The Thought Occurred To Me
It’s that time of year when we experience violent weather in our state convention. As I am writing this, I just received two pictures on my computer of tornados that touched down last night in central Nebraska. Thankfully, there were no deaths related to this particular outbreak, just some property damage. Unfortunately, there was little warning given to the residents in the area due to the rapid development of the storms.
God’s Plan For Sharing
Easter is almost here. As I enjoy gaining a few years, I continue to be surprised with how fast time flies and the years pass. Each of the past three years various churches across Nebraska and Kansas have taken Easter as the central date for their outreach event. Each year I have partnered with different Associations in getting the message of “Find it Here” out through television or radio. This year we are working with the Spanish speaking television stations in central and western Kansas. Join with me in asking God’s blessing on those 30 second messages of finding hope in knowing Him.
Raw Easter Eggs? - Fresh Ideas For Easter Worship Planning
If a crowd of children was coming to your home for an Easter egg hunt, would you just give each child a carton of raw eggs as they arrived? Of course not! You’d boil and color eggs, decorate, prepare prizes and snacks…
VBS Enthusiasts Meet For Training
The bright sunshine outside mirrored the enthusiasm inside during the KNCSB Vacation Bible School Jumpstart Clinic. More than 200 people attended the training event held Saturday, March 3, at Webster Conference Center, Salina, Kan.
VBS During Christmas Break Results In Great Outreach
Vacation Bible School is traditionally considered to be a summer activity. But Hastings Baptist Fellowship, Hastings, Neb., discovered that Christmas break 2011 was an ideal time to hold VBS.
Gevock Committed To Reaching Students
Dave Gevock ministers to college students at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. The Digest asked him to respond to several questions about his ministry.
When and how did you hear Jesus tell you to “open your eyes” to this particular field?
“My heart was first touched during my college years at Iowa State in the early 80’s. I experienced the impact that a college ministry had in my own life and saw how it transformed the lives of others around me.”
Weir Baptist Camp Celebrates God’s Work, Plans For Future
(This article is reprinted from the “Southeastern News” published by Southeast Kansas Association.)
Praise God for the wonderful summer of 2011 at Weir Baptist Camp! We will never be able to write about all of the changes that occurred in the lives of campers, sponsors, directors and their staff, youth mission teams and other workers who came to camp.
SBC Messenger Registration Available On Line
The 2012 SBC annual meeting will be held June 19-20 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
Sochi Russia Winter Olympic Ministry Opportunites
Skiing. Figure Skating. Ice Hockey. Speed Skating. Snowboarding. Luge. Curling.
Prayer Walking. Coffee Shop Ministry. ESL Classes. Train Ministry. Sharing Christ.
All that and more when you plug in to the KNCSB missions partnership with the Winter Olympics and Paralympic games in Sochi Russia now through the actual event in 2014!
Busyness, continued…
Knowing some of you readers out there have been sitting on the edge of your seats waiting for this follow-up article from the February Digest is great motivation as I sit to write. Ha ha!
KNCSB Mission Board Meets In Topeka
Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptists are urged to keep praying for the KNCSB Future Directions Task Force.
The KNCSB Mission Board heard an update from the Task Force during its meeting on Friday, March 9, in Topeka, Kan. John Shields, KNCSB president, and Andy Addis, KNCSB vice president, gave the report.
Lavonne James Obituary
MANHATTAN: Lavonne James, wife of retired KNCSB staff member Ken James, died Saturday, Feb. 18, in Manhattan, Kan., after a 10-year battle with cancer.
She led breakout sessions on interfaith topics at the KNCSB Wonderful Weekend for Women for several years. She was appreciated for her eloquence and knowledge.
Heart of the Child Preschool & Children’s Leadership Convention
April 20 - 21, 2012 (Fri-Sat)
First Baptist Church, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
“Do you remember when…” is a statement I often hear as I am listening to children’s teachers who were given meaningful training. Sometimes the reminiscing will include a special time at Glorieta or about speakers from associational training events. Whatever they talk about, the common thread in these conversations always deals with ideas, motivation and inspiration they received. These leaders continue to be effective because they see the ministry to children and not just a job or a duty that has to be done.
A Work Out For The Weary
Give: To bestow freely without a return; to furnish or serve; to give one’s energies to a cause; to accommodate oneself to another; to give oneself up; the act or process of yielding.
People who delight in giving and serving eventually get tired. They worry over details, become overwhelmed, don’t get enough sleep, and in their sincere effort to do the very best they can, they grow weary doing good.
The Thought Occurred To Me
Recently, as I was reflecting on the future of our state convention, I marveled at how God has worked through us these 62 plus years: more than 400 churches, ministry on 19 different college campuses, leadership development ministries, ministry to the poor and needy, church health ministry, a dynamic youth evangelism ministry, etc. The Lord has blessed us with many opportunities for service. We have seen the hand of God in so many different ways over the years. But, the reality is that there is so much more to be done for His glory.
God’s Plan For Sharing
Devoted fans in all sorts of places have recently caught my attention. I have seen them cheering both their football teams in all those bowl games. And now, it has been the basketball games where the arenas are filled with excited fans cheering on their teams.
