VISIONFIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ARNOLD, MISSOURI

A Closer Look at Living for Jesus

March 2011, Vol 33, No. 3

The

It ’s Springtime!Great Opportunities to Serve Jesus Inside

2

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Upcoming2011MARCHevents

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

Mark 10-12 Numbers 7-8 Numbers 9-10 Numbers 11-12 Mark 13-14

Numbers 13-14 Numbers 15-16 Numbers 17-19 Mark 15-16 Numbers 20-21 Numbers 22-23 Numbers 24-26

Luke 1-2 Numbers 27-28 Numbers 29-30 Numbers 31-32 Luke 3-4 Numbers 33-34 Numbers 35-36

Deuteronomy 1-2 Luke 5-6 Deuteronomy 3-4 Deuteronomy 5-6 Deuteronomy 7-9 Luke 7-8 Deut. 10-12

Deut. 13-16 Deut. 17-19 Luke 9-10 Deut. 20-23 Deut. 24-26

SUNDAY THROUGH THE WEEK CONTACTSunday Morning Bible Study 8, 9:30 & 11:00AM

Sunday Worship 8, 9:30 & 11:00AM, 6:30PM

Sunday KIDZ Worship 9:30 & 11:00AM

Van Ministry Pick-up 8:15-9:15AM

Sunday, Choir & Orchestra Rehearsal 5:00-6:00PM

Sunday, Hand Bell Rehearsal 5:15-6:15PM

Read the Bible Through 2011passages are in RED

Mondays, Outreach 6:30PMTuesdays, REvive 8:00PMWednesday, Prayer Services 1 & 6:30PMWednesday, Dinner 4:45PMWednesday, Children’s Choir 5:30-6:10PMWednesday, Awana Clubs 6:15-8:00PMWednesday, L.I.F.E., Classes 6:30-8:00PMWednesday, Orchestra & Choir Rehearsal 6:30-8:00PMWednesday, Youth Service, UFH 6:30PMThursdays, Ladies Bible Study 9:15-11:30AMSaturdays, Van Ministry Outreach 10-11AM

Church Office:636-296-2703

Family Life Center:636-296-7729 ext 101

Pastor on call:1-314-753-4482

Open Crop Sparks-A-RamaT&T Club Games

Practice

Macrame Jewelry

Beginning Jewelry Class

Kido Self Defense Class

Widow’s Support Group

Deaf FellowshipSparks-A-Rama

T&T Club Games Practice

Paper Crafting and Stamping Class

Scrapbooking Weekend

‘Presque Isle Light’ Oil Painting Begins

Beginner Circuit Training Class Begins

Discovery Class

Sparks-A-RamaT&T Club Games

Conceal Carry Class

T&T Awana Movie Night

Beginner’s Oil Painting Class

Easter Set Construction begins

New Member Luncheon

3

By Senior Pastor Kenny QuallsFrom the Pastor’s Pen

First Baptist Church of Arnold is

about building God’s

Kingdom through

life-changing relationships

that are biblical and

relevant

2011MARCONTENTSVolume 33, Number 3 2 Calendar 3 Shepherd’s Voice 4 Faith & Finances 5 Growing & Showing 6 Synergy 6 Kidz Korner 7 Axiom 8 Worship Ministry 9 Kidz Choir 9 PAA 10 Mission 11 Mission Opportunities 12 Tyler in India 13 Easter Sunday Services 14 Deaf Ministry 15 Food Service Ministry 15 Media Team Ministry 16 Senior Adults Ministry 16 Married Adults Ministry 17 Welcome to the Family 17 Single Adults Ministry 18 Arts&Crafts/Fitness 19 FLC Ministry 20 Children’s Ministry

Once upon a time in a local church there were four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done in the church and Everybody was asked to do it. But Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it. But Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about it, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, and Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody and Nobody did the job that Anybody could have done in the first place. (Unknown)First Baptist is so blessed to have so many people using their resources, abilities and time serving the Lord. Thanks to “everybody” who is serving. Are you involved in a ministry? Are you serving Jesus anywhere in our church? In a large church, most believe that there are so many “bodies” that surely somebody will do it. The danger then becomes it does not get done. Here is the bottom line: You are needed at FBCA. Every member of FBCA is a missionary and every member of FBCA is to be involved in ministry. By ministry, I mean any activity performed as service to the Lord for the glory of the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 12:12, we are introduced to the familiar metaphor of the church as a body – the body of Christ (v27). We are like parts of the body, each with different functions but all working together. Every part of the body is needed. Every member is needed. Do you wonder where you fit in the body or how you can minister in this body? This copy of the Vision has many areas of service. Pray. Get involved. Talk to a pastor. Try out a ministry. If it is not a fit, try out another ministry. As your pastor, our goal from scripture is none of us sitting in the stands or standing on the sidelines. Let’s all get in the game for God’s glory. You will find great joy in serving Jesus. It is a joy to be your pastor and I sure do love you. I am glad that Jesus does not love Somebody or Nobody. He loves Anybody and Everybody. Let’s as His body do the same. In Him, Pastor Kenny

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody

4

By Brian Skrobonja

Our Faith & Finances believing & giving THEN

Our weekly budget need for 2010 was $62,050Our weekly budget receipts for 2010 were $62,985

AND NOWOur weekly budget need for 2011 is $63,291

Our weekly budget receipts for 2011 through 7 Sundays are $62,325

THANK YOU FOR YOUR JOYFUL GENEROSITY!

