BEULAH ANN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 66 NUMBER 7 JULY 2023
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…
Daniel 3:17, 18 – If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
The salt flat at Badwater Canyon in Death Valley, California, was an experience like no other. The 114-degree heat came from every direction. It fell from above, bubbled up from below, and blew in on the breeze like a blast furnace. Five minutes was all we could stand, and we rushed back to the car and air conditioning. I recalled the three young men in the “burning fiery furnace.” They remained faithful to God when the heat was turned up, and although they endured the flame, they were not alone or harmed because the Lord was with them.
The heat is rising in our world, but too many are chasing little gods and golden images like the climate change industry and neglecting the root cause – sin. The heat of hell is much more intense than the worst day in Death Valley. Yet many believe there’s no way God would let them go to such a horrible place. That’s what the devil wants from you, unbelief in Jesus. Don’t give him the satisfaction of burning in the same lake of fire and brimstone.
Remember God is holy, righteous, and just. He will judge sin, and if it’s not cleansed by the blood of Christ, the sinner will bear the eternal consequences. Clearly, God doesn’t want anyone to go to hell. Christ is the evidence of God’s great love for you. He died in your place to save you from the penalty of sin. You don’t have to believe in Jesus, but you will not enter heaven without Him. ~~ Pastor Greg
JUNE SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
June 4 105
June 11 125
June 18 102
June 25 145
4) 477 (119 average)
The church is thoroughly cleaned between all services. If you cannot attend, all services are streamed live on these Facebook pages: Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist (church building is the profile pic); Greg Lunsford; and Erin McComas-Carter and broadcast live on FM radio 89.5 which can be heard from the church parking lot. 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 in to 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
Alfred Burns, July 19, 91 years
Judy Priestly, July 22, 84 years
Jim O’Lynn, July 29, 88 years
Shirley Perego, Aug. 8, 85 years
Earl Fetty, Aug. 9, 98 years
BIBLE READING PROGRAMS
WVBC ABWM 5-year Bible Reading Plan:
July: Colossians
August: II Kings
Evangelistic Outreach Bible Reading Calendars give an Old and New Testament selection to read each day of the year.
A chronological Bible Reading schedule is also available. All these plans are on the front foyer table.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEWSLETTER FUND
Thru church treasury $75.00
Willing Workers SS Class $20.00
Reba Clagg Anderson $50.00
Charlotte Johnson $25.00
Charlotte writes, “Dear Church Family, always welcome to read the news about my good old home town and church family Beulah Ann. Still regret that I ever moved. God bless everyone.” Charlotte is the widow of Earl Johnson and lives in Providence Forge, Virginia.
Thank you for your generous support.
MISSION PROJECTS
In June, our Mission Project was to support a Missionary Trip for Haylee Vititoe. She is the daughter of Danny & Lisa Vititoe and the granddaughter of Butch and Brenda Vititoe. In July, she went to Coatesville, PA with a team from Lewis Memorial Baptist Church to share the gospel with children in an economically depressed area through camps, sports programs, and other opportunities. She needed $700 for this trip, but we donated $1,185! She reported that the excess will help other students who were not able to raise the funds needed, or other needs on the trip. Thank you!
In July, we want to contribute to a fund at Ona Elementary School, for school supplies that some children cannot afford. If you wish to support this project, please write Ona Elem. on the memo line of your check. Thanks!
THANK YOU
We would like to thank the men of the church who came and worked on our ramp. Your kindness and helpfulness were greatly appreciated. Our prayers are with you.
Ray & Peggy Scarberry and family
No man has ever been shot while he was doing the dishes.
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF:
THOMAS LeAUSTIN BALL, 79, of Barboursville, whose graveside service was June 29. He was a friend of Jerry and Clara Zerkle.
TONY JEFFERS HAY, 88, of Westmorland, whose funeral was June 26. He was the father of Toni (Jeff) Madden.
EDGAR HENDERSON II, 53 of Huntington, whose funeral was June 23. He was a cousin of Brenda (Tim) Rider.
ROBERT LEE “BOB” LEGG, 83, of Milton, whose graveside service was July 1. He was a friend to many of the church, and served the Milton Volunteer Fire Dept. for many years.
BARBARA ELLEN LOVINS, 58, of Huntington, whose funeral was June 23. She was a foster daughter of the late Edward and Phyllis Spurlock.
CLARENCE O. LYKINS II, of Ona, whose funeral was June 30. He was a friend to many in the church.
ANITA LYNNE HALL MURPHY, 70, of Barboursville, whose funeral was June 28. She was a friend to many in the church.
DELSI LEOTA BALL NEAL, 94, of Milton, whose funeral was June 28. She was a relative of Caren and Roseanna Neal.
JAMES ELTON “CHUCK” NELSON, 72, of Salt Rock, whose funeral was July 8. He was a cousin of Ricky Sansom.
