From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 55 Number 5 September/October 2009

“Be Faithful Until Death . . .”

The following is a testimony shared by Randy Reed, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Negaunee, at the memorial service for Pastor Martin Strolle.  Martin’s testimony is like many of those faithful, veteran pastors who served in the Hiawatha land of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We share this testimony with our Baptist Testimony readers not only as a tribute to the Lord’s work in Martin’s life, but also in thanksgiving for the many faithful servants of God who have blazed a trail with the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the upper and lower peninsulas.

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”   These were the words of our Lord Jesus Christ to His servants in the persecuted flock at Smyrna two millennia ago. (Rev.2:10)  Rest assured the Master’s encouragement was neither trivial nor superficial!  Conditions of life in Smyrna were electric with hostility toward the Gospel, and sometimes it meant martyrdom for those unwilling to capitulate to the threats of those who hated the Truth.

But there is another environment where “being faithful until death” is equally challenging!  It is the day-in-day-out, relentless unfolding of a life’s spiritual calling in a comparatively “vanilla” setting!  Take, for example, the 96 year stint of an Upper Peninsula church planter named Martin Strolle (stro-lee).  Born April 24, 1905, he breathed his first breath as do all of us – as an heir to Adam’s sinful status and nature.  He grew up alienated from God – one facing the Divine wrath against his sin – but one that God in His infinite mercy would set out to rescue by Grace for His own Name’s glory!

I summarize Martin’s testimony from notes I hurriedly jotted down as he shared his life’s adventure before a group of pastors assembled at CBC in September of 2004.  (I was able to add some details two years later when he retold the story to the same group – but no one minded!)  It seems Martin was playing cards in a public setting with his three brothers one day in 1934 in Bergland, Michigan.  A visiting preacher by the name of John Vander Sky (spelling unconfirmed – a little help please, my Hollander friends!) interrupted their game to invite them to the meetings that night.  With a note of skepticism, Martin replied, “I’ll listen to you ONE time!”  Very meekly he recounted in our hearing, “That’s all it took!”  And on July 4, 1934, Martin accepted the Divine invitation to turn from sin and darkness – and embrace Jesus as his only hope for salvation – by faith – and become a new creature in Christ!

Two years later he attended the inaugural Bible Camp held for youth at Eagle River, Michigan.  Pine-pole wigwams were constructed and covered with tar paper that first gathering at “Gitche Gumee Bible Camp”.  That week as the Word of God was taught, Martin recalls the Holy Spirit’s mighty work within his heart concerning his future life and calling.  He reviewed his submissive response – “Lord, if You can use me in any way – I’m at your disposal!”  

John Vander Sky again played a role in Martin’s life as he encouraged his training.  “Would you like to go to Moody, Martin?”  He would – and he did – earning his tuition laboring in the CCC camps that were sprinkled across the U. P. in those depression years.  There at Moody Bible Institute he met Florence in 1935, who later became his faithful wife – who would be at his side until her promotion to Glory – I believe in 2006.

Of his college years, Martin especially noted the wonders of God’s great “wake up call” in his life.  Struggling with school as a lad – he recalls only “D’s” all through high school.  But all through his Moody days he got straight “A’s”!  By God’s Grace, he and Florence stayed in an apartment in Chicago supplied to them without charge.  He recounted living “from meal to meal” – working at a local restaurant for 25 cents and one meal per day.  The Lord faithfully met every need as they prepared to serve Him, and they learned to tithe as an expression of loving worship and trust even in such demanding times.  He graduated in 1939 – Dr. Will Houghton, president of MBI, presenting his diploma.  “Our class motto,” he recalls, “was ‘Servants For Jesus’ Sake’”

From Moody, Martin came to Ontonagon, Michigan, to do “pulpit supply” for John Rader,   pastor there, and founder of Gitche Gumee Bible Camp.  That time in Ontonagon turned into three years, 1940 – 42, followed by “double timing” – leading Hancock’s Calvary Baptist Church and Dollar Bay’s Bethany Baptist Church – simultaneously.  During this time he and Charles Hart began a daily radio program from Calumet – a fruitful ministry that reached into many Yooper homes that had not heard the Gospel. 

After nine full years in Hancock, Martin and Florence settled into the work at Newberry, Michigan.  With utter glee and worshipful wonder, He reviewed the astonishing work of the Holy Spirit during those days – with many trusting Christ – including entire families!  The remainder of his days included 21 years of pastoring (including time in Escanaba and Watersmeet) – 12 years as deputation secretary and 10 years as missionary representative of the Hiawatha Baptist Mission.

My personal contacts with Martin Strolle extended from 1965, when I first heard him preach at L’Anse Baptist Church, to privileged settings of pastors’ prayer gatherings the past seven years.  I tell you his story primarily to encourage your hearts as he did mine.  Three characteristics especially touched my life – a deep and evident humility at the wonder of his salvation by grace – an ardent and devoted appreciation for God’s sufficient Word – and a relentless sowing of the Seed of the Gospel into lives until his dying day.  As with other such servants, he “could tell you many stories” to illustrate his “earth walk” of faith here in the Upper Peninsula.  Much of his life was satisfying and grand!  Multiplied were the gut-wrenching trials!  Myriad were the mundane “normal” things.  But “faithful was the One Who called him – and He also brought it to pass!” (1Thes.5:24)

Martin Strolle, like so many of Christ’s servants before him, was laid to rest almost without notice in the world about him.  This past month America has seen a plethora of celebrities die with glowing accolades and pomp.  But THIS servant – a joint-heir of the universe with Jesus Christ – slipped away – but YOU won’t forget – for now YOU know he was “faithful unto death” – and “the rest of the story” is BEYOND TELLING!

Grace Hispanic Baptist Bible Church
A Special Ministry Opportunity

An eleventh anniversary Sunday celebration was held by Grace Hispanic Baptist Bible Church (GHBBC) on Sunday afternoon, August 23.  The service was held in the facilities of Rice Lake Baptist Church with approximately 150 in attendance.  Rice Lake has partnered with GHBBC in allowing them to conduct services in their facility since 1998.  Special music was presented by the church children and teens.  Congregational music was sung in both Spanish and English.  Ken Floyd, MARBC Executive Director, was invited to be the keynote speaker and shared a Biblical message related to the subject of “grace.”  Five adults made public decisions for Christ.  An adult man who recently received Christ as Savior participated in believer’s baptism at the close of the service.  A special fellowship meal was held on the church grounds following the service.

La Iglesia Hispana Bautista Biblica de la Gracia (GHBBS) is led by Pastor Isidro “Pepe” Morales, a native of Mexico, who came to Michigan with his wife, Rosina, and their three children over a decade ago.  The Morales came with the burden to start a church for the many Hispanics migrants and the year round residents who have relocated from Mexico to west Michigan to work in the orchards and farms.  Pastor Morales reflected on the early years of Grace’s ministry sharing that at the first Sunday service his family members were the only people in attendance.  The first services of the church were in an “open air” format in the summertime, with the PA system and music actually being an improvised “karaoke” machine.  When Pastor Dan Fullmer and the members of Rice Lake Baptist Church learned of the need of their sister church, they invited them to utilize their church facilities.

Grace Hispanic’s ministry has grown extensively over the past several years.  The church has a strong focus on evangelism and an emphasis on growing believers in Christ.  The church has Sunday services, Sunday school, weekly discipleship classes and correspondence classes.  Spanish and English interpreting is provided with the ministries.  A Daily Vacation Bible School was held in early August with an average daily attendance of 110 children.  140 children were in attendance for the closing program along with over 40 adults.

Ten years ago, Pastor Pepe was invited to begin preaching Spanish services in the county jail at White Cloud.  The church was chartered by the State of Michigan six years ago.  Three years ago the church was invited to start broadcasting a half hour radio program every Sunday morning on 1530-AM in Grand Rapids.  The program is called “Palabras de Gracia y Vida” (“Words of Grace and Life”).  The church has received many responses as a result of the program.

A few years ago, God graciously provided the church with 12.22 acres of land in the Grant area.  Pastor Morales came in contact with a widow who, when the pastor inquired of her if she knew of any available acreage in her area replied, “My late husband and I have prayed for years that part of our property would be used for a new church.”  She went on to state that they had decided not to publicize their burden but instead wait upon God to send them the ones who would have the opportunity to use the property!  Grace Hispanic was able to purchase the land at a very nominal price.  

