The mission of the West Virginia Baptist Convention is to empower local churches to be Christ honoring communities of faith and to help them fulfill their mission by enabling them to do together what they cannot do alone.

June-July 2017

by Ms. Kim Weaver, director, Weirton Christian Center

In 2010, Weirton Christian Center's Board ofDirectors got together to set a strategic plan. At thattime, our goal was determined as: Provide the communi-ty with a well-funded, professionally staffed, state-of-the-art facility that offers a safe place for children to beafterschool with life-shaping programs and influencesthat direct children to a relationship with the Lord.

We have had tremendous growth in the last ten years.We have grown from approximately 45 children in 2006 to 278 in2015. We have continued to bring the Lord to our children everyday! We have improved and expanded our programs, providedprofessional training for our staff and moved toward that state-of-the-art building.

God has given usa vision for a new buildingfor our children and weare finally making thisvision become a reality.After three different build-ing plans and possiblesites, we decided to buildon the existing propertyand the adjacent property,which was purchased forus by the ChristianFellowship Foundation.

Our plan was tobreak ground in May 2017, so as not to lose $125,000 of the fundsraised that needed to be spent within one year. At the beginningof the year, we were blessed to have a local developer, with 45years of commercial construction experience and supporter of thecenter, agree to look at our plans. After review, he determined itcould potentially cost an additional $200,000 to $300,000 to buildon Elm Street. This was devastating news and after asking Rev.Dr. Holley Faulkner, pastor of Weirton Heights Memorial BaptistChurch (Panhandle), and our newest Weirton Christian CenterBoard member for prayers, we feel God has led us to the idea ofbuilding next to Weirton Heights Memorial Baptist Church ontheir vacant property. It was voted on by the church and theywill be selling us that property to build on. We should be able tobreak ground by July 1, 2017. This will be a wonderful opportu-

nity for partnership, with volunteers and involvement with thechurch and a place for our families to potentially worship.

The Christian Fellowship Foundation has provided thefunds to purchase the property. There are going to be additionalexpenses, but our contractor has agreed to cover the cost of thestructural engineer and core drilling, and is currently workingwith a new architect. We will need to add 800 square feet to thebottom floor because we will be losing storage areas at the origi-nal location, and there will be additional costs for bringing utili-ties to the building. Since the church was in need of a parkinglot, they will provide us with the funds they have raised for theten spaces they will retain and we will have another 26 spacesthat all can share. Since the architectural drawings are not yetcomplete, we do not have a new total project cost, but our con-

tractor will be value engi-neering and we are stillraising funds, with manygrants and requests stillpending. We still have tocover the entire cost of theproject to completion withno debt before we start.

In 2015, at theExecutive Board meeting,it was agreed we couldpresent the project to ourWest Virginia Baptist fami-ly to try to raise a goal of$150,000. To date, we have

been able to raise $92,527 from churches and individuals and theWest Virginia American Baptist Women’s Ministries’ SpecialPreschool Project has provided us with $14,307. Many thanks toour wonderful, faithful West Virginia Baptist family in all yourmany efforts to see this building come to fruition! Fundingraised for this project as of April 30, 2017 totals $743,944, and thatis just $19,956 away from original goal of $763,900. The matchingfunds have been received and both foundations have agreed tonot withdraw their funding from us, due to the circumstancesand the project still moving forward. We cannot thank you allenough for bringing us to this place.

God Provides a Way Forward for Weirton Christian Center Building Project

2 The West Virginia Baptist/June-July

Vol. LXXXIV, Issue 04 June-July 2017

Table of ContentsCommentary: Jesus Called - He Wants

His Church Back 2

Executive Committee Report/Spitzer called as ABCUSA General

Secretary 3One Great Hour of Sharing West Virginia

Flood Relief Report 4

Thinking Missions: An UnexpectedJourney/Camp Global 2017 5

West Virginia Program of PalmerSeminary Celebrates Much at Annual

Graduation Banquet 6Transformed by Grace and Love -

Transformado por la Gracia y el Amor 7Parchment Valley Conference Center:

Ripe for Harvest/Worship Conference 8Students Ponder “Who am I in Christ?”

at Omega Youth Event/AdultDiscipleship - Phantom of Devotion 9

Lubeck Community Mission TeamTravels to Nicaragua 10

Southeast and Southwest Area News 11

Northwest and Northeast Area News 12

Obituaries: November 2016-April 2017 13

Obituaries Continued/2017 CowenSchedule/Annual Meeting Promo 14

Prayer Calendars: June and July 2017 15

Coming Events: June-July 2017/American Baptist Women’s Ministries’

Conference 16

It has been widelystated that over three-fourthsof the established churches inNorth America are eitherdeclining or plateauing, whichresults in their inability toeffectively make disciples.There are many reasons for thesituation, including pressurefrom cultural shifts andchanging technologies. It is past time tothink of the context of the NorthAmerican church and to revisit ourecclesiology, Christology and missiologyto educate ourselves and our leaders toreconnect with Jesus and reintroducethe church to Jesus. We have growingethnic populations calling out forministry here and now. There areemerging expressions of church that arechallenging fundamental assumptionsmarking a break with 2,000 years ofchurch history and tradition.Complacency grips many of ourministries and our ministers as theysearch for a spirit of health to heal ourland.

It is easy to get lost in theory aswe explore how to rethink and retool theeffectiveness of the church. First, wemust find practical and flexible ways tomeet the needs of our churches andleaders. Most of the time if you ask folkswhat they need, they will tell you. But itbecomes a problem when you give themwhat they ask for and they don’t respond.Many times as pastors minister at theirchurch’s request, the people complain thatthe message is there, but it is notdeveloped the way they wish. While theemphasis should be on the cargo (themessage), people tend to focus more onthe vehicle (how the message isdelivered). Sometimes the cargo is lost inthe delivery.

In the midst of all the drama andtrauma, there is hope. There areemerging expressions of church that arenot like the past 2,000 years of history.People still love Jesus - it is with thechurch they find difficulty. All of us needto listen more and talk less in order tofind common ground to do ministry. Ifind it interesting the early church did notvote on many issues, but rather workedto build consensus and serve the Lord.Consensus building does take time, but itseems to be less painful and moreproductive in service to the kingdom.

One of the problemsthat plague our communitiestoday is drug usage and drugoverdose. The media shares thereality of the cost of Narcan todeal with heroin overdosewithout ever touching on theunderlying drug problem. Thegovernment, from local tonational, attempts to address the

problem, yet the church remains silent. Itis past time that we, the church, startedlooking for answers together - inconsensus with one another.

As this issue has becomeprominent in the public discourse therehave been church programs founded toaddress the drug problem. While theseprograms have been a starting point,some fail to be effective if they standalone. Each church can address this issuewhile intentionally seeking God’s will fortheir community. If each community offaith would take action to address thisissue, positive things would happen tobring hope. Consensus - strength innumbers!

Are you asking, “Where do westart?”

• Have a church dialogue about yourcommunity. Invite other community

churches to join you.• Invite helping agencies to come alongside

you and build a partnership of hope. • Establish a plan to target the needs of those

looking for hope - do something!• Seek out and study God-centered, biblically-

based programs. Visit other churches withthese programs already in place.

One of the national programsthat is finding success throughout WestVirginia is CELEBRATE RECOVERY, abiblically-based program that helps thosewho are struggling with hurts, hang-upsand habits by showing them the lovingpower of Jesus Christ through therecovery process. More informationabout this program may be found atwww.celebraterecovery.com.

Pray about what your churchcan do and then do it! Be the church thatbelongs to Jesus. Jesus wants His churchback to love and change people for anabundant life!

Blessings

Commentary____________________by David L. Carrico, Executive Minister

Jesus Called - He Wants His Church Back

Dr. DavidCarrico

There’s an App for That!The West Virginia BaptistConvention app is available forAndroid and Apple

products. Download yours today!

