Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting grace of our Lord.

On Friday evening through Sunday noon (05-31-2024/06-02-2024), Providence Primitive Baptist Church – Elder Mark Quarles, Pastor, hosted its annual June meeting. This meeting is held on the 1st weekend of June.

Each preaching service was preceded by a song service, led by song leaders, and sung by the congregation “a Capella” (without musical instruments).

Friday Evening, 05-31-2024

Evening services was preceded by a fellowship supper in the dining room.

Elder Luke Laird opened the the meeting with preaching on “God’s Word Uplifts Us”.

From this message:
– We are victors through Jesus
– We need the good news of Jesus
– The gospel will give us “Earthly Salvation”
– Cleave unto the Lord

References included:
– Proverbs 12:25
– Phillippians 1 and 2
– Acts 2:46-47

Bro. Luke preaches at a gathering of believers in the Jackson, MS area.

Elder Luke Addison preached on “The Blessings of God’s Word”

From this message:
– We are more than conquerors through the Grace of God
– The earth, and everything in it, is His
– Our riches are in Jesus Christ, our Lord

References included:
– Proverbs 12:25
– 2 Corinthians 8:9
– John 17
– Jude 1:24-25

Bro. Luke is pastor of Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church in Smithdale, Mississippi.

Saturday Morning, 06-01-2024

Elder James Conley preached on “Listen to the Lord”.

From this message:
– The Lord is in His Temple, keep quiet and listen
– Jesus’ work on the cross was righteous
– Know when to speak, when not to speak (listen to God through His Word)

References included:
– Habakkuk 2:20
– Ecclesiastes 5:1
– John 16:13
– Titus 1:9-11
– Romans 3:19

Bro. James is pastor of Union Primitive Baptist Church located in Ruth, Mississippi.

Elder Tom Griffin preached on “Melchizedek”.

From this message:
– Melchizedek was a priest of the most high God
– Abram’s trained servants rescued his nephew Lot. Melchizedek provided for those returning (as the Lord provides for His People)

References included:
– Hebrews 7:14-17
– Hebrews 5
– Genesis 14:14-18

Bro. Tom is pastor of Middleton Creek Primitive Baptist Church located near Meadville, Mississippi.

Following morning services, a fellowship lunch was served in the dining room.

Saturday Afternoon

Elder Ricky Myers preached on “A Friend”.

From this message:
– A friends loves always, and helps in times of trouble
– A man with friends should also be friendly
– Jesus is our Friend, and is with us always (Amen!)

References included:
– Proverbs 17:17, 18:24
– John 5:5
– Mark 2
– John 15:13

Bro. Ricky is pastor of Pleasant Home Primitive Baptist Church located near Taylorsville, Mississippi.


Elder Tony Lester preached on “Peace in Jesus”.

From this message:
– Walk in God’s Ways and Kingdom
– True peace comes from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
– Remember and testify to the Grace of God
– Stand fast in the truth of God’s Word
– Jesus gives His People great peace and comfort
– Put our trust and faith in Jesus

References included:
– Isaiah 32:17
–Ephesians 1
– Acts 20: 23-24, 16:25

Bro. Tony is pastor of Beulah Primitive Baptist Church located in Saltillo, Mississippi.

Sunday Morning, 06-02-2024

Bro. John Mark Quarles preached on “Jesus Paid the Price”.

From this message:
– Jesus was made lower than the angels to die for God’s People
– Jesus has power over all flesh
– Jesus did the will of the Father for the salvation of His People
– Jesus has destroyed our great enemy death

References included:
– 1Hebrews 2:7
– Romans 5:12
– John 17:1
– 1 Corinthians 14:24

Bro. John Mark is a member of Providence Primitive Baptist Church in Stringer, Mississippi.


Elder PJ Waters preached on “Jesus the Intercessor”

From this message:
– Jesus was given power over all flesh, that He would give eternal life to all that was given Him of the Father
– Never forget the work of Jesus on our behalf
– God gave Jesus His Children
– Only Jesus can cover our sin and shame
– We are made alive in Jesus Christ

References included:
– John 17
– Hebrews 2
– Isaiah 8:18
– Ephesians 2:1

Bro. P J is pastor of Antioch Primitive Baptist Church in Waynesboro, Mississippi.

