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Forty years after her death, Clara Lamp continues to support the ministry of First Baptist Church.

Clara was born on June 20, 1883 to George C.S. Lamp and Eliza H. (Medley) Lamp. She was the fourth of five children— James, John, Cora, Clara and Jesse Doris. The family lived on a farm in southwestern Wood County. They attended the New England Baptist Church and several generations of the family are buried in the church cemetery.

As a young adult, Clara moved to Parkersburg where she worked as a telephone operator and later as a seamstress and office assistant for a doctor. She and her younger sister, Jesse, lived with their Aunt Hannah, her father’s sister, on 19th Street.

When Clara’s father died in 1933, she and her sister returned to manage the family farm. Jesse died in 1948 and soon afterward Clara moved back to Parkersburg. It is uncertain when she sold the farm. Clara joined First Baptist Church of Parkersburg. She eventually took up residence in the Colonial House on 23rd Street.

Clara hired Attorney Roger Redmond to put her affairs in order. Roger was a member of First Baptist Church. In her estate, Clara’s desire was that three organizations be named as beneficiaries—New England Baptist Church was to receive one half of her estate, First Baptist Church was to receive one quarter and a new entity in 1978, the West Virginia Baptist Conference Center (Parchment Valley) was to receive one quarter. The sole agent of the estate was to be the convention’s Minister of Business and Finance.

Clara Lamp died on April 7, 1978. She is buried at the New England Cemetery next to her siblings, her father, aunt and grandparents.

From the beginning, the three organizations have each sent a representative to serve as trustees for the estate. The initial estate of $121,644 was invested so that quarterly disbursements would come from the growth. Today, the principal has increased to more than $656,000.

We have experienced numerous blessings by folk who include the church in their will. Some gifts are large and others are small. Some are designated for specific things such as the repair and upkeep of the building. Other gifts are given to be used however needed. Some gifts are invested with only the growth available. Others have no such restrictions. Each gift blesses the congregation and furthers the ministry of this church.

Have you included your church in your will? Contact our office and we would love to help you do this. Jesus tells us that “where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:21) Clara Lamp had a heart for what the Lord was doing at New England Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, and Parchment Valley.

This article was adapted from an article written in a July 2018 church newsletter by Richard McClure, pastor at First Baptist Church of Parkersburg.

“Jessie Irene Brand was a loving, giving person dedicated to her God, to people and to her church,” said Monty Foster, former pastor of Harmony Baptist Church (Teays Valley) of Irene Brand. That dedication is still being experienced through the significant legacy gift she left for the West Virginia Baptist Camp at Cowen.

David Radcliff, current pastor of Harmony Baptist Church, shared these thoughts of Irene: “Irene was a member of Harmony Baptist Church for 77 years, she was saved when she was 11 years old, she directed the choir for more than 60 years and the played the piano for the church for close to 70 years. She also taught Sunday School for approximately 65 years.”

In a letter she wrote in 1987, addressed to the future 2012 pianist (which humorously ended up being her), she wrote, “My greatest desire has been to let my light shine before others so that the presence of God would be revealed in my life. The words of Erma Bombeck sum up my feelings about what I hope my Christian witness has shown: ‘When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘Lord, I used everything you gave me.’”

When Irene Brand met her Savior face-to-face on April 8, 2018, I am sure she heard those words. The legacy gift that Irene left will strengthen a ministry that was very fond to her heart. For more than 75 years, the West Virginia Baptist Camp at Cowen has been a place “Where people meet Jesus and grow as His disciples in a community of faith.” In this way, Irene is letting her line shine for generations to come.

If you or someone in your church is interested in learning about ways you can leave a lasting legacy, please contact our office.  It is people like Irene who enable us to continue Doing Christ’s Work Together.

In his book, In This Generation, Todd Ahrend (the founder of The Traveling Team) writes: “The possibility that Christian parents are the number one hindrance to world evangelization is truer than we would like to admit.”

John Mott, more than a century ago, also suggested that the number one hindrance to missions was parents.

Kim Ransleben, a current author, Bible teacher, and parent of a college student, agrees and writes the following: “We haven’t been with them much of the time while they’re in college, and the truth is, many of us don’t hear a lot from them while they’re gone. If they’ve grown, parents don’t necessarily hear about it. Add to that, most of us had to work hard and pay a lot of money for them to get their degree. Even if unconsciously, many parents are expecting some sort of return on that costly investment.