The West Virginia Baptist/June-July 3

RIPLEY - In its meeting of May5, 2017, the ExecutiveCommittee of the WestVirginia BaptistConvention receivednotice from Rev. JuanAragon that his final dayof employment with theConvention would beMay 31, 2017. Aragonhad previously informed

the Committee of his call to serve as amissionary to Chiapas, Mexico withInternational Ministries (IM) with his startdate with IM to be determined. His noticeof his official end date, while expected,was received with mixed emotions.Aragon said, “The West Virginia BaptistConvention embraced and adopted us asfamily. We are deeply grateful for that.We thank you for your partnership in our

new journey as we become your mission-aries to Chiapas, Mexico.” Argon’s min-istry with the Convention was celebratedby the Board with a special lunch to rec-ognize his many contributions these pasteight years.

The Executive Committee alsoreceived a letter from Rev.Dr. Max Hill announcinghis retirement effectiveDecember 31, 2017. Hilljoined the staff of theConvention as an AreaMinister in 2004. He hasserved as the AssociateExecutive Minister ofMissions and Ministry

since 2006. Hill has contributed greatly tothe work of the Convention over thesepast 12 years. In retirement, he will con-

tinue to pursue his passion for missionwork to Cuba, hoping to help morechurches and individuals participate inthat mission.

The Executive Committeereceived an update from the ExecutiveMinister Search Committee outlining theprojected timeline for the search process.It is expected the job description will becompleted soon after the survey closes. Itis likely the position will be officially post-ed and the committee ready to receiveresumes by June 15, 2017. President Rev.Mark Wood, President advised theCommittee the discernment process takestime and asked for patience as we trustGod for guidance and clarity as to whomis being called to lead the Convention asits next Executive Minister.

Executive Committee Report

Rev. JuanAragon

Rev. Dr. MaxHill

On Monday, May 8, 2017, the Board of GeneralMinistries met at Springhill Suites inChicago to elect Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer tothe position of General Secretary of theAmerican Baptist Churches in the U.S.A.Dr. Spitzer’s name was brought forwardto the Board of General Ministries by theGeneral Secretary Search Committee.Over the past several months the SearchCommittee had interviewed numerouscandidates. After much prayer, discern-ment and deep discussion, the Committeeidentified Dr. Spitzer as the candidate bestsuited to lead American Baptists forward.

Currently, Dr. Spitzer serves as Executive Minister forthe American Baptist Churches in New Jersey (ABCNJ). He hasserved congregations in New Jersey, Nebraska and Rhode Island.Dr. Spitzer brings a wide range of experience and expertise to hisnew role as General Secretary. In ABCNJ, he guided a strategicplanning and renewal process, provided pastoral leadership,launched new ministries and collaborative efforts, created net-works and new partnerships, promoted church growth, fostereda united community and managed financial growth. He contin-ues to speak prophetically into current issues and concerns.Dr. Spitzer has authored Endless Possibilities: Exploring theJourneys of Your Life (1997), the companion Endless PossibilitiesCourse Book (2001), A Summer’s Journey (2001), three articles forthe Encyclopedia of Religious and Spiritual Development (Sage,2006) and Jesus Christ from Cover to Cover (2006). In his first

Judson Press book, Making Friends, Making Disciples (2010), heexplores the pivotal role friendship plays in support of thechurch’s mission to make disciples and evangelize. Dr. Spitzer’snewest Judson Press book, Baptists, Jews and the Holocaust: TheHand of Sincere Friendship, is scheduled for release in October2017.

His goal as General Secretary is “to lead ABCUSA into afuture of spiritual renewal, creative service and church growth,in joyful cooperation with all partners of the American Baptistfamily.” His efforts as General Secretary will be directed towardstrengthening connections with ABC regions, affirming andenhancing our diversity, reaching out to the next generation ofleaders, growing trust and collaboration, strengthening ourAmerican Baptist identity and providing administrative leader-ship in areas of stewardship, funding and fiduciary concerns.Dr. Spitzer will be preaching on Sunday morning, July 2, 2017, atthe American Baptist Biennial Mission Summit in Portland,Oregon.

American Baptist Churches USA President, JudyFackenthal, wishes to extend her gratitude to the work and min-istry of the General Secretary Search Committee: Wesley Roberts(Committee vice-chair), Robin Crouch, Shirley Fair, Kelly Legg,Charity Matic, Don Ng, Marcia Patten, Charles Revis, DonRobinson, Tom Ross and John Williams, along with ABC staffmember, Marilyn Tyson.

Dr. Spitzer will begin his service as General Secretary onJune 1, 2017.

Rev. Dr. Lee B. SpitzerPhoto provided by AmericanBaptist Churches of NewJersey website:https://www.abcnj.net.

Spitzer Called as ABCUSA General Secretary

THANK YOU for your generosityand volunteer efforts that are truly mak-ing a difference in the lives of thoseimpacted by the June floods in SouthernWest Virginia. West Virginia BaptistConvention churches responded in atremendous way to the One Great Hourof Sharing Offering: West Virginia FloodRelief. One hundred seventy thousanddollars was sent from 100 churches andover $50,000 was sent from individuals.We will partner with our brothers andsisters in Christ to rebuild communities:one life - one church - one home at atime until the work is done.

Donations of food, water, clean-ing supplies, diapers, paper goods andeven pet food have been collected bymany churches and taken to central dis-tribution stations to help people inneed.

Grant requests from 20 church-es have been fulfilled, meeting theneeds of families in their community.The monies disbursed have been used topurchase dehumidifiers, lime, moldremoving products, housing, food, wash-ers and dryers, dishes, other appliances,towels, sheets, heaters and heating,ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)for homes and churches. Teams workedin the flooded areas doing cleanup andreconstruction. Over 25,000 man hourshave been reported from the American

Baptist Men Disaster Relief team workingin Rainelle, Clendenin and Elkviewareas.

You are here: RainelleA warehouse in

Rainelle was setup to collect anddistribute furniture to those get-ting back into their homes. Aspart of the distribution, a grant

was given from the One Great Hour ofSharing West Virginia Flood Relief to buyover 300 mattress sets. The beddingsets were given to families as they reset-tled into their homes.

You are here: RichwoodRichwood First Baptist

Church (Hopewell) used theflood relief funds granted to pur-chase air conditioners to helptwo families move from emer-

gency shelters and back into theirhomes. Leslie Carpenter, member ofRichwood First Baptist Church says,“Because of your gift, we were able tohelp these families. God has helped usbe a blessing to them and now they areattending our church as a result of beingministered to since the flood. They havebeen touched by the outstretched armsof Jesus. We pray God will continue tolet us minister alongside Him as weshare the gospel with people of theRichwood area.”

You are here: SpencerRev. Mark Wood, pas-

tor of Spencer First BaptistChurch (Good Hope), tells of themajor role his church played inthe establishment and operation

of the Roane County Long Term RecoverTeam (RCLTRT). “Over a dozen membershave served and continue to serve in thelong term recovery relief efforts.Although our town was spared fromflooding, our neighbors in the southernpart of the county were not so fortu-nate. Since the flooding, the RCLTRThas purchased homes, renovated homesand constructed homes for those who

were displaced. Starting with over 100cases, we now, ten months into this, stillhave 25 cases open. Because of thefaithfulness of our West Virginia BaptistConvention family in giving to floodrelief, we have been able to directlyassist 12 families, from a young singlemother of three children to an 84 year-old woman. The grant of $20,000 wereceived was used to purchase HVACunits for these individuals. On April 28,2017, we were able to celebrate thededication of three new homes.”

You are here: ClendeninOur church, Clendenin

First Baptist Church (KanawhaValley) was devastated. Theparsonage, the main part of thechurch and our activities’ build-

ing were all greatly affected by theflood. The water filled the basementlevel and rose into the sanctuary and thefirst floor living space of the parsonage,with at least five-six feet of water fillingthe activities’ building. The parsonageis now livable, the sanctuary is beingused every Sunday and the activities’building was used as a relief center inthe days following the flood. But thereis still so much needed by our church,church family and community!

In the early days, post flood,we had quite a bit of help, however,with the flood now being a year old,

other things have garnered more atten-tion. As we still struggle with manyissues, we are more than thankful and soappreciative of the many volunteers whohave come from as far away asMassachusetts and Alabama to help usrebuild, repaint, pick up and so muchmore, so we can continue our ministry asa church. Through prayer, God’s helpand the love and help of volunteersthroughout the area, we will persevereand be stronger for having survived andendured the flood of 2016.

