Report from the Rep (September – November 2009)

A regular comunication from Dr. Terry Smith, National Representative of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches.  284 Whig Lane Road, Monroeville, NJ 08343  September – November, 2009

Dear Brethren,

Vance Havner wrote in his book, Pepper ‘N Salt, “This is a day of amalgamation and homogenization. The churches are being fused into a world church, the nations into a world state. We hear of a syneritism of world religion.  ‘Syncretism’ is adignified word for ‘hash.’  I never eat hash away from home because I don’t know what it is made of, and I don’t eat it at home because I do know what it is made of! We are not goingto improve the bad eggs of humanity by stirring all kinds of eggs into an omelet.“  A true pastor must not only feed the flock, he must warn the flock.  He must not only be zealous but jealous (IICorinthians 11:21),” he also states in same book.

Ed Cotton, our secretary, received word that Hannah Weatherby suffered a stroke on Wednesday and went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, September 10.  She and her husband, Marshall, faithfully served the Lord together in the pastoral ministry and were respected members of our fellowship.

I want to thank Pastor Bruce Dare and the Hardingville Bible Church for their leadership and hospitality as they hosted the FFBC Youth Rally on September 26.  Nine churcheswere involved with 34 adults and 60 teens.  The Bible quiz was based on Colossians 1-2. We appreciated all who assisted with this successful youth event.

Pastor Stephen Racite at Annual Conference asked us to pray concerning a possible merger of Cornwall Baptist Church andMaranatha Bible Church.  Both churches have voted to merge and are now in the legal process to formally finalize the merger. The court date is set for December 10. Maranatha Church will be officially dissolved and all liabilities and assets will be given to the Cornwall Church.  Dale Bossley, pastor of Maranatha since 1980, will become the Associate Pastor at Cornwall.

In a recent phone conversation with Donna Archut, I learnedthat they are still evaluating different options for her husband’s prostate cancer. In fact, they have an appointment with asurgeon at HUP on December 10.  Pray that the doctors will give them valuable information and that God will grant wisdom to Rich and Donna in their selection of treatment or surgery.

Our FFBC president, Dan Boyce, has resigned as pastor of the Pine Island Church, effective December 31.  Dan and Sandy have been called to start a new church, Victory Baptist, in Littleton, NH.  John Lashuay, Dan’s assistant, will serve as interim pastor until a new pastor is called to Pine Island. Please uphold John and the Pine Island Church as well as Dan and Sandy in prayer during this transition time.

I deeply appreciate those who faithfully serve at Tri-State. Pray for the director, Chris Jenkins, as well as for Keith Lambertson for Keith Lamberson and Faith George.  Chris, in his regular letters, keeps us informed about the retreats, conferences, and camps and updated on the needs, projects, and issues of Tri-State.

Thanks to all who participated in the work weekend.

Mary and I extend our greetings to you for a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends.  Let us count our manyblessings and praise Him for His goodness and grace.

Serving Christ together,

Terry R. Smith,

National Representative

www.ffbc.wc

FFBC Link – October 2009

From the President

One Pursuit

Luke 10:42 “But one thing is needful”   Please take the time to read Luke 10:38-42.  There are many things in this world, and in our lives, that crowd us and scream out for our attention.  Some are things that we should not do, but, some are things that are not intrinsically bad.  Today is the age of information, hectic lifestyles, running to and fro, and families passing each other as they live separate lives.  How can this modern culture and lifestyle help with our Christianity?  It can’t!  We need to slow down once in awhile, we need to learn to be people of One Pursuit.  James 1:8 tells us that “a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.”  What is your mind fixed on?  Are you double-minded?  Do many things occupy your mind?  Can you focus on one thing as you read your Bible, pray and gather to worship the Lord?  As we read and study the passage in Luke we see two dear friends of the Lord Jesus, two sisters, yet very different, Mary and Martha.   Both of them had exceptional qualities, but as the Lord told us in verse 42, “Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”   Friends, we need to slow down at times and have a seat at the Savior’s feet.   This is the position of a disciple.   Do you take the position of a disciple at your Savior’s feet when you read His word, unaware of the cares around you?  Do you take the position of a penitent at your Savior’s feet when you pray, unaware of the crowds around you?  Do you take the position of a servant at your Savior’s feet when you worship, unawares of the critics around you?  Or are you like Martha, anxious, disturbed, and easily distracted?  O to be people of one pursuit, and that pursuit is Christ. 