The church plans to build a new church facility on the new property in order to serve God and to train Hispanic men to plant and lead Bible-believing Hispanic churches wherever God may call them.  The special building project is called, “Arise and Build.”  The project includes a church building, picnic pavilion, playground, and soccer field.  The church’s goal is to break ground on the project in the spring of 2010 and is seeking additional funding from churches and individuals in order to start on schedule.  The church has saved about $70,000 for this project.  Several sister churches, including some from the MARBC, have helped with the early development of this property.  They have also partnered with the church in many of its outreach efforts.

We would encourage our MARBC family to consider partnering with GHBBC in this exciting church planting project.  If you would like additional information regarding the church’s ministry and the building project, contact Grace Hispanic Baptist Bible Church, PO Box 108, Grant, MI 49327, 231.834.7550 or 231.834.1768.   Or you may contact the MARBC office.  

MARBC NEWS & NOTES

ALLENDALE, Allendale Baptist Church (Jonathan DeCou, Pastor) – Jonathan DeCou is the new lead Pastor at Allendale Baptist Church. His training at Moody Bible Institute in their three-year diploma program in Music and Broadcast Communication, along with his nearly 25 years of significant and successful experience in several churches across the country uniquely equips him for the diverse needs of the Allendale Baptist family and the community they find themselves trying to reach. He states his passion in life this way: “The Lord has me on an exciting and fulfilling journey to invite people to participate in redemptive relationships with Him, His people and the unchurched for His Kingdom’s sake! Through my family, my teaching/communicating gifts and my call as a pastor/shepherd I will exceptionally and excellently declare God’s glory, build up the Body of Christ locally and abroad, and point the lost to Christ.” Jonathan considers his wife, Shari, and their five children, Carissa, Christopher, Cameron, Connor and Cullen, among his most significant benefits in life. He enjoys reading, writing, swimming, photography and bicycling.

BATTLE CREEK, Calvary Baptist Church (Brian Spencer, Pastor) – On Sunday, August 2, 2009, Calvary Baptist Church celebrated the faithful ministry of Senior Pastor Brian E. Spencer.   Pastor Spencer retired from shepherding the congregation at Calvary after 28 years of ministry there and over 50 years of total pastoral ministry.  He and his wife, Sharon, arrived with their children, Lynne, Dan and Jill and began their ministry at Calvary on August 2, 1981.  Sharon Spencer went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 16, 2006.

During a combined Sunday School hour, Pastor Spencer reflected and reminisced regarding his ministry experience at Calvary. The often humorous session included comments from church members and former pastoral staff members. 

For his final sermon, which was shared in the morning worship service, Pastor Spencer preached regarding Christ’s message to the churches of Asia Minor from Revelation 2-3. A special children’s choir shared a song about their pastor, the church choir sang a selection that was one of the pastor’s favorites, and there were other special musical numbers shared.  All of the songs that were sung during the service were chosen by Pastor Spencer for the occasion.

A wonderful catered luncheon followed the morning service.  During the meal time a video tribute to Pastor Spencer was played on several monitors throughout the church facility.  The tribute included testimonies of current and former members of Calvary expressing their appreciation for their Pastor’s ministry.

A Retirement Celebration Service was held in the afternoon.  A beautiful prelude featured a piano duet by music director Judy Cary and her son, Tim.  Long time Calvary deacon, David Spear, served as the emcee for the afternoon.  The service included two musical selections shared by a special choir comprised of current and past choir members.  Special music was also shared by several groups and ensembles, including a solo by Pastor Spencer (who would often break into song during his sermon.)  A video that highlighted the 28 year ministry of Pastor Brian and Sharon Spencer at Calvary was then presented.

Special testimonies were shared by Pastor Scott Church (former staff member and current pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Muskegon), Dr. Daniel Spencer (Brian’s son, who spoke for the family), Pastor Don Jackson, Jr. (current associate pastor at Calvary), and Pastor Ken Floyd (MARBC Executive Director).

Randy Cary, deacon chairman at Calvary, led a segment in the service titled “Presentation of Gifts.”  Several gifts were given by the church family to Pastor Spencer.  As each gift was presented, a different grandchild of Pastor Brian participated in bringing the gift to their grandfather.  One gift was a memory book prepared by the Calvary children that contained drawings and pictures done by the children.  

A monetary love gift of over $10,000 that was received from the church family and friends was also presented to the pastor.  A special trip to the Mediterranean to visit Biblical sites, scheduled for late in the year, was funded with part of this gift.  To her surprise, Pastor Spencer announced that he will be chaperoned on this trip by his granddaughter, Cassie, who helped present him the gift.  Finally, the church presented their retiring pastor with the key to his new retirement house.  Assisting with the presentation of the key was the former owner of the home, who then gave a wonderful rendition of “Bless this House, O Lord, We Pray.”

Honoring the retiring pastor’s request, a cake and punch reception was held after the retirement service.  Pastor Brian is to be commended for his faithful and fruitful service for God’s glory.  The Calvary Baptist Church family is commended for the wonderful way that they have celebrated their pastor’s ministry in “giving honor to whom honor [is due]” (Romans 13:7).  

CHEBOYGAN, Faith Baptist Church (Jim Currie, Pastor) – Faith Baptist Church held an installation service and welcome reception for new associate pastor Tony Barber and his wife, Sarah, on Sunday, August 23.  Tony is a graduate of Baptist Bible College and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.  He recently completed a pastoral internship at Alpine Baptist Church in Comstock Park, MI.  Tony’s former pastor, Dave Sims (First Baptist Church in Lowell, MI) gave the installation charge.  Pastor Jim Currie, the senior pastor at Faith Baptist, also shared in the service.

FLINT, South Baptist Church – On Sunday evening, May 3, South Baptist Church held a special service for the purpose of ordaining Pastor Don Chapin.  Pastor Don has served as Pastor of Student Ministries at the church for 7 years.  An ordination council made up of area pastors met with Pastor Don on Friday, May 1 after which a unanimous recommendation was made to the church to proceed with ordination.  The service included a challenge from Pastor Don’s Youth Pastor, Bud Hall who is currently Pastoring in Long Island, NY.  Fellow Pastors Larry Burk and William Payne also took part in leading the service.   Many family members were able to attend the service.  A reception followed the service and a love offering was taken to enable Pastor Don to purchase books for his library.  Pastor Don and his wife Laurie are blessed with 4 boys:  Joshua, Jackson, Jason, Joseph.  Congratulations Pastor Don!

FENTON, First Baptist Church (Josh Gates, Pastor) - Pastor Zachery Dawson was licensed to the gospel ministry by First Baptist Church on August 9.  Pastor Zach has served as an associate pastor since January.  Josh Gates, senior pastor, comments, “Pastor Zach has definitely displayed that God has gifted him for the work of the ministry.  He preached a passionate message about radical humility at his recognition service.”  The service was followed by a Taco bar dinner in honor of Pastor Zack and his wife, Jessica, which was prepared by the women’s ministry.  The Dawsons were married in June.

OWOSSO, Calvary Baptist Church - Fourteen teens and five adults from Calvary Baptist Church, Owosso, took a missions trip through TEAMeffort to Hedgesville, WV, July 19^th – 25^th. They spent most of their week working on the home of a needy family in the area. During their time there, they were able to re-side the house, prime and paint it, and replace a load-bearing wall that had been devoured by termites. They also spent time interacting and getting to know the family that resided there. The group worked well together and accomplished their goals. Randy Peterson, associate pastor, states, “It was great to see a group of young people, with little experience, pull together and do such a phenomenal job for the glory of God. The family was very appreciative and could not understand why a group would travel all the way from Michigan and be such a blessing to their family.” Towards the end of the week, the group also enjoyed some free time, including whitewater rafting down the Shenandoah River in Virginia and floating on tubes down the Potomac River in Maryland.

PLAINWELL, Orangeville Baptist Church (Dan Bowman, Pastor) – Rory and Kristy Moore were commissioned by Orangeville Baptist Church to minister in Togo, Africa on Sunday, May 3.   Along with their sons, Davis and Austin, the Moores will be serving in ABWE’s school for the blind.    They are currently at the 30% support level and are eager to present this special ministry in churches.   Rory is also available to assist churches in how to set up a budget.

Orangeville Baptist teens and adults ministered in Indianapolis on July 23-31.  They helped lead the Vacation Bible School week long ministry at the International Baptist Church and also assisted in making new contacts for the church in the community.

WAKEFIELD, Calvary Baptist Church (Tom Bauder, Pastor) – Pastor Tom Bauder shares a couple of updates regarding this ministry located in the western Upper Peninsula –

“We held our VBS this week and it was fantastic!  When two possibilities for assistance did not work out we decided to do it “on our own” with God’s help.  We had over 35 registered and 30 was the high attendance.  We took an offering for the Roman family, missionaries in Minnesota with Continental Baptist Missions and will be able to send them a check for $500.  The girls and boys competed by bringing pennies and they were weighed.  One girl brought over 75 pounds on one day!”