WEST VIRGINIAFlood Relief Report

I was hungry and you gave mefood. Matthew 25:35

You are here

“You are here” with survivorsof the West Virginia floods.

4 The West Virginia Baptist/June-July

The West Virginia Baptist/June-July 5

Thinking Missions____________________by John Simmons, Associate Executive Minister

Missions and Administration

In J.R.R. Tolkien's classic taleThe Hobbit: An UnexpectedJourney, he describes theadventures of Bilbo Baggins, ahobbit that is somehow chosen for adaring mission. The book, publishedin 1937, is filled with all sorts of

creatures, danger, intrigue and lots of adventure. Thiswas quite the surprise for Bilbo, who was accustomed tohis ordinary life in the Shire. Gandalf the Grey obviouslysaw something in Bilbo that Bilbo himself never knewabout himself.

It was twenty years ago Lisa and I left for Thailand toserve as missionaries. We had never before consideredmissionary service. Yet God called us out of our ordinary livesand took us on an unexpected journey. That journey has takenus around the world many times. That journey has taken us tohundreds of churches in West Virginia and across the country.That journey has let us meet lots of interesting people and joinwith them on their journeys.

Lisa and I had the privilege to join Rev. Juan andDenise Aragon in San Marcos, Nicaragua - the place of Juan’schildhood. We were there to do mission and to help the

churches celebrate God’s call of Juan and Denise to missionaryservice. For you see, Juan and Denise have had their ownunexpected journey. Nine years ago, they accepted an invitationto come to West Virginia. They packed up everything theyowned into four suitcases and journeyed to a place where theonly people they knew were the folks they met from WestVirginia who were on a recent mission trip to Nicaragua.

The journey, as most are prone to do, did not go asplanned. The opportunities for jobs and “the good life in theUnited States” did not materialize. But God’s plan for them wasthat Juan was to serve as staff for the West Virginia BaptistConvention to help grow its new ministry to Hispanics. Now,after eight years of faithful service in West Virginia, Juan andDenise will soon continue their journey as they go to Chiapas,Mexico as International Ministries’ missionaries.

It has been a great privilege to work with Juan andDenise these past nine years. It has been inspiring to watchthem grow in their faith and go with God. I will be forevergrateful God allowed us to walk together on both of ourunexpected journeys.

I, like Bilbo, have been forever changed by the journeyGod had for me. And I cannot help but wonder that God iscalling others from their ordinary lives - that God is calling youto go on an unexpected journey.

Committed to Missions

An Unexpected Journey

Camp begins Friday, August11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. and

concludes Sunday, August 13,2017 at 1:00 p.m.

Bible Study Leader:Ron Stoner, Retiredpastor, EmmanuelBaptist Church(Kanawha Valley)

Missionary Guests:Keith and Debbie

Myers,International

Ministries

Missionary Guests:Juan and DeniseAragon,InternationalMinistries

Missionary Guest:Debbie Mulneix,

InternationalMinistries

Details and registration available online at www.wvbc.org.

For more information, contact Joan at304.422.6449 or hall@wvbc.org.

ScheduleFriday7:00 - 7:30 p.m - Opening, Musicand Introductions7:30 - 8:00 p.m. - Vespers8:15 - 9:00 p.m. - Store andEvening ActivitiesSaturday8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast9:00 a.m. - Hands on Activities10:30 a.m. - Gathering Music inHylbert Hall, Bible Study,Discussion Groups12:00 p.m. - Lunch1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Gathering Music,Mission Moments2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Elective Options3:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Conversationsabout Mission Calling5:30 p.m. - Dinner6:30 p.m. - IntergenerationalGames7:15 p.m. - Vespers8:00 p.m. - Store and EveningActivitiesSunday8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast9:00 - 10:30 a.m. - GatheringMusic, Adult Bible Study10:30 - 10:45 a.m. - Break 10:45 a.m. - Gathering forWorship, Sermon12:00 p.m. - Lunch

CAMPGLOBAL

2017Family Mission Camp

We Are - Matthew 5:14

August 11-13, 2017Camp Cowen

Cost: $90 per person$350 maximum per household$40 Saturday onlyProgramming for chi ldren, youth and adults!

6 The West Virginia Baptist/June-July

Palmer Seminary____________________by Allan Copenhaver, West Virginia Recruiter and Site Coordinator

Palmer Seminary had a lot to celebrate at its annualgraduation banquet held at Parchment Valley Conference Centeron March 21, 2017. We celebrated the upcoming graduation ofMr. Evan Arkell, pastor of Barboursville Baptist Church(Guyandotte) and Mr. Eric Seckman, associate pastor of City SoulMinistries (Parkersburg). Both are receiving a Master of DivinityDegree. The night also marked the25th anniversary of the seminary’spresence in West Virginia.

The evening began with a wel-come from the West Virginia Palmerprogram director, Dr. AllanCopenhaver. Dr. David Carrico, execu-tive minister of the West VirginiaBaptist Convention, offered the invoca-tion prior to the meal. After the mealwas finished, Arkell and Seckman hadthe honor of cutting the cake.

The program commencedwith greetings from Dr. Bob Duffett,president of Eastern University andPalmer Seminary. He complimentedthe program’s founder, the late Dr. BobMatherly, for his vision of seminaryeducation in West Virginia. Theaudience then heard from severalindividuals who have a long his-tory with the program.

Ms. Ruth McFarland is aname synonymous with PalmerSeminary. She has held severalroles with the seminary, includingher current role as alumni direc-tor. She was the registrar whenthe program was introduced toWest Virginia; this meantMcFarland was the one with themost hands-on interaction withstudents. Twenty-five years latershe is still closely connected and equally passionate about theprogram.

Rev. Ed Rogers spoke about his experience as a student.He was part of the original group of students and due to transfercredit, he was one of the first two graduates from the program.

While serving as pastor of South Parkersburg Baptist Church,Rogers directed numerous students to the program.

Dr. Lloyd Hamblin shared about the program from theperspective of his former role as executive minister of the WestVirginia Baptist Convention. It was during his tenure the

Santrock Education Center Buildingwas built with one of its primary pur-poses being a home to the seminary.Hamblin currently serves as adminis-trator of the Bowen Trust scholarship,which most of the West VirginiaPalmer students receive.

Dr. Don Brash is the longesttenured professor coming to WestVirginia. He spoke about his love forthe program. Brash, who also serves asthe faculty director of the D.Min. pro-gram, encouraged current and futuregraduates to consider pursuing a doc-toral degree.

The final event of the eveningwas the presentation of the MatherlyAward. This recognition is presented

in memory of Dr. Bob Matherly tosomeone who has aided in thesuccess of the West Virginia pro-gram. This year’s recipient wasDr. David Carrico. Dr. AllanCopenhaver presented him theaward and acknowledged howinstrumental Dr. Carrico has beenin strengthening the West VirginiaBaptist Convention’s relationshipwith the seminary. Carrico servedas Bob Matherly’s pastor atBeckley First Baptist Church(Greenbrier-Raleigh) beforeassuming his current role.

Attention now turns toward the fall semester. Potentialstudents should contact Allan Copenhaver at 304.763.8564 orrcopenha@eastern.edu. Scholarships are available for eligible students.

West Virginia Program of Palmer Seminary Celebrates Much at Annual Graduation Banquet

Left to right: Dr. David Bronkema, interim dean ofPalmer Seminary; Rev. Eric Seckman, 2017 M.Div.graduate; Rev. Evan Arkell, 2017 M.Div. graduate;and Dr. Bob Duffett, president of Eastern University

Alums of Palmer Seminary's West Virginia Program who werepresent at the annual banquet.

The West Virginia Baptist/June-July 7

When Denise and I responded to God’s call nineyears ago, we had no idea what that meant or lookedlike. We had been married just a little over two yearsand had a burning desire to serve God and share His loveand grace with others. As Denise says, “We didn’t wantto be ‘bench warmers.’” In faith, we followed the sign-posts God gave us. We didn't know what God hadplanned, but there was a sense of peace in our heartswhen we made the decision to come to West Virginia.We knew He was leading us here.

