VOLUME 66 * NUMBER 2 * FEBRUARY 2023
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY VOLUNTEERS (IN MEMORY OF MILDRED CALDWELL, EDITOR FOR NEARLY 60 YEARS)
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…
PSALM 111:10 says in part, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:…”
We live in a world where knowledge increases exponentially every few years, but wisdom creeps at a snail’s pace. Merriam-Webster defines knowledge as “the sum of what is known.” Tomorrow we’ll know something more. It’s incredible to imagine what we’ll know in another fifty years. I am concerned for my son and all those growing up in this world. We’re building mega-cities in places once considered uninhabitable and constructing great monuments to human ingenuity in concrete and steel that reach into the heavens. Like those who conceived the tower of Babel, we seek to glorify humanity and climb up on God’s throne. Lucifer sought the same and was cast down and bound for the Lake of Fire.
We need to relearn the Fear of God. We take for granted the life He provides us. We expect His blessing even though we don’t deserve it and are frequently ungrateful when it comes. A wise man or woman will humble themselves before a holy, righteous, and merciful Savior. He will surrender His will to the Creator. She will seek His face. Wisdom knows how to employ knowledge. For anyone seeking it, the Bible is the book for you. Proverbs provide chunks of digestible wisdom, which, if applied, will enable you to stand on the solid ground of biblical truth in a world slinging anything but the truth.Jesus said, “…Fear him which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell…” (Luke 12:5). Satan does not have that power. The US Government, United Nations, or any council or organization has no such authority. Only God has such power, and yet, God has offered the means of rescue and redemption in Jesus Christ. Therefore, fear the God of Creation for all he can do and stand in awe of him for His great love toward us. ~~ Pastor Greg
JANUARY SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
January 1 116
January 8 146
January 15 149
January 22 119
January 29 117
5) 647 (129 average)
If you cannot attend, all services are streamed live on these Facebook pages: Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist (church building is the profile pic); Immediately after services, you can watch on YouTube channel “Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church.”
Prayer requests may be sent directly to the prayer line which is maintained by Sharon Chapman at babcprayer@aol.com, or called into the church at 304-743-5854.
Offerings may be mailed to the church at P. O. Box 247, Ona, WV 25545. Please mail Sunday School Class (and other groups) offerings directly to your class treasurer.
Your attendance is very much welcome at any time. Love to see everybody back!
OVER 80 BIRTHDAYS
Rose Thomson, Feb. 25, 93 yrs.
Delores Jean Burks, March 15, 88 yrs.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEWSLETTER FUND
Thru church treasury $479.00
Buddy Beckett $100.00
Gene Caldwell $20.00
Beverly Harshbarger $20.00
Beverly, who lives in Wichita, Kansas, writes, “In memory of Tim. No matter where he went his heart never left West Virginia.”
Junior Lee Chapman $25.00
Junior writes, “Thank you, we appreciate your newsletter about the people in our area!”
Thank you for your generous support.
CONGRATULATIONS to Tucker & Jessica Neal on the birth of another baby boy, Cohen John Neal on Feb. 8. He is the ninth great-grandchild of Peggy Neal!
God loves knee-mail.
BIBLE READING PROGRAMS
On the foyer table, you will find the WVBC ABM’s Bible reading plan. When you read one book each month, you will read the Bible through in five years. In February, read Esther, and in March, read 1st and 2nd Peter, and Jude.
Also, Evangelistic Outreach provides us with very nice calendars which have a reading plan in the back that gives you a reading from both the Old and New Testaments each day. Thank you, Pastors Cal Ray Evans and Brian Baer.
Also, for 2023, we are also offering a chronological Bible reading schedule, if you want to try something different. It is also on the foyer table.
CONGRATULATIONS to these Bible readers, who completed reading the entire Bible in 2022: Vera Miller, Deloris Peyton, Carrie Hunt, Rachael Hunt, and Reese Hunt.
MISSION PROJECTS
In January, our project is the Knight’s Great Hall at Cabell Midland High School. The counselors there oversee the confidential distribution of food, clothing, school supplies, and personal care items either donated or bought with donations. There is great need among the students and their families. Including gifts given for Gene Caldwell’s 100th birthday party, we gave $1,455 in January.
