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JACKSONVILLE, FL – I’ll always remember the pre-retirement seminar I attended a full seven years before what would have been my normal retirement date. I’d given thirty-five years of my life to a large corporation. And the prospects of being retired sounded bleak: loss of influence, reduced responsibility, and being relegated to nonessential tasks. It was then that my wife and I began discussing the possibility of serving in missions during retirement. We were overwhelmed with a desire to not give God only the leftovers of our lives. We did not want to wait seven more years. When I announced the Lord was calling us to retire early and serve as missionaries, several friends, coworkers, and some family questioned us in love because of the magnitude of the decision. God graciously reassured us it was right many times during the process. We landed overseas in 2002, and for the next six years, we wore many different hats. Our team opened a bookstore and art gallery as part of its ministry, and I worked in both. We also led volunteer coordination for the short-term teams and individuals who came to work with us. Although we eventually had to return to the United States to care for our aging mothers, we would not trade our six years on the field for anything. Learning the Language Serving as a retiree had its advantages and challenges. One of the most obvious challenges was language acquisition. It was without a doubt the most difficult part for us and is so for many seniors. From hardening auditory ossicles to memory retention, the struggles were real. On the bright side, there are many roles needed on the field that require less language skill, thankfully. But, relationship-building skills often depend on speaking to neighbors and new friends in their own language. It is what brings you into their circle—their lives. “We believe the Lord created divine appointments with others who needed the gospel.” As in so many other ways, we seniors were given grace with our language skills. Any effort by us seemed to be applauded, and core words and sentences began to surface when needed. Presence, compassion, and love also go a long way in supplementing meager language skills. We believe the Lord created divine appointments with others who needed the gospel. Even with deficient language skills, we only needed to allow ourselves to be used. Leaving Family and Creating a New One One of the greatest concerns we had when we began to think about long-term service on the field was being away from our children and grandchildren. What we later discovered was the young missionaries became like our kids and their kids our grandkids. And not surprisingly, our children back in the States grew in their faith and trust in the Lord. It turned out to be a blessing for us all. Although we’re easily reminded we’re not the youngest in the room, our day-to-day processes with our new missionary family made us feel and act many years younger than we are. The love and grace of the families we adopted and who adopted us sustained us. We were not unlike grandchildren—you can enjoy them and then give them back. They did that with us, and it was completely okay. Missionary Inadequacy Perhaps one of the most common issues faced by missionaries is an inadequacy in skills and proficiency in the work of the gospel. I have long admired the young missionaries who give themselves, their education, their very futures to the Lord in service. And quite honestly, I felt inadequate in those areas. A simple phrase changed that for me when it’s meaning finally settled in: God can use you. It is clear throughout Scripture that God uses whom he pleases, how he pleases, prepares them for the work, and equips them to carry it out. God prepared for me more than I imagined or deserved. And he is preparing you as well for the work to which you’ve been called as you seek to serve him. If you are a retiree and considering serving on the mission field, try not to let yourself be victim to illogical thinking—that God can’t use you. The inclusion of the words “God can’t” in that statement should expose the error in such thinking. God, the creator of heaven and earth, can use you, even when you don’t see how. “God, the creator of heaven and earth, can use you, even when you don’t see how.” When we were wrestling with a possible change, we called the IMB and asked if they needed someone our ages with our specific backgrounds. Retail management and nursing seemed far from what you need to be effective missionaries. However, we were excited to discover that with the diversity of mission needs around the world, and the outstanding training the IMB provides, they could not only use us, there were actually current requests for missionaries with our skill sets. Who knew?! Well, God did. And he knows about you too. Be open to how God may use you and understand that it very well may be in ways you absolutely do not expect. My Sunday School class lives vicariously through my wife’s and my accounts of our time living and serving as missionaries. It was a wonderful time in our lives. Many of our retired friends have never traveled abroad, or at least don’t do so at this time of