Around the FFBC

This is from brother Chuck Green. The FFBC essay contest winners were as follows:   Age group 8-12 (21 essays totals) 1st: Christopher Check from Faith Fellowship Baptist Church 2nd: Jimmy Goff from Grace Bible Church, MI Age group 13-16 (7 essays total) 1st: Joseph Check from Faith Fellowship Baptist Church 2nd: Emily Check from Faith Fellowship Baptist Church 28 essays came from 6 FFBC churches and each first place winner received a $50 gift card and each second place winner received a $25 gift card.

This from Pastor Bruce Dare: On September 26, nine churches in our fellowship participated in the annual FFBC Youth Rally, which was hosted by Hardingville Bible Church. There were sixty teens in attendance along with thirty four adults. Five churches drove well over two hours to attend. Grace Baptist Church defended their Bible Quiz title this year, which was based upon the theme of the supremacy of Christ in Colossians 1-2. It was a time of great encouragement and true fellowship for many. Thanks to all who made this event a great success! And may I add thank you Pastor Bruce and all the great folks at HBC!

Executive Committee Meeting Friday Dec. 4, 6pm at Bethel Bible Baptist Church.

TSBC News Retreats

Work Retreat: November 5-6

Winter Weekend 1:   Jan. 15-16 Evangelist Seth Ferguson

Winter Weekend 2:   Jan. 22-23 Pastor Frank Sansone

Get those registrations in soon!

Brother Chris will be on the road in early October recruiting 2010 summer staff.   If you are 16 or older and would like to minister at the camp, please contact Chris.

The Link is a periodic publication by the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches that is distributed to FFBC Churches, Pastors, and friends of the FFBC.  For submission of items to be included, please email President Dan Boyce.

FFBC Link – July 2009

The Link

A publication of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches

284 Whig Lane Road, Monroeville, NJ  08343

856.881.0057 or www.ffbc.ws

National Representative: Dr. Terry Smith      July 2009

From the President: Rev. Daniel Boyce

As we are all gearing up for summer ministry, I would like to dedicate the July LINK to prayer requests. James 5:16 reminds us, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

DVBS and Bible Clubs

Biblical Baptist in Meshoppen PA has already had their VBS, pray for follow up and attendance in SS and Youth Group.

Hardingville Bible Church: July 6-10

Bible Baptist: in Port Jervis NY July 13-17

Fellowship Baptist: in Maryland July 13-17

The Bible Church of Westville: July 13-17

Grace Baptist: in Highland Falls NY July 13-17 for the children, and July 20-27 for the teens

Cornwall Baptist: in NY July 20-24 (a ministry team from Hardingville Bible Church will assist)

Faith Fellowship Baptist: in Mt. Laurel July 20-24 (they will also be having an afternoon Day Camp the same dates).

Calvary Bible: in Indiana PA July 27-31. They will also have a Patriotic Sunday July 12 with missionary John Hodge.

Faith Baptist: in Bradford PA August 3-7 (a ministry team from Emmanuel Baptist in Millville PA will assist)

Cornerstone Baptist: in Pleasant Hill CA. August 3-7 (pray also for discipleship of new believers, and wisdom and direction for ministry decisions).

Pine Island Bible Church: has ongoing Wednesday night Backyard Bible Clubs throughout the summer. West Coast Baptist College Men’s Quartet: Tuesday July 14.

-Pray for salvation of children and parents, follow-up visits and then attendance in SS, youth groups and church.

Around the FFBC

-The men from Hardingville will be on a fishing trip to Canada from July 30-Aug. 2

-Jeanne Raymond will be home for an 8 month furlough beginning September 3. Pray for safety as she travels, and effectiveness as she visits and ministers in supporting churches.

-Faith Baptist in Bradford PA, pastored by Dr. Bill Raymond will be celebrating their 26^th anniversary. The guest preacher will be Pastor Mark Franklin.

-Pastor Franklin requests that we pray for a larger meeting place for their church plant (praise God!).

-Let us continue to pray for our nation and leaders.

