Author:

Dare2Share and Glow Kids

by Ryan Haddox

Illuminate Ministries will be traveling to Washington D.C. on March 10-12 for the Dare2Share Conference. This is a high school and middle school aged event that has been changing lives all over the world for years and our kids get to take part in it!   The cost is $75 and that covers hotels, travel, and meals. Students will only need to bring money for personal stuff that they want to buy.

The Glow Kids Children’s Ministry is meeting EVERY WEDNESDAY at 6pm on the 4th floor for Glow Night! We’ll be discovering what God has in store for us and why we need to stay rooted in Him in order to do great things!

Please plan on bringing your children. It’s so important that we get children involved in stuff like this when they’re young so they can grow up in middle school and high school knowing God’s word and carry it to whatever college campus they attend

It’s Never Too Early

by Debbie Vanaman

It may seem that Christmas is far, far away but it’s never too early to start thinking about packing a shoebox this year.  This program distributes shoeboxes filled with personal items, school supplies and toys to children around the world all year long.  Many of these children have never heard about Jesus and this is their one and possibly only opportunity to learn about his love for them.

Due to the fact that I was out of the office for most of February and didn’t get my collection boxes out until the middle of February, we are going to again collect soap and washcloths during the month of March.  These boxes are located in the Welcome Center and in Fellowship Hall.

Please keep this program in your daily prayers as they strive to carry the word of God throughout the world.

Helping Hands Exists to Help Others – Your Help is Needed

Helping Hands is always in need of bar soap and toilet tissue.  These items are given out on a monthly basis to their clients and the need is growing every month.   Non-perishable food items are also needed.   Donations can be left in the box outside the church office.

Help is also needed in the form of actually working at Helping Hands.  Many of the workers have had to leave for medical or other reasons and the need for workers is great.  We are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until noon.  Please pray about this need and see Edna Nasby to let her know when you can work.

See…Spiritual Growth

by Norma Gunter

The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus for March, 2017 is See…Spiritual Growth.  The scripture is Psalm 34.  “As we enter the season of Lent, what spiritual disciplines might enable us to see with new eyes, to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s love, and to discover God’s will for us?  Spiritual growth occurs when we deepen our relationship with God and allow the Holy Spirit to open our eyes so that we see God everywhere we turn and in every person we encounter.”

One way, we as women, can grow and deepen our relationship with God is to watch the videos of the American Baptist Women’s Ministry of WV LEADERSHIP ACADEMY SESSIONS on YouTube.

We are so proud of our own Joyce Mills who was the speaker February 4, 2017 at the fourth session at Parchment Valley.  It’s too late to attend but we can all watch all four sessions.  They are available by going to the American Baptist Women’s Ministries of WV web site.  Click on Leadership Academy, on the left side of the site, which will direct you to YouTube.

In the past three months I’ve listed the three mission families we support here at First Baptist Church; the Aragon Family, the Myers Family and the Reed family.  We also support Debbie Mulneix, Lauren Bethel and Deborah House (where I visited several years ago).  Information on all of the missionaries we support can be found on www.internationalministries.org

The new year, 2017, brings with it a new M.O.P. (Mission Outreach Project).  The goal for 2017 is $6,000.  The ABW is, “helping the Aragon’s hit the road in southern Mexico with a 4-WD vehicle.” In December. 2016 I shared with you in the BEAM about our new mission family from WV.  They will be going to the mission field when they raise their support.  The new vehicle along with the other “Start Up” costs is $65,000.  West Virginia’s share is $6,000.  Our ABW will give to this offering.  Anyone else who would like to help, make the check to FBC and designate it to the Aragon’s.  Juan and Denise will be working with another of our supported missionaries, Keith and Debbie Myers. Their work is in the mountains which will  requires a 4-WD vehicle.

Our 2017 SPECIAL PROJECT is the Sunny Day Leadership and Activities Center furnishings of the meeting spaces.  The goal for this project is $12.000.