life. Likewise, were it not for our short-term mission trips back to the country we love, it would sometimes seem to be the distant past. Who could have possibly thought that the past six years would have been so rewarding? Our only regret is that we didn’t do this sooner. But we know that God led us each step of the way. He will do the same for you. And if you are like us, it will be the best decision of your life. ABOUT THE AUTHOR David and his wife have been married for thirty-eight years and have two children and seven grandchildren. After taking early retirement from a large retail corporation, David served with the IMB. Since then he was an associate pastor and administrator in Louisiana, and is now an associate pastor for pastoral care in Jacksonville, Florida. He is still looking for where God can use him. #DECEMBER17

1) The total budget approved (the overall budget amount for the coming fiscal year) and percentage increase or decrease from last year of the total budget. $2,693,073 for 2018 Budget. That is a 31% increase over last year's budget. 2) Anticipated Cooperative Program (CP) receipts from churches; anticipated receipts from LifeWay; anticipated receipts from NAMB. Anticipated Receipts: $1,340,000 CP from churches; $68,262 from LifeWay; $701,000 from NAMB. 3) CP percentages, as well as dollar amounts, that the state convention is allocating for state Cooperative Program ministries and for SBC Cooperative Program ministries. 27.5% Cooperative Program, $368,500. 4) Whether those CP percentages were changed during this year's annual meeting. While adopting the 2018 BSCM Budget, we voted to remove the Shared Ministry Items, thereby increasing the actual dollars going to missions. We will be giving 27.5% of the total Cooperative Program money from the Michigan Baptists which is an increase in dollars given to missions over last year's budget. 5) Any budget provisions (percentages as well as dollar amounts) for shared expenses. No, the Baptist State Convention of Michigan leadership in consultation with Frank Page, Executive Committee, led the Convention to remove the Shared Ministry Items from the 2018 BSCM Budget. Election of officers, including: 1) president, first and second vice president and recording secretary; 2) whether any of these were re-elected; 3) titles at their churches (pastor or member) as well as the name of each of church and its city; 4) in cases of two or more nominees for an office, please give the names of the other nominees, along with his/her title, church, city; 6) vote totals for elections with two or more nominees and for any subsequent runoffs. President: Jerome Taylor, re-elected, Pastor of Eastgate Baptist Church, 4226 East Atherton Rd, Burton, 48519. 1st Vice President: Scott Blanchard, re-elected, Pastor of Lakepointe Church, Meets at Lutheran High School, 16825 24 Mile Road, Macomb, MI 48042. 2nd Vice President: Larry Johnson, newly elected, Pastor of Middlebelt Baptist Church, 943 Middlebelt Road, Inkster, MI 48141. Recording Secretary: Roy Henry, re-elected, Pastor of Faith Baptist Church, 13840 South Helmer Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Assistant Recording Secretary: Eli Garza, re-elected, Pastor 1st Spanish Baptist Church, 3495 Livernoi Road, Detroit, MI 48210. Theme: The Power of ONE! Host Church: Middlebelt Baptist Church, 943 Middlebelt Rd, Inkster, MI 48141. Total Messengers and Churches Represented: 109 messengers out of 53 churches (23 guests) Total Baptist State Convention of Michigan Churches: 314 Dates and location of next year's (2018) meeting: November 6-7, 2018; Grace Church, 2692 North Dettman Road, Jackson, MI 48201 with Host Pastor James Walling. Baptist Press provides a summary report of every state convention. Baptist Press is located in Nashville, TN. For more information please contact the BSCM offices. (810) 714-1907 or info@bscm.org. #DECEMBER17

WHEREAS, in light of the tragic and horrific attack at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Texas, during a worship service on Sunday, November 5, 2017; WHEREAS, we mourn for and with our brothers and sisters in Christ there, weeping with those who weep (Romans 12:15); WHEREAS, the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has graciously ministered to these grieving families by offering to cover the funeral expenses for each victim of this tragedy; WHEREAS, there is no way to explain why this heartbreaking event occurred without the Scripture’s teaching about the sinfulness of humanity (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Psalm 14:1; Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:3; Psalm 51:5); Therefore, be it RESOLVED that we unite in prayer for our brothers and sisters at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Texas, as they wrestle with their grief and pain, struggling with the sudden and painful loss of their family, friends, brothers, and sisters in the faith; Be it further RESOLVED that where sin and evil greatly abounded in Sutherland Springs, Texas, in the events of November 5, 2017, we proclaim on the authority of God’s Word that the grace of God will abound even more to the comfort of God’s people (Romans 5:20), such that they will possess