Discover the JOY of Missions Joy's thoughts on missions & WMU http://www.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/ en-us Thu, 4 Dec 2008 08:53:24 -0400 Churches with WMU stronger supporters of SBC Thu, 4 Dec 2008 08:53:24 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=churches-with-wmu-stronger-supporters-of-sbc.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/churches-with-wmu-stronger-supporters-of-sbc.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/churches-with-wmu-stronger-supporters-of-sbc.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/churches-with-wmu-stronger-supporters-of-sbc.htm
Here is an excerpt from Bob's article:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) -- Southern Baptist churches that have Woman's Missionary Union organizations support the denomination's missions programs at significantly higher levels than congregations without WMU, according to an analysis of reported church giving....

A review of annual statistics collected by LifeWay Christian Resources found that churches that have age-level WMU organizations like Girls in Action and Women on Mission support the SBC's unified budget and two annual special missions offerings at higher per-capita levels than those without ongoing missions education.

The study, conducted jointly by WMU and the SBC North American Mission Board, found that churches with missions-education programs supported by one or both of the organizations gave $43.28 per member to the Cooperative Program. That compared to $23.65 per capita by churches without such programs.

Giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for foreign missions was $3.29 per capita from churches without missions education, compared to $9.05 from those with missions education. Per-member giving for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for home missions was $5.34 for churches with missions education, compared to $1.54 for those without.

You can read the entire article at http://www.abpnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3678&Itemid=53

Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."  I would say that missions education instills a heart for a lost world that is expressed in how we give. Do you want your church to give more to missions? Then start, restart, or strengthen missions education in your church.  (Pastors, take note:  Since CP is generally a percentage of undesignated receipts, when missions education encourages people to tithe and give generously, the overall church budget gets a boost, too!) ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/churches-with-wmu-stronger-supporters-of-sbc.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/churches-with-wmu-stronger-supporters-of-sbc.htm?opendocument&comments Leadership Is Like a Box of Chocolates Wed, 3 Dec 2008 13:35:46 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=leadership-is-like-a-box-of-chocolates.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/leadership-is-like-a-box-of-chocolates.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/leadership-is-like-a-box-of-chocolates.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/leadership-is-like-a-box-of-chocolates.htm
Leadership Is Like a Box of Chocolates is a new training opportunity from national WMU that will encourage personal growth, inspire a passion for weaving missional living more deeply into our lives, and equip us to model our leadership styles after our ultimate leader, Jesus Christ.  The conference is Thursday-Sunday, February 19-22, 2009 at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center in Talladega, Alabama. Talladega is located about 45 minutes east of Birmingham on Interstate 20.

This conference is open to all WMU leaders who want to improve leadership skills and network with other WMU leaders. To learn more, go to  www.wmu.com/events and scroll down to February.  There are several informational pieces and a registration form that you can download.  The registration fee for this conference is $169.00 plus lodging and meals.  Advance reservations are required.

Some of the conference topics include:
  • Balancing Life's Demands
  • Brain-Bending Techniquest
  • Children's Leaders
  • Communication
  • Conflict in the Workplace
  • Culture Clashes
  • Developing Your Professional Image
  • Evangelism
  • Events with a Flair
  • How to Do Presentations Effortlessly and Professionally
  • Journaling as a Leader Tool
  • Leader Self-Care
  • Leadership Principles for Women
  • Mentoring
  • Multi-tasking
  • Preschool Leaders
  • Relationship Building
  • Student Leaders
  • Time Management
A group will be going from Kentucky.  Please contact the Kentucky WMU office if you would like to carpool with others.  Call 1-866-489-3534. ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/leadership-is-like-a-box-of-chocolates.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/leadership-is-like-a-box-of-chocolates.htm?opendocument&comments 2008 Cooperative Program Awards Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:02:21 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=2008-cooperative-program-awards.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/2008-cooperative-program-awards.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/2008-cooperative-program-awards.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/2008-cooperative-program-awards.htm
Two individuals were also honored - Mrs. Anna White and Dr. James Jones.  Both of these fine KBC leaders have led their churches through the years to give significantly to the Cooperative Program and the awards were well deserved.  But I was especially pleased with the selection of Anna White because of why she was chosen.  Anna was selected because of the long years she has devoted to missions education through WMU and the impact of such missions education on churches.  

I was asked to write a summary of why Anna was a worthy candidate.  I had hoped it would be shared at the KBC meeting.  Since only a small part of what I wrote was used, I wanted to share those comments here, not only to recognize Anna, but to remind us all of the great role model she is in missions education.

Recognition of Anna White for Cooperative Program Award

The recognition of Anna C. White as a 2008 Cooperative Program award recipient is most significant because Anna has been a promoter of the Cooperative Program and Southern Baptist missions for many years through her work with Woman’s Missionary Union.

On a biographical form completed for the Kentucky WMU Executive Board on which she served most recently from 2003 through 2006, Anna listed many positions in WMU including: 3 terms as WMU Director of Elkhorn Association; 2 terms as Baptist Women Director of Elkhorn Association; a previous three-year term on the Executive Board of Kentucky WMU; service as WMU director in churches for over 40 years; and GA director for 15 years.  Anna said on this biographical form that she had not been on any type of organized missions trip, but has been involved in local missions projects for over 50 years.