When relatives and friendsasked us, “Where will you live? Whereare you going to work?” All we couldsay was: “We don’t know.” Few under-stood. Some thought we were out of ourminds by moving to a place where wedidn’t know anyone, didn’t have jobs letalone a place to live. Yes! It was certain-ly an adventure of faith and obedience.At the beginning when challenging timesstruck, I fretted, got mad at God andthought I had made the greatest mistakeof my life by coming here. God still hadwork to do in my heart. Fortunately, Iwas not alone on the journey. Denise,with great courage and faith, keptreminding me God would show us Hisplan. Today I’m glad I listened!

The word “ebenezer” - up tohere the Lord has helped us - describeshow we feel about this season. As isoften the case of those who join God’smission, our lives have been transformed(see Acts 10) by grace and love. God has used this beautiful stateand its amazing people to change and shape our lives. I wouldlike to highlight some of the ways you have changed our lives.

First, your obedience, faithfulness and generosity. Wehave witnessed the steps of faith you've taken in response towhat God’s called you to do. In obedience and faithfulness,you’ve embraced and loved people unlike you because God

called you to do so. You are a paragon of generosity. You haveshown us what it means to be stewards of God’s resources. Yourgenerosity springs from gratitude and the willingness to blesspeople in our state and around the world.

Second, you’ve shown us the power of working togetheras a family to accomplish remarkable things: providing for afamily that lost everything in a fire, paying for funeral expenses,hosting dinners to raise funds for medical care or donating with

open hands resources for flood victims.You have beautifully embodied thewords of Ruth Padilla Deborst “the onlyway to make the good news known is ifwe live it out as community… faithfultestimony of the good news is a commu-nity affair only fully carried out by abody of people woven together byChrist's reconciling work.”

Lastly, you’ve been a superbmodel in what it means to take seriouslyGod’s call to make disciples of allnations. You have shown us size doesn’tmatter to play a role in God’s global mis-sion. We have seen small rural churchesjoining forces to sponsor missionariesand projects to impact with Christ’s lovethe lives of people in Mexico, Nicaragua,Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Japan,Philippines, Russia, Hungary, SouthAfrica and many other nations. We havebeen blessed and “infected” by your pas-sionate commitment to God’s missionacross the world.

We can only pray as we start a new season in ourlives and serve as your missionaries in Chiapas, Mexico, we mayfaithfully teach others with our lives what you have taught uswith your very own lives. West Virginia Baptist Convention fam-ily: thank you! We love you!

Blessings

Hispanic Ministries____________________by Juan Aragon, Strategist

Transformed by Grace and Love - Transformado por la Gracia y el Amor

The Aragon family: Juan, Juancito, Hefziba andDenise prepare to begin their missionary journeyin Chiapas, Mexico.

Denise and Juan will serve in partnership with the Council of Rural Indigenous Evangelicals of Mexico (Consejo Indígena CampesinoEvangélico de México, CICEM) in Chiapas, Mexico. They will both work in training, prevention and education as they learn the communityneeds and look for ways to emotionally and economically empower leaders in their communities. Juan will focus on theological education andleadership training as he accompanies, coaches and disciples new church leaders. Denise’s ministry will seek to empower women, especially thosewho are victims of domestic abuse.

8 The West Virginia Baptist/June-July

Parchment Valley Conference Center____________________Frank Miller, Director

The Parchment Valley Conference Center, West VirginiaUniversity Small Farms Center, West VirginiaExtension, the West Virginia Department ofAgriculture, the West Virginia Department ofVeterans Assistance and Minutemen Farmers’Cooperative incubator training farm is part-nering to provide a Specialty Crop Growers’Training Program in Ripley. This programwill target veterans located in West Virginiaand adjacent states as well as others wishingto learn and have support in starting up farm-ing operations. The Specialty Crop Growers’Training Program is scheduled to start in 2017with a Department of Labor approved appren-ticeship program making veterans eligible forG.I. (Government Issue) benefits to support their training efforts aswell as profits from what they grow while in training. The appren-ticeship program is a two-year full-time training program support-ed by an optional two more years, if needed, for incubating new

specialty crop farming businesses and/or continued training andsupport of individuals looking for employment.

Most of the $8.35 billion of food consumed in WestVirginia is not purchased from producers and/or processors in the

state; therefore, the impact of the effort on thecommunity will be enormous. The impactwill include incubating more local farms/farm-ers in West Virginia, creating more local jobsworking for these new businesses, creating thetype of training/work that is rehabilitating formany people, creating local wealth by produc-ing more new products, impacting local foodsecurity and creating a healthier food supply.

The Parchment Valley ConferenceCenter is an ideal venue with great infrastruc-ture for the incubator training farm. The mis-sion of the Minutemen Farmers’ Cooperativeincubator farm and Parchment Valley

Conference Center will both be enhanced by the partnership andlives will be blessed by spending time here and experiencing aChristian atmosphere of faith.

Ripe For Harvest

Christy Wilburn, Speciality CropGrower’s Apprentice

Worship Conference

Workshops

The Heart of WorshipA look at worship and ways tobe more focused in worship,plus a discussion of ways pas-tors and leaders can facilitatemore involvement of the con-gregation.First ImpressionsAn opportunity for pastors andleaders to learn how to makewelcome teams an invaluablepart of the worship ministry ofthe church. You only get onechance to make a first impres-sion!Working with Praise TeamsRehearsals are for learningnew music, working throughintros, transitions and scrip-tures, as we learn to love andwork with one another.

(Vocal) Band of Brothers (andSisters)A sharing and caring sessionfor choir directors, includingdiscussion on strategies andtechniques for strengtheningchurch choir performancesand fellowship.Working with AudioAn opportunity for those whooperate audio equipment,whether beginner or seasoned,to learn skills, techniques andother aspects of this importantpart of worship.Working with VisualsAn opportunity for those whoprepare and operate video pre-sentations for worship to gainnew skills and techniques, toaddress questions and reviewthe fundamentals of effectivegraphic communication in thecontext of worship.

2017 Worship Conference Registration

Name: ___________________________________

Address: ___________________________________

City, State, Zip: ___________________________________

E-mail: ___________________________________

Church: ___________________________________

Workshop Choices:

Morning: ___________________________________

Afternoon: ___________________________________

Please make check payable to: West Virginia Baptist Conventionand mail to: West Virginia Baptist Convention, Attn: Donna, P.O. Box 1019, Parkersburg, WV 26102-1019. Deadline for $15.00 fee is June 15. $25.00 after June 15.

Saturday, June 24, 2017Clarksburg Baptist Church

9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.Cost: $15.00 per person

Register four from one church and get the 5th person freeuntil June 1, 2017. After June 1, $25.00 per person.

West VirginiaBaptist Convention

The West Virginia Baptist/June-July 9

Francis de Sales was a priest inFrance, and in time became a bishop ofGeneva, Switzerland. Most Baptists wouldnot be familiar with his work, however hewas a prolific writer and focused on the spir-itual life by using simple, everyday imagesas Jesus did.

In his writing titled Introduction to the Devout Life, deSales writes about the “phantoms of devotion.” These are peoplewho are not truly devout on the inside, but put on a great showon the outside. De Sales says, "... many persons clothe them-selves with certain outward actions connected with holy devo-tion, and the world believes they are truly devout and spiritualwhereas they are in fact nothing but copies and phantoms ofdevotion.” (From One True Devotion)

What is a phantom? Definitions range from the wordghost to something that is in appearance only, something that hasno substance, an object of continual dread and abhorrence, some-thing apparent to the senses with no substantial existence and afigment of the imagination.

Using these definitions as a foundation, we can under-stand a Christian phantom of devotion is a person with no realsubstance to their devotion to God. They are like actors in a play,who give a good performance, but the character is someone theyportray, not who they really are. Is this the kind of devotion Godwants from us?

Interestingly, in several Old Testament passages theword ‘devotion’ is preceded by the Hebrew word “tamim,”which has been translated wholehearted, resolute or entirelycommitted. (see Deuteronomy 18:13, II Kings 20:3, I Chronicles28:9 and Isaiah 28:3) The Greek word “katharos,” translatedpure or unmixed is used in the New Testament paired with theword devotion. The meaning should be clear to the Christianreader. We are to be wholeheartedly, resolutely, purely and with-out divided heart, entirely committed. Are we perfect? No!There will be times when we are not able to reach the goal.However with God’s help, we will not be phantoms, but real andcertain followers.