a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) that will serve to point people to the exceeding comfort, mercy, love, and grace of Christ Jesus our Lord; Be it further RESOLVED that what a single man intended for evil, God our loving Father will cause to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28); Be it further RESOLVED that we affirm and give thanks to our Lord for the leadership and compassion of the North American Mission Board as it has demonstrated a deep love for our grieving brothers and sisters; Be it further RESOLVED that we shall diligently work to bring about true unity between individuals by showing them the only source of that unity, the reconciliation of God and man through Jesus Christ, and we urge our Convention leadership to facilitate these efforts within our communities, state, nation, and world; And be it further RESOLVED that the messengers to the 60th Annual Meeting of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan affirm that the only solution for such events is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and so are united in our desire to see the kingdom of God advance through the power of the Gospel, which is the power of God to save men, women, and children as well as the only way to be reconciled to God, and committed in our efforts to see people transformed by the grace of God through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ for His glory alone. Dr. David Roberts Chairman, Committee on Resolutions For more information please contact the BSCM offices. (810) 714-1907 or info@bscm.org. #DECEMBER17

WHEREAS, The messengers to the 60th session of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan are enjoying a time of worship, encouragement, and fellowship in the Lord Jesus Christ; and WHEREAS, We acknowledge God’s providence in all these blessings; and WHEREAS, We also acknowledge the kind hospitality of our brothers and sisters at Middlebelt Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, We further acknowledge our State Convention staff, volunteers from State Convention churches, associational leaders, and SBC entities who have worked so diligently to make our annual meeting an organized and pleasant one; and WHEREAS, We especially acknowledge the Lord’s grace in enabling our State Convention president, officers, various committees, musicians, and other platform personnel to conduct the affairs of this Convention with dignity and a Christ-like spirit; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the messengers to the 60th Annual Baptist State Convention meeting in Inkster, Michigan November 7-8, 2017, express our profound gratitude to the Lord and to all those through whom He is working to bring about an annual meeting characterized by prayer, grace, evangelism, worship, encouragement, cooperation, and purpose as we celebrate 60 years of God’s work through and among Southern Baptists in Michigan. Dr. David Roberts Chairman, Committee on Resolutions For more information please contact the BSCM offices. (810) 714-1907 or info@bscm.org. #DECEMBER17

FENTON, MI – Well folks, this is the season when we celebrate the birth of our Lord with all sorts of traditions, parties, food and gifts. It truly is the happiest time of the year. As I reflect on Christmases past my heart and mind are filled with childhood memories of cold December nights when it was so hard to go to sleep, and then wide eyed Christmas mornings that glistened with the wonder of tinsel laden trees and Christmas wishes wrapped in colorful paper. I can still smell the strong scent of an evergreen tree and the sweet, citrus aroma of fresh fruit. My mother would always buy the largest oranges and apples she could find, and fill our stockings with those and other candies. And of course, the comforting fragrance of a perfectly roasted turkey settled in around it all. Throughout the years I have received all sorts of gifts and gadgets at Christmas, but as a young boy a gift that became one of my most memorable was a pet hamster. I had seen a whole family of them in our local “five & dime” with their labyrinth of tubes and tunnels, and I just had to have one of these energized entertainers. Sure enough, Christmas morning came and there, under the tree was my very own hamster and self-contained habitat. Inside this rodent residence was a complete gymnasium of gadgets to keep the most lethargic and sedentary of fuzzy friends healthy and happy. Right in the center of all this menagerie of moving parts was an enormous wire wheel where upon my new found friend could race and run for hours on end. And run he did. In the middle of the night when all self-respecting relatives of the rat family should be fast asleep, ol’ fleet of foot would be running his race to nowhere. The first night of our new family member’s stay in the home, my dad got up to try and find out why the refrigerator or our home heating unit had suddenly developed an annoying squeak. It took him several sleepless nights until he discovered it was “Herman the Hamster” and his midnight marathons that were disturbing our long winter naps. Herman would get in his “nowhere wheel” and run for hours on end. He would then get off, have a bite to eat, rest, get a drink of