News Updates and Forms

Written by J.D. Reed

International Ministries (IM) has three main focus areas. The first is “inviting people to become disciples of Jesus.” One of the ways this is realized in Latin America and the Caribbean is through the Master of Theological Education in Latin Ministries’ Program at Palmer Seminary. This program is a joint effort through Palmer, IM and American Baptist Home Mission Society (for United States’students) to help train pastors and leaders in Iberoamerica and the Caribbean. Just two months ago, I (J.D.) joined IM colleagues and celebrated the graduation of 14 students in Campinas, Brazil with our national partner, the National Baptist Convention of Brazil (CBN). The goal of this program is to train local leaders who can empower the local church, but also who can train other local leaders to do God’s work. Whether pastors, doctors, accountants or stay-at-home parents, all are welcome. So far, in just three years of the program, we have graduated over 50 students in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. We currently have students in Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia as well. This fall, we will start a new group in Ecuador and are excited to be in the planning stages of expanding this program all throughout Latin America.

The challenge is making the program affordable. In Bolivia, for example, the average wage is just under $300 per month and these classes are more than double that when taken at full price. With a generous scholarship from Palmer, we can significantly decrease that amount, but it is still more than they make in a month, so IM is trying to provide an additional scholarship so students can afford to be part of this amazing program. Because of their economic realities, only a few of them could participate without our help. Recently, I had the privilege to share with a student group that we were going to be able to give them a partial scholarship and joy filled the room. With a recession in their nation, many of the students were going to have to take a break from the program, but with this scholarship they will all be able to continue.

This is where I hope you can join in with this work. We need your help. Would you be willing to adopt a pastor and help them to be trained to meet the growing needs of the church in Latin America? We have a goal of training 500 leaders in the next ten years, but we can’t do it without the help of churches and individuals that care about the church. If you would like to help us train these pastors and leaders who will change their communities for the kingdom of God, visit our project page and give today! Thank you for being part of this movement in Latin America.

Just over a month ago, an email blast was sent out requesting $5500 to help cover Juan and Denise Aragon’s travel expenses to Los Angeles as they sought treatment for Juan’s medical condition: superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SSCD).  Other regions of the ABC-USA have been extremely generous to help cover housing and other expenses while they’re in Los Angeles. Since that initial email was sent out, churches and individuals within our WVBC family have responded with more than $11,000 in financial support!

Juan’s response when he learned the amount: “WOW! I’m speechless.  Don’t even know what to say.  GOD IS FAITHFUL.  MUCHAS GRACIAS!”

Just as faithful as you were in helping cover their travel costs (and more), we also ask that you help us cover them in prayer this week as they travel back to Los Angeles for surgery.  Below is a timeline of appointments for the next week:

• October 16 at 12:20 PM EST – CT Scan on Temporal Bones
• October 16 at 12:30 PM EST – CT Scan on Brain
• October 16 at 1:00 PM EST – MRI on Brain
• October 17 – Surgery
• October 23 at 6:00 PM EST – Postoperative Appointment

Thank you for keeping the Aragon’s in your prayers.  Follow their updates on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

More than 100 people gathered this past weekend at Camp Cowen and were challenged to “put your yes on the table and let God  place it on the map.”

On Friday evening, Trent Eastman (New Baptist Church, Huntington) unpacked what it means to be “called by God.”  Missionaries Dan Chetti, Debbie Mulneix, and Rhonda Reed then shared about their own experiences in being called.

Saturday was full of activities for both adults and children, centered on the theme of “Immigration, Emigration, and the Gospel.”  Adults had the option of choosing to attend different workshops, some of which provided updates on our missionary partnerships and others which focused on equipping people to better minister to internationals they meet in their own communities. Children participated in a global adventure and learned about several of our partnerships.

On Facebook, Mike Stephens (former WVBC staff) wrote of the weekend:

“Todd McClure took us on a Biblical journey showing God’s mandate for emigration (going out) and immigration (coming in) for the spreading of God’s good news throughout the whole earth.

Please pray the week of July 23-30 for the 14 volunteers working with ABMen USA as we cooperate in ABHMS’s project  “Rebuild, Restore and Renew Puerto Rico”.

Jack Cobb (Mount Vernon Baptist Church) will be leading a team of twelve from Judson Baptist Church at Belle plus Steve Nelson (First Baptist Church of Sistersville).  This sixth ABMen led team will be the first to focus on home repair. Our previous focus has been to restore churches so they can restore families.

ABMen is soliciting volunteers to join us for one or two weeks October 5-12 and or October 12-19, 2019.  If you would like information, contact us.

Stay tuned for the 2020 schedule.