Another opportunity for spiritual growth and deepen our relationship with God is the second Women’s Camp March 31 to April 1, 2017 at Camp Cowen.  The first camp last year was a huge success.  The goal, “To unite generations of women to experience a weekend focused on living life as a Christian woman.”  The camp is for all ages 18 and older and costs $45.00.

Stopping by Woods

by Rev Robert A Wendel

“Let your words be few before God.  My heart waits in silence for God.  Jesus kept silent.  There is a time to be silent and a time to speak.”  (Eccles 5:2; Psalm 62:1, Matthew 15:23,  Eccles 3:7.)

A television interviewer asked Don Henley, the drummer of the Eagles rock and roll band, “When you’re in your car and the radio is on, what music do you listen to?”  He quickly replied “I turn the radio off.  Silence is a good thing.  We need more of it.”

Lines from Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”  also serve to remind us of our need for quiet time in our overcrowded lives.  “Whose woods these are I think I know.  He will not see me stopping here to watch his woods fill up with snow.  The woods are lovely dark and deep.  But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.”

There have been times in my hospital ministry when I realize that calmness can be a key to pushing back fear in the face of illness.  This quality of peacefulness can serve to put us in our place in the world while drawing us closer to our Heavenly Father and bring a focus to our prayers even in an otherwise noisy Sunday morning worship service.  Yes.  I understand that silence during radio broadcasts makes station staff nervous.  For decades, our worship hour over local air waves has brought comfort to our homebound members and friends.

Welcoming Christ into our lives can quiet physical and emotional storms.  As we grasp a hold of Jesus’ calming presence, we often find ourselves discovering practical answers to even mountains-sized challenges.  God’s peace is always available.  There is no substitute for the transforming effect of spiritual stillness.  It’s a God given gift each of us can rely on daily.  As we do, we can experience more deeply its steadying effect on our daily tasks, be they large or small, extra-ordinary or routine.

 

Time Flies

by Joyce Mills

Some of you have been reading about the Backpack Ministry for four years.  It was started in February 2013.  That does not seem possible!  We have about the same workers that started the program.  The workers have had tremendous passion and loyalty to the program since the very beginning.  The only thing that has changed much is the number of children who receive food for the weekend.  We are now preparing 24 backpacks that go home with the children every Friday.  This program should not be increasing in number – the number should be going down if there is improvement. Why should there even be hungry children in our own backyards?

Many children and families face a food shortage at home. In Beckley, many families struggle with hunger, especially during evenings and weekends when children don’t have access to healthy school meals.  In addition: Working poor parents who must pay for childcare often don’t have enough money to feed their families.  Or, suddenly unemployed adults or those who’ve had their hours reduced often don’t have adequate funds to meet both food and basic living needs.

There is a movement in our country that seems to be saying to each of us, “DO ONE THING FOR A BETTER WORLD”.  Certainly, at First Baptist there are opportunities to do that one thing.  It is just a matter of choice!  There are things you can do alone or there are things you can do in a group –like helping  with the backpacks or working at Helping Hands Resource Center.

The following are some interesting quotes about hungry children.  It was surprising to read the quote and then to see who had said it.

“There are genuinely sufficient resources in the world to ensure that no one, nowhere, at no time, should go hungry.”   Ed Asner

“Hungry people cannot be good at learning or producing anything, except perhaps violence.”    Pearl Bailey

“I can’t think of any issue that is more important than working to see that no schoolchild in this world goes hungry.”   Drew Barrymore.

“Feeding a child at school is such a simple thing – but it works miracles.”    Drew Barrymore

“When we work to end childhood hunger, we are giving our love to kids who need it so much they will never ask for it.”    Beau Bridges

“Hunger makes a thief of any man.”   Pearl Buck

“There is no finer investment for any community than putting milk into babies.”  Sir Winston Churchill

The donation needed this month is any kind of canned beans –baked beans, pork & beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, etc. Just fill the back counter in the church kitchen.