Honoring Anna for her promotion of the Cooperative Program because of what she has done as a missions educator is significant because much of what WMU does is behind the scenes, may take years to come to fruition, and is often difficult to measure. But we have found one concrete measurement - Cooperative Program and missions offering giving.  

In an April 2008 letter to trustees of the International Mission Board, Steve Heartsill, WMU liaison with the mission boards, noted the difference in Cooperative Program and missions giving between churches with WMU and those without. In his letter, he broke down CP, AAEO, and LMCO giving of churches with WMU and without WMU by size category.  In every size church, from small to large, churches with WMU out gave those without WMU. Depending on the size category, the difference was as much as two to one.  

So, the influence of WMU can be measured in dollars.  And those dollar measurements point to that which cannot be measured: the impact of missions education on children and youth, on people who respond to the call to pray and give for missions, and the impact on  those who do missions because they were challenged by WMU to understand the mission of God and get radically involved.

Thank you Anna White for being a missions educator through WMU for all of these years.  Thank you for teaching people of all ages in the churches where you and your pastor husband have served about the importance of the Cooperative Program to missions around the world. ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/2008-cooperative-program-awards.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/2008-cooperative-program-awards.htm?opendocument&comments Attend the Kentucky Baptist Convention Thu, 6 Nov 2008 10:34:44 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=attend-the-kentucky-baptist-convention.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/attend-the-kentucky-baptist-convention.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/attend-the-kentucky-baptist-convention.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/attend-the-kentucky-baptist-convention.htm
The theme "Sharing Christ with Urgency" speaks to what we as Kentucky Baptists need to be about.  Great speakers, election of new KBC officers, displays, and more will make this day worth the trip.  It is so important that we attend meetings like this to stay informed and up-to-date on the work of our state convention. Through the various reports and special presentations you will learn about our work and how your Cooperative Program dollars are at work.  By visiting the displays, you can get copies of resources and connect with many of our KBC leaders.

Please stop by the WMU display.  Our emphasis this year is on missions education and we will have free copies of WMU magazines.  It will be a good time to pick up a resource you may not currently be receiving.  We hope that these free copies will encourage many more to subscribe to WMU magazines and other resources.  We know that churches with WMU give more to the Cooperative Program and all missions offerings.  The difference in missions giving of churches with WMU points to to overall impact of WMU in the local church.  Thus, we are doing all we can to encourage WMU growth in every church.

The WMU report will be at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon.  I hope that WMU will have a strong representation at our state convention meeting.  

To learn more about the KBC meeting, go to www.kybaptist.org/annualmeeting ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/attend-the-kentucky-baptist-convention.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/attend-the-kentucky-baptist-convention.htm?opendocument&comments Missions education editorial right on target Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:03:04 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=missions-education-editorial-right-on-target.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/missions-education-editorial-right-on-target.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/missions-education-editorial-right-on-target.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/missions-education-editorial-right-on-target.htm Tennessee Baptist & Reflector has written the best editorial on missions education I've read in a long time.  His title "Lack of missions education will doom SBC" caught my attention right away as I read through the October 28 issue of the Western Recorder.  I was nearly shouting in the office as Mr. Wilkey said so well everything we in WMU have been saying for years.  I hope all SBC leaders will take note of his prophetic words.

You can read this editorial on line at http://www.tnbaptist.org/BRARticle.asp?ID=2646 .

Lonnie Wilkey's assessment of the future with churches that have been started with Cooperative Program funds yet fail to provide missions education (including teaching what CP means) is absolutely correct.  "If these churches do not offer missions education, the denomination which birthed them will eventually cease to exist."  Mr. Wilkey makes the case throughout his editorial that the future of sending missionaries is dependent on what we do today in missions education.

Not only will the lack of missions education decrease missions funding in the future, but will also have an impact on the number who respond to the call to missions.  Right now, the IMB has a dire lack of single young men responding to the call to missions.  Young adult women are responding to go as Journeymen or career missionaries, but there are few young men.  One only has to go back a few years and see the decline of Royal Ambassadors (WMU's biggest mistake - giving this missions education program away!) to understand why we see so few young men responding today.  What is the future if we do not strengthen missions education?

Not only do we as Southern Baptists need to rediscover the relevancy of missions education, but we need to acknowledge that WMU does the best job in missions education.  Southern Baptist missions leaders would do well to encourage churches without WMU to start or restart WMU missions organizations, as well as encourage the work of WMU on a churchwide basis.  (See my last blog on "how" to read about the impact of WMU on a church.)

I attended a pastor appreciation dinner in Boone's Creek Association recently.  One of the associational leaders and her nephew did a skit portraying a pastor's wife and her son talking while they washed and dried dishes.  The conversation was about WMU and how WMU helped Dad (the pastor) to do his work.  The son in the skit had questions about WMU and what it was.  The mom explained how important it was for the church to always be aware of fulfilling the Great Commission and how they could do that through praying, giving, and doing missions.  She explained that Dad did not have time to plan everything and what a help WMU was to him.