Adult Discipleship - Phantom of Devotion

Discipleship Ministries____________________by Lisa Simmons, Director

Student Ministries____________________by Rob Ely, Director

“Who am I in Christ?” This is an ever evolving questionfor a continually growing relationship. If Christians asked them-selves this question daily, what would our thoughts and actionslook like and how would we view ourselves differently? Beyondour view of ourselves, how would the world view us and whatwould we say about who we are?

The Student Ministries of the West Virginia BaptistConvention has unpacked the question of who we are in Christ

through our 2017yearly events, bynavigatingthrough thetheme “Dead I,New I, AskWhy?” AtOmega, on April22, 2017 atGenesisFellowship(KanawhaValley), 82 stu-

dents and leaders from across the state met and studied togetherhow they should “Ask Why?” of themselves to enable them to

answer the question when someone else asks it of them. Thisclosing event of the year was a great time of fellowship, teachingand worship as students and leaders met together to close outthis year’s theme. During the morning, worship was led by theGenesis FellowshipPraise Band. Studentswere also rotatedbetween three speakersfor their time of teachingbefore enjoying a grilledout lunch. The afternoonactivities included gamesand testimonies sharedby the Youth MinistryPlanning Team (YMPT)members.

Omega weekendwas also a good time tothank and wish well thegraduating seniors of theYouth Ministry Planning Team and to welcome in the new lead-ers on the 2017-2018 team. We are excited to begin planning forthe 2017-2018 year and see how God leads this new group.

Students Ponder “Who am I in Christ?” at Omega Youth Event

Youth Ministry Planning Team graduat-ing seniors pictured with Rob Ely.from left: Joshua Eastman, AbigailHarman, Glenn Harman and AndrewO'Callaghan

Students listen as a YMPT member teaches byexample how to share their own testimony.

10 The West Virginia Baptist/June-July

by Dr. Mike Stephens, member, Parkersburg Baptist Temple (Parkersburg)

The Lubeck Community BaptistChurch mission team, led by Pastor MarkHouser, Cecily Thompson and KennyJohnson traveled to San Marcos,Nicaragua February 17-25, 2017. Thegroup worked alongside Pastor RodolphoAmaya and the young dynamic leadershipof Iglesia Bautista Jehovah Yireh for aseries of community outreach and min-istry events. The team from Lubeck alsoincluded: Deanna Boggs, Kristin Cingley,John Dixon, Rich Sell, Mike Stephens,Tommy Thompson and Julie Wolfe. Thegroup conducted Vacation Bible SchoolSunday through Tuesday with about 250youngsters participating. Pastors Mark,Mike and John preached in special servic-es and Pastor Mark and Mike presentedworkshops on The Work and Importanceof the Holy Spirit (Mike) and TheImportance of Prayer (Mark) to about 40pastors on Monday.

Thegroup also wentto each class atthe 500 studentEscuela AngelMiguel (publicschool) in SanMarcos, wherethey sharedBiblical skits andrefreshments onTuesday morn-ing. OnWednesdaymorning, theteam did min-istry and paint-ing at the Armsof Love orphan-age in Jinotepe.Thursday morning featured ministry withHogar Senil Bautista, the NicaraguanBaptist nursing home in Managua, startedby Arturo Parajon, then pastor ofManugua First Baptist Church in 1944.Arturo was the grandfather of AmericanBaptist Churches International Ministries’missionary David Parajon, Executive

Director of AMOS Health and Hope, themedical ministry at Clinica Samaritano inthe Managua suburb of Nejapa with clin-ics in rural communities all overNicaragua. On Thursday afternoon, theteam did street evangelism a few blocksfrom the church, visiting homes and invit-ing children, presenting a gospel messagefeaturing puppets, dancing, skits and

clowns. About 50 children and their par-ents attended. Food and snacks were dis-tributed with each event, spiritual seedswere planted and some harvested. OnThursday evening, Cecily, Julie, Deannaand Kristin led a women’s conference,with about 30 women and girls from thecommunity. The event featured Bible

study with women who shared heart-rending and hope-giving stories of God’sfaithfulness in a culture where women aretoo often marginalized, abandoned andseparated from spouses and families.

The team was able to leave fundsfor about ten scholarships for college andseminary as well as to aid the pastor in

completing hishome. Thegroup has seensteady progressover the fiveyears this churchhas been in exis-tence, startingfrom a few peo-ple meeting inhomes to nearly300 meeting, onsome occasions,in a nearly com-pleted building.This growthcomes out ofhome cellgroups, demon-

strating God’s ability to change lives andbring hope in desperate situations.

Pastor Rodolpho has a greatvision to revitalize churches all overNicaragua as well as to challenge church-es to engage in mission and ministrybeyond their walls -- in particular in theirsupport of the Baptist Nursing Home,where residents are too often dumped andabandoned by family members.

The church and team have beensupported greatly by InternationalMinistries missionaries’ Juan Aragon,native to San Marcos and Mayra andCarlos Bonilla-Giovanetti, who havetrained pastors there. Though not physi-cally present this year, Juan and Mayrastill maintained support and vigilancefrom West Virginia and Puerto Ricorespectively. The group is also thankfulfor the prayer and financial support ofLubeck Community Baptist Church andWest Virginia Baptist Convention families.

Lubeck Community Mission Team Travels to Nicaragua

Worship Team at Iglesia Bautista Jehovah Yireh (God Provides BaptistChurch) with banner showing the church theme: Year for Restoration ofthe Family and Vacation Bible School theme: Made with a Purpose.

Some of the 250 youngsters who participated in Vacation Bible Schoolat Iglesia Bautista Jehovah Yireh Sunday through Tuesday.

The West Virginia Baptist/June-July 11

Elk Valley Association Hosts Annual Picnic

The Elk Valley Association hosted its annual picnic atHolly Gray Park near Sutton on April 15, 2017, where membersfrom Birch River Baptist Church (Elk Valley), Big Union BaptistChurch (Elk Valley), Sutton Baptist Church (Elk Valley), StumpChapel Baptist Church (Elk Valley), Holly River Baptist Church(Elk Valley) and Long Run Baptist Church (Elk Valley) enjoyed abeautiful day of food, fun and fellowship. Southeast AreaMinister, Rev. Jim Anderson, shared a devotion and song after awonderful meal and activities for all ages continued all after-noon.

Hopewell Baptist Association Holds 10th Annual Choir Festival

On April 9, 2017, Palm Sunday evening, churches of theHopewell Baptist Association gathered at Open Arms BaptistChurch (Hopewell) for the 10th annual Hopewell AssociationChoir Festival. Rev. John Tinnel, pastor of Open Arms BaptistChurch emceed the evening as choirs from Millbrook Baptist

Church (Hopewell), Mountain Baptist Church (Hopewell),Lovers Leap Baptist Church (Hopewell) and Open Arms BaptistChurch sangpraise to ourLord. SoutheastArea Minister,Rev. JimAnderson, fin-ished the eveningwith someResurrectionSunday thoughtsand two newsongs. A recep-tion was heldafterward andgreat food and fellowship was enjoyed by all.

Southeast Area News____________________Jim Anderson, Southeast Area Minister

Diamond Baptist Church Ordains Kenneth Woods

On March 19, 2017, Diamond Baptist Church (KanawhaValley) held a service of deacon ordination forKenneth Woods. The afternoon service waswell attended, not only by members ofDiamond Baptist Church, but of otherKanawha Valley churches as well. Pastor, RickPursley delivered the charge and West VirginiaBaptist Convention Southwest Area Minister,Max Hill preached the ordination sermon. Theservice was followed by a delicious meal in thechurch’s fellowship hall.

Kanawha Valley Association Holds Annual Traveling Revival

From April 2-8, 2017, the Kanawha Valley Associationheld its annual traveling revival. The well attended series ofmeetings were held in different churches each night. Pastors andspecial musicians from each of the participating churches led theworship. Those churches that participated were: Judson BaptistChurch (Kanawha Valley), Marmet First Baptist Church(Kanawha Valley), Chesapeake First Baptist Church (KanawhaValley), Diamond Baptist Church (Kanawha Valley), Cedar GroveBaptist Church (Kanawha Valley), Handley Baptist Church(Kanawha Valley) and Standard First Baptist Church (KanawhaValley). These meetings are a source of great fellowship andcamaraderie for the churches. Standard First Baptist Churchserved a fine meal following the final service.