In February, we are giving to help New Beginnings Crisis Pregnancy Center in Huntington, where they offer compassionate counseling and assistance to women and families during pregnancy, to assist the healthy birth of a child. To give, please write NBCPC on your check memo.
The ABWM Mission Outreach Project for January was snacks for the Veteran’s Home in Barboursville. They really appreciated all the snacks we took to them. In February, we are gathering towels of all kinds for Harmony House, which seeks to end homelessness in Huntington. To help, please bring gently used or new towels and place them in the basket in the foyer. Thank you in advance.
Running feels great unless you compare it to not running.
THANK YOU
After this newsletter is composed, edited and printed, there is till much work to be done. Each month, a faithful group of volunteers, usually about 5 or 6 folks, gather to fold the letters and attach address labels, and bundled them by zip codes. In January, I was made aware that most of our faithful workers were either sick or otherwise obligated on the “work party” day. I made an announcement on Wednesday night asking for more help and wow! Thirteen folks showed up! Thanks, and I hope you all keep coming. It just takes about an hour of your time and is very appreciated. Also, many thanks to Kim Rider, who prints our address labels each month. ~~Jo Ross
Thanks so much. What a thoughtful thing to do. A beautiful quilted throw for these long, cool evenings. Keep us in your prayers, as we do you. May we all be together soon. Love, Ed & Chris Watson
The family of centenarian Gene Caldwell would like to thank everyone who helped, contributed, or attended his 100th Birthday Party on Jan. 15. Special thanks to the Caldwell Sunday School Class for supplying all the salads, the Willing Workers Sunday School Class who supplied the breads, the Faithful Servants Sunday School Class for helping set up and serve, and Youth Ministries for putting away the tables and chairs. Thanks also to WOWK-TV 13 news who covered the event. Dad was surprised by a visit by a member of the WV Legislature, who presented him with a certificate from WV, and by a wonderful gift package from the Cincinnati Reds. But most of all, he was surprised and humbled by the donations you gave to the Knight’s Great Hall and the Huntington City Mission in lieu of gifts. Again, thank you all so much.
Thank you, guys, so much for the generous donation to our Knights Great Hall. Our community can receive food and clothes as needed. We appreciate your support! Tracy Urian, CMHS Counselor
Someone said “thirty years ago” and my mind said “Yes! The 1970’s,” but they meant 1993 and now I have to lay down.
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF:
ANA M. ARCHER, 45, of Huntington, whose service was Jan. 30. She was a former co-worker and friend of Debbie Sansom.
EVERETT LEO CHLDERS, 81, of Milton, whose service was Jan. 18. He was a friend to many in the church.
GOLDEN COLLINS, 91, of Culloden, passed away Feb. 12. Among his survivors are his daughter Goldie Bostic and grandsons Jamie and Shawn Bostic.
BALLARD KENNETH FETTY, 95, of Huntington, whose funeral was Feb. 11. He was a brother of Earl Fetty, and uncle of Nona Rimmer.
JOAN M. LOVEJOY, 69, of Huntington, whose funeral was Jan. 27. She was the wife of Steve Lovejoy, and friend and co-worker of several in our church.
BETTY ELAINE MEADOWS, 85, of Milton, whose funeral was Feb. 9. She was the former co-owner of Half-Way Market in Milton. She is survived by her daughters Beth Williamson and Buffy Meadows, and son Bruce Meadows.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Baby Nursery workers for Sunday mornings. See Boo Meadows.
Safety Team members. See Rick Webb.
Bus/Van drivers. See Pastor Greg. (You need to have a valid driver’s license and be under the age of 70 due to insurance requirements.)
We are still needing some addresses updated due to the 911 Addressing Project. If you live in the Ona area, and the address we have for you has “Route” and “Box” in it, it is probably out of date. Please let us know your new address. Thanks!
*Tax Reports: If you need a copy of the amount you tithed for 2022, please see Brenda Lawson.
On my best day, I am a child of God. On my worst day, I am a child of God.
I have a fear of speed bumps, but I am slowly getting over it.
CALENDAR:
**Sun., Feb. 19, noon – Chili and Soup Cookoff. Blenko prizes will be awarded to the chili/soup selected by a panel of judges, and the chili/soup that gets the most donations. All donations will go to the Knight’s Great Hall.
