COMMITMENT!!!

It has been said, “April showers bring May flowers!” A flower can add beauty to any scenery and liven up its surroundings. “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:7-9 NIV). I think of all the wildflowers that just come up on their own by God’s hand of love. What a beautiful expression from God to add color and beauty to a world filled with so much gray. When we plant seeds, it takes time and commitment to produce a beautiful flower garden. If we don’t have the time, patience, or commitment it’s best for us and the seeds that we leave them in the package.

Life requires a commitment that one should honor at all times. I thank God for our First Baptist Church family and the hours that many of us dedicate to ministry. We’re all ministries of His Gospel. Ministry in the church is the way we get the message of Jesus Christ across to our community and to the world. Our level of commitment is essential to the church because we must model what it means to be a committed Christian.  “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:5-6 NIV).

Let us think of our church as a flower garden. To have a beautiful flower garden, we must be committed to plant, nurture, water, and exhibit patience for the flowers to grow. Our Christian walk and our church united in the Body of Christ Jesus, require commitment. As you read this newsletter, please ask yourself this question: “How committed am I to my church and its ministries?” The eleven disciples who walked with Jesus were so committed they died for their beliefs. Through the disciple’s commitment of sincere dedication, determination, and discipline in spreading the Gospel, we are representatives in this day as followers of Jesus Christ.

May we continue to be nourished in growing more spiritually in our daily Christian walk and Christian faith to serve others as followers of Jesus’ teachings on servanthood. There are ministries in our church that are in dire need of your services now. So, why not humble yourselves and let God exalt you? Make a commitment today to serve God, believing that He has need of your spiritual gifts. Also, let us always remember what it means to be a (F.A.T.) Christian (Faithful; Available; and Teachable). Think about God, the Bible and what God has done for you and remember: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:8-9 NIV). We can allow God to empower us in demonstrating His promises of faithfulness and love by giving unselfishly of our: Time, Testimony, Talents, and Treasures. Please pray now for God to plant His Word in seeds of fruitfulness, to nourish you with His Living Water, to spiritually grow you to maturity as a beautiful blooming Spring flower garden in this day to say: “I can do more and give more of myself in uniting with The First Baptist Church of Junction City…Fulfilling God’s Great Commission!” Therefore, as baptized believers in the Body of Christ, you are being obedient to God’s Word as you delight yourself in His statues for storing up treasures here on earth and in Heaven for eternal life in His Kingdom.

The late Dr. M. R. DeHaan from RBC Ministries wrote: BE AN ANDREW! “Only three things are mentioned about Andrew #1) He brought his brother to Jesus (John 1:40-41); (#2) He brought a boy with a simple lunch to Jesus (John 6:8-9); (#3) He brought the Greeks to Jesus (John 12: 20-22).” Unnoticed, unappreciated and all but forgotten; but what a ministry he had! Without Andrew, there would not have been the great preacher of Pentecost, Peter. Without Andrew, the hungry multitude would not have been fed or the Greeks brought to Christ. You may not be able to preach, sing, write, or do many of the flashy things other people may notice. But, you can be of service by prayer, witnessing, and remembering all that is written in this message according to how God has allowed flowers to bloom in your life: Be an Andrew! With much thanksgiving and all praise and glory to God Almighty, these are exciting times for total giving and commitment in our First Baptist Church family! Today, will you say yes to giving...To committing yourself to be all that you can be in Christ? Be an Andrew! “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

We are His workmanship! We are a work in progress! We are partners in God’s work, giving to what God loves, which is a part of His purposes for us. God has need of each one of us and He wants total sacrifice of our entire being to Him. If Jesus is indeed our Lord, we will see that giving is easier when we give ourselves and our choices to the Him. Give with excitement! It’s a rule of life: “God showers His blessings on those who give their lives and resources willingly.” In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Paul shows how we honor God by encouraging us to give generously and describes the attitude with which we are to give. Thank you for your commitment! God’s forgiveness and salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection makes you alive and rooted in your Christian faith.  To be committed is like the blooming of May flowers growing in God’s love, developing in His faith, and shining in the beauty of His holiness with a community of believers united in God’s family. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). Where faith is lacking, he supplies faith. I am confident, through prayer that God will supply your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ!

