I Westfield Baptist Association

NewsletterI

Ma 2011

Norman B. Lockwood - Director of MissionsP. O. Box 879 - 207 W. 11th

Neoga, Illinois 62447Phone 217-895-5214 E-Mail NBL515@aol.com

WESTFIELD BAPTIST ASSOCIATIONStatement of Pnr1lose

The Westfield Baptist Association is a family of churches working together, fosteringfellowship, and assisting one another in our unique setting to carry out the full scope of the GreatCommission (going, ministering, making disciples, baptizing them, and leading them to maturity asdisciples of Jesus Christ). In fulfilling this task, we join in cooperative partnership with Illinois BaptistState Association and the Southern Baptist Convention.

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PASTOR AND WIVES SPECIAL! E!VENTS

MayChurch Anniversaries

None

MayBirthdays

1 Joyce Oakley15 Norman Lockwood

Wedding Anniversaries4 Jeff & Jean Loper

24 John & Melissa Blaylock

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NEWSLETTER DEADLINEMay 15

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Norm's Notes

I think spring is here! We are now getting storms on a regular basis althoughour Disaster Relief Chain Saw Team has not yet been called out. They are

ready and waiting to minister wherever they are called. We are now gettingready for the September Annual Meeting that will be at Toledo on 9-20-11.

The answer if the Nominating Committee asks you to serve is yes. The committeewill be meeting in May. Pray that God's will is going to be done.

Bro. Norman

I

News from Dianna Shotts

Palm Sunday greetings to you all! (And while I'm at it, let me add "Happy Easter" in advance.) It's ablessedly quiet day here, which is a relief after the tension of the run-up to the presidential electionyesterday. We are grateful to God that the first two of our three election weekends have passed offmostly without serious incident. Keep us in prayer for peace as the presidential results are announcedlater this week, and also for the Apr. 26 gubernatorial elections.It is also a great relief to me to have new and improved Internet access, which makes it possible to beonline without tears again! My always minimal communications skills have been basically nil for thelast three months, as it was more aggravation than I could bear to do more than a few minutes at a timeonline. But now, for the moment (and in Nigeria, "no condition is permanent"), I am online at a- blazingspeed of 300 kps! That's like horse and buggy speed for most of you, but it sure beats pushing awheelbarrow for me! Help me thank God for the small blessings of life, including improved waterand electricity supply during this terribly hot season (after weeks and weeks when it's still 95 degrees at11 PM, you know life is much more bearable with fans and showers!)Now, to go back to the beginning. I returned to Nigeria in mid-January to find most things in goodshape. The library had been well cared for by my four capable professional and clerical staff (quite achange from the days when I was the staffl) We're moving forward with several special projects toimprove library service to the students and faculty, and looking forward to the future by planning for thenew library at the new site. Pray for the Seminary as we continue to work on infrastructure (suchas roads and fencing) at the new site, in preparation for the building process.In the new believers' fellowship, growth continued in my absence as well. Though I haven't been able todatabase all the information from that time yet, at present there are over 13,000 believers in 1000+locations in 26 states and one other neighboring country. We continue to work to disciple new believers,which is quite a challenge spread over such a wide area, and also to develop leaders at all levels. InMarch, we had three students "graduate" from two different dry season Bible schools (after threesessions of three months each over the past three years). What ajoy it is to hear them speak withincreased zeal for evangelism and discipleship, and to listen to them teach and preach with greaterspiritual depth. One day not long before the graduations, I was much amused and touched to have a"Bible question bowl" right in my living room, as they tested each other on Bible knowledge andunderstanding. We now have five leaders who have some level of theological training, and this hasenhanced the work greatly. Pray these trained leaders will put into practice all they have learned, inorder to strengthen their ministry among their people. Pray, too, for God's calling-out of newstudents to begin next year.Also last month, we held a leadership retreat on "Women in the household of faith." Invited teachers(both missionary and Nigerian) challenged us on topics such as "Jesus' ministry to and with women,""Godly women of the OT," "The church ministering to widows," "Husbands and wives in Biblicalperspective," "The value of a woman in the eyes of God," and "Leaders relating to women in thechurches." We spent many hours grappling with Biblical teachings and their application to a male-dominated culture. It was a great time of study and fellowship for 16 leaders. Pray that these teachingswill help the leaders see their culture with new eyes, and deal with all people in Biblically-appropriate ways.Another blessing was to return and find that the entire New Testament had been published in ourpeople's dialect for the first time! The translation has been done for awhile, and we have had access toportions of printed Scripture as well as audio recording of the complete NT. But to hold the beautifully-designed and printed Scripture in one's hand is a special joy. Thank God for the Wycliffe NT teamthat has worked for many years to see this day, and also pray for the Wycliffe OT team which isstill at work.

