The Ohio Baptist Messenger is the monthly news publication of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Visit www.scbo.org to learn more...
2 | April 2024
Featured This Month
May We Never Get Over The Gospel by Jeremy Westbrook
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President’s Pen by Adam Pursel
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SCBO Begins Partnership with The Worship Initiative
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Declining Churches Renewed Through Revitalizing, Fostering, and Replanting
Blessed are Those Who Mourn
The Lord’s Hay—Another Picture of God’s Provision NAMB Revive Summit to Provide Tools for Revitalization
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Super Summer: A Student Leadership Program Second to None! Misidentification Doesn’t Dampen Enthusiasm for Annie Armstrong
SCBO Vision Tour Coming to Each Region in 2024 Refugee Wants World to ‘Hear How I Found Jesus’ Lunch and Learn with Kie Bowman Set for April 22
The Ohio Baptist Messenger Staff
Dr. Jeremy Westbrook, editor-in-chief Stephanie Heading, managing editor
Seth Wicker, digital communication assistant AJ Frasure, digital communication assistant
Dan Stupakewicz, director of information technology
-- Tell us your story -- The Ohio Baptist Messenger is a monthly publication highlighting what the Lord is doing in SCBO churches or min- istries, and we need your help! Tell us your story and we could feature it in an upcoming issue of The Messenger . Please submit your stories to messenger@scbo.org. For more information, please contact Stephanie Heading at messenger@scbo.org.
Published monthly by The State Convention of Baptists in Ohio for members of Southern Baptist churches in Ohio. | 9000 Antares AveColumbus, Ohio 43240
April 2024 | 3
May We Never Get Over The Gospel I pray that I will never get over the gospel. One of the dangers of drifting is that you are not aware that it is happening. Often, we can become so enamored and even distracted with going to church and staying busy within the church that we forget about a lost com- munity that surrounds that church. Many of them are waiting to be invited to church. Several of them would be open to hearing the good news of the gospel if someone would just take the time to tell them.
a 96% increase over the past two years…to God be the glory! While we are so grateful to the Lord for his kindness and to our churches for their faithfulness, we still are aware that most Ohioans are lost without a relation- ship with Jesus. It is this reality that leads us to coop- erate for the purpose of spreading the gospel to our neighbors and the nations. Did you know that the SCBO offers evangelism grants to cooperating churches that faithfully make contribu- tions to the Cooperative Program (CP) and fill out their Annual Church Profile (ACP)? If you would like a copy of the evangelism grant form to fill out or have ques - tions, please email grants@scbo.org to learn more. I pray that we will never get over the gospel.
Every year, our local churches fill out the Annual Church Profile (ACP) and report the number of bap - tisms that local churches had. Why does this mat- ter? Because it shows us the missional health of our churches and it reminds us that we still have an op- portunity to obey the Lord in reaching Ohio for Christ! So how are we doing? In 2021, Ohio Baptist churches baptized 1,705 individuals. That is pretty good, but the even better news was that in 2022, we saw our churches baptize nearly 2,300 people -- a 32% in- crease over the previous year…praise the Lord! How- ever, we just received the ACP data from 2023 and I am so excited to share that SCBO churches celebrat- ed 3,406 individuals who went public with their faith and took the next steps of believers’ baptism--that’s
Dr. Jeremy Westbrook Executive Director-Treasurer, SCBO
4 | April 2024
President’s Pen Make Disciples, No Matter What
“And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” - The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Mt 28:17–20). (2016). Crossway Bibles The Bible is sometimes shockingly honest. Jesus has just conquered sin and death. He invited his disciples to touch his side and eat along with him. Rightly, they worship him…but some doubted. They doubted?!?!?!? They’re face to face with the risen King…and some doubted. Like the disciples, we worship Jesus. Like the disciples, we have come to know and believe that he is the Christ, the son of the Living God. He has the words of life; where else would we go? And like the disciples, sometimes we have doubts. Are you in a season of doubt? Of faith-filled worship? Of struggle? Of joyful victory? No matter what season you are in, remember the Lord’s command to make disciples. Baptize them. Train them to observe all the Lord’s commands…including the one to make disciples! Tell them to remember Jesus; He’s with his people, all the time, no matter what, until the end. He loves his people. One of the great things about being an Ohio Baptist is the support. Are you going through a tough time? Help is just an email or phone call away. There are amazing resources in our state to help church leaders who are struggling. We can help you remember the mercy of the Lord, and we can help you proclaim the word of Christ in your community so that lost people can hear and respond to the gospel! You can always reach me at president@scbo.org.
Grace and Peace, Adam Pursel SCBO President
April 2024 | 5
SCBO Begins Partnership with The Worship Initiative Every Sunday morning, Ohio Baptists gather to worship the Lord in music and the word. However, according to SCBO Worship Consultant, Zac James, worship ministry is an area of need in many SCBO churches. By Zac James, SCBO worship consultant, and Stephanie Heading, managing editor
“At the state convention, the most common call we get from our churches is ‘I need help in the area of worship,’” said James. “I hear you, Dr. Jeremy Westbrook, executive direc- tor, hears you, and we want to come alongside you and help however we can. We are committed to helping you identify and develop the next generation of worship leaders to serve the local church.” With the mission of raising the next generation of worship leaders in mind, SCBO is thrilled to announce a partnership with The Worship Initiative to help churches get critical train- ing to develop worship leaders and teams. “The Worship Initiative’s aim is simple,” said Andrew McKin- ney, executive vice president, sales and customer success at The Worship Initiative. “ We seek to equip and encourage worship pastors, leaders, and their teams and those who as- pire to be a part of those spaces.” Founded by Shane & Shane, The Worship Initiative has a digital resource online with over 550 songs attached with playthrough tutorials, devotionals, and scripture support as well as overarching instrument and vocal training, studies on pastoral care, theological and heart training and much more. “In short we hope it’s a tool that encourages and develops holistic, healthy worshippers who hold high the word of God as they lead in corporate spaces for the local church,” McK- inney noted. Due to the partnership with Ohio Baptists, SCBO churches are eligible for a tier discount. For church group accounts a 10-seat account will be the price of a 5-seat account. The 25-seat account will be the price of a 10-seat account, and smaller teams are eligible for 50% off our 5 seat accounts. “SCBO has its own account,” said James. “I really believe in this resource and the value it can add to your church. We pray as you begin this new ministry year that you would com- mit yourself to pursue worship ministry with excellence and passion as we sing the gospel of Jesus Christ every Sunday morning. “May our churches be known not just for biblical preaching and cooperation in missions all over the world, but also for how we worship the King in the local church gatherings of Ohio Baptists!” For more information, you can visit www.scbo.org/TWI and https://theworshipinitiative.com/. If you would like to sched- ule time with McKinney and his team at The Worship Initiative visit https://calendly.com/andrew-twi/30min.