I pray for the day that every pastor sees WMU as his partner in keeping missions before the church.  It is amazing what just a little encouragement from the pastor will do for the work of WMU as we seek to "challenge Christian believers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God."

Be sure to read Lonnie Wilkey's editorial.  I just wish I had written it!   ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/missions-education-editorial-right-on-target.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/missions-education-editorial-right-on-target.htm?opendocument&comments How? Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:32:56 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=how.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/how.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/how.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/how.htm
We could look at who, what, when, where, why and how from the perspective of reaching a lost person.  Who - all have sinned.  What - God’s offers forgiveness of sin and eternal life.  Where - the price for our salvation was paid at Calvary.  Why - because God so loved.  How do we receive this gift of salvation - by accepting Christ as Savior.

We can also look at who, what, when, where, why and how from the perspective of God’s call to us to be on mission with Him.  Who - every believer.  What - the Great Commission.  When - every day until Jesus comes again.  Where - all the world, starting at my house.  Why - because God so loved the world and Jesus commanded us to go.  How - that’s what missions is all about, how we carry out this command.

The permanent WMU watchword is “Laborers together with God,” taken from 1 Cor. 3:9. God is on mission and He has not just invited, but commanded us to join Him. You are a part of the how of missions when you pray for lost people by name (do you have a lost list?), when you pray for missionaries and unreached people of the world.

You are a part of missions when you give.  Thank you for giving to our Southern Baptist missions offerings - Lottie, Annie, and Eliza. I want to thank Kentucky Baptists for giving in the 2007-08 offering year because in each offering, Kentucky Baptists gave the largest amounts ever given from our state to these offerings:  
     LMCO: $4,435,031.69
     AAEO: $1,970,430.21
     EBO: $1,105,721.92

Thank you especially for your gifts to the Eliza Broadus Offering.  Through EBO you are a part of so many different ministries across our state, from Baptist Centers, to campgrounds, from college campuses, to crisis pregnancy centers, from English as a Second language classes, to Bible study in sign language.  You are there as you pray and give. Let me encourage you to use our state missions material each year in your church because over time you will learn about many of our state missions ministries.

When we think of the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions, Paul answered the who, what, when, where and why questions in his letter to church at Rome, but then posed a challenging how question that we must still answer today.

In Romans 10:5-15, you will find:
     Who - you, if you confess with your mouth.
     What - you will be saved.
     When - immediately, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
     Where - in your heart your believe and are justified and with your mouth you confess and are saved.
     Why - because there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, the same Lord blesses all who call on Him

But how, Paul asks, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can they preach unless they are sent?

You have probably heard it said that you may be the only Bible some people ever read, the only sermon they ever hear.  So this passage is not just for pastors.  It is for all of us.  And the Lord himself asks the question to all of us, as He did to Isaiah, “Who will go for us?”  

If you want to have beautiful feet, then we must answer as Isaiah did - “Here am I, send me.”   For Paul writes after his series of how questions, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”

I want to add another series of how questions to Paul’s list in regard to the children and youth in our churches and communities: How can our children and youth learn to care about a lost world unless someone teaches them? And how can our children and youth develop lifelong habits of missions praying and giving without someone showing them. And how can our children and youth learn ministry skills without someone guiding them? And how will our children and youth begin to go out into a lost world with the good news unless someone leads them?

Much of what WMU does is behind the scenes, may take years to come to fruition, and is often difficult to measure. But we have found one concrete measurement - Cooperative Program and missions offering giving.  This past spring, Steve Heartsill, who serves as the national WMU liaison with the IMB and NAMB wrote about WMU and missions giving in one of his monthly letters to the IMB trustees. In his April 2008 letter, he broke down CP, AAEO, and LMCO giving of churches with WMU and without WMU by size category.  In every size church, from small to large, churches with WMU out gave those without WMU. Depending on the size category, the difference was as much as two to one.  So, the influence of WMU can be measured in dollars.  And those dollar measurements point to that which cannot be measured: the impact of missions education on children and youth, people who respond to the call to pray for missions, and those who do missions because they were challenged by WMU to understand the mission of God and get radically involved.

WMU has great missions education resources for preschoolers, children, youth and adults.  Our staff can help you with training for missions leaders.  We can help you with resources to share the missions challenge in your church. The great thing about these resources is that a leader does not have to dream it up - good, age-appropriate teaching plans are right here in WMU materials.  

Kentucky WMU also has events such as GA JAM; Exalt, our state Acteens conference; summer camps; and our state annual meeting which encourage and inspire people in missions. In 2009 we will have two annual meetings in Kentucky. Our own in March at FBC Richmond, and then in June we are hosting the national WMU meeting at St. Matthews Baptist Church, just prior to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting.  Both sessions are wonderful opportunities to hear missionaries and get new ideas for ministry.  We are proud of our state Baptist Nursing Fellowship chapter that has developed a ministry to pregnant teens called Baby Boot Camp.  The nurses have done such a great job with this, that they will be featured in the January issue of Missons Mosaicand people from around the country are contacting us for information on how to do this ministry.  So there will be a Baby Boot Camp conference during the national WMU meeting.

