Frances "Fran" Nelson, former pastor's and MARBC state representative's wife, with the Lord
Frances Doreen Nelson (nee Bush) went to be with the Lord from her home in Greenville, North Carolina, on December 18, 2020. Having celebrated her 95th birthday on October 17, she was diagnosed with a terminal condition just three days later and immediately began completing pet projects, telling family and friends, “I will be joyful every day and more so thereafter,” a phrase that fittingly describes her zeal and gratitude for life.
Fran was born in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada on October 17, 1925, the second child of Archibald Franklin Bush and Elizabeth Edna Bush (nee Parker). After completing grade 13 at Burlington High School, Burlington, Ontario, Frances earned her R.N. at The Hamilton General Hospital School of Nursing and her Bachelor of Religious Education at London Bible Institute, London, Ontario. She and Alfred Edric Nelson (July 6, 1920-April 6, 2007) met at LBI and married at Freeman Gospel Tabernacle, Burlington, on August 25, 1951. Fran actively supported Alf’s pastoral ministries to Michigan churches including Alaska Baptist Church, Kingsley Baptist Church, and Parr Memorial Baptist Church, Petoskey. She served alongside with Alf when he was selected to serve as the MARBC State Representative in 1983. She took upon herself the role as “Mrs. Shepherd” until their ministry with the association concluded in 1990. She then encouraged others alongside Alf in his role as Seniors Pastor at First Baptist Church, St. Johns. The Nelsons faithfully served together until God called Alf into His presence in 2007.
Frances’s life was characterized by unswerving faithfulness, service and love for the Lord, and strong commitment to the church communities of which she was a member or pastor’s wife. She nurtured friendships with adults and children alike and, through cards and letters, maintained relationships with hundreds of friends, including her great-grandchildren whom she wrote every month. She valued books, learning, nature, gardening, needlecraft, games, and most importantly, family (6 children, 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren) and friends – she lived life to the fullest with her signature smile and joyful, enthusiastic spirit. She will truly be missed!
Found among her papers, shortly before her death, was this letter that Fran wrote that was to be sent after she departed for glory:
Dear Ones,
I just wanted you to know that this will be my last letter to you. We've had a happy journey together, some longer, some shorter, and you have been a very special part of my life. I've changed addresses several times these past years, but now I've gone to my final home and have no forwarding address, so you can remove me from your address file.
I'm reminded of an old Gospel song we sang years ago - "On the happy golden shore, where the faithful part no more, when the storms of life are o'er, meet me there!" I'll be looking for you!
The answer is in John's gospel, chapter three, verse sixteen, "For God so loved (you) that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
Much love,
Fran / Aunt Fran / Grandma Fran
Ken and Sharon Floyd share this tribute regarding Fran's encouraging life and ministry:
Fran was such a special servant of God and a friend to so many. She was well equipped to serve with Alf as a pastor's wife and then as "Mrs. Shepherd" to the many pastors' wives serving alongside their pastor-husbands across the State of Michigan.
Fran could have been a multi-millionaire had she so desired. The cards that she crafted to mail faithfully to so many of us over the years would have put most of the prominent greeting card companies out of business had she chosen to sell them. She remembered everyone on every occasion.
We are humbled and blessed by the fact that we were included in some of those "pet projects" that she had to complete before entering into the presence of her Savior and Lord. She sent us an anniversary card at the end of November as well as a Christmas card a week later. We will cherish the messages that she conveyed in both.
In the last column that she penned for the “Baptist Testimony” monthly newsletter prior to their retirement from the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches, Fran wrote of “The Delights of God.” Quoting from 1 Samuel 15:22 she stated, “’Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.’ May we determine as David did when he said, “I will delight myself in Thy commandments which I have loved” (Psalm 119:47). Then shall we delight the heart of God, be blessed in our own hearts and bring glory to Him.”
We give thanks to God for this precious servant who, like her dear Alf, has heard the commendation from her Lord, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Perhaps Alf was waiting and ready to play a welcoming song on the French horn for her?!