Then there’s the impression we get from their lives on social media . . . a lot of coffee pics, sports, and of course, selfies. And now all of a sudden, they have a passion for the unreached? Yes, some parents are skeptical, and some for good reason. How do we know our kids don’t just want to delay getting a job for a few more years?”

Ransleben then provides five helpful tips for how college students can better deal with parents who disapprove of their desire to go to the mission field:

1. Let your parents in on the journey early and often

She suggests: “Your desire to serve overseas shouldn’t be spontaneously announced like you do when you’ve decided to drive to the playoff game or change your hair color. Your parents don’t want to suddenly hear, “Mom, Dad, when I graduate I’m moving to Cambodia.” Share the journey as you walk through it, even in the earliest stages.”

I’ll never forget the first time I shared with my parents about wanting to go to the Middle East.  I had just attended a Cru Winter Conference and learned about both the need and the opportunity to serve a summer in Beirut, Lebanon, and after sensing the Lord’s leading, I applied to go.  When I had returned home several days later, I was making small talk with my parents about mostly meaningless topics before slipping in, “…which is why I signed up to go to Lebanon.”  Literally within seconds of making that statement, a news flash appeared on the screen of Beirut, Lebanon being bombed.  My dad looked at me and said, “You want to go there?”

The conversation ended rather abruptly, but a few weeks later, I remember my parents giving me a call while I was back at school to discuss the topic further.  My dad said to me, “Your mom and I have prayed about it more, and while it makes us nervous, we just want you to know that if the Lord is leading you there, then we want to support you.  We don’t want to get in the way of God.”

Long story short, I went to Lebanon that summer and had an incredible experience, and I actually went back a second time the following year…at the prompting of my parents.  But what I had learned was how important it is to keep your parents informed.  Not all stories end with the full support of parents, but it is still important to include them early and often.

2. Do for your parents first what you want to do for others

I love this suggestion by Ransleben: “Don’t ask them to export overseas what they don’t even want living with them in the first place.

• Want to go take care of orphans . . . but you leave your dishes in my sink?
• Want to rescue girls from the sex industry . . . but won’t make plans to spend time with your little sister?
• Have a heart for the unreached . . . but roll your eyes at going to our family reunion?
• You think you can fly across the world . . . but can’t manage to get your homework in on time?
• Want us to ask our friends to give you money . . . but you just bought another pair of Toms and that latte you just tweeted about?

Jesus commands us to go, to make disciples of all nations, but don’t forget that he told the apostles to start in Jerusalem — where they were. If you want your parents to believe that you’ll be faithful stewards out there, give them an idea what that looks like right here.”

3. Watch your attitude

If you don’t immediately receive the support of your parents, don’t throw a fit.  When is the last time that throwing a fit helped you get your way?

Again, Ransleben writes: “Remember, you are telling them you want to take this good news to people who are indifferent at best, often hostile. Those people will ignore you, question you, and ridicule you. So when you’re met with that attitude in your own home, how do you act? We want to know because what you are in those moments will likely be what you are when you go. You say you can love those who don’t get it? Show your parents. Show your faith in God’s sovereignty and goodness by the way you handle adversity, by your confidence and joy in him when things don’t go your way.”

4. Make sure that the reason you “have not” isn’t because you’ve “asked not.”

It is written in James 4:2, “You do not have because you do not ask God.”  Let that not be true of your relationship with your parents.  Don’t just pray for those you desire to serve, but also pray for your parents.

Ransleben asks: “How did you awaken to God’s heart for the nations? Are you just that smart? Just that loving? Just that in touch with the needs of the world? Do your parents just need to be more like you? Or are you the humble servant who was blind but now sees because of God’s gracious movement in you? If so, prove it through your prayers for your parents. As you pray for those you love overseas, pray for mom and dad. God alone moves hearts. If you really understand that, you’ll beg him for the hearts of your family to be on fire for his glory to be displayed in this world more than you will preach to them about it all. He’s honored to answer your prayers because it shows off the depths of our dependence on him and the glory of his grace towards his children. So, kids, pray.”

5. Love your parents well . . . even when you can’t follow them.

As mentioned earlier, not all stories end with the full support of your parents, but you still have an obligation to love them well.

Ransleben (again, who is a mother of a college student) writes one last time: “It may be that after all this, your parents still don’t get it, and you still go. But as you go, they should know by your life how much you love them, that you’re only obeying a higher authority over your life. In fact, they will know that you have become the very person they wanted you to become. You will love others well, serve wherever you are, be respectful to authority, communicate without fits or causing harm, and pursue with great intensity the things you feel passionate about.

