MARBC News & Notes – March 2008

​ You can also download a PDF of the March 2008 Baptist Testimony
(1 mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

​BELMONT, WEST CANNON BAPTIST CHURCH (Pastor Doug Crawford) – West Cannon Baptist Church of Belmont, Michigan, is excited to announce the calling of Tim Sommers to the position of Pastor of Outreach and Discipleship. Prior to accepting this call, Tim and his wife Robin along with their two daughters, Michele and Nicole, were missionaries to Brazil with Baptist Mid-Missions. God has given Tim a passion for reaching the lost and disciplining believers, as well as the ability to teach and encourage people to reach out to their communities and share the love of Christ. The staff and church family at West Cannon are thrilled to have Tim and Robin join our pastoral staff.

​FRUITPORT, Cloverville Baptist Church (Pastor Joshua Rager) – (This information is corrected from the February issue) Cloverville Baptist Church held a 50th anniversary celebration in October with 144 in attendance. Speakers for the day were former pastors Mark Jochen, Richard Wahl, and Johnathan Rager. There were three Charter Members in attendance who were recognized during the service. Two of the members appear in the picture with Pastor Joshua Rager: Virginia Mackenzie and Delores Osterhart. The third member, Herb Mackenzie, had to leave before the picture was taken. The church rejoices that in November eight individuals were added as members, including four through baptism. The church concluded their “Year of Jubilee” in December with a Christmas Concert and Drama.
With The LordPastor Irvin L. Piell was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on January 17, 2008. He leaves behind his wife, Dorothy, with whom he had been married 65 years, and four children. All of Irvin's pastorates were in the state of Michigan: Daggett Baptist Church, Daggett (1949-55); Algoma Baptist Church, Algoma (1955-79); and Newhall Baptist, Wyoming (1979-87). He was named Pastor Emeritus at Newhall upon his retirement. He continued to serve the Lord as an interim pastor and providing pulpit supply. The Lord used Pastor Piell's ministry to lead several young people to Christ and to encourage many of them to enter pastoral and missionary ministry. A memorial service was held at Algoma Baptist Church and was officiated by Irvin's son, Pastor David Piell; Pastor Steve Holman (Newhall Baptist Church, Wyoming); and Pastor Mike Eleveld (Berean Baptist Church, Portage).
“Your Mission, Should You Decide To Accept It…”Mark Sigmon, Global Impact Services
“Mission Impossible”, a popular TV series in the late 1960's and early '70's, sent Mr. Phelps and his team on assignments of international importance. Without fail, they saved the world in one hour (minus the commercials). You too have an assignment of global consequence…
THE MISSION DEFINED
The Great Commission is our greatest mission! But what exactly does our Lord call us to do? The command to “make disciples” (Mt. 28:19) is like saying “eat”: without further instruction we don't know whether to consume this piece of paper or that delicious steak. The full command – God's ultimate plan – is “make disciples of all nations” because the goal is full access: the church in every region and nation (literally, “ethnic people group”) so the Gospel can reach every person. This is not our only duty but it is our highest priority. You and I could spend our entire life witnessing just to those in our own community, but God calls us all to so much more. The journey begins in our own Jerusalem, but our destination is always the ends of the earth.
THE MISSION APPLIED
How are we doing? Of the world's six and a half billion people, roughly one third claim to be Christians (at best only half of them are born again), one third have heard the claims of Jesus but reject Him, and the remaining third have never even heard the name of Jesus. Although we have made great progress, the mission is far from accomplished. What are we doing? We are only scratching the surface of our potential! While we continue to give significant personnel and finances to Christian ministry, the portion allotted to global ministry continues to decline. But the answer is not just more missionaries or money – its better strategy. In this post-9/11, post-modern, post-Christian era, the world has changed and so must the way we do missions.
Matthew 28 compels us all to respond because we are not called just to glorify God where we are: we are driven to see Him glorified where the church is not. This is truly more than we could imagine, that we could make such a difference in all the earth. Bring your life and your church together in a cause greater than self. Let your unbridled passion be for God's glory to all nations so He receives glory from all nations.
Will you accept this mission?

Note: Do you want to take your global outreach to the next level? Global Impact Services offers:
Consultation. With ten years of church ministry and fifteen years of international ministry, Mark will help evaluate where you are, where you could go, and how to get there.
The Global Impact Manual. This 90-page resource is the essential roadmap for your mission to the nations. Here you will find motivation, information, and evaluation to advance eighteen critical areas of cross-cultural ministry.
The Global Insight Series. In future issues of the MARBC newsletter, watch for brief articles with practical insights and fresh ideas to get beyond “missions as usual”.
Insights and Information For Your Mission To The Nations
www.globalimpactservices.org 616.821.7117 — Email
Special Opportunities23RD ANNUAL SCHOOL OF CHURCH PLANTING: The 23rd Annual School of Church Planting will be held June 16-19, 2008. This 4-day seminar is taught by experienced church planters from Baptist Mid-Missions and will be held at the First Baptist Church in Medina, Ohio. The cost is just $250 per person/$275 per couple. Email or call (540) 825-2170 for an informative brochure.
SPECIAL PASTORS AND WIVES DISCOUNT: the Best Western Scenic Hill Resort in Beulah, Michigan, is once again this year offering a special getaway for pastors and wives of the MARBC at their hotel. The special rate is $50 per night, plus tax, and includes a full hot breakfast. This rate is available through May 23 (based on availability). They also offer a discount of 20% off all Spa services. Contact Dave Easter, 1.800.439.7080, for more information and reservations.
MARBC Messenger – The Messenger is a regular email communication from the MARBC office to our pastors and churches. Several MARBC Messengers are sent out each month from the MARBC office. If you have not received MARBC emails recently, be sure to contact Email Ken or Email Sharon to be placed on the email list. Thank you!