“Calvary Baptist enjoyed a 56th Anniversary Picnic on August 16 and it was a great day.  We had a wonderful group for our Morning Worship Service with several visitors.  Following the Morning Worship most traveled the six blocks to the park for a picnic.  Although it was rainy and windy, we all had a wonderful time in the Park Pavilion.  We praise God for His blessing these 56 years and look forward to 56 more, if He should tarry.  We have had visitors in 9 of the last 10 weeks, many of whom are from the local area.  We have also seen our numbers slowly climbing and some visitors becoming ‘regulars.’  God is blessing this summer and we praise Him for it!”

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

MARBC Publications:  Two MARBC e-mail publications are available free of charge for those who would like to subscribe.

“For Your Strengthening” – UPDATE!  Work is currently being finalized on setting up the e-delivery format for this newest MARBC publication.  The first issue should be sent out in October.  This new publication will be sent out quarterly as an e-mail and downloadable publication.  The focus of “For Your Strengthening” will be encouragement and practical help for those involved in ministry.  “For Your Strengthening” will be sent out in months opposite of the publication of the Baptist Testimony.  Subscriptions for this publication are free, but subscribers will need to send their email address to Ken in order to be placed on the special mailing list.  

MARBC Messenger – The MARBC Messenger is a regular informational e-mail communication from the MARBC office to our pastors and churches.  This e-mail includes special prayer requests and information items related to the churches, pastors, and ministries of the MARBC.  Several MARBC Messengers are sent out frequently from the MARBC office.  If you have not received MARBC emails recently, be sure to email Ken or Sharon to be placed on the email list.  Thank you!

EMAIL ADDRESS - Do we have your accurate e-mail address?  Many people and organizations change their email addresses from time to time.  Does the MARBC have your current address?  Why not be sure by sending us an email and including your updated contact information?  Send your information to either Sharon or Ken.

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 55 Number 4 July/August 2009

September 11-12, 2009
Strengthening the Deacon-Pastor Partnership
MARBC Church Strengthening Seminar
Featuring Dr. Howard Bixby
ChristWay Ministries
September 11-12, 2009
Gull Lake Conference Center
$85 per person (Reserve your group’s spot by July 31 and pay only $60 per person!)
(includes Friday night lodging and snack, Saturday breakfast and lunch, and seminar materials)
Special bonus feature!!!  Pastors attending this seminar can qualify to receive 1 hour of continuing education seminary credit from Baptist Bible Seminary!  (Download information related to earning seminary credit here.)  
Downloadable brochures and registration forms are available at
www.marbc.net or by contacting the MARBC office
(Include picture of Dr. Howard Bixby with this note)

September 27, 2009
MARBC Annual Day of “One Accord” Prayer
(Refer to the information shared later in this issue)

October 26-27, 2009
“Real Hope for a Troubled World”
67^th Annual MARBC Conference
Forest Hills Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Conference Speakers:  Dr. Jim Grier, Dr. Hanz Bernard, Ken Floyd, Mel Walker, Peggy Walker
(Annual conference packets will be mailed to churches in late August.  Complete conference details and downloadable forms are available here.)

MARBC NEWS & NOTES

CHURCH PARTNERING RELATIONSHIPS (CPR) – Please continue to remember in prayer the over two dozen CPR projects scheduled this summer, many of them in the months of July and August.  These partnerships include DVBS, canvassing, soccer camps, building, and maintenance projects.  We praise God for the reports already received this summer of many coming to faith in Christ, churches strengthened, and building projects accomplished.  As you travel around the State of Michigan this summer, why not find a sister church near your vacation site and plan to worship there on Sunday?  Perhaps there is a “mini” work project that you and your family could do to encourage a sister church.  Need ideas?  Contact the MARBC office.  A full CPR report will be included in the next issue of the Baptist Testimony.

GARBC Annual Conference Highlights – The Annual Conference of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches was held June 22-26, at the church facilities of First Baptist Church in Elyria, Ohio.  This year’s conference theme was “Cutting Straight.” The conference was highlighted by excellent Bible messages and several practical workshops. The morning Bible hour messages were presented by Dr. Renald Showers, Friends of Israel ministry.  The evening messages were presented by Dr. Kevin Bauder, president of Central Baptist Seminary.  Highlights of the conference, including downloadable messages, reports, and pictures are available online at www.garbc.org.

The National Talents for Christ scholarship competition was held in conjunction with the “Students Alive!” youth conference on June 25.  We congratulate Alyssa Pyne, a senior from Evangel Baptist Church in Taylor.  Alyssa received first place honors in the Oral Interpretation of the Bible (Open Division) category for her interpretation of God’s response to Job as recorded in Job 40-41.  In 2007 Alyssa received the Woodwinds category 1^st place award in the Scholarship Division.  She plans to use her scholarship to attend Baptist Bible College this fall.

We encourage our youth and their churches to begin preparations for next year’s MARBC State Competition (April) and GARBC National Competition (June) TFC events.

BATTLE CREEK, Calvary Baptist Church (Brian Spencer, Pastor) – On August 2, 2009, Brian E. Spencer will retire after serving 28 years as the senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Battle Creek, Michigan.  Pastor Spencer will preach his last sermon in the 10:50 a.m. morning worship service.  A special Celebration Service at 2:00 pm will include many memories and surprises.  All are invited to attend.  Please RSVP by Email or at 269-963-4433.

FLINT, South Baptist Church – On Sunday evening, May 3, South Baptist Church held a special service for the purpose of ordaining Pastor Don Chapin.  Pastor Don has served as Pastor of Student Ministries at the church for 7 years.  On May 1, an ordination council made up of area pastors unanimously recommended that the church proceed with ordination.  The service included a challenge from Pastor Don’s former youth pastor, Bud Hall, who currently is a pastor in Long Island, NY.  Fellow South Baptist Pastors Larry Burk and William Payne also took part in leading the service.   Many of Don’s family members were able to attend the service.  A reception followed the service and a love offering was taken to enable Pastor Don to purchase books for his library.  Pastor Don and his wife Laurie are blessed with 4 boys:  Joshua, Jackson, Jason, Joseph.  Congratulations Pastor Don!

GRAND RAPIDS, Iglesia Bautista Biblica (Paul Joles and Larry Groat, pastors) – An exciting new Hispanic church planting endeavor was inaugurated on Sunday, April 5, in downtown Grand Rapids. Iglesia Bautista Biblica originated as a part of the City View Church ministry on Alpine Ave. NW.  City View is itself a multi-cultural church plant that was started by several churches in the Grand Rapids area about twenty years ago.

The Hispanic outreach at City View has been growing numerically and spiritually the past few years. Recently, the ministry was able to secure a two-story storefront location at 436 Leonard St. NW.  The location is just two blocks west of the US 131 freeway.

Helping to lead this new work are Larry and Pat Groat, Baptist Mid-Missions (BMM) missionaries, who have led the Hispanic congregation at City View.  Joining the Groats are another BMM missionary couple, Paul and Barb Joles.  In their new ministry roles, Paul is serving as the senior pastor and Larry is the associate.  Their hope is that the new location will give their congregation a sense of ownership as they take on a greater role in the operations of the ministry.

An open house was held on Sunday, May 24, with dozens in attendance.  The congregation has responded well to the move.  Recently, two ladies have responded to the need of salvation.  The list of people desiring to be baptized has increased.  A wedding was held in April with another planned for July.  Several teens and children have expressed a desire to attend summer camp.

Many in the church congregation have provided essential items for the kitchen and bathrooms.   Supporting churches and friends have donated chairs, tables, a keyboard, storage cabinets, supplies, and a set of telephones.  The MARBC CPR Initiative is continuing to help link this new church to opportunities for physical and financial resources and personnel support.

With the Lord
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”  Psalm 116:15

Dorothy Piell, age 87, was absent from the body and present with her Lord on Tuesday, May 12, 2009.  Dorothy served faithfully for many years as a pastor’s wife with her husband, Irvin, including several years at Newhall Baptist Church in Wyoming, Michigan.  Irvin preceded Dorothy in death in January 2008.  A memorial service was led by her son, Pastor David Piell, and Pastor Mike Eleveld.

Wilma Bopp, age 83, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 5, 2009.  Wilma served faithfully alongside her husband, Virgil, during his years of pastoral ministry in Iowa and Michigan and in his ministry as a professor at Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College (now Cornerstone University).  A memorial service was led by MARBC Executive Director Ken Floyd and Pastor Tom Rohrer.