-Pray for genuine revival in our churches.

-Pray that our pastors would be faithful with a genuine heart for God, His Word, and His people.

-Pastor Brodie requests continued prayer for Vida (send her a card).

-Mel Jennings, a member at Grace Baptist in Highland Falls NY had knee surgery at the end of June, he is not recovering very quickly.

-Pastor Snavely asks prayer for the new cadets at West Point as they begin basic training Aug. 14. Pray for opportunities to minister to them.

-Pray for Pastor Whitehead’s father who has cancer.

There is new contact information for Caroline Meisky, please email the secretary of the FFBC if you require this information.

Summer Schedule and Speakers

July 6-11…Teen Camp 1…Evang. Seth Ferguson

July 13-18…Teen Camp 2…Evang. Mark Kittrell

July 20-25…Junior Camp 1…Rev. Jonathan Eason

July 27-Aug1…Junior Camp 2…Evang. Ed Dunlop

Aug 2-8…Family Camp…Rev. Craig Griffith

Aug 10-13…Annual Conf…Rev. Matt Recker

-All pastors who attend will receive a complementary copy of Roland McCune’s new book, “Systematic Theology.”

-Pray for good attendance at our annual conference, a spirit of unity, wisdom, and fellowship. Pray for the morning sessions as we review our heritage. It is the 70^th anniversary of the fellowship and 60^th anniversary of the camp.

-Pray for the salvation and growth of our young people. Pray for the staff as they minister, and the facilities to operate properly. Also pray for good attendance.

Report from the Rep (May – June 2009)

Dear Brethren,

Puritan Ralph Venning wrote, “Milk is the food of babes; and therefore it is necessary that we come to know what this milk is… In the general, all the Word of God (the Gospel) is called ‘milk’… This milk is for growth; the Word is not only for begetting, as in I Pet. 1:23, but for nourishing and bringing up also, even to a perfect stature (Eph. 4:11-16). It is observable that Peter does not speak merely of the Word written in the Bible, but of the Word preached. But then this Word preached must be sincere milk of the Word, not mixed with and corrupted by the devices of invention, glasses and comments … As the Word must not be mixed with and corrupted by false doctrine and base ends, so this milk must not be made luscious and fulsome with the sugar and honey of men’s wisdom and eloquence… So then it is not a sound of words, but sound and sincere doctrine as milk of the Word.” May we be sincere and faithful heralds of the pure, powerful and precious Word of God.

President Dan Boyce went to the Philippines from April 23-May 5. This was his fourth visit to minister there. He preached in two churches, spoke at the Fourth Annual Pastors’ Conference, and participated in the wedding of Libby to Neil Egoy. According to Dan’s report, the wedding was a mixture of Americano and Filipino, followed by many pictures and a lavish wedding feast. Many will have an opportunity to see the video and/or slides in October. Questions, talk with Dan.

We continue to hear encouraging reports from Betty Oxley, following her surgery in March. In one of her more recent emails to Ed Cotton, she wrote, “Thank you for your many prayers for Dale and me. Dale continues to deteriorate and he has no understanding of my surgery. We are trusting in God’s perfect timing. He continues to give us peace and comfort. Bob Biscoe had successful cataract and glaucoma surgery on May 14th and continues to recover. Vida Brodie was hospitalized in St. Augustine, Florida, in March and returned to Robertsville in April with her husband Ernie. She has experienced slow improvement and would appreciate our prayers. Send these dear ones a card and uphold them all in prayer.

The fourth annual Essay Contest will be held this year. The theme is How to Be Holy (I Pet. 1:15-16). The age groups are 8-12 and 13-16. First and second place winners from each group will be awarded gift cards for $50 and $25 respectively. Entries must be no more than one page, written or typed, and submitted by July 22nd to Chuck Green through mail or email (3greens@cleaninter.net). The winners will be announced at Annual Conference in August.

There will be a used book exchange again this year at Annual conference. All conference attendees are welcome to participate. Bring your book, browse through the collection, and take home your selections. All free! Drop them at the main office; details will be announced later. A disclaimer will be placed in each book.

Hope to see you at Tri-State for Conference.