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Declining Churches Renewed Through Revitalizing, Fostering, and Replanting By Stephanie Heading, managing editor In 2017, Summit Baptist Church, Pataskala, was a church in decline.
He contacted Steve Hopkins, SCBO convention re- lations. “I told Steve that if we can be a blessing to them, please let them know.” Hopkins brought Mark Jones, SCBO revitalization consultant, into the con- versation and the path to a church foster relationship began between Summit and FSB Johnstown. “Church Foster Care is a time-bound strategic part- nership between a stronger church and a struggling church,” said Jones. “The struggling church receives and accepts coaching, care, wisdom, and resources aimed at returning the struggling church to vitality and full autonomy. Church Foster Care happens through a revitalization process or if the struggling church de- sires, through replanting.” Building a relationship between the two churches was the first and most important step leading to a foster
The congregation had been without a pastor for over a year due to difficult circumstances and the congre - gation dwindled to 15 people. The building was out- dated, and the church wasn’t active in outreach to its community. Pastor Mark Glenn accepted God’s call to serve as Summit’s senior pastor in late 2017 and started at the church in early 2018. After Glenn’s arrival, the church recognized its need as a declining church and entered a time of revital- ization. Now six years later Summit BC has seen its ministry renewed and its congregation increase to 75- 90 people in attendance. “God has really grown this ministry,” he said. However, the church and its pastor were not content to celebrate their victories and leave other declining churches behind. One of those churches was First Southern Baptist of Johnstown, a church that Glenn was familiar with. “I drove by it every time I went from Mount Vernon to Johnstown.” The church was struggling without a pastor and it reminded Glenn of Summit before its revitalization. “Their situation was like ours was. The congregation was down to 10-15 members. They had lost their way. It was identical to what we were.”
agreement. “Lead- ers at our church reached out to FSB Johnstown,” said Glenn. “They be- came an extension of our church.” In June 2023, FSB John- stown voted to enter a foster relationship with Summit. As part of foster care, Summit leaders filled
Mark Glenn, pastor, Summit Baptist Church, Pataskala
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Students from Bowling Green State University H2O hit the be- aches of Florida during Spring Break. They shared the gospel hundreds of times, and many students shared the gospel for the first time in their lives. Gre - at conversations led to people praying to receive Christ. “The Beach Reach experience was amazing,” said Matt Pardi, H2O director.
the pulpit at Johnstown and performed pastoral du- ties such as preaching funerals. Summit also supplied an interim pastor. The two churches met together oc- casionally for services and got to know each other. “We also gave them our word that we would help them find the right guy as their pastor,” said Pastor Rob Kane. He began screening resumes and doing interviews with potential candidates for the position and narrowed the field to five candidates. When the pastor search process ended, Sam Romine, current youth and college pastor, Lifepoint Mount Ver- non, accepted the call to serve as the new pastor of FSB Johnstown. “The Lord is going to use Sam to hit a homerun,” said Glenn. In addition to finding a pastor, FSB Johnstown also voted to replant the church. “They were aware that
they were a dying church,” said Glenn. “The desire to do a replant was a huge decision.” When Romine starts his duties as senior pastor in summer 2024, FSB Johnstown will become “Re- demption Church,” and Summit will still be support- ing the replant. Glenn will be part of an advisory com- mittee designed to help steer the new church. This was the first fostering experience for Summit, and Glenn feels blessed to be a part of it. “I have been so encouraged by how much support the folks there have given. It’s evidence of God at work. In the rela- tionship between our two churches there has been time, resources and sacrifices made,” said Glenn. “It’s a great testimony of the Lord at work.” In addition to fostering FSB Johnstown, the church has also faithfully responded to the need for new
church plants in central Ohio, sending one of its own, Pas- tor Rob Kane, to plant Citizens Church in Westerville during the Covid 19 pandemic. Citizens Church is currently a thriving church with a congregation of 125 plus. In January 2024, Summit also launched New Creation Church, a Nepali mission, which meets at Summit on Sunday after- noons. New Creation Church is reaching out to the large Nepali population that has settled in the Pataskala area. Abraham Diyali is the pastor.
First Southern Baptist Church, Johnstown
8 | April 2024
By Jason Williams, planter, and pastor, The Church in the Wild, Westerville Blessed are Those Who Mourn
Luke 22:39-44 “…And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Recently, I have been studying mountains in the Bible and have run across the theme that God loves to meet humanity on a mountain and bring victory and blessing with Him when He arrives. Time after time, we see this happening in Scripture, but in this passage, Jesus is on a mountain, and He is mourning! It does not seem very victorious, right? What is so interesting about this is that this is not the first time this has happened with Jesus.