Martin Strolle, 96, entered the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 11, 2009.  Martin served the Lord as a missionary church planter with Hiawatha Baptist Missions (now Continental Baptist Missions).  He led several church planting efforts in the Upper Peninsula.  He and his wife, Florence (who went to heaven in 2007) were charter members of Blessed Hope Baptist Church in Escanaba, where the memorial service was held.  Pastor Lewis Hague and Pastor Bruce Nolen officiated the service.  At the memorial service several gave testimonies regarding the Strolles’ influence upon their lives.  One of the funeral directors involved with the service reminisced when the Strolles came to preplan their funerals in 1986.  He was amazed when Martin said, “It will be a glorious day when I die.”  And, indeed, it was!

The Third Annual MARBC Day of “One Accord” Prayer
“They raised their voice to God in one accord” Acts 4:24
September 27, 2009

Purpose:  a day for MARBC churches to devote their attention to prayer for our churches, pastors, state fellowship, camps, ministries, missionaries, and special needs.

Ideas for Participation:

Preach and teach on the topic of prayer in worship services, Sunday School, ABFs, and small groups.  I.e., a study of the Disciple’s Prayer in Matthew 5; prayers recorded in the Bible, the qualities of prayer, hindrances to prayer, etc.

Plan a 24-hour prayer marathon or other prayer event leading up to Sunday.  Materials related to various prayer events are available from the MARBC office.

Join with a sister church or churches in your area for a special prayer service. 

Take a moment during the morning worship service to pray for the churches, pastors, camps, missionaries, and ministries of the MARBC.  Pray also for sister churches in your area.  Every church in the MARBC fellowship is encouraged to pause at the 11:00 a.m. hour on September 27 to come before the Lord praying in “one accord.”  While worship and service times vary in our churches, most of our churches are assembled in some ministry setting at the 11:00 a.m. hour.  This would also be a good time for deacons and/or other church members to pray on behalf of their pastors in anticipation of Clergy Appreciation Month in October.

Use the special Day of Prayer to focus upon the ministries of the MARBC.  Bulletin inserts, prayer cards and other literature are available to download here or by contacting the MARBC office.  Some MARBC churches receive a special love offering on behalf of the MARBC.  The MARBC ministry office and Executive Director are supported by the love gifts from churches in the fellowship.

The Ministry of Interpas

One of the important ministries of the MARBC and a vital role of its Executive Director is the assistance of local churches that are seeking a new pastor.  It is important that during this time of special need in a church’s ministry that wise, spiritual counsel is available. 

In addition to assistance from the MARBC, our churches can also receive critical assistance from the specialized ministry called Interpas.  This interim pastor ministry was founded by Dr. W. Wilbert Welch in response to the special needs of pastorless churches.  Interpas is an independent organization that has a director and a board of directors that oversees its ministry.  The current Interpas director is Rev. Tom Dolph.  
The Interpas purpose statement declares:  “Interpas is an organization of experienced and capable men deeply interested in assisting churches which may need interim pastors.”  Interpas members have served in dozens of MARBC churches providing encouraging ministry.  These interim ministry specialists are committed:
To assist local churches in a smooth transition between permanent pastors.
To assist the church in making this interval time one of encouragement, enrichment, growth, unity and spiritual health.
To provide qualified and tested leadership for a church at a time when it is most needed.
To provide for the congregation regular and consistent pulpit and teaching ministries.
To provide for the pastor-less church a mature, spiritual leader who is called to an interim ministry and who is not ambitious to become the senior pastor.

Those serving with Interpas must meet the following criteria:
A man of God experienced in fruitful church ministries.
In complete doctrinal harmony with fundamental doctrines and Baptist distinctives.
In agreement with the autonomy of the local church.
Possess pastoral skills in teaching and preaching, in working with people who hurt, in conceiving and implementing goals, in working patiently with a volunteer church army and sufficiently pliable so as to mediate differences.             
Capable of initiating positive and encouraging action while also properly recognizing and working with the staff and the elected officers of the church.

Interpas does not pay the salaries of those men serving in interim capacities. They are recompensed for their specialized ministries and expenses by the churches which they serve on the basis of a clear agreement between the interim pastor and the church.

More detailed information concerning Interpas, including a pamphlet on questions most frequently asked, may be obtained by calling or writing director Tom Dolph (616.874.7056 / Email).

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY:  Pastor Brad and Becky Rickard, Berean Baptist Church, Lansing, are willing to rent two rooms in their home to Christian students from MARBC churches who are planning to attend Michigan State University in East Lansing this fall.  This opportunity could be an alternative for a Christian MSU student that prefers not to live on a secular campus.  The Rickards live approximately 10 miles from the school (15-20 minutes) and can house 2 students this coming fall.  If you are interested in more information, please contact Brad and Becky Rickard, 517.321.2036 or (Email).

FINANCIAL SEMINAR:  Jim Rickard, well respected Biblical stewardship consultant, will present a stewardship seminar for pastors and church leaders on Saturday August 8, 6:00 p.m.  The seminar will be held at Orangeville Baptist Church, 6921 Marsh Rd., Plainwell, MI  49080.  The seminar will deal with stewardship principles, pastors salary package, reporting to the IRS, and establishing a church budget.    Please RSVP to Pastor Dan Bowman (Email) or 269-664-4377.

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 55 Number 3 May/June 2009

CHURCH PARTNERING RELATIONSHIPS (CPR) – As you begin your summer schedule, be sure to make the CPR Initiative a part of your regular prayer support. Over two dozen summer CPR projects are scheduled. These partnerships include DVBS, canvassing, soccer camps, building and maintenance projects. As you travel around the state of Michigan this summer, why not find a sister church near your vacation site and plan to worship there on Sunday? Perhaps there is a “mini” work project that you and your family could do to encourage a sister church. Need ideas? Contact the MARBC office.

BATTLE CREEK, Calvary Baptist Church (Brian Spencer, Pastor) – On August 2, 2009, Pastor Brian E. Spencer will be retiring from shepherding the congregation at Calvary Baptist Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. He and his wife, Sharon, arrived with their children, Lynne, Dan and Jill and began their ministry at Calvary on August 2, 1981. Sharon went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 16, 2006.

Pastor Spencer will preach his last sermon at Calvary on August 2 in the 10:50 am Morning Worship Service. A special Celebration Service at 2:00 pm will follow where we will share many memories, and surprises. All are invited to attend. Please RSVP at by Email or at 269-963-4433.

CEDAR SPRINGS, First Baptist Church (Jim Howard, Pastor) – First Baptist Church celebrated its 150th Anniversary on May 17. The Sesquicentennial Celebration included 3 segments during the morning service which featured the recognition of several long time members, the descendents of the charter members, the longest tenured members, and all former pastoral couples in attendance. Three former pastors were featured as speakers for the day: Fredric Carlson (1973-80), Donald Sunman (1991-96), and Stanley Mohr (1997-2004). A Homecoming Meal was served following the morning service. The day concluded with a “Down Memory Lane” program in the evening service.

GRAND RAPIDS, Good News Baptist Church (Karl Pike, Pastor) – Brian Cederquist, Associate Pastor at Good News, was ordained on Sunday, April 26. Brian and his wife, Jenni, have been married since 2003 and have a son, Titus. Brian is a graduate of Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary. Brian previously served for nearly five years as the Associate Pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Brain and his wife, Jenni, joined the Good News pastoral staff in May 2008. It is a blessing for Brian to serve alongside his grandfather, Karl Pike, who serves as the senior pastor at Good News.

GRAND RAPIDS, Highland Hills Baptist Church (Dave Lamb, Pastor) – Mark Warren, Associate Pastor of Highland Hills Baptist Church, shares this report regarding a special event recently held by the church.

“This past February Highland Hills Baptist Church hosted its first ever Festival of Sacred Music. The Festival was designed for brass quintets from area colleges and universities to learn from a master brass clinician who is a devout Christian and be introduced to sacred music through the eyes of a believer. It was our privilege to have Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, here to conduct master classes throughout the festival as well as minister in our Sunday morning service the following Sunday. We had two quintets for the festival and combined them with a choir (members of The Evangelical Choral Society) who performed at a Gala Concert on Saturday night. At the concert, an offering was taken to benefit David’s House Ministries.

The purpose of the Festival is to extend our reach beyond our walls into the community around us. We were blessed to have Doug Yeo as our inaugural Festival master clinician. In one of the rehearsals he was able to share his faith and how it intersects with his life as a brass musician in the Boston Symphony. Doug presented the case to live for Christ in a very secular world even if we are only one of a small handful who claim Christ as Lord…as is the case in the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Now we pray for the members of those two quintets that God’s Spirit would continue to use Doug’s words and the Festival on the whole to shape their spiritual understanding and perhaps one day draw them to Himself.

