April 2018 FOCUS
Bowie Baptist Association
Vive La Résistance
In 1940 a movement was born. Nazi Germany had defeated France, flooding the country with 300,000 occupation troops. Overcome by the brutality occurring around them, most French citizens tried to mind their business and endure as best they could, while a significant number collaborated with the enemy. But other brave men and women organized into small cells, working underground to resist and eventually drive back their Nazi occupiers. We know them as the French Resistance.
The Resistance cells were severely outnumbered, and the consequences severe should their efforts be discovered. Over the course of World War II, Germany executed thirty thousand resistance fighters while deporting another 86,000 to death camps. Despite this, through their perseverance, Resistance forces played a crucial role in the Allied victory.
As I ponder the world in which we live today, I wonder if it’s time for a new resistance. No, this isn’t a call for social revolution, or for mass demonstrations where we insist on our right for this or that. But as a secular occupation sweeps North America, flooding communities with evangelists for humanist ideology, it’s time for a new resistance.
The resistance I’m calling for is not about arms or national defense. It is a personal and corporate refusal to yield in the face of cultural change and, instead, hold true to the gospel. Refusing to collaborate with an increasingly pagan culture, we will “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,” (Jude 1:3). But we will not grow hostile. Rather, we will live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse us of doing wrong, they may see our good deeds and glorify God... (1 Peter 2:12).
The key to such resistance will be the same as before, small groups. The Resistance was not known by great crowds and eloquent speech (that was the other side). They met in small groups, carefully considering their mission and then moving from the background forward. We need the same today.
In other words, we need discipleship. Biblical disciple making is for the church what the small Resistance cells were to French Liberation. We’ve departed from it in recent years, looking more to worship and special events to grow believers. But developing men and women who faithfully serve Christ in an increasingly antagonistic society requires small groups through which believers hold one another accountable, learn and apply God’s word, pray together, then launch back into the world on mission for the Savior.
So, are you ready? If you need help, give us a call. The BBA has access to several tools for helping you excel at disciple making. In any case, vive la résistance!
Closing thoughts:
I pray your celebration of the Lord’s resurrection would refuel your love for Him and draw others to His Name! Happy Easter!
Pastors, staff, and even otherwise unattached preachers are encouraged to attend the Smaller Church and Bivocational Conference, April 7 at Trinity Baptist Church. Special guest Dr. Bob Utley will bless you. Keep reading for more information.
Finally, may God bless and keep you!
Bro. Jim
Small Membership Church & Bi-Vocational Conference
Saturday, April 7, 2018
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Trinity Baptist Church
Texarkana, Arkansas
Cost is $10 per person / $25 max per family
Lunch provided
Conference for Pastors/Staff
· Sermon preparation, led by Dr. Bob Utley
· Getting things done in a smaller membership church
· Resources & strategies for bi-vocational/smaller membership churches
Minister's Wives' Conference
· Led by Tammy Albrecht - Pastor's Wife, FBC DeWitt, AR
Children's Activites
· Birth - 6th grade, hosted by SAU BCM
To register, go to www.absc.org/smcsouthwest, email jimturnbo@bowiebaptist.org, lriley@absc.org, or call 800-838-2272, ext. 5114.
Sponsored by the Bowie Baptist Association, Southwest Arkansas Baptist Association,
Arkansas Baptist State Convention & Trinity Baptist Church
"a ministry of the Cooperative Program"
2018 IGNITE Children's Camp
Cost: $150 - All churches!
For more information or to receive a registration pack, please call or email Valerie at 903-831-0194, receptionist@bowiebaptist.org or visit the BBA webpage at www.bowiebaptist.org.
Correctional Office & Law Enforcement Appreciation
BBA is partnering with Texas Baptist Men to host Correctional Officer / Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Dinners at the Telford Prison unit, May 9-10.
TBM will provide a Disaster Relief feeding unit and cooks, with a minimum of 12 to 16 volunteers needed each meal to serve. Pastors and church staff are invited to come and visit with the officers. Meals will be served each day from 10:30 AM to 2 PM and from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. If you or a group from your church would like to volunteer, please contact Bro. Jim.
Also, we need 800 letters from children and adults in the churches, thanking the officers for their service in keeping our community safe. Write letters on plain paper and put each into a separate envelop, leaving the envelope blank, except for any decorating you may wish to do.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Administrative Committee Meeting will be April 10th, 10:00 AM, at the BBA Office. Meetings are open to participation from interested persons within the association.
The next Executive Board Meeting will be April 17th, 6 pm at FBC Hooks. Please RSVP with Valerie at the BBA Office by January 12 by calling 903-831-0194 or email receptionist@bowiebaptist.org.
BBA Pastor's Monthly Fellowship
Monday, Apr 2, 2018, 10:00 AM
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Jones Lane, Texarkana, TX, United States
Circle J Cowboy Church REVIVE Weekend
Brazil Mission Trip
The annual Brazil Mission trip, coordinated by Dr. Dwight Lowrie of Liberty-Eylau Baptist Church, will be July 6-19. This year’s team will conduct a crusade in Belo Horizonte. Registration is open now, with all costs due by April 15th. For information or to register, please contact Bro. Lowrie at 903-244-4108.
