Associational Missionary Rev. Jimmy Blanton

How pleased I am to hear of the many good things happening in so many of our churches. God is so good and He is doing such a mighty work among us. It is exciting to be a part of a community of believers in which God is doing wonderful things. We are expecting great things from the new church start, Fellowship of Columbus with Pastor David Rathel, as well as with our partnerships in missions.

Our “ACTS 1:8” mission project will be great. You will be hearing more of this in the coming days where we will be sending out eight mission teams in 2002 to touch our world for Christ on each continent except Antarctica. Also we have just begun a new partnership with two associations in Kentucky and our first team, a group of college students, saw twenty-seven people come to the Lord. God is at work. We must join Him.

I am very pleased to have two men coming to our association that are proven Kingdom Builders. One is Dr. Steve McVey. Steve will be sharing with us on April 23 at Beallwood Baptist. He will share three sessions in the afternoon about his book and life-changing principles found in God’s Word, which he has entitled Grace Walk. This book can be found in local bookstores and is well worth reading. If you have been walking in your Christian life to produce or to impress others then you will find freedom in the truths shared in this conference. If you have read this book or heard Bro. Steve then, call others and let them know what the truths have meant to you. We are asking for a love offering to be taken at the door. Please come prepared to give.

The second man that we are honored to have coming to Columbus is Dr. J. Robert White. He has demonstrated a Christ-like spirit in leading Georgia Baptist to new heights by standing against the evils of our day as well as leading us in reaching our state for Christ. He is an outstanding person as well as preacher. You will be blessed by attending our Spring Inspirational Meeting on April 26, 2001 at Waldrop Memorial Baptist Church with pre-session music beginning at 6:40 and worship beginning at 7:00 p.m. Make plans now to attend with a large contingency from your Church.

Jimmy

The following churches were participants in mission work during the month of February at the Miles Center and at the Beacon: Beallwood, 77.50; Central, 12.00; Eastern Heights, 20.75; Eastwood, 36.00; Fairview, 15.00; Gentian, 19.25; Glenn Anthony, 21.00; Hilton Terrace, 16.25; Kirkland Memorial, 44.50; Liberty, 11.00; Morningside, 218.50; Northside, 14.50; Pinehurst, 24.50; Piney Grove, 22.75; Rose Hill, 27.00; Southside, 40.00; Waldrop Memorial, 2.50; Wynnbrook, 18.00.

Thanks to the folks at Hilton Terrace as they began their ministry at the Miles Center this month!

We still need of these items at The Miles Center:

Instant Oatmeal (Individual Packs)

Juice Paper Towels

Jelly Toilet Paper

The following are food donations for February:

Bethesda, 45 lbs; Calvary, 58 lbs; Central, 68 lbs; Crystal Valley, 138 lbs; Fairview, 19 lbs; Glenn Anthony, 77 lbs; Morningside, 248 lbs; Oates Avenue, 145 lbs; Pinehurst 70 lbs; Porter Memorial, 82 lbs; Rose Hill, 73; Second, 68 lbs; Victory Heights, 54 lbs; Wynnbrook, 158 lbs; Associational WMU, 76 lbs; Associational Senior Adults, 6 lbs.

Beginning this month I want to start recognizing those churches that give monetary gifts to the food ministries of the Columbus Baptist Association. Each dollar is greatly stretched as most of the food given out at our food closets is bought for 14 cents a pound. For instance, we can buy a 1 lb jar of peanut butter that costs close to $2.00 at a grocery store for 14 cents.

The following churches gave during the month of January:

Beallwood $ 15.00

Fairview $487.65

Gentian $230.00

Rose Hill $ 15.00

The following gave during the month of February:

Associational WMU Inspiration Rally $ 12.00

Beallwood $ 9.00

Fairview $130.00

Northside Glory Group $112.00

Recognition and Appreciation

Many churches in our association are very active and consistent in giving food and in giving money to purchase food for the food pantry. In appreciation to those already helping and to encourage others to take part in this ministry, I would like to begin the following recognitions, beginning in 2001:

The 100 Pounds Partners – This will be to recognize those churches that donate at least 100 pounds of food each month for a year or $14 each month for a year. Each gift of $14 enables us to purchase 100 pounds of food at Second Harvest.

