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  • What are you doing in Nana’s chair?

    by Sue Hodnett CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI – I peeked around the corner to make sure Logan was still playing safely as I prepared his lunch. He had moved off his play mat and was sheepishly sitting in my comfy gliding chair. I refrain from calling it a “rocking chair”, you know the stereotyping tends to age you. “What are you doing in my chair!”, I shouted in my playful nana voice. Logan’s giggles were priceless and the “nana tickle monster” craved to hear more of those giggles. This little game got me thinking about my own grandparents and their “chairs”! Each of my four grandparents had their own chair that I can describe to you in full detail, I can still picture its placement in the room. For me it would have been a “serious offense” to sit in their “chair”. You only made that mistake once and believe me there were no giggles. Oh, my how times have changed. Even in ministry there was a time when it felt very awkward or frightening to approach a senior director without being invited to do so. There was a time when women serving in church ministry positions was discouraged. The effects of this over the years has left us with a lost generation of women in ministry. Fewer young women are practicing their faith, and have no interest in ministry leadership roles. I believe we are at a time in ministry leadership where we can climb into any “chair” that God directs us to with confidence and celebration. I see women who are encouraged and respected as they come alongside to serve with their pastors and the church. Women are offered opportunities to develop their ministry leadership and valued for the contributions to the church growth movement. Women's Ministry is dedicated to strengthening the women of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) by encouraging, equipping, and engaging them to live intentional lives to the glory of God. Our ministry opportunities are of culturally relevant content, guided by a missional mindset, compassionate care, and places value on the development of women in leadership. Women’s Ministries, as well as our events, provide encouragement and support the professional development of women leaders in our churches. We come alongside our pastors and ministry leaders to provide resources and support in Leadership Development, Compassion Ministries, Missions Discipleship and Administration. Friends, your women’s ministry team is here to help you be all that you can be for the Lord. Maybe you are still trying to figure out what that is! We are here for you! Maybe you know and need help to take the next step! We are here for you! Maybe you don’t feel you have anything to offer or are not good enough! Yes, you are! We are here for you! Maybe you are ready to mentor and need resources! We are here for you! Maybe you just want to join us for a great time of fellowship! We are here for you! Contact us, we have a “chair” open for you! We promise not to tickle you, but we would love to hear you giggle! Visit: www.facebook.com/bscmwmu for the most current women’s ministry information. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sue Hodnett serves as women’s ministry leader for the BSCM as well as WMU Michigan Executive Director. She has dedicated her life to ministering to women in Michigan. #JANUARY22

  • God has been gracious

    by Michael L. Ritchie ROSCOMMON, MI – It has been more than a year since I have shared an article, Life at Bambi Lake: God has been Gracious in the Baptist Beacon. Bambi Lake Camp has blessed us over the years, but really it is a story of the graciousness of God! This pandemic has seen us change the way we do church, and it is not hard to be discouraged. We lost some friends and loved ones, and have not seen our families as often as we would like. Our businesses have been stretched to the max by regulations and labor issues. After almost two years the virus has caught up to several of our church members, and likely others will contract the virus. Through of it all God has been gracious, and he has made a way through all this darkness. In my article I told how my wife and I were baptized in Bambi Lake in 1983, and since then we have served God at Roscommon Baptist Church. I shared a story of a young boy named John who was shooting archery with us. He wanted to be baptized with the other kids, but really didn’t understand it’s significance. Gratefully, John came forward 2 weeks ago to say he now has received Jesus, and wants to publicly profess Jesus before the church. He wants the world to know by being baptized. This year has been a challenge, but God continues to reach out to others though His body the church. Personally, 2021 has been good in that my son Jacob and his wife Kaleigh have had another son! He was born healthy, and hungry. Miles joins his brother Lucas, and they are best buddies. My father Paul Ritchie is still with us and has celebrated his 89th birthday. My wife Laurie and I have been blessed with 39 years of marriage. Roscommon Baptist Church has seen children, young adults and senior adults submit to Christ in the waters of baptism. It seems when the world gets darkest even the smallest light shines bright! Yes, God has been gracious! I hope this Christmas God has been especially good to all of you. Thanks to our Pastor Erikson Aldridge and his wife Glenda for leading our church and faithfully sharing the Word of God and to our staff at the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) and Bambi Lake for facilitating a place like Bambi Lake to do ministry. There is light now to follow An anchor in the storm A harbor now for refuge A Way that keeps from harm A commission to be fulfilled A race yet to be won Since that day in Bethlehem When God sent His only Son Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to everyone! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Michael Ritchie grew up in Harrison Township, MI. He is married to Laurie Allan Ritchie and they live in Higgins Lake, MI, where they have practiced Chiropractic for 37 years. They have 2 grown children, Sarah and Jacob (Kaleigh) and are grandparents to Lucas. The Ritchie's were saved right out of college and were baptized in Bambi Lake. They have been serving God at Roscommon Baptist Church ever since. His motto is "As a church we need to think out of the box, while we are still above ground." Michael has led the church in many innovative ministries over the years all in the effort that They might win some. "Jesus Christ is my life, without Him am nothing." #JANUARY22