**Mon., Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 6 – 5:30 pm – Ladies Bible Study based on Max Lucado’s book, Because of Bethlehem. (Feb. 20 is the third week of the 5-week study). See Connie Chapman for more details.
**Tues., Feb. 21, 28, 10 am – Sew Blest, Family Center.
**Thur., Feb. 23, 6 pm – In Stitches, Family Center.
**Sat., Feb. 25, 9 am – AB Men’s Prayer Breakfast at 5th Ave. Baptist Church in Huntington. Please let Pastor Greg know if you plan to attend.
**Sat., Feb. 25, 9 am – Youth Ministries will be going to assist at Facing Hunger Food Bank, Huntington.
**Sun., Feb. 26, 7 pm – Children’s Ministry Awards.
**Fri., March 10 – Youth Ministries will be participating in Rec the Rec at Marshall University.
**Sat., March 11, 9 am – Beulah Ann Men’s Breakfast, sponsored by Adult Ministries. More details coming.
PLANNING AHEAD:
**Sat., April 1, 5 pm – Primitive Quartet Farewell Tour, Paramount Arts Center, Ashland, KY.
**Sat., April 8 – Children’s Ministry Easter Egg Hunt, Family Center.
**Fri.-Sun., April 28-30 – Spring Camp–a–Rama, at Beech Fork State Park.
**Sat., May 13, 6 pm – Community Dinner.
**Sun., May 21 – Baccalaureate Service.
**Sun.–Thurs., June 25–29 – Vacation Bible School.
SUNDAY SCHOOL QUARTERLIES: At the end of this quarter, we will once again be collecting our used quarterlies. A box will be placed in the hallway outside Pastor Greg’s office. Paul Hinkley will send them to Love Packages in Butler, IL, from where they send donated Bibles and Christian literature all over the world in support of international missions. Just drop them in the box!
CRITTER DINNER IS BACK!
After a long covid-19 break, we once again gathered to appreciate the bounty the Lord provides in nature for us to eat. Bison, blue gill, catfish, crawfish, deer, elk, frog legs, ox tail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, shrimp, trout, and wild hog were the featured dishes, along with the usual hot dogs for those with more sophisticated palates. As usual, the crowd was BIG! Thanks to the AB Men who organized and hosted this event, and to all who brought side dishes and desserts. We had a great time fellowshipping and meeting some new folks.
Also, this hunting season’s BIG BUCK contest winner was announced – JD Dillon got not one, but two ten pointers and was awarded a special knife. Young hunters were also presented certificates – Aleah Dillon, and Jeremiah and Isaac Wiseman. Great going, guys!
GOOD NEWS NUGGETS
J Our Fifth Sunday Night Sing got flipped over on Jan. 29. Fifth Sundays are Pastor Greg’s day off, and we usually have a guest speaker in the morning, and singers in the evening. But on Jan. 29, we welcomed guest singer Corey Clark from Alkol, WV. What a blessing to hear his wonderful voice singing such amazing songs. And for a special treat, he played the piano for his young daughter Brayden to sing, “Let Me Tell You About My Jesus.” The Holy Spirit was definitely with us that morning! Then in the evening, Chelsie Gibson brought the sermon after Blessings sang.
J Quarterly Business Meeting was Wednesday, Jan. 18. The church budget for 2023 was passed. You may pick up a copy on the front foyer table.
J Lighthouse Baptist Church in Milton invited our Widows, Widowers and Singles group to join them for a baked potato bar lunch on Feb. 4. Everyone was asked to bring a stuffed animal, and the animal collection was given to the Milton Police Department, to comfort children caught in bad situations.
Your call is very important to us…please hold for a 40-minute drum solo. (Joke contributed by Jim Ross.)
Cats can memorize 120 commands, but they don’t want to.
SOUPERBOWL OF CARING
Youth Ministries hosted a Soup and Salad Supper on Wednesday Feb 8th to raise money for our Souperbowl of Caring project – the Huntington City Mission. Thanks to those who attended, donated or helped us prepare food, we raised $252. Sunday Feb. 12th was Souperbowl Sunday where the teens had soup pots at the doors to also collect donations. $1,087 was collected that morning bringing our grand total to $1,339. Thank you all so much for your generosity.