water and then begin again. I never could figure out why he put so much energy into something that left him in the same place he started. Have you ever felt like Herman the Hamster? That life was going nowhere fast, and all you had to look forward to was another round in the marathon wheel of a monotonous life? Have you been scurrying about with all your Christmas traditions, trying to produce some modicum of fulfillment, and still find yourself going in circles? Is it possible that you have been quoting Old Testament passages like, “Vanity. Vanity. All is vanity.” There is a better Way. There is a Way that doesn’t leave you dizzy, dazed and desiring more. There is a Way that doesn’t make you feel like a termite in a YO-YO. There is a Way that has a destination of hope, peace, and fulfillment. That Way is He who was born in a manger on that wonderful Christmas morning more than 2000 years ago. And our Lord is the one who has come to provide for us hope, peace, and purpose in life. Let me invite you to get off the “wheel of misfortune” and step on to the Road of Life that leads to purpose and peace. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” The Gift of Christmas awaits and believe me, it’s much better than a hamster. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board. #DECEMBER17

FENTON, MI – Someone reported that an average professional football game lasts 3 hours and 12 minutes, but if you tally up the time when the ball is actually in play, the action amounts to a mere 11 minutes. Do you find that unbelievable? I did at first, but it’s true. Consider this: It is reported that most professional football teams play between 60-70 plays per game with each play lasting a mere 6-7 seconds. That further verifies that when we watch those gridiron matches that we are actually watching a lot of things other than football. How does that make you feel? Three hours of other things and only 11 minutes of actual game time. Yet millions of people anticipate, prepare, watch, and talk about the aftermath of football games, day after day, throughout our country. Owners spend millions trying to make their teams better. Superior athletes work hard to become one of the elite players wearing pads while running up and down a field 100 yards long. I will admit it. Despite the obvious waste of time, I still like football better than other sports. I enjoy the sense of anticipation with every play. Special teams might return a punt or kick the entire length of the field. Defense might cause a turnover that will change the momentum of the game. The quarterback and receiver might connect on a seemingly impossible catch for six points. Twenty-two men completing their respective assignments to either advance or impede the football. Can the game be that simple?! As we approach the celebration of Christmas and the threshold of a new year, let’s consider the impact of 11 minutes of game time and the playing time of 6-7 seconds. I’m not talking about football any more; I’m talking about spiritual matters. At the annual state convention, Pastor Mike Durbin, (mike@bscm.org or 810-714-1907) introduced an outstanding outreach method unique to Michigan. You can locate it at bscm.org/mimoment - it uses the two peninsulas and the Mackinac Bridge to express the good news of Jesus Christ. There are items to download and use in the church or with a small group. Mike will come to the church or association, and lead a training event if you invite him. I believe Mike has created an outstanding witnessing method that is easy to use, and will be interesting to those who need Christ. The outline is simple: One story One verse One illustration I also think the method is attractive because it uses audio and video recordings that anyone can download using their smartphone. Imagine all of the people in the church prayed-up and prepared for an 11 minute discussion. If all of the members of the churches started using this method throughout the state, it would change our communities. Imagine what would happen if members of the church dedicated certain evenings to go out and share their faith with others. One of the easiest, low-risk ways to use this system is to pass someone a business card. That might take 6-7 seconds. Sound familiar? That interaction, lasting mere seconds, could be a game-changer for someone’s eternity. You or someone in the church, having downloaded their testimony on audio or video format, can pass a business card onto someone asking them, “I know you don’t have time now, but when you do, would you listen or watch this link on the card?” That request would only take 6-7 seconds. In high school, Mike and I played football. Though we were in the same graduating class of 77, Mike’s athletic ability gave him an edge. For example, Mike played on the JV Team while I played on the Freshmen Team. It was fun watching him run out of the backfield. Sometimes he carried the football, at other times he blocked for another running back. Regardless of his assignment, Mike gave it his all. I am confident you will find this new resource he’s created to be an invaluable tool for sharing Christ to those around you. Please, call or write to Mike asking him to help you advance the good news of Jesus Christ where you live, play, and work. Your 11 minutes and broken into 6-7 seconds moments will make the difference in someone’s life. For more information, visit bscm.org/mimoment. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #DECEMBER17