Aviator Church Is Becoming A Church Planting Center
Aviator Derby
Joe and Michelle Boyd arrived in Derby in January 2008 knowing God had called them to start a new church. Immediately he worked to grow his core group, meeting in their home. By September they were able to launch at the Derby High School. Launch numbers showed they were on the right track ~250. Steady growth now has them an average of 502. Aviator has been one of the leaders in baptisms for three years.
The Viola Webb Association & State Missions Offering Makes A Difference
Oregon Trail Baptist Association may not be a large association in the number of churches. We may not be a large association with large congregations. We may not be a large association with a lot of wealth. But we are a large association geographically and this means we have an opportunity to make a difference for Jesus in Nebraska.
Cambridge Church Focuses On Outreach
Cambridge, Kan., is tucked in the hills about an hour’s drive southeast of Wichita. Like many small towns in rural areas, it struggles to maintain its population of about 200 people.
Mission Trip To Peru Set For July 2012
We find in John 4:46-53 the story where a noble man came to Jesus asking Jesus to come and heal his sick son. The noble man traveled a long distance to plead with Jesus to come and heal his sick son.
God’s Treasure - Glow 2012
Wouldn’t it be great to find a treasure chest filled with wonderful things? This April that is what you can do. On April 13th and 14th all 1st-6th grade girls and their mothers or grandmothers are invited to the annual GLOW retreat at Webster Conference Center, in Salina, KS.
Whatever It Takes - Annie Armstrong 2012
A year ago last January I made my first visit to the WMU Building in Birmingham, Alabama. In the entry area there is a display of Annie Armstrong, WMU’s first Corresponding Secretary, and who we have named our North American Missions Offering after due to her never ending devotion to a mission’s lifestyle.
Unhindered
Unhindered is the theme for Focus on WMU®, February 13–19, 2012: This is your opportunity to change perception to reality about the value and worth of WMU in your church.
Baptist Nursing Fellowship Roadtrip
Kansas/Nebraska Baptist Nursing Fellowship (KNBNF) is a part of the Midwest Region of the National Baptist Nursing Fellowship. National BNF is sponsored by WMU in Birmingham, Alabama. Their purpose is to encourage nursing service evolving from a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.
What’s The Truth About Your Busyness?
“If cabin pressure is lost, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling of the aircraft. Place your mask on first, and then assist one sitting next to you”. Every time I board a plane I hear something similar to this.
Youth Worship Arts Camp - March 9 - 10, 2012
You are encouraged to bring your 7th-12th grade students to the KNCSB Youth Worship Arts Camp. We are offering a variety of breakout tracks for participants in an effort to reach students with a variety of interests.
VBS Jumpstart Coming March 3
It’s February … time to start preparation for Vacation Bible School! Reserve the date, March 3, 2012, for the event to be held from 9:45 am-3:00 pm at Webster Conference Center.
Eagle Retreat Coming In March
The Eagle Retreat is designed for students in grades 7-12 whose parent(s) are in staff ministry positions.
WCC Update
WCC ends the year of 2011 with new record highs for User Days and Revenue.
The Thought Occurred To Me
When someone says, “Jesus is Lord,” what are they really saying? Is “Lord” a part of his name or does it mean much more? How does His Lordship relate to His Kingdom?
God’s Plan For Sharing
Family gatherings and church Christmas celebrations have filled these past weeks. Hearing of what is happening with family and friends enriches these days. And I love to celebrate!
“Train Up A Child” - Teaching Kids About Money
As parents, one of our responsibilities is to educate our children. Although we spend the better part of 18 years trying to instill our values and our knowledge in them, we often overlook a vital part of their education — how to handle money responsibly. Here are some pointers for introducing your children to the basic stewardship tenets of money: earning it, using it, investing it and sharing it.
Who Needs A Will?
Who needs a will? The simple answer: You do! Approximately 70% of Americans have no will. It is important that Kansas and Nebraska Baptists be given opportunity to make a Christian Will or Revocable Living Trust.
Develop Your Stewardship Strategy
People enter every situation with preconceived notions. This is an educational fact. Sometimes our preconceived notions are completely off base. There are other times when when we know exactly what to expect.
Teen Girls Urged To Serve People Living In Poverty
Participants in Shine 2011 were challenged to focus totally on God and avoid having a divided heart.
Campers On Mission Plan Winter Projects
After a busy year of service, numerous members of Kansas-Nebraska Campers on Mission will be serving in warmer climates this winter.
McDonald Ministers Along I-80 Corridor In Oregon Trail Baptist Association
Crossroads Church in Kearney, Nebraska is a winning hope ministry, and they continue to give hope to their community. Dave McDonald, Church planter/strategist for the Oregon Trail Association, continues to reach out to the Kearney community. “Crossroads Church has been constituted and we just ordained Pastor Dan Cole, that we raised up from within the church,” McDonald said. McDonald is now the Church’s mission pastor so he can continue the work he does.
Church’s Ministry To School Hits High Gear
As the Southwest High School football team was leaving its game on Friday night, Oct. 21, someone fired several shots at their bus.