Happy Mother’s Day!!! We are blessed with God’s gift of mothers!!!

                                          ***James H. Callaway, Pastor***

MISSIONS!  MISSIONS!  MISSIONS!

“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8 NIV). In last month’s issue of the “The Encourager” I shared with you that I am serving on The General Board of The ABCUSA and The Board of National Ministries. My orientation for this spiritual commitment was held on March 9^th –12^th in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania at the ABCUSA Mission Center. I have been an American Baptist for many years, but this was my first visit to The Mission Center located in Valley Forge. I was impressed to see the day-to-day operation of our national body. The orientation was given by Rev. A. Roy Medley, General Secretary ABCUSA, his staff and various Ministries within the ABCUSA Denomination.

The Scripture Reading from Acts 1:7-8 is our commission to evangelize the world. Parts of “The Mission Statement for ABCUSA” are: “The heart of the gospel is God’s redemptive love. In our life together, the world will see the power of forgiveness to overcome alienation, the strength of love to transform hate, the power of grace to break the bonds of guilt, the triumph of hope over despair, and the victory of faith over doubt. Through the cross of Christ we embrace the world as neighbor. Our vision for mission energizes a multitude of servant ministries of evangelism, discipleship, leadership, new church development, social justice, healing, peacemaking, economic development and education. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we work together in mutual trust, humility, love, and giving that the gospel might be preached and lived in the entire world.” When I think of how The First Baptist Church of Junction City fits into the overall mission of the ABCUSA Denomination, I believe we are called to be people of prayer, purpose, and people of passion in our local community, state, nation, and in the world.

ABW Women

In 1928 Mary Gates Atkinson, who was the 3^rd president of what was then called the Kansas Baptist Women’s Union, began a scholarship program that has continued for the past 90 years.  It was established to assist their education as they prepare for ministering as pastors, or in national or international mission service, or full time Christian vocations.  Callie Byington is our local Scholarship Associate for American Baptist Women’s Ministries.  On March 7^th at 7:00 p.m. in Harrison Chapel she will be presenting a program and skit about the Scholarship program.  Students eligible for this scholarship are either attending Bacone College in Oklahoma or Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS or Central Baptist Seminary in Kansas City.  Each year we are assigned a student to pray for and to correspond with.  Our student this year is Seth Vopat.  He is a 3^rd year student at Central Seminary.  He and his wife, Beth, are from Overland Park, KS.  Please add them to your daily prayer list.

All ladies of the church are invited to attend this program on March 7^th.  Please join us for an evening of fellowship.

 “FULFILLING GOD’S GREAT COMMISSION IN MISSIONS”

 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV). At the annual celebration of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region meeting in Wichita, Kansas this past October, I was Regionally Nominated to the General Board USA for the year 2008 through 2011. I was elected to this position. A Regionally Nominated Representative is nominated and elected by the region to represent those constituents in denominational activities at the national level. The representative is to become aware of the attitudes and opinions of the Cooperating Churches and the Region. For the American Baptist Churches/USA, I am on the Board of the National Ministries. I am asking everyone to please pray for me and with me as this leadership position allows me to be God’s servant representing more of His people in Jesus’ name. As I enter this ministry on behalf of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, I am humbled, and somewhat a little nervous, but very excited about serving in this area of work. However, I am reminded of the “Mission Statement for ABCUSA.” A part of the mission statement is: “American Baptists are a Christ-centered, biblically grounded, ethnically diverse people called to radical personal discipleship in Christ Jesus. Our commitment to Jesus propels us to nurture authentic relationships with one another, build healthy churches, transform our communities, our nations and our world, engage every member in hands-on ministry, and speak the prophetic word in love.”