Be Generous & Willing To Share

Only 5% of Americans give 10% or more of their income to Christian/Charitable causes. Most Christians only donate 2-3% of their income (which is less than people gave during the Great Depression when giving averaged 3.3%). George Barna and Empty Tomb

It is that time of year again when we begin gathering our tax papers and seeking ideas for reducing our tax bill for 2010. Though there is not much you can do at this point to reduce last year’s tax liability, you can begin planning now to reduce what you pay in 2011. By making a contribution into a tax qualified savings account or sending a donation to your favorite charity, you can reduce your tax liability by using these contributions as tax deductions. Most people take advantage of these methods throughout the year but few people know and understand that you can actually combine these into a single transaction that could benefit both you and the charity. If you would like to save for retirement and at the same time have a charitable purpose, a charitable gift annuity may be something to consider. The advantage of such an arrangement is that you give to a charity and take a tax deduction while receiving an income for life. It can be a good solution for someone seeking a retirement income.

This is how a charitable gift annuity agreement works. The donor makes an irrevocable gift to the charity. In exchange for the gift, the charity agrees to pay an income back to the donor for life. Since it is a charitable contribution, a portion of the transaction is considered a tax deduction for the donor. Though the transaction is not 100% deductible, it does provide significant benefits to the donor.

It provides an immediate income tax deductionIt pays a lifetime income to one or two individualsThe income can begin immediately or can be deferred The transferred asset is removed from donor’s estate

avoiding estate tax

The most common type of property used for such an arrangement is a long-term appreciated stock, mutual fund or piece of real estate. The appreciation will help generate the charitable deduction and the annuity payout; thus producing a more favorable result over selling the appreciated property out right and having to pay the tax on the gain.

Before entering into any such agreement, be sure to consult a tax or financial advisor to understand the specifics of your situation. This arrangement is not suitable for everyone but can be useful for those who qualify. To learn more about Charitable Gift Annuities or other planned giving strategies, call 636-296-7729 EXT 109. We can help answer questions and provide spiritual and financial direction.

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

Growing & Showing By Senior Associate Pastor Brad East

Did you know that your spiritual growth is linked to your service? That’s right. You get something out of filling that volunteer position in the preschool or children’s ministry. You’re not just doing a job, filling a slot-you’re growing. God uses that service to teach you something about Him and others. And even if you don’t feel like you’re the best person for the job, or if you wonder “Why am I doing this?” God says that if you want to grow, you have to serve. Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”

TAKE AWAY So here’s the bottom line:Where is God nudging you? What is God urging you towards? The truth is, we all have plenty of excuses for why we don’t do what we feel nudged to do. But if I had to guess, I would say, this feeling of needing to do something just won’t go away-no matter how hard you try to ignore it or suppress it. And there is more at stake here than just an opportunity to serve. The issue is your faith. God wants to do something in your relationship with Him. You have a role to play. You just need to throw your legs over the side of the boat-even though you don’t know how to walk on water.

Interested in filling a volunteer position in the preschool or children’s ministry? For children’s contact Jeff at jeff.russom@fbca.us or phone him at 636-296-2703 x 116 or for preschool contact Shelly at shelly.straher@fbca.us or phone Shelly at 636-296-2703 x 116.Modified from whatisorange.org

TRUETRUE or FALSE?There is a direct connection between your faith and your service.

In addition to bringing your tithes and offerings with you when you attend our Sunday worship services, you may want to know about convenient giving options when you are away or unable to attend. Here are a few for your consideration:

Website PaymentFBCA provides secure web payment pages for online donations via our church’s website at www.fbcarnold.org

Direct Debit FBCA’s Electronic Funds Transfer enables members and friends to give to our church automatically on a recurring basis. You authorize us to electronically transfer funds from your bank account. Call our business office at 636-296-7729 x127 for further details.

Bill Pay Many of you pay your bills through your bank’s bill pay service. You can also send your tithes and offerings through this service. The church will receive a check in the mail showing you as the remitter. Please indicate on the memo line that this is a tither/offering.

Electronic Giving Solutions

5

6

Youth Ministry By Student Pastor Jason Ervin

As I write this article, I must say, I am very excited about what is happening in the life of our church and our student ministry. At the beginning of the year, we posed this question in Synergy “What are you going to do with Jesus Christ?” On the surface it seems very elementary, but in fact it’s a decision we all have to make and for which we will be held accountable. Are we going to accept His grace or reject Him? Ask Him to be our Savior (because we don’t want to go to hell) AND let Him be the Lord of our lives, which includes our time, talents, resources, how we date, college decisions, career, etc? Unfortunately some still reject Him. Some have a relationship with Him, but outside of Sunday don’t really spend time with Him. Some of our students here at FBCA have really stepped up and taken action to make Christ the center of their lives. These are students who love the Lord and want Him not to just be one thing in their life but the very rock upon which their life is built. This is exciting to see and I ask that you join me in praying for these students as they attempt to follow Christ in a world that rejects Him.The first weekend of March is our Impact weekend. This discipleship weekend is designed to challenge students to take their faith deeper and really live for Christ. Our theme verse this year is 1 John 2:5-6. The latter part of that verse says “whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” March 4th- 6th we are attempting to teach students how to walk as Jesus did through small group Bible studies, large group worship rallies, breakout classes, and a service project. Will you please pray for Impact weekend and pray for our teenagers here at FBCA?

On Sunday, March 13th, we will begin a new series called “Sex is”. Pop culture, Hollywood, and mass media have misconstrued and even perverted what sex is. Unfortunately these are the areas where we receive most of our information and the result is a generation who has missed what God designed sex to be and not to be. In this study we will take a biblical look at the topic and how God desires us to have success in the area of purity and relationships.“B.O.B.” is back! B.O.B (Battle OF Burgers) is back on Wednesday, March 23rd, in the Upper Fellowship Hall at 6:30pm. Invite your friends to come and enjoy some interesting games plus burgers for all!Laser Tag for our middle school students (7th and 8th

grades) will be Saturday, March 26th. Meet at church at 10am, and we will return at 1:45pm. The cost is $15.

