May 2017 CBA Newsletter

A Word from Your Missionary:

There are times in our lives when the future seems full of hope and promise: Graduation Day, the birth of a child, your Wedding Day, or the first day on a new job. Although I do not have a child graduating this year, the feelings are still fresh. As parents, our emotions are all mixed up between the sense of losing something and the joy of accomplishing something. While the student graduating is looking toward the future, we are remembering the journey to get there.

Our Association has had 134 years of ministry. What an accomplishment! Our past is rich, and our future is bright! I want to thank the Strategy Planning team for bringing their experience and wisdom to the table as we seek to plot a course for the next 3-5 years. I also want to extend my gratitude to all the pastors who were able to be part of the evaluation process on April 24 & 25. I look forward to hearing the report from our State Missionaries regarding your input. The initial reports I received were enlightening and encouraging. Thank you again for sharing your advice and your concerns with us.

Only the Lord knows what the future holds, but my hope is that God continues to use the Centennial Baptist Association to equip churches and leaders to reach their communities for many years to come. The fields are ready for the harvest. Most of our churches have plenty of empty seats and room to grow. The next generation desperately needs to see a church that is alive, has answers to life’s challenges, and loves them with the love of God. We owe it to them to be the community of faith they need.

Join me in praying that God will strengthen our churches and renew a passion for the lost around us. May He empower us to love the way He loves. I envision churches that experience such a move of God that they cannot even explain how it happened.

Thank you for what you do to shine the light of Jesus. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your ministry. Do not hesitate to call on me when I can be of service.

In His Name,

Steve Laughman