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September 2004

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Rev. Ronnie Giles graduated in May, 2004 with a degree from Maranatha Christian Academy. He earned a four year College degree in Religion. Congratulations are in order because Brother Ronnie worked very hard to accomplish this goal.

Brother Ronnie Giles pastors Okalona Methodist Protestant Church that is between Thomasville and Grove Hill, Alabama. He is married to Jan and they have two children: Erica and Chase.

He serves on the General Conference level as a member of the Board of Christian Education.

Thank you, Brother Ronnie, for all you do for the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mississippi Bible School

The recent 2004 MS Bible School and Camp Meeting at the MS Bible School and Camp Meeting at the MS Campgrounds near Collins, MS, was well attended. Serving for the first time as Director was Rev. Marc Williams. Dianne Reid served as Academic Dean.

The overall theme for the encampment was “God’s Amazing Grace”. Bible studies were based on Jonah, Ruth, and Esther, and I Peter according to various age groups. The adult Bible class was led by Rev. B.F. Gerald.

Other teachers were Rev. Andy Jenkins, Rev. Bobby Dawson, Donna Boyd, Carlos Dawson, Jan Russell, Rev. Wayne Hunt, Laurie Pennington, Rev. Maxine Jenkins, Andrea Fortenberry, and Joy Williams, who was assisted by Darlene Dawson. The Dean of Men was Bro. Max Foreman, and the Dean of Women was Joy Williams. Ann Fleming R.N. served again as Camp Nurse. (Just how many years has it been, Ann??)

Many others served in various capacities; such as: room deans, in the canteen, kitchen, music, maintenance; sound technology, athletics, etc. The missions program was presented by Rev. Andy Jenkins.

This is a cooperative effort by the MS Council of Religious Education and the Camp Meeting Committee. Rev. and Mrs. Lane Loman from Greensboro, NC served as Revival Team. Rev. And Mrs. John Luckie (and “friends”) of Ashland, AL, served as Child Evangelists. A musical team from Kentucky Mountain Bible College was a real asset.

On Wednesday evening of camp, homecoming was emphasized with a banquet and special program. Mrs. Lessie Carmichael served as Homecoming Coordinator. Mrs. Fay Gerald was the Banquet Hostess, assisted by Mrs. Kay Harris. Two of our MS ladies were especially honored during the evening homecoming program: Mrs. Elgie Sellers and Miss Gwen Martin. Rev. LaDon Dawson served as Master of Ceremonies, and Roger Smith as Music Director for the week. Prayer Coordinator was Rev. John Gerald.

Thank God for faithful workers and for every blessing, especially for spiritual blessings. A great big note of appreciation to all who had any part in this annual Gospel endeavor.

Dianne Reid

Alabama Junior Bible Camp

This past June, I was able to take my two children to Alabama Methodist Protestant Jr. Bible Camp. It was as if I had come home after being gone for a very long time. What a blessing it was to my soul. Thanks to my parents Bible Camp was such an important part of my childhood. It played a big role in that seed of faith being planted deep in my heart and in making me the person I am today. I have missed over the last ten years that special time each year to just rest in God. Bible camp isn’t just for children but a place where we adults can also find strength and peace in God. If you have never been to Bible Camp or it has been a long time since you have been, I want to encourage you to think about attending next year. If you go with an open heart and expecting a blessing, you will gain so much more. I want to take the time to thank everyone that helped out and everyone that prayed for the Alabama M.P. Jr Bible Camp. You will never know how your time and prayers might have changed someone’s life. It is people like you that help us parents prepare our children for the real world. They are the future of our nation, of the M.P. Church and now is the time to teach and guide them. Thank you for giving of yourself and time. May God Bless You All!

Valerie Jenkins

Where Is Foundation Music Ministry Today?
Second Recording Project On The Way

Foundation, now a year behind them, singing as a Gospel Duo based out of Newton, MS consists of Larry Davis and Tim Wilson. They record at Echo Sound in Pensacola, FL. This past year they have held concerts in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and Georgia. They have also made many appearances on Unity Television Network. Both Larry and Tim have exceptional song writing abilities as well as Tim’s highly skilled piano playing.

