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EDITOR'S NOTE
Is it November already? The calendar is full with meetings and activities, but I trust this month is one that humbly draws you to your knees as you reflect on praise and thanksgiving. God is so good. "Give thanks u nto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." (1 Chr 16:8) The last phrase of that verse is challenging me. How often do I tell people what God is doing in my life? Do I open up to neighbors? What about friends in the community? Does my family regularly hear me sharing "his deeds?" Let's be quick to broadcast our praise to others!
Be sure to forward this newsletter along to your friends by clicking "Forward to Friend" below.
(If you got this as a result of a friend forwarding this newsletter to you, and you'd like to be added to our list for future newsletters, please send your request to me, Darrell Friar, at marbc@juno.com.)
WITH THE LORD
 Former Minnesota pastor, Gene Matlock, went to be with the Lord on October 7, after a short battle with cancer. Services were held in Gene's memory at Shiloh Hills Baptist Church (Kenneshaw, GA.) on October 11 and at Faith Baptist Bible College (Ankeny, IA.) on October 29. Gene was 61 years old.
Gene is survived by his wife, Judy, and seven siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.
As a teenager, Gene heard the gospel and received Christ as his Savior. Upon graduation from high school he enrolled at Faith Baptist Bible College (FBBC). While at FBBC he met and married his wife, Judy Fuller. He graduated from the college in 1977.
Gene served on the staff at Ankeny Baptist Church (Ankeny, IA.), First Baptist Church of Faribault, Suburban Regular Baptist Church in Burnsville. and Lebanon Baptist Church (Roswell, GA.) He was a Christian Education Consultant for Regular Baptist Press in Schaumburg, IL. In 1996 he became a board member at FBBC and he eventually worked at the college as Vice President of Advancement. Gene also served at Beechwood Lake Camp in Indiana and was a board member at Bass Lake Camp for many years.
Gene Matlock spent more than 35 years in ministry. He distinguished himself as a hardworking, capable servant of the Lord. He was a godly husband who loved his wife and cared deeply for her needs.
CHRIS ERICKSON ORDINATION
 On Tuesday, October 28, thirteen pastors and nine other messengers met at Faith Baptist Church in Brainerd to sit in council to examine the testimony and doctrinal position of Pastor Chris Erickson. After four hours of doctrinal presentation and questioning, the council voted unanimously to recommend that Pastor Erickson be ordained to the gospel ministry.
On Sunday, November 2, the church voted unanimously to proceed with ordination and a short service was held during the regular morning worship. Upon recommendation of the council an offering was received by the church for Pastor Erickson to purchase books for his library. An excellent offering was received for him. We want to thank all the pastors and messengers who had part in this important event.
- Reported by Pastor Max Day
ANNUAL MEETING REVIEW
 Three great days of blessing in Bemidji were seen September 15-17. Rev. John Greening (pictured) was our guest speaker as he addressed, "Blueprint for Regular, Real and Relevant Ministry." Messages focused on knowing what God has called us to do and to get it done.
Host pastor Derek Claypool and the folks at Faith Baptist did a magnificent job hosting the meetings. The ch urch provided meals, lodging, special music and, of course, a place to meet.
A special tribute was given for Pastor Ron Hemsworth (pictured). Pastor Hemsworth, along with his wife Joy, have served our fellowship for over 20 years. They are leaving their church in Sauk Centre to begin a new ministry with Missionary Acres in Missouri.
An open panel (pictured) discussed ways to reach the next generation for Christ.
Many missionary and agency reports were shared to stimulate our interest in their work. Display tables were set up for MARBC messengers to interact with these special guests.
One of the highlights this year was welcoming a new church into our association. First Baptist Church of Marshall (Pastor Greg Linscott pictured) brings our total number of MARBC churches to 23, plus one mission work (Woodbury).