West Virginia Baptists Visit Cuba

From April 21 - May 1, 2017, a group of eight WestVirginia Baptists visited Cuba. They had the opportunity to min-ister with several churches of the Fraternity of Cuban BaptistChurches. The group was led by Area Ministers, Max Hill(Southwest) and David Hulme (Northeast), and included ValerieHulme, Melinda and Brian Greathouse, Bob Ratliff, Douglas Eiteland Danny Franke. The group stayed at Jordan Baptist Churchin Havana, which served as their home base. There they stayedwith church members, worshiped, visited church families andpreached. Valerie Hulme and Melinda Greathouse led aSaturday children’s event. They directed the children in games,songs, a Bible story and helped them make Mother’s Day cards.

As part of their itinerary, the group traveled into theinterior to visit two churches in Villa Clara Province. Theystayed in homes of church members in Ranchuelo, where thegroup assisted with evening worship and David Hulmepreached. This church is the daughter church of the JordanChurch. At the Faithful Remnant Baptist Church, in Zulueta, thegroup worshiped and Max Hill preached. This is a small churchin a rural town where soccer was first introduced to Cuba.

On their last weekend in the country, the group visitedLa Finca Molino Verde (Green Windmill Farm), which is theFraternity’s national camp near Havana. This 90-bed camp hashosted other West Virginia Baptist groups. The last Sunday ofthe trip, the group visited and worshiped with EmmanuelChristian Community in San Jose de Las Lajas, the capital ofMayabeque Province. This is another of the churches where theWest Virginia Baptist Convention has long standing relation-ships.

Southwest Area News____________________Max Hill, Southwest Area Minister

Pictured above is one of the church choirs par-ticipating in the Hopewell Association ChoirFestival: Millbrook Baptist Church.

Kenneth Woods

12 The West Virginia Baptist/June-July

Beulah Baptist Hosts “Walk-Through Easter Story”

Beulah Baptist Church (Union) presented a “Walk-Through Easter Story,” Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.Live scenes, depicting the Last Supper through the Resurrection,were presented in a dramatic and creative way. David Bess, pas-tor of Beulah Baptist Church, said the community outreach eventwas successful in presenting the Easter message to the communi-ty and surrounding area.

Fairmont and Union Associations HoldAnnual Lenten Services

Both the Fairmont and Union Associations continuedtheir traditions of holding joint evening worship services duringLent. Services were held at a different church, with a differentspeaker, each week. The host church provided refreshments anda time of fellowship following each service. These annual servic-es are a meaningful time and very well-attended.

Morgantown FirstCelebrates 175th

Anniversary Morgantown First

Baptist Church (Goshen) cele-brated their 175thAnniversary, during morningworship on May 7, 2017. Dr.David L. Carrico, ExecutiveMinister, West Virginia BaptistConvention, delivered theanniversary sermon. Also par-ticipating in the service wereRev. David Hulme, NortheastArea Minister and Rev.Richard Hepler. A dinner followed the service.

Northeast Area News____________________David Hulme, Northeast Area Minister

Streams of RevivalAndrew Murray once said, “A true revival means noth-

ing less than a revolution, casting out the spirit of worldlinessand selfishness, and making God and His love triumph in theheart and life.” From my childhood, I can remember many suchpersonal “revolutions.” Whether atcamp, at a conference or class or at atraditional revival meeting, all of uscan occasionally use a spiritual refresh-er. As most likely is true with you, Ihave often found those times whengathered with other like-minded peo-ple seeking the presence of God.

The Good Hope Associationconducted such a series of meetingslast week with their second annualassociation revival. Each night, a dif-ferent church hosted, a different pastorspoke and special music was providedby one or two churches (sometimeswith a choir, other times with a soloistor group). The host church of the night provided a simple meal,which made it easier for people coming directly from work. Theresult was an uplifting and refreshing time. Each night saw nearcapacity crowds as the churches came together to support anduplift one another, and also to seek self-renewal.

If you are looking for such renewal and would seek toduplicate such an event, learn from some of the principles atwork here. First, there is strength in coming together. We oftentalk about “Where two or three are gathered.” If a few is good,then it stands to reason a few more won’t hurt a thing. In otherwords, find some other churches and do something together.

Gain energy from one another. Thegathering can take different forms (ayouth gathering, a bonfire, a communi-ty picnic, a sing, a concert or even atraditional revival). Secondly, under-stand that people are busy. It is nothard to find an excuse to stay home.Therefore, give people some good rea-sons to come out. Something like: afree meal will be provided, come tosupport your pastor or choir or singinggroup or youth leader or maybe “It isat our church tonight.” If you wantkids to be there, then plan on some-thing for kids to do. If you wantyoung families, plan on providingchildcare. Finally, promote it - a lot.

No one will be there unless they know it is happening. Andremember this one special truth, when God’s people cometogether, it’s fun!

Northwest Area News____________________Mark McCloy, Northwest Area Minister

Dr. David Carrico (left) and for-mer Morgantown First BaptistChurch pastor and author, Dr.Truett Rogers.

Members of the Good Hope Association gathertogether to worship the Lord at their second annualassociation revival.

The West Virginia Baptist/June-July 13

Obituaries____________________November 2016 - April 2017

ELMA ELIZABETH ALLEN, 99, of Belle,died March 11, 2017. She was a memberof Judson Baptist Church (KanawhaValley), where she was a member of theLydia Sunday School class, AmericanBaptist Women’s Ministries, the choir andalso served as a Sunday School teacher.

MARY P. BOWE, 81, of Marmet, diedApril 8, 2017. She was a member ofDiamond Baptist Church (KanawhaValley) since February 1966.

AVIS “MARIE” BOWYER, 79, ofHarrisville, died March 26, 2017. She wasa member of Harrisville Baptist Church(Harrisville).

PENNY SUE BOYLES, 75, of Clarksburgdied April 19, 2017. She was a member ofClarksburg Baptist Church (Union), whereshe was involved in the Fellowship class,Young at Heart and the church choir.

DOROTHY GULLEY BURNETTE, 89, ofScott Depot, died April 29, 2017. She wasa member of Judson Baptist Church (TeaysValley), where she served as choir directorfor many years.

ROBERT “BOB” FLEETWOOD BYUS,88, died April 1, 2017. He was a lifelongmember of Madison Baptist Church (CoalRiver), where he served as a deacon andon various other committees.

SYBILLA M. CAUDILL, 88, of Madison,died April 1, 2017. She was a lifelongmember of Madison Baptist Church (CoalRiver), where she was the organist for 46years and an active member of Baptistwomen’s groups at all levels. She assistedwith youth groups and church choirs andvolunteered as a preschool teacher.

ELIZABETH ALTA DEERING, 82, ofBelva, died April 7, 2017. She was amember of Swiss Baptist Church(Hopewell), where she served as clerk andtreasurer.

SALLY JEAN DODGSON, 88, of Penfield,New York, died March 6, 2017. She wasan American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) alumna who served in

India.

ARTHUR B. DUCKWORTH, 88, ofLiberty Lake, Washington, formerly ofRavenswood, died March 31, 2017. Hewas a member of Ravenswood FirstBaptist Church (Good Hope), where heserved as a trustee for many years.

JAMES VICTOR ELLIFRITT, 60, diedMarch 21, 2017. He was a lifelongmember of Clarksburg Baptist Church(Union), where he served as treasurer formany years.

CHARLES “SHARKY” DUNLAPGIBEAUT, 89, died March 8, 2017. Hewas a member of Poca Baptist Church(Teays Valley) for 50 plus years, where heserved as song leader, Sunday Schoolteacher, superintendent, trustee, chairmanof the deacon board and janitor.

ALICE GIFFIN, 101, of Claremont,California, died February 27, 2017. Shewas an American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) alumna.

LOLA BUTCHER GIVEN, 92, ofSpringfield, Missouri, formerly ofFrametown, died April 25, 2017. She wasa longtime member of Hope BaptistChurch (Elk Valley) and served for severalyears on the general board of AmericanBaptist Churches.

