♦J 17, 2021

Montgomery Baptists will prioritize the gospel above all by doing the following:
Meet human need while planting gospel seed;
Evangelize the River Region while planting and replanting churches;
Discover, develop, and deploy disciples of Christ to be missionaries across the street and around the world

kindness in me and hear gentle words from my lips.

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A pastor friend and I were discussing the recent
fifteen months of pandemic living. In truth, all of us
are climbing out of a dark pit of isolation, adjustment,
and unique social debate that has affected our times.
My friend spoke about how his back porch became a
constant visit from the Holy Spirit to him.
I thought about my friend’s back porch and refer you
now to my reading room. Personally, I enjoy the air
conditioning. Therefore, when Mary and I moved to
the River Region, we searched for a place with a back
Neal Hughes
Director of Missions porch and a Florida room where we can enjoy reading
in the comfort of HVAC and no mosquitoes. I meet
the Lord there every morning (along with a cup of coffee). Later in the day,
it seems that there is something in the print of the Montgomery
Advertiser because I cannot seem to get past 3A without taking a nap. It is
in this room that Mary and I do a lot of talking and strategizing. It has
become my favorite place in the house, and the room where the Lord
teaches His servant more about His amazing grace.
What did I learn during this COVID season from my “back porch?” I
learned to be:
1.More Loving- In recent days, the Lord took me to John 13:34, “A new
command I give you: Love one another.” It began to dawn on me that
where we are to love God (Deuteronomy) and love others (Leviticus), the
new command has to do with disciples loving disciples (the church). Lord,
help me love your people in a way that others will know I am your disciple.
3.More Focused- The Lord taught me to be more focused on the things of
heaven and less on the things of earth. As a kingdom leader, I must become
heavenly-minded to be earthly good. Colossians 3:1-2 makes it clear how
we should start our day, “Set your heart on things above, where Christ is
seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on
earthly things.” Lord, let me not get distracted on worldly things but rather
have my head and heart close to your throne.
4. More Faithful- We are in urgent days. The time is drawing near for the
Lord’s return. This is not the time to slack, depart, or delay the message of
Christ. The writer of Hebrews says, “How shall we escape if we neglect
such a great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3). After fifteen months, we must “get
back in the game!” Unless homebound, your church does not need the
virtual you; they need you in the flesh. Much is to be done. The CDC has
given us clearance. We have the vaccine available to all. One preacher said,
“Where you are on Sunday says a lot about who you are in Christ.” Let us
be faithful to the task of rebuilding and rededicating ourselves to the work
at hand. Lord, find me faithful in doing your kingdom work till the day you
call me home.
Mary and I love you and enjoy the blessing of being on mission with each
of you. Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I
Together We Can! pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have
been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ
Neal from the time you first heard it until now. Philippians 1:3-5

2.More Kind- The Covid season has produced the good and the bad. The
bad seems to be that so many people are angry about something. Perhaps
we have the right to be angry, but maybe we also need some holy amnesia.
Paul said it best, “Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving, just like
God in Christ Jesus has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Lord, let others see

Vacation Bible School

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Church Address Ages Date Time

Heritage 1849 Perry Hill PreK-6th June 21-25 9:00-11:45 am

Rd Grade

First 305 S Perry St K-6th Grade June 21-25 9:00-12:00 pm

Gateway 3300 Bell Rd All Children July 11-Aug 8 9:00-11:45 am

Hayneville 1180 Hwy 21 N K4-6th

Grade July 18-22 5:45-8:30 pm

Thorington Rd 450 Ray

Thorington Rd
K5-5th
Grade July 25-29 6:00-8:30 pm

Due to COVID, some churches will require advanced registration. Please contact
them directly for registration and changes in schedule. Visit mgmbaptists.org/
churches for contact information.

Montgomery Baptist Association • 20 Interstate Park Dr. • Montgomery, Alabama 36109 • 334-271-6227 • www.mgmbaptists.org
This publication is made possible by your churches’ contributions to Associational Missions.
 ♦J 17, 2021
Montgomery Baptists will prioritize the gospel above all by doing the following:
Meet human need while planting gospel seed;
Evangelize the River Region while planting and replanting churches;
Discover, develop, and deploy disciples of Christ to be missionaries across the street and around the world

MBA Golf Tournament

Thursday, September 9
Arrowhead Country Club | 50 Ocala Drive

11:00 Registration | 11:30 Lunch | 12:30 Tee Time

Registration and payment

by Sept. 2, $75; after Sept 2, $80
Deadline to register, September 6
mgmbaptists.org/golf or call 334-271-6227.

FBC Community Ministries is
seeking an experienced
lunch, cart, range balls, green fees, and one Mulligan.
gardener and community
engager to share God’s edible
ministry utilizing a 2.5
acre garden site.
Contact Viki Brant at vbrant@fbc-cm.org or (334) 241-5141.
Fee includes:
Benefitting: Community of Hope and Samaritan Inn
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Montgomery Baptist Association • 20 Interstate Park Dr. • Montgomery, Alabama 36109 • 334-271-6227 • www.mgmbaptists.org
This publication is made possible by your churches’ contributions to Associational Missions.