We will be returning to Facing Hunger Foodbank Sat., Feb 25th. If you have teens, please encourage them to participate in this time of Serving Him by Serving Others. ~~Mitzi Beckett
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS
Our Bible Hero for January was Noah. The children love the story of the ark & the rainbow.
Kids have been busy learning their January Bible verse – Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” On the 4th Sunday the kids earned their awards for their sashes. They are soooo very proud of their sashes & awards. The school age kids remained upstairs that night to hear their favorite Pastor Greg preach. Thank you, Pastor Greg for always taking time for our kids.
In February the Bible Hero is Abraham. Let’s see how many can learn this month’s verse – Genesis 12:2. Awards will be on the 4th Sunday.
Jesus Kids sang at Paramount Senior Living Sunday, Feb. 12th. We like what Tom McComas said as he was driving the church bus for us. “Kids you are being a missionary when you go in singing about the love of our Jesus to those residents.” Below are some of the resident’s comments:
“We look forward to the kids coming each month and thank you to the ones who bring them.”
“They are a blessing to us!”
“What church are you with?”
The 2nd Sunday of each month the Jesus Kids minister at Paramount Senior Living from 2:45 – 4:30 pm.Come join us one Sunday for a blessing!! Pray for our kids. ~~Children’s Ministry Team
The February-March issue of the WV BAPTIST Magazine includes the “2022 Impact Report.” Here is just a part of that report:
Camp Cowen:
1,321 campers last summer
61 youth accepted Christ
12 cabins got new windows
7 cabins got electrical upgrades
Parchment Valley:
299 events hosted
18 summer camps
69 individuals accepted Christ
18 youth groups from 7 states completed 33 projects at Brother’s Keeper
Baptist Campus Ministries:
285 students being discipled each week
75 students at Fall Retreat
9 university campuses
Leadership Development:
9 pastoral ordinations
8 new pastors serving WVBC churches
8 young adults served as Ministry Interns
Disaster Relief:
$318,872 given to support disaster relief around the world
20+ teams sent from our churches to help with relief efforts
8 states and Puerto Rico received direct support from our churches
Education:
14 persons received scholarships from the WV Baptist Education Society
14 girls received scholarships from the WV AB Women
54 students took classes and
10 students graduated from the Bobby Wood School of Christian Studies.
6 students graduated from the WV Palmer Theological Seminary
1 new scholarship program was formed by the WV AB Men
Global Missions:
$567,456 given to support global missions
36 countries impacted by WVBC support
26 missionaries supported by WVBC churches
1 newly endorsed missionary – Sarah McCloy
Give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
WONDERFUL MISSIONARY VISIT
On the evening of Feb. 5, we welcomed WVBC International missionaries Keith and Debbie Myers, who are in the USA on sabbatical from their home in Mexico. Keith gave an inspiring sermon based on the Great Commission, urging us to embrace the word, “Go.” We are to be making disciples and to be the church outside the walls of the building.
The Myers’ have been married twenty-eight years and have two adult children. Boyden, age 25, lives in Morgantown, and daughter Bailey, age 23, is in Columbus, OH.
They have been serving in Mexico for ten years. Their home is in the town of Pueblo, which is in the Mexican state of Chiapas. They serve thirty-five churches in four states, which is a territory roughly the size from WV to Georgia. But the roads are not good, so even though they are centrally located, the nearest church to them is a two-and-a-half-hour drive, and some churches are fourteen hours away.
We may think that everyone in Mexico speaks Spanish, but this is not the case. There are sixty-six languages spoken in Mexico, and Spanish is the newest. The Myers’ serve the indigenous peoples of the four states in southern-most Mexico, and they represent six cultures with six different languages. Keith and Debbie speak Spanish, and use interpreters.
Their main focus is on Pastoral Leadership development, and Women’s Ministries. Debbie told us that indigenous women over the age of fifty do not speak Spanish and are illiterate, as education was not available to them as children. But women under thirty can speak Spanish and can read, so they have formed small groups in the churches, so that the older women can share their wisdom with the younger ones, who can read the Bible to them. (The WV AB Women’s Ministries have adopted the Mexico Women’s Ministries as our Mission Outreach Project this year.)
The Myers’ Prayer Cards can be found on the front foyer table. Please take one to remind you to pray for them, and it also offers the opportunity to support them. You can also follow them on their Facebook page called Myers’ Missions.
Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church 