“...encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11

Pottawatomie-Lincoln Baptist Association, Shawnee, OK ~ Dr. Russell R. Cook, Director of Missions Vol. 17, No. 7 July, 2013

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Next meeting is

Monday, August, 12 10:30 a.m.

No meetings for June or July.

Mission Partnerships

Meeting

Mon., August 12

1:00 p.m. Assn. Office

PLBA Association

Office CLOSED July 4 for

Independence Day

Let us remember to Pray for Relief Workers as they

continue to minister to storm victims.

One Nation Under God… Dr. Richard Land

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are the founding documents of our coun-try. The Declaration proclaims our reason for being, our sine qua non as a nation when it says, “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights….” The Constitution is the people’s attempt to

secure and systemize the truths and beliefs of the Decla-ration into a system of government, “a more perfect Un-ion.” When the Constitution's preamble says “We the people,” it sets forward the uniqueness of the American experiment with a government both established by the people and accountable to the people. In order to safeguard our rights and responsibilities as American citizens, we need to have more than just an awareness of the rights and liberties that are secured for

us in the Constitution—we need a working knowledge of these precious guarantees of freedom. As Christians we understand that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34). President John Adams reaffirmed this principle when he said in 1798, “We have no government armed in power capable of contending in human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.” In addition to stressing the importance of righteousness, our Founding Fathers warned that an educated and involved citizenry must undergird government. In 1787, when the Constitution was completed, Benjamin Franklin was asked whether the Constitutional Convention created a republic or a monar-chy. Franklin answered the question with a warning: “A republic, if you can keep it.” He understood that only a fully engaged citizenry, knowledgeable about its govern-ment and involved in making government work, would “keep” our republic. After more than 200 years, American citizens know and understand less and less about our government. Even among our young people who are still studying civics, a recent survey indicated that 66 percent of eighth graders and 62 percent of seniors did not recognize the opening passage of the Declaration of Independence. We as Chris-tians in general and Baptists in particular, must familiarize our churches with our nation’s historic documents which will help believers be the Citizen Christians the Lord in-structs us to be in His Word. (Rom. 13:1-7).

It Might Preach!

In May, the abortion doctor (if you can call him a doctor), Kermit Gosnell, was found guilty of killing four babies who had otherwise survived his botched abortions. Once born alive with hearts beating, hands and feet kicking and lungs screaming, Gosnell took very sharp scissors and cut the baby’s spinal cord at the back of the neck. This resulted in immediate death...death not at the hands of a doctor, but death at the hands of a heartless, callous, murderer. Gos-nell, having been convicted, will spend the rest of his life (he is 72 years old now) in prison. Gosnell, to this day, denies that he ever killed a “live baby.” He apparently had convinced himself that life begins only when a breathing, kicking child is wanted. As astounding as this case has been, there are millions of others that have yet to be discovered. Certainly millions of babies have been killed in the womb, on the way out of the womb...and yes on the delivery table fully alive. Most Christians would agree that this is a bad and unacceptable practice. But very, very few of us do much of anything to try to change it. (Thank God for the few that do!) The psalmist David said in his prayer to God, “You formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made...Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them” (Psalm 139:13-16). The only way an abortionist like Kermit Gosnell could do what he did is to have absolutely no regard for God or His Word. But that’s exactly what “lostness” looks like. And, unfortunately, we do not have to look very far around us to see it. There has never been a more urgent time for us to “let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven” (Matt.5:16). All life should be preserved at all costs and all life should be sanctified in the hands of a gracious, loving, caring, merciful God.

Encouragingly Yours, Russell R. Cook

“A BIBLICAL STANDARD FOR THE FAMILY” GENESIS 1:24-31

“Standard,” according to Webster’s is “something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example: CRITERION.” In the Bible the term standard often refers to “ a rallying point for groups with a common interest.” Applied to the family, it refers to those measuring rods by which we are to order our domestic lives.” Consider three foundational reference points in answer to the question: What is God’s standard for the family?