   For the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, I am on the Board of Directors, Mission Support. Also, please pray for me and with me in this position as I ask God to equip me for His works of service. I would like to share thoughts from the chairperson, Ruth Clark, the wife of Dr. John Clark who is the pastor of Judson Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas. The following is entitled MISSION 101: “What does MISSION mean? *M – Medical Aid: Healthcare and HIV/AIDS, Community Clinics. *I- Institutions: Educational (Seminaries, Colleges, Pre-schools), Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities, Neighborhood Centers, Orphanages. *S – Servanthood: Development, Refugee Resettlement, and Peacemaking. *S – Seeing God at Work: Evangelism, Training Pastors and Lay Leaders, Human Trafficking. *I – International: Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America where we are Training Pastors and Lay Leaders, Evangelism and Church Planting, Development, Education, Healthcare and HIV/AIDS,  Human Trafficking, and Peacemaking and Refugee Resettlement. *O – Open Doors: Evangelism, Church Planting, Development, and Human Trafficking. *N – National: Camping, Chaplaincy (Hospitals, Prisons, and Racetracks), Children in Poverty Initiative and much more. How Does MISSION Happen? (1) Prayer; (2) Financial Support; (3) Hearing and Responding to the Call of God.”

   We are being called by God to be involved in His mission and with each of us doing our part, we will make a difference. As Christians, we should be able to see that especially in today’s world, God needs our service! Let’s start by going M.A.D. (Making A Difference) in our community, so that our acts of service and love can spread to those in other cities, other states, and other countries. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV). Please let us re-read and reflect on the Gospel readings of Matthew 25:31-46. “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me” (Matthew 25:45 NIV). God is with us always!                                                                     

                                          ***James H. Callaway, Pastor***

AWANA

AWANA

Greetings and Salutations from AWANA.  Here we are starting the second half of our year and things are great.  The Lord is continuing to bless us with new arrivals almost weekly.  We are in need of some help.  We are losing Regina our secretary and are in need of someone to fill that spot.  If you are interested, but do not have the entire time available on Sunday evenings, that is ok, as the position requires 30 to 45 minutes only.  I am also looking for someone who would consider being an assistant commander.  And as always we need leaders for the children.  Ideally we are looking to have a leader for every  (2) children; right now we are at 3 to 4 children for every leader.  I am looking forward to the summer program we will begin in June:  more info later.  As always you are invited to join us if you would like more information before making a commitment or if you would just like to experience AWANA for an evening. 

Yours in Christ, Roy Richardson  Commander

WORDS FROM OUR PASTOR

Welcome to the 2008 New Year!

John R. Rice said, “No matter what a man’s past may have been, his future is spotless.” This year is before us with all of the unknown mysteries of each month and each new day. I am reminded of Martha Snell Nicholson’s writing entitled, The New Year: “Dear Lord, as this New Year is born I give it to thy hand, content to walk by faith what paths I cannot understand. Whatever coming days may bring of bitter loss, or gain, or every crown of happiness; should sorrow come, or pain, or, Lord, if all unknown to me thine angel hovers near to bear me to that farther shore before another year, It matters not-my hand in thine, thy light upon my face, thy boundless strength when I am weak, thy love and saving grace! I only ask, loose not my hand, grip fast my soul, and be my guiding light upon the path till, blind no more, I see!

The Apostle Paul said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 NIV). What is your goal for this year? There are different types of goals to achieve. I pray that on your agenda there is a spiritual goal (God); a family goal (others); and a personal goal (self). I am third…is an unselfish way of living one’s life, God is first, others are second, and I am third. Paul was a spiritual giant in the eyes of the Philippians’ saints. He wanted them to know that he had not yet attained his goals. However, he was actively pressing on toward his goals. Paul had by no means reached the final stage of his sanctification. In some ways, we are like Paul in that we have not reached our final stage. Every year, we may say this is the year we are going to wish for or make a change in our way of thinking or living. As I write this article, I am thinking of our church motto: “Fulfilling the Great Commission in Unity” and what this means for our congregation in 2008. I am aware that as I set goals and as we wish one another a “Happy New Year” there are two different things to consider with wishing it and experiencing it. Therefore, do you know your spiritual gifts for your purpose in life to achieve goals? Someone said, “One’s only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.” Do your goals and purpose include service to others? We can imagine our hearts knowing and experiencing happiness and unity in this “New Year” because of God’s love, faith, hope, and willingness to serve with His help, to help others know this, too. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NIV). We are able to take risks and find joy in serving others because we trust that God is in full control of our lives. John M. Brown said: “No one, I am convinced, can be happy who only lives for oneself. The joy of living comes from immersion in something that we know to be bigger, better, more enduring and worthier than we are. People, ideas, causes... these offer the one possible escape, not merely from selfishness but from the hungers of solitude and the sorrows of aimlessness.”