Individuals who will be serving on the Council of Seven for the coming year include Pastors Dennis Seiler (Chairman, Albert Lea), Logan Friess (Vice-Chairman, Rochester), Greg Stevens (Secretary, Hibbing), Brett Williams (Treasurer, Austin), Randy Charlton (Chatfield), Gene Murrell (Rochester), and Brian Wiita (Hermantown).
Next year's meeting will take place September 21-23 in Austin. Dr. Ernie Schmidt will be the speaker.
YOUTH REPORT
MEA weekend has proved to be a very valuable opportunity for junior and senior high students in the state of Minnesota. School has been in session for a few months, which has provided opportunities for them to engage in new associations - good or bad. Given the chance to “Fall Out”, every teen that makes it a priority to embrace this time will consider their spiritual  direction. It is our hope that the teens connected to our fellowship will hold to these friendships and hunger for God’s Word in their daily lives.
Thank you to the parents and churches of our association that have weighed out the value of this weekend retreat over many other possible activities that teens have the chance to participate in. Pastors, thank you for teaching your people to invest in the lives of the next generation. Your feedback is very encouraging. As some of you stated, $75 is more than reasonable considering what folks are paying for three day retreats and sports camps these days.
I am pleased to tell you that our numbers have been consistent enough over the years that we have been able to maintain this MEA weekend slot at Camp JIM. As any of the kids and sponsors will tell you, the facilities are fantastic. Our girls were even able to use the Retreat Center this year! We hosted the retreat for 76 people this year. Our speaker, Mark Davis, did a fantastic job communicating the Word of God. He had five sessions - reusing the theme from camp this summer: Light up your world. Next year's event will be held on October 15-17, 2015.
- Reported by Pastor Logan Friess
BASS LAKE CAMP UPDATE
Plans are underway developing the 2015 camping program. Please pray with us concerning the finalization of dates and speakers.
A recent memorial gift in memory of Donna Jorgenson (Kasson) has proved to be a real blessing for the camp. We are so grateful for friends of the camp who promote the camp in this way. Is the camp listed in your will? See your financial planner to get this done as soon as possible (James 4:14).
We are still in need of funds for our Shekels for Seven Projects campaign. The building committee has announced that the project to be addressed next is the expansion and renovation of the girl's shower house. Plans include adding twice as many showers, building private changing stalls within each shower area, more counter/mirror space, plus upgrading the capacity of our hot water heaters so our girls will have hot water whenever they enter that building. Lord willing, we will break ground on that project in the spring. Your gift will help make this a reality. Send your gift to the camp with a memo of "Shekels for 7 Projects."
FUNDAMENTALISM DISCUSSION
Over 100 Baptists from Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota attended "A Thoughtful Conversation Between Baptist Brothers" on September 19 hosted by Fourth Baptist Church in  Plymouth. Various men from different fundamental Baptist fellowships spoke to the audience and answered submitted questions. The panel consisted of of John Greening (GARBC National Representative), Kevin Bauder (Central Seminary Research Professor), Pastors Mike Sproul (Tri-City Baptist, Chandler AZ.), Chris Anderson (Killian Hill Baptist, Lilburn, GA.), Matt Morrell (Fourth Baptist, Plymouth), and Greg Linscott (First Baptist, Marshall).
The panel discussed tackled several issues including the history of the different branches of fundamentalism, affiliations, music, relationships with the Southern Baptist Convention and more.
GO HERE for a detailed summary of the meeting from Pastor Greg Linscott.
MARBC FINANCES (10/31/14)
General Fund: $391.36
Burden Bearers: $1,561.55
Northern Fellowship: $1,744.38
Church Planting: $33,883.07
As you can see, we are running it close on the MARBC General Fund. As you plan your budget for 2015, would you prayerfully consider increasing support for our association?
CHURCH NEWS
Brownsdale, First Baptist
A cool yet beautifully sunny Sunday morning welcomed Jon and Katherine Eads, ministry helpers with Steve and Priscilla Gilbertson in Woodbury to the Harvest Festival at First Baptist Church in Brownsdale.