  • Looking past fire and ash, a reminder of what’s important

    by Scott Barkley LOUISVILLE, CO (BP) – Linda Hinkle didn’t get her “one more time” into the house. On Dec. 30, winds in excess of 100 mph drove the fire that would soon devour Hinkle’s home alongside others in several communities west of Denver. At the absolute most, she recollects, her family had 30 minutes to get what they could as the smoke thickened and ash began to fall. Bags with clothes jammed in them. Shoes. Medications. Computers, phones and chargers. Her 95-year-old father. Two parakeets in the travel birdcage used on trips to the vet and two dogs – a rescued Yorkshire terrier who had been in their home for a week and a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog – joined them in two cars. Earlier, Hinkle’s son, Jordan, had gotten off his shift from the bakery of a nearby Safeway and looked west toward the city of Superior. The dry conditions made the smoke he saw more concerning than usual, as fires typically don’t happen at this time of year. Meanwhile, two miles toward the direction he stared, parents were snatching up their kids at a Chuck E. Cheese, pushing through doors pinned by the wind, and running to their cars to escape the flames. Fifteen minutes after Jordan arrived at his parents’ house nearby, he told her they should leave. A moment later, Hinkle received an evacuation alert on her phone. She went to her backyard and looked. At that point, she says, it felt like you were inside a dark cloud that was choking views at 50 feet. “I was in panic mode and thought we were going to come back,” she says. “We just grabbed some necessities for a couple of nights.” Even so, the worsening conditions made her want to go back in the house one more time. Jordan had none of it, telling his mom they needed to leave now. His warnings were echoed by escaping cars honking their horns to alert neighbors and firemen announcing an immediate evacuation over loudspeakers. Hinkle was in the process of cleaning when Jordan arrived. The wedding ring she had removed to do so remained on the counter when they left. Other lost personal items include the jewelry given to her after her mother’s death and pre-digital era pictures and videos she had always meant to put online. “It felt like you were in the middle of an erupting volcano,” she says. “You couldn’t see. Ash was blowing around and getting in your mouth and eyes.” Eventually, they and others crawled their way onto the road and away from the smoke. After about 15 minutes, the darkness began to give way to the light. Things like your house burning down only happen to other people, she said, until it happens to you. There’s no doubt that losing possessions hurts, especially those with sentimental value. But that loss also has a way of clearing your eyes, letting you see what is of more, even eternal, value. In the past she and her husband, Dale, had served with Colorado Baptist Disaster Relief. As CBDR has responded to needs from the fire, so now the Hinkles are being cared for by friends and their church family at Reclamation Church in Boulder. “All of these possessions that we cling to … you can’t take them with you anyway. You realize how many people care about you [from the] love of our church, our friends and our family,” she says. Currently, the family is staying with her best friend, who is also a member of Reclamation Church (a daughter lives further north in Loveland, Colo.). With word getting out, clothes have been provided and even a more suitable birdcage for the parakeets. A woman at Walmart overheard Hinkle’s story and gave a $100 bill to help her get restarted. “People have helped me,” she told her. “And now I’m going to help you.” Sleep has often been tough to come by since last Thursday. All kind acts big and small have helped. “I pray, ‘God, it’s a new day. Give me the strength I need to continue,’” she says. “And He does; He gives me the strength to make it through.” Gratefulness doesn’t accompany only what you can hold and see, she says. It’s bigger than that. It helps you step through the darkness and into the light, one more time. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scott Barkley is national correspondent for Baptist Press. #JANUARY22