Ahead for us early next month are trips to Ogbomosho for the Nigerian Baptist Convention annualmeeting, and to Lagos for the annual Missions Conference of Good News Baptist Church, which is oneof our main local partnering churches. The distances involved are great, and the roads hazardous. Pleasepray that our journeys will be safe, and accomplish God's purposes for the advancement of thework.It seems this is a time for new beginnings in several ways. First, you may have heard that the IMB has anew president, Dr. Tom Eliff. An experienced and well-known pastor, he has also been a missionary andbeen on staff at the IMB in the past. Pray that God will guide Dr. Eliff to be the practical yetvisionary mission leader needed in today's uncertain world.Second, at the Nigerian Baptist Convention meeting, both General Secretary Dr. S. Ademola Ishola andGlobal Missions Board Director Rev. Israel Obieje will be completing their ten-year terms of service,and new leadership will be elected. Pray for God's direction for the new leadership team, and forHis blessings on those who have served with distinction.Third, many changes are on the way among 1MB missionary personnel in Nigeria. Mike and BeckyStonecypher will be transferring to Niger to work at Sahel Academy when they come back from theirstateside assignment in January; Clint and Harriett Bowman will be moving to Kenya in June to work asconsultants through the Sub-Saharan Africa Affinity Group. However, we have the joy of welcoming anew journeyperson, Ashley, to work with the logistics office in Jos beginning in June, and we areexpecting a new career family in January, also on the logistics team. Though in the months of July andAugust we'll have only four missionary units in country (six people total, with one more on statesideassignment), we believe God is at work in the hearts of others to join us in the vast harvest fields ofNigeria. Won't you pray with us as we wait on God for His provision of more laborers for theharvest?Well, this has been a long letter for having been so much delayed. Let me just throw in one more minorprayer request: I'm looking for a new dog, both for companionship and security. And the thing is, I'mpicky about what I get! If you've got an extra prayer minute, pray for me to find just the right puppyat the right time.Finally, in recent days as I hear continuous stories of persecution, suffering and trial among the newbelievers (most of whom are nomadic cattle herders who live a harsh life even in the best ofcircumstances), I've been comforting them with the glorious vision of a coming day, from Rev. 7:16-17:

"Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;He will lead them to springs of living water.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. "In these days before Easter as we think of Christ's death and resurrection, and the promise of his return,our prayer is this: "Come, 0 Lord."

"Maranatha! "Love,D'Anna

April 18, 2011

We met on Feb zs" at Friendship with 12 in attendance representing5 churches. We discussed the menu for the Christian Activity Center aswell as the crafts and devotion to be given.

We went to The Christian Activity Center on March 22nd• This was a

blessing for those of us that went as well as the ladies that attended.We had 12 Women that went and we had approximately 13 ladiesthat come to enjoy the meal of chicken salad on croissants, pastasalads, and had fresh fruit and Cheese Cake for desert.

I have contacted Carmi Children's Home to obtain the date for theirbig carnival and it is Saturday September 17th from 9:00 am and goingall day. The churches wishing to attend have plenty of time to gatheritems and make plans. I also contacted Angels Cove and they do nothave any big events planned for the year at this time but I left myname and number with them to contact us if something comes up.

We will be going to the Crisis Pregnancy Centers in May to assist withtheir spring cleaning and sorting baby items.

