From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 54 Number 9 October 2008

Church Partnering Relationships – “CPR” Summer Ministry Testimonies

We rejoice in the many CPR Initiatives that took place between sister churches in Michigan this summer.  The following are some of the testimonies shared by those churches involved in these strategic partnerships.  Other churches were also involved in CPR initiatives in addition to the ones cited in these articles.  We would love to hear your stories!  Please send them, along with your pictures, to the MARBC office (Email).  

For more information regarding “CPR” and how you can be involved as a church or as an individual, contact the MARBC office or refer to the information posted on the MARBC website by clicking here.

The Baptist Testimony
Volume 54 Number 8 September 2008

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28
Ken Floyd
MARBC State Representative

September’s Word:  “Eyes”

One of the most marvelous organs of the human body is the eye.  The eye serves as a window that opens up the world to us.  Here are some amazing facts about this God-created window into the world:

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.

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28
Ken Floyd
MARBC State Representative

August’s Word:  “Repent”

Sharon and I were stopping for lunch one day while traveling when we were startled by the blaring sound of emergency warning sirens. While we were quite concerned about what prompted such an alarm, we quickly noticed that there seemed to be no sense of panic or urgency on the part of others walking or driving in the area. After speculating for a few seconds, I glanced at my watch.  Recognizing that it was noon, I surmised that the abrasive noise of the sirens was probably the result of a routine test of the area warning system.  Sure enough, in a few seconds the sirens stopped. 

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.

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28
Ken Floyd
MARBC State Representative

June’s Word:  “Exceeding”

Ephesians 2:7 – “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

The “exceeding” ministry of God in the life of His followers was the primary emphasis of this year’s MARBC Men’s Retreat, held on May 1-3 at beautiful Lake Ann Baptist Camp and Retreat Center near Traverse City.  Over 400 men enjoyed wonderful worship, challenging messages from God’s Word, encouraging fellowship, and great meals.  We were blessed to discover that this was the first MARBC retreat for several men.

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 “

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28
Ken Floyd
MARBC State Representative

May’s Word:  “Care”

As a young boy I was fascinated by the infant endeavors of the NASA space program.  I would sit mesmerized in front of our black and white television watching the grainy images of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs as scientists and adventurers sought to learn as much as they could about the “final frontier.”  In its early days, the space program and America’s participation in the “space race” with the Soviet Union captured our nation’s attention.  It was not unusual for hours of network coverage (which was the only TV coverage in those days) to be devoted to the preparations of launching astronauts into space, sharing elementary simulated depictions of what might be happening in space, and speculating upon the successful return of the space capsule and its human occupants.  

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 54 Number 5 May 2008

Caring is a key dynamic of “Church Partnering Relationships” (CPR).  So far a dozen partnerships involving 24 churches have been arranged for this summer.  Remember to uphold these opportunities regularly in prayer in the weeks ahead.  Prayerfully consider ways in which you can be personally involved in demonstrating godly care for others this summer.

Church Partnering Relationships with 3 primary goals:
Caring:  a proactive vision towards mutual edification
Praying:  regular sharing of requests and initiatives that promote mutual prayer 
Resourcing:  embracing the mission of practical encouragement by outsourcing materials and personnel

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.