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October 2004

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The 2nd Session of the Belize Annual Conference was held July 30 - 31at the Sand Hill Zion Methodist Protestant Church in Sand Hill Village. Six churches were represented with their pastor and delegate attending. Officers elected for the 2004 - 05 year were: Pres. Claudio Leal; Sec. Juan Moguel; Tres. Donovan Grinage. Rev. Donald Ray Smith of Strong Arkansas U.S. blessed the conference with a challenging message for the Friday night service. The conference awarded 5 licenses to preach and 1 exhorters license. Pray for Belize Conference as they continue to grow.

Youth Page

1. Sound doctrine
2. Pure worship
3. Good laws
4. Faithful prophets
5. THE WORD OF GOD

We are living in troublesome times. We adults are quick to criticize our young people for their liberal, worldly ways. But remember pastors, teachers, parents they’re watching us!! Are we guilty of Ezekiel 22:30. "I sought for a man..but I found none!” God forbid! Let us renew our commission from God to warn and instruct others how to know Him.

I’d like to end this article on a sort of different thought. I have a daughter Dawn, who in some ways is just like her mother. We like our music LOUD and with a MESSAGE. For years Dawn has stopped at the house and told me to come out to her car and listen to a song. We sit there with the music turned up LOUD sharing in the MESSAGE of the song. This has proved to be a special time for me and her too! She’s wanted me to listen to.."I Can Only Imagine”… “I Will Sing the Wondrous Story (Paid in full)”... Sometimes the song may even be a country song with a good message. Well the other night after Prayer Meeting she came by the house and wanted me to hear.. “Live Like YOU Were Dying” by her favorite singer Tim McGraw. I’ll be honest, I love Gospel Music, Country music isn’t my music, but have you noticed how many country singers are writing “spiritual” songs? Anyway this song had a clear message, LIVE LIFE LIKE YOU WERE DYING!!! Do we? Do I? Do you pastor? Do you Teacher? Do you Parent? Do you young people?

When we read Ezekiel 22:30 “I sought for a man…” Let us all say YES LORD YES!! HERE AM I USE ME! Before it’s too late for me to be used by our Lord!!!

Darla Hunt

Pearl Church News

We the Members of the “New” Pearl Methodist Protestant Church would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for you prayers and your monies.

Thank you
from the Bobby Bateman Family

There is no way to express our heart felt thanks for all the acts of kindness shown us during Bobby’s sickness and death, your love, prayers, visits, calls, food, flowers, love offerings, and to each minister who shared as a Honorary Pallbearer for us, we are so very grateful.

Bobby loved the Methodist Protestant Church and what it stood for, and prayed for it each day.

May God Bless each of you in a special way and keep you safe.

Doris Bateman

A Few Lesser Known facts about my Brother, Rev. Bobby Bateman
By Ken Renfroe

As a tribute to Bobby Bateman, it is my intent to concentrate more on those events and characteristics that this godly man possessed that are lesser known than on those which might be commonly reported among us. Bobby and I were partners in the beginnings of the Louisiana Conference, preached together, fellowshipped together, but we, by God’s help saw fruit for our labors.

Both of us had a humble beginning in Mississippi. He was brought up in Amite County where his family attended old New Hope Church, and Royal Chapel. Bobby will rest until the resurrection in New Hope Cemetery. His roots run deep into the Homochitto National Forrest and in the creek beds that feed into the Homochitto River. He had godly parents who possessed Puritan Convictions. His mother, Hattie Bateman, was of Indian descent, and a shouting Methodist if there ever was one. Hi father, Frank Bateman, was a good man, who worked hard and taught his boys a good work ethic. Bobby had a good heart because he was greatly influenced by these two godly people.

Bobby Bateman also had a cripple brother, Jim Frank Bateman. Bobby related to me how he carried him on his back around the place, and to church. Indeed, Bobby was bent in that direction: to carry as many cripples as he could find to church and get them saved if he could.