Grassroots Growth Class will begin on March 14th for all students from 7-8:30. High schoolers will meet at Jason & Kelly’s house to watch a DVD, then discuss it afterwards. Middle school students will meet at church from 7-8:30 as well. Students, plan on attending!

For more information on Synergy go to synergystudents.org!

KIDZ KornerBy Preschool/FFCA Director Shelly Straher

What a great time we had during G-I-C! Our preschoolers had lots of fun learning about missionaries. During G-I-C, one of our lessons was about giving and we wanted to continue that lesson through this month. We are calling it “March for Missions”. Each Sunday in March we will be collecting coins to give to our missionaries. We will “march” our coins up and put it in their class’ “March for Missions” jar at the beginning of each service. Here are some upcoming events in March in the Preschool Ministry:•March 13th—Jammie Day! Preschoolers, wear your pajamas to church!

(Daylight Savings Time begins)•March 20th—Preschool Day at Arnold Park! Immediately following 11:00 service until

3:00. We will provide lunch (hot dogs, chips, and drinks), as well as some fun activities! If you would like to attend, you will need to RSVP by March 13th to a coordinator in your child’s hallway. In case of rain, event will be canceled.

•March 20th—Training Classes for our volunteers at 5:30 & 6:00•March 23rd—Training Classes for out volunteers at 6:40 & 7:15

We are always looking for volunteers to help with our babies through 5 year olds. If you love kids and want to get involved in teaching our “missionaries in training”, please contact Heather Harris at 636-296-7729 x146. Looking forward to a great month of fun activities for our preschoolers and their familes!

Following Christ in a World That Rejects Him

7

AXIOM By College & Career Pastor Brad Russell

5. “Discerning the thoughts and intentions”: The Bible has eyes that expose. The Word acts as God, Himself, exposing our most personal thoughts and motives, guiding us to align them to His personal thoughts and motives.

This Book will speak to you! You need it everyday! Let me encourage you to find a reading plan and make it part of your life everyday! Check out: http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan

Is the Word of God an important part of your daily life? I want to encourage you to make it the foundation of your day. You can do it. When we see the importance of things, we make them a part of our regular life. We see the value of food, water, and relationships and so these are parts of our lives every day.The Word of God is more valuable than anything you can imagine. Hebrews 4:12 ESV says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

The Bible proclaims its own value! Here is its worth:1. “The word of God”: The Bible is the personal utterance of God, Himself. You can hear from the throne of God every time you open its pages.2. “Living and active”: The Bible is a book written in the past, but its words speak beyond all of time. It speaks to your life every day.3. “Sharper than any two-edged sword”: The Bible cuts through any of our own personal deceit or opinions.4. “Piercing to the division of soul and spirit”: It drives right down to our hearts and speaks the Words of the Creator to the creation.

Upcoming in Axiom:March 3-20th: Spring Break Missions to Senegal, Africa(Please pray for our college students spending their spring break in Africa advancing the gospel.)

March 29th: Flip: Living in an Upside Down Kingdom begins in REviveThis Spring: Missions Retreat, more information coming soon!

By Worship Pastor Chris Mason

8

9

By Worship Associate Debbie Graham

Get your tennis shoes laced up, loosen those muscles and let’s get ready for “The Amazing Grace Race”! On your mark, get set, GO!We are beginning to rehearse our KIDZ CHOIR spring musical, “The Amazing Grace Race”, where we see a group of runners who are running the race of life. The trail is full of mountains, valleys, sharp turns, and detours – it’s all part of the journey. For the runner, it’s about perseverance. Our racing team includes characters such as Spud, Claire, Jacob, Anthony, Annie and Riley and they have quite an amazing race in front of them.Why not join our team today? You are assured to cross the finish line if you follow Jesus and His plan for your life! Rehearsals are every Wednesday at 5:30-6:10 pm. Below are the lists of rooms where you will find a team that is waiting for your arrival: Preschool – FLC 211 Kindergarten – FLC 213 1st-2nd Grade – FLC 06/07 3rd-4th Grade – FLC 03 5th-6th Grade – FLC 220

“The Amazing Grace Race” will be presented on Sunday, May 22nd at 6:30 pm

The Children’s Choir will be singing in the PM Service on Sunday, March 13th, at 6:30 pm. Plan now to attend and lead our congregation in worship that evening. Don’t forget that we have Wild, Wild West night in Children’s Choir on Wednesday, March 16th.

Children’s Choir

10

Missions & Evangelism By Pastor of Outreach Bob Caldwell

One of our mission partners is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at University of Tennessee, Martin. This ministry was started three years ago by Cody Terry who grew up here at First Baptist Arnold. Below is a testimony of a young lady who came to Christ last year at their FCA camp. She has been discipled and today is a key Christian leader on their state university campus. I know you will enjoy this young lady’s testimony. This year through your Faith Commitment Offering we were able to help send other UT Martin students to another FCA Camp and the captain of their football team accepted Christ! God continues to move on.

Hello my name is Jenna Miller and I am a junior at UT-Martin. I am originally from Dallas, Texas. I came to Tennessee to be a part of the UTM volleyball team. Upon coming to UTM, I had no real religious background and I did not have a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. After a year and a half of set-backs, struggles, and failures I found myself at the altar of a FCA camp in Linden, Tennessee, pleading for Jesus Christ to save me and begging Him to come into my heart. It was an extremely emotional weekend that left me drained in a physical sense, but reborn in the spiritual sense. After camp was over, I returned to school not really knowing what to expect. I felt like an entirely different person, but I didn’t yet understand why exactly this was and how I could better live my life to glorify the One who had given me a second chance.