We still have not had anyone commit to assistant WMU director yetso please be praying about this.

Kathy Himes

WMU Director

Calendar

May: Disaster Relief Training, Grace Southern Baptist, Virden6-7 Disaster Relief Training, Grace Southern Baptist, Virden6-7 WMU Annual Meeting, Mt. Vernon

8 Mother's Day14 8:00 a.m. Pastor Fellowship, Hardee's, Casey

15-21 Baptist Association Emphasis16 7:00 p.m, WBA Council Meeting, Casey 1st

30 Memorial Day, IBSA Holiday

-June: WBA Executive Board Meeting, Friendship Baptist Church

11 8:00 a.m. Pastor's Fellowship, Hardee's Restaurant14-15 Southern Baptist Convention, Phoenix, AZ

19 Father's Day20 6:15 p.m, WBA Executive Board Meeting, Friendship Baptist Church

28-712 Super Summer, Greenville College, Greenville

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Family Ministry CommitteeIt is our prayer that we as the "Westfield Baptist Association" can make a difference inwhat is happening to our "Families" in the United States today. If ever a emphasis isneeded to strengthen our family units it is now. Recently in a poll taken among youngpeople revealed that 38% of those polled indicated the family was no longer needed.Over50% of marriages end in divorce and this applies to Christian homes also, couplesliving together without the covenant of marriage is on the increase. As goes the family,so goes the nation. The family is the basic root of our society, it is our foundation uponwhich this nation was built. But, you say what can we do about it? I believe aschurches and as a denomination we can make a difference.

We hope to have a WBA emphasis on "Family Life and Marriage." Please pray with usthat during the month of June traditionally the month of marriage we want to have asession on the "Five Love Languages." Pray with us that it can be planned, attendedand have an impact on marriages in our association

CHURCH NEWS

ASHMORE BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: David Colvin

Reporter: Nancy Fluckey

Another Month has just flown by. It seems like when you are busy the time is just gone.At a special called business meeting Many Lemmon was selected to be the VBS director for

2011. Our dates for VBS are July 10-15th. After the meeting the VBS committee had a short meeting toget things going for VBS. It will be here before we know it.

David is starting a new series on "The Passion From Peter's Perspective" for the month ofApril. He started off with "Obstacles For Your Optical" from Mark 14(27-42).

On Wednesday night we finished up the series of repentance (the first command of Christ). Westarted on the next command which is entitled "Follow Me". It has been a very interesting study.

Sunday April J" was Awana Sunday. It was very nice to see the children and their parents inChurch. We will finish up with Awana's with an award ceremony on April 27th.

The Awana's had their monthly supper on April o'" with about 75 in attendance. They had pizza,salad and cupcakes. A good time was had by all.

Thursday April 7th David is starting a new series on ways to evangelize.Friday April 8th was family fun night. There was 14 in attendance. We had a blast. It is nice to

just visit, eat and play games with other Christians.The Prairie Choir is working on a special for Easter along with the 3yrs to 4th grade children. Is

should be an awesome morning.Keep us in your prayers that we may increase in size and people understand the importance of

Sunday School for everybody. We are never to old to learn more about Jesus.Happy Easter to everyone and Remember what he gave up for us.

CASEY FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: John Blaylock

Reporter: Kathleen Carlson

Greetings Dear Readers,Spring Revivals are coming up like the Daffodils. It's time to get re-charged! We were so

blessed with out revival. Eddie Bumpers was our energetic, exuberant evangelist. His messageswere so filled with the Spirit that it was hard to sit still. Our music leader was Mark Matheswhose talent in singing and song writing was equal to his talent on the piano. We were doubleblessed with these men of God, and we have been revived!

Our Pastor John preached a revival at Moriah Church of God early in April and willpreach another at the Toledo Baptist Church later in April. God is at work in many places.

Our Sew Busy Stitchers scheduled a free mending day for the church recently. Anyonewho needed mending done to some clothing was asked to bring it in. The sewing team was happyto serve our church in this way.

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Our busy Senior Saints have fmished stuffing the plastic Easter eggs that will be scatteredfor the "hunt" at the park the morning before Easter.