Dr. Ron Mayers, former Professor at Cornerstone University, now with the Lord
Ronald Mayers
Rev. Dr. Ronald Burton Mayers, age 80, of Sun City Center, Florida, formerly of Lowell, passed away December 27, 2020 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He married Charlotte Ann Cassell on August 24,1963 in Euclid, Ohio. She preceded him in death on November 4, 2017. Dr. Mayers was Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Cornerstone University, formerly known as Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College. He was also served as Pastor of Upper Lisle Baptist Church in Whitney Point, New York. Dr. Mayers was a member of First Baptist Church in Ruskin, Florida and a former member of West Cannon Baptist Church. Dr. Mayers held degrees in Bible and Theology from Baptist Bible College of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, Social Science and American History from SUNY Binghamton, Theology and New Testament from Western Theological Seminary, and Religion and Humanities from Syracuse University.
Dr. Mayers is survived by his daughter, Charissa (Jason) Wood; his son, Stephen Mayers; five grandchildren and one great grandson. A memorial service was held Saturday, January 2, 2021, at West Cannon Baptist Church in Belmont, Michigan.
Dr. Mayers is survived by his daughter, Charissa (Jason) Wood; his son, Stephen Mayers; five grandchildren and one great grandson. A memorial service was held Saturday, January 2, 2021, at West Cannon Baptist Church in Belmont, Michigan.
Dr. Vernon Rosenau, former President of Baptist Mid-Missions, now with the Lord
Vernon Rosenau
With a deep sense of sorrow mixed with hope, Baptist Mid-Missions announces that on the day we celebrated our Savior’s birth, December 25, 2020, President Emeritus Vernon Rosenau entered new life with his Savior after an extended battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife (Jan), their children (Julie, Sam and wife Landi, and Bill), and several grandchildren.
A memorial service was held on January 2, 2020, at First Baptist Church of Elyria.
You can read the full obituary for Dr. Rosenau at https://www.hempelfuneralhome.com/obituary/Vernon-Rosenau
Click here to read Baptist Mid-Missions' tribute to Dr. Rosenau: www.bmm.org/learn/articles/dr.-vernon-rosenau-with-the-lord/
A memorial service was held on January 2, 2020, at First Baptist Church of Elyria.
You can read the full obituary for Dr. Rosenau at https://www.hempelfuneralhome.com/obituary/Vernon-Rosenau
Click here to read Baptist Mid-Missions' tribute to Dr. Rosenau: www.bmm.org/learn/articles/dr.-vernon-rosenau-with-the-lord/
Former MARBC Pastor now with the Lord
Aaron Kaukonen
Pastor Aaron Arthur Kaukonen, age 75, of Findlay, Ohio, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, December 9, from complications of the Covid-19 coronavirus. Pastor Kaukonen ministered in Michigan and Ohio during more than 40 years of pastoral ministry. He was a graduate of Ontonagon (MI) High School, Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College (now Cornerstone University) and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. On August 13, 1966, he married Janet Mead of Paradise, Mich., at the First Baptist Church of Paradise. They were blessed by God with a marriage of 54 years. In May of 1971, he received the call to the pastorate of the First Baptist Church of Colon, Michigan, where he ministered for 25 years. During his tenure in Colon, he led the congregation through the construction of a new church building. In 1997, Pastor Kaukonen accepted the call to the pastorate of the First Baptist Church of Findlay, Ohio, where he served for another 15 years before retiring in 2012. Pastor Kaukonen remained active in his retirement, serving with The Twelve, driving foster children around the state for supervised visits with their parents, often logging hundreds of miles per week.
Pastor Kaukonen is survived by his beloved wife; four children, Scott Kaukonen, of Huntsville, Texas; Stephen (Lisa) Kaukonen, of South Lyon, Michigan; Angela (Mark) Fisher, of Jenison, Michigan; and Brenda (Lance) Finley, of Findlay, Ohio; eight grandchildren; and the many who called him Pastor K.