Following morning services, a fellowship lunch was served in the dining room.

Personal Notes:

We are thankful for the blessings of this meeting.
In addition to local visitors, we enjoyed seeing those from Arkansas, Alabama, , Georgia, and Texas.
We appreciate the preaching of the eight men who were called upon, and the excellent job of our Pastor as moderator.
The church did a great job in preparation for and hosting of this annual meeting.
Most of all, we thank God for blessing us with a wonderful meeting.

Church Information
For more information on Providence Primitive Baptist Church, see this page:
http://providencepb.church/

God Bless!!!

Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting Grace of our Lord.

On the weekend of April 21-23, 2024 , Vestavia Primitive Baptist Church – Elder Josh Coker Pastor, hosted its 2024 Anniversary meeting.
Elder Michael Gowens and Elder Tim McCool were the invited ministers.

Each service was preceded by a song service, led by song leaders, and sung by the congregation “a Capella” (without musical instruments).

Friday Evening, April 19,2024

Prior to evening services, a fellowship supper was served in the dining area.

Eld. Tim McCool preached on “Other-Worldly Joy”.

From this message:
– “Other-Worldly” = Not of this World
– Joy is the fruit of the Spirit of God in us
– This Joy can occur even when things are not going well for us
– We are cheerful by the influence of the Holy Spirit
– Humble ourselves to feel the Joy from the Lord, the Joy of the Savior!

References included:
– Luke 6:20
– John 3:29
– Galatians 5:22
– Luke 15.1

Eld. Michael Gowens preached on “A Holy Passion”.

From this message:
– Have a passion for service to God in His Kingdom
– Be apt to good works
– Have a “balanced” discipleship
– The Apostles had a direct revelation from the Lord, they carried on the work of Jesus
– We are better together than apart, we need each other
– Fellowship is serving and loving each other
– We need a zeal in the service to God and His People
– Is the book of Acts a model for us today? No, the early church had special needs. We DO need its passion to love and serve
– Know and live the truth of Jesus

References included:
– Acts 2:41-47
– Acts 1
– Hebrews 2:3-4

Saturday Morning, April 20,2024

Following the song service, Eld. Michael Gowens preached on “Passion for Prayer”

From this message:
– Purpose of the Church: Preach the Risen Savior
– Our greatest needs are spiritual
– Never tire of hearing the name of Jesus
– The first century Church is an example for us
– Pray for the Holy Spirit to fall upon us
– Prayer avails much, don’t forget to pray
– We have a heavenly help via the Holy Spirit, which motivates us to the Passion for Prayer

References included:
– Acts 4:18-33
– John 7:37-39

Eld. Tim McCool preached on “Joy Buys a Field”

From this message:
– True joy and cheer come by the Spirit
– God’s Treasure is His People and His Church
– Our treasure is an empty grave
– Share the joy of our salvation, our treasure

References included:
– Matthew 13:44

Following morning services, a fellowship lunch was served in the dining room.

Saturday Afternoon
Following the song service, both Elders preached about Bible Study.

Eld. Tim McCool preached on the “Manner and Method of Bible Study”.

From this Message:
Manner
– Choose the best time of mental clarity (example: first thing in the morning, etc.). This would be giving the “first fruits of our time”.
Method
– When reading, determine the context of the passage (history and time)
– Exert ourselves in study
– Rightly divide the Word of God

References Included:
– Proverbs 3:9
– 2 Timothy 2;15

Eld. Michael Gowens preached on the “Hour Glass Approach, General – Specific – General”

From this Message:
General
– Preparing for the study
– Gather tools, bible, notbook and pencil
– Select a time to dedicate to this work
– Read the bible daily
– Be discerning on what is being read (commentary and study guides will help)
– Create an outline
Specific
– How to conduct the study
– Interpret what was read
– Interpret literally, reference other scripture
General
– Apply what was learned to our lives

We left for home following afternoon services, thankful for having attended.