  • How to make New Year’s resolutions

    by David Roach NASHVILLE, TN (BP) – Resolutions have yielded a mixed bag of successes and flops over the course of Christian history. A fourth-century Egyptian robber named Moses roamed the Nile Valley with a violent criminal gang, slaughtering people’s livestock for the pure joy of killing. Then he heard of monastic communities in the desert, resolving to join one and participate in their life of spiritual disciplines. It made a huge difference. He placed his faith in Christ, became known for gentleness and hospitality and took the title Abba Moses to signify his deep spirituality. A resolution didn’t work out so well for John Chrysostom, a fourth-century preacher known for his eloquence. Young and gung-ho for spiritual progress, he resolved to live in a cave, sleep one hour per night while leaning against a wall and memorize the New Testament. It worked at first. He memorized lots of Scripture. But he also permanently damaged his health, and a bishop ordered him to stop. Some Christians in church history “bit off too much,” said Chris Hall, president of Renovaré, a Colorado-based ministry focused on spiritual formation and spiritual disciplines. “They tried to do too much. They tried to do it in too short a period of time.” So how can believers make their New Year’s resolutions productive? Resolutions can foster spiritual growth, say Hall and other spiritual formation experts, if utilized within a broader program of spiritual disciplines and crafted with input from mature Christian friends. Americans’ practice of spiritual disciplines leaves plenty of room for resolutions to improve, according to the American Bible Society’s State of the Bible 2021 report. Just 1 in 6 U.S. adults (16%) reads the Bible most days during the week. Fifty percent read the Bible less than twice a year. The lack of personal engagement with God’s Word affects corporate disciplines as well, like loving neighbors and building the church, the report found. Resolution tips Those realities make spiritual resolutions in order for many as 2022 approaches. One key to making resolutions a success is how they are written, said Andy Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church in Durham, N.C. Don’t be “too prideful or too confident with what [your] resolution’s going to do,” he said. Rather, format resolutions as statements of “what I would like to see God do in my life over the next year.” Hasty resolutions can become “a legalistic burden” by February or March. Davis knows something about successful resolution making. He has memorized 43 books of the Bible—though he can’t recite them all today—and written a book about extended Scripture memory. Among Davis’s do’s and don’ts for resolutions: Do make reasonable and measurable resolutions. “I resolve to be a better person” is “not a good resolution because it’s not measurable,” he said. A better resolution would be, “Every night in the month of January I will ask my wife, ‘Did you find me to be kind and loving to you today?’” Don’t make resolutions you won’t keep, like memorizing 10 Bible verses a day. Do make a relatively small number of resolutions. Another key to successful resolutions is when they are written, Hall said. It doesn’t have to be Jan. 1. “Don’t start [making resolutions] if you haven’t already been engaged in spiritual discipline of some kind,” Hall said, “because you’re almost guaranteed to fail. Why? Because the same habit patterns that were troubling you before you ever made that resolution Jan. 1 will raise their head.” Good intentions to grow spiritually become successful resolutions when they are preceded by what Hall calls “preparatory disciplines,” like watching less TV and enjoying more silence to make room for more traditional spiritual disciplines. Make resolutions whenever you’re ready, Hall said, whether that’s January, March or November. Then “if you fail, just start over again.” A general principle of spiritual growth “is that we stumble and we get back up.” Still, milestone days can be valuable for making resolutions. Puritans of the 1500s through 1700s commonly made New Year’s resolutions, along with resolutions on their birthdays, spiritual birthdays and ordination days, said Michael Haykin, professor of church history at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Famous resolutions Some of those resolutions continue to inspire Christ-followers. Around 1700, Presbyterian Bible commentator Matthew Henry wrote, “This new-year’s day I have solemnly renewed the resignation and surrender of my whole self to God, as my God, deliberately, and upon good considerations.” American pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards made 70 resolutions as a young man in the 1720s. Among them: “Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die” and “Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.” Christians should “recognize the danger of legalism” in making resolutions, Haykin said. “But having said that, they can be helpful” for individuals and churches. “When one joins a body of believers, I think it’s helpful to commit yourself to various things in that body” like worship attendance, praying for the pastor and financial giving. Despite their utility, resolutions fell into disfavor among evangelicals by the late 1700s. Samuel Pearce, an 18th-century Baptist minister and hymnwriter, ripped up his resolution when he felt it became a “legalistic fetter,” Haykin said, and many evangelicals ever since have taken a similar stance on resolutions. Nonetheless, resolutions maintain their place in healthy spiritual development if part of a balanced spiritual training regimen and not mere statements of good intentions. Resolutions, Hall said, should focus on “training rather than trying.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Roach is a writer in Mobile, Ala. #JANUARY22

  • News from the Wild West

    GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Occasionally the WestSide of Grand Rapids is referred to as the "Wild West." Things happen in this neighborhood as a matter of commonplace that would be very unusual in other neighborhoods. For example, when was the last time someone showed up to your church in a hearse. Mind you, no funeral. It's just what they drive. That's my neighborhood. Merri and I were having coffee on our back deck on a Saturday afternoon, and Merri said to me in a calm voice, "A man in full swat gear, just trotted by the front of the house." "Let's head inside," I said. A standoff ensued 100 yards south of my house, with a full armored vehicle and a large police presence. After multiple hours a person suspected of a triple homicide was apprehended. Just another day in the Wild West. Youth ministry news After my Tuesday Bible lab that I do with our ministry partners Bridge Street Ministries, one young man asked about what happens at the very end of the world. With another leader we turned to Revelation 21 and had him read it out loud. It's one of the best way to answer questions about the Bible. When they read the answer for themselves, it brings a moment of discovery that they own. After reading for a few minutes, he just stopped, and looked intently at me. Then He asked, "Can I have this?" I went and got a pen, and put his name in a Bible. I handed it to him and he was so happy and proud. He comes to Bible lab every week. Some of the other pictures below are from a movie night in our backyard. Loving our city Recently at a community meeting at Grand Rapids Police Department, I met some police chaplains from the adjacent cities, who expressed the desire to meet and chat. Many of them are new, and as I have been doing chaplain work for over 20 years the newer chaplains asked me for help. We are now planning to meet monthly, and they are asking for me to train them in various aspects of this difficult job. It is our goal that if our community is confronted with a crisis, we can pull together a diverse team of leaders to help bring the presence of Jesus to a the situation. A tank on a trailer, in the street Linda, who lives a short walk from where we meet on Sundays, made a decision to follow Jesus, and wanted to be baptized. We put a tank on a trailer and parked it right on Bridge Street. It was a great celebration. A couple of her homeless friends also attended. Thanks for taking a minute Because of the financial limitations of the communities that CrossWinds serves, we very much appreciate those who are able to participate in our kingdom work. For you giving partners, Thank You again for your faithful donations and prayers. If you'd like to give online, a link follows that you can copy & paste into your browser. After you click on "Give," you're taken to a page where you can click on a down arrow to find my name. https://www.windschurch.net/giving-1 #DECEMBER21