Larry Davis is a member of the First Methodist Protestant Church of Newton. Larry continues to work very closely with his church under the leadership of Bro. Brian Pennington and Mrs Laurie Pennington. He serves as Worship Leader and Director of Music and he and his wife, Sonda co-serve as Director of Activities. Concerts take him away due to a lot of churches requesting them to bring their music for Sunday services.

Larry states, “I now have a very capable lady; Renee Davis (my niece) to fill in for me when I am out on Sundays. I certainly miss my church when I am not there but the Lord has called our Duo to many places. It has opened a lot of doors for us and we give the Lord the praise and honor for doing so.” It makes it so much more rewarding when you have a pastor and his wife that support you. Bro. Brian and Mrs. Laurie have supported me and my singing partner Tim; from the very first day of this calling. Matter of fact; we have had support both in attending our concerts and financially from faithful members of the Newton Methodist Protestant Church. I am grateful for my local church. However; Foundation has not been to any other Methodist Protestant Churches. I do extend an invitation to all Methodist Protestant Churches in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas.

I want to acknowledge that our families have and continue to support Foundation Music Ministry. They have attended a very high percentage of our concerts.

Larry states, they traveled over 4000 miles this past year. They are well on their way to cover 8000 miles this year. Sometimes folks will ask me is it worth it? You better believe it. Every mile presenting our message in song for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is worth it. Our greatest reward this first year of our singing as Foundation Duo is successfully spreading the good news of our Lord and Savior.

Tim Wilson is a member of Southwest Christian Church of Jackson, MS. He serves in many leadership capacities in his church as well as a senior musician. His local church and denomination has overwhelmingly supported us and continues to do so.

Foundation’s current recording project; “God Is Only A Prayer Away” has been well received. Randy Shelnut of the nationally known “Dixie Echoes” is their producer. Many of the songs, including the title cut on this project, have been written by Larry and or Tim.

Foundation is fast becoming a respected music ministry in the field of Gospel Music. As they share their unique blend of voices they offer hope and inspiration. Their songwriting shows that Christ will not remind us of our past but gives us hope for tomorrow.

It takes a lot of time and preparation to release recording projects. Simply stated, they are material, preparation, quality people, and investment, with prayer being the key element. I have known Randy Shelnut for over 25 years and I have always respected his knowledge of the Gospel Music Industry. Tim and I both feel we have a very good producer and are very fortunate for him to take the time to work with us. We want to do the best we can with the talents the Lord has blessed us with and Randy is grooming us to make our music presentations the best we can for the Lord. That is his goal and is surely ours.

Where is Foundation Music Ministry today? We are singing and writing and living out a dream that both Tim and I have had all our lives. Our second recording project is due to release October 1, 2004. We are excited about this project. The title for this project is “No Cross Is Too Heavy” written by Larry and Tim. This project will give you a good showing of the writing abilities plus traditional gospel songs you will enjoy Foundation Style.

Foundation recently celebrated their 1st Annual Homecoming. The nationally known Dixie Echoes helped them celebrate a successful year of singing.

Foundation has been invited to attend and perform at the 5th annual Mississippi State Quartet Convention October 7-9, 2004. This event will take place at the Neshoba County Coliseum located in Philadelphia, MS. This event is referred to “Mississippi’s Finest Southern Gospel Event”

Foundation is committed to making sure that God is glorified through their music. Larry states, “It is our mission to stay true to our testimony and our calling in these days of so much un-rest. Our prayer is to keep our hearts burning with love for Christ in all our travels for Him. “

Where will Foundation Music Ministry be tomorrow? Tim and Larry both leave that up to Christ. We will go and sing where He leads us and continue to pen the songs He gives to hopefully be a blessing to the listener. We do have goals to maintain and a vision that has been placed deep in our hearts.

The Gospel Music Industry has lost a lot of folks in the past year. They have gone on to be with the Lord. No one can take their place. The contributions they made are un-measurable. It is Foundation’s goal to continue to work really hard to represent Gospel Music. And to continue to send the message of offering hope and inspiration we have been sending since the first day as Foundation.

You can write Foundation at 405 South Main Street, Newton, MS 39345 or call them at 601-683-2495(Larry), 601-331-0238(Tim) or Visit their website at: www.foundationmusic.net

THE MISSIONARY RECORD
Dianne Reid, Editor

WMS Quiz

Suggestion: Use this Quiz at the next local WMS meeting, and see what you can find out. The answers will appear in next month’s issue.