FENTON, MI – Christmas is in the air! Anticipation is growing in the hearts of God’s children (young and old) as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our King. For shepherds watching their flocks at night near Bethlehem, Christmas began with a good news conversation. “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). That conversation changed their lives as they made their way to Bethlehem to see the newborn Savior, Christ our Lord. It was an angel who got to share the first Gospel conversation. That privilege is now ours as followers of Jesus, and there’s no better time to share than now. Christmas is a time when many people are interested in spiritual conversations. Christmas is a time when talking about Jesus comes natural because the world over recognizes Christmas as Christ’s birthday. Southern Baptist Churches all across North America are joining together to take the Gospel Conversation Challenge. The goal is to have 1,000,000 Gospel Conversations by June, 2018. It’s a great challenge! But it is so much more than that. Focus not on the number, but on the lives you can touch with a conversation about heavenly matters. It all begins with you sharing your story and we call it - Mi-moment. Learn more at bscm.org/mimoment. Let me encourage you to signup your church to participate in the GC Challenge. It’s easy to do. Go to gcchallenge.com and do three things: 1. Make the pledge 2. Upload a 60 second video of your last Gospel Conversation 3. Download the Prayer Guide. We have resources at BSCM.org/sending to equip your church family to share the hope we have in Christ. Click on the link above to learn more about mi-moment. Contact mike@bscm.org if you have any questions. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil. #DECEMBER17

ROSCOMMON, MI – Greetings from Bambi Lake Retreat and Conference Center and Merry Christmas! As I am writing this the snow is lightly falling, and there is a quiet calm over all the camp. I imagine it is much like the night (no snow or course) the shepherds were gathered around a fire swapping sheep herding stories, and keeping watch over their flocks. This is one of my favorite scenes in the Christmas story. The gospel of Luke records it like this – “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.””Luke 2:8-11. Now I don’t know about you, but I have been in a field at night when all you can see and hear Is the fire and the wood cracklin’, and every sensory receptor in your body is on full alert. If an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared before me I’m sure I would have lost full control of my faculties and died right on the spot. At best I would have “freaked out” like the shepherds, and been paralyzed in fear. Wow! What an entrance! However, imagine their relief when this glorious angel said “Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people…” I love the fact that God the Father chose lowly shepherds to be the first hearers of this heavenly announcement. This message of hope was not restricted to the religious elite, socially favored, or financially secure. It did not single out only those who dressed to impress, or looked the prettiest. This clarion call did not resound for those of a particular ethnicity, skin color, privileged background or ancestry. THE GOOD NEWS AND GREAT JOY OF JESUS CHRIST WAS ANNOUNCED FOR ALL PEOPLE! HE WHO IS EVERYTHING CAME FOR EVERYONE! All people have been invited to join in and celebrate Christmas. From the very beginning of our Savior's life here on earth we witnessed the banner of love for all being heralded across the sky. We heard the heart of a loving, heavenly Father calling out to His creation declaring a provision of hope and redemption through His son, Jesus. As Christians we bear the responsibility of continuously declaring this Good News and Great Joy. In a world full of selfishness and sadness we have Good News and Joy to bring to those around us. In a culture filled with noise and hopeless messages the Gospel is the only announcement loud enough and powerful enough to stop people in their tracks, and captivate their heart and minds with a love and joy that changes everything. Celebrate Christmas by sharing the Good News and Great Joy of Jesus Christ! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mick Schatz serves on the staff of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. He is the State Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Retreats and lives at Bambi Lake. #DECEMBER17

