The new 6th, 7th & 8th graders will enjoy this year’s SWORD Initiation! The event will include games like, “Face-It”, “Marshmallow Drop”, and the infamous “Milk Shuffle!”  There is nothing like seeing middle school kids go all out for their team to win the Initiation Competition…

Pictures from SWORD Initiation 2011

Back to school will bring books, classes, tests, sports, and NUMBERS! It seems that so much that we are involved with each day has something to do with numbers. This fall the High School Ministry will encounter from God’s Word the significance of some numbers. Some are larger than others and some are even more life impacting than others. On Wednesday nights we will dig deeper into the Bible to study these truths. Here they are:

• August 24 – Hosting a Mega-Feast (5000 Fed – Jesus)
• August 31 – The Underdog was Favored (300 Conquered – Gideon)
• September 7 – A Lonely Place to Be (8 Righteous – Noah)
• September 14 – A Fast Growing Church (3000 Saved – Pentecost)
• September 21 – No SWORD: Missions Conference
• September 28 – Lead Me: I Will Follow (12 Followed – Disciples)
• October 5 – Greatest Picture of Love (1 World Loved – Jesus)
• October 12 – The Healing of Forgiveness (70X7 Forgiveness – Peter)
• October 19 – The One that was Won by the ONE (3 Temptations – Jesus)
• October 26 – The Gratitude Attitude (10 Healed/Changed – Lepers)
• November 2 – Investment in the Lord’s Work (5/2/1 Talents – Servants)

We all made wonderful life-long memories that include the GIANT swing, tubing, the falls hike, paintball, the team competitions, putt-putt, the big water slide, the lake, the blob, and the Emerald Knights winning the week! Be sure to check out the pictures and video of our week at camp.

Wilds Pictures

Prepare. Plant. Prune. Produce.

Growth is seldom ever random. It only happens when the plan for determining the size and shape of the individual is well followed. If you desire to personally grow, and your passion for Christ involves being led on an adventure designed by our Creator, then make plans to join us November 11-12 for a dynamic Parent/Teen Conference. We will be planting and watering the seeds to help parents and teenagers produce a developing faith, a nurturing relationship with God, and a fruitful growing life.

The goal of Growing Together is to equip parents and teenagers with the biblical tools that are essential for strengthening their relationships with family, teens, friends, and God. “Cultivating” sessions on various topics will provide direction and support for moms, dads, teenagers and Christian service workers.

General Information

Who :: Parents, Teenagers & Youth Workers

What :: A ministry conference geared to help strengthen and guide the family

Where :: Mikado Baptist Church, Macon, Georgia (view map)

When :: November 11-12, 2011

Cost :: $30 per person (early bird registration only $25 if received by October 2nd, 2011)

Speakers

Rand Hummel ::

Since 1978, Rand Hummel has given his life to helping teenagers and their families.  His unique, humorous approach to the Word of God has been an encouragement to teens all over the eastern United States.  He loves God, the Word of God and people. He is the Camp Director of The Wilds of New England and travels across the world preaching to teenagers and parents. He has written many helpful resources for your Christian walk.

Tommy Stone ::

Tommy has been the youth pastor of Pinecrest Baptist Church since 2005. His ministry with teenagers has been a passion of his since 1982 when he took his first youth pastor position. Pinecrest’s youth group continues to grow in number and mature in the Lord under Tommy’s leadership.

Jamie & Amber Lundquist ::

The Lundquists began their ministry at Providence Baptist Church in May of 2006.  Jamie has been working with youth in a variety of settings since 1999. Amber’s pursuit and passion for God have been a tremendous blessing and support to her husband and the Youth Ministry of Providence. Their passion and desire is to see young people grounded and growing in their walk with God that they might live in a way that brings honor to God.

Joe Vaughn ::

During Joe’s years in college the Lord called him into full time ministry; after working at a Christian camp in Alaska for three summers, the Lord burdened his heart especially for Youth Ministry.  He has been serving as the Youth Pastor of Faith Baptist Church since July of 2006.

Rusty Smith ::

Pastor Smith and his family began their ministry at Mikado Baptist Church in September of 2001. Previously, Rusty and Lisa served the Lord for over 14 years as a Youth Pastor, where they were used of God to impact the lives of teenagers. Rusty has the opportunity to speak to many parents and teens around the country challenging them in their walk with the Lord.