I continue to grow in Christ daily and have even been blessed to be on the other side of things, watching the miracles God performs in people’s lives everyday. Every Monday our FCA leadership team is given the opportunity to spread the love of Christ to athletes and students across our campus. I’ve seen people come out of their shells and ask questions in small groups during FCA. I’ve seen courageous individuals walk onto the field at Fields of Faith and commit or recommit their lives to Christ in front of hundreds of people. I’ve watched our FCA grow in numbers as more and more people come to hear a word about Jesus, and I’ve even seen individuals who were just like I was a year ago completely transformed by the blood of Jesus! In just one year, Jesus has saved me, molded me, and is now using me to help spread His love to the ends of the Earth. As our FCA picks back up this semester, we are working more diligently than ever to follow the plan God has for our congregation. We thank you so much for all your prayers and support. We know that with Jesus as the rock of our mission our prayers will continue to be answered! Please continue to pray for us knowing that we strongly believe that God has big plans to continue the enrichment of His Kingdom at UTM!

2011 Mission OpportunitiesHere are some pictures from trips in 2010. From a satellite church event right here in Jefferson County to Mexico and Africa, there is something for you. The chart on the facing page shows details about dates and costs of upcoming trips for this entire year. Plan now about how you can Pray, Give and Go!

11

First Baptist Church, Arnold2011 Short-Term Mission Opportunities

Dates Location Estimated Cost * Team Leader Team Leader email Application

deadline

Dec 30-Jan 18 Chandigarh, India $3,000 Bob Caldwell bob.caldwell@fbca.us 1-Dec

March 3-13 Senegal W. Africa $2,400 Brad Russell brad.russell@fbca.us Jan 16

March 10-20 Senegal W. Africa $2,400 Brenda Walker bwalker@charter.net Jan 16

March 3-20 Senegal W. Africa $2,700 Brad Russell brad.russell@fbca.us Jan 16

March 16-22 Cd del Maiz, Mexico $850 Jim Nicolls james.nicolls@fbca.us Feb. 27

April 13-19 Lafayette, CO (Journey Church) $300 Greg Sullivan grshsull@att.net April 1

June 4-11 Cd del Maiz, Mexico $850 Ken & Lisa Jones kjones2308@sbcglobal.net May 21

June 13-16 St. Louis Mission Trip (!5th St BC, East St. Louis) $75 Ryan & Shelly

Kertz ryanshel@juno.com June 5

June 13- 23 Senegal W. Africa $2,400 Jim Nicolls james.nicolls@fbca.us May 1

June 20-29 Senegal W. Africa $2,400 Katy Hayden keh26b@umsl.edu May 1

June 13-29 Senegal W. Africa $2,700 Jim Nicolls / Katy Hayden james.nicolls@fbca.us May 1

July 1-7 Vancouver BC Canada (The Connection Church) tba James

Southwick james.southwick@sbcglobal.net June 6

July 2-17Palmillas MX (The Timothy

Project - Mexican Youth Discipleship Camp)

$850 Keith Jean keithejean@gmail.com June 6

July 5-11 San Francisco (Epic Church) $1,400 Greg Sullivan grshsull@att.net June 1

July 8-16 Global Encounter (St. Louis Project) tba Bob Caldwell bob.caldwell@fbca.us July 1

July 15-17 Camp Penuel tba Dan&Judy Fischer forgiven915@sbcglobal.net July 10

Aug 17-18 Missour State Fair $100 Garold Cavaness grhouses@yahoo.com Aug. 14

Aug. 17-22 Lafayette, CO (Journey Church) tba Greg Sullivan grshsull@att.net July 31

Global Impact Celebration Feburary 9 - 15

June

July

January

February

March

April

May

August

* Costs listed are estimates subject to changes based on air and ground transportation costs. Updated 1/12/2011

First Baptist Church, Arnold2011 Short-Term Mission Opportunities

First Baptist Church, Arnold2011 Short-Term Mission Opportunities

Dates Location Estimated Cost * Team Leader Team Leader email Application

deadline

Dec 30-Jan 18 Chandigarh, India $3,000 Bob Caldwell bob.caldwell@fbca.us 1-Dec

March 3-13 Senegal W. Africa $2,400 Brad Russell brad.russell@fbca.us Jan 16

March 10-20 Senegal W. Africa $2,400 Brenda Walker bwalker@charter.net Jan 16

March 3-20 Senegal W. Africa $2,700 Brad Russell brad.russell@fbca.us Jan 16

March 16-22 Cd del Maiz, Mexico $850 Jim Nicolls james.nicolls@fbca.us Feb. 27

April 13-19 Lafayette, CO (Journey Church) $300 Greg Sullivan grshsull@att.net April 1

June 4-11 Cd del Maiz, Mexico $850 Ken & Lisa Jones kjones2308@sbcglobal.net May 21

June 13-16 St. Louis Mission Trip (!5th St BC, East St. Louis) $75 Ryan & Shelly

Kertz ryanshel@juno.com June 5

June 13- 23 Senegal W. Africa $2,400 Jim Nicolls james.nicolls@fbca.us May 1

June 20-29 Senegal W. Africa $2,400 Katy Hayden keh26b@umsl.edu May 1

June 13-29 Senegal W. Africa $2,700 Jim Nicolls / Katy Hayden james.nicolls@fbca.us May 1

July 1-7 Vancouver BC Canada (The Connection Church) tba James

Southwick james.southwick@sbcglobal.net June 6

July 2-17Palmillas MX (The Timothy

Project - Mexican Youth Discipleship Camp)