The Festival had a good first year, but the second year is already coming together. Phil Smith, Principle Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, will be joining us in March of 2010. We are hoping for more quintets from area colleges to participate as well as creating a trumpet day on the Saturday of the Festival. Ultimately, we are praying for these events to give us more of a platform to share Christ with our community. It has been amazing to see God opening up doors as we progress forward in planning these events. God is at work and we are glad servants to walk where He is leading.

For more information on this past year’s Festival, visit www.hhills.org/hhfsm/hhfsm.html. For more information on Doug Yeo, visit www.yeodoug.com. For more information on Phil Smith, visit www.principaltrumpet.com.”

SAND LAKE, Victory Baptist Church (Jeff England, Pastor) – Victory Baptist Church celebrated the ordination of Pastor Jeff England on Sunday, March 29. Pastor England along with his wife Dawn and daughters Michelle and Alethia come to Victory in April 2008. A charge to the church was shared by Ken Floyd, Executive Director of the MARBC. A charge to the pastor was delivered by Jim Lacy, Interim District Executive Minister of the Baptist General Conference. A fellowship meal was held after the service concluded.

SOUTH HAVEN, Bethel Baptist Church (Jeff Malin, Pastor) – Bethel Baptist Church held an installation service for their new pastor, Jeff Malin, on April 19. Pastor Malin and his family come to Bethel following ministries in Georgia and Florida. The installation service included remarks by deacon chairman John Brush, scripture reading and testimony by former pastor Mark Mayue, and a message by MARBC Executive Director Ken Floyd. Rev. Jim Carrier, a current deacon, presented the charge to the congregation. Rev. Dale Byers, former Bethel pastor who also served as the interim pastor, shared the charge to the pastor. A dinner reception was held following the service.

WATERVLIET, Midway Baptist Church (Mark Cowell, Pastor) - Seven students and five adults from Midway Student Ministries spent their spring break in San Jose, Costa Rica. After spending 9 months preparing for their trip, they left on April 3 for 9 days of ministry to assist Cam and Kerry Woolford who are missionaries from Midway Baptist Church serving in San Jose.

The team had the privilege of conducting a teen retreat, four children’s clubs in two churches and renovating a community basketball court/soccer field in a community park in the center of Paraiso. Later in the week, the team used the court/field to play basketball and soccer with teens and adults from the community. The goal was to build relationships with the people of Paraiso and to introduce them to Roca Viva Iglesia Bautista, Cam & Kerry’s church.

On Good Friday, the team prepared a Seder dinner for Roca Viva. The dinner commemorated the history of Israel, the Passover and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

To break up the work regiment, the team took a little time off to enjoy the scenery via a canopy tour (zip-lining through the mountains) and white-water rafting.

Pastor Jarrod Bartholomew shares, “It was an incredible experience where we got to practice our Spanish, they practiced their English and we worked together to tell a community about Jesus Christ. It will forever impact those who went. Thank you for praying for us.”

The team included: Melissa Bartholomew, Howard Fish, Danielle Fish, Dathan Tenter, Jessica Smith, Dan Smith, Chad Herman, Jarrod Bartholomew, Julie Bartholomew, Travis Steinhoff, Erica Bartholomew, and Andrew Saltzman.

WYOMING, Newhall Baptist Church – The final service in the almost 55 year history of Newhall Baptist Church was held on Sunday, May 3. Several former members and pastoral couples were in attendance for this special day of testimony and tribute. Remembrances were shared by Milton Ubbink, Larry McCauley, Lee Taylor, Fred Howard, Alfred Miller, Wes Mueller, and Steve Holman.
A final message was shared by former Newhall pastor Mike Eleveld. The service concluded with a transfer of the Newhall facility keys to the leadership of Alpha Women’s Center. The church voted to donate the facilities to Alpha for ministry in the neighborhood.
The church was established in 1953 under the leadership of “Uncle Carl” Bengert, who was serving as the Sunday School Superintendent and Home Missionary for Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. The church was chartered on August 16, 1954 with 32 charter members and 100 attending Sunday School.

After moving from a former “chicken coop” the first services were held in the chapel of the current location at 3434 Hubal Ave. SW in Wyoming, on March 1955. Rev. Wayne Anderson was the first full-time pastor, assuming this responsibility in September 1957. Sunday School rooms were completed in the basement during the winter months of 1958. The current auditorium was completed in 1963. Another addition to the building was added in 1988.

Rev. Ray Miller, one of Newhall’s former teens, was the first ordained pastor to go out from the church. Dr. Donn and Kitty Ketcham were the first members commissioned as missionaries. The Ketchams are a part of over 40 members that were sent out into full-time ministry. It is not known if any other church of its size has had as many people be led of God to go into full-time Christian service.
We thank God for the way in which He has used Newhall during its more than half-century of ministry.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE: A Food Trailer / Chuck wagon is being sold by Ensley Baptist Church in Sand Lake. It has everything you need to serve food. It’s equipped with a Stove, Refrigerator, Microwave, Chest Freezer and plenty of cupboards. The Church is asking $4000, but is taking any offers. You can see this item on Craig’s List by linking to the following address: http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/for/1125172063.html Please email Casey Dreyer, Ensley Baptist trustee, with your questions or offer. Casey’s email address is: moc.citamednull@reyerD.yesaC.

URBAN TRANSFORMATION MINISTRIES 6TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING EVENT

The 6th Annual Golf Outing Event of Urban Transformation Ministries (UTM) will be held on Monday, June 22. The event is an 18-hole, 4 person scramble and will be held at Thronapple Pointe Golf Club, 747 Champoins Circle SE, Grand Rapids. The club is located near the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The cost is $125 per golfer ($100 before June 1). Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. A lunch and awards recognition will be held following the event at 1:30 p.m.

UTM reaches out to over 300 inner-city teens and young adults in Grand Rapids through sports outreaches, small-group Bible studies, mentoring, crisis counseling, leadership development, and employment assistance. Joel Shaffer serves as Executive Director and ministers at Berean Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. Contact Joel for more information about UTM and the golf outing – 616.835.6744 / Email. You can mail your gifts and golf registration to UTM, P.O. Box 2693, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

EMAIL ADDRESS - Do we have your accurate e-mail address? Many people and organizations change their email addresses from time to time. Does the MARBC have your current address? Why not be sure by sending us an email and including your updated contact information? Send your information to either moc.loanull@norahscbram or moc.loanull@nekcbram.

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 55 Number 2 March/April 2009

MARBC Events to Place on Your 2009 Calendar

Saturday, April 25, 2009
MARBC Talents for Christ Competition
West Cannon Baptist Church, Belmont
Ken Pyne, Director

June 22-26, 2009
National GARBC Conference
“Cutting Straight”
Elyria, Ohio
Download information at: www.garbc.org/conference

September 11-12, 2009
Strengthening the Deacon-Pastor Partnership
MARBC Church Strengthening Seminar
Featuring Dr. Howard Bixby
ChristWay Ministries
September 11-12, 2009
Gull Lake Conference Center
$85 per person (Reserve your group’s spot by July 1 and pay only $60 per person!)
(includes Friday night lodging and snack, Saturday breakfast and lunch, and seminar materials)
Downloadable brochures and registration forms are available by clicking here.

September 27, 2009
MARBC Annual Day of “One Accord” Prayer

October 26-27, 2009
“Hope for a Troubled World”
67^th Annual MARBC Conference
Forest Hills Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Conference Speakers:  Dr. Jim Grier, Dr. Hanz Bernard, Ken Floyd, Mel Walker, Peggy Walker

MARBC NEWS & NOTES

BELMONT, West Cannon Baptist Church (Doug Crawford, Pastor) – West Cannon Baptist Church in Belmont is pleased to announce that Rev. Maynard Belt has accepted a call to serve in the position of Associate Pastor of Senior Ministries & Care. Maynard and his wife, Ann, bring to this position over forty years of ministry experience. Maynard served for twenty-five years as senior pastor at four churches in Michigan and sixteen years as the State Representative for the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches. Most recently, Maynard ministered as Special Representative for Church Relations with Baptist Mid-Missions. Maynard and Ann have been members of West Cannon for nearly eighteen years and they are both very excited to begin serving in this position.  We congratulate both the Belts and WCBC on this wonderful opportunity!