Luke 19:41-44 “Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it…” Luke 19 tells us how Jesus enters Jerusalem, having just descended from the Mount of Olives, crosses a narrow valley, and ascends into Jerusalem. As He does, He begins to weep for His people. What struck me is that both times Jesus mourns on a mountain, He is mourning the sins of His people. In Luke 19, He mourns the sin of Israel, and in Luke 22, He mourns humanity’s sin. Jesus discussed mourning over sin in His Sermon on The Mount, found in Matthew.
Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Most Bible scholars today believe that Jesus was referencing mourning over sin (both our sin and the sin of our culture). If we look at the Scripture, there are other examples of people who mourned on moun - tains, but when they specifically mourned the sins of their people, two key figures come to mind.
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Exodus 32:30-34:19 “Moses said to the people, ‘You have committed a great sin. So now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.’ Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, ‘Oh, these people have committed a great sin and have made for themselves a god of gold! Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.’” In Exodus 32-34, Moses mourns the sin of His people, repents to God, pleads with God to remain with them, and curiously asks God to reveal His glory to Him.
Another famous Bible story about a leader who did this is in 1 Kings. 1 Kings 19:8-13 Elijah said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the peo- ple of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” Some scholars today believe that Elijah mourns the sin of his people on the same mountain that Moses did, that he too curiously encounters the presence of God, and that the following passage is so profound.
Matthew 17:1-3 “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” How incredible that the two men were recorded mourning the sins of their people and meeting Jesus face to face on a mountain for His transfiguration! Repentance leads to awareness of the Redeemer.
I want to encourage you to be like Moses, like Elijah, and like Jesus to mourn the sins of our country. Maybe that means fasting, leading your church, ministry, group, or family into a prayer time where we call on God to forgive our land, or finding time alone to pray. I wish I could tell you that if we were to mourn the sins of our nation, Amer - ica would suddenly repent, proclaim a 30-day fast, and turn back to God! That may happen, and we all certainly wish it would, but perhaps that is not the point of these passages. Perhaps the point of these stories is that when we mourn the sins of our world, we encounter God in a whole new way! And He comforts us in ways that we have never experienced. I wonder if we do not find comfort in this world because we have not mourned our sins, felt the comforting hand of God, and experienced Him and His glory in brand new ways.
10 | April 2024
The Lord’s Hay
By John Heading, director, Ohio Disaster Relief
Ohio DR transported 17 bales weighing close to 15,000 pounds to Canadian, Texas.
In Ohio Disaster Relief (OHDR), as in life, sometimes God meets our needs before we even know we have a need. When Florida Disaster Relief donat- ed a heavy duty pickup truck to Ohio Disaster Relief in February 2024, we didn’t know what God had in mind. However, in March, after the massive wildfires in the Texas panhandle, a call went out to DR groups across the SBC from the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention for hay. Texas farmers had suffered great loss in the fires. The Smokehouse Creek Fire burned approximately 1.75 mil- lion acres of land and farmers lost nearly 75,000 head of cattle. The first issue was finding hay. OHDR volunteer Randy Sparks, First Baptist Heath, connected OHDR to Danny Anderson, a farmer in east- ern Ohio, who was eager to help. He agreed to donate hay; he loaned OHDR his gooseneck trailer and re- cruited an additional farmer to do- nate more hay. These bales of hay aren’t the ones most people know about--they can weigh over 1,000 pounds each.
Pulling an 8,000 pound gooseneck trailer that’s carrying 15,000 pounds of hay takes a truck especially equipped for the task. The donated truck from Florida met every require - ment! God met our needs before we knew we had a need. We would not have been able to take the first load of hay to Texas without that truck. On the first trip to deliver the hay to Canadian, Texas, OHDR veteran vol- unteers Dale Patterson and Randy Sparks had a safe and problem-free trip.
However, as they prepared to drive home, they discovered a flat tire. Veteran Ohio DR volunteer Dale Patterson
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After trading out the spare tire for the flat tire Patterson and Sparks headed out. Hours later, the truck blew both tires on the rear left. They used the spare tire from the trailer and traveled to a tire shop in Joplin, Missouri, where the shop had the exact two tires they needed. God provided for another need. The expenses for the first hay deployment totaled nearly $2000. Ohio Disaster Relief received $2000 in donations during the first 14 days of March. God supplied our need. When God provides, He finishes the job. The need for hay in Texas is immense so farmers in eastern Ohio wanted to donate another 34 bales. OHDR leadership decid- ed to hire a commercial carrier to take the extra-large load.
Wildfires in the Texas panhandle scorched over one million acres of farmland.
lief and would deliver the hay for free. The need was $3500, and once again, God provided. This deployment is another example of God at work. He provided for the needs before they arrived. God doesn’t call us to do things unprepared. He gifts us to serve and provides for the needs through his people in the local church. Praise the Lord, and Thank you, Ohio Baptists!
Ohio DR volunteer Mike Monroe, Urbancrest Baptist Church, connected OHDR with Justin Tall, a member of Urbancrest Baptist Church, Lebanon, and works for Total Quality Logistics (TQL), a large transport compa - ny in Cincinnati. TQL quoted $3500 to ship the load to Texas and OHDR hired them for the job. Later that same day, Tall called and shared that his company wanted to invest in the work of Disaster Re-
NAMB Revive Summit to Provide Tools for Revitalization
According to the Annual Church Profile 70% of Ohio churches have plateaued or declined in the past five years. To help combat this trend, the North American Mis- sion Board (NAMB) is sponsoring the NAMB Revive Summit at Violet Baptist Church, Pickerington, May 21-22, to encourage pastor and leaders and help them learn about how to revitalize their own church- es. Revive Summit is a two-day event that includes in- depth Bible study, prayer, practical instructions to improve Biblical preaching, proven steps to move a church toward following Jesus’ plan for the church, and meaningful restorative worship for those in at- tendance. Speakers include Colin Pugh, replant specialist; Mike Clifton, NAMB replant senior director; David Quiroa, replant specialist; Jimbo Stewart, NAMB replant team associate director; Dr. Frank Lewis, former
pastor, First Baptist Church, Nashville; Dr. Joe Crid- er, SBTS faculty and worship pastor, FBC Benbrook; and Dr. Richard Blackaby, president, Blackaby Min- istries International, and Rick Fisher, vice president, Blackaby Ministries International. During the main sessions speakers will cover a variety of topics, including “Christ’s Presence in the Church,” “Worship in Church Revitalization,” “Preaching When it is Hard,” and “God’s Not Done with Your Church.” In addition, NAMB Revive Sum- mit will feature multiple breakout sessions. Registration is open and available at https://web. cvent.com/event/2c28d3dc-865e-4174-9f69- 2a11dee7990e/regProcessStep1. Registration is $15 and includes lunch on both days and dinner on the first day. If you have any questions about NAMB Revive Summit, contact SCBO Revitalization Con- sultant Mark Jones at mjones@scbo.org.