At our last luncheon, we also presented our version of the Antique Road Show. Manybrought in their favorite antique treasures for our antique expert, (Ron Perisho) to critique.Some things turned out to be pieces of sentimental junk, and to our surprise some things werehighly collectable and worth much money. You never know what treasure you may have in yourcloset. It was so much fun!

God is blessing these Community Dinners. There is good attendance in all theparticipating churches. We served 309 dinners at First Baptist this month.

A group from First Baptist is again planning to participate in "World Changers" this year.Plans are being made for this wonderful out-reach program. Some of our kids are working toearn their money to be able to go. All those who go always return feeling blessed for being able tohelp someone.

Awanas had maintained a good attendance this year. The kids have been enthusiastic andmany have given their hearts to Jesus and received salvation. Pastor will be counseling them andplanning baptisms. Praise the Lord!

On April 30t\ our WMU is sponsoring a Brunch for all ladies of the church. As the

Antique Road Show was so popular, it will also be the theme of this gathering. We are asked tobring an antique to show. It promises to be a delightful time.

Thank you and God bless.

CLARKSVILLE BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Jeff Loper

Reporter: Jean Loper

March 27th through zs", Clarksville Baptist Church held a Revival with Michael Brown. What ablessing it was for all who attended. Michael Brown's wife has had several operations during the pastfew months, and has been staying in a nursing home since the last operation. During Michael's timewith us his wife Virgie had a fall, but thankfully nothing was broken and Michael was able to carryonwith the revival. We need to keep praying for Virgie that she might continue to improve and return togood health. What a blessing so many of our members were in providing meals. Matt and TammyBurgett, and Joleen and Herb Spires provided the dinners on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Jack andDebbie Sims, Tony and Jenny Williams and lela Belle Clapp provided the lunches. On Sunday eveningwe had a carry-in-meal and we want to thank our Kitchen Committee for getting everything ready.During the services, Michael also shared his desire for a return missionary trip to China later this fall.Pastor Jeff has a desire to join him in the trip that is planned for November of this year.

On Friday evening April 1st, the Men's Brotherhood of Clarksville hosted the Fisher's of Men

meal. This is a Christian organization that provides fishing tournaments. They use a local church toprovide a meal and have a gospel message. Evan Lycan did the grilling, and Pastor Jeff gave themessage. It was an enjoyable evening. This event was hosted by our Men's Brotherhood. Thank youfor all those that helped in any way.

On April s-s", Pastor Jeff and Jean attended the S.A.L.T. meetings in Decatur, II. It was a timeof learning from those who were leading the meetings, but also a great time to have fellowship withthose who attended with us, both from the Westfield Association as well as many others across thestate we have come to know through the years.

We are completing our AWANA program for this year. What a blessing it has been foreveryone involved. Scott Neihart has done a great job of leadership. Kim Neihart has overseen theAWANA Stores as well as several AWANA suppers during the year. What a wonderful opportunity it isfor our church to be able to provide a program that not only ministers to the children of ourcongregation, but also to those in our community. So many of our church has been involved in thisimportant outreach to our children. Sunday evening, April 17th at 6:00 p.m. we held our closingprogram. It was preceded with a spaghetti dinner at 5:00 p.m. A big thank you to everyone fora greatevening and a wonderful year.

Easter is once again here. As we celebrate the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord, what awonderful time for us to remember His sacrifice on our behalf, and to experience the wonder of oursalvation that was paid for in full upon the cross. We here at Clarksville will have the opportunity ofpartaking of the Lord's Supper during the morning service, as well as celebrating in music and inmessage that indeed "Christ the Lord is risen as He said."