  • Review & refresh: Women’s Ministry update

    by Mickey Gross GARDEN CITY, MI – In October, one-hundred fifty women gathered to participate in the ‘Love God, Love Others’ Harvest Retreat at Bambi Lake Conference Center in Roscommon. After two years of separation, it was a delightful blessing to reconnect with new and old friends. I personally made a few new friends and saw God work by bringing darkness into light, drawing people deeper into their relationship with Him. God was amazingly generous to us as we gathered to receive the Word, worship in song, eat delicious food, shop, craft, rest, visit, and learn alongside one another. Our speaker, Casey Merrifield, focused our attention on how God works in and through us, encouraging us to love Him and others in our daily lives through ordinary means. Last fall, the BSCM Women’s Ministry leadership took some time to clarify how our particular ministry could work to better serve not only the church at large, but specifically the women of the Southern Baptist Churches of Michigan. As a result, we developed a Mission Statement. This statement helps us discern which events and resources are in the best interest of the women we serve and which will be given top priority. As a result of that concentrated effort, we refreshed the website for clarity and communication so that ministry leaders and church members alike are able to navigate the events and resources the BSCM Women’s Ministry has to offer. This will be a helpful tool as we seek to meet the needs of women in our changing culture. Women’s Ministry Mission Statement We resolve that our mission is to strengthen the women of BSCM by encouraging, equipping, and engaging them in order to live intentional lives to the glory of God. What We Do We resolve to accomplish our mission by providing resources and events designed to bring the women of BSCM together in a variety of settings, age groups, and content, in order to teach, minister, and build community.​ How We Do It We resolve to encourage women by coming alongside them to assist connection and build relationships. We resolve to equip women by providing resources and event opportunities. We resolve to engage women by offering ways to plug into ministry and become involved. In addition to clarifying our website and making it easier to navigate, we developed a logo with a bridge & water (Michigan), a cross (symbolic of our faith), and the words “engage, equip, encourage” (the focus of the ministry). And we streamlined the color scheme to match the BSCM website. Each tab will clearly direct you to information about each Women’s Ministry Events (complete with links for registration), the Ministry Center, WMU and Mission Offerings. Our highest hope is that you find this refresh easy to use and helpful in planning your 2022 Women’s Ministry calendar in your own church. If you have any questions about the Women's Ministry, you can connect with Sue Hodnett, Women’s Ministry Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. You can find her information on the improved site here: bscm.org/women ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mickey Gross lives in Garden City, MI and is a member of Resurrection Church in Lincoln Park. She has devoted years in church leadership as a children's ministry director, praise team member, pianist, facilities coordinator, and event planner. Mickey loves camp ministry and has had the privilege of spending time at camp as a camper, serving as a volunteer, and operating on the leadership team for Harvest Retreat. #DECEMBER21