12 | April 2024
Super Summer: A Student Leadership Program Second to None!
By Keith Hurt, SCBO director of Next Gen and Super Summer director
Super Summer, a program for student leaders who have finished grades 7-12, is back for 2024 at Cedar - ville University, June 25-29, Tuesday – Saturday, after a record-breaking year in 2023. Super Summer raises leaders for the Next Generation When I first attended Super Summer in 2007 I knew that I was involved in something special. Many de- nominations struggle to raise leaders, but the SCBO has developed an intentional program to do just that! Super Summer invites youth pastors across Ohio to identify their student leaders. These students have completed grades 7-12, are serious about their faith, and long to make an impact for Christ. They come to Cedarville University for a week in June where some of the best pastors and youth leaders in the state converge to train them at each grade level. To participate in Super Summer, students must meet the leadership requirements established by their churches. At my church, Violet Baptist Church, Pick- erington, our Super Summer students must serve
at church, have a godly testimony, and meet youth group attendance requirements. They must also complete an application, an interview, and an assign- ment to be eligible to attend Super Summer. Our Super Summer students would tell you that it is worth the work that it takes to attend the program. Last year 450 adults and students engaged in heart- felt worship and highly focused student leadership training at Super Summer. Through the years, we have had students from our church who have surrendered to the call to full-time ministry at Super Summer. Others have received training to make an impact for Christ in part-time or volunteer leadership roles in local churches and min- istries. Super Summer registration is now open at super- summerohio.com. The registration deadline is May 2 with a deposit of $145 of the $280 total. Please pray for these students who are stepping for- ward to grow as followers of Jesus and as leaders of others. Also, feel free to reach out if you have any questions about Super Summer at khurt@scbo.org.
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Misidentification Doesn’t Dampen Enthusiasm for Annie Armstrong
During Sunday school at First Baptist Church, Grove City, seven-year-old Jonathan Mishne eagerly listened to the story of Annie Armstrong taught by his teachers, Sherri Love and Becky Grundei. Following the story, he and his classmates made special banks to take home and fill with money for the An - nie Armstrong Easter Offering. After church, Jonathan exclaimed, “Mom, we learned about Neil Armstrong in Sunday School today!” No matter what you call it, Thank You, Ohio Baptists, for praying, giving, and supporting 2,961 missionaries who share the gospel in North America!
Nehemiah Mishne, age 9, and his brother Jonathan Mishne , age 7, fill their mission bank for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.
SCBO Vision Tour Coming to Each Region in 2024 By Stephanie Heading, managing editor
In 2024, the SCBO is coming to a location near you! The SCBO Vision Tour with Executive Director Jer- emy Westbrook is making stops in all six regions of Ohio this year giving pastors, church staff, and church leaders the opportunity to enjoy a meal together, en- gage in conversation, ask questions, and connect over the heart of ministry in our churches. “I believe God is at work in our state and I want to celebrate what he’s been doing over the past cou- ple of years. I also want to cast vision, not only for this year, but Lord willing, for the years ahead,” said Westbrook. The Vision Tour begins in the Southwest Region in April then moves to the West Region in May and the Southeast Region in June. It resumes in August in the Northeast Region before concluding in September in the Northwest Region and the Central Region. Westbrook wants to meet face to face with Ohio pas- tors, leaders, and churches not only to celebrate and cast vision, but also to seek ways to work together for the kingdom. “I want to collaborate, “ said Westbrook. “I want you to be able to ask your questions and I want to hear your heart as you hear mine.” Westbrook is excited about spending time with Ohio pastors and leaders during The SCBO Vision Tour. “I look forward to this. Bring your leaders, your church, whoever wants to come, as we sit down and we celebrate, cast vision, and collaborate together.” Registration for The SCBO Vision Tour is now avail- able at https://www.scbo.org/event/scbo-vision-tour.
14 | April 2024
Refugee Wants World to ‘Hear How I Found Jesus’
By Kristen Sosbee, IMB Writer
What they could not have known was that soon Manith would be forced to leave her beloved Cam- bodia not as an exchange student but a refugee. She would never return. In 1975 the Communist state took over the Cambo- dian government, and rumors of widespread killings escalated throughout the country. “My name was on the list of the capture to kill be- cause I was educated,” Sanchez shared. “And I mar- ried a man that worked for the government, so we were both on the list.” In 1976, the city where Manith lived was bombed. As the city descended into chaos and terror, she fled with her family. It became a yearslong journey to safety. In her book “The List,” Sanchez wrote in detail about the horrors she experienced—the killing fields, mass ex - ecutions, labor camps and the death of her firstborn child—until she at last reached the barbed-wire bor- der of Thailand and leapt to safety through a barrage of bullets with her two children strapped to her body. It was in the Khao I Dang refugee camp in Thailand that Manith heard the name of Jesus for the first time. “Paul and Wendy are the first people that introduced me to Christ,” Sanchez said. Paul and Wendy were missionaries from the United States. Manith first saw Paul standing under a shady tree with a thick black book talking about a man named Jesus. It wasn’t long before she went every Sunday to sit under the tree and hear more about God. Paul and Wendy gave Manith a Bible in her own language.