Serving Christ together,

Terry R. Smith,
National Representative

Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches
284 Whig Lane Road, Monroeville, NJ 08343
www.ffbc.ws

2009 FFBC Youth Essay Contest Announced

For the last three years, the FFBC has held an annual youth essay contest for the churches of the FFBC.   We are pleased to announce the details of this year’s essay contest and to ask the FFBC Pastors to announce this contest to their church families.

Below is the text from the announcement by the Essay Committee.

 

We endeavor to have our fourth annual essay contest for the churches of the FFBC.  This year’s essay theme is “How To Be Holy (1 Peter 1:15-16)?”  The age groups involved in this essay contest will be ages 8 – 12 and ages 13 – 16.

First and second place winners from each group will be awarded gift cards.

First place winners will be given a $50 gift card, and second place winners will be given a $25 gift card. Winners will be announced at the Annual Conference in August.

Entries must be no more than one page, written or typed.  All entries should be submitted to Chuck Green through the mail or e-mail:

Mr. Chuck Green
104 Masonville Road
Mt. Laurel, NJ  08054

3greens@cleaninter.net

All entries must be received by July 22, 2009.

Synopsis of Essay Contest 2008:
The contest commenced May 7 last year and had a deadline of July 7.  The theme was “How Do You Honor Your Parents (Exodus 20:12)?”  The age groups involved were ages 8-12 and 13-16.    The essays were judged for biblical basis/theology (1/3), application (1/3) and grammar (1/3).  A 1-10 grading was given for each of those categories with category points totaled for each essay resulting in a 1st & 2nd place for the two age groups.  First and 2nd place winners from each group were awarded Commerce Bank gift cards (1st place received a $50 card, and 2nd place received a $25 card compliments of the FFBC).  Each of the winners was announced at the opening evening service of Annual Conference (once again a first place participant was present).  Each of the placers was also given a Certificate of Recognition from the FFBC.  Fourteen essays from 6 FFBC churches in total were submitted and each of them was posted in the Inn for all to view during the week.   Over the 3 years of the contest there have been participants from 8 of our FFBC churches.

The Link – May 2009

The Link - May 2009

From the President: Rev. Daniel Boyce

As many of you know I once again had the opportunity to return to the Philippines for the fourth year.  I was one of the speakers at the fourth annual pastor’s conference which this year was in Manila at the Baptist Bible Seminary.  The theme was from II Timothy 3:14 “Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned.”  I spoke during two of the main sessions on the doctrines of personal and ecclesiastical separation.  I also taught four workshops for the pastors and laymen concerning the doctrine of the local church.  We studied church polity, the call and qualifications of a pastor, deacon, and church discipline.  The church in the Philippines is a very simple organization, and I find this to be very refreshing. Their services are simple and from the heart, yet God honoring.  I have found that the greatest need is more training for the men in the ministry.  Many have no formal training at all.  The Bible Institute on the island of Bohol is growing and producing many young people who are serving the Lord in the Philippines and abroad.  One of the great opportunities that the Filipino has is to travel to the Middle and Far East and find employment.  They do not struggle with having to be bi-vocational.  Many of them are leading Bible studies and planting churches in areas where we Americans would not be welcomed.  So, may I challenge you as a church and us as a fellowship to help in the training of these dear folks as they seek to reach the world for Christ.  Would you like to travel to the Philippines in the future to teach a module at the Institute?  Let me know.

Around the FFBC

Nomination ballots are in the mail; please fill them out and return them quickly.  

Executive Committee meeting, August 10 at 10am at TSBC

Congratulations Pastors Stephen Racite and Jun Ouano graduated from Pensacola Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Bible Exposition.

Rev. Ken and Janel Smith announce the birth of their daughter Allie Grace born Mother’s Day, May 10.

Elizabeth (Libby) Lewis and Pastor Neilchor Egoy were married May 2, 2009 on the island of Leyte in the Philippines.  Neil and Libby will minister in a church plant on the island of Mindanao.  Pastor Dan Boyce participated in the ceremony and Libby’s mom, dad, and sister were able to go.

TSBC News and Upcoming Events

All pastors are invited to meet and pray with/for the summer staff, June 16, 9am to lunch. RSVP to Chris.