Schedule

Friday

• 3:00 – 5:30 PM – Check-in
• 6:00 PM – Supper is Served
• 6:40 PM – Opening Rally
• 7:15 PM – College Corner #1
• 7:35 PM – Break
• 7:50 PM – Opening Session
• 9:00 PM – Games/Refreshments in Gym

Saturday

• 8:15 AM – Breakfast
• 8:50 AM – College Corner #2
• 9:10 AM – General Session:
  • Parents – Rusty Smith
  • Teens – Rand Hummel
• 10:00 AM – Split Sessions
  • Dad’s – Rand Hummel
  • Mom’s –
  • Teen Guys – Jamie Lundquist
  • Teen Girls – Amber Lundquist
  • CSW – Tommy Stone
• 10:45 AM – Break
• 11:05 AM – Topical Sessions
  • Ladies –
  • Ladies – Amber Lundquist
  • Men – Joe Vaughn
  • Men – Jamie Lundquist
• 12:00 PM – College Corner #3
• 12:20 PM – Lunch
• 1:00 PM – Split Sessions
  • Parents – Rand Hummel
  • Teens – Tommy Stone
  • CSW – Joe Vaughn
• 1:45 PM – Break
• 1:55 PM – Closing Session – Rand Hummel
• 3:00 PM – Dismissed

Lodging

• Holiday Inn Express
  • Byron, GA
  • 478.956.7829
• Comfort Suites
  • Byron, GA
  • 478.956.1222
• Hampton Inn
  • Warner Robins, GA
  • 478.953.9443
• Country Inn & Suites
  • Warner Robins, GA
  • 478.971.1660
• Fairfield Inn
  • Warner Robins, GA
  • 478.953.4200

If you have any further questions, please contact Pastor Peter Grant at pgrant@mikadobc.com.

• June 15 – MSM DQ Run / HSM “Water Wars”
• June 22 – Summer Camp
• June 29 – “We Serve our Church”
• July 6 – MSM “Water Wars” / HSM DQ Run
• July 13 – MSM Field Trip / HSM “Nerd World”
• July 20 – Hawaiian Luau /
• July 27 – MSM “Nerd World” / HSM Field Trip
• August 3 – It’s Nacho Night
• August 10 – Summer Finale!

Please e-mail me if you have any questions – pgrant@mikadobc.com

Wow, I will never forget that day! It was Wednesday, March 9 and we were all gathered in the High School Room finishing a group game. All of a sudden one of our seniors, Chris Mericle, takes the microphone and takes over (scary thought). I look up to see all the Middle School students packing into the room already filled with the high schoolers – I knew something was up.

The “Gift”

Chris and the other culprit behind the plan, R.L. Bell, presented me with a wrapped box for my birthday. I was pleased to receive a gift from my youth group – I thought “how thoughtful, this will be nice.” While my mind raced in a million directions as I began to open the box – which sounded like a bunch of pocket change clanging together (because that is what is was) I began to think of a pair of pants I could get with the money or a new shirt and tie, and maybe I could even get something fun to play with. When I opened the box I saw a printout picture of the new iPad 2 that was being released later that week. They said that they wanted to get me an iPad and this is what they got me instead. I thought the pocket change was what they collected (equaling $10 or so) and they were playing a trick on my emotions in giving me a “picture” of an iPad. Little did I know that what would happen in the next few moments would blow me away and be something that I will always remember and cherish.

My Surprise

R.L.  handed me a very glittery, colorful, and still wet (from the glue) birthday card with everyone’s signature and message on the inside. I didn’t take time to read all the messages because they wanted me to open the envelope inside the card.   So I did – and boy am I GLAD that I did.  They told me that the youth group had been collecting funds for the past couple of months and they wanted to get me one of the new iPads.  As I began to open the envelope I wondered how close they would come to buying the basic model, and then I was shocked. As I counted the $100 bills I realized very quickly they had collected $700!  I was both excited and touched, overwhelmed and emotionally moved. I didn’t know what to say except “wow, thank you!”  I cheered a little, but inside I wanted to scream like a school girl!  It was not the money that made it so special, and honestly it wasn’t the iPad that made me so thankful (although it played a major part), it was the realization that a couple of young men shared their plan with the whole youth group and so many people got behind it and made it happen.

How to Say “Thank You”

I have thought over and over again how to best show my appreciation to those who contributed to such a nice birthday gift.  Words only begin to show my appreciation, a smile and excited spirit when I speak with the teens regarding the gift I hope continues to show my gratitude. But I believe the best way to show my spirit of thankfulness will be to put the iPad to good use for my ministry and personal life. In the next article I will tell how I have put my new birthday gift – the iPad 2 – into use to benefit my life.  I trust that article will be an expression of my gratitude to those who sacrificed to give me the gift that I use everyday.

Thank you teens, parents, and youth staff. Thank you to my wife who kept the secret so well for so long. I greatly appreciate everyone’s thoughtfulness – it was very much undeserved!

Unwavering faith allowed the young shepard David to defeat the giant Goliath with nothing more than a simple stone. What modern-day giants are you facing? Do they make you feel like you’re an insignificant bug about to be squashed on the windshield of life?  You want some good news? Your worries and troubles – the giants that bully you day in and day out – are no match for God?

Be sure to get connected with a small group that would fit you just perfectly. What better way to learn about God’s plan for your life than sitting next to peers and sharing your heart.