Pastor Kaukonen is survived by his beloved wife; four children, Scott Kaukonen, of Huntsville, Texas; Stephen (Lisa) Kaukonen, of South Lyon, Michigan; Angela (Mark) Fisher, of Jenison, Michigan; and Brenda (Lance) Finley, of Findlay, Ohio; eight grandchildren; and the many who called him Pastor K.
Emmanuel Baptist Church in Flint celebrates 100th Anniversary
Pastor John Scally gives this report regarding Emmanuel Baptist Church's recent 100th anniversary celebration: "We had a wonderful day celebrating our 100 Year anniversary at Emmanuel! The theme of the day was thanking God for the past knowing that our best days are ahead. Former Pastor Harold Constant who led the church into its present facility was the special speaker. He reminded us that the God who led people through the Depression back when the church began is the same God who’s leading us through the Corona Virus now. After his impactful message, we celebrated with a continental breakfast, video presentation, and viewed pictures from every decade. It was a phenomenal day! Praise our Great God!"
Grace Hispanic Bible Baptist Church celebrates new believers and baptisms
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Pastor Pepe Morales with new Haitian believers
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Pastor Pepe Morales and Associate Pastor Paul Newton rejoice in the recent opportunities God has given the Grace Hispanic Bible Baptist Church to reach new migrant workers with the Gospel. The church had the opportunity this past summer to come in contact with several Haitian friends who had come to western Michigan to find work on area farms. A large contingency first visited at the church's anniversary service in August. During the follow up to these visits, the church had the opportunity to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with these dear people. The church continues to have a major outreach to several ethnic groups in Newaygo, Oceana, Montcalm, and Kent counties.
Be sure to listen to the singing of the GHBBC men's chorus comprised of new converts following this column. You are also encouraged to view the YouTube testimony which features Pastors Pepe Morales and Paul Newton sharing their passion for church planting in order to minister to ethnic groups across the State of Michigan.
Be sure to listen to the singing of the GHBBC men's chorus comprised of new converts following this column. You are also encouraged to view the YouTube testimony which features Pastors Pepe Morales and Paul Newton sharing their passion for church planting in order to minister to ethnic groups across the State of Michigan.
Grace Hispanic Bible Baptist Church members
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Pepe Morales baptizes a new convert
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Mike Wittmer installed as the new lead pastor at Cedar Springs Baptist Church |
Nick Boonstra ordained by
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Installation prayer for new Cedar Springs pastor, Mike Wittmer
Cedar Springs Baptist Church welcomed their new senior pastor and wife, Dr. Mike and Julie Wittmer, during a special installation service on Sunday afternoon, November 8. Many members of the church were joined by guests from area churches and members of the Wittmer family for the special service of celebration. Mike began his ministry with Cedar Springs in October and continues as a professor of systematic and historical theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids. Cedar Springs Baptist Church enjoyed a special revitalization partnership with sister MARBC church West Cannon Baptist Church in Belmont. West Cannon's leadership team assisted the Cedar Springs church in evaluating and strengthening its ministry over the span of one year. West Cannon's lead pastor, Doug Crawford, preached on Sundays at Cedar Springs during this interim revitalization period. Other West Cannon leadership assisted with mentoring leaders and the West Cannon church family partnered with the Cedar Springs family in other areas of practical ministry. Dan Currie from Interpas Interim Ministries served in the revitalization in the area of pastoral care.
Trinity Baptist Church in Muskegon celebrates Scott Church's 25 years of ministry as Lead Pastor
Trinity Baptist Church in Muskegon held a special service and lunch celebration in recognition of the 25 years of ministry shared by Pastor Scott and Judy Church. Pastor Don Jackson, who formerly served with Scott on the staff of Calvary Baptist Church in Battle Creek, was the special speaker. Ken Floyd, MARBC Ministry Director, shared a special greeting on behalf of the MARBC and led in a prayer of dedication.