Summer Schedule and Speakers

July 6-11…Teen Camp 1…Evang. Seth Ferguson

July 13-18…Teen Camp 2…Evang. Mark Kittrell

July 20-25…Junior Camp 1…Rev. Jonathan Eason

July 27-Aug1…Junior Camp 2…Evang. Ed Dunlop

Aug 2-8…Family Camp…Rev. Craig Griffith

Aug 10-13…Annual Conf…Rev. Matt Recker

Annual Conf notes:

Our speaker this year, Matt Recker,  is a GFA missionary church planter in New York City.  There will be a workshop on urban church planting. All pastors who attend will receive a complementary copy of Roland McCune’s new book, “Systematic Theology.”

 

The Link is a monthly publication by the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches that is distributed to FFBC Churches, Pastors, and friends of the FFBC.  For submission of items to be included, please email President Dan Boyce.

Report from the Rep – April 2009

A monthly communication from Dr. Terry Smith,

National Representative of the FFBC

284 Whig Lane Rd., Monroeville, NJ 08343

www.ffbc.ws 
 
 
 

March –April 2009

 

Dear Brethren, 

Thomas Manton wrote, “A father will not let his child starve – certainly none so fatherly as God, . . . He takes an exact notice of all your wants and pressures. It is notable to observe how God condescends to express the particular notice that He takes of the saints: ‘Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands’ (Isa. 49:16) . . . God has a particular notice of their necessities; and Jesus Christ is His remembrancer, one that ever appears before Him to represent their wants (Heb. 9:24). As the high priest in the law was to go in with the names of the tribes upon his breast and shoulder when He did minister before God, this is a type of how much we are in the heart of Christ, ever presenting Himself before the Lord on the behalf of such and such a believer.” May we always rejoice in our Father’s love and care and offer continual praise for the high priestly ministry of our dear Savior. 

The two Tri-State spring banquets were held on March 13 at the camp and on March 21 at Hardingville. A delicious meal was served at both banquets, followed by an encouraging report and update by Director Chris Jenkins. Each night ended with a challenge from the Word of God. While the offering was less than last year, we praise the Lord for the gifts of His people towards the septic project. The septic issue remains a significant challenge to the camp and fellowship. Therefore, I urge you to ask the Lord to give wisdom and provide guidance in this matter.  

The Executive Committee met at Tri-State on April 3. Following a nice meal served by the camp, President Dan convened the committee into business session to consider the matters of the camp and fellowship. Much time was devoted to the septic issue. There was a large group from several churches to participate in the work retreat on Saturday. In fact, some adults and young people came early and also worked on Friday. We praise the Lord for those who faithfully serve the Lord in their local churches, on the executive committee, and/or at the camp.  

With the arrival of spring and hopefully warmer weather, our thoughts turn to the spring retreats at Tri-State. There is still time to register for the final Ladies’ Retreat on April 24-25 with Jan Christianson from Greenville, SC. The Men’s Retreat is scheduled for May 15-16 with Evangelist Mark Kittrell. Family Camp will be held from August 2-8 with Rev. Craig Griffith. If you need more information or registration forms, call Chris at the camp. 

A look ahead! The dates for our Annual Conference are August 10-13. The FFBC will celebrate its 70^th anniversary and Tri-State its 60^th year. May this be a memorable conference as we rehearse God’s faithfulness and remember His matchless love and amazing grace. Pastors, please send Glenn Doughty information and pictures of your church for this significant milestone. 

Serving Christ together,

Terry R. Smith – National Representative

FFBC Link – April 2009

From the President

Luke 24:32 “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” My favorite account of the resurrection appearance of Christ in the Scripture is found in Luke 24:13-35.  It was a great blessing to my heart when I was in Israel to be on the Emmaus Road.  As I walked along the road and took in the sights, smells and sounds as I felt the gravel under my feet, I could not help but think what it must have been like to walk on this very road with the resurrected Messiah? What was it like to hear the Lord open the Scriptures and tell of His death and resurrection? What was it like to partake in a meal with the Lord? And what was it like when He was revealed to them? We are told in verse 32 that there was something special that happened when this mysterious man spoke with them. Their hearts burned within them. O my dear friends, we need hearts that are aflame for our resurrected Savior! What was it that set their hearts aflame? It was the words of the Lord Jesus as He talked with them. And what did He talk to them about? He taught them of His death and resurrection from Moses to the prophets or from Genesis to Malachi. No wonder their hearts burned within them as they heard the Master Teacher survey the Old Testament while teaching its Christological content. My dear friend, is your heart ablaze for the Savior? Does your heart burn within you as He speaks to you through His Word, or as you hear His Word preached? If the fire has gone out, ask the Lord to rekindle it. Ask Him to give you a fire that burns within. Ask Him to come alongside as you journey on your “Emmaus Road.” Then go and tell others “what things were done in the way. ”