ENON BAPTIST CHURCHPastor:

Reporter:

FAITH SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Chad Kerner

Reporter: Theresa Kinnison

FREEDOM BAPTIST CHURCH

FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Tom Skinner

Associate Pastor: Dan HuttonReporter: Linda Skinner

We finished our Revival that ran Sunday April 3rd through Wednesday the 6thand "Praise the Lord" for Bro. Art Orndorff our Evangelist. He did a wonderful job andthe altar services we experienced most every night was a thrill beyond description. Wehad good attendance every night again "Thanks" to our own people's faithfulattendance and the other churches that joined us. We want to express our thanks to theMartinsville Church who had people here almost every night and we also had someother Westfield Baptist Churches that came. We need to support our AssociationalChurches when they are in Revival as I am sure the Lord would bless other churches asHe did Friendship.

We are looking forward to Easter Sunday when the choir under Sister CarolGaley's direction will have their Easter performance. It will be a good EasterCelebration that we want to bring glory to the name of our Lord and Savior JesusChrist.

This year we are trying something different for our Vacation Bible School. We areplanning a "Sunday Afternoon Family Fest" beginning early evening with fun andgames for the children and Bible emphasis that will include all ages. We are invitingfamilies to join us and everyone will share in the adventure. The evening will end with awiener roast with all the trimmings. The evening will end by introducing Jesus Christ asa friend who will be a Friend until the very end if you will only let Him. Pray for us as weembark on this new adventure June the 12th.

Our prayers are for our Westfield Baptist Churches and our DOM Bro. NormanLockwood and his wife Ann as they are both undergoing so many health problems.Pray for their healing and God's provisions in all they are trying to accomplish. Whydoesn't our Associational Churches each designate a specific time to pray for them.Maybe as we close out our Sunday Morning Services we call for special prayer for theirhealing and provisions what ever they might be. Friendship will begin this the Sundayafter Easter would you join us.

GREENUP BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Brooke DavisReporter: Marjorie Cizek

Greetings: Exciting news, Mike Klaker has returned home from serving our country inthe military. He is a wonderful young man and we have missed him very much. We thank Godfor the loving care for Mike while serving overseas.

We had some birthdays this past month, and they are as follows: Sabrna Klaker, MikeKlaker, Dan Jackson, Diana Fish, and Jerry & Marjorie Cizek. Anniversaries also werecelebrated for: Luke & Linda Parr, Leon & Janie Lemons, and Doyle & Mari Jane James. BettyKuhn celebrated her anniversary. She would have been married 66 years to the late Joe Kuhn.

There was another awesome night at the Greenup Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Greatfellowship, wonderful food, soup, potato bar, and sundae bar was enjoyed by all. Following themeal, entertainment was provided by those in attendance. A "Minute to Win It" contest was held.Games such as "A Bit Dicey," Bucket Had, "Nose Dive," "Elephant March," "Suck It Up" just toname a few were played. It was a great time for everyone, with much laughter, not to mention agreat way to learn what your brothers and sisters in Christ are capable of. For those that thinkthe Christian life is not a happy one, you should come and try it out. My understanding is thatDiana Fish headed this night up, but she had lots of help in doing this undertaking.

Rhonda Tucker is the teacher of the first and second grade Sunday school class. They arelearning to worship God in many different ways. Some of these are, praying in sentences, singingpraise songs and also sharing God with others. Vacation Bible School is coming up in June andthey are very excited for it to start.

Karen Powell, teaches one of the adult classes. Her message comes from a book entited,

"10 Misconceptions of New Christians." This book was written by, Mary Fairchild. We want youto get a small amount of what she is teaching, and follow up in the weeks to come. 1.) Once youbecome a Christian, God will solve all of your problems. Many new Christians are shocked whenthe L" trial or serious crisis hits. Here/s a reality check * get prepared * the Christian life is notalways easy! You will still face ups and downs, challenges and joys. You will have problems andtroubles to over come. I Peter 4:12-13. This verse offers encouragement for Christians facingdifficult situations. Next month we will continue with step 2.

We have some really good news. Barbara Redman will become the wife of our pastor,Brooke Davis. Barb has been in our church forever and we love her very much. Thank youJesus, for bringing these two really wonderful people together.

Psalms 33:4-5 speaks of "All God's words are right, and everything He does is worthy ofour trust. He loves whatever is just and good; the earth is filled with His tender love." If onlyothers could see and understand. HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SPECIAL GOD'S DAY!Remember, everyday is God's day.

MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURHPastor: Marvin OakleyReporter: Joyce Oakley

MARSHALL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Paul Cooper

Reporter: Elena Myles

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Our web site iswww.marshallbaptistcburch.org and our e-mail addressismmbc2@frontier.com

We are entering a busy season in the life of the Church. Easter, Mother's Brunch, VBS,Graduation, weddings, etc. We've had activities and events scheduled at the church almost everySaturday from April 16- May 28.

We reached and surpassed our goal for the Annie Armstrong Easter offering. Our goal was$1,200.00 and we received $1,376.00.

We are almost finished with our 15th year of Awana. We have had an average of 79 children andyouth attending every Wednesday for Awana. We've had an average 22 Awana leaders every Wed. andan average of 4 listeners each night. The Awana Clubs have donated canned soup to the Marshall Foodand Clothing Center. Missionaries have visited our Awana Clubs during the past year. They are DonEstep, Connie Wieck, and D' Anna Shotts. Awana Clubs received $30.50 offering for the Lottie MoonChristmas Offering.

The Loving Hands Mission Group will host a Quilt ShowlBake Sale/Soup Luncheon onSaturday, May ih. Our Loving Hands Group will display their quilts in the church Fellowship Hall onfrom 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM with a Bake Sale featuring home made pies, noodles and other baked goods.A chicken noodle or vegetable beef soup lunch will also be for sale. Proceeds from the day will be usedby the group to make more quilts for charitable organizations such as the Baptist Children's Home,Angel's Cove Maternity Care Services, Crisis Pregnancy Center and others who show God's love forthose in need. Quilts from days gone by, family heirlooms, modem day quilts, baby quilts and those

being donated to the Baptist Children's Home will be on display. Come and maybe you will be inspiredby the quilts and enjoy good food and fellowship. Everyone is welcome, admission is free.

Our Youth Group will be having a Pork Burger Drive Thru on Friday, May 20 during theevening. Proceeds will benefit the Youth Mission Trip to Memphis, TN in June.

That's all for this month. Thought for the day: Tomorrow never comes and yesterday nevercomes back, so live today to it's fullest so that your yesterdays will be remembered with happiness andyour tomorrows will be full of brightness and hope.

MARTINSVILLE BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Art Orndorff

Reporter: Lucy Johnson

"Excuses, excuses, you hear them every day ... "began a popular gospel song years ago. I wasreminded of it a few weeks ago when Pastor Art brought us a message entitled "What Excuse are YouGiving?" taken from Luke 14:15-24. Benjamin Franklin said "He that is good for making excuses isseldom good for anything else." Ouch! I have a feeling more than just me needs to examine my"excuses" and keep quiet more often. Be sure to check out our website: www.martinsvillefbc.com tosee Bro. Art's message outlines and comments, and if you have a question or comment be sure to sendhim an email.

Sisterhood are currently studying Genesis with Jesi Sweitzer leading the study and Jen Reddickshelping her. These ladies meet on Monday evenings.

March 22nd, Lucy Johnson and Andrea Harrison joined other ladies from the association to go to

the Christian Activity Center in East St. Louis, Illinois for a ladies day out event. Other churches whosent helpers were Mt. Zion, Friendship and Ashmore, with total of 12 helpers, and 12 guests at CAC.Other churches also helped with items for the lunch. Besides lunch, we provided a craft and devotion.

Saturday, March 26 we had about 10 or 12 ladies attend the women's unity event in Terre Haute,IN with Patsy Clairmont speaking. Then most of us ate out on our way home -- great fun andfellowship.

What a special blessing on March 27 to hear that Storm Washburn was saved at home during theweek before. The following Sunday, a praise was given that Bryson Howe was saved, also at home.God is working]! Praise Him for tender hearts who are listening and responding. Praise Him forparents who are alert and ready to guide.

Our bi-monthly S.W.A.P. (Sisters with a Purpose) meeting was scheduled for Monday, March28. We began with a carry-in meal, then Sister Paula Phelps brought our combinationhistorylsong/"devotion" -- great fun and we learned something too!