Are you looking for a mission project idea for your children (or your entire church) to participate in this fall?  Look at the list below for some ideas of opportunities.  If you would like more information about any of these projects, please feel free to call Joan Hall at 304-422-6449.

Camp Alpha – Help Build a Cowen in Russia

Russian Baptists in the Ryazan region are in the process of building Camp Alpha, a Christian campground for children and youth to come together and  learn more about Jesus.  The property has been purchased, a few children and youth are gathering, but the construction of cabins and meeting areas is very slow due to lack of funds.  The potential is great.  A few American dollars will go a long way to make a Camp Cowen in Russia a reality.

Donations should be sent to the West Virginia Baptist Convention designated for “Russia Missions – Camp Alpha.”

House of Hope Christmas – JD and Rhonda Reed, Bolivia

Missionaries JD and Rhonda Reed try to provide a Christmas present for all the children in the community/ministry sites.  This past year they provided gifts for 1,100-1,200 children.  The average is 20 bolivianos ($3) for a gift, drink, and a snack.

Donations should be sent to the West Virginia Baptist Convention designated for “House of Hope Christmas.”

Meds for Missions – JD and Rhonda Reed, Bolivia

Medical and dental clinics in Bolivia are in need of medicines and dental items that they either can’t purchase in Bolivia or cost is prohibitive.

Items that are needed:

¨ Toothpaste – MUST be travel size, NO regular size tubes.
¨ Toothbrushes
¨ Children’s Vitamins – NO gummies, they turn into globs and kids think they are candy. (check expiration date)
¨ Pre-natal Vitamins
¨ Antacids – generic Tums would be great

Please collect and deliver items to Valma at the West Virginia Baptist Convention Office in Parkersburg, WV.

Smiley Kits – Juan and Denise Aragon, Pueblo, Mexico

The Aragon’s hope to take dental care learning to the communities this summer using puppets and giving our Smiley Kits.

Each kit will include:

¨ 2  toothbrushes
¨ 2  tubes of toothpaste
¨ 1  dental floss
¨ 1  toothbrush cover
¨ 1  small plastic cup.

The Aragon’s would like to provide kits for 150 children. Due to shipping and custom issues, monetary donations will be collected and the items will be purchased in Mexico. The goal is $1,700.

Donations should be sent to the West Virginia Baptist Convention designated for “Smiley Kits.”

Balones (Balls are Loads Of Nice Exercise Sessions) – Juan and Denise Aragon, Pueblo, Mexico

Balones also means balls in Spanish. The Aragon’s would like to provide a soccer ball and a basketball for each of their CICIEM churches.  The Aragons will use the balls as an evangelism tool. Families cannot afford to purchase the balls. Due to shipping and custom issues, monetary donations will be collected and the items will be purchased in Mexico.  Goal is $1,100.

Donations should be sent to the West Virginia Baptist Convention designated for “Balones.”

Quarters for Grades – Weirton Christian Center

Students at Weirton Christian Center are awarded quarters for their attendance, doing homework each day and their grades.  It’s a quarter for each day of attendance and for doing their homework.  Grades are $1 for A $.75 for B, $.50 for C, and $.25 for a D.  Every time a grade goes up it’s an extra quarter.  This semester they had 3 girls who had 3 and 4 F’s and they have each brought their grades up, and earned a reward for that.

Donations should be sent to the West Virginia Baptist Convention designated for “Quarters for Grades.”

Bucks for Bibles – Weirton Christian Center

Weirton Christian Center is in need of  children’s Bibles.  Weirton Christian Center gives each preschooler a Bible at Preschool Graduation.  They also need early reading Bibles, maybe even comic book style, so students can read the Bible on a reading level they understand while learning the importance of daily Bible reading.

Donations should be sent to the West Virginia Baptist Convention designated for “Bucks for Bibles.”

Back to School Backpacks – Weirton Christian Center

Weirton Christian Center is collecting backpacks to assist
their students in going back to school prepared for a new school year. Backpacks can be a variety of sizes, colors and designs. Collect as many as you can.

Please collect and deliver items to Mark McCloy at the West Virginia Baptist Convention Office in Parkersburg, WV.

Keep Them Kickin’ – Camp Cowen

One of the favorite things to participate in at Camp Cowen is recreation activities, such as  4-square, 9-square in the air, gaga pit, basketball, soccer and volleyball to name a few.  Camp Cowen is requesting balls of all kinds to keep the campers kickin’.

Please collect and deliver items to Camp Cowen.