The meeting continued on Sunday morning, April 21, 2024 with Eld. Michael Gowens preaching, and lunch following.

Personal Notes:
It was truly a very wonderful time for Sandra and I to attend this meeting.
We always feel blessed to hear the fine preaching gifts of Eld. Michael Gowens and Eld. Tim McCool.
It was also a blessing to be at Vestavia Church again, where we had a church home in the 1990s. We are thankful for the loving membership and the care they showed towards us. We are also very thankful for their precious pastor Eld. Josh Coker and his family, and the good work he is doing there. We pray Bro. Josh and the church will be blessed of the Lord in their worship and growth of the church family, in the years to come.

Church Information
For more information on Vestavia Primitive Baptist Church, see this web site:
http://vestaviapbc.org

For more information on Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, see this web site:
https://bethelpbc.us/

For more information on Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, see this web site:
http://www.bethlehempbc.org/

God Bless!!!

On Friday, March 22, 2024, Sandra and I drove to Goodlettsville, Tennessee to attend the preacher ordination of Brother (now Elder) Tim Lawrence at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church. Elder Ronald Lawrence (Bro. Tim’s Dad) is Pastor at Bethel Church.

The ordination coincided with Bethel’s Spring meeting, with Elder David Crawford (Macclenny, Florida) and Elder Tim McCool (Echola, Alabama) being the invited ministers.

Friday Night (03-22)

Following a fellowship supper, evening services began with singing and followed with preaching.

Eld. Tim McCool preached a message on “Watching Jesus”.
From this Message:
– Watch Jesus, stand before Him on the cross.
– If we are willfully committing sin, we are disrespecting what Jesus did for us.
References included:
– Matthew 27:36
– John 19:35

Eld. David Crawford preached a message on “God’s Creation”
From this message:
– The Creation teaches us about God’s Glory
References included:
– Psalm 8:1-3
– Psalm 33:6
– Psalm 19

Saturday Morning (03-23)

The morning services began with singing, and was followed by the Ordination of Bro. Tim Lawrence into the full work of the ministry.

Order of Ordination

1. Form the Presbytery
Members consisted of:
Elder Ronald Lawrence
Elder Mike Roberts
Elder Daniel Wood
Elder John Tidwell
Elder Edmund Long
Elder David Harrison
Elder Tim McCool
Elder Chris Crouse
Elder Charles Whitten
Elder Tim Stepp
Elder Garland Broadway
Elder David Crawford
Elder Doyle Hurst
Elder Kevin Lofton
Elder Lonnie Mozingo Jr.
Elder Graham Sims
Elder Shannon Whipp
Elder John Harrison

2. Assignment of a Moderator by Presbytery
Elder Ronald Lawrence was chosen as Moderator of the ordination

3. Assignment of a Clerk by Presbytery
Elder Mike Roberts was chosen as Clerk of the ordination (taking of minutes)

4. Elder Tim McCool questioned the church as to their belief that Bro. Tim was qualified and ready to assume the responsibility of an Elder in God’s Church. The Church Representative, Bro. Tony Richman, indicated “yes” to all questions regarding qualifications.

5. Elder Chris Crouse questioned the candidate, Bro. Tim Lawrence, regarding his knowledge on various bible doctrines. Bro. Tim was asked to answer each question by preaching a short sermon on his answer.

6. The Presbytery unanimously agreed to ordain Bro. Tim to the full work of the ministry. As seen in Acts 6:6 and Acts 13:1-3, all members of the Presbytery gathered around Bro. Tim, knelt to pray as they laid hands on him. Elder Lonnie Mozingo, Jr. offered prayer for Bro. Tim.

7. Elder David Crawford made the charge to Bro. Tim and his wife, Sis. Mollie.

8. Elder Ronald Lawrence followed with additional comments regarding the charge.

9. With the completion of the ordination, the Presbytery was dismissed.

10. The congregation participated in a handshake with Elder Tim and Sister Mollie.

Elder Ronald Lawrence, Pastor of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church.

Elder Tim McCool questioning the church representative, Bro. Tony Richmond

Eld. Chris Crouse questions the candidate (Bro. Tim)

Bro. Tim answered each question by preaching on the subject.