First Choice Pregnancy Center's Walk/Run for Life
Save the Date for First Choice Pregnancy Center’s Walk/Run for Life, which will take place Saturday, May 5th, 2018. Registration is open if you would like to enter. You may do so on the website, www.firstchoiceprc.com. (under the donate button) , or you may register through the Walk/Run Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/run4life5k/. If you would like more information on sponsorships, pledge forms, posters you can contact Kristie or Laura at the Center. (903) 792-5735
2018 BBA Navajo Mission Trip
June 2-8, 2018 -A Church Strengthening trip, partnering again with Gateway Community Church in expanding their evangelistic outreach in the capitol of the Navajo Nation. Though churches dot the landscape, only about 2% of Navajo are authentic Christ Followers!
Volunteers are needed for the following crews:
• Basic Construction / Carpentry Training - Team will teach basic carpentry skills to older teens, in the process constructing 6 to 8 outhouses for families living in remote areas of the Rez.
• Foot Care - inspect and wash feet; would like at least 1 nurse; medical professionals encouraged; lay persons welcome; BBA provides supplies. We hope to field two teams daily for three days.
• Bible Clubs - conducting simple kids Bible clubs in the community - need team leader and crew members.
• Support Crew - plan and prepare meals; staff “home base” while teams are in the field. Also need at least two CDL drivers for bus.
Cost: $200, includes transportation, meals on site (except on free day), and supplies. BBA is not responsible for fuel for persons who take their own vehicles. Thank you for understanding.
Families are welcome, but children should be old enough to participate. Children 12 and under must be in the company of their parents. Youth are welcome with an accompanying sponsor.
Itinerary:
· Depart TXK, Sat, 6/2 @ 5:00 AM
· Arrive at Window Rock @ 10:00 PM
· Serve, Sun - Wed
· Free Day, Thurs
· Depart for home Fri, 6/8 @ 5:00 AM
· Arrive at TXK, approximately 11 PM
Interested persons should contact Dr. Jim Turnbo by e-mail at jimturnbo@bowiebaptist.org.
Deadline to register is Thursday, Apr 26th
NetXtreme 2018
“Above All Else” - Proverbs 4:23
Session 1: June 4-8, 2018 / Session 2: June 8-12, 2018
Cost: $190 per camper
Camp Pastor: Todd Reed, FBC Redwater
Worship Leader: Abandon
Entertainment: Jared Hall
Registration for camp is now open! Reserve your spots by paying the $50 deposit per camper. Final payments are due May 14, 2018.
The registration packet and more information can be found at www.netxtreme.org or by emailing info@netxtreme.org.
Churches Seeking Staff
Please continue to pray for the numerous churches in the Association that are seeking staff members.
Pastor:
- Victory City
- Midway FBC
Worship Leader:
- Hooks FBC
Pianist:
- Pleasant Grove (903-838-5558)
Youth Leader:
- Flower Acres (903-824-8412)
- Korean Mission
- Midway FBC - Send resume to 1415 FM 2148, Texarkana, TX 75501, ATTN: Youth Minister Search Committee
- Cross View - Send resume to 3268 North FM 2148, Texarkana, TX 75503, ATTN: Youth Search Committee
For more information, you may contact the respective congregations with the information provided, or contact the BBA Office.
April 2018
1 Easter Sunday
2 Pastor’s Monthly Fellowship, Pleasant Grove, 10 am
10 Administrative Team Meeting, BBA Office, 10 am
17 Executive Board Meeting, Hooks FBC, 6 pm
May 2018
2 Pastor’s Monthly Fellowship, Pleasant Grove, 10 am
3 National Day of Prayer
10 Administrative Team Meeting, BBA Office, 10 am
10 Lakeview Senior Adult Rally
13 Mother’s Day
28 Memorial Day (BBA Office Closed)
April - Mission Texarkana
- Liberty Eylau
- Korean Baptist
- Leary FBC
- Maud FBC
- Cross Power
- Pleasant Grove
- Red Springs FBC
- Rock Creek
- Siloam
These churches have been asked by Mission Texarkana to get involved in the food drive for this month. The Center needs all kinds of canned goods, flour, corn meal, dried beans, macaroni and cheese, powdered milk, baby foods and formulas, and diapers. Any effort made for Mission Texarkana will be appreciated. Some churches have chosen to include Mission Texarkana in their annual budget and send a monthly check for support.
Runnin’ WJ Ranch needs financial support, volunteers, and supplies as well.
Associational Staff
Dr. Jim Turnbo
Associational Missionary
Valerie Mills
Ministry Assistant
Heath Coston
Baptist Student Minister
Fraternal Organizations
Sam Clem
Runnin’ WJ Ranch
Edna Walker
Hospitality Director
Cody Howard
Mission Texarkana Director
(Friendship Center)
Bowie Baptist Association
Email: receptionist@bowiebaptist.org
Website: www.bowiebaptist.org
Location: PO Box 7740 Texarkana, TX 75505
Phone: 903-831-0194
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bowie-Baptist-Association-226712764011425/