Manith Sanchez
Manith Sanchez, a Cambodian refugee who fled Pol Pot’s brutal dictatorship in the late 1970s, had nev- er heard the name of Jesus. But as she recalled her escape, the evidence of God’s provision for her was unmistakable. “I was almost killed so many times,” Sanchez said. “Anything could have happened to me, but for some reason God prepared my way.” Sanchez grew up on a farm in the foothills of the Cambodian mountains. In her memory, it was an idyl- lic childhood. She loved the rhythms of farming and going to school in the small village where she knew everyone. She loved watching the sun rise with her grandmother over a cup of warm, jasmine tea, and calling out morning greetings to neighbors from the wraparound balcony of their home. Manith’s family, led by her wise and revered grand- mother, strictly adhered to the Buddhist traditions of their culture. But Manith harbored a deep resistance to the religion of Cambodia. “For some reason, I was always against Buddhist traditions,” Sanchez said. “I was like the oddball out of my whole family. They practiced Buddhism all the time, but not me.” Manith reflected that God directed her heart, even then. “He already had plans for me,” she said. “I did not know Him before, but He knew me.” Her grandmother believed education was important, and Manith was an excellent student. They made plans for her to study abroad after high school.
Manith Sanchez is an active member of First Baptist Church of Middleburg, in Middleburg, Florida. She serves her church as part of the Audio Video Lighting production team. Photo Provided
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One Sunday, she asked them if they could help her. “I want to meet Jesus in person,” she said. As many refugees made plans to resettle in anoth- er country, Manith wondered if she could resettle in heaven. When she asked Paul, she was surprised that he laughed and asked her why. “Of course, when you believe in Jesus you want to go to heaven,” Sanchez reasoned. “You want to see Him.” Paul and Wendy encouraged her to study her Bible and discipled Manith along with other new believers among the refugees. Soon, she was baptized in a riv- er that ran through the camp. In her book, Sanchez wrote about the impact of Paul and Wendy’s ministry to her and other refugees. “With almost zero knowledge of the Cambodian, Laos, or Thai languages, they believed God could use them to introduce Jesus to refugees from those countries.” Like IMB missionaries serving around the world today, Paul and Wendy crossed geographic, cultural, and linguistic barriers to make His name known. Sanchez said the miracle of their ministry was faith in God’s Word as they put the Bible into the hands of refugees, knowing it would not return void.
Though Paul and Wendy have both passed away, the word of God remains in the hearts of those they reached, like Manith. They gave their lives for the mis- sion of taking the gospel to every nation, all tribes, peoples and languages, and their legacy continues to bear fruit today. “Truly deep down in my heart since the day I knew Jesus, I’ve wanted so much for everyone in the world to get to know Him,” Sanchez said. “I want to share with the world how I found Jesus; yet, I did not find Him, but He found me.”
Manith Sanchez volunteers at a food distribution in the community. It provided boxed Thanksgiving meals. Photo Provided
Lunch and Learn with Kie Bowman Set for April 22
Are you looking for ways to elevate prayer ministry in your church for gospel multiplication? Join other Ohio pastors and prayer leaders with the same desire at a Lunch and Learn with Kie Bow- man, SBC national prayer director, at First Southern Baptist Church, Camden, on Monday, April 22 from 11 am to 1 pm. For the last 40-plus years, Kie Bow- man has been passionate about prayer, revival, evangelism, the Spir- it-filled Christian life, and teaching/ preaching the Word of God! Having recently retired as the senior pastor of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Aus- tin, Texas, his ministry continues in various venues and platforms. Bowman is teaching, encouraging, and leading pastors and churches
nationwide to prioritize prayer in their churches. God has used him to lead a city-wide revival of prayer in Austin. Pastor and leaders, come and be encouraged as we hear sto- ries of the power of prayer! “John the Baptist said of Jesus, ‘He must increase, I must decrease.’ (John 3:30). But how? The key is prayer,” said Steve Hopkins, SCBO senior staff. “My prayer life can help me evaluate how well I allow Him to increase. My prayers will give evi- dence of my focus. The church’s prayers will reflect our hearts for our neighbors and the nations.” Registration for Lunch and Learn with Kie Bowman is now open at Judy@fsbcamden.org or 937-452-7291 and includes lunch and a book. Registration is required
Kie Bowman, SBC national prayer director
for lunch. The registration deadline is April 18. First Southern Baptist Church Camden is located at 35 N. Liberty St. Camden, OH 45311.
16 | April 2024
Job Postings
PASTOR Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Amherst
ASSOCIATIONAL DIRECTION OF MISSIONS Southwestern Baptist Association, Ohio
FULL-TIME PASTOR London Baptist Church, London Due to the retirement of its previous pastor, London Baptist Church, London, is seeking a full-time pastor to lead the church with expository preaching and teaching. London BC is a small conservative church with a big heart located in Madison County. Qualifications include being an ordained Southern Baptist minister; exhibiting character qualities of 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4; agreeing with and fully supporting the Baptist Faith and Message 2000; holding a bachelor’s degree and formal biblical training. Master’s degree is preferred; having verifiable pastoral experience; having good people skills; working with church membership to cast a clear and compelling ministry vision; reflecting the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. This is a full-time position with a salary commensurate with experience and the average salary of the surrounding area. Please submit a resume, a recent sermon, and a list of references via email to lbaptist1440@gmail.com or mail to 1440 SR 665, London, OH 43140. Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Amherst, is prayerfully seeking a pastor who will be in the instrumental role of teaching and expository preaching the whole counsel of God’s Word and shepherding the church family at GSBC. He will lead the development and implementation of a strategic vision, along with the congregation, for the future of the church. He is to be engaged in pastoral care, providing supervisory and administrative leadership in all areas of congregational care including paid and volunteer staff. For a full job description or to apply, please contact Chris Jordan at cmjordanranch@frontier.com. GUEST AND INTERIM WORSHIP LEADERS NEEDED Do you know of anyone who could serve another church as a guest or interim worship leader? If you know of someone with potential in this area, email SCBO Worship Consultant Zac James at zjames@ scbo.org. Developing and sending worship leaders is a critical part of our missional cooperation as Southern Baptists who fulfill the Great Commission. There is a significant need for worship leaders who are willing to be sent, and we want to help connect them with churches in need.