If your church is small and you wonder how you can do all of this, please know that a church can have churchwide WMU simply by electing a director and doing things like the seasons of prayer, offerings, and ministry projects on a churchwide basis. Whether you have a WMU with all the age-level groups, or simply a churchwide structure,  through WMU, you can present missions to your church in such as way that people begin to hear the Lord saying “Who will go for us?”  And you will be thrilled when people from your church say, “Here am I, send me.” ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/how.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/how.htm?opendocument&comments EBO off to a good start! Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:35:36 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=ebo-off-to-a-good-start.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/ebo-off-to-a-good-start.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/ebo-off-to-a-good-start.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/ebo-off-to-a-good-start.htm
We are so grateful for the wonderful response to the 2007-08 offering and the $1,105,721.92 that was given.  The overage of $105,721.92 will be used for evangelism, including Crossover 2009 just prior to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Louisville.  The specific projects to be funded will be announced in November.

To help us write thank you letters to Kentucky Baptist Churches, we recently requested a data file listing the churches that gave in 2007-08 and the amount given by each church.  We found that 1,115 churches participated in the 2007-08 Eliza Broadus Offering.  The smallest gift was $5.00 and the largest was $55,202.91 from First Baptist Church, Paducah.   We want to say big thank you to every church that gave and encourage you to give more than you gave last year to the 2008-09 offering.

 If you have not used the 2008 state missions materials in your church, they are undated and can be used any time.  Join us as we "Celebrate God's Love" in Kentucky through state missions and the Eliza Broadus Offering. ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/ebo-off-to-a-good-start.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/ebo-off-to-a-good-start.htm?opendocument&comments PacRim Summit Wed, 8 Oct 2008 17:01:20 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=pacrim-summit.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/pacrim-summit.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/pacrim-summit.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/pacrim-summit.htm
Kentucky WMU has been asked to help promote this conference to encourage greater involvement in the PacRim. This conference is open to everyone with an interest in reaching the PacRim with the gospel.  The conference is an opportunity to learn about the work God is doing among people in this region. The PacRim is home to each of the world's major religions including Shinto, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, and Secularism.  

The summit is designed to equip participants for strategic involvement among the people of the PacRim.  More than 40 field personnel will share a fresh perspective of God at work among the peoples of the PacRim and help participants explore ways to be at work in the region.  For more information go to www.takeit2therim.info.
  ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/pacrim-summit.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/pacrim-summit.htm?opendocument&comments Understanding Other Beliefs Conference Wed, 1 Oct 2008 16:49:01 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=understanding-other-beliefs-conference.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/understanding-other-beliefs-conference.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/understanding-other-beliefs-conference.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/understanding-other-beliefs-conference.htm
The next Understanding Other Beliefs Conference will be Tuesday, October , 6:30 p.m. at Beacon Hill Baptist Church in Somerset. Workshops about Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Occult will be offered.
 
For more information, go to http://www.kybaptist.org/kbc/welcome.nsf/pages/uob2008.

There is no charge for the Understanding Other Beliefs Conference, but pre-registration is required.  Follow the link at the bottom of the above page to register. This is a great opportunity to become better equipped to witness and share Jesus as the  Way, theTruth, and the Life.
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/understanding-other-beliefs-conference.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/understanding-other-beliefs-conference.htm?opendocument&comments Homeless in Paradise Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:34:55 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=homeless-in-paradise.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/homeless-in-paradise.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/homeless-in-paradise.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/homeless-in-paradise.htm
We arrived in Hawaii late on September 17 and were greeted by Shirley Matsumura, a member of the Hawaii WMU leadership team.  We had a day to roam Wakiki, and then the WMU conference began on Thursday evening.  We dressed in African outfits for the opening international banquet and enjoyed meeting folks from around the country who had made their way to Hawaii for this conference.  We enjoyed Bible study led by Randy Sprinkle and wonderful missionary speakers.

After the conference concluded on Saturday, we toured ministry sites in Honolulu, including the Hawaii Baptist Academy.  We learned some of the history of Baptist work in Hawaii and began to realize the commitment level required to serve on an island.  After boarding the Pride of America, we had a team meeting and learned more about the adventure we were about to begin.

The cruise left port on Saturday evening.  We arrived on Maui on Saturday morning.   We attended Lahaina Baptist Church and were welcomed warmly by the congregation.  After lunch our group participated in ministry with the homeless, while the other group visited with residents at a recovery center for people dealing with addictions.  We were struck by the paradox of being homeless in what many would call paradise.  Beautiful beaches and scenery surround the residents, yet there are significant needs.  

We also met the Christian Women's Job Corps director and heard the testimony of a daughter whose mother was changed through the CWJC ministry.

On the Big Island (Hawaii), we visited an army retreat facility where Hawaii Baptists are able to hold youth camp.  After seeing the volcanoes, we also visited Kaumana Baptist Church in Hilo and learned about Baptist Campus ministry there. Our second day on the Big island was spent in Kailua-Kona where we visited the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship and helped them distribute flyers for an upcoming movie night.