Laying on with hands with prayer by the Presbytery for Bro. Tim.

Elder David Crawford providing the charge to Bro. Tim and his wife, Sis. Mollie

Elder Ronald Lawrence with additional comments on the charge.

With great joy and love for Elder Tim Lawrence and his dear wife, Sis. Mollie!

All members of the Presbytery signed the Certificate of Ordination.

Personal Thoughts

It was my second preacher ordination, and one of great joy.
I was very impressed with how the ordination was conducted.
This is especially true regarding how Eld. Chris Crouse conducted the questioning of Bro. Tim.
I believe there were six questions, and Bro. Tim preached his answers for each.
Bro. Tim was greatly blessed in his very able preaching. We were all very impressed with the display and use of his gift to preach.
At the end, the presbytery and all in attendance came around to hug and greet Bro. Tim and Sis. Mollie.
One could feel the loving Spirit of God as we greeted one another.
Praying the Lord will richly bless Elder Tim Lawrence, his ministry, his dear wife Sis. Mollie, and their precious children, as they go forward in the service to God, to His People, and to His Kingdom. We love them all very much.
🙏🙏❤️

God Bless!!!

Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting Grace of our Lord.

The Amite Association of Primitive Baptist Churches held their annual Fall meeting starting Friday morning, 10-13-2023 and ending Sunday, 10-15-2023 after morning services and lunch. New Bethel Church, Elder Ricky Myers pastor, was the host for the meeting.
We attended the morning and afternoon services on Friday and Saturday, and the details of those services will be provided below.

A special service preceded the meeting and was held on Thursday night, 10-12-2023 at Union Primitive Baptist Church – Elder James Conley pastor.

Each service was preceded by a song service, led by song leaders, and sung by the congregation “a Capella” (without musical instruments).

Friday Morning,10-13-2023

Eld. David Guttery preached on “Jehovah – Lord of Hosts”.
From this Message:
– The Lord is the God of Angel Armies
– Be patient for the coming of the Lord
– The number of the children of God [s as the sand of the seashore
References Included:
– Romans 9
– James 5
Bro. David is the pastor of Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church located near White, Georgia.

Eld. John Scott preached on “Being on the Right Hand”.
From this Message:
– The Lord Jesus Christ sits on the right hand of God
– The Lord is our strength and song, and our salvation
– The right hand of the Lord is exalted, and does valiantly
– Jesus sits on the Throne of His Glory
References included:
– Psalm 110, 118:14
– Matthew 22, 25:1
– Acts 2, 5, 7
Bro. John is pastor of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church located in Statesboro, Georgia.

Following morning services, a fellowship lunch was served in the dining room.

Friday Afternoon

Elder Luke Addison Preached on “Contend for the Faith”.
From this Message:
– Remember what God has done for us and act according to His Word
– Keep yourselves in the Love of God
References Included:
– Jude 1:3
– 1Peter 3:8-12
Bro. Luke is pastor of Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church located near Smithdale, Mississippi.

Elder Darren Owens preached on “Knowledge from God”
From this Message:
– Paul relied upon God’s Spirit to preach His Word
– God provided His Word to His People through His Son Jesus and the Spirit
– Jesus is our Perfect High Priest
– Beware of unbelief
– Melchizedek’s Priesthood was like Jesus’
References Included:
– 1 Corinthians 2
– Hebrews 1, 3, 5, 7
Bro. Darren is pastor of Pine Hill Primitive Baptist Church located near Ripley, Mississippi

Elder Danny Parker preached the last message for Friday afternoon.
Bro. Danny is pastor of Afton Road Primitive Baptist Church located in Danville, Virginia.

The afternoon services were followed by a time of fellowship then supper in the dining room.

Friday Night
Elder Steve Jackson preached the first message on Friday night.
Bro. Steve is the pastor of the Fort Smith Primitive Baptist Church located in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Elder Philip Conley preached the second message on Firday night.
Bro. Philip is a member of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church located near Lockhart, Texas.