1. Who makes up the membership of the local WMS Auxiliary ?

2. What is the purpose of the Women’s Work of the Methodist Protestant Church?

3. What available official printed materials are needed to more fully understand the Women’s Work?

4. Draw a diagram depicting the Women’s Work, beginning with the General Board of Missions.

5. Explain the following: “The Board of Missions assesses each Branch and the Branch assesses each Auxiliary.”

6. Where does the Branch get funds to meet amount assessed by the Board?

7. What does the Constitution and Bylaws say the term “missionary” in the WMS title really means?

8. Who is liaison between the Women’s Work and the Board of Missions, and how does that person get that job?

9. Exactly where do we find specific information on the female and male Executive Secretaries, the Convention, and the Board?

10. With what 2 levels of the Women’s Work does the Constitution and Bylaws deal?

11. Where do we find printed information on some specifics of work or events for the mission year?

12. How long may officers of the Women’s Work serve consecutively?

13. May men of the Church be members and / or attend meetings?

14. Is there a set method by which each auxiliary raises funds to pay the amount we are assessed by the Branch.

15. Explain makeup of the Board of Missions.

16. What is our newest “Mission endeavor” overseas sponsored by the General Board of Missions? What is the Board’s involvement?

17. Can the WMS Treasurer and the Church Treasurer both count funds raised / sent in on a project? Why or why not?

18. What four categories on the monthly report blanks are used collectively to pay the Branch Assessment to the Board of Missions?

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

20. List several special fund raising programs supported and / or sponsored by the Women’s Work.

21. What are the two largest offerings taken denominationally wide each year for general missions. Can you explain these 2 offerings.

22. What is the official denominational periodical specifically designated for missions reports and articles, and who is the editor?

Greetings from Belize
Don and Pat Smith

Just a few words to let everyone know what is going on here. We left home on June 27th Don, myself and Brad Lemons to drive our van across Mexico. The trip was wonderful. I was surprised to see so many mountains. I was expecting a desert. My mother lived in Mexico when she was a child. I saw the same railroad she took across the mountains. It is a beautiful place where the temperature was cool, some wore jackets. We saw some spectacular Mayan ruins. The places we stayed were guarded well. The only problem we had was in Mexico City. We had to pay a big fine because we drove on a Tuesday with a license plate that ended in a 7 or 8!! We arrived at the border on Thursday and were blessed not to have to pay duties. We bought car insurance and registered that we would stay 10 weeks. It felt like home when we arrived in Belize.

We stayed in San Lazaro for a week. Neighbors came in and showed me how to make tamales. We had killer bees invade us. But we had a wonderful time. We made some new friends. We decided to do a workshop for VBS so they could take a part. Sally and myself worked hard getting ready. Charlie Joe rented a place. We were really impressed when 31 showed up to a part of VBC. Everyone was excited about doing it. We checked during the week to see how they were coming and were impressed they were cutting out their craft and working on their teaching.

We were glad to see the team come. Frank & Dena Robenson, Danny & Mary Morrison, and Tammy Clark. It was like family coming. We went on a short fun day trip and then went to work. We got our stuff together from Sand Hill and moved to Orange Walk to a hotel so we could do the village of Guinea Grass. Flo and her team did San Lazaro, Br. LaDon’s team did Sand Hill and Hattieville, Br. Charlie Joe and Sally did Fireburn. It was a great week. We were really impressed at the ability of the nationals. They know their lessons and had their craft cut out. I know the Lord is fixing to start a revival in Belize.

Brother Don did the revival service at night. He did a great job. There was a lot of activity at the altar and several decisions made. The adults had several decisions made also. For the first time even the little class had an altar call and several raised their hand to be saved.

The week passed too fast and it was time for our team to go home. We have missed them, they have been such a blessing to us.

We went back to Sand Hill to help there. Martha Headley came in; Flo stayed at San Lazaro to help her move her things. We will carry her things to be shipped later.

Don has been able to preach in 3 of the villages. We have gone back to see the impact of the Bible Schools. To see if they are still working in the church. We went to San Lazaro last Sunday; there was good attendance on Sunday night and a good Spirit there. Sand Hill and Hattieville are doing great. Their church is very strong. A very good youth program. I am very impressed at Sand Hill. They use everyone in their services young and old alike. They have drums, Guitars, Keyboards and a good sound system. They sing old worship songs but also new modern songs. We have really loved being a part of this. The week after Bible School at Hattieville their were 3 adults and a child that gave their life to the Lord.