The Faithful Partners – This will be to recognize those churches that donate food or money in at least 10 out of 12 months.

One of the highpoints of my week happens whenever a volunteer calls me to tell me that one of our clients has made a profession of faith. Within the past few days at least four people have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Another volunteer told of the lady who had gotten a job, which caused her to loose her government entitlements. That was great, but her $600 utility bill, which was a result of the colder than normal weather, was disastrous. When our volunteers not only gave the lady some food but also shared their witness of Jesus Christ and showed His love, the dear lady broke down in tears and said, “No one has ever shown me love like this.”

Many more stories like this could be told each week. Each week many people come our way at the food pantries of the Miles Center, Eastwood Baptist Church, and Southside Baptist Church. People’s lives are being changed for all eternity because of the love shown by our volunteers. The food that is made available, to give to these people who come our way, is made possible through the giving of food and financial gifts of the people of the churches of the Columbus Baptist Association. Thanks for your part in this marvelous ministry.

In His Service,

Steve

1 Children’s Emergency Shelter Open House and Rededication Service, 2:30 p.m.

2 Sr. Adult Council, 10 a.m., Miles Center

2 Ministers’ Luncheon, Noon, Southside

5 Leadership Team mtg., 10 a.m., CBA

6-7 Couples Conference, Morningside

7 GA Day, 10:00 a.m., Gentian Baptist Church

9 Sr. Adult Choir, 10 a.m., Miles Center

9 Ministers’ Luncheon, Noon, Central

9 Appalachian Mission Meeting w/Tom Scott, 7:00 p.m., CBA Building

12 CoBASO Meeting, Noon, Porter Memorial

16 Ministers’ Luncheon, Noon, Bethesda

16 Ministers’ PATHWAYS, 2:00 p.m., CBA

16 ACTS 1:8 Meeting, 7:00 p.m., CBA Bldg.,

Judy Sutherland to discuss India mission trip

19 CCM Team Mtg., 7:00 p.m., CBA

20-21 BWMU of GA Annual Meeting & Women’s

Conference, First Baptist, Thomasville, GA

23 Ministers’ Luncheon, Noon, Beallwood, followed by “Grace Walk” with Dr. Steve McVey

24 Better Bridges Celebration, 3:30 p.m., CBA

26 Great Commission Min. Tm., 9:30 am, CBA

26 Assist Ministry Team, 11 a.m., CBA

27 BSU Spring Barbeque, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

27 Spring Semi-Annual Inspirational Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Waldrop Memorial

30 Ministers’ Luncheon, Noon, Cascade Hills

April Birthdays

· Udell Addison, Central, 4/6

· Al Young, DaySpting, 4/25

· Ed Helton, Morningside, 4/29

April Anniversaries

· Don Wilhite, Calvary, 4/15/1974

· Bill Purvis, Cascade Hills, 4/2/1983

· Kevin Calhoun, Hilton Terrace, 4/7/1991

· Buddy Lamb, Schomburg Road, 4/12/1999

· Phillip Shoemaker, Oates Avenue, 4/18/1999

· Al Young, DaySpring, 4/28/2000

May Birthdays

· Tom Scott, Waldrop Memorial, 05/05

· David Howle, Edgewood, 05/09

· Jimmie Hobbs, Cusseta First, 05/09

· Bill Purvis, Cascade Hills, 05/16

May Anniversaries

· Mickey Adams, Piney Grove, 05/01/1994

Columbus Baptist News

Associational Missionary Rev. Jimmy Blanton

The Faithful Partners – This will be to recognize those churches that donate food or money in at least 10 out of 12 months.

April 9 Central Baptist Church

April Calendar