OLGA NADINE HEMMINGS, 88, ofDiamond, died April 30, 2017. She was amember of Diamond Baptist Church(Kanawha Valley) since November 1971.

JOANNA MONTGOMERY HODGES, 77,of Jupiter, Florida, died November 7, 2016.She was an American Baptist HomeMission Society (ABHMS) and AmericanBaptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS)alumna.

MARY MARIE HOLLEY, 88, ofRavenswood, died March 12, 2017. Shewas a member of Milhoan Ridge BaptistChurch (Good Hope), where she servedmany years as a Sunday School teacherand was a member of the women’s circle.

MARILYN A. HUNWICK, 86, of Palo Alto,California, died February 17, 2017. Shewas an American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) alumna.

VERA L. KELLEY, 87, of Rainelle, died,March 17, 2017. She was a member ofRainelle First Baptist Church (Hopewell),where she served as the assistant musicdirector.

DEBORAH GAYLE PRICE LEIGH, 59, ofBuckhannon, died April 5, 2017. She wasa member of Buckhannon First BaptistChurch (Broad Run), where she was aSunday School teacher, children’s worker,youth worker for several years, director ofVacation Bible School, director of theclown ministry and director of the puppetministry. She worked in the chapel officeat West Virginia Wesleyan College forover ten years.

DONNA LEE LEMLEY, 64, of Harrisville,died March 14, 2017. She was a memberof Harrisville Baptist Church (Harrisville).

MILDRED “MILLIE” LORETTA LEWIS,89, Buckhannon, died April 23, 2017. Shewas a devoted member of TallmansvilleBaptist Church (Broad Run).

DONALD A. LOWE, SR., 98, died March20, 2017. He pastored Baptist churches inthese communities: Maple Fork,Quinnimont, Prosperity, New Salem, RockCamp, Gates, Broad Run, Sweet Springs,Union and Mount Prospect. In the lateryears of his life, he was a member ofBreckenridge Missionary Baptist Church(Greenbrier-Raleigh), where he taught theFellowship Class.

MILDRED KATHERINE MCGHEE, 92, ofKingwood, died March 28, 2017. She wasa longtime member of Kingwood BaptistChurch (Goshen), where she sang in thechoir, served as a deaconess and wasactive with American Baptist Women’sMinistries.

WILLIAM E. MEDLEY, JR., 88, of SaintAlbans, died April 11, 2017. He was amember of Saint Albans First BaptistChurch (Teays Valley). Always active in

Continued on page 14 ...

14 The West Virginia Baptist/June-July

the life of the church, he participatedfrequently in voluntary roles andresponsibilities. He served the church as a teacher and deacon, and enjoyed yearsworking with the building care team.

JOHN EDWARD ONEY, 76, ofCharleston, died April 8, 2017. He servedas a deacon at Mount Vernon BaptistChurch (Teays Valley) in the 1980s and atOakwood Baptist Church (KanawhaValley) since the early 1990s.

VIRGINIA DALE PEARSON, 91, ofEugene, Oregon, died January 5, 2017.She was an American Baptist ForeignMission Society (ABFMS) alumna.

GLADYS MOSLEY NELSONPETERSON, 90, of Austin, Texas, diedDecember 28, 2016. She was an AmericanBaptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS)staff alumna.

JAMES PRESTON, JR., 89, ofWilliamson, died April 24, 2017. He was alongtime member of Williamson FirstBaptist Church (Logan-Mingo), where heserved as a member of the Board ofDeacons, Board of Christian Educationand was a former Sunday Schoolsuperintendent.

BEULAH A. “BOOTS” RADCLIFF, 88, ofMineral Wells, died March 29, 2017. She

was a member of Sams Creek First BaptistChurch (Parkersburg) and taught SundaySchool for many years.

ZELDA LORENE (WILSON) RHODES,93, of Sutton, died April 29, 2017. She wasa member of Stump Chapel (Elk Valley),where she served in various churchministries and was a choir member.

HARRY MINNIGH ROGERS, JR. (knownto many as “Mick”), died April 7, 2017. He was a member of Broad Run BaptistChurch (Broad Run) for more than 50years and was a deacon.

ELOISE “ELLIE” SMITH, 87, of Dunbar,died March 7, 2017. She was a faithfulmember of Dunbar First Baptist Church(Kanawha Valley) for over 60 years duringwhich time she served as a deaconess,sang in the Chancel Choir, directed thechildren’s choir for several years andserved on many boards.

WILLIAM CARTER (W.C.) TOTTEN,died March 24, 2017. He was a longtimemember of Connolly Memorial BaptistChurch (Logan-Mingo), where he servedas a song leader, deacon and trustee.

PHILIP J. UHLINGER, 93, of Claremont,California, died January 16, 2017. He wasan American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) alumnus.

BETTY VALENTINE, 87, of Elizabeth,died February 1, 2017. She was a memberof Newark Baptist Church (Parkersburg).

RODNEY D. VANNOY, 69, of ScottDepot, died March 12, 2017. He was amember of Judson Baptist Church(Kanawha Valley), where he served ashead trustee. He was also a member ofthe American Baptist Men and served onthe Board of Christian Education.

SYLVIA WASHBURN, 81, died March 10,2017. She was an active member ofJacksonville, Florida First UnitedMethodist Church, and most recentlyattended Weston First Baptist Church(Broad Run). In addition, she participatedin her church choir, often singing on choirtours in Europe.

CLYDE JESSE WHITWORTH, JR., 83,died April 24, 2017. He was a member ofCharleston Baptist Temple (KanawhaValley) and former member of SouthCharleston First Baptist Church (KanawhaValley). He served on the DiaconateBoards at both churches, often aschairman. He also served on the FinanceBoard at Charleston Baptist Temple andwas active in American Baptist Men atSouth Charleston First Baptist Church.

2017 CAMP COWENSCHEDULE

OLDER MIDLER (grades 3-4) . . . . . . . . . . . . .June 4-7YOUNGER MIDLER (grades 2-4) . . . . . . . . . .June 9-11JUNIOR 1 (grades 5-6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June 11-17JUNIOR HIGH 1 (grades 7-9) . . . . . . . . . . .June 18-24JUNIOR 2 (grades 5-6) . . . . . . . . . . . .June 25-July 1HIGH SCHOOL 1 (grades 9-high school grads) . .July 2-8JUNIOR HIGH 2 (grades 7-9) . . . . . . . . . . . .July 9-15SENIOR DAY (2017 high school grads) . . . . . . . .July 15HIGH SCHOOL 2 (grades 9-high school grads) July 16-22FAMILY CAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 28-31AMERICAN BAPTIST MEN AND BOYS’ CAMP .August 4-6CAMP GLOBAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 11-13

All registration forms are available by calling Jennifer at the West Virginia Baptist Convention office at 304.422.6449.

You may download any of the registration forms at www.campcowen.org. Don’t forget to print a health form for each individual attending.

The West Virginia Baptist Camp at Cowen camping program is sponsored by theWest Virginia Baptist Convention and is conducted at 276 Baptist Camp Road,

Cowen, West Virginia 26206.