On Thursday we arrived in Nawilili, Kauai and traveded to Waimea Canyon, "the Grand Canyon of Hawaii."  Though much smaller than the Grand Canyon on the mainland, it was nevertheless quite a view.  After lunch there, we traveled to visit the Waimea Baptist Church and learned about their Crisis Pregnancy ministry.

Throughout the cruise, all of us carried tracts and looked for opportunities to witness.  One opportunity came as we interacted with a young lady whose role on the ship was to be the "Hawaiian Ambassador" and provide information about each island and other cultural experiences.  When a family crisis came druing the trip, we became aware of it and began to pray for her and the family.  She appreciated the concern of strangers for her cousin who experienced a medical emergency.

One pastor told us that their greatest challenge in getting volunteers is that no one seems to believe that Hawaii is a mission field.  Because so many go for the tourism, the missions needs are difficult to convey.  Plenty of folks teased us about going on a "mission trip," and certainly this was not a typical trip.  But it accomplished what leaders of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention wanted - for a group of Baptists from the mainland to see their state, see the needs, pray, and take time to interact with people there.

Please pray for Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention.  Geographically it is a large area, not easy to work in, with huge diversity in culture and settings.   We are grateful to have gone on the trip, and to be reminded that people can really be homeless in "paradise." ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/homeless-in-paradise.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/homeless-in-paradise.htm?opendocument&comments Eliza Broadus Offering Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:28:56 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=eliza-broadus-offering.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/eliza-broadus-offering.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/eliza-broadus-offering.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/eliza-broadus-offering.htm
Ministries to the homeless, high impact church planting, Harrell Riley's work with Job Corps students, and the work of the Moore Activity Center in northern Kentucky are featured in our materials this year.  The packet includes a listing of Kentucky missionaries and their contact information. You are encouraged to contact a Kentucky missionary to learn more about their ministry and how you can be involved.  All of the materials are also posted on our web site: www.kywmu.org/statemissions.

If you have not ordered Eliza Broadus Offering envelopes and prayer guides for state missions, it is not too late.  The materials are undated and may be used any time. The DVD and teaching guides will help you bring Kentucky missions alive to all ages in your church.

We track the number of orders that we receive for missions materials each year. We hope to exceed the amount of material sent last year.  Do you have yours?  If not, call 1-866-489-3534 today!!! ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/eliza-broadus-offering.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/eliza-broadus-offering.htm?opendocument&comments myMISSIONfulfilled.com Tue, 9 Sep 2008 08:33:21 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=mymissionfulfilled.com.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/mymissionfulfilled.com.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/mymissionfulfilled.com.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/mymissionfulfilled.com.htm www.mymissionfulfilled.com.  Here you will find monthly articles clustered around My Journey, My World, and My Life.  The site includes Bible studies, prayer resources, media reviews, missions opportunities, and articles of interest to women.

Erin Thomas, a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky, is a writer for myMISSIONfulfilled. Here is the opening paragraph of her article "Thinking Outside the Red Velvet Box."

"Get out your boxing gloves, girls, because we're in a knock-down-drag-out with a tricky enemy: materialism.  Sneaking its way into our minds and hearts, whispering to us that we need more things, materialism will eventually make its way into our actions if we're not on guard against it.  And taking a blow from materialism could be a truly costly experience - literally." .  

Click here to read the rest of her article and insights as to how we can all use God's provisions wisely.

Pass on information about this website to women in your church.  One way to do this is to visit the myMISSIONfulfilled homepage and print just that page. Share copies with women in your church as an encouragement to them to become readers.  This website is one way we can reach out to younger women and encourage them on their missions journey. ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/mymissionfulfilled.com.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/mymissionfulfilled.com.htm?opendocument&comments Give Thanks for Our Political Process Fri, 5 Sep 2008 08:26:22 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=give-thanks-for-our-political-process.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/give-thanks-for-our-political-process.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/give-thanks-for-our-political-process.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/give-thanks-for-our-political-process.htm
The greatest thing about the USA is that such conventions and debates can take place freely.  Thus, even when we tire of the rhetoric and tone of the political ads which bombard us at this season, may we never take this process for granted.  In America, we have elections on a regular basis.  Our votes do count.

My first overseas missions trip was to Rwanda in 1992.  We were ever mindful of the fact that the country was on the verge of civil war as we kept our passports with us at all times and were careful about the soldier with guns at frequent checkpoints. Less than two years later, a terrible civil war took place over who was going to be in charge.

I have just returned from having made a day trip into a nation where no elections take place and where soldiers are on guard to keep people in, not out.  The difference in what I saw there and the nation just a few miles away, where there is freedom, was stark.

So, in the next eight weeks or so as the political process gets even more heated, give thanks.  Pray for all candidates to seek God's direction.  Pray for our nation to turn to God in repentance, beginning with believers.  

Long ago,at the dedication of the temple, Solomon prayed for his nation, praying for God's forgiveness when the people sinned. The Lord's answer came to Solomon with these words: "If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land"  (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).  