 In 2008, our church must serve and live out the great commission given to us by Jesus in our community, state, nation and world as stated in Matthew 28:19-20 NIV: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” My goal in life is to draw closer to God in my daily living. Also, one of my goals for the church is to expand the ministries according to Jesus’ Biblical teachings on servant leadership. In reading about the Philippians, at the end of each race officials had their heralds proclaim the winner and call him up to receive his prize (in the Olympic games, a palm branch). The prize is the full revelation of Jesus at the resurrection. When all of us see how important it is to get the message of Jesus across to our community, then we will see a change take place in our own life and the church. Throughout 2008, let us press on toward the goal, preserving unity within the Body of Christ. Frequently, in the New Testament readings, people are asked to be faith role-models for others. With all my heart, I pray that we, as Christians of faith, imitate Christ in serving others as we focus all year on His birth, life, death, and resurrection for our salvation. May we run the race in attaining spiritual goals set before us by God using our spiritual gifts while looking to Jesus to inspire us and challenge us to invite others to be faithful followers of “…the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV).

AWANA 

APPROVED WORKMEN ARE NOT ASHAMED

            We are in our 3^rd month of Awana and are getting real close to 50 children.  I would ask that all of you be in prayer for our program so it will grow as the Lord blesses us.  I would like to thank all those working in Awana and especially Delbert and Gordon for their faithful help in mentoring the children with their memory verses.  I know the children have been blessed and I am sure Delbert and Gordon have also.  The children are working really hard and have earned a lot of awards.  The future looks bright for the program and I know God will continue blessing us through this program.  If you would like to spend some time with us you are welcome to come any Sunday, between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. and observe.  You never know; God may be calling you to the Awana program in any of several capacities.  God Bless and I hope to see you at an Awana meeting.

            Roy Richardson, Commander

AWANA 

Well here we are again.  The Lord has really been blessing our AWANA program.  We are averaging approximately 30 children and we have gotten two new workers.  We do however still need 5 or 6 more workers to help the children learn their verses.  This is between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm every Sunday evening and will not interfere with evening worship.  I would like to thank the two men, Gordon Zoschke and Delbert Bryant for their help with the children.  I know the children really enjoy working with them.  We are also looking for a man to work with the T & T (Third thru Fifth Grade) boys as we need to separate the boys and girls at this age.  As I said the Lord is really blessing the program and I know He will continue to do so;  I am looking for 100 children by the end of the AWANA year, so I urge every one of you to be in prayer for our program either for yourselves, other children or for other adults to work with the program.

                        Yours in Christ, Roy Richardson, Commander

“PRAISE IS WHAT I DO”

         There is a song written by William Murphy entitled “Praise Is What I Do.”  The words define who we are and what we should be about especially this time of year as we enter this season of Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and a New Year.  The words of the song are as follows: “Praise is what I do when I want to be close to You, I lift my hands in praise.  Praise is who I am; I will praise Him while I can.  I’ll bless Him at all times.” (Chorus) “I vow to praise You, through the good and the bad.  I’ll praise You, whether happy or sad.  I’ll praise You (This is my testimony) in all that I go through, (somebody said why) Because praise is what I do, Cause I owe it all to You.”