  • Barking dogs

    by Tim Patterson PLYMOUTH, MI – Many years ago, the Patterson household possessed two dogs and one cat. Or should I say they possessed us? Our oldest dog, TEX, was given to us just after we moved to Florida by a friend in our church. At this particular time, he had been with us for more than eight years, while our newest canine addition was still learning the layout of the land. NAPPY was the name that came with the short four-legged mop that was claiming the Patterson’s as family. She was a Yorkie but only in body. Inside she was a Great Dane with an attitude. If your name was NAPPY, you would have an attitude too! TEX on the other hand was a big black Lab-Shepherd mix that would scare the willies out of you with his yellow eyes and ominous bark. But the fact of the matter was that he was a big baby. A genuine lap dog. And yet he was a great watchdog and was very protective of his domain. He survived several car wrecks where he left the scene of the accident with less damage to him than the automobile that was involved. Our cat had been with us for several years as well, and was the same midnight color as TEX. The major difference between her and TEX, besides being of a different species, was that she did not have a loving disposition. In fact, she didn’t like anyone but me, and that was only because I fed her. Or it could have been because I was the one that took her in after someone dropped her off at the church. Most of us believe that cats and dogs are not compatible, but for the most part TEX and PRISSY got along just fine, as long as TEX stayed out of her way. Now NAPPY and PRISSY was all-together a different matter. A bad attitude has a way of driving a wedge between relationships. The cat was fat, lazy and unconcerned with few things but sleeping and eating. She usually stayed perched on the back of the sofa or on an elevated place on the porch where she could oversee and direct the affairs of the house. TEX didn’t stay in any one place very long at all. He was usually yapping, barking and terrorizing every squirrel in the county. He was also a great tormentor of “other” cats. With all the noise and racket our dog made, the cat maintained her position. She was totally unconcerned with the barking of the dogs. The cat knew that she could "take out" both dogs with one swipe, but for some odd reason she chose not to. She just found herself a higher place to rest and ignored that yappy NAPPY. Could it be that she knew that it wouldn’t last forever and that soon everything would be at peace? In the midst of today's “wild west social media”, I sometimes feel like my old cat, and that I have been treed by the dogs of this world. All the noise they make in their immoral protests, the bantering for their rights to have no social controls are barked at me and the rest of society almost endlessly. Their vile and abusive attitude for evangelical Christianity is without question. If it is not the ACLU, it is the Americans for the Separation of Church and State trying to force the presence or even the mention of God from the public square. They are adamant that we do not have “freedom of religion but freedom from religion.” Most of them remind me of a pack of stray dogs roaming about looking for their next victim. Turning over the filthy garbage cans of the indecent discards of corrupt humanity and spreading its abhorrent contents across our communities. They do so with the willing and willful help of most forms of media and those that control it. The filth that now covers the passageways of our cities because of these hellish hounds makes it almost impossible to walk at times and that is why we must seek higher ground. We do not seek higher ground by running from this world but running to our Lord. That is why we must have faith in the "Most High" and believe that He will lift us up. Taking the Higher Ground is a choice. It is choosing to be kind and willing to show more grace than is deserved. It means not entering into the “cat and dog fights” that are all around us but by staying elevated from the fray. Garrison Keillor, the former host of the National Public Radio program, "A Prairie Home Companion", and author of several best selling books was quoted in Leadership magazine. "A little faith will see you through. What else will do except faith in such a cynical, corrupt time? When the country goes temporarily to the dogs, cats must learn to be circumspect, walk on fences, sleep in trees, and have faith that all this woofing is not the last word." During this wonderful season of Christmas, may I encourage you to take the high ground and enter into His peace. A peace that goes beyond all understanding. My friends, don't let the dogs of this world bother you too much. Their barking will cease and we will enter into His final and everlasting peace. Besides, most of those barking dogs are headed for the pound anyway. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board. #DECEMBER21

  • Week of Prayer: Missionaries welcome efforts to push back darkness

    by IMB staff EDITOR’S NOTE: This year’s Week of Prayer for International Missions in the Southern Baptist Convention is Nov. 28-Dec. 5, with a theme of Together. The theme parallels the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Mission’s theme of Let’s Advance God’s Kingdom Together. The offering provides a significant portion of the IMB’s annual budget and 100 percent of the funds go to mission work on the field. Gifts to the Lottie Moon offering are received through local Southern Baptist churches or online at IMB.org/lmco, where there are also resources to help promote the offering. This year’s goal is $185 million. The mission strategy of Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma was forever changed when Mike, the missions pastor, read a statistic: “5 percent of missions work is done in North Africa and Middle East.” After reading this startling fact, Mike knew the Lord was calling him to lead his church in reversing the statistic in their own mission strategy. “As I read that statistic, it just hit me,” Mike says. “I looked at the missions team at [our church] and realized we weren’t even doing 5 percent of our missions work among NAME peoples. I knew that had to change.” Otis Neumann*, a missionary with IMB’s Northern African and Middle Eastern Affinity, appreciates the advocacy of Mike and his church. “His vision has inspired others, including Hispanic churches and the Oklahoma Baptist Convention, to make NAME peoples a priority for prayer and missions work,” Otis says. For two years Mike and the missions team prayed about a specific, unreached people group. Along with a team from their church, Mike and his wife traveled to Europe in 2012. They met an IMB missionary who gave them a glimpse into how God was at work among NAME peoples there. Otis says that coming to Europe first to connect with immigrants from NAME is a good way for churches to develop a love for the people and make them a priority in their mission vision. “Europe is a modern crossroads of people from Northern Africa and the Middle East,” he explains. “From Europe, SBC churches have the unique opportunity to partner with IMB and share the Gospel with people who come from some of the most difficult to access places in the world.” Two years after their trip to Europe, Mike and his missions team made their first trip into Northern Africa. Since that first trip, the church has sent multiple mission teams every year. They focus on building relationships, prayer walking and meeting community needs. In February 2020, the church sent a missionary couple from their church to Northern Africa to serve with the IMB. Even during the height of the pandemic when travel was restricted, the church looked for ways to support the work overseas through prayer and encouragement. Otis and other missionaries pray for more churches to be bold in their mission efforts. “When churches partner with IMB, we can do more together – and there is so much left to do in Northern Africa and the Middle East,” Otis says. “Today, there are many people groups living in places where we cannot yet directly engage them with the Gospel, but through prayer, we can press forward into new places and push back the darkness as the light of the gospel is proclaimed to every people group of NAME.” *Name changed for security #DECEMBER21