LEWIS CAREY PRIODE, 68, of Ona, whose funeral was July 10. He was an active member of Union Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife Connie, and sons, Seth (Amy), John (Jennifer), and David (Stacy).
PHYLLIS SPURLOCK, 84, of Ona, whose funeral was June 19. She was a member of Z Warner Church, and is survived by her daughter Lea (Rod) Bodmer, and her grandchildren who attend our church: Garret (Amanda), Quinton, and Zachary Spurlock, and Chad (Sarah) Bodmer.
EVA MARIE WATSON, 94, of Barboursville, whose funeral was June 22. She was a longtime member of our church, and is survived by her daughter, Peggy Conn, her sister Jean Casey, and her grandson, Jason Carpenter. She was the sister of the late Harry Burks.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS
G’day mate! Our Vacation Bible School was June 25th–29th. At 5:30pm each evening we had dinner then from 6:00–8:15pm our Zoomerang Australian VBS adventure began. We returned to the Value of Life! The kids learned we didn’t come from a monkey! God created us in His image. Also, he created Adam & Eve. God created all babies to have a heartbeat at 5 weeks old. Babies are God’s gift to us. Everyone is important to God. He loves us all. We learned every part of our body was created by God and for a purpose. We value our Life given from God.
On Sunday night, July 2, we presented a program to the church which featured the wonderful and fun songs we learned.
Special Thank You to everyone who volunteered and helped in VBS. Three nights the Adult Sunday School Classes furnished the dinner. Children’s ministry furnished two nights. Kids loved that and their families enjoyed it too. Our average attendance was forty-eight.
A lot of items were brought in too for our Mission project – Ona Elementary Food Pantry. Wonderful work for those kids who are in need.
We got to see our old friends and make new ones. We pray when school starts back up and kids are back in town the children’s ministry will be full.
The Childrens Awards night will be Sunday at 7pm July 23rd. They are busy learning Bible verses and Bible stories about Joshua & Samson. Pray for our kids
~~Children’s Ministry Team
But Dad, I’m not late. Things are different these days. I’m suffering from “home arrival syndrome.”
Don’t worry son, I’m not mad. I’m just instituting the “car keys retrieval maneuver” to be followed by a month of “social event impairment.”
BAMBY VBS
This year, some of our teens decided they wanted to come up with the theme for this year’s Bible school themselves. They got together and presented a circus theme which we entitled, “It’s A Circus Out There!” The lessons focused on Daniel (Lion Tamer), Rahab (Aerial Artist), Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, (Fire Breathers), Peter (Escape Artist) and Samson (Strong Man) and the challenges each of them faced and how they used them to overcome the World and glorify God. We also focused on several opportunities to serve Him by helping others. The teens made 36 pillows with scripture cards for breast cancer patients, 35 birthday cake kits for the Huntington City Mission and Foodbank, and our biggest project, painting and redecorating the Beaver Building.
Our average nightly attendance was 30 teens and 5 adults.
The teens worked really hard on getting the downstairs painted and it looks so bright and beautiful! Thank you to Olivia, Victoria and Cassie Maynor, Leeann Beckett, and Jimmy Beckett for helping us paint and for our crew of teen painters who worked really hard! We still have the kitchen and upstairs to paint and will get it done soon.
Thanks to Karen Caldwell for helping with all the meals and projects- we could not have done it without her!! Also, a thank you to the Caldwell Sunday School Class and Mary and Joseph Class for helping to furnish our meals with your donation.
Come see the Beaver building and make sure you let the teens know you appreciate their hard work.
~~Mitzi Beckett
Anyone who thinks they are too small to make a difference has never been in bed with a mosquito.
Confidence is the feeling you have before you understand the situation.
CALENDAR
**Tues., July 18, 25, 10:00 am – Sew Blest, Family Center.
**Sat., July 22 – Sat., July 29 – Ladies Retreat, Myrtle Beach, SC.
**Sun., July 23, 7:00 pm – Children’s Ministry Awards.
**Sun., July 30, 7:00 pm – 5th Sunday Night Sing. Nancy Banfield will be bringing the special music.
**Tues., August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 10 am – Sew Blest, Family Center.
**Mon., August 7, 7 pm – Board of Deacons Meeting, Family Center.
**Sunday, August 13, Newsletter Deadline.
**Mon., August 14, 7 pm – Christian Board Meeting, Family Center.
Looking Ahead:
August 11 – Jesus Kids resume their ministry at Paramount Senior Living.
Sept 10. – ABWM & ABMM resume their monthly meetings.
Sept 29–Oct. 1 – Fall Camp-a-Rama at Beech Fork State Park.
Oct. 19–20 – WVBC Annual Meeting, South Parkersburg Baptist Church.
Nov. 30–Dec. 1 – Prepare & Distribute Christmas Baskets.