         When I think of 2007 and all of the changes our world, nation, state, community, church, and even myself have gone through, I automatically think about how much God deserves our praise.  In the midst of our seasonal and life changes, God never changes and remains the same omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent Lord and Savior that He was, is, and will be from everlasting to everlasting.  Know that He is an almighty God should be enough for us to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; Give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4 NIV).

         This year, I am thankful to god for the many blessings that He has bestowed upon my life and upon the body of Christ.  I am thankful for being called to the Senior Pastor position, moving from Interim Pastor.  I am humbled by this call, believing that only God could have designed this for me and the congregation.  Not only am I thankful for the entire membership of this congregation and everyone’s involvement in ministry, but I am also grateful for those who have united with the congregation this year.  I thank God for all of the baby dedications and baptisms.  As I write, this, I am just praising God for his generosity toward me and to this very special congregation.  Although words cannot express just how awesome our God is, “Praise Is what I do” is the best way for our congregation to express gratitude to God as we learn to praise Him in the bad times as well as the good times.  “Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples.  For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the lord endures forever.  Praise the Lord” (Psalm 117 NIV).

         In this season of thanksgiving, be thankful for all that you have.  Thanksgiving is a special time for family gatherings and family celebrations!  We are to meet each day’s challenges in God’s strength, assured of His presence, because the key to a confident and joyful 2007 Thanksgiving celebration can be found in Christ Jesus.  What will Thanksgiving Day be like for you and your family?  What are your plans for giving thanks and sharing your faith with others?  God’s desire is to bless us and by living for God, we are blessed.  My prayer is that we will begin this thanksgiving season with our deepest gratitude for all that God has done for our salvation and for all He does daily to preserve us in our faith.  Through Jesus, God gave His all for us, least we can do is give our all to Him by praising and pleasing Him with the life that Jesus willing died to give us.  Let us reflect on what Christ has done for us and take this time to share His abundant love with others.  Due to the fact that we have so much to be thankful for, my prayer is the Thanksgiving season will encourage us to have an “Attitude of Gratitude” all year round.  May we sing the Doxology through out this holiday season and the coming year: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.”

James H. Callaway, Jr., Pastor

THE HARVEST

The month of October is a time of harvest in two ways. The gathering of crops from the fields and the gathering of souls for the Lord. We pray for the farmers who devote their lives to sowing and caring for crops that benefit the world. We thank God for witnesses He sends throughout the world, sowing the Word of Christ into the hearts of His people. We are called by God to be a servant. We have an extra calling in that we are to be servant leaders. This past month in our combined adult Sunday school classes we focused on “JESUS ON LEADERSHIP, Developing Servant Leaders” by C. Gene Wilkes.

The class was designed to produce a new harvest in our congregation by adding a new dimension to our style of service and ministry. The seven principles of servant leadership 1) Servant leaders humble themselves and wait for God to exalt them. (2) Servant leaders follow Jesus rather than seek a position. (3) Servant leaders give up personal rights to find greatness in service to others. (4) Servant leaders can risk serving others because they trust that God is in control of their lives. (5) Servant leaders take up Jesus’ towel of servanthood to meet the needs of others. (6) Servant leaders share their responsibility and authority with others to meet a greater need. (7) Servant leaders multiply their leadership by empowering others to lead.

We are being led as a result of the study to be servant leaders. We are called to S.E.R.V.E. by focusing on Spiritual gifts, Experiences, Relational style, Vocational skills, and Enthusiasm. Then we are to E.Q.U.I.P. others for ministry. That is…Encourage them to serve, Qualify them for service, Understand their needs, Instruct them, and Pray for them. Now, we are to develop a T.E.A.M. that fosters Togetherness, Empowerment, Accountability, and Mentoring.

Jesus said “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out

workers into his harvest field” (Matt 9:37, 3 . We are asking our Lord to send out workers who are servant leaders in our congregation so that we will touch the lives of people throughout our entire community. A key verse of focus: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45). In the harvest, we are all called to serve. What is your place of servant leadership?

James H. Callaway, Jr

Pastor