Time is Ticking On – Camp Cowen

For two years the outdoor clock on Alice Randall Dining Hall has not been working.  Kids do not wear watches and Camp Cowen policy does not allow cell phones during camp.  Therefore, the clock is what campers use to be on time. Please help Camp Cowen keep the time ticking on.

Donations should be sent to the West Virginia Baptist Convention designated for “Cowen Clock.”

Give a Week of Camp – Camp Cowen

Help send a child to camp.  Scholarships for a week range from $90 to $230. Help send a student to “where people meet Jesus and grow as His disciples  in a community of faith.”

Donations should be sent to the West Virginia Baptist Convention designated for “Camp Scholarship.”

Swinging Fun – Children’s Ministry at Parchment  Valley

Can you hear the children screaming with glee, swinging high above the ground?  The swings at the Parchment Valley playground are showing their age and need to be replaced.  Updated swings would be safer for the children to play on and provide enjoyment for years to come.

Donations should be sent to the West Virginia Baptist Convention designated for “PV Swings.”

Campfire Ring – Parchment Valley

Parchment Valley is building a new campfire structure at the lodges.  Due to the new power line right of way easement, the original campfire structure had to be removed. PV will utilize the Roy Keys Vesper area as the new campfire location; however, this area needs several improvements so the goal is $2,900.

Donations should be sent to the West Virginia Baptist Convention designated for “PV Campfire Ring.”

Another Brothers’ Keeper is in the books and those who took part in the ministry are already looking forward to next year.

Brothers’ Keeper (BK) is a service ministry established in 2000 through Parchment Valley Conference Center (PVCC).

This ministry allows youth to participate in a “mission trip” where they get to serve, learn, grow, and fellowship without having to worry about a passport.

Volunteers from church youth groups in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia gather every July in Ripley for a time of fun, fellowship, hard work, and on-site learning.

BK focuses on helping homeowners who have had some bad luck or life changes that have caused hardships in their lives, leaving them with housing needs that they cannot complete themselves.

One homeowner in particular, David Casto, had experienced a whirlwind of devastation. Between the passing of his wife, a tree crashing into his home causing major damage, and an accident on a mower, leaving him with a broken leg, he didn’t know how he would be able to come out ahead again. Through the help of Crew D with BK, Casto was able to start putting the pieces back together.

The crew came out to his residence and spent the week building him a new back deck and sharing the love of Christ with him by praying for him and showing him what being a bearer of hope really means.

“This is a wonderful group of people to come out and help people,” Casto said. “I feel really fortunate to have them in the county. I don’t know what I would have done without them here this week.”

Other homeowners that received assistance by the BK volunteers were also appreciative for the ministry.

“This week has been amazing, coming home and seeing a porch that wasn’t there before has meant everything to me,” homeowner Sheila Miller said.

BK 2019 proved to be a blessing not only to homeowners in Jackson County, but also to the 125 youth volunteers and additional adults that took part in the four-day mission.

“It was fantastic, I met so many new people and I got to help awesome homeowners with their porches,” second-year BK volunteer Chelsea Devins said. “We got to spread the love of God everywhere.”

“I loved helping out the community in multiple ways and really enjoyed seeing how we changed people’s lives,” first-year BK volunteer Brody Noble said. “I will definitely be back next year!”

“I love meeting new people and getting to help out with those who need it,” second-year BK volunteer Zoey Allen said.

“I love giving to God by helping those in need,” six-year BK volunteer Madison Keith said.

In it’s nineteenth year, BK is still going strong thanks to those who are willing to take time out of their summer break or regular work week to make the trip to PVCC in order to help others who are struggling with home repairs or other home maintenance needs.

“We had a lot of fun this week. My favorite part was spreading the word to the community and helping out people who need it the most,” first-year crew leader Jake Hypes said. “Not everybody can be as fortunate as everybody else, and those people need help in the world, that’s what we are here to do.”

“My favorite part was meeting these fantastic people,” first-year crew leader Denny Brown said. “I want to thank God for what he has given to us this week. Our people we work with and work for went above and beyond.”

“I love being able to work with the kids and teaching them how to do new things like working with power equipment,” six-year crew leader Larry Keith said. “I like teaching them new skills that they can use in the future or at least help their parents with.”

BK is an unforgettable experience for everyone involved and for those who work behind the scenes, it is something that they love seeing come together. Tom Dale and John Vannoy begin their BK work in February each year by doing site surveys and getting things ready by ordering materials and making sure they arrive at the sites on time for the work to begin.

“My experience started in March, seeing which homes would get repaired and all that, but this week has been fantastic,” four-year staffer Dale said. “I think this is the best group of kids and crew leaders we’ve ever had. They enjoy serving God and that’s what it is all about.”

