Fellowship Link – May 2010

FELLOWSHIP LINK

Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches

284 Whig Lane Road, Monroeville, NJ 08343

Phone: 856.881.0057

May 2010

Around the FFBC

Barrington, NJ

It was a blessing to talk with Pastor Rich Archut recently and hear that he has finished his round of treatments. While

he is experiencing fatigue, he is thankful that he did not experience many other complications. His doctors are encouraged, and Pastor Rich will await more details on his condition after testing. Praise God for what He has done and continue to pray for Rich.

Montague, NJ

I have heard several praise reports about the 2 Ladies Retreats and 1 Men’s Retreat held at Tri-State. The speakers were a blessing, the fellowship was sweet, and the food was great. It’s not over with the retreats! There are several summer camps scheduled for children, teens, and families.

We also have our Annual Session in August. Get to www.tristatebiblecamp.org to get the information on all of these events. Pastors, if you need financial help to attend the Annual Session, help is available, let Terry Smith or myself know of your need.

Also, remember the Pastor’s Pray Day on June 15.

Pine Island, NY

The Pine Island Bible Church leaders are busy making prayerful decisions regarding

God’s choice of their next pastor. Please keep them in your prayers.

Carney’s Point, NJ

The Truth Bible Church and the Bethel Bible Baptist Church families will be joining together for a “Hymn Sing” on Sunday, May 30. The service begins at 6:00 p.m. Pastor David Field will be sharing the Word and refreshments will be served.

Alexandria, VA

The Lamberson family recently visited Carol Meisky in Va. She was excited to see them. Carol will be turning 90. Cards

can be sent to 2603 Van Dorn St., Alexandria, VA 22302.

Atco, NJ

Pastor Al Martin just learned that he is going to have to undergo major surgery to have a lump in his chest removed.

Once the lump is removed, a biopsy will be done. Pray.

Salisbury, MD

Pastor Frank Sansone reports that God continues to bless the Fellowship Baptist Church. He also has written some articles speaking to concerns in fundamentalism. You can read them on his blog. (http://athinkingmansthoughts.blogspot.com)

From God’s Word

In Genesis 15:1-6, God came to Abram at a time when he was facing the fear of Chedorlaomer’s revenge and

the frustration of understanding how God was going to keep His promised provision of a seed. God told Abram that he did not need to be afraid. The same God who conquered Abram’s fears can conquer ours. God also told Abram that He was his shield. The protection of  God was sufficient for Abram and is sufficient for us. Most importantly, God told Abram that He (God himself) was his (Abram’s) “exceedingly great reward.” God Himself was a greater reward than the land promised to Abram. God Himself was greater that the son who would be born in otherwise impossible  circumstances. Coming to the place where we believe that God Himself is a greater reward than anyone or anything else in our lives and that He alone can calm our fears and be our shield is evidence of faith that is counted for righteousness.  It is the only faith that saves, and it is the only faith by which we can serve God.

TSBC News

Summer Camps

Teen Camp 1: July 5-10

Teen Camp 2: July 12-17

Junior Camp 1: July 19-24

Junior Camp 2: July 26-31

Family Camp: August 1-7

Annual Session: August 9-12

 The Link is written by Pastor Joe Roof and sent out monthly to the churches, pastors, delegates, and friends of the FFBC. Please send all questions and suggestions to pastor@calvarybaptistministries.com.

http://www.ffbcblog.wordpress.com

Fellowship Link – April 2010

FELLOWSHIP LINK

Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches
284 Whig Lane Road, Monroeville, NJ 08343
Phone: 856.881.0057

April 2010

Around the FFBC
Westville, NJ

The Bible Church of Westville hosted their annual Easter Sunrise Service in the park across the street from the church. Pastor Doughty
reported that it was the best Sunrise Service ever.

Hardingville, NJ

Hardingville Bible Church recently started a “Young Mother’s Time Out” ministry which God is using to be a blessing to several ladies.

Pastor and Mrs. Franklin will be spending 11 days in Greece beginning April 22. We congratulate the Gloucester County Christian School for
placing first in competitions in the State of NJ. 51 students will be going to BJU to compete in the national academic competition of the
AACS.

