Persecution

As I was researching material for camp this summer I came across a web page that has made a huge impact on me. It is http://www.prisoneralert.com/. I hear from different people about persecution around the world all the time, but sad to say I usually move on to the next conversation and I never really give it any thought. As I read story after story of brave men and women who are risking their lives to spread the message of Jesus Christ, my heart was broken and I was well aware of just how little I do. We do not understand persecution. We live in a world of 42 inch LCD TVs, SUVs and freedom to attend Sunday morning worship service. While we are in our nice clothes, sitting next to our loved ones, Christians in Iran, China, Cuba, and many other areas around the world, are being placed into jail, beaten, raped and put to death just for the things we take for granted. I don't have an answer other than that it's time for us here and now to have a boldness about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of being complacent in the absence of persecution in America, we should be encouraged in the face of freedom to share the gospel and the hope of Christ without shame, and to pray passionately for those who encounter affliction each day around the world.

-- Lee

How do you celebrate

Wednesday night is a great night for students at Brainerd Baptist Church. The 1:one Student Ministry has a worship service just for students held in "The Crossing". Our student led worship band is great! Right now we are wrapping up a series call Retro - Getting Back to the Basics. It is all about what we believe as Southern Baptists. Take a minute to check out the promo video for "Taste Worship". We call it "taste" for: Taste and see that the Lord is Good! Psalm 34:8.

-Lee

BBCKTD (Brainerd Baptist Church Krystal Throw Down)

Contrary to popular belief, I am not an "all you can eat" kind of guy. I left those days behind me several years ago when I came to the realization that I am getting old. For this reason I did not enter the BBCKTD (Brainerd Baptist Church Krystal Throw Down). The event was held Sunday night in "The Crossing" with over 100 people in attendance. We watched middle school and high school boys and 1 girl (Leah Wilson) stuff Krystal hamburgers and Krispy Kreme doughnuts in a effort to lay claim to the title of "Eating Champ". At the end of the night we crowned 5 winners in 5 different divisions. Here are our winners.

Middle School:

• Krystal: Jay Yates
• Krispy Kreme: Andrew Barber

High School:

• Krystal: Tyler Watson
• Krispy Kreme: McLain Still

Adult:

• Krispy Kreme: Bill Lane

For a side note, Bill Lane put on a show as he downed a dozen doughnuts to defeat the likes of Robert Rabon, Jim Barber and Travis Rann to be crowned adult "Eating Champ". Not sure he is ready to challenge McLain Still or Tyler Watson, but I am sure that his small group Bible Study is very proud of him for bringing home the crown. Not sure that his girls would say the same, but hey, you can't make everyone happy.

For all you Kobayashi wannabe's, get ready. You have a year to work up the skills needed to lay claim to the title of "Eating Champ" at next years "BBCKTD".

--Lee

Lee's First Blog

Well, here it is! My first blog. I need everyone to understand that it has taken a couple of weeks for me to get over UNC loss to NCSU. The win over Duke helped, along with the fact that NCSU has lost 3 in a row. Well, on to more important information.

Camp is just around the corner! The dates for camp are June 24th - 29th. The theme for camp this summers is "The Cost: here & now". Our speaker is Michael Bayne from First Baptist Norfolk Virginia. Michael was the morning speaker for camp 2 summers ago and we are excited about having him again this summer. Our worship leader will be Nashville recording artist Josh Wilson. Josh was part of a concert that we hosted in the BX back in November. I know that our students will be blessed by Josh and we will love how he leads us in true worship at camp.

We are also in the planning stages for our summer mission trip that will be opened to all High School students. The dates for the mission trip are July 22nd - 28th. We have partner with First Baptist Asheboro NC to work with a Habitat for Humanity work site and Cross Road Retirement Center. Our student praise band will also have the opportunity to lead 2 or 3 worship services that week.

For more information about camp or the mission trip get in touch with Christie or myself. We would love to tell you more!

Lee