“My favorite part this year was watching one man get saved while we were working on his house, six-year staffer Vannoy said. “He had been going through a lot of problems and this was the time for it to all come together. It has been a blessing to all of us.”

Many projects were completed during BK 2019, including 14 porches and six wheelchair ramps being built. Other projects including nine roofs being coated, walls and fences being painted, and numerous home repairs being completed.

“We do it all in Jesus name,” youth volunteer Mallory Bolen said.

Frank Miller is the director of the PVCC and he looks forward to BK each year. This year Miller and the BK team were able to help out homeowners in 50 Jackson County homes.

“We can change the world, and we are changing the world, one homeowner at a time,” Miller said. “That’s the way Jackson County is, we help one another, when somebody’s down, we help them back up and that’s a tremendous blessing that all these volunteers are taking back home with them, to go and to serve and to be a Brothers Keeper.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for Brothers’ Keeper or donating to the ministry, please contact Parchment Valley at 304-372-3675.

This article was copied from the Jackson County Newspaper. The original article can be found here.

Soon after the Baptist Missionary Society was formed in 1792, William Carey looked at the small band of brothers that stood around him and said, “Well, I will go down if you will hold the rope.” Andrew Fuller took on that challenge and spent the rest of his life holding the rope so that Carey could take the gospel to India.

When we think of missions, we frequently think only of people like Carey and others who go to the nations. But missionary work requires much more than a single commitment. It requires the equally important commitment of others who are willing to holding the rope. In that sense, missions is doing together what we cannot do alone.

In Romans 10, Paul explained missions in this way: How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? He then concludes: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

If you examine Paul’s listing in reverse order, it makes it easier to see the natural progression of missions:

1. The missionary is sent
2. The missionary preaches
3. The people hear
4. The people believe
5. The people call upon the name of the Lord

It is important to note that the latter steps cannot be completed unless the prior steps are done first. That is why sending (or rope holding) is an absolute necessity. Unless one sends, a lost people will never hear the gospel. That is what Carey realized. That is why he needed Fuller to hold the rope.

There are a lot of exciting ministries taking place all around our state convention right now:

• We have commissioned out more than 150 short-term missionaries to more than a dozen different countries, and we currently have four young adults spending their summer as interns alongside our some of our missionaries and missionary partners!
• Camp Cowen is in the middle of it’s sixth week youth camps this summer, and they have already witnessed dozens of decisions for Christ!
• Brothers’ Keeper just wrapped up it’s 19th summer of doing ministry in the Jackson County area, and they’re already making plans for an even bigger event next year to celebrate their 20th year!
• Baptist Campus Ministries concluded the school year with more than 100 students spending a week at Myrtle Beach, worshiping Christ, participating in service projects, and growing in fellowship with one another.  They even had one student from Concord University get baptized!

Exciting things are happening all around the state, and disciples are being made all around the world, as a result of people going and making the gospel known. But people can only go if they are first sent. And sending requires people to hold the rope.

One of the primary ways in which you can hold the rope is by joining us in supporting the Mountain State Mission Offering.  The Mountain State Mission Offering is what helps allow each of the above ministries to take place. Without Andrew Fuller, there would be never have been a William Carey, and without people willing to hold the rope through the Mountain State Mission Offering, the other life-changing ministries that we get excited about would also not exist. “How are they to preach unless they are sent?”

Is God calling you to be a rope holder? Without rope holders, missions cannot exist.

A component of the vision of South Parkersburg Baptist Church is to participate in missional living. On July 10-17, a team of 12 individuals will be doing just that. This team (7 adults and 5 youth) from the church will
be working alongside others as partners in mission and ministry. They will venture to Cochabamba, Bolivia, to be servants/missionaries to and with our partners at the House of Hope and the Reed Family. They will have two days of medical clinics where they will assist the local doctors, and the rest of the time will be construction at one or more of the many ministry sites in that city.

Please be in prayer for this group as they travel, work, and fellowship!

Team Members Include:
Luke Blain
Rich Blain
Rodna Blain
Marcia Campbell
Matt Conrad
Will Conrad
Becky Jones
Sundance Lewis
Jacob Stone
Levi Stone
Tim Stone
Sherri Wheeler

J.D. and Rhonda Reed

J.D. and Rhonda Reed have served in Bolivia since July 2011. J.D is a regional consultant for Theological Education throughout Iberoamerica and the Caribbean. He is the administrative coordinator for the Masters of Theological Studies Latino/a Ministries Program (MTS) for Palmer Seminary of Eastern University. He works with IM partners and global servants to help train pastors and church leaders throughout the region. Rhonda is a nurse (BSN) who oversees the House of Hope (Proyectos Esperanza) in the cities of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. House of Hope encompasses an array of health and development ministries led by local churches focusing on urban ministries to families and at-risk women and children.