Around the FFBC

FFBC West: Brother Brent Snow serving the Lord in California has asked us to pray for their Good Friday Service and their evangelistic meetings with Barry Webb, April 19-May 1.

Did you get your copy of Today’s Christian Preacher and read the article about Pastor Steve Snavely and his ministry in NY. He will be available to autograph your copy at Annual Conference, so make sure you bring it.

70th Anniversary Information This coming Annual Conference we will be celebrating our 70th anniversary. Please send Pastor Glenn Doughty information and pictures of your church.

Executive Committee Meeting Friday April 3rd, 6 pm at Tri-State: Please call Chris for dinner reservations (6pm), the meeting will start at 7 pm sharp. Also, please try to stay Saturday for the work retreat. I know that this will be a great encouragement to the staff.

TSBC News Retreats Work Retreat: April 3-4 Ladies Retreats: April 17-18, and April 24-25 (filling up fast) Men’s Retreat: May 15-16 (Please call and make your reservations)

Golf Outing Friday May 8: Tri-State will be hosting its first golf outing at the Town and Country golf links in Woodstown, NJ on Friday May 8, 2009. If you are interested in participating as a player, a sponsor or just by coming to the luncheon and silent auction, please call the camp or visit us online www.tristatebiblecamp.org/golf-outing.html All proceeds will go to further the ministry of the camp.

TSBC is in need of several staff members for the summer of 09. If any young people 16 or older would like to be part of this ministry please contact the Camp.

The FFBC LINK is sent electronically or by mail each month to the churches in the FFBC and some interested friends. Any news items should be forwarded to Dan Boyce at boyce@cleaninter.net by the end of the month. www.ffbcblog.wordpress.com

Report from the Rep – Jan-Feb 2008

Dear Brethren,

Spurgeon wrote in his devotional book, Morning and Evening, for February 11, “A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. You have read lives of Christ…but the best life of Christ is His living biography, written out in the words and actions of His people…A Christian should be like Christ in his boldness. Never blush to own your religion…Imitate Him in your loving spirit; think kindly, speak kindly, and do kindly…Imitate Jesus in His holiness. Was He zealous for His master?…Was He self-denying, never looking to His own interest?…Was He devout? Be you fervent in your prayers. Had He deference to His Father’s will? So submit yourselves to Him. Was He patient; so learn to endure. And…as the highest portraiture of Jesus, try to forgive your enemies, as He did…Be godlike, then; in all ways and by all means, so live that all may say of you, “He has been with Jesus.”

Several faithful warriors associated with our fellowship have been promoted to heaven since my last report. Brother Joe Charles, a ministerial member of the FFBC living in South Dakota, leaves behind his wife, Michele. Lucy (Dottie) Lowdon, widow of Pastor Elwood Lowden and sister to Pastor James McCoy, was a long time resident at McCoy Manor on the campus of Tri-State. Grace English Wilson was a devoted friend of our fellowship and camp. She was the mother of Ardie Racite and grandmother to the treasurer of the FFBC, Pastor Stephen Racite. Please pray for their loved ones at this time.

My own mother, Elizabeth F. Smith, answered His summons on February 11 at the age of 98. Her funeral was held on Monday, February 16, in Salem, NJ. God allowed her entire family to attend the service and rejoice in her home going. We praise the Lord for the expressions of sympathy and prayer from many in our fellowship and our own church family.

Two spring banquets are scheduled for Tri-State Bible Camp. The first one will be held on March 13 at the camp, starting at 7 PM. Gary Myers from Biblical Baptist Church in Meshoppen, PA is the speaker. The second banquet is set for March 21 at 6 PM in the Hardingville Bible Church. Terry Smith, National Representative of the FFBC, will speak. While there is no cost for the dinner, an offering will be received to assist with the septic project at the camp. Pray for your personal participation in this special opportunity to financially support Tri-State.