Bobby married Geraldine Day, a neighbour sweetheart, and to them God gave two daughters, Linda and Judy, who were the apple of Bobby’s eye. He loved his kids and grandkids. Early on in their marriage, Bobby and Geraldine moved to Baton Rouge where Bobby took a job with the Ford Motor Company, becoming a top-notch automatic transmission mechanic, which skill served him well as a source of income on the pastorate. He lost an eye in an accident from a small piece of steel. He preached all his life with but one eye, but he had 20/20 spiritual vision. Marlene related how that when she was attending L.S.U., he brakes went out right in front of the Ford Co., where Bobby worked. He got them fixed and put her on her way.

Bobby and Geraldine became involved the work at Trinity church through Geraldine’s sister and brother-in-law, Inez and Rev. M.R. Temple of Zachary. The Church had just started, and the Temple home was sometimes a meeting place. Soon the present property on Groom Road was purchased and the old Mississippi conference tent was erected on it as a house of worship. The Batemans became a part of the work, and as winter came on, the men put up a small frame building. Marlene and I are indebted to Bobby Bateman and Jack Pugh in that when we were planning our wedding at Trinity Church, there was nothing inside that frame building but outside walls and a floor. Bobby and Jack worked nights after getting off from their jobs to put up sheet rock and float that building. On Saturday, the day of the wedding, it was ready, and we got married.

Bobby was called early on in his life to preach, but was a late bloomer because, like Jonah, he ran from it, perhaps thinking himself unworthy. But God would not let him off the hook, and one night after prayer meeting was dismissed and everybody had gone home, Bobby, with a heavy heart and a mind made up to settle his call once for all, turned his car around and returned to the Trinity Church to wrestle like Jacob. Guess who won? He rose from his knees and Israel indeed. Bobby was licensed top preach by the Trinity Church Quarterly Conference, and in 1961 joined the Mississippi Conference and began his studies for ordination. I am told that it was either at this time or three years later when Bobby was ordained, that his dear old mother shouted for joy! O that we might hear again the shouts of the old Methodist who have good religion.

Trinity Church and Bobby Bateman are two names spoken in the same breath, for the two were virtually inseparable. Bobby departed from Trinity for three of four times, but was invariably drawn back as if this Church was his destiny. He served Trinity about 35 years as pastor. Trinity was his first pastorate in 1961; then he went to Kosciusko in 1962, but returned to Trinity in 1963 to 1975. He pastured Shiloh in 1975 at which time he was also the Louisiana Conference president. In 1976 he was the pastor of Hughes Chapel, out of which Church he organized Pine Hill Church from a revival held in a rodeo arena.

He put much of his time, labor, and his own piano in Pine Hill Church. But in 1977, he was on the road again to Trinity Church, where he served until his semi-retirement in Amite County on his own place. But he didn’t stop preaching. He was asked by Royal Chapel to full their pulpit which he did most effectively for about five or six years. Bobby’s ministry has been influential in at least three answering the call to preach: Bobby Middleton, Rick McAlister, and Max Foreman.

Another little known fact is that Bobby Bateman was elected as a ministerial delegate to the General Conference of 1968 to sit at Whitworth College, Brookhaven, Mississippi. In the meantime, churches in Louisiana multiplied so rapidly that there was real interest in reviving the old Louisiana Conference. Bobby was asked to represent this interest in the General Conference. He served as chairman of the State of Church Committee, and in his final report wrote, “We recommend that the State of Louisiana be made a separate district for the purpose of establishing a Louisiana Conference” (Gen. conf. Minutes, 1968, State of Church Report, p.14, Bobby Bateman, Chairman.)

Bobby Bateman met a West Monroe Church with six other Louisiana ministers, along with delegates from six churches, in June, 1968, and organized the Louisiana Conference under the direction of the General President, Rev. F. E. Sellers. Bobby was elected the first secretary.

In 1971, Bobby was elected the president of the Louisiana Conference and served until 1976. In 1980 he was elected the Gene5ral Conference president and served for two consecutive four-year terms until 1988. He had served through the years on the various boards and committees of the General Church, and was honored by being elected to led the Church as the top executive.