... Continued from page 13

152nd Annual Meetingof the

West Virginia Baptist ConventionOctober 19-20, 2017

New Baptist Church, HuntingtonTheme: Bridge of Hope

Keynote Speaker:Keynote Speaker: Jeffrey D. JonesJeffrey D. Jonesassociate pastor of Ministerial Leadership associate pastor of Ministerial Leadership

and director of Ministry Studies at and director of Ministry Studies at Andover Newton Theological SchoolAndover Newton Theological School

Annual Sermon Speaker:Annual Sermon Speaker:TTrent Eastmanrent Eastmanpastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Huntingtonpastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Huntington

JUNE 1 - Kurt Smalley, American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) missionary to HungaryJUNE 2 - American Baptist Women’s Ministries’ AnnualConference this weekend at Parchment Valley ConferenceCenterJUNE 3 - The ministry of Racine First Baptist Church; AnthonyPratt, pastor (Coal River)JUNE 4 - Older Midler Camp begins today at Camp CowenJUNE 5 - Don Phares, moderator, Goshen Association JUNE 6 - The ministry of Bethesda Baptist Church; DavidCyphers, pastor (Fairmont)JUNE 7 - The ministry of Beaver First Baptist Church; SteveGibson, interim pastor (Greenbrier-Raleigh)JUNE 8 - Phil Smith, American Baptist Foreign Mission Society(ABFMS) missionary to BrazilJUNE 9 - Younger Midler Camp begins today at Camp CowenJUNE 10 - The ministry of Mount Urim Baptist Church(Hopewell)JUNE 11 - Junior I Camp begins today at Camp CowenJUNE 12 - Sherry Goldsburg, president, American BaptistWomen’s Ministries and member, West Virginia BaptistConvention Christian Outreach CommissionJUNE 13 - The ministry of Hope Christian Center; MichaelLewis, pastor (Guyandotte) JUNE 14 - Sarah McCurdy, American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) missionary to Costa RicaJUNE 15 - Vital Pierre, American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) missionary to the Dominican RepublicJUNE 16 - Shirley Fitzwater, member, West Virginia BaptistConvention Christian Stewardship Commission JUNE 17 - The ministry of Union Baptist Church; Jerome Lewis,pastor (Union)JUNE 18 - Junior High I Camp begins today at Camp Cowen JUNE 19 - The ministry of Dorcas Baptist Church; Steve Davis,pastor (Eastern)JUNE 20 - Katherine Niles, American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) missionary to the Democratic Republic of theCongoJUNE 21 - Bonita Meredith, treasurer, Judson AssociationJUNE 22 - Mike Kelly, member, West Virginia BaptistConvention Christian Leadership CommissionJUNE 23 - The ministry of New England Baptist Church; RogerJohnson, pastor (Parkersburg)JUNE 24 - The West Virginia Baptist Convention WorshipConference today at Clarksburg Baptist Church (Union)JUNE 25 - Valma Adams, office manager, West Virginia BaptistConventionJUNE 26 - Brothers’ Keeper happens this week at ParchmentValley Conference CenterJUNE 27 - Junior II Camp happens this week at Camp CowenJUNE 28 - Celestyna Hoefle, American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) missionary (youth) to Thailand JUNE 29 - The ministry of Ten Mile Baptist Church; BradleyTenney, pastor (Broad Run)JUNE 30 - Scott McClure, member, West Virginia BaptistConvention Christian Discipleship Commission

JULY 1 - Sherry Powers, moderator, Broad Run AssociationJULY 2 - High School I Camp happens this week at CampCowenJULY 3 - The ministry of Wayne Baptist Church; Fred Ferguson,pastor (Twelve Pole)JULY 4 - Hefziba Aragon, American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) missionary (youth) to MexicoJULY 5 - The ministry of Turkey Creek Missionary BaptistChurch; Glenn Hatfield, pastor (Rockcastl)JULY 6 - Steve Wilson, member, West Virginia BaptistConvention Outreach CommissionJULY 7 - The ministry of Yawkey Missionary Baptist Church;Chester Bird, interim pastor (Coal River) JULY 8 - Tim Rice, American Baptist Foreign Mission Society(ABFMS) missionary to the Democratic Republic of the CongoJULY 9 - Junior High II Camp begins today at Camp CowenJULY 10 - The ministry of Weirton Heights Memorial BaptistChurch; Holley Faulkner, pastor (Panhandle)JULY 11 - Madeline Flores-Lopez, American Baptist ForeignMission Society (ABFMS) missionary to the Dominican RepublicJULY 12 - The ministry of Summersville Baptist Church; DanaGatewood, pastor (Hopewell)JULY 13 - Colleen Bumgarner, clerk, Parkersburg Association JULY 14 - The ministry of Maysel Missonary Baptist Church(Elk Valley)JULY 15 - Elianna McCurdy, American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) missionary (youth) to Costa RicaJULY 16 - High School II Camp begins today at Camp CowenJULY 17 - Scott Whetzel, member, West Virginia BaptistConvention Christian Discipleship Commission JULY 18 - The ministry of Concord Baptist Church; RichardTench, pastor (Teays Valley)JULY 19 - Katrina Williams, American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) missionary to the Democratic Republic of theCongoJULY 20 - The ministry of Marmet First Baptist Church(Kanawha Valley)JULY 21 - Gordon Hwang, American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) missionary to JapanJULY 22 - Bill Morningstar, member, West Virginia BaptistConvention Leadership Commission JULY 23 - The ministry of Belington First Baptist Church; JuliaMiller, pastor (Union)JULY 24 - The ministry of Rock Grove Baptist Church; BenjaminHall, pastor (Broad Run)JULY 25 - Ruth Mooney, American Baptist Foreign MissionSociety (ABFMS) missionary to Costa Rica JULY 26 - The ministry of Two Ripple Baptist Church; GaryRichmond, pastor (Parkersburg) JULY 27 - The Rockcastle Association Annual Meeting happenstoday at Oceana First Baptist Church (Rockcastle)JULY 28 - Family Camp begins today at Camp CowenJULY 29 - The ministry of Rush Run Baptist Church; JohnVannoy, pastor (Little Kanawha)JULY 30 - Rob Ely, director, Student Ministries, West VirginiaBaptist ConventionJULY 31 - David Hoge, second vice-president, West VirginiaBaptist Convention and member, West Virginia BaptistConvention Christian Stewardship Commission

July

West Virginia Baptist Convention staff andmissionaries listed are on the

occasion of their birthday.

June

The West Virginia Baptist/June-July 15

Prayer Calendars____________________

16 The West Virginia Baptist/June-July

The West Virginia Baptist is a newsletter of theWest Virginia Baptist Convention, associatedwith the American Baptist Churches, USA,

PO Box 1019, Parkersburg WV 26102;304.422.6449. US Postage Paid at Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Executive Minister: Dr. David L. CarricoEditor: Rev. John E. SimmonsAssistant Editor: Mrs. Valma AdamsLayout: Mrs. Donna Snyder

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit N

o. 36Parkersburg, W

V

West Virginia Baptist Convention

P.O. Box 1019

Parkersburg, WV 26102-1019

West Virginia Baptist Newsletter Submissions

Send submissions for The West VirginiaBaptist to: thewvbaptist@wvbc.org or mail submis-sions to the West Virginia Baptist Convention,Attention: Donna, P.O. Box 1019, Parkersburg,West Virginia 26102. If you are submitting text,send typed copy only. We no longer accepthandwritten text. We also accept hard copy anddigital photos of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Pleaseinclude a caption for your photo and your nameand address if you want your photo returned.

Deadline for submission is the 3rd ofodd numbered months.

Coming EventsJUNEJUNEJune 2-4American Baptist Women’s MinistriesAnnual ConferenceParchment Valley Conference Center

June 4-7Older Midler Camp (grades 3-4)Camp Cowen

June 9-11Younger Midler Camp (grades 2-4)Camp Cowen

June 11-17Junior 1 Camp (grades 5-6)Camp Cowen

June 18-24Junior High 1 Camp (grades 7-9)Camp Cowen

June 24Worship ConferenceClarksburg Baptist Church

June 24School of Christian Studies West Virginia Baptist History (E-02) One-Day Class with Allan CopenhaverParchment Valley Conference Center

June 25-30Brothers’ KeeperParchment Valley Conference Center

June 25-July 1Junior 2 Camp (grades 5-6)Camp Cowen

June 30 - July 2Mission Summit ABC/USA BiennialPortland, Oregon

JULJULYYJuly 2-8High School 1 Camp (grades 9-graduates)Camp Cowen

July 4Independence Day HolidayWest Virginia Baptist ConventionOffice CLOSED

July 9-15Junior High 2 Camp (grades 7-9)Camp Cowen

July 15Senior Day (high school graduates)Camp Cowen

American Baptist Women’s Ministries of West Virginia

WOMEN’S CONFERENCEJune 2-4, 2017

Parchment Valley Conference Center

Speakers: Jeff and Beth

DavenportJeff is senior pastor ofHurricane First BaptistChurch (Teays Valley).

Theme: “Getting to Know

You”

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glori-ous Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation,

so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17

For more information, visit www.wvbc.org or contact Kim Mack,Conference Coordinator Elect at 304.206.8247 or

kmack@cyclopswv.com.