Mannington, NJ

The Truth Bible Church held their “Recognition Sunday” on April 11. Pastor Franklin preached and Pastor David Field led the flock in formally
organizing as a local church.

The church adopted their name, charter membership, constitution, statement of faith, and a few other items. The decisions were unanimous. I still remember discussing this burden to plant a church with Pastor Franklin and other members of Hardingville several years ago and I am excited to see what God is doing.

Whitefield, NH

On April 11, the Victory Baptist Church, newly planted under the leadership of Pastor Dan Boyce, held their first service in their new meeting place. There were 5 first-time visitors in that service. The
Executive Committee recently decided to commit $100.00 a month support from the FFBC as we want to encourage the Boyces and the Victory Baptist Family in this new work. Dan will be speaking at the Calvary Baptist Missions Conference in Albany on Friday, April 30.

Bradford, PA

Dr. Bill Raymond, Pastor of the Faith Baptist Church in Bradford, PA, requests prayer for their upcoming revival meetings with Evangelist Ken
Lynch. Please ask the Lord to send a genuine revival to the church family that will also spread throughout the community of Bradford.

Cornwall, NY

The recent Executive Committee meeting was held at the Cornwall Baptist Church in Cornwall, NY where Stephen Racite serves as the
Pastor. God blessed the meeting with a spirit of prayer, unity, and wisdom. Sarah Racite made an incredible meal and we are thankful for the kindness that the church and the Racites displayed in hosting this meeting.

From God’s Word

In Acts 2:36, Peter preached that the Risen Savior is the Lord! Let me challenge you to remember that the church is God’s church, not yours.  I love the images of Christ’s authority in the church. In Ephesians 1:22-23, He is the Head of the body, His church. In Ephesians 2:19-22 He is the Chief Cornerstone Who is building His Church.  In Ephesians 5, the Lord is pictured as the Husband of the church which is His bride. In other Scriptures, He is pictured as the Bridegroom Who could return at any  moment to receive His bride! With these images in mind, let us make sure He is truly the one leading and directing us to do His work!

TSBC News

Retreats

Ladies Retreat 1: April 16-17

Mrs. Holly Stratton

Ladies Retreat 2: April 23-24

Mrs. Patti Appleby

Get those registrations in soon!

Men’s Retreat: May 14-15

Dr. John Goetsch

Day of Prayer: Pastor Racite would like to organize a special Pastor’s Day of Prayer during the staff training week.

Let him know if June 15 or 17 would work the best for you.

The Link is written by Pastor Joe Roof and sent out monthly to the churches, pastors, delegates, and friends of the FFBC. Please send all questions and suggestions to pastor@calvarybaptistministries.com.

www.ffbcblog.wordpress.com

Fellowship Link – December 2009

From the President 

The Hypostatic Union

I Timothy 3:16 “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh…” 

Truly the relationship between the human and divine in Christ will remain a mystery to us. We do not have any analogies to it in our own nature or experience. But the fact of the mystery must not deter us from accepting by faith the constant biblical teaching. Hypostatic means nature, so, the hypostatic union is the two natures (divine and human) forming one person in the Lord Jesus Christ. Apart from this union Christ could not have been Mediator between God and man. If He was only man, his death could not have atoned for mankind’s sin. If He was only God He could not die, since God cannot die. If He had not been man, He would not have had a genuine link with humanity and would not have had perfect sympathy with man (Hebrews 4:14-16). The eternal Son of God did not join Himself with a human person, but with a human nature. Luke 1:35 and Hebrews 10:5 teach that the person already existed in God the Son from eternity past. In the union of the divine and human in Christ, each of the natures retained their own attributes. Deity did not permeate humanity, nor did humanity become absorbed into deity. He was Theanthropic (God-Man) in person. Christ never spoke of Himself as two people, only as One (John 8:18); One person, two natures. We see the uniqueness of Jesus in the following passages. Romans 1:3-4, verse 3 His humanity “the seed of David”, and verse 4 His deity “the Son of God”. Galatians 4:4, His deity “God sent forth His Son”, and His humanity “made of a woman”. Philippians 2:6-7, verse 6 His deity “being in the form of God”, and verse 7 His humanity “form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men”.  

