MARBC News & Notes – March 2007

BRONSON, First Baptist Church (Pastor John A. Fields) – For the sixth year in a row we had a good Sunday School Contest with Colon Baptist Church. We have a pay-off meal at Colon Baptist on Saturday November 4. Sunday November 19 was our Annual Thanksgiving Praise Service from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon followed by a delicious meal. It was such a blessing to rehearse together God’s goodness to us. Sunday December 17, was our Annual Sunday School Christmas program at 6:00 PM. Our program was entitled “The Worst Christmas Tree” written by John and Daria Greening. It included children from the 2’s-3 through Adults. We praise the Lord for the 172 parents, grandparents and relatives of our 50 Sunday School children from 2’3 & 3’s to sixth graders. It was a great opportunity to give out the gospel. On Sunday, January 21, the church held its Annual Business Meeting. We are praising the Lord for His goodness in meeting our every need and being able to increase our Missionary giving for 2007. First Baptist will celebrate 150 years of faithful ministry to the city of Bronson & surrounding area on July 21-22. Rev. Vern Roseanu will be the keynote speaker on Sunday morning. If there are any readers of the Baptist Testimony who are former members or attended First Baptist in the past, we extend a cordial invitation for you to come and rejoice with us in God’s goodness & faithfulness in these 150 years. For more information you may write: First Baptist Church, Pastor John A. Fields, 140 Buchanan Street, Bronson, MI 49028, call (517) 369-9439 or Email.

FENTON, First Baptist Church (Rev. Joe Bowers, interim) – First Baptist Church licensed Youth Pastor Josh Gates for the Gospel Ministry during the morning service on December 10, 2006. Following graduation from high school, Josh attended Baptist Bible College and Seminary, Clarks Summit, PA. He served in Victor, Iowa as Youth Pastor for two years. For the past year and a half he has served in youth ministries at First Baptist Church.
VASSAR, First Baptist Church (REV. DAVID SOMERS) – First Baptist Church welcomed Pastor David and Robin Somers to their ministry in October 2006. The church held a combined dedication service for the church family and installation service for Pastor Somers on January 28. Five pastors participated in the service with each focusing on a different portion of the church’s ministry. Also involved in the service were an AWANA missionary, each of the church’s deacons, plus a deacon from the Somers’ former church in Grand Rapids. A special message was preached by Pastor Somers’ brother. Then, at the conclusion of the service, Pastor Somers’ other brother offered a prayer of installation over Pastor Dave and Robin. A terrific pie fellowship followed the service. Pastor Somers writes, “We thank and praise the Lord, for the great things He hath done! And, great things He is doing.” In February, 10 people participated in believer’s baptism and 16 were welcomed into membership. Another baptismal will be held and more church members added in the near future.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
Former MARBC State Representative, Maynard Belt, has recently accepted an invitation from Baptist Mid-Missions to serve as special representative for the Department of Church Relations. His home church, West Cannon Baptist in Belmont has approved being his sending church. Maynard’s new ministry will involve preaching in missionary conferences, presenting workshops in pastor’s fellowships and Christian college campuses, and teaching seminars in the BMM Annual Enrichment Conference for furloughing missionaries. He will also travel occasionally to teach modules in overseas training institutions or speak at annual field council meetings as he did in Brazil a couple of years ago. He is presently in the process of raising support for both personal and ministry needs. Those interested in having Maynard for a meeting or assisting with his support may contact him at 616-361-2396 or by Email.
WITH THE LORDRev. David Smith, long time pastor-missionary, went home to be with the Lord on January 22, 2007 at the age of 86. A memorial service was held at Maplelawn Baptist Church in Wyoming, Michigan. David and his wife Vivian faithfully served in churches (including Maplelawn) for over 60 years. He was the president of Galilean Mission at the time when it merged with Baptist Mission of North America to form the current Baptist Church Planters. Be in prayer for Vivian and the family. You may send a note to 582 Gardenview Dr. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315.
Rev. John Yarworth, who served as a Director of Galilean Baptist Mission, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 7, while residing in Austin, Texas. A memorial service was held on February 10 in Austin. Brother Yarworth also served as the pastor of Green Corners Baptist Church of Bel ding, Faith Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, Ensley Baptist Church of Sand Lake, Good News Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, and First Baptist Church of Newberry. He retired from full-time ministry while pastoring in Newberry following a serious heart attack. His wife, Dottie, survives him. You may send Dottie a note at 8701 United Kingdom, Austin, TX 78748.
ADDITIONAL NEWS ITEMS“DECLARING HIS GLORY” BIBLE CONFERENCE
On March 27, 2007, West Cannon Baptist Church will host a one-day pastors and ministry leaders seminar designed to equip and encourage leaders to be men of God and servants of the Church. Speakers at this year’s seminar include:

• Jerry Bridges, Best selling author and conference speaker
• James Grier, Distinguished Professor of Philosophical Theology
• Gary Gilley Pastor and author of “This Little Church Went to Market”
• Doug Crawford, Conference host and Pastor of West Cannon Baptist Church

Dwight Peterson, former youth pastor of 19 years and current faculty member at Baptist Bible College, will lead a special student ministry track during the seminar specifically aimed at encouraging those who work with Junior High and High School students. Registration and continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 AM. Sessions will begin promptly at 9:00 AM and run until 3:30 PM. Lunch and relevant resources are included. The cost of the seminar is $25 per person, payable at the seminar.
To register, please contact West Cannon Baptist Church by February 28, 2007: Visit: westcannon.org/pastorsseminar Or Email (616) 874-6740
A two-night Bible Conference for everyone will also be held on Monday and Tuesday evenings, March 26-27 from 7:00-9:00. These evening services will be filled with wonderful music and challenging messages from our speakers, Jerry Bridges, Jim Grier, and Gary Gilley. Special programs will be provided for children, infant through sixth grade. No registration is necessary for these sessions. For information you can visit westcannon.org/pastorsseminar and click the Bible Conference Info title or call (616) 874-6740.
SPECIAL CHILDREN’S BOOK: Sharon Bowman, member at Orangeville Baptist Church, Orangeville, and wife of Pastor Dan Bowman, has recently published a special book designed to minister to the special needs of children. “No More Tears In Heaven” was written to comfort young hearts. It shares what will not be in Heaven; no shots, no pain, no fighting, no death, and NO sin. There is a simple explanation of where sin started and God’s plan of salvation. The picture book will help young children when they are sad and open discussions about Heaven.
A note from Ken: In the opening page, Sharon Bowman notes, “This book was written after my son’s nine year old friend went to Heaven following a car accident. My prayer is for children to know God’s way to get to Heaven.” This book is beautifully illustrated on large pages and written in a manner that helps children (and grown-ups) understand God’s purpose for heaven. It concludes on the last two pages by giving the clear plan of salvation regarding the origin of sin and God’s remedy through Jesus Christ. It would be a good book to use in your church ministry and to place in public lobbies (i.e., doctor and dentist offices, hospital waiting areas, etc.) I recommend it for your review. Contact Dan and Sharon Bowman for more information: 269.664.5153.
SPECIAL PASTORS AND WIVES DISCOUNT: the Best Western Scenic Hill Resort in Beulah, Michigan, is offering a special getaway for pastors and wives of the MARBC at their hotel. A 50% discount off of regular room rates, which includes a full hot breakfast, is available through May 24 (based on availability). Contact Dave Easter, 1.800.439.7080, for more information and reservations.
MARBC Messenger: The Messenger is a regular e-mail communication from the MARBC office to our pastors and churches. Please help us insure that our e-mail records are up-to-date. If you have not received the MARBC Messenger or other e-mails from the MARBC office recently, be sure to contact us by Emailing Ken or Emailing Sharon. Thank you!
MARBC Events to Place on Your 2007 CalendarSATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2007
MARBC Talents For Christ Competition
West Cannon Baptist Church, Belmont
Ken Pyne, Director
MAY 3-5, 2007
Annual MARBC Men’s Retreat
Lake Ann Baptist Camp
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Ken Rudolph
Registration fee $40 / Total Cost: $105.00
Registration forms are available from Lake Ann, call (800) 223-5722 or visit Men's Retreat page at Lake Ann Camp.
Rev. Ken Rudolph (Retreat speaker)
JUNE 26-29, 2007
National GARBC Conference
“I Will Build My Church” Lancaster, Pennsylvania
SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
MARBC Day of Prayer
A statewide prayer emphasis in local churches and area fellowships.
Information will be shared in upcoming issues of the BT!
OCTOBER 22-24, 2007
65th Annual MARBC Conference Lake Ann Baptist Camp Dr. Renald E. Showers
Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry