February 2018 FOCUS
Bowie Baptist Association
Just a Thought
Where has the time gone? Does it seem real that we are already a full month into 2018? And yet, here we are.
The pace at which the time passes reminds us of how precious it is, and how we must make every effort to make the time we have count. The apostle Paul says as much, calling us to “Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of your time, because the days are evil,” (Eph. 5:15-16, ESV).
What does it mean to make the best use of your time? Let me offer a few suggestions.
First, making the best use of your time means taking advantage of the opportunities God brings your way. People often ask me to pray that God would give them opportunities for service, yet they are surrounded by needs they either fail to see or simply ignore. Why would God give you a new assignment when you miss that which He has placed before you? Count this as a fact: whatever else God calls you to do, it always begins with the people and issues closest to you. Open your eyes.
Second, making the best use of your time means preparation. God often presents ministry opportunities before us that require preparation. Disaster relief is an example. We need a trained army of volunteers so that, when disaster hits – and these seldom occur at moments of convenience for anybody – we can deploy a team equipped to serve effectively. Numerous similar opportunities exist in the church and missions. Prepare yourself so that, when God presents the opportunity, you are ready to follow Him.
Third, making the best use of your time means keeping your life in perspective. Serving God is not one part of your life, as if you have your family, your work, and then your service to the Lord. If you are a Christian, then service to the Lord is your life. And you serve Him through your family, work, leisure, church, etc. The most fruitful opportunities God gives you for His glory will come through these. If you compartmentalize and leave God in the church house, you will miss most of what God intends for you.
Even though we are a full month into 2018, it is not too late to make it count. Let’s make this a year in which He is glorified through us again and again.
Thank you for your prayers for me and my family with the recent illness and death of my mother, Peggy Esparza. We are grateful.
Also, I want to extend appreciation to the Disaster Relief teams and volunteers from BBA churches who assisted with clean-up and recovery in the aftermath of the recent Tornado event that hit around DeKalb. Thank you FBC DeKalb for running point for us in this response, and FBC Redwater and Gravel Hill for your service. Pray for the Liberty Hill Baptist Church, which suffered significant damage to their sanctuary. If you are available to assist Liberty Hill with rebuilding, contact Sam Yancy at 903-278-6101.
Blessings,
Bro. Jim
Registration is now open!!
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.
Administrative Team Meeting
The next Administrative Committee Meeting will be February 13th , 10:00 AM, at the BBA Office. Meetings are open to participation from interested persons within the association.
BBA Pastor's Monthly Fellowship
Monday, Feb 5, 2018, 10:00 AM
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Jones Lane, Texarkana, TX, United States
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
"Praisercise"
A free Health & Fitness Ministry for Pastors & their wives
“Having the Strength to Feed the Sheep - Spiritually, Emotionally, & Physically”
Legends Gym (3315 N Stateline Ave., Texarkana, TX) is offering a free pre or post lunch workout for pastors and their wives.
This is a great opportunity that will allow local pastors to work on a balance of being a healthy example to both their flock and the community. This service is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 am - 12 pm or 1 pm - 3 pm. For more information call Cody Dailey (owner of Legends Gym) at 903-792-2639 or check out their website here.
SBTC Empower Conference
February 26-27, 2018
Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, Irving, TX
For more information: Click here
"With 18 million lost people calling Texas home. It is imperative that we return to what is closest to the heart of God - him being glorified, lost people being found, and disciples being made. "
-Shane Pruitt (SBTC Director of Evangelism)
2018 Mileage Rate
54.5 cents per mile driven for business
18 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
14 cents per mile driven for charitable organizations
VBS Training
March 3, 2018
Friendly Baptist Church
1903 East Front Street
Tyler, TX
903-593-1572
For more information visit the SBTC website here.
2018 Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
March 4-11, 2018
100% of this offering is used to support North American Mission Board missionaries and church planters as they push back lostness in the United States and Canada.
For more information or promotional material for your church, click here.
2018 BBA Navajo Mission Trip
June 2-8, 2018 - Window Rock, Arizona
A church strengthening trip, partnering with Gateway Community Church in expanding their evangelistic outreach in the capital of the Navajo Nation. Though churches dot the landscape, only about 2% of Navajo are authentic Christ Followers!
Volunteers are needed for: Basic Construction, Foot Care, Bible Clubs, & Support Crew.
Cost is $200, includes transportation, meals on site (except on free day), and supplies. 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:
· Saturday, 6/2, 5 AM - Depart
· Saturday, 6/2, 10 PM - Arrive at Gateway
· Sunday - Wednesday, 6/3-6/6 - Serve
· Thursday, 6/7 - Free Day
· Friday, 6/8, 5 AM - Depart for home
· Friday, 6/8, 11 PM - Arrive in Texarkana
Interested persons should contact Dr. Jim Turnbo by email at:
Churches Seeking Staff
Please continue to pray for the numerous churches in the Association that are seeking staff members.
Pastor:
- Victory City
- Midway FBC
- Old Salem
Worship Leader:
- Hooks FBC
Pianist:
- Pleasant Grove (903-838-5558)
Youth Leader:
- Flower Acres (903-824-8412)
- Korean Mission
- New Boston FBC
- 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.
February 2018
5 Pastor's Monthly Fellowship,Pleasant Grove, 10 am
13 Administrative Team Meeting, BBA Office, 10 am
26-27 SBTC Empower Conference, Las Colinas, Irving, TX
March 2018
3 SBTC VBS Training, Tyler, TX
4-11 Week of Prayer & Annie Armstrong Offering
5 Pastor’s Monthly Fellowship, Pleasant Grove, 10 am
13 Administrative Team Meeting, BBA Office, 10 am
February Friendship Center
- Avery FBC
- Grace Way
- Liberty Hill
- Malta
- New Boston FBC
- Oak Terrace Mission
- New Oak Grove
- Simms FBC
- Regions Christian Center
These churches have been asked by the Friendship Center 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 the Friendship Center will be appreciated. Some churches have chosen to include the Friendship Center 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
Friendship Center Director
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/