by Dr. Gerry Baughman

CAMP BIMI Founder and Director

Charlie Brown and Lucy have had an ongoing 'tiff' for years. He was always embarrassed when Lucy, the ball holder, would pull the football away just as Charlie was about TO KICK A field goal and win the game.

Poor Charlie Brown was continually faced with a choice of options. "Do I just give up and sit on the sidelines; do I respond to Lucy's attitude of superiority; do I just plain quit and let Lucy win; or do I ignore the source of irritation and hope that one day... just possibly one day...I will be just a little faster and KicK that ball right out from under her nose!?"

Life is full of options. To choose the right option takes wisdom. James 1:5 To lay aside all other options takes tenacity. Proverbs 3:5,6 To stay focused takes persistence. Philippians 3:14 To finish requires endurance. Galatians 6:9

When Elijah went to Elisha and laid his mantel on the shoulder of that young farmer, he had an option. "Do I lay the mantel aside and continue plowing, or do I lay the plow aside and follow the man of God?" Elisha had many options as he followed Elijah, but in each incident he chose what was right.

The first choice was to go back to his family, slay the oxen, break up the plow, feed his family with ox roast, and inform them of his decision to follow God's Will in his life. Because Elisha chose the right option, Elijah asked Elisha what he wanted. Elisha's request was that he would get a double portion of the power and spirit of God that he observed in Elijah. Elijah said, "...if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee..." II Kings 2:10b Not long after, the chariot of fire appeared in the sky and Elijah was translated to Glory. The mantle, like Moses' rod, was the symbol and instrument of the power of God. When Elisha picked up the mantle, he smote the water and said, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" The waters parted and Elisha went on to serve the Lord and performed twice the number of miracles as Elijah. He had chosen the right option.

When I was speaking in a mission's conference several years ago, the pastor made a statement that cut to the heart of our diminishing labor force in missions today. He said, "There are too many options available today." I well remember a young student who attended CAMP BIMI in the early years. That student was sure that God had called him to a certain country and a specific ministry. Through the ill advice of a school counselor, he was told that he needed to major in something other than missions...just in case his plans did not work out. The counselor insisted that the decision the student made was only an emotional one.

How sad that this young energetic college student, with everything to offer, listened to that guidance counselor. He majored in something else, never went to the mission field, and today is far from the Lord. So many options, and KNOWING he was called, he did not choose God's option.

Charlie Brown had several options, but year after year he Knew what he had to do...beat Lucy to the draw and KicK that ball out of the park.

What are your options? Are you considering dangerous options, or are you staying focused and 'Keeping the main thing the main thing?' It's your option! No...it's God's option! Don't blow it!

Charlie Brown and Lucy's friend,

Bro. b

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Do you know where the Lord wants you to serve? Prayerfully consider one of these nine countries where we have no BIMI missionaries. The need is great.

AFRICA - Cameroon: Over 280 languages and 500 people groups make Cameroon one of the most complex countries in Africa. Stats indicate that this nation of 16.4 million will swell to almost 20 million in the next 5 years. Although 70% claim to be Christians, corruption is widespread in the culture, and sin abounds in the church. Cameroon is ripe for revival of Scriptural evangelism and church planting. With less than one independent Baptist missionary per million, the need is great for teams to win the lost, disciple converts, and train national pastors.

Gabon: On the equator in Central Africa, Gabon is 77% tropical rain forest. Islam has grown in influence in the country since the President of Gabon converted. However, Bible-believing churches are also experiencing growth, and great potential awaits the dedicated missionary in Gabon. In this country of 1.3 million, a team of pioneer church planters is desperately needed. There are unreached people groups in the interior, and opportunities abound for evangelism, discipleship, and Bible institutes to train nationals.

CARIBBEAN - Guadeloupe: This French-speaking island in the Caribbean presents great promise for missionaries. Recent expansion of evangelical churches, as well as cults, reveals the spiritual vacuum that exists in this Catholic country. The legacy of slavery and widespread use of the occult has left some searching for spiritual answers. Only one independent Baptist missionary is working among the 450,000 people of Guadeloupe. It is time to increase the missionary force there.