So this Christmas may we meditate upon this great mystery, “God was manifest in the flesh,” and may we like the great hymn writer Charles Wesley sing His praise “Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the ever lasting Lord: Late in time, behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the God-head see, hail the incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.” 

Merry Christmas,

Dan Boyce 

Around the FFBC 

At our last Executive Committee meeting on Dec. 4, I resigned as president of the FFBC, and Pastor Joe Roof is now the new president.  

The reason for my resignation is the Lord has led Sandy and me to plant a church in the north-western part of New Hampshire. We will be 300 miles away from TSBC and it will be difficult to spend the time needed to effectively minister as president while starting a new church. It has been a great privilege to serve the Lord in this capacity, and we look forward to what the Lord will continue to do through the FFBC in the future. We look forward to seeing you all at Annual Conference in August. 

Cassville: The church in Cassville has been sold and there are church furnishings available for FFBC churches and ministers. If you have a need, or are interested please contact Pastor Cotton for information. 

TSBC News 

Retreats

Winter Weekend 1: Jan. 15-16

Evangelist Seth Ferguson

Winter Weekend 2: Jan. 22-23

Pastor Frank Sansone

Sweethearts Getaway: Feb. 5-6

Dr. Allan Griffith 

Get those registrations in soon! 

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.

www.ffbcblog.wordpress.com

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

http://www.ffbc.wc

Fellowship 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.

Fellowship 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.

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 – November 2008

From the President

Proverbs 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap: but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD”

In these difficult and uncertain days in which we live, I am glad that I serve a God who is in total control. Aren’t you glad of that as well?  In these last few weeks I have found comfort in passages such as Psalm 2; Daniel 4:34-35; 5:21b; Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7; and I Timothy 2:1-2. Please take the time to read them for yourself.

I have been studying Proverbs 16:33 lately. The lot was a small pebble or stone that sometimes had names, or the words yes and no written on them. This ancient practice was used in deciding difficult and doubtful things. The lots were placed in a cap or urn and thrown into the folds of the judge’s robe. This event, though casual to men, we are told, was directed by God. The word disposing means a verdict or judgment. Sometimes what seemed like chance to men was actually God’s disposing.

So remember when you enter the voting booth this Tuesday and cast your lot (vote), God already has chosen who the next President of the United States will be.  You may ask, “Why vote if God already has chosen?”  Because there are times that God works through people. Democracy needs people for it to work, people who get out and vote. So let’s do our part, because I am sure that God will do His part.

Around the FFBC

Pastor’s fellowship
South Jersey meetings: Nov. 11, 9 am at the Gateway Diner (Westville). The speakers are Ron Whitehead and Robert Bowman Esq. Dec 2, 6 pm Christmas dinner at the Archuts. RSVP by Nov. 22 to Donna to know what she wants you to bring.
PA & NY meeting: Nov 11 pastors and wives’ fellowship 12 noon at the Country Cupboard in Lewistown PA. Please contact Gary Myers

Prayer Time
It has been suggested that we in the FFBC would set aside Fridays at 12:00 Noon for a special time of praying for God to send revival to us: individually, as churches, and as a Fellowship. Also, if there are special prayer requests you would like to share, please email them to Pastor Gary Myers at myersbbc@epix.net by Thursday evening. He will then forward them to those who wish to participate in this special weekly time of prayer.

Prayer Requests
Please remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling with and recovering from cancer.

Pray for Tuesdays elections, and our brother Brent Snow reminds us to pray for the marriage amendment on the ballot in California.

TSBC News

Work Retreat: Nov. 7-8
Free: Don’t forget to call and reserve your space at the upcoming work retreat. Projects that we can help with are the chapel floor, cut and split firewood, and winterizing some of the buildings.

TSBC Cookbook
TSBC is trying to put together a cookbook of some of the favorite recipes from around the FFBC. All recipes should be submitted to Michelle Jenkins michelle@tristatebiblecamp.org

or by mail to 2 River Road, Montague, NJ 07827. We are looking to collect over 150 recipes, so please send your favorite ones in soon. We are looking for recipes for soups, salads, breads, main dishes, side dishes, and deserts. These cookbooks will be made available for purchase after the completion of the book.

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