I. The ORIGIN of the family. (Where did the idea of family come from? -God, not man!) A. God created THE EARTH OUT OF NOTHING. (Gen. 1:1) B. God created THE MAN OUT OF THE EARTH. (Gen. 2:7) C. God created THE WOMAN OUT OF THE MAN. (Gen. 2:21-22a) D. God created THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE FOR A MAN AND A WOMAN. (Gen. 2:22b-24)

II. The NATURE of the family. (What is the ideal family like, from a biblical perspective?) A. God ordained the MAN AS THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN. (Gen. 3:16b) B. God ordained the WOMAN AS THE COUNTERPART OF THE MAN. (Gen. 2:18-20) C. God ordained the CHILDREN SHOULD COME FORM THE UNION OF HUSBAND AND WIFE. (Gen. 1:27-28)

III. The AUTHORITY of the family. A. GOD’S HOLY WORD is His INFALLIBLE AUTHORITY for the family. (Psalm 19:7,9,11)

B. GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT is His INTERPRETIVE AUTHORITY for the family. (John 14:26;16:13) Thus, God’s standard for a Christian family is ONE MAN + ONE WOMAN + ONE OR MORE CHILDREN WHO LIVE TOGETHER UNDER GOD’S AUTHORITY.

— rrc

DALE invites all sister PLBA churches to help them celebrate their 100th Anniver-sary! Events are scheduled for Friday, July 12 (7:00 to 8:30 p.m.), Sat. July 13th (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday, July 14 (10:30 to noon). (Doug Parker, Pastor)

FAIRVIEW will hold V.B.S. beginning July 15 thru 19 (5:45-8:10 p.m.). Pre-registration in progress and T-shirts are on sale. Need a ride? Call Marilu at church office (405) 273-8790 (M-F 9 a.m.-2 p.m.) (Wayne Knight, Pastor)

FOREST is collecting new and/or gently used shoes for kids in the community, any sizes, girls or boys, also collecting school supplies. If you would like to help please call Jeff Bruton, 405-258-6145. (Jeff Bruton, Pastor)

SALLATEESKA will be having VBS July 15-19 (6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) Need ride? Call or Text (405) 802-1196 (Ben Little, Pastor)

SON RISE has had 23 additions in the last two months. Nine of the 23 have been for salvation! (Ron Cherry, Pastor)

SPARKS FIRST had a successful VBS June 2-7, Praise God for 2 salvations! Patty Hall VBS Director (Charles Wigington, Pastor)

Church News Please let us know of any upcoming events or news from your church!

DALE is seeking a part-time pianist, blended worship service. Contact Douglas Parker Jr., Search Committee, 405.401.9010. (Doug Parker, Pastor)

FIRST, MCLOUD is seeking a part-time Choir Director. Send Resumes to the church, PO Box 180, McLoud, 74851. ~ ~ Taking applications for a paid nursery worker (must be 18 years or older). Applications can be picked up at the church or call 964-3344. (Matt Halsted, Pastor)

FIRST, TRYON is seeking a Youth/Children’s Leader. For more information please email or call Bro. Bob Fowler at pastorbobfowler@yahoo.com or 405.606.5603. (Bob Fowler, Pastor)

NEW HOPE is seeking a full-time Worship Leader to lead a blended worship service for Sunday mornings and evenings only. New Hope is located 10 miles west of Shawnee. Please send your resume to New Hope Baptist Church, 37496 New Hope Rd., Tecumseh, OK 74873 or email resumes to newhopesecretary@gmail.com. (Will Wilson, Pastor)

NEW HOPE is seeking a part-time secretary (up to 32 hours). Email resume to Pastor Will Wilson (wilswcjr@me.com) (Will Wilson, Pastor)

PLEASANT HOME is seeking a part-time Music Minister for Sunday mornings and evenings, traditional worship service. Contact Nathan Howard at nhow10@hotmail.com or 580-313-0743. (Nathan Howard, Pastor)

Staff Needed Incorrect information... please call the Associa-tion office, 405.273.4558.

OBU International Students Every year the Lord is gracious enough to allow the community at Okla-homa Baptist University to minister to about 100 international students from over 25 different countries around the world. When an international student is picked up from the airport they only have what they can fit in the two pieces of luggage allowed by the airlines. This means many important items have to be purchased once they arrived on campus. In order to bless these students and ease their transition into the OBU community we are collecting items to place baskets in each of their rooms, including necessities, to get themselves through the first week on campus. Last year several local churches participated and over 40 students were blessed by receiving these gifts. They also heard the reason they received them is because local churches love them, they are not here by accident, and the Lord has a plan for them at OBU! This has made a big difference in the lives of these stu-dents each year. This year we hope to bless even more international stu-dents and missionary children with these gifts! If you would like to participate or would just like more information; please contact me. I would love to tell you more about our vision for reaching the nations on our campus. I hope to stay in contact as we join together for the great harvest the Lord has ready for us during the 2013-2014 school year. Please let us know through email by June 28th if you plan to participate. Bas-ket items will be collected on or before August 9th.