$850 Keith Jean keithejean@gmail.com June 6

July 5-11 San Francisco (Epic Church) $1,400 Greg Sullivan grshsull@att.net June 1

July 8-16 Global Encounter (St. Louis Project) tba Bob Caldwell bob.caldwell@fbca.us July 1

July 15-17 Camp Penuel tba Dan&Judy Fischer forgiven915@sbcglobal.net July 10

Aug 17-18 Missour State Fair $100 Garold Cavaness grhouses@yahoo.com Aug. 14

Aug. 17-22 Lafayette, CO (Journey Church) tba Greg Sullivan grshsull@att.net July 31

Global Impact Celebration Feburary 9 - 15

June

July

January

February

March

April

May

August

* Costs listed are estimates subject to changes based on air and ground transportation costs. Updated 1/12/2011

PRAY • GIVE • GO

12

Update from Tyler Scantlan serving in IndiaThe first week here alone in Chandigarh was a kind of “settle in” week.  I got my last college courses started (via SEMO online), and got comfortable with the family I’m staying with, the Masih family.  The Masihs are absolutely incredible.  Sometime soon I will share their story with everyone; it will blow your mind.  They have even told me to quit saying “thank you” after every meal because I am family to them now.  I love them a lot.The second week in Chandigarh ministry began.  A trustee from the IMB was here, and I was able to do ministry work with him and learn from him a little.  We leave at 5:00 pm for ministry and head out on motorcycles to small (20,000-30,000 people) villages that are nothing but tin shacks, mud walls, or grass huts.  For some reason our American minds tend to think that financially poor people should be nothing more than depressed.  However, I come into these homes and see nothing but smiling faces, laughing, and incredible hospitality. I have seen many more evidently depressed people in wealthy America than I have in the thousands of impoverished here.  Moreover, these are villages that are widely un-evangelized.  I have yet to speak at a village where there hasn’t been at least one person who has not heard the name “Jesus”, let alone have the opportunity to entrust their lives in His name.This should be heartbreaking to us all.  Here we are in America where there is a church on nearly every street corner, Bible in any stores, we can actually read the Bible (most of these people can’t even read their own language), and yet sometimes we are in a constant state of a pity party for ourselves.  The only hope anyone has in life is Jesus Christ, and there are about 1 BILLION people in this ONE country alone who are still waiting to hear His name for the first time.  That’s about 1/6th of the entire world.  Yikes.  Yes, we need to continue to evangelize, encourage, and grow in learning in America; but we should ever more press to get out to the nations like India or at least fund evangelism efforts to countries like these. (Thanks to everyone for supporting.)  These people have no hope unless they have heard about Jesus... and all I can think of is that we Christians of all nations are dooming them until they have.The native Indians here have this pressing on their heart.  These pastors go to 10-13 villages PER WEEK.  They work 7 days a week spreading the gospel - 52 weeks a year.  They probably work 60-80 hours a week spreading the gospel, and do you know how much they make?  They make less than $100 a month.  Now, I’m not saying that we have to work for $100 a month back home, but I do want to stress the passion these men have for the lost.  They are supporting their families on a mere $100 because they know how important it is to get

out and tell absolutely everyone.  In no way are they given rewards, bonuses, travel packages, or prestigious positions on some organizational board. The only thing they care about is God receiving the glory he so deserves.  I know that we are in a different culture in the United States.  But I have to ask, “Can we learn something from these young pastors?”  I say, “definitely.”Another thing I have learned is that we need to step out on faith and support the natives more through prayer and sometimes finances.  I see what Americans do while here, and it is good!  It is good for American missionaries to come here to help spread the word and to encourage the native missionaries here.  However, the native Indian pastors have true multiplication in their mindset.  In all of their 10-13 villages that they go to each per week they have an appointed young man understudy who is learning how to teach and pastor.  When that young man is old enough, he will assume the role of leading that village spiritually.  ALSO, that young man will start to go to 10-13 more villages himself to replicate the process that his mentor did with him.  Because of this awesome process the natives have set up, they have seen over 100,000 people come to Christ in one of the darkest areas of the world in the past 30 years.  All of these pastors are okay with limited means as long as their family has food to eat (they don’t mind there is no table to eat it on), and they are able to spend their life doing full time ministry. I pray we will continue to pray for and support areas like these.  These are trustworthy men of God who are good stewards of what He provides. So thank you for supporting the nationals of India.  I believe the country will become evangelized through these men for God’s Glory.  

13

14

By Director to the Deaf, Aaron Holcombe

How many times have we driven down the same road to work, pondering what we need to do the next moment? How about getting up in the morning where our thoughts immediately trail to our to do list? Have we sacrificed time for ourselves to the very machines we carry? In America we have a dream. That dream is to have a lovely home, satisfying and well paying job, children playing in the yard with their latest toys, movie nights with a dazzling TV, and two cars that are our pride and joy. We esteem ourselves with technology; we add more and more materials to meet our heavy appetite, and yet this hunger never seems to end. Where are we going? Where have we gone? As the months and the years go by and as our materials become more ingrained in our lives, what have we really done in the precious seconds that we have in each day? Looking at blogs on the phone. Checking the news on the net. Listening to iPod. Texting friends without meaningful interaction. Watching television. An iPad to tell us how to cook. There’s a gizmo for everything we need. Our needs have been met; and yet, in retrospect we feel like we just waste time. I am not saying that we need to start a revolution against machines. I am saying that we need to do something about this; at least I know I do. I’m always connected to someone, whether it’s through the smartphones or through internet; but I don’t always connect to Jesus. With the burden of the technology I own, I often feel like I do not have the time for Jesus. I thought about getting rid of the