Jon taught the Sunday School lesson and presented a message in the worship service. He spoke on Matthew chapter six and mentioned that we must have our treasure in heaven and not of this earth. Nearly 40 people were present to hear this timely and well presented message.
After the morning service, the church joined in a carry-in meal, provided by the great cooks of First Baptist.
After the meal, Jon presented the ministry of the Gilbertsons in Woodbury. It was a challenge and encouragement as to the working of the Holy Spirit in this area.
The church sent Jon and Katherine off with a car full of food and household supplies for them and the Gilbertson family.
It was a blessing for all those who attended.
Rochester, Calvary Baptist
At the end of July, we set up and staffed our fair booth at the Olmsted County Fair. We had many volunteers who led the visitors through quizzes that led them to a gospel presentation. We had many visitors. Some were open to the Word of God and some were not and were deliberately trying to “trip up” the workers. We are thankful to have the booth and the opportunity to present the gospel each summer.
On Sunday, August 24, we had a Calvary Kidz Day at the church. During the Sunday School hour we were able to present glimpses of some of our children’s ministries so the whole church family could see what is taking place in those ministries. During our morning service, the kids were the greeters, ushers, special music, and we had one young lady play the offertory. We had a video of different adults from our church talking about the importance of Children’s Ministries. There were two testimonies and a challenge from Pastor LaPine. After the morning service we had an all church picnic and outdoor games, followed by an afternoon service. One family that visited the church that day was looking for a church with kids’ programs. They have been here every week since!
We were blessed to have a couple of ladies events in September that the ladies really enjoyed and it gave them an opportunity for fellowship. We have also had a couple of big youth group events: the Amazing Race around Rochester, and Faithfest at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA. The Amazing Race had a big turnout with many visiting teens who heard the gospel. We had 16 teens from our church attending Faithfest with speaker Jason Blunk. This was the largest group in several years. The teens had a great time and are already looking forward to next year.
Our Senior Saints have resumed their monthly Bible study after taking a break during the summer months. At last week's meeting they had a devotional and game followed by a lunch at the church. The group then took a drive around the countryside to see the fall leaves and stopped for ice cream.
Chaplain Tim Sherman of Set Free Ministries was here on Sunday, September 28. In our Sunday School hour he presented his work as a chaplain to police officers and his work in prisons, and in the morning service he preached a powerful gospel message. His Bible study program is used in our Men’s and Women’s Prison Ministries.
October ministries included a Mini-Missions Conference on with Matt Decker and Jerry Miller and their families. We also held our Trunks and Treats ministry on October 31.
CHRISTIAN BUSINESS FOR SALE
Due to health concerns, a Christian couple near Rochester is seeking to sell their organic vegetable truck farm business. They own 1¼ acres with a 26’/96’ high tunnel and water well on the property with the option to rent another ¾ acre and large machine shed. This couple has sold at a large farmers’ market in Rochester for nearly 20 years and has an established clientele. Option to buy bees and beekeeping equipment, cultured mushroom logs and machinery. Contact Richard at 507-696-7922 or 507-867-4527. |
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FRIENDLY REMINDERS
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Send us your news and pictures! Please note that there is no deadline to send us your news. Once you have some news, send it our way and we will include it in the next newsletter.
PASTORAL TRANSITIONS
CHATFIELD: Randy Charlton from Calvary Baptist Church.
SAUK CENTRE: Joseph DiVietro from Russell, KS. to Faith Baptist Church. |
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2015 BASS LAKE SCHEDULE
May 4: Camp Corporation Meeting
May 15-16: Work Weekend
May 25: Memorial Day Rally
June 8-12: Staff Training
June 14-19: Rental Group
June 22-27: Family Camp
July 4-5: Counselor Training
July 6-11: Junior Camp
July 13-18: Jr. High Camp
July 20-25: Sr. High Camp
August 2-7: Rental Group
TBA: Young Adult's Retreat
TBA: Ladies' Retreat (late August)
TBA: Men's Retreat (September)
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