Every Sunday – 9:45 AM in the Student Center of the Family Life Center

1. Read through the Bible in one year
2. Read 8 books (this will be challenging for me)
3. Lead 12 people to the Lord (praying God will give me the boldness and contacts)
4. Door to door soul-winning 4 times a month
5. Reach my goal weight by June 22 – 185 lbs.
6. Read with Natalie 4 books on marriage and parenting
7. Teach Bailee John 3:16 – this may take all of 2011
8. No Coke (carbonated beverages) for 12 months
9. Pray for my wife and daughter more specifically
10. Take my wife on at least 12 really good dates
11. Secure my accountability partners and program – Jeff Carney, Tom Moore, Derrick Williams, Natalie Grant
12. BONUS - Continue to cheer for The Ohio State Buckeyes – even if we can’t beat the SEC

I am also challenged with some specific goals as they relate to my ministry at Mikado Baptist Church. Here are my “11 Ministry Goals” for 2011:

1. Communicate better with the parents of the Student Ministry – e-mails, letters, etc.
2. Develop the “Parent/Teen Conference Pack” – to be used at other Churches to host the event
3. Function through an organized Day Planner – my Franklin Covey
4. Obtain an iPad for the Student Ministry - all donations will be accepted
5. Begin a Preacher Boy’s Class – training young men for ministry
6. Develop and train two mission teams – going to Mexico & Dominican Republic
7. Disciple 12 teenagers through our new student discipleship ministry
8. Design and develop a new 6 week sermon series for the HSM
9. Follow-up on the teenagers who have fallen through the cracks
10. Encourage and support all the youth staff in their specific ministries
11. Send a birthday card to all students and youth staff with a personal message

What kind of goals have you set for 2011? Who will help keep you accountable this year? Don’t go into the New Year without taking time to pray and ask God to give you some new excitement and vision for your personal life as well as your ministry in the Church. I trust it will truly be a Happy New Year for you!

Every effective leader understands the importance of passing the baton to the next generation.  Early in the ministry of the apostle Paul he took on a young assistant, a man named Timothy, and he mentored him to be the one who would carry on the work after Paul was gone.

My burden is for the next generation to have the baton of faith passed to them so that may succeed in the eyes of God.  The responsibility lies on our shoulders.  Parents, older siblings, teachers, and friends this challenge is for each one of us.  Who will stand in the gap and be a spiritual leader?

I want to take the next three posts to look at the life of a man that we don’t study much about, a man who had such godly direction because someone cared and someone took the responsibility to pass the baton.  That man is Timothy, the Apostle Paul’s protégé, his son in the faith, and his close companion.  Timothy was a success by God’s grace and by Paul’s guidance. What is the story of Timothy’s journey?

1. He Saw Godly Examples

a. His Legacy – Mom Eunice and Grandmother Lois

His mother and grandmother had a genuine faith that was like none other (2 Timothy 1:5). This was the common attitude at home. What is your common attitude in your life and in your home? Is it a complaining attitude, apathetic spirit, a rebellious heart? Or is it a genuine desire to learn more about God, a submissive spirit towards the things of the Lord, an open mind to the will of God in your life. Timothy’s home was one of genuine faith which led to him having that type of noticeable spirit later in life (Acts 16:2).

They loved him with a sensitive, sacrificial and selfless love.

The let him go – We have to understand the history behind this choice.  Many Bible scholars believe that Timothy along with his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, were converted on Paul’s first missionary trip to Lystra.  During Paul’s stay in Lystra Timothy’s family no doubt saw Paul’s enemies stone him; then thinking him to be dead, they dumped his bloodied, battered body outside of town (Acts 14:19).  Paul recovers and continues his first missionary journey.  So when Paul starts his second missionary journey he leaves Antioch, goes to Tarsus, Derbe, and then Lystra again.  It is here as he arrives in Lystra that Paul sees Timothy “Which was well reported of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium.” Acts 16:2. Paul desires for Timothy to go with him on the rest of his second missionary journey.  Timothy is a young man, but Paul saw the potential of a great leader.  He desired to teach him and mentor him.  So Eunice, what will it be?  You remember what happen to Paul the last time he was here right?  You know your little boy could face the same circumstances?  But she gave him freely to God to be used as He desired! Mom and Dad, it’s not easy to let go.  If anybody ever tries to say it’s easy their lying.  It’s not easy to say goodbye and to be many miles apart.  It’s not easy for a parent to say, God here is my child given back to you to do whatever you desire.  But it’s right!

2. His Leader – The Apostle Paul

Paul treasured him at the beginning of their friendship so much that he desired for Timothy to go with him and be his helper.  During the process Paul taught him so that Timothy could go on and minister to others without him.  Even at the end of Paul’s life he treasured him so much that he wanted him at his side as he faced certain execution.  2 Timothy 4:9, “Do thy diligence [your best] to come shortly unto me.”

Paul also trained him. Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and Greek father, a gentile – to the Jews, he was considered a half breed, like a Samaritan.  So Paul asked Timothy to be circumcised to remove some of the possible disgrace and shame that he may encounter with the Jewish believers.  He was not required to be circumcised (the Jerusalem council had decided that in Acts 15), but he voluntarily did this to overcome any barriers to his witness for Christ.

So who do we love so much that we are willing to give them over to the Lord? Who do we treasure so much that we want to play a part in their life and train them to serve God?  Be a Paul and find your Timothy today.