BI-VOCATIONAL PASTOR First Southern Baptist Church, Pomeroy First Southern Baptist Church, Pomeroy, is seeking candidates for its part-time bi-vocational pastor position. The church started in 1974 and is in rural southeastern Ohio near the small village of Pomeroy in Meigs County. Qualifications for the position are guided by the principles set forth in 1 Timothy 3: 1-7 and Titus 1: 5-9. Responsibilities include being a leader, pastor, and teacher. The prospective candidate must have a walk with God that exemplifies the teachings of the New Testament. Prospective candidates should send a resume/CV and references to Mr. Jeff Needs, chairman of the Pastoral Search Committee: jsneeds77@gmail.com or 740-416-1582. The Southwestern Baptist Association (SWBA) is seeking a full- time Director of Missions (DOM). This is a full-time position with total compensation of $75,000 annually. This compensation will be evaluated annually, and adjustments will be determined by the SWBA leadership team with the approval of the Executive Board. The SWBA DOM is responsible for assisting churches in planning, conducting, and evaluating church growth strategies, church revitalization strategies, and church planting/replanting strategies. This person will also serve as a pastor to the pastors and church staff. For more information, including a complete job description, or to submit a resume for this position, please email swba2024dom@ gmail.com. We are a conservative Southern Baptist Church with a blended style of worship, located in the small southeastern Ohio community of Woodsfield. Our church has the desire to grow and we seek a pastor who has the same desire, as well as the ability to work with compassion and love with all types of people. A man called to be a Southern Baptist pastor who agrees with the Baptist Faith and Message. He should also meet the biblical requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Pastoral experience and pastoral education are preferred. Send resume to Pastor Church Committee Chairperson, First Baptist Church, Woodsfield, P.O. Box 604, Woodsfield, OH 43793 or Email to: fbcwoodsfield@gmail.com . SENIOR PASTOR First Baptist Church, Woodsfield
Let the Ohio Baptist Messenger help your church find a new pastor or staff member! The Messenger is offering classified ads free of charge for Ohio churches searching for new pastors and staff members. The Messenger is read by churches and individuals in Ohio and across the country. To submit a classified ad, please send brief information about the position along with a return phone number or email: classifieds@scbo.org
Cooperative Program Giving Report (SCBO) December 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
CHURCH NAME
SBC ID#
REGION
ASSOCIATION
1040 Global 4LIFE Worship
0589857 Central 0585555 Southwest 0585004 Northwest 0589860 Central 0588567 Southwest 0528802 Northeast 0595967 Central 0540980 Southwest 0587150 Northeast 0525329 West 0565637 Northeast 0576373 Central 0588707 Northeast 0595391 Northwest 0246090 Southwest 0588899 Central 0242180 Central 0246512 Northeast 0566679 Northwest 0445643 Northwest 0244236 Southwest 0384032 Northeast 0593836 Southwest 0583283 Central 0571994 Northeast 0373936 Southwest 0583841 West 0242735 West 0595165 West 0242750 West 0454777 Southwest 0594664 Southwest 0587880 Southwest 0435255 Southwest 0376202 Southeast 0568822 Southwest 0396051 Central 0577585 Northeast 0594836 Southwest 0592075 Southwest 0588915 Southwest 0589930 Southwest 0242487 Central 0242818 West 0504142 West
Metro Columbus Cincinnati Area Metro Columbus Cincinnati Area Cleveland Hope Northcoast Greater Dayton Southwestern Greater Dayton Greater Dayton Buckeye Central/Erie Summit Metro Columbus Cleveland Hope Northwest Ohio Southwestern Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Greater Dayton Northwest Ohio Cincinnati Area Greater Dayton Cincinnati Area Metro Columbus Cleveland Hope Steel Valley Northcoast Steel Valley Cincinnati Area Cincinnati Area Cincinnati Area Cincinnati Area Cincinnati Area Muskingum Valley Cincinnati Area Metro Columbus Greater Dayton Cleveland Hope Cincinnati Area Southwestern Greater Dayton Cincinnati Area Metro Columbus Summit Ohio Valley
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
- -
A Fresh Wind Ministry Abishek Nepali Bhutanese
495.00
-
Abundant Life
367.26
Abundant Life Community Church Abundant Life in Christ Church
- - -
Agape Bible Fellowship
Agape Korean Baptist Church
300.00
Agape Ministries
-
Agape Nepali Baptist Church
100.00 453.86 146.80
Airway Baptist Church
Akron Hmong Baptist Mission All Nations Baptist Church All Points Church Hudson All-nations Baptist Church Allison Avenue Baptist Church
- - -
623.67
Almighty Bhutanese
-
Alum Creek Baptist Church Austintown Baptist Church
800.00 64.97
Avon Baptist Church
1,027.11
Awakenings Christian Fellowship
275.00
Beacon Life Ministries Beacon of Christ Church
-
3,172.09
Beacon Of Hope Baptist Church Beavercreek Baptist Church
-
6,529.92
Berachah Baptist Church
-
Berachah Church
300.00
Beth-El Messianic Congregation & Ministries
-
Bethany Baptist Church
