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

October's Word: “Listen”

“I will hear what God the LORD will speak; for He will speak peace to His people, and to His saints.” Psalm 85:8

Back in the days when the telegraph was the fastest method of long distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator. Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office that was listed. When he arrived, he entered a large, busy office filled with noise and clatter, including the sound of the telegraph in the background.

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

September's Word: “Encourage”

As I edit this article, Sharon and I are traveling throughout Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula visiting many churches and their pastors and wives. Our goal is to encourage these special servants of Christ and discover ways in which to more effectively minister to them and with them. We have been both challenged and blessed by the commitment our colleagues in ministry demonstrate daily, sometimes in extremely difficult situations.

The Word Has It

Ken Floyd, MARBC State Representative

“Strengthen me according to Your word,” –Psalm 119:28
August’s Word: “Answer”

The current summer season for the Floyds has involved traveling a few thousand miles to conferences, seminars, and church ministries on behalf of the MARBC fellowship. As I write this column, we are preparing for two major weeks of ministry traveling throughout the upper peninsula of Michigan. The purpose of the trip is to encourage pastoral couples and to minister to their churches. We also desire to learn of the opportunities and needs of this special group of God’s servants who are an important part of our church network.

The Word Has It

Ken Floyd, MARBC State Representative

June & July’s Word: “Powerful”

Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The powerful impact of the Word of God in men's lives was the primary emphasis of this year's MARBC Men's Retreat, held on May 3-5 at beautiful Lake Ann Baptist Camp and Retreat Center near Traverse City. Close to 500 men enjoyed wonderful worship, encouraging fellowship, great meals, and beautiful weather. We were blessed to find that for several men in attendance this was their first MARBC retreat.

The Word Has It

Ken Floyd, MARBC State Representative

May’s Word: “Remember”

“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.” –Hebrews 13:7

May is a month usually identified by the beauty of spring and the observing of two special holidays – Mother’s Day and Memorial Day 1 had been prayerfully considering which of these topics would be the subject of this month’s column when God made it very apparent what it should be. For several months, the MARBC family had been joining many others in praying for Alf and Fran Nelson. Alf, a longtime pastor and former MARBC State Representative, had been battling cancer the past few months. God called Alf from his earthly home in Ovid, Michigan, to join Him in His heavenly home on Good Friday, April 6.

The Word Has It

Ken Floyd, MARBC State Representative

“Strengthen me according to Your word,”
-Psalm 119:28

April’s Word: “Victory!”

By the year 1812, the majority of the European continent was under the control of the famed French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. In that year, Napoleon attacked Russia, which led to his downfall and abdication. He was then exiled to the little island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea. Three years later, in March 1815, Napoleon escaped from Elba and returned to France. Men gathered once again under the French flag and Europe again faced the prospects of war.

The Word Has It

Ken Floyd MARBC State Representative

“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28

March’s Word: “Path”

A new family in the neighborhood overslept, and their six-year-old daughter missed her school bus. The father, though late for work, agreed to drive her if she’d direct him to the school. They rode several blocks before she told him to turn the first time, then several more before she indicated another turn. This went on for 20 minutes. When they finally reached the school, it proved to be only a short distance from their home. The father asked his daughter why she’d led him in such a circle. The child explained, “That’s the way the school bus goes, Daddy. It’s the only way I know.”

The Word Has It

Ken Floyd
MARBC State Representative

“Strengthen me according to Your word,”
-Psalm 119:28

February’s Word:

“Shadows”

As I write this column, the news media is focusing on the warmer than normal weather patterns of this winter season. Debates on the topic of global warming are commonplace these days. And while this has indeed been an unusual season, weather wise, one characteristic common to every Michigan winter remains – gray, cloudy skies. That is why although February is the shortest of all months; it seems to linger longer than any other.

The Word Has It

“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28

Ken Floyd
MARBC State Representative

Welcome to the first issue of The Baptist Testimony for the year 2007! With this new issue come new features. This is the first issue that I have composed as the new state representative of the MARBC. Some things remain the same, other things have changed. A new column greets you on the front page, along with a new picture – mine! Following in the footsteps of my faithful predecessor, Maynard Belt, I will seek to encourage the good people of our wonderful fellowship of churches by writing a column that focuses upon Biblical principles. Because of this emphasis, I have chosen “The Word Has It” as the new heading for my column. Each month we will take a look at a practical Biblical principle by focusing upon a key word. Along the way there will be other features added to the “BT” from time to time to help it continue to be an effective tool of encouragement and information for our state fellowship. I encourage your input and suggestions. You can email them to me or through regular mail. The MARBC office address is posted later in this issue of the BT. Thank you for your prayerful support as we look forward to the exciting days of change that lie ahead!

64th Annual MARBC Conference Highlights

“Challenging Servants for Changing Times!”

This years annual conference, held October 23-24, was memorable for many reasons. Because of this year’s historic transition of state representatives for our MARBC Fellowship, the theme for our conference included timely messages on The Changing of the Guards in Scripture. The opening message was delivered by outgoing state representative Maynard Belt entitled, “The Changing of the Guards,” using as an example the intimate relationship of Elijah and Elisha.