reflect on God’s goodness with 22 kids and 14 presenters in attendance. toward us and His sustaining grace in the Jack Brown Mead, CO publishing ministry of Bogard Press, we could Kelli flew to Mexico for the Ladies Retreat where Sponsoring Church: not help but express thanksgiving to God who she will be speaking. But before she came home, Eastside MBC has made this ministry possible. There is no I left to Papua New Guinea Indonesia with the 1201 Park Hwy, Minden, LA 71055 place to slow down in this business: First it’s the newlyweds Matthew & Sarah Thompson for a I began praying & thinking about the direction Lord’s business and second, it's the churches' survey trip. Please pray for them as they plan of the church and the themes for the coming business. to move sometime in February to start the work. year. One of the focuses will be on the Toby Cribbs Prison Ministries Doug Wiersema meaning and importance of baptism and church membership. The boys that lived with Sponsoring Church: Sponsoring Church: Hillside BC Westwood Missionary Baptist Church us showed interest on these and wanted to P.O. Box 32706 Knoxville, TN 37932 3210 Avenue G NW get baptized when Dalton comes home from Winter Haven FL 33880 school break. I ask you to keep me in your We held our first service on September 12 at Long State Prison Ludowici, GA after 2 years Happy New Year to all and praise the Lord prayers. I have had Menier’s disease for that we haven’t been able to go over there. We for a whole new year of opportunities to serve several years and it has recently become worse Him! My schedule has increased dramatically and more frequent. I have been dealing with lost our piano player, drummer, guitar player & since Covid is officially over! January has a trip quartet but it was good to know that they had to Thailand to lay the foundation for a student spells averaging 2-3 per week, headaches, gotten out. We sent 26 giant print KJV, booklets dormitory building. I will be preaching our balance and dizziness. Because of this issue, mission conference at Westwood at the end of I am forced to be unconventional in regards to and 100 enrollment forms to Green County January and then immediately board a plane Detention Center. We also sent out samples of to Africa to lay block for a building for Eddie preaching and teaching, but on my good days our study and resource booklets to some other Williams. Then comes Colombia and a trip to I prepare my sermons and lessons and record them. When I am having spells, everyone can detention centers and we got a call back from some of the chaplains. We are asking God’s still hear the lessons. people to earnestly pray for this ministry. Lives the jungle to teach and start a new church! Thank you for your prayers and support! Jim Philamlee Cornerstone Ministry are being changed and souls saved. P. O Box 2489 Rodney Burdette Rouzerville, PA Bill Johnson ICP Corinth, MS 38834 Sponsoring Church: I am so thankful for all of you and the things Sponsoring Church: Calvary Baptist Church you do for me and other missionaries and Lighthouse BC missions across this land. I was back with 21 E Frederick St, PO Box 128 Hamburg AR 71646 Puxico Baptist Church four times in September For the second time in as many years, Character & October. Also we had prayer rally with other Walkersville, MD 21793 seven churches in Missouri. Pray for these The Lord has been good to us here in Code for Life Literature has been distributed to churches for most of them are without pastors. Rouzerville PA. Liberty Baptist Church has been churches and missions in Ecuador & Colombia. In regards of the mission builder’s ministry, experiencing growth spiritually and numerically. News from Myanmar: Pastors and missionaries we haven’t had much going on since the Our building project is coming to a close. We have been asking for materials & training pandemic. If you know any church that needs are focusing on finishing the interior work of workshops. Church is doing good, and we had help in a building project, please tell them our building and are still in need of finances two baptisms. News from the Philippines: the about Cornerstone Ministry. I will come and to complete the final phase. We are still debt building project has started on the new home will be happy to look over the project and will free and plan to finish the building without of ICP/His Offspring Ministry in the Philippines. debt. Please pray that we would be in the new The estimated cost is $136,000 and God building by the 31st of January. God Bless! provided $98,986 through your help! 19

PO BOX 2758 Non-Profit Org BRANDON, FL 33509-2758 US Postage PAID Permit 6726 Tampa, FL THE BAPTIST ANCHOR WINTER 2023 2023 Spring Semester Schedule • REGISTRATION TUESDAY, JANUARY 3 • CLASSES BEGIN MONDAY, JANUARY 9 • MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY MONDAY, JANUARY 16 • LAST DAY FOR SCHEDULE CHANGES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 • LAST DAY FOR FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 • LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM CLASSES TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 • LAST DAY FOR GRADUATION APPLICATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 • SCHOOL ACTIVITY DAY TUESDAY, MARCH 7 • SPRING BREAK MARCH 13-17 • REGISTRATION FOR RETURNING STUDENTS MON-WED, APRIL 24-26 • FINAL EXAMINATIONS MON-WED, APRIL 24-26 • COMMENCEMENT SATURDAY, APRIL 29