ALPHARETTA, GA (BP) – When I met Dan Coleman a few years ago, he was a church planter with a vision for reaching the state of Maine for Jesus but he didn't have a lot of resources. Maine can be a lonely place for a church planter. There are only a handful of Southern Baptist churches, encompassing fewer than 1 percent of the population. Across Maine, only 22 percent of the population attend a church of any kind on a weekly basis. Still, God was working through Dan's church plant, and Kennebec Community Church in Augusta had grown to 200. In fact, they had outgrown their meeting space. A church building across town was for sale but the $1 million price tag was impossible for a church of Kennebec Community's size. Because of Southern Baptists' resources sent to the North American Mission Board through the Cooperative Program and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, NAMB is able to give loans to church plants like Dan's. Most commercial lenders would not touch a church plant but our in-house property buyer was able to negotiate the $1 million price down to $400,000 and we were able to provide the loan. Overnight, Kennebec Community Church went from a building with a capacity of 75 people to one that holds 500. The church now averages 1,100 in weekend services. This story is only possible because Dan is connected to the greater SBC family. I see the difference it makes every single day. Because of that connection, Dan is not alone. Now, his church is training several church planting interns who will soon be planting churches in the Northeast. This kind of a network means the world to our church planters and missionaries. Yes, they need financial resources, but even more importantly, they need prayer and to know they are not forgotten. I hope you will take a moment and visit PrayForPlanters.com. We will connect you with a missionary for whom you can pray. It's a simple, easy way you can start having an impact right now in pushing back lostness across North America. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kevin Ezell is president of the North American Mission Board. #NOVEMBER17

FENTON, MI – I am looking forward to our time together at the annual meeting of the Convention of Michigan November 7-8 at Middlebelt Baptist Church. We are launching an evangelism strategy called “Mi Moment.” It is all about believers sharing life’s greatest moment. We use Mi because it refers to Michigan Baptist believers sharing their moment of trusting Christ. “Mi Moment” equips followers of Jesus to talk naturally about their faith using three simple tools: One Story: People share stories everyday about what is happening in their lives all over Michigan. Some are about great moments of celebration. Others are about brokenness and tragedy. As people share the many moments in their lives, we have an opening as believers to share our greatest moment - the moment we trusted in Christ as our Lord and the difference He makes in our lives. Since it’s our story, we are the experts. We can speak with confidence, authority, and assurance knowing that God is pleased when we talk about Him. We can also know that God is at work in the life of the person to whom we are talking, and He brings people into our path with whom we are uniquely wired to connect. One Verse: MI-Moment uses one verse from the Bible to share the Gospel. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This verse is easy to remember and helps us share the Gospel message. Wages, sin, and death paint a dramatically different picture than gift, God, and eternal life. The difference between living in one reality or the other is Jesus Christ and our relationship to Him. It’s a vivid contrast, and only Jesus can move us from the one reality to the other as we commit our lives to Him as our Savior and Lord. One Illustration: Michigan is known for its two peninsulas, and the Mackinaw Bridge that unites them. The peninsulas are completely separated from each other by two of the largest lakes in the world. It’s impossible to go from the Lower to the Upper Peninsula by land from anywhere inside the state. It takes the five mile long Mackinac Bridge to unite them. This unique Michigan reality can be used as a powerful illustration to show Jesus is the bridge between man and God. Look for more information about this exciting resource at our annual meeting. We will be sharing the presentation, the learning materials, and encouraging one another to share their mi-moment with the people in their lives. For more information, visit bscm.org/mimoment. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil. #NOVEMBER17

LANSING, MI – When I became a Pastor’s wife, there was quite a change that took place. I noticed that most “people” started referring to me as “Pastor Stan’s wife.” In fact, when they see me on the street they often ask, are you “Pastor Stan’s wife?” I went to Kroger’s the other day, and a lady came up to me and said, “You are “Pastor Stan’s wife,” right? Now, I really wanted to say, if you know my name, I will give you $20, $30, going once, going twice ☺ ….but she may not have seen the “humor” in my statement You have probably guessed by now, I really lost my “identity” that is, no one seems to know my name. Yes, “Identity Theft” has taken place. I have often been “identified” by my relationship to the Pastor. Secondly, it is quite interesting “how” a person responds when they come into contact with a Pastor, when he is with his wife. I have noticed that most of the time, it seems as if they only “see” the Pastor and he is eagerly greeted with smiles, hugs, etc. It appears that there is “tunnel vision.” I often have to say, “Hi, how are you?” and then I may