Acts 11:26 tells us "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch".  We have been called by Christ's name ever since.  Thus the phrase "called by My name" from 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a reminder to me that seeking God for our nation begins with us!   ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/give-thanks-for-our-political-process.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/give-thanks-for-our-political-process.htm?opendocument&comments Silent Auction for EBO Tue, 2 Sep 2008 22:07:29 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=silent-auction-for-ebo.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/silent-auction-for-ebo.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/silent-auction-for-ebo.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/silent-auction-for-ebo.htm
The Acteens have taken the initiative to collect the purses, organize the event, and inform the church of the many ways the Eliza Broadus Offering is used in missions in Kentucky.  Thank you, Bethlehem Acteens and leaders.

What is your church or mission group doing to emphasize the Eliza Broadus Offering?  We would like to hear from you!  Whether you are using the DVD, having a state mission speaker, providing information through your church newsletter or on a bulletin board, we appreciate your help in telling our state missions story and encouraging people to pray and give.  Post a response to this blog and let others know how you are promoting state missions and the Eliza Broadus Offering. ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/silent-auction-for-ebo.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/silent-auction-for-ebo.htm?opendocument&comments Celebrate God’s Love Tue, 2 Sep 2008 16:30:22 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=celebrate-gods-love.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/celebrate-gods-love.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/celebrate-gods-love.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/celebrate-gods-love.htm Celebrate God's Love is the theme for our 2008 Kentucky state missions emphasis.  Materials have been mailed to churches and now we are filling orders at our office for prayer guides, posters, and envelopes.  There is a sense of excitement about the offering and missions in Kentucky.

On Sunday evening, August 31, I attended Pigeon Fork Baptist Church with a group from my church for a Fifth Sunday Sing. These are always special times to share with other small congregations. The pastor's wife at Pigeon Fork recognized me and came to find me after the service.  She was so excited about state missions and wanted me to see two displays she had prepared about the offering.  

This church is starting Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, and Mission Friends. There are three ladies who have decided that even if it is just the three of them, they will promote missions at their church and start a Women on Mission. The pastor told me about growing up in Eastern Kentucky and how his family left the mountains when he was a teenager due to his father getting black lung disease. The people of Eastern Kentucky are still on his heart and he is so grateful for the Eliza Broadus Offering and the work the offering helps to fund.

We are celebrating the overwhelming response to the 2007 offering.  The final tally will be ready in a day or so after all gifts postmarked by August 31 are counted.  As of 9/2/08, the 2007-08 total is $1,102,285.98.  Thank you Kentucky Baptists!!    I am meeting with Dr. Mackey soon to review the requests that we have received for use of the overage for evangelism.  We will report on how every dollar is used. I pray we will go over the 2008 goal, making additional ministries across our state possible next year.  

Join us in prayer for state missions.  Many churches will be distributing prayer guides and offering envelopes on Sunday, September 7.  There will be a special concerted day of prayer on Wednesday, September 10, as we pray With One Voice for spiritual awakening in Kentucky.  

Let's Celebrate God's Love! ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/celebrate-gods-love.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/celebrate-gods-love.htm?opendocument&comments Reflections from Kaesong Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:32:04 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=reflections-from-kaesong.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/reflections-from-kaesong.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/reflections-from-kaesong.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/reflections-from-kaesong.htm
My first trip to Korea in 2006 was a vision trip, to learn more about KBWMU and the work of Korean Baptists.  We visited churches, the KBWMU office, Korea Baptist Convention office, and attended the KBWMU annual meeting.  Our 2008 trip is to help us grow in our understanding and take the partnership to a new level in prayer.
From the start of the partnership we have prayed for North Korea (DPRK).  My understanding of how to pray has been based on reading prayer requests generated by another organization.  But on this trip, we had the opportunity to travel into North Korea for a day tour to Kaesong.  We traveled in a caravan of eight tour busses with mostly South Korean tourists. We went in an attitude of prayer throughout the day and were prayerwalking as we went from place to place.

As we drove, we could see soldiers standing guard at points along the way. We were not allowed to take any pictures from the bus, only at the designated stops. We visited a waterfall, and several historic places, and had a traditional Korean meal for lunch. From the bus we could see housing, various unidentified buildings, and monuments but saw few cars or businesses. All of our guides at each tour stop were friendly and eager to tell about their country. Vistors could ask questions but did not have opportunity to engage in any significant conversations.

Having grown up in New Orleans with canals everywhere for flood control, as we traveled through the Kaesong area, I was struck by the number of such canals in DPRK.  In 2006 and 2007, torrential rains caused massive flooding in North Korea and now I understand why. Flood control is an issue. We drove through farm land and mountains that had crops but little other development.  People live in small villages. The town of Kaesong has a small population and it appears that most residents work either in the surrounding agricultural area or in the joint industrial area just north of the DMZ. This area is a joint project between North and South Korea where South Korean businesses have built modern factories and employ North Korea workers.  

Upon return from Kaesong, I spent some time reviewing the history of Korea which dates back thousands of years. I learned the legend of how the first dynasty began and of the kings and dynasties that ruled for many years. The history that we are more familiar with begins in the 20th century when Korea came under Japanese colonial rule. At the end of WWII, with the defeat of Japan, the United Nations developed plans for a trustee administration of Korea by the Soviet Union and the USA, but this plan never came to pass.  In 1948, Korea new governments were established with a communist government in the north and a democratic government in the south. Each side wished to reunite Korea under their governmental system.  Unresolved tensions came to a head when North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950. The Korean War ensued (1950-53) in which many American soldiers fought.  An armistice agreement was established in 1953 but technically, the two countries are still at war.
 
