Spring has come and gone, and we are into the heat of summer. The work of the Association is ablaze with activity.
We closed on the sale of our building. Moving was a huge task—unpacking even more so. The word “hectic” seems too sedate to describe the chaos. Yet here we are at a new site and week by week working toward this being the hub of mission coordination and support for Haywood Baptists. Upgrades on the building’s HVAC system have begun.
I have completed my tour of duty as Interim Pastor at Mt. Zion. The people were so hospitable! The congregation now seems to be at a good place to find a pastor to lead them into God’s mission for them.
Jeff Holder finished his service as President of our Pastors’ Conference. He did a great job. Adam Black has now been elected President. It is a great time of worship and fellowship. I encourage all pastors and staff to attend. If you don’t you are missing a blessing!
I am now back at Fruitland Baptist Bible College on Tuesdays. During the spring and summer quarters, I teach Biblical Counseling. It provides an opportunity for me to scout out potential staff members for our churches. I also led a Breakout Session at the Bible Conference held on Fruitland’s campus on May 6. Several of our pastors were present. I taught about Biblical Counseling through Expositional Preaching.
I was involved in the National Day of Prayer event in front of the Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville on May 2. Later, we would be key to organizing a prayer meeting there in response to the Gay Pride Parade in Waynesville on June 29.
Further, I attended a prayer conference at Lake Junaluska, First Baptist. We can pray too little, but never too much!
A Youth Revival was held at the Haywood County Fairgrounds on May 24-25, and I attended on Friday night. Always good to see young people sold out for Jesus!
Congratulations to our Administrative Assistant Kayla Mashburn and her husband Cody on the birth of a little girl, Maverly! Kayla is on maternity leave now.
Thank you for sending my wife and me to the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis. While everything did not go as I wished, most of it did. It is such a blessing to see numerous missionaries appointed—some going to places where their lives are at risk. What an awesome missionary force we are privileged to support! While there, I also attended the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders. It was informative and inspiring, as I seek to learn and grow in my role.
I continue to work in conflict resolution as I met with some church folks at odds with each other. Then, I have done some counseling, as well. I was asked to preach a commissioning service for a mission team from Dutch Cove, headed to Hungary. Then, last Sunday I preached at Dutch Cove while Pastor Jason Miller was away with that team.
Thanks for the Joy of Serving Haywood Baptists,
Dennis Thurman, AMS
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