At the end of the day, they may not get it. But they will be so very proud of you anyway. It doesn’t hurt your parents when you reject what they think. You hurt them when you reject them. Love them well as you make the first of what may be many choices that your parents disagree with.”

There is much to learn from these five tips – for both students and parents. Much of Ransleben’s article has already been quoted, but if you would like to read her article in it’s entirety, click here.

Written by Debbie Mulneix

One of the things I missed while in Asia was Autumn. I grew up in West Virginia and the state has some truly phenomenal fall seasons. I even love the bareness of the trees as winter begins because I understand the process is necessary for the new, vibrant season of spring. It was difficult to describe to people in the areas where trees only lose their leaves as new foliage is coming on.

I have come to the decision that my season has been, and still is, changing.

I will be retiring from International Ministries (IM) on October 31, 2019. I felt I needed to change my focus two years ago when I returned from the Philippines. I was excited to explore the new responsibilities of working with IM while living among my family in West Virginia and visiting several times a year with our partners in Asia. But now I realize my season as a missionary overseas is coming to an end. In other words, just like the trees, I need to make a break and strengthen my work with ministry here in the United States.

I have some deputation commitments before the end of October, but my focus will soon be on my home church, Philippi Baptist Church (Union), and specific local and international ministries that I support as an individual.

I have been blessed with an amazing Missions Partnership Team, including Rev. Dick Hepler, Rev. Dana Gatewood, Mrs. Sandy Phares, Mrs. Jeanie Phillips, Rev. Jim Stinespring and as volunteer assistant, Mrs. Susan Stinespring. I have had small churches faithfully support me with $25 per month and large ones with several hundred per month. There have been several churches that have spent time stuffing envelopes and hundreds of people that prayed for me, and I have been blessed. I chose this time to retire so these churches and individuals might seamlessly make support changes in their upcoming budgets. (However, I will still need support for September and October 2019, please.)

It has been a privilege and honor to work with our local Baptist churches, our international partners and with you for the last 20 years. Your faithfulness has been never-ending and your prayers continual. You have shown me mercy, understanding and forgiveness for my many shortcomings and faults. You have been examples of the “Hands and Heart” of Christ in so many ways, and I will always be grateful for you.

Philippians 1:3-6 says, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Blessings to you as you continue your support of the ministry of our Lord, both in our country and abroad.

Written by Keith Myers

A couple of years ago, on a friend’s recommendation, I began reading, When Helping Hurts, by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. Little did I know, that upon completion of the second chapter, our ministry in Mexico would embark on a profound, yet simplistic shift that would comprise, not only our CICEM (Council of Rural Indigenous Evangelicals of Mexico) churches, but be an extension of the entirety of our relationships as believers in Jesus Christ. It is no secret that at the root of creation, we were created for relationship. Our primary relationship, as believers, is the vertical one between us and God. The other three horizontal relationships exist between us and our own self, us and other humans and finally, between us and the rest of creation. Where humanity failed in disobedience, Christ redeemed hope for these relationships in His death, burial and resurrection.

In regard to relationships, this past spring and summer, Deb and I had the privilege of being part of the West Virginia Baptist Convention’s (WVBC) missionary intern program by hosting two interns for five weeks. Additionally, engaging with teams from Fairmont State University Baptist Campus Ministries (BCM), Alderson Broaddus University, Oakwood Baptist Church (Kanawha Valley), hosting two young women from Sabraton Baptist Church (Goshen) as well as Boyden and Baillie bringing a team from their university, BIOLA. Our hope of these relational encounters is building a bridge between cultures. We invite folks to appreciate the primary question in our ministry, which is not “how can we help?” At the root of our ministry is the question, “how do we embrace the people and their culture?” It’s a subtle shift in our missional mentality that puts the relationship first.

There is not sufficient space to identify each of the impactful ministries that took place this summer; however, WVBC churches served as an integral part of embracing the people of our CICEM family and for that we are grateful. Our teaching and preaching is always undergirded with the idea of the restoration of these fundamental relationships. The connections we have with our brothers and sisters in West Virginia are essential in developing a deeper connection with of our brothers and sisters here in Mexico. We ask for your continual prayers and financial support as we attempt to embrace the call of God in our lives.

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.”