Deaf Ministry

technology just for a few days; but fear strikes. I worry that an emergency will happen and I would not know soon enough! It’s stressful thinking about it! I do not know how many of you share the same burden/dependency/addiction. All I know is that it’s no fun for me. It exhausts me. Like many people before me, I’ve sought solutions like simply add another tool to manage my time. I enforce my own self control over seemingly inferior things. I make resolutions. At first, it feels great. It feels like there’s a sense of control. I did it! After a while, one by one, the dreaded machines come back to rule. That’s where we have a choice. We can choose to fight back and try to control our destiny over these infestations, or we can give up. I chose to give up.How we give up matters. We can give up and be ruled by our stuff, or we can give up and allow Jesus to reign. Jesus gave us commands like these, “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Rest. Wouldn’t that be nice? All we have to do is to give Jesus the burden. Allow Jesus to dictate what we need. Allow Jesus to give us light loads. While we continue through the month of March thinking about what we need to give up, I would like to encourage all those who are involved with the Deaf to attend Missouri Baptist Conference of the Deaf on March 11 – 13. It is a wonderful way to get together with Missourian Deaf Christians and support each other as well as call on our Lord to guide us in the future for the state of Missouri. If you are able to go, please go!

We get so busy; we forget what matters to us

15

By Food Service Coordinator Cindy HunterFood Service

By Media Volunteer Dolores JensenMedia Ministry

WEDNESDAY FELLOWSHIP DINNERSReservations by Monday @l p.m. Call: 636-296-7729 x 140 or www.fbca.us/dinners

Adults $4.00, Children $3.00 (age 4-10); Family Rate $15.00  March 2nd March 9th

Chili/dog Italian baked chicken Fritos/cheese/carrot stick Garlic buttered noodles Peaches & cottage cheese Broccoli/salad/roll Apple pie Chocolate chip cookie 

  March 16th March 23rd Country Fried Steak Mexican Casserole Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Spanish Rice Green Beans Corn Salsa & chips Slaw/biscuits Fiesta Salad Pineapple Angel Food Cake Cinnamon twist

For our family, this is one of the biggest events of the year. During the first pageant in 1992, I sang in the choir and Bob operated a spotlight. I was 8+ months pregnant with our first child and went home each evening having contractions from being on my feet so long. She was born right on schedule later that month. The next few years zoomed by with Bob working in the lighting ministry and the girls and me donning costumes and participating in the acting. After the birth of our third daughter, Bob suggested I leave choir and join him in the lighting ministry. He felt the combination of my art experience and his technical abilities would be a great mix. Since 2000 we have worked together in the lighting ministry. We have memories of many evenings spent programming or adjusting lights while our girls ran around the sanctuary playing. A few years ago, Bob’s dad passed away and we were in the midst of moving his mom in the middle of Easter Pageant time. During a family meeting, we discussed whether we would be able to volunteer that year. Our girls insisted that some of their best memories come from the times we have spent at church during the Easter Pageant preparation and rehearsals. They announced that they would be participating even if we did not. Bob and I were shocked, you see, we often felt guilty for “dragging” our kids up to church for hours on end and getting them in bed late on too many nights. Little did we know that we were giving them a heritage of serving the Lord as a family. Well, we have yet to miss a pageant. We know we will be exhausted when the month of preparation and presentation is over. Our home will be a mess and the laundry will be piled high. However, the memories will be priceless. Coming home after rehearsals too wired to sleep, we will have a snack and tell stories of things that happened that evening.

We have also built treasured friendships with fellow FBCA families as we served together through the years.As we look at the calendar again this year it would be easy to say, “Maybe this year we are just too busy.” Nevertheless, we will carve out the time and possibly cancel some other activities. What could matter more than being a part of bringing this story of Christ’s sacrifice for us to life for others to see? When Easter Sunday dawns, our hearts will be full as we will have spent the last month pondering on His precious gift to us through serving on the Easter Pageant team. If you are interested in serving in the Media Ministry during the pageant, contact Phil Spradley at Phil.Spradley@fbca.us. You will not regret it!

The Hear t of America Easter Pageant at FBCA is just around the cor ner.

Psalm 63:3 “Because Your loving kindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.”

  March 30th BBQ Beef Sandwich Cheesy Potato Casserole Corn on the cob Broccoli Slaw Cake 

16

By Senior Adult Pastor Menk FergusonSenior Adult MinistryA Mother’s Plea for UnderstandingDue to the fact FBCA is made up of many ‘age groups’, I found the following letter very interesting. We have a generation of Seniors now living who fought wars and won, plowed fields and harvested crops, built schools that educated men and women, worked in factories to manufacture equipment, built churches for the spreading of the Gospel, and the list goes on and on. I don’t know about you, but I need a reminder once in a while. The following letter was an eye opener for me. Enjoy and do inventory!

MOTHER’S PLEA FOR UNDERSTANDING“I didn’t grow old on purpose; it just happened. Surely you know my voice and hands would not tremble if I could help it!I forget, but you don’t realize how desperately I try to remember. You become impatient because I can’t hear and understand.I’m slow and you want me to hurry. Don’t you know I would be swift as lightning if it were possible?I cling desperately to the railing on the stairs and you become annoyed. Surely you know I would leap gracefully up the stairs if I could.My hands are gnarled and ugly. Don’t you know they are more unsightly to me than they are to you?When I spill things, you become angry. Surely you know how frightened I am of your disapproval.You look disdainfully at my wrinkled, frail, old body. Surely you know how much I envy the lithe, supple bodies of the young?You say ‘Come look at the stars, it is such a lovely night.’ I don’t tell you that, for me, there are no stars, only blackness.You seem to think I grow old by choice. Why can’t you understand that all I did wrong was to keep on living?” (with permission from anonymous author)

Married Adult MinistriesBy Married Adult Director Shawn Summers

Bible Fellowship Classes are a Priority

It has been a busy winter, and we are looking forward to an even busier spring at FBCA. February was a month full of activities of which you all were blessed to be a part. Thank you to all of the many people who helped to make our missionaries feel welcome and blessed during GIC. I know that you, like my family and I, were blessed in return by the testimonies and teaching of these wonderful believers.