Reality Of Violence In KCMO Hits Home
The reality of violence in Kansas City hit home late Saturday night, Nov. 19, to Wornall Road Baptist Church. That was when an honor student at Southwest High School became the city’s 100th murder victim in 2011.
Not Me!
It was one of those weeks; I knew that the house would suffer neglect. So, I cleaned it up and told everyone, “The dishwasher is receiving. Please make sure the dishes go into it.” By Thursday, I looked into the kitchen with dread. When I asked everyone who did put his or her dishes in the sink and not in the dishwasher, I heard a unanimous, “Not Me!” Okay, so that meant that at least forty something times “Not Me” visited our home. This began the typical Mommy drama of, “What is a leader…”
Children’s Ministry Day 2012
Children’s Ministry Day is almost here! Saturday February 18, 2012 is the day. The theme is Operation Education. Kids and families nationwide will be involved in ministry projects in their local communities. Now is the time to plan, promote, pray, and teach kids about Operation Education. This year’s bible verse is found in 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to please God. Be a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed. Teach the message of truth correctly.”
Focus On WMU 2012
Focus on WMU week is February 13-19. During this week we are celebrating what WMU has done in the past but also looking at the resources Women’s Missionary Union provides to WMU age level groups, churches, and individuals for missions education to help us live a missions lifestyle, through prayer, giving and going.
The Lull-A Message To Ministry Wives
As I am writing this, I am slap-dab in the middle of the Christmas hubbub. On my calendar, there are parties:
I Have Been Born Again!
In Feb. 2010, a massive earthquake and tsunami shook Concepcion, Chile with over 500 losses of life. This past Nov. 10-20, 38 North Americans traveled to Concepcion to share about the love of God and the forgiveness of sin.
A Stewardship Thought - God’s Ownership
Stewardship is one of those subjects that often is not popular with some church members. It is usually associated with the giving of money and therefore threatening to those who struggle with biblical ideas about tithes and offerings.
Featured Video
Available to churches cooperating with KNCSB by contacting .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling either 785/228-6800 or 800/984-9092. Ask for Barbara Spicer.
Raising Boys and Girls – DVD
By Sissy Goff, David Thomas & Melissa Trevathan
VBS Jumpstart Coming March 3
It’s January … time to start preparation for Vacation Bible School! Reserve the date, March 3, 2012, for the event to be held from 9:45 am-3:00 pm at Webster Conference Center.
WCC Update
“The WCC 2011 Matching Challenge Grant for $50,000 has been met and the Chapel renovation project continues full steam ahead. Thank you for your prayers and generous gifts to WCC.”
Digest Available For Online Viewing And Download
Beginning with the January 2012 edition of the Digest, the Digest will be available as a pdf download and in a version that can be read online without downloading.
VWMO Materials To Be Available Online
Viola Webb promotional materials for the 2011 offering are available online at http://www.kncsb.org/ministry/viola_webb_missions_offering/.
Beth Moore To Appear In Kansas City, Missouri
Renowned women’s speaker Beth Moore will appear in Kansas City, Mo., in 2012.
Something New For Bible Drill…
The beginning of the school year is a good time to implement a scripture memorization program for our children and youth. Children’s and Youth Bible Drills have been around for many years and are an excellent tool for getting children and youth familiar with and grounded in the Word of God.
Board Learns About 2012 Budget
The 2012 KNCSB budget will be very similar to the 2011 budget, members of the KNCSB Mission Board learned.
‘Heart Of The Child’ Set For April 20-21, 2012
Workers with preschoolers and children will receive specialized training during the 2012 Heart of the Child Conference. It will be held April 20-21 at First Baptist Church, Broken Arrow, Okla.
Southwestern Offers 2012 Revival Preachers
Churches can join Southwestern Seminary in promoting spiritual awakening across the United States by hosting preachers during “Revive This Nation” March 11-14, 2012.
Heart Of The Child
Preschool & Children’s Leadership Convention
April 20-21, 2012 (Fri-Sat)
First Baptist Church
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
“We must not hide them from their children,
but must tell a future generation the praises of the Lord,
His might, and the wonderful works He has performed.”
Psalm 78:4 (HCBS)
Midwestern Seminary Makes Special Offer To Students Taking First Online Course
Don’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of a special offer for master’s or undergraduate online courses!
Preschool & Children’s Leadership Convention
Preschool & Children’s Leadership Convention
April 20-21, 2012 (Fri-Sat)
First Baptist Church
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
“We must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the Lord, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed.”
Psalm 78:4 (HCBS)
New Regulations Mean Church Nurseries Must Replace Cribs
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—In order to comply with new safety regulations taking effect in June, churches need to replace their nursery cribs, which could already pose a danger to children and leave churches open to liability lawsuits.
Arkansas Needs And Projects
Arkansas is known for its scenic beauty. However, the state has vast mission needs.
Clarks To Serve As Estate Consultants
Bob and Marie Clark are embarking on a new career as estate-planning consultants for the Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptist Foundation.
New Source For Churches Targets Young Adults
The 18- to 34-year-old age group is noticeably missing from churches.