Dear Christian Friends, We want to welcome the new pastor of Lebanon Baptist Church to the Central Baptist Association, Craig Dunbar. Craig and his wife Corene have served in Alaska for the last couple of years. Now, God has called them to our area. Brother Craig has a vision that is both evangelistic and mission-minded. I know some awesome things are in store for Lebanon Baptist as they serve and grow in the Lord. The Deacon Leadership Training scheduled for February 17th was canceled because of weather conditions. It will be rescheduled at our annual Spring meeting on March 24th. I want to encourage the deacons in our churches to watch for this date. Alan Witham has some good information to pass on to you that I think will be helpful in your deacon ministry.
Speaking of the annual Spring meeting - it will be at Mackville Baptist Church on Sunday, March 24th, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Please encourage people in your congregations, especially your messengers, to attend. We are looking forward to a great meeting with Bro. Joseph and Helga Lumbrix of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church as they bring the special music with their cello and violin. Brother Gary Mills, pastor of Willisburg Baptist Church, will preach the annual message. Cheryl Erwin will be one of our guest speakers, sharing with us information about people battling with the thought of suicide. There is always something good that comes from these meetings. Come, worship, and grow with us.
Ruth Smith, the Association Disaster Relief Director, brought Ron Crow, the Kentucky Baptist Relief Director, to lead our churches in Ready Church Training. Four churches of twenty people participated. It was a very informative meeting, helping us think about how our church would respond to a natural disaster. Every church in every community could be a resource to those in need. If your church has a shower, bathroom facility, kitchen, dining area, meeting rooms, etc., it could be a big help in your community's time of need. People in your church, who have skills in areas such as medicine, electrical, carpentry, food preparation, etc., can also be of great help. Ron made us think a lot about what we should be doing now in preparing for what could come at any moment.
In closing, I know that I don’t have to remind you what holiday is coming soon. Yes, it is Easter. Stores have had Easter eggs and candy out for at least a month, but Easter is more than eggs and candy. It is about Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. I pray we will all get out into the community and invite people to church. Show some excitement about being a Christian. If Jesus’ resurrection doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will. I am always excited to celebrate Easter. My Jesus is ALIVE! Sincerely in Christ, Bro. Jay Hatfield |