Once again we had a Sunday school contest for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. It wasneck-and-neck for several classes but Agape I adult class coupled with the Youth boys class were ourfinal winners. Our Purpose Partners (Women on Mission group) will prepare breakfast for these twoclasses before Sunday school on April 17. Church-wide final offering was $1,446.61, a little short ofour goal, but we are so thankful for everyone who gave.

On Sunday, April 10, Sister Marge Thompson led our choir in the Easter cantata, "The Christ,the King, the Risen Savior." Marge had been having health problems so we were thankful she was ableto lead us. We had several sing specials in it this year who were new and we were blessed by them.

Food and fellowship committee reported that on March 16, there were 85 at our St. Patrick's Day

fellowship, a carry-in of "green food" (yum! everything was better than it sounds!); the Bread of Lifeministry served 19 homebound plus 61 on March 24; the church missionslbenevolence team took mealsto 3 families during March because of illness, etc. They also give God praise for a new refrigerator thathas been donated to our church kitchen.

The children and youth have been practicing for their Easter program, to be presented on April1tho Those working with Junior Church (Sun. a.m.) are Randy Dillier, Nancy Hardway, TrinaPennington, Gene Piehl, and Keith Pennington and our Spuds (grades 4-6) leader is Brenda Dillier.

And our YOUTH have been BUSY, serving, growing and going. Bro. Justin announced that 14youth and 6 adults attended the Dare-2-Share conference in St. Louis, MO on March 25-26. Comingback from Dare-2-Share was tricky since that was during a blizzard in that area. Our youth center (oldchurch building) will be renamed "The Refuge", a name the youth have chosen themselves, I'mthinking. At present, they are having an average of 20+ youth who come to the Center for after-schoolactivities and homework help, and sometimes in the 30's on Wednesday evening youth Bible study.What is so exciting is that about % of those kids coming through the week are unchurched andlorunsaved. The youth themselves are spreading the word and God is working. A Bible study has alsobegun on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:15 for girls and is led by Alisha Lowry and Beth Baird. Bro. Justinhas shared that some special needs they have (besides snacks & food -- always needed with kids!) arevolunteers to help when youth are there, and furnishings (sofas, loveseats, chairs, coffee/end tables,etc.). Anyone who might have something to donate please call the church or Bro. Justin (youth also hasnews items on our church website) and be a part of our ministry to the youth as well.

Remember! No excuses when God comes knocking on your heart's door, but serve Him andothers with joy and faithfulness.

MATTOON FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Dr. John Calio

Reporter: Marge Alumbaugh

April 15 is the deadline to get our news in for the May newsletter and also our deadline forfiling income taxes. This year we have three days reprieve on the taxes. I'm typing this betweenseven and eight p.m. Friday night and we're getting a thunderstorm. I'm hoping we don't loseour electricity so I can't get my news in on time.

One of the highlights of the past month was having Chicago director of Jews for Jesus,Amer Olson, speak in both worship services on March 20. He shared his life experiences and howhe came to know the Lord. He set up a representation of the Passover table and explained theway the Passover is observed in a Jewish home and the purpose of each item on the table. Severalof the younger people were not familiar with grated horseradish. He gave a spoonful ofhorseradish to a youthful "victim" who had volunteered to assist him. His facial expressions let usknow just how bitter horseradish is. The pastor was ill and missed both services but it wasconvenient for him not to have to seek a last minute supply speaker.

The Live Wires went to Georgie Boy's Buffet Restaurant in Charleston for lunch onThursday, March 17.

The women are having a six-weeks Thursday evening Bible study at the home of RhondaBrotherton that began April 7. The video-based study is of "The Purpose Driven Life" by RickWarren.

The men are having a Bible study that meets at church on Thursday evenings. The Men's

Ministry had their usual monthly breakfast at Pagliacci's on Saturday morning, April 2.