2,686.00
Bethany Baptist Church Clarksville Bethany Nepali Church Bethel Baptist Church Bethel Unity Baptist Church Beverly Baptist Church Bloom Baptist Church Brantwood Baptist Church Bridge Church at Perry Blanchester Community Ministries
- - -
200.55 188.55
-
5,507.75 1,703.00
300.00 431.15
Bridge City Church
Bridgepoint Community
-
Bridgeview BC
1,152.16 1,200.00
Bridgeway Baptist Church
Bridgeway Baptist Church - Riverside Campus
-
Briggs Road Baptist Church
3,475.00
Page 1 of 14
Cooperative Program Giving Report (SCBO) December 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
CHURCH NAME
SBC ID#
REGION
ASSOCIATION
Broadman Baptist Church Cuya Falls Brookside Baptist Church Brookville Road Baptist Church Brunswick Community Church Burlington Baptist Church
0246694 Northeast 0378356 Central 0398891 Southwest 0584810 Northeast 0244665 Southeast 0592246 West 0594399 Central 0242503 West 0595196 Southwest 0245910 Southwest 0378992 Southeast 0245761 Southeast 0398123 Central 0245258 West 0394932 Northwest 0587151 Northeast 0566602 Central 0586945 Northeast 0246538 Northeast 0424309 Central 0246710 Northeast 0596481 Central 0592344 West 0243535 Northeast 0586610 Central 0243816 Central 0245613 Northwest 0245779 Southeast 0581020 Southwest 0244202 Southwest 0411728 West 0389510 West 0242859 West 0578624 Northeast 0589853 Southwest 0580405 Central 0593280 Central 0592173 Northeast 0591347 Central 0589229 Southwest 0242347 Central 0593175 Central 0584043 Northeast 0590942 Northeast 0590597 Southwest 0580040 Central 0244186 Southwest 0583587 West
Summit
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
1,019.99 1,972.64 2,080.00
Metro Columbus Southwestern Scioto Valley Greater Dayton Metro Columbus Greater Dayton Summit Cincinnati Area Muskingum Valley Ohio Valley
525.00 788.00
Butler Community Church C3 Freedom House Calvary Baptist Church Calvary Baptist Church
7,500.00
-
1,500.00
- -
Calvary Baptist Church Blanchester Calvary Baptist Church McConnellsville Calvary Baptist Church Middletown Calvary Baptist Church Piketon Calvary Baptist Church Shreve Calvary Baptist Church Wilmington Calvary Missionary BC, Dayton Calvary Southern Baptist Church
1,079.86
Miami Valley Scioto Valley
-
1,569.12
Buckeye Central/Erie
- - - - -
Greater Dayton Greater Dayton West Central Metro Columbus Cleveland Hope Greater Dayton Summit
Carrollton Bible Chapel Cedar Hill Baptist Church
1,059.00
Center of Hope Bible Fellowship Centerville Christian Fellowship
-
6,000.00
Central Baptist Church
Steel Valley
280.80
Central Baptist Church Marion Central Community Church
Buckeye Central/Erie $
7,131.74 1,619.52
Summit
Change City
Metro Columbus Cleveland Hope Metro Columbus Greater Dayton Northcoast Scioto Valley Cincinnati Area Cincinnati Area Buckeye Central/Erie
100.00
Chardon Christian Fellowship Charisma Word Ministry Charity Missionary BC, Copley Cherry Hill Baptist Church, Korean Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church Chillicothe Baptist Church
- -
75.00 300.00
-
100.00
Christ the King Church Christ the King Eastern Hills
- -
Christ the Lord
Greater Dayton
111.00
Christian Community Baptist Church Christian Family Development Center Christians United in Christ Baptist Church
Steel Valley Ohio Valley
-
300.00
Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Cleveland Hope Metro Columbus Cincinnati Area Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Cleveland Hope Cleveland Hope Cincinnati Area Metro Columbus Cincinnati Area
-
Chroma Church
6,349.00
Church in the Valley Church in the Wild Cincinnati Tamil Church
-
200.00
-
Circleville First Baptist Church
2,704.47 6,096.00
Citizens Church
City Church - Cleveland Heights City Church - Near West Side
300.00
-
City Hope Church
2,512.11
City of Refuge Baptist Church Clough Pike Baptist Church
171.94
3,133.52
Page 2 of 14
Cooperative Program Giving Report (SCBO) December 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
CHURCH NAME
SBC ID#
REGION
ASSOCIATION
College Heights Baptist Church Columbus Ekkelsia Church Columbus Kale Heywet Church Columbus Kale Heywet Church
0245506 Northwest 0596458 Central 0016447 Central 0593015 Central 0581515 Central 0596024 Southwest 0438085 Southeast 0580377 Central 0019071 Southeast 0588636 Southwest 0378844 Northeast 0567729 Southwest 0461426 Northeast 0404343 Northeast 0591553 Northwest 0592552 Northeast 0591918 West 0245407 Southeast 0569067 Southeast 0592343 Northeast 0581669 Central 0590099 Northwest 0588703 Southeast 0244632 Southwest 0584862 Central 0243386 West 0580563 Central 0591485 Central 0580380 Central 0583431 Central 0245472 Northeast 0468876 Northeast 0594076 Northeast 0242875 West 0470880 West 0453209 West 0242727 Central 0596350 Central 0588823 Southwest 0572663 Southeast 0586156 Southwest 0245456 Southeast 0592136 Central 0412189 Central 0401729 Northeast 0246165 Southwest 0595308 0242974 West
Northcoast
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
3,850.98
Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Cincinnati Area Muskingum Valley Metro Columbus Muskingum Valley Cincinnati Area Cincinnati Area Greater Dayton Cleveland Hope Steel Valley