Whitney França, International Student Liaison, Oklahoma Baptist University whitney.franca@okbu.edu 405-585-5011

PLBA WOMEN SAVE THE DATE BGCO WOMEN (see www.bgco.org)

MK[em-kay] noun: Missionary Kid- The MK Re-entry retreat is for children of international missionaries who are entering college in the United States for the first time. The retreat provides a setting for MK’s to process the transition to col-lege and life in the U.S. Approximately 100 students attend this event each year.

Involve Your Church by adopting an MK!

Association Website — www.plba.org

TOTAL CHECKING AND SAVINGS TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR Beginning Bal. Income Expense Ending Bal. 5 -1-13 5-31-13 Budget $47,678.49 18,207.44 22,991.42 $42,894.51 Designated 168,092.51 173,362.58 Total Monies $215,771.00 $216,257.09

Churches listed in red are Pastorless PASTORS CHURCH May ‘13 YTD Roger Shaw Agra FBC 346.38 2,105.52 Mat Riddle Asher FBC 174.72 1,108.97 Chris Carter Blackburn Chapel 197.53 1,532.83 Mark Davis Carney FBC .00 1,077.02 Rick Blackwell Chandler, FBC 780.88 4,245.39 Keith Henley Chandler Southern 234.55 657.65 Doug Parker Dale 27.81 139.91 Mike Mitchell Davenport FBC 216.63 2,089.74 Mike Haines Deer Creek 174.09 1,099.39 Mark Streetman Earlsboro FBC .00 300.00 Ellis Rolette Earlsboro Indian Mission 140.36 478.55 Wayne Knight Fairview 127.37 664.58 Dan Campbell Faith 645.43 1,841.22 Jeff Bruton Forest .00 197.94 Lee Witt Hazel Dell 454.92 2,540.11 Tuney Ropp Hillside 1,248.45 4,186.79 Gary Nickerson Hilltop 389.29 1,695.02 Bryan Cook Hopewell 66.38 392.56 Don Acker Macomb 112.18 722.32 Mike Hazelwood Mammoth 272.00 1,482.00 Bobby Shatto Maud FBC .00 .00 Rusty McMullen Maud Trinity 231.36 1,571.29 James Bond McLoud Emmanuel 678.35 4,745.60 Jerry Gray McLoud Emmaus .00 421.11 Matt Halsted McLoud FBC 460.95 2,533.91 Ron Cherry McLoud Son Rises .00 831.61 Joe Jones Meeker FBC 179.48 1,415.06 Jerry Jackson Morning Star .00 1,525.54 John Hancock Mt. Pleasant .00 100.06 Jimmy Crabb, Int. Newalla New Life 602.31 3,583.11 Ed Moore Newalla Pecan Valley 92.51 438.16 Mike Collyer Pink 369.28 1,331.36 Jim Morningstar Pioneer 86.85 86.85 Nathan Howard Pleasant Home 137.50 653.37 Tim Emmons Prague FBC 420.17 2,512.77 Richard Zimmer Rock Creek 982.91 4,160.69 Gaspar Reyes Rock Creek Spanish 17.90 109.78 Tony Black Romulus 168.69 997.75 Odus Compton, Int. Sh-Aydelotte 331.44 1,583.68 David Henry Sh-Calvary 62.50 125.00 Ray Miller Sh-First 399.46 2,122.71 Spencer Davis, Int. Sh-First Indian .00 1,062.19 Anthony Rhone Sh-Galilee 50.00 50.00 Bob Dawson Sh-Good Shepherd Chapel 64.21 262.80 Jay Sampson Sh-Heritage .00 1,497.25 Todd Fisher Sh-Immanuel 2,148.09 10,173.60 Rendon Falls Sh-Karis .00 .00 Tom Hall Sh-New Life 25.00 125.50 John York Sh-Oakland Chapel 8.95 94.51 Ben Little Sh-Sallateeska 58.00 430.00 Mike Craig Sh-Temple 975.47 5,239.19 Larry Norris Sh-Trinity 350.72 1,064.10 Steve Dominy Sh-University 454.39 2,011.56 Butch Bradley Sh-Wallace Ave. .00 997.49 Charles Wigington Sparks FBC 50.27 407.01 Glenn Peck St. Louis FBC .00 1,171.27 Burl Mackey Stroud FBC 568.80 2,556.55 Don Tiger Stroud Sac & Fox .00 133.47 Tony Peak Tecumseh FBC 709.55 4,611.25 Will Wilson Tecumseh New Hope 50.00 200.00 Clint Dawkins Tecumseh Sharon 830.13 4,748.97 Bob Fowler Tryon FBC 135.95 909.67 Britt Lesley Wanette FBC 347.28 1,342.86 Bill Howse Wanette, Victory Pointe .00 10.00 Russ Houser Wellston Cornerstone .00 .00 Darrell Sullivan Wellston FBC .00 1,857.18 Lane Buckley Wellston Trinity 550.00 660.00 TOTAL 18,207.44 101,023.34

