From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 54 Number 8 September 2008

BAY CITY, South Baptist Church (Pastor Mark Kirkpatrick) – South Baptist Church in Bay City will be celebrating its 115^th Anniversary on September 13-14.  A Gospel Concert will be held on Saturday evening, September 13, at 7:00 p.m., with guest artist, David Thomson.  David Thomson is an accomplished trumpet soloist and singer.  There will be no admission cost for this concert.  A free-will love offering will be received. On Sunday morning a special Anniversary Worship Service at 10:45 in which there will be a recognition of guests, city officials, former pastors, missionaries and friends of the church.  A catered lunch will follow the service in the church facilities.

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 54 Number 7 August 2008

ALLEGAN, First Baptist Church (Pastor Greg Carlson) – First Baptist Church held its annual missions conference on April 19-22.  The conference theme was “Let the Nations Be Glad.”  Keynote speaker for the conference was Ken Rudolph.  Missionaries participating were Maynard & Ann Belt (Baptist Mid Missions), Robin & Jeff Awe (God’s Helping Hands),  Mark & Betsy Davidhizar (Camp Beechpoint), Rachel Hill (Lakeshore Pregnancy Resource Center), David & Melissa Gillies (Camp Beechpoint), Carol & Bill Bradbury (Advancing Native Missions), Rojean Garlock (New Tribes Missions) Terri & Bill Jenkin (Continental Baptist Missions). An international dinner, generous gift giving to missionaries, preaching, and media presentations were enjoyed at well attended sessions.

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 54 Number 6 June-July 2008

MARBC Talents for Christ Competition

MARBC teenagers, parents, and churches gathered at South Baptist Church on Saturday, April 19, for the annual MARBC Talents for Christ competition.  Talents for Christ (TFC) helps teens in grades 9-12 to develop their God-given talents for ministry within the local church. It encourages students to prepare and to gain skill for serving the Lord.  Expanded competition for this year’s event included three new categories – Art and Media Design for individual competition and Vocal Duet for group competition.  Additionally an “

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 54 Number 5 May 2008

Caring for Those Who Serve Us

MARBC Pastor Included in Military Deployment

We encourage the MARBC family to remember Pastor Ron Sischo and his family in prayer. Ron, an associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Saint Johns and a member of the US Navy Reserves, has recently been deployed to Iraq.  Ron’s wife, Pam, has given us ways in which we can share with Ron and his family during his deployment.  

MARBC Men’s Retreat
May 1-3, 2008
Lake Ann Baptist Camp
“Being Men of Valor: How to Develop the Character of a Conqueror”
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Bill Jenkin
President, Continental Baptist Mission

Challenging Messages – Great Music — Sweet Fellowship — Delicious Food — Special Activities

Be sure to bring your own bedding, pillows, towels, ear plugs, and Bible

No price increase for 2008!!!
2 nights, 6 meals $105 / 1 night, 5 meals $77 / Friday only, 3 meals $41.
Pastors receive a 50% discount with an overnight stay

Brochures and registration forms are available from the MARBC online by clicking here at or by mail (Email Ken or Email Sharon or call the MARBC office / 616.364.5688)

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.

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

MARBC NEWS & NOTES

FRUITPORT, Cloverdale Baptist Church (Pastor Joshua Rager) – Cloverdale Baptist Church held a 50^th 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.

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

MARBC NEWS & NOTES

GRAND RAPIDS, North Park Baptist Church (Joe Daniels) - North Park Baptist Church held a service of worship and commitment as they met on Sunday evening December 2, to install Pastor Joe Daniels as their new Lead Pastor. For the last 2 1/2 years Pastor Joe has served at North Park as Pastor of Outreach and Student Ministries. At the end of October 2006, former Senior Pastor Ken Floyd, concluded his ministry at the church to assume the MARBC State Representative role. As the search committee moved ahead on looking for a new leader, it became apparent that God already had him on staff at the church. This was affirmed by both the church board and a very strong vote of the congregation, leading to the calling of Pastor Joe. The service began with Associate Pastor Tom Rohrer calling the congregation to worship. The charge to the church was made by Rev. Bill Crowder, Director of Church Ministries and Publications at R.B.C. Ministries. The charge to the candidate was made by Rev. Barry Grahl, grandfather of the candidate. Pastor Joe followed with his heartfelt response in words of love and commitment to the congregation God has called him to shepherd. The congregation was lead by Deacon Chairman Larry High in reading a covenant of commitment to lovingly honor, follow, and serve along side of their new Pastor. Three of the deacons led in prayer over the candidate as pastors and deacons laid hands on Pastor Joe to dedicate his ministry to the Lord. The service was closed in prayer by Rev. Bob Allen, father in-law of the candidate. A great time of fellowship followed in the church fellowship hall.

You can also download a PDF of the December 2007 Baptist Testimony
(1 mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

GRAND RAPIDS, Highland Hills Baptist Church (Dave Lamb) – Highland Hills Baptist Church held a special service on September 9 to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of Pastor Dave Lamb's installation as Senior Pastor and 18 years of ministry on the pastoral staff. Pastor Dave and Brenda first came to Highland Hills to serve as Associate Pastor of Youth. The Lamb's former pastor, Rev. Edward Fuller (State Representative of the Wisconsin Association of Regular Baptist Churches), was the special speaker. Several family members also traveled to Grand Rapids to share in the special service and luncheon. We give thanks for God's blessings upon the Lambs, their three daughters, and the entire church family.

Download the November 2007 Baptist Testimony (PDF Download 1.1 mb)

EMARBC Regional Fellowship - The 2007 Annual Meeting of the EMARBC was held at South Baptist Church of Flint on September 16. Nine fellowshipping churches joined together at 4 pm to hear Ken Rudolph speak on “Finishing Strong.” A brief business meeting of the EMARBC was held at 5 pm for election of officers and treasurers report. South Baptist provided a meal for the 300 attendees. Ken Rudolph spoke again to the youth of the area at 6:30 pm following some time of worship and praise music. During the youth rally, the adults were treated to a concert by harpist Greg Buchanan. Buchanan gave a wonderful concert utilizing several types of harps. He also shared the dynamic testimony of his conversion to Christ. The event, held for the first time on a Sunday, was received well by all who attended. The idea for the combined service came from the Grand Rapids fellowship's area “Worship Gathering” in 2006.