Thanks for all you do to help hungry children!   YOUR help is greatly appreciated!

Higher Lord!

by Pastor Doc Adkins

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

Back on the farm in Summers County there was a huge pasture field beside the old farm house. It gradually got steeper the further out you went and after a time you’d come to a huge knoll near the backside of the field. From there it was a long hill that went downward for a hundred yard or so.  You get the picture? The great thing about this knoll was that it was a perfect place to fly a kite. March is kite flying weather because of the wind.  March is also unpredictable. It can be sunny, raining, snowing and lots of wind all in the same day if not in a same hour.

Wind is a powerful thing and a must for kite flying. Without a good strong blowing wind you’re just wasting your time. Prayer is a lot like an amazing wind.  To know that we as Christians can tap into the almighty power of God just because we are His children is such a wonderful thing.  Think about God’s power for a few moments.

We see it in creation, in the plagues of Egypt, in Daniel in the lion’s den, in Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego walking in the fiery furnace, in the miraculous story of Joseph’s safety, and in Noah and the flood.  We pray to the same God and that should be exciting to us as Christians.

The power of prayer can lift us to new heights and we begin to fly like kites.  We can sail along because we know we can bring our petitions and situations to an Almighty God who loves and cares for us, yet has the power to change things.

We can fly because God has the power to change our lives.

Think about Paul.  Before he met Christ his name was Saul, and he went around persecuting Christians, but God changed him.  Paul’s whole life was changed.  His thoughts, attitudes, his whole mission in life changed for God’s glory.  It’s the same God that has power to change us as well.

We can fly because God has the power to change those around us.
Is there someone you know whom you are concerned about in the area of salvation?  Keep praying.    Is there someone around you such as a family member or maybe even co-worker who seems to constantly bug you and get you down?  Make them a matter of prayer.  God can change the people around us.

We can fly because God has the power to change our circumstances.

Ever felt like your kite of life has hit a tree?   I’ve been through my share of circumstances and I know first-hand that circumstances can knock the wind right out of your sails.  With a few bad circumstances your kite can come tumbling down.  You might not be able to do anything about those circumstances on your own but God can do something about them.

Look at how the circumstances changed in Joseph’s life.  Remember how Joseph was put into a pit by his brothers and sold into slavery?  He even ended up in prison, but God had a way of changing the circumstances for Joseph till he became the ruler over all that Pharaoh had.

That’s our God that did that.  The same one we pray to is able to change the circumstances we face.

We can fly because God has the power to heal.

We have several examples in the bible of how Jesus healed the sick and lame.  We have that same power available to us through prayer.  Not only can Christ heal physically but He has the power to heal our hurts and feelings as well.

Maybe you feel like your kite has a big hole in it where someone wronged you or you’re going through a situation that is leaving you just torn apart and a little ragged inside.  Your life may seem to be heading down in a spiral motion.  Make it a matter of prayer and let that wonderful healing power of Christ lift you back up into the air again.

We can fly because God has the power to sustain.

Maybe you feel like your kite of life got stuck in the telephone wires somewhere along the way and you’re absorbing just a little bit too much shock.  God has the power to lift you above that and sustain you.  I think of Joseph again.  He endured a lot but God brought him through it.

Look how David relied on God’s strength when Saul was seeking to kill him.  David prayed and cried out continuously to God and God brought him through all of that.  We still have the same God to sustain us as we fly through life.  He gives us the strength and courage to keep flying along.

Look at Paul and his ailment that seemed to just be a continual bother to him.  What did God show him?

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.    2 Corinthians 12:9 

Conclusion: It really encourages me to think about these things that God has the power to do in our lives, in our circumstances, and in the lives of others around us.

When we think all we can do is float down, down, down, we need to tap into that awesome power of God by way of prayer.  With prayer we can be lifted to new heights. BUT!  The only way to reach these heights is to loosen the strings that binds us and let God take us where His wind leads us.