Budget Receipts

BLANKET THE STATE…Blankets Needed!!! 

We are all very aware of the tragic loss of homes and possessions by many in our state due to recent tornadoes. This is a perfect opportunity for us to meet some of those needs with blankets that carry the message of the Gospel with them, as well as the comforting touch of their softness and warmth. That may sound like a strange thing to say in July, but BLANKET THE STATE is not a seasonal ministry…it is a need-based one. For people to have a new, soft blanket all of their own to cuddle up in when they have lost everything is not seasonal…it is need-based.

Blankets distributed through our ministry carry with them a sewn-on label especially de-signed with a logo to designate the blanket is a loving gift from Baptists in Oklahoma and it also carries a reassuring message of God’s love. Attaching that label is the only sewing done on the blanket. All of the rest is accomplished with fleece (1 yd for a baby, 1 ½ yards for a lap blanket, 2 to 2 ½ yards for children and adults), scissors, templates made from a 3x5 index card, and a sandwich pick (sturdy toothpick). I am willing to come to your church and teach a workshop on how to make these blankets or you can find the pattern on our website at www.plba.org, Info, Blanket the State. We have already distributed close to 3000 of these blankets across Oklahoma, into Mexico, and to soldiers in Afghanistan since 2007! I have just received a new order of 3000 more labels, so we are ready to go!

After the blankets are completed and the label sewn on one corner, they are folded and placed into a 2 ½ gallon zipper storage bag (which you provide), with the labeled corner turned up to show through the bag. Then a specially-designed Gift Card is slid into the bag, complete with the contact information from your church. These Gift Cards carry with them a brief explanation of the ministry and then the plan of salvation in a very simple format. And, so, yes, these become “blankets with a message,” both from the label and the Gift Card, which makes this a unique way to minister with blankets.  

Normally, each church distributes these in their own community, depending upon local needs. We do not normally collect them and warehouse them but we do ask the churches/individuals to report how many blankets they have distributed and where they have been given. My usual response to “Where do we take them?” is: “Ask God! He’ll show you where in your community!” He has done that in amazing ways over these years and the list of kinds of needs met has been both surprising and gratifying. However, for this particular special need—post tornado needs—I am asking that if you personally know those who lost their homes in tornados that you take your blankets directly to them. For this particular time only, if you live where there was not damage but you still want to help, you may bring the completed and bagged blankets to Pottawatomie-Lincoln Baptist Association’s office and we will see to it that they are distributed either locally or through our state convention’s Disaster Relief ministry.  

How do you get the labels and gift cards? Contact me, via email at rrmlcook@sbcglobal.net, with your request of how many you will need. Is there a cost for these? We are totally non-profit, but if you desire to make a suggested donation of $1 per blanket, or any other amount, that helps to pay for labels, printing, postage, etc. God has been faithful to see to it that these expenses are covered by our commitment to operating strictly on a voluntary offering basis.

Thank you for your help! May God use us all to truly “Blanket the State with love and life!”

--Marsha Cook, Director {A NUGGET FROM MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY will return next month. Due to this special need and limited column space, the focus this month is on BLANKET THE STATE. Thank you for understanding!}

Are you a woman who wants to make a difference? Whether you’re a women’s missions leader, a ministry leader, a WMU Director, or you just want to impact the world, SWEET Experience is for you. Unlike other conferences, this one-day equipping event is more than a conference—it’s an experience! The entire afternoon is devoted to ways you can engage women in making a difference. August 23-24 @FBC Moore

S.W.E.E.T. Statewide Women’s Enrichment and Education Training

SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS AT FALLS CREEK Week 7: July 15 - 19 Keith Wiginton, Speaker Kyle Cantrell, Worship