Martinique: With 418,000 (July 2001 est.) French-speaking people, Martinique is one of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean. It is a possession of France and relies heavily upon the country for its' economy and stability. Although beautiful, it is also a volcanic island that erupted 100 years ago and killed 30,000. However, a danger more serious than volcanoes also simmers beneath the surface. Spiritual apathy is a constant danger. The spiritual need is great for a team of missionaries to respond to this open door with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

EUROPE - Bulgaria: Beside the Black Sea in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria is rich with history and conflict. They still strive to lay aside the mantle of 45 years of communism, which left them in precarious financial and social order. They share the Cyrillic alphabet and Orthodox faith with neighboring Russia. Collapse of communism and successive corruption have left many Bulgarians searching for truth. They are known for their friendliness and hospitality, which makes a great bridge for the Gospel. With one independent Baptist missionary for 7.5 million Bulgarians, there is great need for long-term missionaries who will learn the language and culture.

Lithuania: Situated between Russia and Poland, Lithuania has significant numbers of immigrants from both countries. Five decades of Soviet occupation have resulted in hardship for many. Since their freedom in the early '90s, positive progress is evident, especially with religious freedom. The greatest need is for evangelism and church planting among the 3.6 million Lithuanians. Opportunities abound.

Slovenia: Sharing part of the Alps with neighboring Austria, Slovenia boasts a beautiful landscape. However, Catholicism has left a legacy void of real spiritual fervor and life. It is estimated that there are less than 400 Baptist Christians among the 2 million citizens of Slovenia. There are few independent Baptist missionaries working in the country. The need is great and the time is now!

FAR EAST - South Korea: South Korea has experienced an explosion of Christianity over the last several decades. Today, it is second only to the US in the number of foreign missionaries that it sends to other countries. God is certainly at work in South Korea! That does not mean, however, that the task is finished. The growth of Christianity has also created many opportunities. Doctrinal error caused by inadequate theological training has become a growing problem. There is great potential for church planting missionaries to catch the wave of 'Christianity' that is sweeping South Korea and to plant theologically sound churches and Bible institutes to train national workers.

FAR NORTH - Greenland Located northeast of Canada is the world's largest island. Greenland is over three times the size of Texas, but has less than 60,000 people. Almost all live along the southwestern coast, with nearly one-quarter living in the capital city of Nuuk. Approximately 88% are Greenlanders, Eskimos, and Inuits and the remaining 12% are of Danish descent. Languages spoken are Greenlandic, Danish, and English.

Climate and geographic conditions make missionary endeavors extremely difficult. 81% ice-capped, and continuous permafrost over the northern two-thirds of the island make transportation difficult and there are no roads between towns. There is also the difficulty of the spiritual climate. The national religion is the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church. The grip of this religion, along with other major denominations, such as Catholicism, is unmistakable. Independent Baptists are almost non-existent.

Greenland seems to be neglected when it comes to missions. Those who heed Christ's Call to go to this island will surely need to rely solely on His Grace and Strength to establish an Independent Baptist Church. Without a doubt, the missionary will face a great challenge. However, when Christ gave the Great Commission, He also gave the great promise, "...Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Therefore, no matter what challenge the missionary faces, he does not face it alone. And that is true for anyone going to any of these needy countries. Will you take the challenge and Light?

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Joe and Melissa Ridings Marshall (CB '96) - Palmerston (near Darwin) Northern Territory Australia

We are seeking an intern, male and/or female for six weeks or more. We would welcome a different intern every month of the year, if God sent one. We will supply lodging. You will need money for personal needs, fun things, food - totaling $300 per month.

Responsibilities: Song leading and preaching - males only. Other areas listed are for either male or female...a few are based on abilities, i.e. piano

Preaching Song leading Playing the Piano (if have that ability) Teaching Sunday School, Children's Church, Kid's Club Helping with Vacation Bible School Letter boxing Helping with homeschooling - grades 2 and 5 Helping with Bible Institute General Cleaning and Maintenance Church and Mission office work Set up and take down for church Cooking for church events Planning a church event Helping with hospitality areas as we entertain in our home And anything else that comes up during the time that you are here...Total Reality!

Requirements: needs to have a willing heart, good work ethic and pastoral reference. You will be sharing a room and will be expected to take care of your own needs. (Making your bed, doing your laundry, cleaning up your own personal space) Yes, we had someone who did NONE of the above things and was a great burden. However, we had a young man for the entire summer who was a huge blessing! That's why we are very specific and careful. We do not have time to babysit, or be a tour guide. We will do occasional fun things, but that is not the primary goal. It is to expose you to missionary life on the field.

Any Longer period internships (up to one year): must be willing to be on a trial basis of one month BEFORE WE (and/or you) commit to a longer period of time.

Reality Training: Anyone considering an internship in Australia will get an excellent idea of what it's like to start a church from scratch. We have a small church with most responsibilities for all events to be done by us. Great aupportunity to experience varied responsibilities in all areas. We do things as the Aussies do. You will be immersed in Aussie life. We will interview you by phone prior to a decision.