  • Michigan Campers on Mission - December 2021 update

    by Rick and Cindy Truesdail Are we the only ones who think time is passing by so quickly? 2021 is almost gone and Christmas is just around the corner. It is an exciting time of the year, getting our holiday decorations in place, lights glittering down our streets and in our towns, and sales promotions everywhere we turn. It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying gifts for others, making cookies and fudge, and celebrating the season with family and friends. But as Christians, we all know that the “reason for the season” is to be thankful and remember that Jesus came to this earth for our salvation – and for others. Let’s keep on mission to tell others about Him! We are so thankful for each of you and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! As we plan for 2022, we are anxious to see what God has in store for each of you. We hope you will work a few of our activities into your schedule and keep involved with MI COM. This ministry is a blessing to many people, so many that we do not even meet or will not know how we have touched their lives until we are in Heaven. We have worked at camps and on houses in low-income neighbors. We have taught youth skills that have boosted their self confidence and given them ideas how they can move forward in adult life when it comes their way. And we have touched each other’s lives as we have come to work together and bond in the sweet fellowship of Christ Jesus. May God richly bless you! Sharing Christ as We Go, Rick and Cindy Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 1:00-4:00pm New Haven Baptist Church 1477 E. Bristol Road Burton, MI 48529 Tickets are $12.00 each Special Speaker • Special Singers • Group Singing Bring and ornament for exchange. Dinner will include Roast Beef and Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and all the fixings. 2022 COM National Rally June 7-9, 2022 North Florida Fairgrounds Tallahassee, FL This will be the Golden 50th Anniversary of Campers on Mission. "Renew in 2022" will be the theme. Mark your calendars, start saving your money for travel, and be ready to register when it's available. More information will follow as we get it over the next few months. Ladies Sewing Event November 13, 2021 Article from our MI COM Member Christmas, it's what God did by Larry Allen I spent last Christmas in the hospital. I don’t recommend it. My daughters flew in to Texas that day so they could be with me. My prognosis was very grim. This Christmas Mary and I will be flying off to Minnesota to celebrate with our daughters. We’ll be celebrating what God has done. If we are not careful as we celebrate Christmas, we get so caught up in all the trappings and traditions that we forget what it’s really about. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the trappings and traditions. I embrace them fully. But I also don’t lose my focus on what God did. I love how Paul put it in his letter to the Philippian Church. Speaking of Jesus, he said: “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. “(Philippians 2:6-8 NLT) This year God gave me life and I’ll be celebrating that all season long and beyond. Fifty-one years ago, He gave me eternal life. I’ll be celebrating that forever! So, this Christmas embrace your traditions. Sing the songs, watch the movies, eat all the goodies, and give and receive gifts. But allow every aspect of your celebration be a reminder of what God has done for you. Christmas is about what God did and continues to do in our lives every day. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Larry Allen is a retired pastor is still very busy working for the Lord, especially sharing his testimony of how God brought him through a double transplant. He and Mary are full-time RVers and an inspiration to all of us. Check out Larry and Mary’s blog at: www.secondchancevagabonds.com Chaplain's Corner Symbols are a part of life. And it is nothing less than yet another blessing from God that we can neither escape them, nor do without them. They are throughout all of creation, if only we will see with our eyes (Romans 1:20); they are everywhere in our Bibles, if only we will read with our minds (Psalm 119:18); and they are everywhere at Christmas time, if only we will look with our hearts. The Lights remind us that that Jesus, the Son of God came from Heaven as the Son of Man and Light of the World, the Tree that His light shown brightest at Calvary, the Wreath that on the cross there He purchased eternal life for us, the crimson red Poinsettia that it was with His precious and spotless blood that the transaction was made. So, brothers and sisters, during this Christmas season may our lives themselves be radiant symbols pointing to the Savior who came to die for us and ... To the Praise of His Glory, Chaplain Chip Prayer Requests & Praise Reports Prayer Requests Pray for MI COM often! We seek God’s guidance and will for what we do in 2022! Pray for one another! Praise Report Praise God for Tim and Gayle Jones recovery from Covid. Rick and Cindy both have dealt with heart problems, and each thank God for healing and His hand upon the doctors. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV If you have a prayer request or a praise report, please share it with us and we will post it on the website and include it in our monthly newsletters. MI COM Tees & Hats For Sale We have fun things and essentials for you to let others know you are a MI COMer!!! We encourage you to wear the tees whenever you are working or on a COM event. Tees are printed on the front and the back Patches are iron-on or easy to sew onto your shirts or jackets Key Chains are plastic on metal holder Hand-held fan is paper on wooden handle Hats are gray with embroidered logo, adjustable Lapel Pins are easily attached to a suit jacket or coat. Stickers to put on notebooks, computers, etc. Pens to accent your writing Contact Cindy for your purchase. MI COM Officers & Executive Board Presidents/Project Coordinator: Rick & Cindy Truesdail Vice-President/Project: Tony Morningstar Hospitality/Food Coordinator: Kim Norrington & Maria Hannuksela Sewing Project Coordinator: Cindy Truesdail & Terry Simmons Cleaning & Beautification Coordinator: Sharon Hessling & Ruth Farwell Secretary: Brandy Dyke Treasurer: Gary Hannuksela Chaplain: Pastor Chip Collins Historian: Cindy Truesdail Disaster Relief Liaison: Warren Hessling Networking Center Keep checking at our online Website and Facebook for announcements! Website: www.michigancampersonmission.org Facebook: Michigan Campers on Mission For more information, contact: Rick & Cindy Truesdail Phone: (810) 869-4716 Email: michigancampersonmission@gmail.com #DECEMBER21