DECATUR, Volinia Baptist Church (Thomas Stout, Pastor) – Here is a special testimony from Volinia Baptist Church:  We stand in awe of a miracle working God!  About four years ago we were bursting at the seams and ready to build a new church. We had some money saved, but not nearly enough.  We found and bought property just down the road.  As we prepared to build the church went through some extreme trials.   However, God kept a faithful few here and He started bringing in more money.  We started building and more problems crept up, but so did the money. At times we have felt a bit like Gideon’s army – too few in our eyes – too poor in our eyes- too many problems in our eyes- but God was at work.  A little over two years later we are now in a new building that seats about 300.  We watched God bring in over two million dollars.  We are totally debt free and have a beautiful church building. God provided the money, the workers, and built our faith.  Now He can watch us exercise that faith and work to bring in those He has to fill our church.  What an incredible God we serve!  

GRAND RAPIDS, North Park Baptist Church (Joe Daniels, Pastor) – People often ask, “Ken, what are some of your favorite opportunities as you minister in our fellowship?”  If you had the opportunity to join me on Wednesday evening, March 11, you would have observed one.  It was my joy to share with the “Friends’ Club” at North Park Baptist in Grand Rapids.  I would like to share with you about this ministry to give you an idea for your own church.  The Friends Club is a weekly ministry for adults with special needs that has offered by the church for almost 20 years.  Club time includes worship, prayer, Bible study, and (of course!) snack time.  Occasionally crafts and other projects are a part of the evening.  Often special speakers are invited to share with the group.  The group is also ministry oriented.  Several in the group have vocal abilities and have served in nursing homes, the area veterans facility, and other locations.  The leaders of the club also schedule special outings and activities, such as parties, picnics, and an annual visit to the West Michigan Whitecaps minor league baseball game.  It is no exaggeration to say that an opportunity to share with a group like this always lifts your spirit and leaves you looking forward to your next visit!

GRANT, Rice Lake Baptist Church (Dan Fullmer, Pastor) – Melissa and Emily Boverhof, teens from Rice Lake Baptist Church, have authored the book “Seven Candles: The Reclaiming of Haven.” The book is written for a teenaged audience and looks at the world of wizards, dragons, and magic through Christian eyes.  Melissa (18) and Emily (16) became concerned as they watched their friends become obsessed with fantasy literature, particularly the Harry Potter phenomenon.  They desired to show their friends and others what being a wizard would really be like. After much Biblical study Melissa and Emily Boverhof finished their book in 2007 and prayerfully posted it on www.christianmanuescrpitsubmissions.com. They were contacted by a publisher and their book was released on July 1, 2008.  Since then Melissa and Emily have attended the International Christian Book Sellers Association’s conference in Florida, been interviewed on talk radio (to hear the interview, visit www.futurequake.com and click the week of January 12), and have done book signings. For more information about the Boverhofs and their book, visit www.thereclaiming.com. Their book is also available at www.amazon.com, and www.christianbook.com.  Melissa and Emily are also available for church and youth meetings. You can contact them by phone: (231) 834-9895, e-mail, or write The Reclaiming, P.O. Box 94, Grant, MI 49327.

CHURCH MINISTRIES CONFERENCE – “Beyond Fellowship” was the theme of the 2009 Church Ministries Conference.  The annual conference is sponsored by the Grand Rapids regional fellowship of the MARBC.   Close to one thousand people were in attendance.  Dr. Michael Loftis, president of ABWE, shared three practical messages related to the conference theme.  Loftis’ messages were based upon Christ’s prayer in John 17 and its implications for the Christian’s fellowship.  

In addition to the main sessions, the conference included over 50 speakers leading almost 100 workshops devoted to a wide variety of ministry related topics.  It also featured displays from dozens of ministries.  

On Saturday, Jim and Vi Potts from First Baptist in Fenton were recognized as Christian Workers of the Year.  Pastor Tom Rohrer, North Park Baptist in Grand Rapids, was also commended for his service as the chairman of the Conference committee for the past decade.  The GRARBC Church Ministries Conference committee is comprised of pastors and members of churches in the Grand Rapids region.

MEN MODELING THE MASTER Seminar – Over 250 men were in attendance for the “Men Modeling the Master” annual one day seminar held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Flint on Saturday, March 7.  The seminar was sponsored by the Eastern Michigan regional fellowship of the MARBC.  Ken Pierpont, Jr., the senior pastor of Evangel Baptist Church in Taylor, Michigan was the keynote speaker.  The theme of the seminar was “Being a Man of Influence at Home and in the World.”  Pastor Pierpont’s messages focused upon “What Does it Mean to be a Man?” “Tools of Influence for the Godly Man,” and “Developing Your Legacy.”  Several practical workshops were taught by pastors from the churches in the EMARBC.  The seminar also feature a men’s chorus comprised of members of EMARBC churches and a luncheon served by the host church.

SMARBC MARRIAGE RETREAT - “Staying in Touch” was the theme of a marriage retreat sponsored by the Southern Michigan regional fellowship of the MARBC and held at the Gull Lake retreat center.  The retreat was attended by twenty couples.  Dr. Dave and Carolyn Culver from Heritage Baptist Church of Clark Summit, Pennsylvania, were the guest speakers.  

The Culvers were a great encouragement as they shared several meaningful lessons.  The couples were also challenged to daily integrate into their marriage these exercises: noting current blessings from God, sharing specific praises about the person of God, and developing the discipline of praying together for each other.  Be in prayer for these precious couples to continue to draw nearer the Lord and to each other that God may be glorified through them. 

It is the goal of the S.M.A.R.B.C. to partner with churches throughout Michigan to provide meaningful retreats for the couples in our state. Stronger marriages result in stronger families which result in stronger churches for the further development of the Kingdom of God.

WITH THE LORD

RAYMOND RICHMOND – Raymond Richmond, pastor of Lyons Baptist Church in Lyons, went home to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 59 on February 20, 2009.  Ray had experienced severe skull fractures as the result of a fall while clearing an icy roof two weeks earlier.  A memorial service was held on February 25 at Lyons Baptist Church.   

Ray was one of the original foster children when the Baptist Children’s Home ministry was established in St. Louis, Michigan, in the early 1950s.  Always appreciating this special blessing of God in his own life, Ray and his wife Debbie opened their home to foster children.  Ray served as a U. S. Army medic for eight years in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.  He also served as a prison guard for 24 years.  He served God as a lay pastor and enjoyed hunting, bowling, and softball.  

Rev. Ralph Barton, former pastor and a friend of the Richmond family, led the memorial service.  Pastor Barton incorporated the sermon notes that Ray had written for the Sunday which would ultimately follow his death that he had titled, “The Reunion in Heaven.”  He also used an outline found in the front of Ray’s Bible on the topic of “Victory!”

Please continue to remember in prayer Debbie, Ray’s wife of 36 years, as well as his family, and the Lyons Baptist Church family.  A memorial fund has been established to help the family with Ray’s hospitalization and funeral expenses.  Those gifts may be made out to Lyons Baptist Church and sent to the church address: 507 Hunt, Lyons, MI  48851.

KIM AKRIGHT – Kim Akright, a pastor’s wife formerly involved with the MARBC, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2009. She succumbed to cancer at the age of 48, “her gift from the Lord,” as she often referred to it. Kim dearly loved and faithfully served the Lord. She served as an active pastor’s wife, faithful to her husband, and loving to her children. Her gifts included working with women’s ministry, being an encourager, and serving others. She and her husband, Pastor Gary Akright, were married for 29 years.  The Akrights have four children: Lauren (20), Melissa (18), Joshua (16), and Caleb (14).  
 
A special testimony service was held at Grace Baptist Church in Plover, Wisconsin.  A memorial funeral service was held at First Baptist Church in Portland, Michigan, on March 6.  Pastor Steve Taylor of First Baptist (Portland) was officiate for both services.  Those wishing to share expressions of sympathy may give to the Kim Akright Memorial Fund set up for the Akright children’s college expenses.  Those gifts may be made out to Grace Baptist Church and sent to the church address: 1500 Hoover Ave., Plover, WI 54467.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

MARBC CHURCH STRENGTHENING SEMINAR – The first in a series of Church Strengthening Seminars, sponsored by the MARBC, will be held on Friday night and Saturday, September 11-12, 2009.  The seminar is called “Strengthening the Deacon-Pastor Partnership” and will emphasize the effective strengthening of servant leadership in local church ministry. This practical and informative seminar will be held at the Gull Lake Conference Center in Hickory Corners, MI.  Dr. Howard Bixby, former dean of Baptist Bible Seminary in Clarks Summit, PA, and former MARBC pastor, will be the seminar speaker.  Dr. Bixby partners with Dr. Milo Thompson in a new endeavor called ChristWay Ministries.  

The purpose of this overnight seminar is to provide training for deacons and pastors in the biblical principles and methods of meeting the needs of people through the church ministry.  These principles will lead to greater church harmony and growth.  Pastors and deacons will learn to excitedly serve God together in areas that matter to God.  This training will be helpful for deacons, potential deacons, church officers, leaders, and pastors.