Please pray for North Korea. Pray for greater contact with other countries and economic development. Pray for the spread of the gospel and for the protection of believers there. Pray for the day that all Korean people know Ha Na Nim, Yesu Nim, Sung Ryung Nim (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/reflections-from-kaesong.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/reflections-from-kaesong.htm?opendocument&comments Greetings from Korea Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:42:47 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=greetings-from-korea.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/greetings-from-korea.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/greetings-from-korea.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/greetings-from-korea.htm
It was wonderful to hear the Esther Missions Choir and Handbells in the opening session of their meeting (Monday morning).  Their music continues to be a blessing. They will be traveling to India in January to sing for the Asian Baptist Women's Union Meeting.

This year's KBWMU Annual Meeting included a 50-year celebration of publishing Holy Light, the Korea WMU magazine.  Their staff did a promotional skit which reminded me of some of our staff skits at annual meeting.  They also had a special concert with a number of performers.

The Monday afternoon session included a time devoted to our partnership.  Pat Reaves brought a greeting on behalf of Kentucky WMU. I did a presentation summarizing our partnership thus far and also sharing some of the work of Kentucky WMU. Through the PowerPoint slides, the ladies were able to see some of what has taken place as guests have come to Kentucky to attend our meetings and observe camps.  Two of the young adults who came this past summer to observe camp also shared about their experiences and showed pictures from camp.  They are so appreciative of what they have learned and their experiences in Kentucky.

On Monday evening we heard from a lady who escaped from North Korea several years ago.  She became a Christian after she got out and is now devoted to sharing the gospel there by various means. Please continue to pray for this country and openings for the gospel.  

Monday evening concluded with "Happy Time" which was like the talent show time at our Fall Retreats.  It was great fun.  Our WMU sisters in Korea love to laugh and have a good time.

The Tuesday morning program began before breakfast with singing and a devotional presented by Sandra Duguid.  She was an inspiration to us all, reminding us that when doors close, if we will trust God, there are greater opportunities ahead.   After breakfast the morning session included their business session and election of officers.  We enjoyed observing and appreciated their great spirit in supporting missions efforts.

After lunch with Mr. Kim, one of our visitors this past summer, we headed back to Seoul to regroup for a trip into North Korea on Wednesday.  This is a very tightly controlled excursion, but we will be in country, praying as we go.   If you receive theCommission magazine, there are several great articles in the summer 2008 edition which will help you pray with greater insight.

We have been graciously hosted by KBWMU and IMB missionaries.  We were reminded by our missionaries that their primary assignment is help mobilize Korean Baptists as they send missionaries.  Very few Southern Baptist missionaries now serve in Korea because Christianity is well-established here. (Korea is about 25% Christian and IMB is focusing on sending our missionaries to places that are 2% or less Christian.) Yet our missionary friend gave us three important reasons why volunteers are still needed to come to Korea.  (1) There are few Christian missionaries being appointed to Korea by any sending organization, but there are Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, Buddhist, and Muslim missionaries coming in great numbers.  (2) Americans are generally loved in Korea and are safe here.  (3) Americans can open a door for the gospel that Koreans cannot open. English is currently a great opportunity for evangelism. Short-term volunteers can come to teach English in churches and other settings.  Kentucky WMU sent a team of six to Korea the first two weeks of August to lead English camps in rural Korean churches.  In one of the camps, there were over 20 professions of faith.

I would add a fourth reason for going to Korea.  Korea is the only Asian nation that has embraced Christianity.  Korean Baptists also send missionaries, often to places that we cannot.  By encouraging them, partnering in various ways, we ultimately strengthen missions around the world.

One other note. The Korean government is hiring many English teachers and is placing a great emphasis on learning English.  Korean Christians would like to see American Christians come to Korea to take these English teaching jobs and be a witness while they are here.  This is a great opportunity for a Christian young adult who has just graduated from college who would like an opportunity to travel, earn some money, and be used of God all at the same time. ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/greetings-from-korea.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/greetings-from-korea.htm?opendocument&comments Korea WMU Partnership Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:25:24 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=korea-wmu-partnership.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/korea-wmu-partnership.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/korea-wmu-partnership.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/korea-wmu-partnership.htm
In June, four young adults came to observe our camps at Cedar Crest.  They spent about two weeks in Kentucky, visiting churches, observing Vacation Bible Schools, and attending camp.  These young adults are leaders in KBWMU camps and enjoyed seeing our summer camp program.

We continue to assist Soonsil Back, a KBWMU student at Southern Seminary.  We helped Soonsil attend a national WMU conference for Koreans held in Dallas, Texas the last weekend of July.  Soonsil has been assisting us in making contacts with Korea congregations and we hope to continue working with our Korean churches in missions education.  Soonsil is in her final year and will graduate in December.  She will work in our office for a few months before returning to Korea and her work with KBWMU.