  • “A hope deferred”; Jesus is coming

    by Tristan Clark GWINN, MI – “Do not be afraid,” the angel had told them, that fateful night in the fields. But how could they not fear; those shepherds whose peaceful evening had just erupted in a blazing fury of light and song? After all, it was only natural for their knees to quake and their heads to bow in the presence of the divine. Beyond the initial shock of the heavenly revelation, consider the words themselves, pouring forth from the lips of an angelic choir: “Good news of great joy” and “peace on earth!” Such acclamations are sweet to the ear, but what foreign thoughts and lofty dreams those phrases may have seemed to the bedraggled shepherds. They were poor and ostracized, Rome oppressed their people, the religious leaders—charged by God to teach, intercede, and care for the people—placed burdens on them they couldn’t bear (even as those same leaders fought tooth-and-nail amongst themselves). And what of God? His glory had left, and He had not spoken through a prophet for some 400 years… Much like today, the world was at war, life was hard, and God seemed distant. Perhaps as they quested toward Bethlehem the fear of disappointment knocked on the door of their hearts. Could the prophecies finally be coming true? Was the Redemption of Israel at hand? Really? So many false messiahs had already come and gone. “A hope deferred makes the heart sick,” and at times it feels safer to be a cynic. Still, the message had come straight from heaven. And lo…having arrived and turned their eyes from the faithful young mother, and her husband, Joseph, they found that the manger was not empty. In it lay the promised Child. There was Jesus. In the days that followed the birth of the Son of God, others shared in the shepherds’ wonder and joy. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, aged though he was, had banked on God’s promise that He would see the LORD’s Christ, and the day came when his wizened, old hands held the One he’d long hoped to meet. Likewise, Anna, a prophetess and widow who spent her days and nights in prayer and fasting in the temple of God, laid eyes upon the Lord. He was a baby, and she was old, but her hopes were fulfilled before her dying day. Like many of us, Simeon and Anna waited, and waited, and waited, as the days which they faithfully hoped for seemed so far away. But God was faithful, and their hopes were not disappointed. The boy grew, and, over time, the mercy of God was revealed in His works of compassion. God’s holiness was made manifest in His life and teaching. The power of God was at work in His miracles. And, one day, the love of God dripped from His broken, pierced body. But that day was not the last day. No…He rose. Jesus had prophesied his own death, burial, and resurrection, and Jesus made good on His word. Brothers and sisters, He’ll do it again. His words did not disappoint Him, and His promise will not disappoint us. The world may rage, and bitter winds may bite, but the hearths of our hearts ought to blaze with the light of hope and expectation. The same Jesus who shepherds welcomed, Simeon blessed, and Anna praised, is coming back to make all things right. Our Joy is rooted in a hope that will not disappoint. Our hearts may groan, but our prayers are heard. And this is the Christian’s joy at Christmas: He is coming. He IS coming. HE IS COMING. For us. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tristan Clark is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Gwinn, Michigan. He and his beautiful wife, Jodi, love Jesus because He first loved them. They have been married for 10 years and have five wild children, and it's all of God's grace. #DECEMBER21

  • No shortage on Christmas’ best gift

    by Danisse Abberger ZEELAND, MI – I love nothing more than to open up my Instagram page and watch the stories and posts of my favorite fashion bloggers. I follow girls that are about my height and size and they let me know what’s new at stores and what’s on sale. The bloggers even have try-on posts where they describe the article of clothing and how it fits and feels. Better yet, they usually have a link that I can click to purchase the item from the comfort of my own home! They do all the work for me! As a busy mom of 4 and pastor’s wife, it’s been a game changer because I don’t always have the time to go shopping and try on clothing. My husband may not think it’s a Godsend, but I sure do! Mid October, I saw a trend that troubled me. Many of these bloggers were posting Christmas gift links early because they said that many of the items were going to be hard to find closer to December. The result of the pandemic were fewer products made over the past year, and half and cargo ships stuck at sea due to labor shortages. The bloggers were urging followers that if they needed an item for Christmas, they needed to buy early so that they could have it in time. They seemed to insinuate that your Christmas may be ruined if you were not able to fulfill your families’ wish list. I found this thinking so disheartening. As a people we have forgotten what we are celebrating. As nice as it sounds, Christmas is not about family and friends. It’s not about Santa Claus. It’s not about a naughty or nice list. It’s about the birth of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our God sent His one and only Son on Earth for us. Jesus dwelt among us and felt every feeling we have felt. Jesus experienced what we have experienced. “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering….” Isaiah 53:4. He paid the ultimate price and died for us so that we can have the gift of eternal life. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”). He is with us! Not only can we go to heaven but we were also given the Holy Spirit. Our God in His infinite wisdom knew that not only did we need saving, but we needed access to Him 24/7. We were given such a gift that is something to truly celebrate! So maybe it's not so bad that we won’t be able to find that special gift in the store? The lockdowns were not fun, and were very inconvenient for many families. But one nice thing from the lockdowns was that we were given the gift of time. Families were able to slow down and spend time together like never before. We were able to reevaluate and take notice of how busy our lives had become and take note of what really matters. Perhaps this supply shortage at Christmas can do the same. Families will stop and reflect on what’s the real reason we celebrate. Parents will be given the opportunity to teach their children that gifts are nice, but we have been given the best gift of all. It’s not a gift that could get stuck out at sea on a ship, and it’s not a gift that will ever run out. It’s our Savior. It’s our Jesus. It’s our Immanuel. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Danisse Abberger is a church planter’s wife (Hope Church in Zeeland, MI) and a mother of 4. Her favorite pastime is going to the beach with her family. #DECEMBER21