Seminar Schedule:
Session #1 – The Mandate for Caring Ministries in the Church
Session #2 – The Methods and Means for a Caring Ministry
Session #3 – The Deacon/Pastor Leadership Dilemma
Session #4 – A Biblical Decision-Making Model

The cost of the seminar is $85 per person (payable to the MARBC).  However, if you reserve your group’s spot by July 1, you pay only $60 per person!  A registration fee of $30 per person is due with the registration form.  The seminar fee covers the costs of the Friday night lodging and snack, Saturday breakfast and lunch, and all seminar materials.  Downloadable brochures and registration forms are available at the MARBC website (www.marbc.net) or by contacting the MARBC office.

GRAND RAPIDS AREA WOMEN’S MISSIONARY UNION SPRING RALLY – The GRARBC Women’s Missionary Union spring rally will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The meeting will be held at Grandville Baptist Church in Grandville.  Speakers include:  Shirley Dannenberg (Africa, BMM), Sharon Johnson (Maleemyat Hospital), and Becky McDonald (Women at Risk International).  A nursery is provided and lunch will be served for a nominal cost.  The new dime bank project will be announced at the meeting.  The ministry shower this year is for Alpha Women’s Center.  Items needed include diapers and Enfamil with iron baby formula.  Please bring the shower items to the rally.

CONTINENTAL BAPTIST MISSIONS BANQUET – Do you remember that old hymn – “We’ll Work ‘Til Jesus Comes”?  That is Continental Baptist Missions’ desire as well as the theme for the 2009 West Michigan Friends and Family Banquet.  Our Friends and Family Banquet is a great way to stay in touch and share the Lord’s blessings of CBM Church Planting ministries—both rural and inner city—across North America.  As the Lord continues to bless, we’ll keep planting churches “Til He Comes”

On April 23 CBM will provide a delicious catered dinner at Calvary Baptist Church, 1200 28^th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI.  The evening will begin with a 6:00 PM punch bowl and dinner at 6:30. 

You will hear from missionaries Bill and Tamra Branks as they plant River North Baptist Church in the high-rises of the windy city of Chicago. They are eager to share what the Lord is accomplishing in this unique endeavor. We are also pleased to highlight the rural ministry of CBM church planting endeavors at Maranatha Baptist Church in Cedar Springs. CBM Field Director, Tom Logsdon, has been wearing two hats as he pastors these dear folks to bring this church to graduation. Many have come to Christ; and you will be thrilled to hear testimonies of lives changed for the glory of our Lord.  Chad Vitarelli’s love for God resounds as he brings the musical selection for the evening.

Contact Shawn Bowers or Marilyn VanLiew at (616) 863-2226 to make reservations for you and a group from your church to attend.

“Til He Comes”
Continental Baptist Missions
West Michigan Friends and Family Banquet
April 23, 2009
Calvary Baptist Church
1200 28^th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI
Punch bowl at 6:00 with Dinner at 6:30
Call your reservations in today! 616-863-2226

CONTINENTAL BAPTIST MISSION TO HOLD 11^TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 

The 11^th Annual Continental Baptist Missions Golf Tournament is only a green’s shot away!  We’ll take to the fairways at the Quail Ridge Golf Club in Ada, Michigan on Monday, June 8, 2009.

Your “greens fee” of $90 covers a whole day of golf, including an early-bird round of 9 and an 18-hole best-ball scramble, with lunch and dinner provided by Quail Ridge’s clubhouse restaurant. Sign-in opens at 10:00 AM (8:00 AM for the early-bird round).  The 18-hole scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 11:00 AM.  Lunch is provided at the turn and prizes will be awarded during the dinner hour.

CBM had its beginning in 1942, planting and building churches in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  God has graciously blessed over the last 67 years, and we now reach the four corners of the United States and into Canada and Puerto Rico.  Our home office is located in Rockford, MI.  The facility includes a building ministries service center in which missionary builders build furniture and trim for the new churches.  As you can imagine, this is a tremendous savings for an infant church.  

The proceeds from the golf outing will be used to provide services to missionaries throughout North America. To reserve your spot in the tournament, please contact Continental Baptist Missions at 616-863-2226.

Continental Baptist Missions 
11^th Annual Golf Outing
June 8, 2009
Quail Ridge Golf Club – Ada, MI
Cost: $90.00 includes
Early bird round of 9 and 18-hole best ball scramble 
Lunch and Dinner.
To reserve your spot in the tournament, contact CBM at 616-863-2226.

2009 SCHOOL OF CHURCH PLANTING – Ministry is all about multiplication.  This is especially true when it comes to implementing Jesus Christ’s Great Commission command to His disciples.  The 24^th Annual School of Church Planting, sponsored by Baptist Mid-Missions, will focus on this priority.  The school will be held on June 15-18 at the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas.  This is a unique opportunity that combines a discussion of ministry strategy with how-to-do-it instructions.  Seminar speakers include church planting experts Ken Davis, Roger McNamara, and Dan Whitcher.  Brochures and applications can be downloaded from the church planting website, www.churchplantingna.com.  For further information you may also contact training specialist Roger McNamara (phone: 540.825.2170; email).

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 55 Number 1 January/February 2009

Church Partnering Relationships – “CPR” Initiatives for 2009

We rejoice in the many CPR Initiatives that took place between sister churches in Michigan last year. The MARBC office is in the process of assigning CPR partnerships for churches interested in participating in 2009. If you would like to assist a sister church or would like a church to assist your ministry, please contact the MARBC as soon as possible. Many churches and ministries are in the final stages of planning potential summer ministry and mission trips. Be sure to make CPR a major consideration in your planning. Contact the MARBC by Email, or by phone (616.364.5688). Don’t delay!

Church Partnering Relationships (CPR) offer a variety of opportunities:

Consider a sister church relationship with a ministry in another part of the state that would emphasize a co-operative partnership.

• Sharing of ideas, prayer requests, and resources.
• Form a consortium of sister churches in your area for joint strategy for church planting and/or missions ventures.
• Send a missions team to help with a building or repair project.
• Send youth or singles groups to conduct DVBS, canvassing ministries, etc.
• Share Sunday School and Bible study materials.
• Share media resource materials.
• Offer pulpit sharing opportunities for summer vacations.
• Receive special offerings for the needs of the sister ministry.
• Conduct a pastoral internship program to help train a sister church’s next pastor.
• Add the sister church to the missions budget of the church.
• Receive a 5^th Sunday offering on behalf of the sister ministry.
• Support mutual missionaries.
• Conduct joint mission trips to a foreign field.
• Offer to transport materials and resources when traveling to another area of the state.

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, www.marbc.net.

TALENTS FOR CHRIST: The 2009 MARBC Talents for Christ competition will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at West Cannon Baptist Church in Belmont. Students may participate in either the Scholarship or Open Categories. Registration cost is $25 per individual category and $35 per group category. Registration deadline for the 2009 MARBC State Competition of Talents for Christ is March 1, 2009. Please make checks payable to Evangel Baptist Church and mail the registration to: Michigan TFC, Evangel Baptist Church, 16994 S. Telegraph Rd., Taylor, MI 48180. For more information and downloadable materials, go to www.garbc.org/tfc. A link to this website is also available at www.marbc.net.

Our MARB churches and young people are strongly encouraged to participate. The preparations for TFC will help develop godly discipline and character. The results of this preparation allow our youth to minister in meaningful ways in several settings. With the opportunities for scholarships from participating colleges in the Scholarship Division and scholarships for participating MARBC camps in the Open Division, there are also practical benefits for TFC participation. Award details are included in the downloadable packet.

For further information or questions regarding Talents for Christ, contact our Michigan coordinator, Pastor Ken Pyne – Email; 734.946.5680.

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND COUPLES RETREAT: “Becoming One for the Master – Couples Staying in Touch,” a special couples retreat sponsored by the Southern MARBC Regional Fellowship, will be held on February 13-14, 2009 at the Gull Lake Retreat Center.

Speakers will be Dr. Dave and Carolyn Culver, Heritage Baptist Church, Clarks Summit, PA. The Culvers are the co-authors of a couples’ Bible study three-book series published by RBP entitled, “Family Matters.”The retreat features 3-buffet style meals and special treats.

Downloadable brochures and information regarding this wonderful way for couples to celebrate Valentine’s weekend are available at www.marbc.net. Please contact retreat coordinator Pastor Rich Griffith, Parma Baptist Church (517.531.3645 – Email) ASAP!

