The Son & The Sand March 2006 www.barefootbelievers.com On a Mission… Celebration Since being appointed as a missionary to Baldwin County, AL, I have had the privilege of serving as a kind of ambassador for the North American Mission Board and the Baldwin Baptist Association. I have attended several “On Mission Celebrations” across the county. At the “On Mission Celebrations” (formerly known as World Missions Conferences), I go to churches that support foreign and home missions to share what God is doing through our ministry in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The events are also a great way to say thank you to those that faithfully pray and give so that our work can be done. I have traveled to Washington, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Georgia, and just last month I went all the way to Bay Minette, AL. For those of you who are not as familiar with our area, Bay Minette is only thirty or forty miles from our home in Foley. The Baldwin Baptist Association put on an “On Mission Celebration”, and it was a blast. 54 churches participated across the county. We hosted 25 missionaries affiliated with the International Mission Board, 21 connected with the North American Mission Board, and 7 from the Alabama State Board of Missions. Visit the links at the bottom of the newsletter for more information about these wonderful organizations. A special thanks to Larry, Wanda, Dian, Belinda, Loyd, and all of the host churches and staff. The weekend was an amazing encouragement to hundreds of people across the county. The Long and Winding Road… Seminary I began working on a master’s degree in New Orleans (one day a week) back in the fall of 2001. The road has been long. In 2004 I was able to begin working on my degree at a new Pensacola Extension Center for the New Orleans seminary at Olive Baptist Church (still one day a week). It has truly been a winding road. Last semester I was back in New Orleans for a one day a week class that I needed that was not being offered in Pensacola. Due to Hurricane Katrina, I had to put that class on hold. The seminary in New Orleans is still there, and classes are being offered once again. Pray for the seminary faculty, staff, and students. For more information visit www.nobts.edu This year began with an amazing seminary workshop. The class was called Pastoral Leadership, and I have to say… I think it was the best class I’ve ever taken. Being away from Thea for a week was tough, but I learned a lot, and had a great time hanging out with many new friends. The workshops typically take place in New Orleans, but this one was relocated to Hattiesburg, MS at Temple Baptist Church due to hurricane damage in Louisiana. I also again began regular classes in Pensacola in January of this year. I am currently taking Hebrew 2 and Baptist Heritage / History. The classes are going well. We meet every Monday. I am planning on joining my good friend Fred Bueto for another seminary workshop in Atlanta, GA this month as well. I should graduate at the end of the year. With only 2 classes left to take in the Fall of 06, I’m really looking forward to crossing that academic finish line. What’s Going on at the Gulf… Additional Prayer Points Great news for Mitch, our resort committee chairman… on January 15th Mitch Nelson began serving as the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Baldwin County, AL. Mitch and Jan Nelson are wonderful friends. Please remember the church family and the Nelsons in your prayers as they set out on this exciting new chapter of their lives. Meetings, meetings, meetings… (missions meetings, resort meetings, youth meetings, festival meetings, executive committee meetings, etc… ) My friend and partner in ministry, Gene Buttrey at Island Retreat RV, has told me on more than one occasion that he loves to do ministry, but he isn’t really fond of MEETINGS. You can probably relate; however in 2006, I have been attending lots of meetings. We are planning some exciting new ministries in our association. Please pray for us as we seek to make a positive impact with God’s message of love and reconciliation. In the last couple of months we have had five summer missionaries appointed to our area. We hope to have many more students appointed by next month as well. Pray for Lisa, Chase, Lana, Courtney, Heather, and Ashley. Also pray for a Faulkner State Community College student (another Ashley) that has expressed an interest in working with us this summer. Pre project visits have begun. As we prepare for the summer of 2006, I have been meeting with youth pastors about ministry partnerships. Pray for us as the details are worked out. On February 4th, I had the privledge of playing a part in Abby Reeves and Josh Doss’ wedding ceremony. I was the minister that married them at First Baptist Church of Hokes Bluff, AL. This was my third time, and it was a “charm”ing wedding. Pray for Abby and Josh as they set out on the exciting adventure of married life. One Last Thing… Encouragement from Scripture But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Ephesians 5:22-23