Let us never forget to lift these humble brothers and sisters in Christ up in prayer. I am really excited about the new Engaged/Newly Married Bible Fellowship class we began in February. We had a good turnout for our first offering of this class and will be offering another session later in the year. This month we are beginning a new class for ladies at the 11:00 a.m. worship hour. This class is designed to reach women in their late 30’s to mid 50’s. Pam Chiles will be leading this class. Pam is an excellent Bible teacher with decades of ministry involvement. The class will be meeting in Rm. FL03 in the lower level of the Family Life Center.As I mentioned last month, I am always on the lookout for church members who may be called or interested in learning more about teaching and directing positions for our Adult Bible Fellowship classes. Please contact me if you might be interested in learning more about these opportunities. Shawn.summers@fbca.us or 636-296-2703 at ext. 125.

Dustin and Jeanne Brooksby Letter

Diane Kendallfor Baptism

Jimmy McGlynnfor Baptism

Ron and Vickie Bartholomeby Letter

Jacob Bartholomeby Letter

Welcome to our Family January

Neva Butcherby Statement

Heidi Hamptonby Statement

Welcome to the Family at First Baptist

Not Pictured: By Letter: Marty Porter, Norvin Porter, Jan Scantlan;By Statement: Mike and Diane McGlynn; For Baptism: Jacob Fujarski

17

By Single Adult Pastor Brad BeanSingle Adult Ministry

I have recently concluded a study with one of our Single Adult Bible Fellowship classes entitled “Spiritual Warfare”. What an amazing study!One aspect in understanding “Spiritual Warfare” is the foothold we give to Satan when we refuse to forgive others. The Bible is clear that we are to “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13. Forgiveness is a choice. But at times it is hard to do. Forgiveness is a supernatural undertaking we cannot do without God’s help. In Christ, what God commands us to do, He enables us to obey.

The goal here is to get unforgiveness, bitterness, anger and resentment out of us so we can enjoy the blessing, freedom, joy, peace, contentment and transformational power of walking in obedience. If we will confess to the Lord any wrong reaction and be cleansed and forgiven, we can receive a clear conscience. Then the Lord can help us to press the delete button and choose to fully forgive every person who has sinned against us.I hold onto these affirming and important truths throughout this process:1. God is in charge and can be trusted.2. He loves me despite negative things that happen to me.3. Whatever God allows, He promises to work good from it in my life if I allow Him to do so.4. Forgiven people forgive. If we can’t forgive and deliberately continue to choose the habit of an unforgiving spirit, we will not be forgiven by God.5. Forgiven people sometimes struggle to forgive. The struggle is worth the effort in order to be set free from anger, resentment, bitterness and revenge.

“If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them.”

Mark 11:25

Check out our Single Adult Ministry activities by getting a calendar at any of the information racks throughout

the church or on-line at www.fbcarnold.com

Spiritual Warfare & Unforgiveness

Family Life Center

18

ARTS & CRAFTS/SPORTS

Go to www.fbcarnold.org/artsandcrafts or see brochure in the lobby for details about any of the listed classes.

Pre-registration required for adequate seating & supplies. Please call 636-296-7729 ext. 148 or

email: trina.stephens@fbca.us with any questions

FITN

ESSArts & Crafts

Oil Painting ClassesTrina Stephens, Instructor

Adult Beginners Oil Painting ClassGrandad’s MilkcanSaturday, Mar 5th, 9:00am-1:00pm$20 includes all supplies.

Presque Isle LightSaturday, March 26th, 8:30am-5:30pmCost of $50 includes lunch.

Paper Crafting and StampingLisa White, InstructorMonday, Mar 7, 6:30-8:30pmIn this class you will make cards and a scrapbook layout.Cost of $8 includes all supplies needed.

Beginning Jewelry ClassTracy Robbins, InstructorFriday, Mar 25, 6:30pm-8:30pmCost $4 for class. Supplies $3-$18.

Macrame Jewelry ClassLovy O’Neal, InstructorFriday, Mar 11, 7:00pm-9:00pmCost of $12 includes supplies.

Beginner Circuit Training Class-5-week session

Jake Fitts, InstructorTuesdays, Mar 1st-Mar 29th,

6:00pm-7:00pm.Cost $25 or $6 per session. Class sized limited, early registration

encouraged. Be prepared to sweat!

Women’s Pilates ClassesShawne Russom, InstructorMondays and Thursdays, 9:00am. $4 for each class.

Kido Self Defense Michael Maxwell, InstructorA passive defense system that is biblically based. Tuesday, March 3rd, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Cost $20.

Weekend ScrapbookingAnn Figura, ConsultantFriday & Saturday, Mar 18th & 19th, 6:00pm-11:00pm & 9:00am-2:00pm; Cost $5 each day.

Open CropsTuesday, Mar 8th, 11:30am-3:30pmTime of fellowship and cropping. FREE!