So, how’s your prayer life flying?

Youth & Children’s News

by Ryan Haddox

As we start the new year and as I begin my journey alongside you at Beckley First Baptist, I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for investing in your youth’s lives and caring about them enough to do something different. Thank you for being able to see a need and reacting to that need. And finally, thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be the person to minister to these wonderful students. God has AMAZING things planned for this youth and the church and I’m blessed to be able to be a part of it.

As we begin this journey, the verse that keeps sticking out to me is Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men, that they many see your good deeds and praise your father in Heaven.” This is the desire of my heart for our students and children. To be a light for Christ in their schools, sports teams, and homes.

ANY QUESTIONS?

You’ve got questions, and The Bible has answers! Through the month of February, we’re going to be hearing some of your very own questions and figuring out how the Bible would answer those questions!

God’s word isn’t just a book; It’s a life map that provides us with every answer to every struggle or question we will have.

Join us Sunday night at 6:00pm on the 4th floor and get your questions answered too!

 FEAR BUSTERS

In a world full of fears: Snakes, spiders, thunder, lightning, lions, tigers, bears! Where can we find a place that’s safe?? For the next 8 weeks, we will be learning how to BUST FEAR with Prayer, Faith, Knowing God is with us, Courage, Trust, Belief, and Thankfulness!

Don’t miss out on these next 8 weeks as we’ll be “Fear Busting” together on the 3rd floor (Children’s Dept.)  every Sunday morning at 9:45am!

For more information, contact Ryan Haddox at  304-543-5957 or [email protected]

See…the Heart of God

by Norma Gunter

The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus for February, 2017 is See…the Heart of God.  The scripture is Amos 5:24; Micah 6:8.  “February, as we all know, is the month of love.  Love is in the air, emotions run high, and we express them.  We show our love to others through flowers and chocolate and other gifts.  Yet when we show our love to God, we usually do so without putting as much time and thought into our actions.  We should manifest our love for God in thoughtful ways and especially by doing justice and sharing God’s Word with everyone.”  We can share God’s love with our missionaries and with the work they are doing.  One of the missionary couples Beckley First Baptist Church supports is J..D. and Rhonda Reed .  “They were commissioned for service in Bolivia at their home church in July of 2011. They are serving in partnership with the Unión Bautista Boliviana and live in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Their primary focus will be to aid in development of leadership in the areas of theology, planting new churches and beginning to develop new ministries in the southern part of Bolivia. Last year, the Reeds expanded their ministry to include overseeing the House of Hope (Proyectos Esperanza) in Cochabamba, which focuses on urban ministries to families, at-risk women and children in the department of Cochabamba.”  (from the ABCUSA web site) House of Hope ministries is now a full partner of International Ministries and Rhonda is the first official missionary.  The Seminary in Cochabamba, who partner with Unión Bautista Boliviana, celebrated 75 years Oct, 2016.  At the celebration J.D. Reed presented them a plaque of appreciation in behalf of International Ministries.

The Reeds have three children, Grace, Abie and Nathan.  You can communicate with them through [email protected].

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Helping Hands

It may seem like something very trivial to you but it’s something we all use.  Helping Hands has been giving out toilet tissue and bar soap along with food items and your help in this project is needed.  What they need is for people to pledge a monthly gift of toilet tissue and/or bar soap.  Your donations will not only help those less fortunate but it will also help the dollars at Helping Hands to go further if they don’t have to purchase these items.  See Edna Nasby and let her know she can count on your support.   Donations can be left outside the church office.

One other way you can help.  If you shop at Krogers and have access to a computer, you can register your Kroger card at Kroger.com.  Once you have your card registered, go to the Community tab and click on Kroger Community Rewards and follow the instructions from there.  Helping Hands gets a percentage of your shopping total each time you shop.   If you have any questions about this, contact the church office.