On July 31, Stacy Nall, our camp director, and five others left for Korea to lead two weeks of English Camps.  As the result of the 2007 English Camps, Stacy and several others have written an English Camp curriculum.  Designed much like Vacation Bible School, the English Camp curriculum includes Bible stories, crafts, and games.  Built into each day are English lessons around the material.  Korea Baptist Home Mission Board assisted with the travel expense of these volunteers because they want to do as many of these camps as possible as outreach ministries.

On August 14, four of us will leave to attend the Korea WMU Annual Meeting.  Pat Reaves, our Kentucky WMU president, will bring greetings.  Sandra Duguid, Vice-President, will lead a devotional on the second day.  I will be presenting highlights of our partnership and information about the work of Kentucky WMU.   Dolores Gilmore, a member of the Kentucky WMU Executive Board, will be sharing her testimony in a church.  

As we have partnered with Korea WMU, the foundation has been prayer.  Cathy Chinn has spoken many times about praying for Korea and the work of Kentucky WMU.  Monthly prayer requests have been sent by email in the past, and are now posted on our News Blog.  Visit this blog and sign up to receive the monthly prayer requests by email when they are posted.

I ask for your prayers as we travel.  While the eyes of the world are on China during the Olympics, please remember the Koreans, who are competing as a unified team. Following the KBWMU Annual Meeting, we will have the opportunity to travel to a village in the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) on a special tour. As we visit North Korea, we will be praying for all Koreans and the spread of the gospel.

Thank you for your prayers.  As you pray for KBWMU and our partnership, as well as your prayers for both North and South Korea, you have a significant part in taking the gospel into all the world.     ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/korea-wmu-partnership.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/korea-wmu-partnership.htm?opendocument&comments Discovering Our Heroes Wed, 6 Aug 2008 13:16:07 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=discovering-our-heroes.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/discovering-our-heroes.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/discovering-our-heroes.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/discovering-our-heroes.htm
Dr. Paul Chitwood, pastor of First Baptist Church, Mt. Washington, is now president of the trustees of the International Mission Board.  As a past Kentucky Baptist Convention president, we are especially proud to have him serve in this capacity.  In a recent Baptist Press story, Dr. Chitwood reflects on taking his children to a service honoring emeritus missionaries.  His young children did not want to go and he was disappointed that they were not particularly excited about the prospect.

But go they did and something wonderful happened when the emeritus missionaries began to tell their stories. "Not the whole story, just tidbits and highlights - victories and sacrifices of those who had lived their lives on the mission fields of the world, some for more than 40 years.  Suddenly the two lifeless bodies beside me resurrected. Eyes once glazed began dancing with wonder. Whispered questions began to fire back and forth."

Discovering our heroes is what missions education is all about.  Introducing children to missions through the lives of missionaries and challenging children and youth to consider God's call is vital.  

Too often, when kids have pouted and said "I don't want to go," we have given in, looking for something that is fun and glitzy, when in reality we need to teach that which has eternal significance and depth.  Children today need real heroes - not athletes, models, or movie stars - but heroes who are making a difference in the world for God's Kingdom.  Heroes who touch lives and serve others.  Heroes to emulate.

Are you helping children and youth discover heroes?  If not, start today through missions education.  Our world needs real heroes and you may be training one now!

 Click here to read Dr. Chitwood's article, "Tribute to an old breed of hero."  And as you read, please pray for Dr. Chitwood and all of our IMB trustees, staff, and missionaries. ]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/discovering-our-heroes.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/discovering-our-heroes.htm?opendocument&comments Special Events for Children Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:50:54 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=special-events-for-children.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/special-events-for-children.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/special-events-for-children.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/special-events-for-children.htm
Punt, Pass, and Kick is about more than football. It is an exciting way to teach missions to children.  On Saturday, September 13, you are invited to bring both boys and girls to Punt, Pass and Kick at Campbellsville University.  The event is open to all children in grades 1-6, especially those who are taking part in Royal Ambassadors, Children in Action, Girls in Action, and other children's ministries.

This one-day event utilizes football to teach vital lessons about the Gospel, missions and evangelism.  The Baptist Men on Mission Department of the Kentucky Baptist Convention sponsors PPK.  Click here to learn more and how to register.

Another great opportunity is our Children in Action Day Camp to be held on Saturday, September 20 at Central Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg.  Cost is just $10 per person and includes lunch.  CiA Day Camp starts at 10 a.m. and concludes at 3:00 p.m.  Preregister by Friday, September 12.  For more information, contact Brenda Price by email (Brenda.Price@kybaptist.org) or phone: 866-489-3534.

GA JAM (Jesus and Me) will be Saturday, November 8.  Registration information will be mailed to GA Leaders and WMU Directors in late August.

In planning for the year as a missions education leader, by including associational and state events in your church missions group plans, you have the opportunity to have special events for your people (children, youth or adults) without having to do the planning!  Your planning is how to get there and accommodations (if needed).  

So, check association, Kentucky WMU, and KBC calendars for missions events and opportunities.  On Mission Celebrations, MissionsFEST, Crossover, Exalt, partnership missions, etc. are all ways you can participate and add great events to your calendar for the year.
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/special-events-for-children.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/special-events-for-children.htm?opendocument&comments