For more information, click here.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting at the airport ready to board my flight for Baghdad when a sudden emotion rushed over me: fear.  I looked around and saw people dressed very differently than me. I heard conversations in a language I did not understand.  I was the only one of the several hundred passengers who carried a passport with “United States” printed on the front cover.  There was a sudden rush of fear that crept over me.

But as I boarded the plane, I thought to myself, “Where does this fear come from?”  It wasn’t a fear I’ve never felt before.  In fact, it was the same fear I felt the first time I served meals to the homeless on the riverbank in Huntington.  It was also the same fear I felt the first time I navigated west-side Charleston on my own.  I had also experienced that fear the first time I crossed the street to invite my neighbor to church.  Still to this day, I experience that fear at certain family reunions.

But where does that fear come from?

As I thought about it further, I realized that most of my fear came from my perceptions, influenced by what I read, and what I watched, and what I heard from others.  Rarely do I experience fear as a result of actual experiences.  Rather, most of my fear usually comes from false perceptions.

What dawned on me in that moment was how often I let my perception of others prevent me from being obedient to Christ’s commission. More specifically, I frequently allow my view of others to dictate whether or not I approach them with the gospel.  Satan loves when I do that.  When I do that, he gets a small victory, and I am left further divided from those Christ called me to serve.

What I read in Scripture, however, is that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but rather one of power and love and self-control. (2 Tim 1:7).  In fact, he tells us not to fear more than 100 times!  Even in the Great Commission, he sends us with his full authority and he promises to be with us every step of the way (Matt 28:19-20).  I think it is safe to say that fear is not from God.

What I encountered in Iraq was a people much different than what I saw on the news.  What I met were people who were kind and loving, and who’s hospitality far exceeded my own.  Likewise, they had perceptions of me that I was also hopefully able to change.  Perceptions often lead to fear.  But in my experience, through actual conversations, those perceptions began to change.  And as we talked, I learned more of their circumstances.  And as I learned more of their circumstances, I was able to relate to them better.  And as I was able to relate to them better, I was able to impart hope through the message of the gospel.  However, I had to start by getting on the plane.

What perceptions do you have that are keeping you from being obedient to the Great Commission?  How have you allowed fear to keep you from following God?  Satan loves to use fear as a means of causing division, and in that sense, fear becomes the greatest obstacle to missions.  But Christ has not called you to a life of fear.  He has called you to a life of obedience.

The next time you have the opportunity, I encourage you to board that plane, or to cross that street, or to go to that family reunion.  In many cases, eternal lives are at stake!  Christ calls you to far more than simply a life of fear.  When he calls you, there is likely something he wants to do both in you and through you.

September 1 Update from David Bess:

An update was received today from Central Church in Ryazan. Pastor Victor reports that they have managed to repair the rafters and roofing for their historic church building. They were able to do it with help from other churches in the Ryazan oblast and deep financial sacrifices of their own congregation. Funds are still greatly needed, however, for interior repairs to the damaged ceiling and the old, heavily worn seats. Please pray for them to have the funds that they need to finish these required repairs for a Russian historic facility, and for any donations made from WVBC churches to be transferred quickly to them.

Original Letter from the Central Baptist Church:

Greetings from the Central Baptist Church in Ryazan! We have a need with which we would like help from our West Virginia Baptist friends. We own our church building, but it is very old. It was built by Lutherans in the 19th century. During the Soviet era, it was taken from the church and became a shop. In the 1990’s it was given back to the Central Baptists. It is an architectural monument, a cultural heritage site for Ryazan. If we don’t keep it in good shape, we will have serious problems with the government. We also want to maintain it so we can have it for future generations. Thanks to answered prayers, we have been able to renovate the floors, but now the condition of the roof and ceiling is a serious problem. They need considerable repairs. We are looking for sponsors to help us. It is too hard to solve the problem by ourselves. Most members of our church are retired and their pensions are too small. The estimated cost for repairs is more than 500 000 rubles ($7,800). Please pray for our need! Thank you for your support! God bless you!

How You Can Help:

Checks should be sent to WVBC, designated for Russia missions, Central Baptist Church. You can also give through your WVBC church and forward it to Russia missions.

Want to Learn More About the Russia Mission Partnership?

Contact us and we will connect you with someone from the partnership team. There are several upcoming trips, as well as numerous opportunities you can partner with them financially and through prayer.

You can also visit their website or follow them on Facebook.