Our Heart: We love ministering here, and we think if more people were able to see what a great place it is, they would get a burden. Many pastors around Australia do not want to come to this area because they realize that they will have to rebuild their church every two years. Darwin is very transient, and people come and go with job contracts.

Will you take advantage of this Aussie Aupportunity?

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I don't know if you've ever experienced a robbery, but we did! I can tell you that I felt violated, fearful and couldn't stay alone at night for years.

Our boys were in Kindergarten and Grade Four. Bro. Baughman was away on deputation meetings. Jeff had a ball game after school. I always made it a habit to be home before dark and to lock ourselves in with plenty of lights on. However, the ball game went later than usual (they won!) and that quick stop for milk and a few essentials brought us home at dusk. Seeing the bedroom light on upstairs as we turned onto our street, and our side door open when we KNEW we had not left it that way, made us think "Daddy is home!" But a quick peek in the garage window quickly changed our minds. Trying to reason it away..."The boys must have not closed the door"...caused me to enter with a bag of groceries. Strangely, we were all very quiet and I turned on all the lights to the interior of the house just inside the door. I heard something, but justified the noise to be the lid of the Crockpot cooking our dinner. And then it happened! Jeff quietly pointed to the living room where the small TV was missing from its' stand. Cautiously, the three of us backed out, ran to the neighbor's house and called the police.

"Please Lord, don't let them take the entire new sound system a church had just provided for our new church in Canada." It was still in the boxes downstairs. Police came, surrounded our home and entered with pulled guns. But the robbers were gone. The crime lab came and dusted our large white woodwork with charcoal for fingerprints. And...that noise we heard? One of the robbers standing on the stairway, not five feet from us, had knocked down a picture. Another robber was the lookout and dropped cigarette ashes on our new bathroom floor burning holes in it. The third robber had just started going through the upstairs and stole the boys' piggy bank full of coins, some silverware, the little TV and...some cheese! Our early arrival foiled their operation.

Police held no hope that they would find our things, but within 3-4 hours, they called to say "These were professional burglars who had also stolen a $25,000 silver cross from a church nearby that very night. On our chase, they hit a tree near your house." Nothing in our home was messed up (a sign of professionals - kids and amateurs ransack - in North America, anyway) and they had not made it down to the basement where the sound system was safe and sound. Police said we could have been killed. They had guns. And...they had recovered all of our things...except for the cheese. We thanked the Lord for His DEFINITE Protection over us, but it took many years to feel 'safe' and I still don't come home alone after dark. In fact, Jennifer Griffin Jenkins (only a baby then) and her mom spent the night with us every time Bro. Baughman was out in meetings. What a blessing they were! Thank you, Jen and Sherry!

I know several of you have personally experienced robberies, and some have been traumatically and physically harmed. Thankfully your lives were not taken. Some of you have been victims of identity theft. What a mess THAT can be!

For over a year, I have been concerned for so many of you who are victims of robberies daily. So subtly committed, not unlike the professionals who steal but leave the area undisturbed so their theft goes undetected...often for months. It isn't until the victim searches for something that they realize they didn't lose it or misplace it. It was STOLEN!

What daily robberies? That of your TIME. Ridiculous? I don't believe so. Once spent, it can never be recovered. Other than your salvation, time is the most valuable gift you are given. Everyone is given 24 hours daily. Enclosed you will find an insert I want to challenge you to do for one week. Be honest! Keep your normal schedule and pattern. Why?

To be continued in the next ENCOURAGER...and I'll answer the questions so frequently asked by you, our much loved CB alumni, about these very things.

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A traditional Egyptian Dessert

32 oz whole milk 6 Tbsp cornstarch 1 c sugar
1/8 tsp rose water (at specialty or health food stores) 1/2 c pistachios, chopped
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 6 Tbsp of milk, set aside.
Over medium heat, slowly bring remaining milk to a boil,
stirring constantly with whisk.
Once milk has hit a boil, mix in sugar.
Bring back to a boil and mix in cornstarch mixture,
stir until pudding thickens. Remove from heat, add rose water and stir.
Cover and refrigerate overnight; top with pistachios before serving.
Don't substitute or eliminate any ingredient, no matter how small.
It's worth it!

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Douglas & Becky Sisson -  PHILIPPINES
Mrs Judith Skates -  ASSOCIATE - RUSSIA
Brett & Patricia Skillen -  MILITARY - GERMANY