MT. ZION SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Fred Harner

Reporter: LaDora Poe

MULLEN BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Tom Cosat

Reporter: Janet Yocum

Hello from Mt. Zion Baptist ChurchIt has been a busy spring. I hope you have had some time to get outside and enjoy all the beauty

that surrounds us. If you take time to look, you will see a rainbow of color bursting out all over. It is allHis creation.

The children will soon be out of school. Start now planning how they will spend their summer.Keep them reading, and studying and most of all keep them in Sunday School and church. With all theVacation Bible Schools, church camps, and regular services you may hear less, "I'm bored".

Take time to study and read God's Word as a family. Those times in my younger years (won'tsay how long ago that was) when it was time to read and study the Bible as a family, it was special. I canstill hear my parent's voices, even though they have been gone many years. It can also be a time of truthand tell. There's something about that special time that helps us face the truth. I once broke somethingand blamed my younger sister who could do no wrong. I knew her punishment would be less than mine.Even though she denied it the blame stuck until our next study and talk time. I confessed and felt muchbetter. My Bible study and talk time with my children were not always at home around the table. Wewould go to parks, find a quiet place along a country road, or just sit in the yard. But I hope somedaymy children can say, "I remember mom's voice reading and talking to us about Jesus". No matter where,set aside time for God not just for prayer but for study time and making memories that last a life time.

We pray for God's guidance as we seek to reach the lost. We need to let others know God livesthem. Let them see God in us. It's a seed we can sow and not even get our hands dirty. We need to letour actions match our passion for Christ. He paid the price and it ours to accept.

We continue to lift those up who are sick, losing their jobs and families who have lost love ones.May God's will be done in all and through all.

We have started the study, Share Jesus Without Fear, on Wednesday nights. Brother Fred isleading the study. The youth are also doing the study being led by Whitney Huckaba. Our youth areinvolved in collecting food for the Neoga Food Bank. The youth had a successful drive for shoes. Theyare also busy in baking cooking and helping in the community fund raising hog roast to be held inmemory of Brother Chod Williams who recently was called home to glory. Pray for our young people asthey continue to work for the Lord.

Our Brotherhood hosted the monthly meeting of the Associational Brotherhood. A good mealwas enjoyed and the Bible Study was led by Brother John Herring who spoke on the theme, "EasterChanged Everything".

It is our prayer that we will strive as one body in Christ to reach the lost.Till next month.Love in Christ

NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCHInterim Pastor: Chad Kerner

TOLEDO FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Norman LockwoodReporter: Ann Lockwood

Greetings from Toledo I" Baptist-----Well, I thought Spring was here, but I guess I was wrong, I had to turn the heat back on.

The calendar says one thing, the weather says something else. Tornados an all.On April 1 & 2, I attended the Ministry Wives Retreat (1st time), along with Sister Linda

Skinner of Friendship and Sister Jean Loper of Clarksville, (they had been before), and I met mydaughter Pat Carpenter, (her 1st time), her husband Mark is pastor of Bethel Baptist in Danville.

We all had a wonderful time and I would recommend it for all pastors wives, it gives thema chance to unwind and just have fun. There was stories, scripture, music and song, games, andlots of FOOD! Food seemed to be everywhere.

This month, Norman and I have attended many Revivals in the area. March 14-Mullen;March 28-Clarksville; April4-Friendship; Aprilll--Casey, and then ours, April 17 to 20, withPastor John Blaylock, Evangelist. We want to thank Casey Church, Members of their churchwas there every night, and the other churches that came to show their support. Thank You.

April 3, We had Pastor Fred Harner from Mt. Zion for our evening service, He showedslides of their Missionary Service in Brazil. Some 38 years of service. (Lots of discussion later)Just hold he and wife Shirley in prayer as they lead Mt. Zion Church and their trips back toBrazil.

April 8-9, we attended the SALT (State Associational Leadership Training). Learnedseveral things from this meeting, Had 13 from the Association there.

"HAPPY EASTER""Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant

mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from thedead." 1 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)

UNIVERSITY BAPTIST CHURCHPastor: Tim Boyce

WESTFIELD BAPTIST CHURCHInterim Pastor: Gene Ellis

Reporter: Doris E. Caputo-Morris