As I sit down to pen my farewell address, I have been wondering what I could or should say. I don’t have any funny stories or words of wisdom to impart, all I have is what I feel in my heart.
I have totally enjoyed my time here, there are many great people that I have come to know (ok Catherine I might put you in this category since you did a GREAT JOB at the annual meeting). This brings to mind our annual meeting this past Sunday the 19th. It was awesome. We had no idea how many people to expect or if anyone would even come. You guys blew my socks off. The place was packed. Grayville, First did an excellent job hosting it, especially since they did not have a pastor. (the food was great but that doesn’t surprise me, there are lots of good cooks in this Association.) Also thanks go out to the women of Grayville, Northside for helping provide desserts for this occasion. The spirit of cooperation is what make Baptists Great! Catherine did her usual excellent job, even with a broken bone in her ankle. What a trooper. With all the difficulties it was still great to hear the way you all sang those songs from the bottom of your heart. Great job! Roger Balfour and Nate Adams did superior jobs in presenting the messages God gave them.
I guess all in all the whole day, although it was a long one, was a GREAT one. We had 18 churches represented at this meeting. 18 out of 27, that ain’t bad. You always want 100% but considering the past meetings, this was Great. I also counted 13 pastors there. Thank you guys for giving up your time and your Sunday service to come make this a successful meeting. The success of this meeting has helped answer a question that has been burning in my mind the past few months.
That question is: Is the Association a viable ministry? Do the churches of the Greater Wabash Baptist Association need to have an office and a DoM? I know this may sound like a harsh question, but as I sat in my office day after day this always came to my mind. Oh, I was busy doing things, but the things I wanted to do, the things I had told the committee 2 years ago that I wanted to accomplish were not happening. I had visions of helping struggling churches to make a difference in their community. I had goals of every church baptizing at least 1 person during the year. I had dreams of every church growing and reaching people for Christ. Now I realize and appreciate the autonomy of the churches, but my personality (ADD some say) had me focused on the Kingdom dreams. As I was feeling like I was a failure and that my ministry was for naught, you guys again blew me away. During the day of our annual meeting, many came to me sharing how their church was changed by my taking time to help them. Stewart Street and Crossville were struggling and took the chance and asked for this office’s help. Along with God’s leadership, we did our best to help them. Both have called pastors who are leading them and helping them reach their community and they are doing GREAT! I want to thank these 2 churches for trusting in this office to help them along. Brother Noel and Brother Harold from Keenes came to me and thanked this office for the help we gave them through their tough time. There were others who came and expressed their pleasure to me for the help and encouragement brought to them.
To answer the question: Does Greater Wabash need to have an associational office and staff? Only if you allow them to help you grow and make an impact for the Kingdom of God. I know some of the churches don’t necessarily need the association, but the association can offer may things to help you encourage, equip, and grow the kingdom if you will only allow it.
As I leave you, you will be in great hands. Angela is a great office manager and loves the churches of this association, Brother Ron will lead with quality leadership, Dixie is new but capable to help. I feel confident of the future of this association. I want to thank Gene Wohler for his help and friendship during my time here. “Uncle Gene” has been very good to me. Angela has been a lifesaver for me. (helping me and reminding me of articles to write and radio times to do) Thanks to all. I also want to thank some of the men I have gotten to know really well: Richard Hart, Carroll Ewing, and Jerry Brookman, our trustees, have been a Great group of men to work with. Bennie and Spencer have been a couple of pastors that I have met with at times to help hold me accountable to my job. Thanks guys. There were so many that if I try to mention them all I know with my fleeting memory I will forget some, so thanks all you guys are GREAT!!!
If I don’t see you before I leave, I will see you on the other side.
Livin’ Out Loud for my Savior
Brother Carl
Reformation Weekend
October 29 and 30
First Baptist Church, Fairfield
Lessons from Spurgeon for the Life of the Church
The weekend begins on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Brother Bennie Tomberlin will be leading the “Lessons from Spurgeon”. There will be a dessert fellowship on Friday evening at 7:15
The Saturday sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. and will finish by 11:20 a.m.
The Lessons include: Serving, Suffering, Soul Winning, and Supplication.
For more information, please call the church office at 618/842-3764.
Pastorless Churches
Please add the following churches to your prayer lists. They are currently seeking God’s man for their church. They are: Arrington Prairie, Grayville, First; Keenes, Mill Shoals, Pleasant Grove, and Pleasant Hill.
GWBA's New Mailing Address
GWBA has a NEW mailing address! All correspondence should go to: 101 NE 7th Street, Fairfield, IL 62837-2152
Fifth Sunday Sing North Side
You are invited to attend a Fifth-Sunday Sing at the North Side Baptist Church in Fairfield. Sunday, October 31 at 6:00 p.m. Messengers “N” Harmony are performing! You are all welcome! A love offering will be received.
Associational Council to Meet
The associational council will meet on Thursday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Office
Lost and Found From Lake Sallateeska!
There was "Stuff" left at Lake Sallateeska!
Don’t forget if you have “lost” something it MIGHT be at the associational office. Give us a call at 618/847-3041!
Bible Trivia
Fill in the Blank and Where is It?
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him _____________.
Check back next month for the answer and verse!
Cooperative Program
Cooperative Program Month
How the Cooperative Program works:
IBSA Church members give tithes and offerings to the Lord through their local church.
Each IBSA church sets a percentage of its undesignated tithes and offerings to invest through the Cooperative Program.
IBSA forwards 43.25% of CP contributions to the SBC, while using 56.75% to help IBSA churches reach Illinois with the Gospel.
Because Illinois Baptists gave through the Cooperative Program last year:
In Illinois:
243 Churches were directly assisted in developing evangelism strategies and 625 churches reported 5,383 baptisms - a 3.7% increase.
31 new churches were started, and 150 IBSA churches and 900 individuals were enlisted in church planting involvement.
8 new collegiate ministries were established.
199,981 people were fed by Illinois Baptists resulting in 448 professions of faith.
22,782 IBSA church leaders were trained in ministries to strengthen existing churches.
IBSA staff had direct contact with 712 churches, 70% of the affiliated congregations.
Around the World:
More than 5,600 missionary personnel worked among 1,200 people groups in 183 countries through the IMB, starting nearly 25,000 new churches and baptizing 506,019 new believers.
1,358 new churches were started through the efforts of 5,303 missionaries supported by the NAMB.
15,000 future SBC missionaries, pastors, and church leaders were educated through the ministry of six SBC seminaries.