Nov. 22 – Horn–of-Plenty Service.
Dec. 2 – Church Christmas Dinner.
Dec. 10 – Children’s Christmas Play.
GOOD NEWS NUGGETS
J Pastor Greg, his wife Jeanne, and son Luke took a well-deserved vacation out west recently, and George Leese filled in and did a wonderful job as usual.
J Sunday morning, June 25, guest singer Jason Skanes blessed us with his wonderful singing voice. His song choices were wonderful – “Oh I’m Saved,” “Master of the Sea,” and many more. Thank you, Jason.
J Jack Runion, from the Church in the Valley, brought our special music on July 9. Among his song choices were, “I Feel Like Something Good is About to Happen,” “Four Days Late,” and “Let the Truth be Told.” Very stirring. Thank you, Jack.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST
Trinity Bell and her husband Andrew will be leaving for Serbia on July 17, to serve as missionaries to Muslims. They are with Every Nation Education. Trinity is the daughter of Wilson and Becky Bond. Please pray for their work and their safety.
FATHER’S DAY HONORS
On Sunday, June 18, Father’s Day, Adult Ministries presented all the men present with a gift of a small screwdriver set and/or a small flashlight. Then the two oldest fathers present were given a gift card, which were Gene Caldwell, age 100½, and Gerald Payton, age 86. Congratulations to these great men!
SCHOOL NEWS
KAYLEY DILLON, daughter of Mickey and Laura Grass, and granddaughter of Pat and the late Dick Grass, graduated Cum Laude from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Visual Arts, with emphasis in Ceramics. Kayley works part-time at Walmart and creates and sells her artwork on-line and locally.
CONGRATULATIONS to Morgan Zerkle, who was named the new head coach of the Women’s Softball Team at Marshall University. So proud of her, and glad she is back home! She is the grand-daughter of Jerry and Clara Zerkle.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The annual Ice Cream Social to support the expenses of the Arthur Cemetery, took place Saturday, July 1 at the Bond home. The weather was perfect! A good crowd enjoyed the good food and fellowship. Although this is not officially a church event, many of our church loved ones are laid to rest in this cemetery, including Pastor Paul and Caroline Meadows. Many members of the Bond family, along with many volunteers, crank out the ice cream and work very hard on this project, and we appreciate them. Emily Bond reports that they cleared $1,600, the most ever. Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way.
LAST NOTICE: We still need many addresses updated for both newsletter mailing and for the church directory, due to the 911 Addressing Project. (The government’s deadline for you to have your address changed is August, which is almost here! (Mail without the new address on it may not be delivered.) 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. Our contact information is on the top of page one. Thanks!
OUR NATIVE LAND
America, our native land,
God made thee wondrous fair,
A land of plenty, of good will,
A home beyond compare.
God keep thee, our America,
A realm of truth and right;
May haughty despots ne’er despoil
Or shroud our land with night.
Not unto us the glory, Lord,
For power on land or sea;
Thine be the praise who made us great,
Who gave us liberty.
Without Thee we would build in vain
The walls ‘tis ours to raise.
Forsake us not! Be Thou our might
Through all the coming days.
Thomas Curtis Clark
THANK YOU
Chris, Keeley, and I would like to thank everyone who came out and showered us with so much love for our new baby. Thomas Drew “TD” Carter (due in September) is already spoiled by our friends and families. We are truly blessed beyond all measure with our family and friends. Thank you again!!
Chris and Erin Carter, Keeley, and TD
UKRAINE: BOMB SHELTER BIBLE TRANSLATION
Ukrainian Great Commission partners are translating unfoldingWord’s suite of Bible translation tools to make God’s Word accessible to more than 540 languages spoken across the countries of the former Soviet Union.
Mission Network News reports, “Tens of thousands of people are on the move in southern Ukraine after flooding from the destroyed Nova Kakhovka dam drove them out of their villages. More than 6.5 million people have been internally displaced in Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.
Stephen (not his real name), the Eurasian Bible translation team leader, and his family have overcome severe barriers created by the war. They are under rocket attack three to five hours a day and haven’t had hot water for months. The attacks often come at night when they are too exhausted to run to the subway bomb shelter. Still, they continue the work.
Stephen and the Eurasian team helped lead a three-day Bible translation tools training workshop for the Iran Whole Bible, Whole Nation team via Zoom. Stephen’s Eurasian team was excited to help realize the exponential potential in the Church-Centric Bible Translation model. Now, his relatives are in danger from flooding created when combatants demolished the Nova Kakhovka dam. Stephen cannot contact them. Please pray for their safety and the translation team’s ability to continue this strategic, high-impact work.
(From the Q 2023 edition of unfoldingWord Newsletter, used by permission.)
Our church supports Russ and Jan Perry who work for this wonderful organization.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a fore-taste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, Purchase of God,
Born in His Spirit, washed In His blood.
Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church 