Bobby loved to fish almost as much as did Alton Meggs. Where ever he could find a puddle and had a few minutes, Bobby didn’t miss the opportunity to stop and wet a hook. Although he was a country boy and loved the outdoors, he also loved to stay “cool.” On one occasion he said that if they ever make a pocket air conditioner, he would be first to buy one.

Bobby Bateman loved the Louisiana Bible Camp and worked hard to make it go. Before the Eros property was purchased by the Louisiana Conference, for tow years a place to hol it was leased from the Baptist at kaloosa School. Bobby had the larger hoys out playing a game of softball, when tempers flared. Our son, Philip, who is now a missionary in Kenya, was really getting frustrated. There were exchanges of outburst, and Bobby spoke up and said, “Now Boys, let’s keep this game Christian.” His words flew like a dart to Philip’s heart, and Philip realized that there was another need in his heart. That night at the invitation, Philip went forward and sought entire sanctification and was gloriously filled with the Spirit which has been an anchor to his soul and ministry every since. It was also at Okaloosa that Bobby woke up one morning to find his hat on top of the flag pole . One of the teenage boys had climbed the pole and deposited his hat, playing a trick on Bobby. The boy has a second climb to retrieve it.

When God took Bobby’s Geraldine, He did not leave him without a helpmate for the journey that was so soon to envelope him. God gave him Doris Crawford. Doris had already descended into this valley with her late husband and had proven faithful. The pain of losing both of their spouses was tempered by their union and support of each other, and when she was called to Bobby’s side, she was faithful.

So, I have reason to rejoice and give praise that God brought Bobby Bateman into my life. He was the pastor of my wife’s family and helped to bury both of her parents. We have attended together Lakeland Camp Meeting in Florida; worked and played together preached and prayed together. Rejoiced and fellowshipped, and now the Lord has called him home. He bought and read holiness books, tapes, and sermons from me, and preached second blessing holiness as long as he had breath. His race is run and his fight fought, we shall still be joined in heart, and one day we will meet again. To God be all the glory for a life well spent. Bobby Bateman is not dead as some might suppose, for God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. In the presence of the Lord is fullness of joy; at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Missionary Report
Dianne Reid, Editor

Note: This is the Quiz which appeared in last month’s Missionary Record; answers are included this month.

1. Who makes up the membership of the local WMS Auxiliary ? All the women and girls of the local church and congregation are considered members of the Auxiliary.

2. What is the purpose of the Women’s Work of the Methodist Protestant Church? The object shall be to promote the spiritual, educational, social and financial welfare of the church; to increase intelligent interest in world-wide missions and to acquaint them with the whole program of the church. The object of the Branch shall also be to organize and strengthen the work of the women in the conference. (See purpose of Convention in the Discipline.)

3. What available official printed materials are needed to more fully understand the Women’s Work? The following are especially useful: the Constitution and By-laws, the Methodist Protestant Discipline, Branch Minutes, Convention Minutes, Missionary Record.

4. Draw a diagram depicting the Women’s Work, beginning with the General Board of Missions. (Flow in descending order:)

5. Explain the following: “The Board of Missions assesses each Branch and the Branch assesses each Auxiliary.” Each Branch is assessed by the Board of Missions an annual minimum amount to be raised by each Branch for General Missions; the Branch in turn sets a monthly assessment for each Auxiliary within that Branch . (Several fund-raising programs and special offerings are over and above this annual assessment.)

6. Where does the Branch get funds to meet amount assessed by the Board? The Branch Treasurer “pools” monthly assessments (dues) sent in by the Auxiliaries; plus: February Thank Offering ( Blessing Boxes), November Thank Offerings, and Life Memberships fees.

7. What does the Constitution and Bylaws say the term “missionary” in the WMS title really means? The term “Missionary” in the title includes the whole program of the church. (See page 1 of Constitution & By-laws.)

8. Who is the liaison between the Women’s Work and the Board of Missions, and how does that person get that job? The woman (female) Executive Secretary has this responsibility. She is elected by the General Conference and serves a four year term and may serve consecutive terms.