-
80.48
- -
Columbus Tamil Church
Comfort Missionary Baptist Church Cincinnati
20.00 957.83 300.00
Community Baptist Church Dover Community Christian Fellowship Community of Faith Baptist Church
- -
Connection Point Church Cornersburg Baptist Church Cornerstone Baptist Church Cornerstone Baptist Church
1,355.64 1,704.30
- -
Cornerstone Bible Baptist Church Cornerstone Church of Aurora Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church
Summit
800.00 100.00 130.00 297.04
Northcoast Steel Valley
Cortland Trinity Baptist Church Coshocton Baptist Church Countryside Baptist Church
Muskingum Valley Scioto Valley Cleveland Hope Metro Columbus Northwest Ohio Muskingum Valley Cincinnati Area Metro Columbus Greater Dayton Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Cleveland Hope Non-Associational Greater Dayton Cleveland Hope Cleveland Hope Greater Dayton Greater Dayton Greater Dayton Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Cincinnati Area Muskingum Valley Cincinnati Area Muskingum Valley Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Steel Valley Southwestern
- -
Cove City Church Covenant Church
5,000.00 1,500.00
Covenant Church of Perrysburg Covenant Community Church Creek Road Baptist Church Crestview Baptist Church Clayton Cross Community Church (C3) Creekside Church
-
1,670.10
120.00
11,538.77
- - - -
CrossPointe Church
Crossroads Baptist Church CrossRoads Baptist Church
Crossroads Church, A Baptist Congregation
429.40 400.00 21.00
Crosstown Community Church CrossWalk Worship Center
Cuyahoga Valley Church
13,375.00 4,635.00 7,500.00
Cuyahoga Valley Church Brunswick Campus
Dayton Avenue Baptist Church Dayton Chinese Christian Church Dayton Korean BC Discovery Church Diverse City Church Dover Baptist Temple Dreamers Church Dominion Firehouse Chapel Dresden Road Baptist Church Dublin Baptist Chinese Church East Conneaut Baptist Church East River Road Baptist Church Dublin Baptist Church
-
600.00
- - -
300.00 240.00
- -
20,764.60
192.96
1,235.31
Page 3 of 14
Cooperative Program Giving Report (SCBO) December 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
CHURCH NAME
SBC ID#
REGION
ASSOCIATION
East Toledo Baptist Church Eastlake Baptist Church Eastland Baptist Church Eastland Heights Baptist Church
0245067 Northwest 0243550 Northeast 0245068 Northwest 0242305 Central
Northwest Ohio Cleveland Hope Northwest Ohio Metro Columbus Miami Valley Scioto Valley Miami Valley Greater Dayton
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
-
675.00
3,578.70
975.00
Eastview Baptist Church Ebenezer Baptist Church Edgewood Baptist Church Eldorado Baptist Church Elk Creek Baptist Church
0245274 West
5,465.00
0579817 Southeast
950.08 704.70
0463869 West 0584896 West 0245282 West
- -
Miami Valley Northcoast Scioto Valley West Central
Elyria Church
0595711 Northwest 0245787 Southeast 0247189 Northwest 0559096 Central 0583413 Central 0594401 West 0591455 Southwest 0595863 Southwest 0586751 Southwest 0397299 Southeast 0244210 Southwest 0584811 Southeast 0246579 Northeast 0489328 Southeast 0412494 Southwest 0246322 Southwest 0525337 West 0245084 Northwest 0247023 Northwest 0434696 Central 0582058 Central 0568823 Southwest 0380170 Southwest 0401711 Northeast 0595529 0415976 Northwest 0242339 Southeast 0246173 Southwest 0577073 Southeast 0242784 West 0242099 Central 0429688 Northwest 0433136 Southwest 0242826 West 0386052 Central 0247007 Northwest 0244178 Southwest 0245001 Northwest 0242800 West
342.50 376.57 179.00 84.00 450.00
Emmanuel Baptist Church Jackson Emmanuel Baptist Church Sidney
Emmanuel Deaf Mission
Metro Columbus Metro Columbus Greater Dayton Cincinnati Area Greater Dayton Southwestern Scioto Valley Ohio Valley
Emmanuel Fellowship Church
Engage City Church
- - - -
Ephphatha Baptist Church Everlasting Revival Church Everybody's Tabernacle Fairfield West Baptist Church Fairland Southern Baptist Church
300.00 650.00 567.00 306.26 246.88
Fairview Baptist Church Faith Baptist Chapel Faith Baptist Church
Ohio Valley Scioto Valley Steel Valley
Faith Baptist Church Belle Valley Faith Baptist Church Blanchester Faith Baptist Church Cincinnati Faith Baptist Church Lambertville Faith Baptist Church Sidney Faith Missionary BC, Wilmot
Muskingum Valley Cincinnati Area Southwestern Northwest Ohio West Central Buckeye Central/Erie Non-Associational Metro Columbus Cincinnati Area Cincinnati Area Northwest Ohio Scioto Valley Steel Valley Ohio Valley Scioto Valley Greater Dayton Greater Dayton Cincinnati Area Greater Dayton Metro Columbus Buckeye Central/Erie Northcoast
15,940.60 1,170.06
260.00 300.00
-
484.26
Faith Outpost Church Faithway Baptist Church
- -
Fayetteville FBC FBC Anderson Hills
98.22 400.00 243.30 230.36 477.00 - 75.00 300.24 1,561.30 1,996.69 1,833.30 1,500.00 1,376.48 1,216.20 759.84
FBC Andover FBC Antwerp FBC Ashville FBC Auburn
FBC Beaver FBC Bellbrook FBC Bellville FBC Birmingham FBC Bradford FBC Bright FBC Brookville
FBC Carroll FBC Celina FBC Cleves FBC Clyde
West Central Ohio Valley Northcoast
336.00 523.75
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