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 MIDDLE DISTRICT BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
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Quiet Time and Big Surprises
"If you lower the ambit noise of your life and listen expectantly for those whispers of God, your ears will hear them. And when you follow their lead, your world will be rocked." Pastor and author Bill Hybels is so right.
This morning Shawnee Hansen dropped by our office to discuss ways that additional Middle District churches might connect with her feeding ministry on Richmond's Southside: Richmond Friends of the Homeless. As one of our ministry partners, we were more than glad to help her!
During our conversation, she shared her inspiring story of obeying the whispers of God, even when she didn't feel like it. She explained how she had promised God that, while on her spiritual walking pilgrimage in Spain, she would be sure to interact with those she encountered. Then, with a twinkle in her eye and smile across her face, she told about a day - the day, when she was so dead tired that she needed rest and didn't feel like accepting a supper invitation from fellow trail-walkers. Then came the Holy Spirit's still small voice, reminding her of that promise to get acquainted with her fellow pilgrims. Reluctantly she obeyed the Spirit's nudging; joined her two stranger pilgrims for dinner, and that was the beginning of her $150,000 miracle story. I find it personally instructive that the record of the first ordination service was for the temple leaders and they were mandated to have a quiet time/daily worship -in the morning and at twilight.
This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day.... Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight. For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly ...There I will meet you and speak to you. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God.... Exodus 29:35-44
Program planning for this fall is now upon church leaders and all of us really do want God's direction for our ministries. It's never right to keep on doing the same old thing. Neither is it right to simply to do something new. The need is to meet with God and hear Him speak. And then, like Shawnee, obey that voice, even when you don't feel like. When we do, who knows...you may get a $150,000 check in the mail but if you don't, God will show up in some other way that will surprise you. All because you've met with God and heard him speak and then obeyed. - Jim Hamacher |
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NEW MINISTRY
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Red Lane, Graceland and
PCC represent!
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Powhatan Collective
Based on the simple belief that more unites Christians than divides them, a new network of student ministries in Powhatan County is aiming to bring its young people together. Click here to read more...
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Central Virginia Raceway Ministries Needs Ministry Volunteers in September
September 11-12.  CVRM helps race fans, vendors, workers, and others know Christ is present. We need many volunteers to make this ministry possible. If you can help set up the site, greet guests, give away cookies and water, act as a chaplain, or otherwise share your talents, then help us engage a multitude of people one by one. Contact our office for further info, mdba@mdba.org.
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 Does Your Church Use Credit Card Readers?
If you do, or if you use vendors that do, you need to read this!
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MDBA Happenings
Staff Updates
*Thomas Rawls, completed his ministry as
Discipleship/Associate Pastor, Tomahawk
*Steve Vaughan, completed his ministry as
Senior Pastor, Second Branch
KUDOS  Richmond Magazine's Best & Worst issue hit the stands last week. A new category includes "Best Youth Minister or Leader." Kudos to one of our own who tied for second place: Angie Frame, who is a guide pastor and member of the teaching team at PCC, tied with Dane Jackson, minister to students at Second Baptist Church, Richmond. Way to go Angie and Dane!
CELEBRATIONS
Lloyd Braswell, Senior Pastor, Chester, recently celebrated the big 5-0! Happy birthday, Lloyd!!
SAVE THE DATE! Minister & Staff Lunch & Learn Thursday, September 17
Noon - 1:30 Bethel Baptist Church
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| | Check out our new website! |
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Middle District Baptist Association
We exist to start and strengthen churches that passionately care for people,
bring honor to God, and impact communities and the world with the
transforming love of Jesus. |
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