9. Exactly where do we find specific information on the Board of Missions, the female and male Executive Secretaries, and the Convention. In the Methodist Protestant Discipline in the section on the Board of Missions.

10. With what 2 levels of the Women’s Work does the Constitution and Bylaws deal? The Branch and Local levels are dealt with in the Constitution and By-laws.

11. Where do we find printed information on some specifics of work or events for the mission year? Look in the Convention Minutes which are now printed in the Minutes of each Branch. The Calendar of Events and Prayer Calendar are helpful. Several Fund-raising programs are explained in the minutes also. The Convention Programs and Findings and Education Committees report, plus the Branch Future Works Committee, Finance Committee, Resolutions Committee are helpful. Study the statistical reports, etc.

12. How long may officers of the Women’s Work serve consecutively? The Convention officers and Branch officers may serve up to 4 consecutive years. Treasurers are exempt. (Note of interest: The Convention has no separate Treasurer, since the General Conference Treasurer is the Board Treasurer.)

13. May men of the Church be members and / or attend meetings? Yes, they may become Honorary Members. They may also attend meetings, but they do not vote.

14. Is there a set method by which each auxiliary raises funds to pay the amount (monthly “dues”) assessed by the Branch. Not, necessarily. Some auxiliaries set dues for their members or by special projects; others may be allowed a certain amount in the church budget or allowed to use offerings collected on certain days (e.g. 3rd Sunday), etc.

15. Explain makeup of the Board of Missions. The General Board of Missions is composed of 5 men and 5 women, 4 members to be ministers. They are elected by and amenable to the General Conference. The President of the General Conference and the President of the Missionary Convention shall be ex-officio members of the board. The male and female Executive Secretaries are honorary members.

16. What is our newest “Mission endeavor” overseas sponsored by the General Board of Missions? What is the Board’s involvement? Our newest endeavor is Myanmar (formerly the Country of Burma). The Board has currently agreed to a set minimum amount per year to help with such things as their Bible College, so our involvement is somewhat limited at this time. (Those interested in assisting financially may contact the Board.)

17. Can the WMS Treasurer and the Church Treasurer both count funds raised / sent in on a project? Why or why not? No. This would result in “double-reporting” of the same funds. If funds are processed by the Auxiliary Treasurer then amount is included in the Auxiliary’s financial report. If funds are processed by the Church Treasurer, this will be reflected on Church’s financial report.

18. What four categories on the monthly report blanks are used collectively to pay the Branch Assessment to the Board of Missions?(See question #6.)

19. Draw a flow chart depicting how the Women’s Work meets it’s assessment to the Board.

20. List several ongoing fund raising programs supported and / or sponsored by the Women’s Work. Lady of the Year Scholarship, February Blessing Boxes, November Thank offering, One Day I Give Offering, the Brand L. Jenkins Memorial Easter Offering, Ella Smith Memorial Fund, and Life, Memorial and Perpetual Memberships, etc.

21. What are the two main offerings taken denominationally wide each year for general missions? Can you explain these 2 offerings? The Easter Offering is observed in memory of Him who died that we might live. The idea of the One Day I Give Offering is that we give one day’s wages or equivalent for General Missions. This offering is taken in conjunction with the Methodist Protestant Day of Prayer for the World on the 3rd Wednesday in October annually.

22. What is the official denominational periodical specifically designated for missions reports and articles, and who is the editor? The official periodical for missionary work is the Missionary Record section of the Methodist Protestant Faith, and the Editor is the woman Executive Secretary. (In years gone by, this was a separate missions periodical.)

23. What 2 youth-oriented programs are sponsored by the Board of Missions? Explain. The Christian Boys Club (CBC) is designed for boys. Handbooks and materials are available from the General Director. The Junior Missionary Society for girls is part of the Women’s Work. Handbooks, certificates, etc. are available from the woman Executive Secretary. Both of these programs have a missions emphasis and are sponsored by the Board of Missions especially for use by Methodist Protestants.