Mind of the Missionary
November 2019
“And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15.23 – 24)
In this parable of the Prodigal Son, the father restores his son’s authority, honor, and rescues him from slavery. Why not celebrate? His son went from death to life, was lost and was found. All of us enjoy celebrating…births of babies, salvation of people, anniversaries, weddings, the building of a house or a church. The list is numerous. The point is celebrating accomplishments is a good thing. In the last few days, Pickens Baptist Association has reason to celebrate.
Nearly 70 deacons and wives with some pastors and wives attended the annual Deacons/Wives Appreciation Banquet. Bro. Ken Allen of the Alabama State Board of Missions spoke that evening challenging us to be servant leaders. (Bro. Jim Swedenburg of Pickens County was originally scheduled, but he had unexpected bypass surgery which made it impossible for him to be with us. Continue to pray for him as he recovers.) Mrs. Lauren Morris Averette sang several songs accompanied by her father, Ricky Morris. I enjoyed getting to know better some of our deacons and wives that I only see occasionally. Thank you Highland Baptist Church for hosting us!
On Saturday, October 12, more than 40 youth and leaders gathered at Mineral Springs Baptist Church for a dodgeball tournament. 2 girl’s teams and 4 boy’s teams competed for the prizes. The youth of Mineral Springs won the top prizes, but Stansel’s teams gave gallant efforts. There was a brief appearance by some of the leaders, but those 2 matches went by quickly. I’m grateful to Mineral Springs for allowing us to use their gym. Thanks to Lowden Richardson, youth pastor of Fayette FBC, who spoke on the certainty of our salvation.
This past Monday, October 14 was the Pickens Baptist Association’s annual meeting at Aliceville FBC. The theme was “Living for Jesus” from Colossians 1.10. There were messengers and guests who participated. Bro. Glen Kennedy presided over his final meeting because he has accepted the call to become Associate Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Coker. May God greatly use him there! He will be missed.
Brother Mike Hall and Mr. Gordon McGlawn were elected as Moderator and Vice-Moderator of PBA for this next year. I look forward to ministering with them.
It was exciting to hear the different ministry and missions reports and preaching. One even added a bit of humor. The reports from the Alabama Children’s Homes, ALCAP, State Missions, and Alabama Christian Higher Education helped give us a better understanding of how our financial gifts are used to further these ministries.
A shout out to Bro. Jed Smart, Mrs. Bridget Crepps, and Bro. Charlie Wilson for handling all the details from lunch to the announcements to the worship and special music. It made the day go smoothly. I’ve heard say how was it possible to do so much and finish on time. Well, thank you, Aliceville FBC!!
Finally, PBA has much to celebrate. We have been blessed with a rich heritage of missions and ministry, but we must continue looking forward celebrating at the appropriate times what God is doing around us.
Until next month,
Bro. Lyle