  • Save Scrooge

    by Dr Tony L Lynn PLYMOUTH, MI – Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol is a story about the possibility of redemption. In the moving drama, we see the contrast of an isolated, stingy Ebenezer Scrooge against his employee, the loving, hopeful Bob Cratchit. Cratchit’s warmth is infectious invading his family members and the community, whereas Scrooge’s grumpiness makes everyone recoil out of fear of being hurt by the miserable, complaining miser. Scrooge’s transformation of redemption only occurs after a visit from the ghost of a former business partner, followed by the ghosts of Christmas past, Christmas present, and Christmas future, during Scrooge’s restless Christmas Eve at home. Visiting the scenes of his life revealed the importance of relationships, kindness, and generosity to Scrooge, so the next morning on Christmas Day Scrooge sets out displaying the obvious change in his outlook and pursuit in life. People are shocked, but rapidly embrace the newborn, compassionate Scrooge. In case anyone would miss the point of the source of all things worthwhile, Bob Cratchit’s son, Tiny Tim, though sick and feeble utters the famous words, “God bless us, everyone,” in the closing scene of the story. Author Charles Dickens even repeats the phrase as the closing words of his manuscript. In essence, author Dickens is saying “God bless us, everyone” whether we are rich or poor, feeble or well, small or mighty. God bless us, everyone! Let’s act like the Lord in all our interactions with everyone. This Christmas Season we have an opportunity to display our “Tiny Tim” outlook on life whether life is perfect or not. We can lead others toward redemption in Christ by celebrating God becoming man so that we might know Him more. Here are some practical ideas. 1. Mixed Party Bring the skeptic, non-believing “Scrooges” to a fun, delicious December Christmas party in your house along with some Christ-followers. Mix them, 1 to1. Don’t make the night religious. Just let your Christian friends hang with the unbelievers with whom you share life and let them discover some commonalities. You’ll hear someone say, “My children and your children attend the same school.” Another will say, “I work there too, but in a different department.” When those who yet don’t know Christ discover that believers-in-Christ live normal lives being employed, taking their kids to sporting events, and have favorite restaurants, they will let their guards down and become friends with your friends. The only time you bring up the “religious” part is when everyone is leaving for home. Cue your church friends to say happily, “See you at church for Christmas Eve service. I can’t wait.” Let your church friends know that they have your permission to invite your unchurched friends, in a personal meaningful way to the big upcoming church service, to even sit with them. It will mean the world to those unfamiliar with church. After the mixed party, the Scrooges will feel confident that they have more friends at your church. Their fear of attending will be replaced with a feeling of belonging. That feeling of belonging usually moves toward believing in and behaving like Christ. 2. Shame Invite If you’re fortunate enough to have children or grandchildren in Christmas plays or musicals at your church meeting place shame those “Scrooges” who have put off coming to church with you by saying something like, “Charlie, you keep saying you will come to church with me, but you haven’t. Would you come to hear my daughter Rachel sing? It would mean the world to her just to know that you are there. She babysits your kids, so why don’t you bring the entire family and afterwards we can circle back to my house for some Christmas desserts.” Some people just need to get over the “roof will fall in” if I attend church with you, so feel free to maximize the value of your little ones’ influence over adults who need Christ. 3. Gift Your Story Pick-up something that your “Scrooge” neighbor, friend, coworker, or family member would enjoy for Christmas. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something they would enjoy. The real gift is the personal letter you will write and put in with the gift card, tool, or baked-good. You can write starting off with something like this phrase, “I am so grateful for your place in my life and thrilled to give you this gift; but I just wanted to let you know about the greatest gift I ever received.” Then using your own words and your way explain your journey on how you came to discover Christ as your Savior. If you need an outline: Share about your life before Christ. Share about how your life is now that you follow Him. What you are looking forward to in the future because you are following Christ? Did you see what I did there? I replaced the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future with those three parts of your personal salvation. The interactions of God and you, in your personal story, is far more helpful than fictional ghosts. By the way, keep the letter to 2-3 pages maximum. I hope you found one or two of those ideas helpful. I hope even more that you will follow-up and accomplish one of them. I once was a Scrooge. Mom started me in church during the seventies. It was the teenagers who made me feel comfortable at church. It was the men who greeted me by name that made me feel valued . . . so I kept going until one of the messages from the pastor was as clear as could be, I needed to follow Christ! That gift of salvation is something I wish for the almost ten million people living within the state of Michigan. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Tony L. Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #DECEMBER21

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