I drove to Fireburn yesterday and did a Bible Study they had asked about one. What a pleasure! I was a bit nervous about the roads but it all worked out. Sally and 4 more ladies for Sandhill Church went with me. We really had a great time; Marion brought her guitar and played for us. They want us to come next week and do another. I am very pleased about this.

They had their annual conference last week. The mission house was full of people. We had a great time of Fellowship. Claudio worked hard getting things ready. They moved all the benches and set up tables for the preachers and delegates. Complete with lace tablecloths. The food was catered and very good. Claudio was elected annual President for another year. The conference was well attended everyone was there but the Progresso Church. Don was privileged to preach the night service.

We went into Shipyard the Mennonite Community to see Bridgett’s class graduation. (Brother Roy’s Granddaughter). It was very special she did a great job teaching them. We have been invited to an engagement party there. We are looking forward to that.

The Mennonite’s speak German, ride horse and buggy, the men and boys wear overalls and straw hats. The women and girls wear long dresses and bonnets. They are very fair, blonde, and blue eyed. It’s like going into the past. A truly amazing experience that I will never forget.

Don has worked everyday on some project. This has been a truly blessed experience for us. The time in many lives when people retire and quit working. We have been blessed more than ever. Thanks to everyone that has been a part of this ministry in any way. If there was ever a doubt Charlie Joe was pushing the Preachers too fast and the churches too hard we are now seeing results. I believe the Bible School showed they are equipped and able to lead in revival in Belize. Many are excited and moving ahead others sadly will be left behind. But God is moving in a mighty way. Continue to pray for His work and us.

Faithfully in Christ,
Don and Pat Smith

  Youth Page

The school year has begun. Your summer of “freedom” has ended. What did you accomplish these last ‘few’ days since the final school bell sounded? Look back! Were you only concerned with fun things to do? Were you lazy in your attendance at church services? Did you attend Vacation Bible School? Bible Camp? Belize Crusade? Did you have a “vacation” with your family or friends? Did you have duties at home? How did you fill your hours of “no School”? As young people and even as adults we must remind ourselves that our time on earth is a gift from God!! He didn’t place us here on earth to waste time. Each day we should reflect on our activities and see what we accomplished. No matter how busy we are we must take time to be with God. Yes it’s hard to do. We all have responsibilities. We have things we’re expected to do. Needful things. But let us all remember time on earth is a gift from God.

Jeremiah says in chapter 1 verse 5..”Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nation.” It is no accident for you to be where you are right now!! God has a plan.. Be part of it.

As you attend school this year study hard, join in worthwhile activities, enjoy being young. But take time for God and your relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ. Have you committed your life to Him. If no, do so now. Don’t miss out on the JOY of the Lord...life is too short!!!

Darla Hunt

The North American Regional Council of the ICCC
will meet at the Collins,
Mississippi Campgrounds
Wednesday - Friday,
October 13 - 15, 2004
Registration at 10:00 am

“Concerned Christians, dedicated pastors and lay people who live within driving distance or who can come by plane, need to be in the meetings for their own benefit and to help in the united effort to put the brakes on the one-world church, political and economic system that is rapidly being thrust upon us.

Denominational groups, fellowships and councils are not the key to keeping American Christainity sound and active. The answer lies in separated, Bible-believing individuals, the local church and the fearless pastor who will not compromise for the sake of prestige, money or personal power. The messages in the New Testament were to these kinds of churches and to the pastors of those churches.

The ICCC in America issues this appeal to all who are committed to God’s Word and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and especially to the command of separation, II Cor. 6 14-18. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

Temperance

The meaning of Temperance in Webster’s dictionary is : (1) a being temperate: self-restraint in conduct, expression, indulgence of the appetites, etc. ; moderation. (2) total abstinence from alcoholic liquors.

Temperance is needed in everything we endeavor to do. In I Corinthians, Chapter nine, verse twenty five, God says: “Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.”

We should strive to be temperate in what we say and do and how we act in our everyday lives.

Pray for me as I try to do the best I can for God, as your Branch Secretary of Temperance.

Mrs. Delois Adcock