receive “recognition” but, not too many hugs. In addition, there is another example of “identity theft.” The Pastor’s wife, the “unidentified one” is sometimes referred to as the “First Lady” and I have asked “where is that “title” in scripture”? Again, another term given to the Pastor’s Wife by the “people.” If there is a First Lady, who is the Second Lady, or the Third Lady? This is a “call” to the Pastor’s Wives. Do you know “Who” you are? I hope you know “Whose” you are. Just a reminder, we have “Identity” in Christ. The Bible teaches that In Christ, There is now, no condemnation for me (Romans 8:1), I can never be separated from God’s love (Romans 8:38, 39), I am a new Creation (II Corinthians 5:17). I was chosen (Ephesians 1:11), I have received God’s Grace (Ephesians 2:7), and God knows “My Identity”, because He made me in His Image and He made me beautifully and wonderfully. As a Pastor’s Wife, I must know that God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, and that “whosoever” believeth in Him, shall not perish but, shall have everlasting life. St John 3:16… and I know that God Loves Me. Therefore, I Love God, and must love His “people.” May everything that God has made, remind us of His goodness, love and care. God’s Love is true. God is expanding opportunities for me to love more, to increase and to abound in His Love. As a result, as a Pastor’s Wife, I must show love and care for others, as I “identify” with Christ. I know I have been chosen to continue in His Love. By this, shall all know that we are His Disciples, indeed. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sis Char Parker is a graduate of Mich. State Univ.(MSU). She is the First Lady of Faith Fellowship BC , Lansing, MI, where her husband, Dr Stan Parker has been the Senior Pastor for 18 yrs. . She has been the Keynote Speaker at Women’s Conferences, and Missionary Programs. Sis Parker is also the loving Mother of four Adult children, five Grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. #NOVEMBER17

BURTON, MI – When I was a small child, my grandmother would place me by her side on a bench in front of her old, dark wood stained piano. She would open up the little black and gold hymnal, and start singing “This Is The Day” and have my cherub-like voice (kidding) to sing along. That song still resonates in the corners of my mind every so often. It reminds me of precious moments with my grandmother of course, but it also reminds of something greater (which I think is the lesson Mamaw was trying to teach me). That we should, as Psalm 118 declares, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever." And that we should be reminded each and every day God has granted us is a gift of His marvelous grace. We indeed can be glad in them. As I look back over this last year, serving as your president of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM), I can’t help but be grateful and glad in the days that God has given us. I am thankful and I believe thankfulness is best expressed in “thank yous”. Thank you LORD for giving us days filled with love, care, and sacrifice from families that share their time to serve in Kingdom Work. Without their willingness to set aside these days the movement, that I believe has launched in this state, could have scarcely begun. We can never fully count the man-hours that have been yielded by volunteers from the churches in Michigan, and in our cooperative partnership with the BSCM. When I think upon this, I am indeed amazed, glad, and can’t help but say thank you. Thank You God for rekindling the hearts of our churches in evangelism. The Gospel is the gracious gift of our glorious God. It is the good news of Jesus that gives us hope in these days and the promise of better days. But of course, as Carl F.H. Henry once aptly stated, “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.” We must be about the business of getting the greatest news of all time to people in their time of need and to tell them of the time to come. We are here for such a time as this. Indeed, this year, the rekindled flame of evangelism has been fanned. From training workshops to conferences, from renewed emphasis in churches to hosting harvest evangelists, from new church plants to mobilizing established churches with innovative strategies… It is a new day in Michigan. It is a day that declares we will not go quietly into that long dark night, but we will strive for that greatest of days. Indeed, this deserves gladness and the sincerest of thank yous. As your president this year, I have seen where we have been in past years. I see where we are now, building upon the great foundations of yesterday with what is needed for today. And all of this is so that we may look ahead and serve well in the days our gracious Lord continues to give. We want to be faithful as we move forward, but let us not forget to be thankful. Share your thanks to the Lord and to those he has placed around you, and do it today. For it is a day the Lord has made, let us rejoice within it. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jerome Taylor is the pastor of Eastgate Baptist Church in Burton, Michigan. He was elected to serve as president of the BSCM in 2017. #NOVEMBER17