Week 8: July 22 - 26 Greg Stier, Speaker Kyle Cantrell, Worship

July Birthdays

1 Rev. Steve Dominy 2515 N. Kickapoo Shawnee, OK 74804 Pastor, University 4 Mrs. Ann (Dale) Rogers 920068 S. 3450 Road Chandler, OK 74834 Retired DOM’s Wife 3 Rev. Jim Morningstar 609 S Dewey Ave. Chandler, OK 74834 Pastor, Pioneer, Chandler 6 Mrs. Jamie (Ron) Cherry 107 Shadow Ridge Dr. McLoud, OK 74851 Pastor’s Wife, Son Rise 9 Rev. Butch Bradley 605 W. Wallace Avenue Shawnee, OK 74801 Pastor, Wallace Avenue 10 Rev. Bobby Shatto PO Box 867 Maud, OK 74854 Pastor, First, Maud 26 Mrs. Jean (Jess) Huskey 910492 S. 3380 Rd Chandler, OK 74834 Former Pastor’s Wife 29 Mrs. Jo Ann (Bobby) Burnett 2612 Ella Drive Shawnee, OK 74804 Retired Pastor’s Wife 29 Rev. Mike Craig 662 S. Range Rd. McLoud, OK 74851 Pastor, Temple

July Anniversaries

7 Rev. & Mrs. Gary Nickerson 36720 Moccasin Trail Shawnee, OK 74804 Pastor, Hilltop 14 Rev. & Mrs. Tim Emmons 1616 Blue Bell Rd. Prague, OK 74864 Pastor, First, Prague 17 Rev & Mrs. Don Ramsey 105 Hardesty Dr Shawnee, OK 74804 Retired Pastor 18 Dr. & Mrs. Bill Mitchell 20622 Hwy 102 Tecumseh, OK 74873 Retired Pastor 21 Dr. & Mrs. John Hancock 7101 Kings Rd Shawnee, OK 74804 Pastor, Mt. Pleasant 25 Rev. & Mrs. Clint Dawkins 2326 Faith Blvd. Shawnee, OK 74804 Pastor, Sharon 30 Rev. & Mrs. Bryan Cook 1006 W. Federal Shawnee, OK 74804 Pastor, Hopewell 30 Dr. & Mrs. Todd Fisher 1403 Manchester Shawnee, OK 74804 Pastor, Immanuel

July 2013 P

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74804. Phone: 405.273.4558 / F

ax: 405.273.8478. Em

ail: plba@

sbcglobal.net. Editors: D

r. Russell C

ook, Director of

Missions; Janice M

aynard.

Director of M

issions ...........Dr. R

ussell Cook, 405.273.4558

Moderator .............................. Lane Buckley, 405.356.4220

Vice Moderator .......................... Britt Lesley, 405.383.2674

Treasurer ................................ Clint D

awkins, 405.273.5502

Clerk & O

ffice Manager ..... Janice M

aynard, 405.273.4558 M

edia Manager.............................................. 405.273.4558

Bible Study Director .................. D

avid Henry, 405.275.3450

Discipleship D

irector .......... Mike H

azelwood, 405.279.2451

Family D

irector .................... Shawn C

rawley, 405.229.5813

Worship D

irector .................... Jason Henson, 405.273.2105

Missions D

irector ...................... Mike C

ollyer, 405.598.3150 Support D

irector ...............Dr. R

ussell Cook, 405.273.4558

Youth Minister ........................... Josh N

orton, 580.668.0214 Licensed C

ounselor .................... Bret Ellard, 405.794.5552 Licensed C

ounselor ................ Larry Roberts, 405.794.5552

Licensed Counselor ........ M

artha Hernandez, 405.943.4424

“...enablin

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to fulfill its u

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for C

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istry.”

1-2 CrossTimbers, Week 6

1-5 Falls Creek, Week 5

4 Independence Day, PLBA OFFICE CLOSED

6-9 CrossTimbers, Week 7

8-12 Falls Creek, Week 6

11-13 Literacy Conference

11-14 CrossTimbers, Week 8

15-19 Falls Creek, Week 7

15-17 OBU Pastors’ School

17-20 CrossTimbers, Week 9

19-20 Church Weekday Education Workshop

22-26 Falls Creek, Week 8

22-25 CrossTimbers, Week 10

Week 5: July 1-5 Wes Hamilton, Speaker Cody Dunbar, Worship

Week 6: July 8-12 Matt Kearns, Speaker Matt Roberson, Worship