Saturday Morning, 10-14-2023

Elder Jeb Owen preached on “When I Passed Thee By”
From this Message:
– When the Lord says something, it will happen (AMEN!)
– God provided grace to the unfaithful in Jerusalem
– As Jesus passed by, He healed the blind
– Where Jesus went, He healed and taught
References Included:
– Ezekiel 16
– John 4, 7, 9
Bro. Jeb is pastor of Pilgrim’s Rest Primitive Baptist Church located in Stratton, Texas.

Elder Mike Ivey preached on “Born of the Spirit”.
From this Message:
– A “Jew” in Grace has been born of the Spirit, the Law of God written in their hearts
– Christ is reigning, we do so also through Him
– Three “Eras”:
Creation to the Flood
Flood to Moses
Moses to Jesus
References Included:
– Revelation 1:4-7
– Romans 2
Bro. Mike is pastor of Unity Primitive Baptist Church located near Moss Point, Mississippi.

Elder David Crawford preached on “No Condemnation”
From this Message:
– God’s People are NOT condemned because of Jesus
– Jesus represents us on the right hand of God
– Jesus is King over His Kingdom
– God judges His People through the righteousness of Jesus Christ
References Included:
– Romans 8:34-28
Bro. David is pastor of Macclenny Primitive Baptist Church located in Macclenny, Florida.

Following morning services, a fellowship lunch was served in the dining room.

Saturday Afternoon
Elder Tracy Frederickson preached on “Gaius”.
From this message:
– It is important to walk in the good of God’s Word and Ways
– Our names are written in heaven
References included:
– 3 John 1
– Isaiah 43:1 and 7
– Luke 10:17
Bro. Tracy is the pastor of Little Hope Primitive Baptist Church located in Madera, California.

Elder Heath Williams preached on “Being a disciple of God”.
From this message:
– It takes work to be a disciple of God
– We are not alone, God knows what we deal with and are doing
– Work and repent, be ready to give an answer in troubles and trials
– Be ready: Practice, Prepare, Do
References included:
– 1 Peter 3:8
Bro. Heath is the pastor of Gum Pond Primitive Baptist located near Eva, Alabama.

The afternoon services were followed by a time of fellowship then supper in the dining room.

Saturday Night
Elder Travis Brown preached the first message on Saturday night.
Bro. Travis is the pastor of Providence Primitive Baptist Church located in Corsicanna, Texas.

Elder John Scott preached the second message on Saturday night.

Sunday Morning
Brother David Berryhill preached the first message on Sunday morning.
Bro. David is a member of of Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church located near Smithdale, Mississippi.

Elder James Conley preached the second message on Sunday morning.

Elder Ricky Myers closed the meeting with final comments.

A fellowship lunch was served in the dining room following morning services.

Personal Notes:
Attending a church meeting is always a blessing.
It typically includes hearing many different preaching gifts, and having fellowship with many we know but normally only see at meetings.

At this meeting, two important additional blessings occurred:
– The unification of the Amite East and West associations
– The attendance of the meeting moderator, Elder Ricky Myers

Amite Association Unification:
Some 70 years ago, the original Amite association split into two groupings, East and West.
At this meeting, representatives from both unamiously voted to come back together as the Amite Association of churches, as originally founded.
This was the answer to many prayers by many people over many years.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33

Elder Ricky Myers
Earlier in 2023, Bro. Ricky was diagnosed with a severe problem with his liver, with the only solution being a transplant. From that point forward, it was obvious the Lord was in the matter, as He provided His Loving and Healing Grace for Bro. Ricky.
After spending many months in the hospital with many obstacles and challenges to overcome, and after the continued prayers of family, friends, loved ones, and other churches, Bro. Ricky returned home where he continued to heal.
Since he is the pastor of the host church (New Bethel), Bro. Ricky was blessed to perform all duties as moderator, to the joy, love, and thanksgiving of all in attendance (and elsewhere). It was obvious “The Lord had a work for Bro. Ricky to do in His Kingdom”.
His role in the meeting was the start/resumption of that good work…
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

The meeting was another example of the blessings of being in the Lord’s Kingdom!

God Bless!!!