MARBC Events to Place on Your 2009 Calendar

• February 13-14, 2009
  SMARBC Valentine’s Weekend Couples Retreat
  Gull Lake Retreat Center, Hickory Corners, MI
  Dr. Dave and Carolyn Culver, speakers
• March 7, 2009
  EMARBC Men Modeling the Master Conference
  “Being a Man of Influence at Home and in the World”
  Emmanuel Baptist Church, Flint
  Speaker: Ken Pierpont, Jr., Senior Pastor of Evangel Baptist, Taylor, MI
  Workshops related to men’s issues presented by area pastors
  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. / cost – $12 per person
  See the MARBC website for Registration Details
• March 13-14, 2009
  GRARBC Annual Church Ministries Conference
  Calvary Baptist Church, Grand Rapids
  “Beyond Fellowship”
  Keynote Speaker: Dr. Michael Loftis
  President of ABWE
  Registration details and downloadable forms are available
  www.churchministriesconference.org
• Saturday, April 25, 2009
  MARBC Talents for Christ Competition
  West Cannon Baptist Church, Belmont
  Ken Pyne, Director
  Early registration deadline: March 1
  Download information at: www.garbc.org/tfc
• June 22-26, 2009
  National GARBC Conference
  “Cutting Straight”
  Elyria, Ohio
  Download information at: www.garbc.org/conference
• September 27, 2009
  MARBC Annual Day of “One Accord” Prayer
• October 26-27, 2009
  67^th Annual MARBC Conference
  Forest Hills Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  Conference Speakers: Dr. Jim Grier, Dr. Hanz Bernard, Ken Floyd, Mel Walker, Peggy Walker

GRAND RAPIDS, Standale Baptist Church (John Watson, Pastor) – Standale Baptist Church celebrated its 50^th anniversary the week of October 19-26. The anniversary theme was “Together Forever: Romans 8:31-39.” The week included a homecoming of former members and former pastors. Speakers during the week included several former pastors. Former pastors who attended the festivities included: David Gardner, Duane McNeil, Tom Dolph, Wilbur Eifert, Robert Wessell Mark Roosinck, Doug Bartlett, and Max Tucker. Charter members were also recognized during this special celebration. We thank God for the good testimony and faithful ministry of this church.

MONTROSE, Montrose Baptist Church (Dan Pugh, Pastor) – Richard Phillips, former pastor of Montrose Baptist Church, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, November 15, after a long bout with cancer. He was 74. Dick served as pastor at Montrose for 40 years and retired from the church two years ago. Montrose’s new pastor, Dan Pugh, officiated the memorial service. Here is a tribute written by Pastor Pugh regarding Pastor Phillips.

A Tribute to Pastor Richard Phillips – submitted by Pastor Dan Pugh (Montrose Baptist Church)

What a privilege it was to pay tribute to the man who preceded me as the pastor of Montrose Baptist Church for nearly forty years. – As I considered how few newly called pastors probably have any real opportunity to personally get to know their predecessor, and unfortunately sometimes the transition situations even makes this impossible, I’m grateful that the Lord put it on my heart to get to know this Pastor; that he was willing to oblige; and that the Lord sovereignly chose to delay his heaven-going for just awhile longer in order for our acquaintance and friendship to take place.

Pastor Richard Phillips finished well even as he lived out his final days of physical struggle following many years of being ravaged by multiple myeloma cancer. Although unable to continue in his beloved role at the church, he tried as health allowed to maintain his many relationships in the church and community; served as a jail chaplain with Forgotten Man Ministries; wrote poetry and treatises on several theological issues; and purposely referred to me as Pastor as I to honored him with the same designated title and function of life that we both realized the Lord had clearly called us each to. – That is how pastoral transitions should be!

His funeral was a tribute event filled with memories from family; church members; and some long time community friends. – Hundreds of people sang with abandon, “It is Well with My Soul”, with musical specials by a friend – “Serenaded by Angels”, and the Gospelmen who sang “New Ship Sailing” . – A poem of his, “I Would Be Faithful” was read; I preached from his favorite passage in Philippians 1:6; and the service concluded with “Jesus Loves Me”, very well known by virtually everyone who knew him as his absolutely favorite song!

Please contact me if you would like one of the tribute service programs. The following poem written by Pastor Richard Phillips was printed in it entitled, “One Day He’ll Call”.

One day the Lord will call my name, And I shall go to be,
With the One who loves me so, He who died on Calvary’s tree.

With Him I’ll dwell forever more, In His home beyond the sky.
And find His promise, Oh, so true, No part of it is a lie.

The hurts of life, they’ll all be gone. There’s only glory in that land.
Such joy and gladness never known, Is what my Savior’s planned.

No longer will my sight be blurred, For I’ll see Him face to face.
And thank Him for His wondrous love, And ever marvel at His grace.

So when He calls, don’t weep for me I’ll be better off by far,
For in His presence I shall be, And not resting on some star.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Church equipment and miscellaneous items available. Forest Hills Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, is rejoicing in its recent relocation from its former building to a newly purchased facility. Pastor Jeff Burr reports that there are several items available (i.e. metal chairs, glassware, lecterns, slide projectors, etc.) as a result of combining the two facilities. A detailed list of what is available can be received by contacting the church or Pastor Burr (616.949.0540 or Email). Be sure to do this ASAP!

GRARBC Fellowship Women’s Missionary Union Quarterly Meeting – will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 9:30 a.m., at Maplelawn Baptist Church, 124 Maplelawn SW, in Wyoming, MI. The speaker will be missionary Kathy Miller. A special missions scholarship will be awarded during the meeting. Contributions to the scholarship fund may be made by sending a check to: Mrs. Elaine Binney, 4525 Burton St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534.

EMARBC “MEN MODELING THE MASTER” Seminar. An annual event sponsored by the Eastern MARBC Regional Fellowship will be held on Saturday, March 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “Being a Man of Influence at Home and in the World.” The speaker is Pastor Ken Pierpont (Evangel Baptist Church in Taylor). Pastor Pierpont will explore these questions and others: Are you a man of influence? How can you increase your skills and tools of influence? How can you get close to your kids and stay that way through the teen years? Additional workshops will be taught by other pastors from the EMARBC. The seminar will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 6463 Richfield Rd., Flint, MI 48506. The cost is $12 per person. Pre-register by February 27^th. Send names and payment to Emmanuel Baptist Church; attention Pastor Jack Dowden. Please make checks out to the EMARBC. Downloadable information is available at the MARBC website, www.marbc.net.

GRARBC Annual Church Ministries Conference. The Grand Rapids MARBC Regional Fellowship will hold its annual Church Ministries Conference on March 13-14 at the facilities of Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. Dr. Michael Loftis, president of ABWE, will be the keynote speaker. The conference begins Friday evening and concludes on Saturday afternoon. Over 80 workshops will be featured during the conference. A special website has been set up with information and downloadable information related to the conference at www.churchministriesconference.org. A link to this website is also provided from the MARBC website, www.marbc.net.

IRS Announces 2009 Mileage Rates. The IRS has announced the 2009 business, medical, and moving mileage rates (IR-2008-131). Beginning on January 1, 2009, standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also pickups, vans, or panel trucks) will be:

• 55 cents per mile for business miles driven
• 24 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

The new rates for business, medical, and moving purposes are slightly lower than rates for the second half of 2008 that were raised by a special adjustment mid-year in response to a spike in gasoline prices. The rate for charitable purposes is set by law and is unchanged from 2008. The business mileage rate was 50.5 cents in the first half of 2008 and 58.5 cents in the second half. The medical and moving rate was 19 cents in the first half and 27 cents in the second half.
MARBC Publications: Two MARBC e-mail publications are available free of charge for those who would like to subscribe.

• “For Your Strengthening” – This new publication will be sent out quarterly as an e-mail and downloadable publication. The focus of “For Your Strengthening” will be encouragement and practical help for those involved in ministry. “For Your Strengthening” will be sent out in months opposite of the publication of the Baptist Testimony. Subscriptions for this publication are free, but subscribers will need to send their email address to Ken in order to be placed on the special mailing list.

• MARBC Messenger – The MARBC Messenger is a regular informational e-mail communication from the MARBC office to our pastors and churches. This e-mail includes special prayer requests and information items related to the churches, pastors, and ministries of the MARBC. Several MARBC Messengers are sent out frequently from the MARBC office. If you have not received MARBC emails recently, be sure to contact Ken or Sharon to be placed on the email list. Thank you!

EMAIL ADDRESS - Do we have your accurate e-mail address? Many people and organizations change their email addresses from time to time. Does the MARBC have your current address? Why not be sure by sending us an email and including your updated contact information? Send your information to either Sharon or Ken.