The Executive Committee Meeting will convene at Tri-State on April 3 at 7 PM. Dinner will precede the meeting at 6. Please call Chris with your dinner reservations. Attendees are also encouraged to stay over for the work retreat on Saturday. Let’s mark the calendar: plan, prepare, and pray for a good meeting.

After a four month medical leave, Mark Franklin returned to his study at Hardingville on January 12 and preached his first Sunday sermon on January 18. The church family is grateful to the Lord for answered prayer and God’s enablement for him to resume his ministry so quickly after major surgery, there was great unity and cooperation among the congregation, staff, and deacons during this special time.

The FFBC will celebrate its 70^th anniversary at the Annual Conference from August 10-13. Pastors, please send Glenn Doughty information and pictures of your church for this historic observance.

Serving Christ together,

Terry R. Smith – National Representative

Fellowship Link – February 2009

From the President

Psalm 116:15: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.  

What a comfort this verse is for those who have saved loved ones who have gone to be with the Lord. Their death is precious to Him. That word in the Hebrew means valuable. Their death has value to Him. This is quite a difference from the world’s concept of death. But we don’t sorrow as those who have no hope. Our hope is in the Lord.

During these past months a few of the Lord’s faithful servants associated with our fellowship have gone home to be with the Lord. 

Pastor James Joseph Charles: Brother Joe was a ministerial member of the FFBC, he pastored 4 churches in NJ and PA, he was a board member of Worldwide European Fellowship, as well as a field director and missionary in Germany.  He taught at Frontier School of the Bible in Wyoming, and Cornerstone Bible Institute in SD. Please pray for his wife Michele. 

Mrs. Lucy (Dottie) Lowden: Dottie was the widow of Pastor Elwood Lowden who pastored Lake Tract BP Church, Palestine BP Church, and Pine Island Bible Church. Elwood and Dottie also served as missionaries to the Philippines with BP Missions. Dottie was also sister to Pastor James McCoy and long time resident at the McCoy Manor. Please pray for her son Jay. 

Mrs. Grace Wilson (English):

Grace was a long time friend of the Fellowship as well as the Camp. She was the mother of Ardie Racite, and Grandmother of Pastor Stephen Racite.  Please pray for the Racite family. 

Mr. Larry Forest: brother Larry was a faithful member of Faith Fellowship Baptist Church.  Please pray for his wife Rae.

 

Dan Boyce

Around the FFBC 

70^th Anniversary Information

This coming Annual Conference we will be celebrating our 70^th anniversary. Please send Pastor Glenn Doughty information and pictures of your church. He has sent out two emails requesting information and has received only four responses. Please consider participating in this event. 

Executive Committee Meeting

Friday April 3^rd, 6 pm at Tri-State: Please call Chris for dinner reservations (6pm), the meeting will start at 7 pm sharp. Also, please try to stay Saturday for the work retreat. I know that this will be a great encouragement to the staff. 

TSBC News 

Banquets

Friday March 13: at Tri State Bible Camp, speaker Rev. Gary Myers, banquet begins at 7 pm. 

Saturday March 21: at Hardingville Bible Church, speaker Dr. Terry Smith, banquet begins at 6 pm.  

Retreats

Work Retreat: April 3-4

Ladies Retreats: April 17-18, and April 24-25 (filling up fast)

Men’s Retreat: May 15-16 

Golf Outing

Friday May 8: Tri-State will be hosting its first golf outing at the Town and Country golf links in Woodstown, NJ on Friday May 8, 2009. Outing will start with a shotgun start at 8 am. If you are interested in participating as a player, a sponsor or just by coming to the luncheon, please call the camp office at (973) 293-3522 for Registration materials. More information is also available online at www.tristatebiblecamp.org/golf-outing.html 

Check out the Camps updated webpage at www.tristatebiblecamp.org 
 

1 The FFBC LINK is sent electronically or by mail each month to the churches in the FFBC and some interested friends. Any news items should be forwarded to Dan Boyce at boyce@cleaninter.net by the end of the month.