19

By Family-Life/Connect Director Ron LowryFLC-Serving With Jesus

Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.:7AM - 9PMWed: 7AM-5PMSat: 8AM-5PMWalking Track & Fitness RoomOpen Monday - Friday

FLChoursWeekday Hours Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:00am-1:00pmDinner: Wed 4:30-6pmSat during Upward Games

Praise Report From the moment our Upward

Basketball Director Jim Crews informed the large crowds at our Opening Ceremonies that we’ve never missed a scheduled game due

to snow, I knew we were in trouble. The very next day we got four inches and had to cancel our first games ever as well as Family Fun Day. But that has not hindered the work God is doing through 211 players, 76 cheerleaders and nearly 70 coaches serving in this awesome ministry. Personal relationships are being built and Christ is being shared at all practices and all games. God’s Word will not return void and we rest on that promise. Our request from you is that you pray for our leadership team, coaches and families who desperately need to know Jesus.Down on the farm, or the IBBL (Iddy Biddy Basketball League), young hearts are being taught about Jesus. Our coaches and leadership team do a great job of loving these young ones and ministering to the entire family. Please include our teams in your prayers and if you’re in the Family Life Center on Thursday evenings, check out a game. You’ve haven’t seen anything until you’ve watched the four year olds shoot hoops and dribble.

Adult volleyball continues to roll on with twelve teams on Tuesday nights. Team Faulkner does a great job of reaching and sharing with this crowd knowing most of them are not from our church or any church for that matter.

Fitness Resolution Traffic Slowing….Not!Usually the resolution traffic is slowing down by now but not this year. We’re introducing record numbers to our fitness ministry and Trainer Jake has been very busy with additional

orientations to stay up with the demand. Additionally, we’re seeing increased numbers in our Pilates and interval classes as people see the benefits of both. By the way, we gave away many free passes to both of these classes last month to those who subscribe to our newsletter. To subscribe and take advantage of free offers and discounts and sneak peeks at new ministry, visit www.fbcarnold.org/flc to sign up to receive our electronic newsletter.

Adult BasketballPlease PrayOur staff has begun to pray about a person or a team that has a heart for the crowd that participates in open gym. This crowd can be a bit rough around the edges but they need Jesus. They are on our campus every week. They appreciate what we offer. We’re praying for someone or several with a passion for the lost, a good knowledge of basketball and a strong leadership and take-charge personality to help us organize and minister to open gym participants. Would you join us in prayer about how we can best minister to this non-FBCA crowd and see true life change through a relationship with Jesus? For more information, contact Ron at ron.lowry@fbca.us or ext. 161.

VolunteerWe continue to keep the spirit of volunteerism in front of our church. We could not operate without the hundreds of volunteers who serve daily. In Family Life that means coaches, café, registration desk, fitness and special events. In guest services that means ushers, greeters, shuttle and traffic team members and help for special events. It takes an army of servants to accomplish the work of the Lord here at FBCA. Now, where are you serving? We have a publication in our brochure rack in the lobby that lists the numerous areas available in which to serve. Please pick one up and you may be surprised at how many areas we offer. To plug into guests services or Family Life, contact our connect office at extension 145 and we’ll be happy to help you find your way.

Relay For LifeIt’s not too late to form a team and make

a difference in the fight against cancer. All families are touched in some way by this terrible disease but progress is being made. Each year our church organizes several teams to participate in the Relay For Life,

an overnight event held at Fox High School on June 3, 2011.

For more information contact Bobbie Joyce at ext. 163 or bobbie.joyce@fbca.us

What’s Up in Our Wired World?

• The average young American spends nearly every waking minute in front of an electronic device. Kids ages 8 to 18 spend more than 7.5 hours a day using computers or smart phones or watching TV. Because they multitask, they pack almost 11 hours of media content into that time.

(Kaiser Family Foundation)

• 87% of parents play video games with their kids at least occasionally. (Yahoo! Shine)

• Back in 2004, just 18% of the 12-year-olds had their own cell phone; now 51% have a cell phone according to a new research article titled: “Teens and Mobile Phones Over the Past Five Years: Pew Internet Looks Back”. (www.pewinternet.org)

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH2012 Missouri State Rd.Arnold, MO 63010www.fbca.us

“Dated Material”

The Vision, (UPS:1001)Published Monthly by the

First Baptist Church of Arnold2012 Missouri State Rd.

Arnold, MO 63010Postage Paid At Periodic Rate

At Arnold, MO 63010

20

By Children’s Pastor Jeff RussomChildren’s MinistryGuide Children’s Media ChoicesWith the explosion of technology now available, it seems like children are always plugged in, zoned out, or wired for sound. They spend less time outside, have shorter attention spans, and

are exposed to online dangers such as pornography. On the positive side, technology has expanded children’s knowledge and opportunities. They have learned teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills. Technology has also boosted activism among today’s young people.Although children may seem like “experts” when it comes to technology and new media, parents are still responsible for supervising what their kids are exposed to and for how long. Two keys are moderation and interaction. These tips can help you limit and monitor what your kids see and hear:Strategically set up your equipment and schedules. Keep televisions out of children’s bedrooms and place the computer in an accessible family area. Make media time contingent on the completion of chores and homework. Plan alternate activities, including physical ones.Establish digital-free zones. Agree on days and times (such as dinner, family night, Sundays, etc.) when no one, including adults, is allowed to check e-mail or use any form of media. Watch and listen to TV shows, movies, and music together. Talk about the issues that come up. Tie them into faith and provide a biblical worldview for children to consider as they use technology.

Once again our Sparkies and T&T Clubbers will participate in the regional Sparks-A-Rama and AwanaGames which will be held on Saturday, March 12th. The remaining practice dates are scheduled for March 4th and 11th. In order to qualify for this event, each participant must pass a minimum of 10 sections. These events are competitive and have limited team member spots available. See your Awana Director for more details.

Regional Sparks-A-Rama & T&T AwanaGames