Bob McNeil honored by Shelby Road Baptist Church after 35 years of faithful service
Pastor Bob and Cindy McNeil with Church Resolution Pastor Bob and Cindy McNeil were recognized for their 35 years of faithful ministry by Shelby Road Baptist Church in Shelby. The church presented a special resolution to Pastor McNeil that recognizes highlights of his three and half decades of ministry with the church. A resolution and tribute to the Reverend Robert D. McNeil. Whereas, the members of the Shelby Road Baptist Church Deacon Board celebrate the retirement and ministry of Robert McNeil in Shelby, Michigan with integrity, excellence and dedication. Whereas, Robert McNeil attended Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary, studying Bible and World Religions. He was hired at Shelby Road Baptist Church as the senior pastor on December 9, 1984. When he was hired, the membership of SRBC was sixty-one and he was the only person on staff. Whereas, through God’s grace and sovereignty, SRBC grew to more than five hundred weekly attenders, multiple programs, and ministries. He taught God’s Word faithfully, using practical application and humor to reach people for Jesus Christ. He is known as a legendary communicator amongst his peers. Whereas, Pastor McNeil prepared and delivered more than 5,000 messages to teach, convict and encourage, upholding the Word of God to his flock. He encouraged people to build a “rock pile” to remember how God has worked in their life. Pastor McNeil would certainly be the cornerstone of the “rock pile” at SRBC. Whereas, Pastor McNeil had a vision to create a “powerhouse” Missions program and a goal realized that twenty percent of the church budget would go towards worldwide missions. In 2020, the annual church budget is nearly $750,000.00. Whereas, Pastor McNeil created the annual Harvest Dinner and Praise Offering event. Always giving credit where credit is due, God has used this annual event to do amazing things both here at SRBC and worldwide. The first Harvest Dinner was held at Arnold and Shirley Merrill’s house in their basement in 1988. Whereas, Pastor McNeil was able to increase the staff of Shelby Road Baptist Church to four full-time pastors, one part-time pastor and four assistants. He helped teach, disciple and mentor six associate pastors and several interns during his leadership. Whereas, Pastor McNeil led five major building projects during his tenure. During one project, the newly constructed auditorium collapsed during a storm and another when the general contractor went bankrupt. All of the projects together total almost four million dollars. Whereas, Pastor McNeil has been present during difficult, discouraging and tragic times for countless individuals and families. He did this providing encouragement and love to others. Resolved by the SRBC Deacon Board, that we offer this expression of special tribute and gratitude to commend and thank Reverend Robert D. McNeil for faithfully leading Shelby Road Baptist Church for thirty-five years. To God be the glory! |
Dr. Mike Wittmer, ordination council moderator; Ashley and Nick Boonstra; Dr. Nate Archer, lead pastor of First Baptist Church
Nick Boonstra was ordained by the First Baptist Church in Middleville on November 8. An ordination council was held by the church on November 5. The council highly commended the candidate for his excellent articulation of doctrine and his winsome ability to interact with the council. Nick received his degree in youth ministry from Baptist Bible College in 2011 and is currently working on a master's degree at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He was raised in the Middleville area and did an internship at First Baptist Church in 2011 and 2012. He served as a youth pastor at a church in Pennsylvania for three years before being called back to FBC in 2015. Nick and his wife Ashley have 3 children, Micah, Maliah and Noah. Greg East installed as Lead Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Ludington
Calvary Baptist Church in Ludington celebrated the installation of new lead pastor, Greg East, on Sunday, October 25. Greg has previously served at Calvary for several years as associate pastor. He has served in an interim pastor role since the death of former lead pastor Tim Tucker in July. The installation speaker was Pastor Mike Myers, lead pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Winfield, IL. 
Phil Cox ordained by Good News Baptist Church in Grand Rapids
An ordination council was called by Good News Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, MI on October 23, 2020 to examine their Associate Pastor Pastor Phil Cox. Upon recommendation from the council on October 25, 2020, Good News Baptist Church voted to ordain Rev. Phil Cox in an afternoon service. We are excited to work through this process with Pastor Phil and excited for how God will continue to us him in ministry in the future.
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