(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 dfriar@marbc.org.)
PASTOR NATHAN LOBB WITH THE LORD
Brother Lobb graduated to Glory on January 17 following a courageous battle with cancer. The funeral was held on January 23 with Pastor Eric Braun officiating. Hundreds gathered at the Loon Lake Community Center near Palo. A unique feature of the funeral was a recording of Nathan singing a song of Heaven while a member of a collegiate ministry team. A brief obituary can be viewed HERE.
Please pray for his wife Donna, their six children, many other extended family members and the congregation of Lakeland Baptist in Gilbert.
FUNTASTIC YOUTH RALLY
While the early registration date has already passed, make plans to join the crew in Brainerd for a "funtastic" time of bowling, great food, fellowship and preaching from the Word of God. $35 is due when you register.
PASTOR CLAYPOOL GOES TO ISRAEL!
- Written by Pastor Claypool (picture of them at Caesarea on the Mediterranean)
On Pastor Appreciation Sunday, October 14, 2018, our church family completely surprised my wife and me with the gift of an
all expense paid trip to Israel: a Prophetic Seminar with Baptists for Israel Institute, presented on a beautiful giant scroll. Unbeknownst to us, they had been preparing for this surprise all of 2018. This trip of a lifetime took place January 7 - 19, 2019.
The study tour, lead by
Brad Brough, and tour host,
Evangelist Randy Chovan, surpassed our every expectation. Historical, geographical, and archaeological information was shared along with the relevant Bible stories/texts at countless sites including Mount Carmel, Capernaum, Bethany, Elah Valley, Kadesh Barnea, and of course Jerusalem. Among the highlights, was a Biblical lunch in Nazareth, a swim in the Dead Sea, a trek up Masada, a camel ride in the desert, and wading through Hezekiah’s tunnel.
We have come away with an even
deeper assurance that God’s hand has always been and will continue to be on this ancient land and people. We also know that our study, teaching/preaching, and personal
Bible reading will never be the same after seeing/experiencing so many of the places mentioned in Scripture. Words cannot completely convey our gratitude to our church family, family, and community members for their demonstration of love and their sacrifice.
BASS LAKE CAMPING NEWS
BROCHURES ARE COMING! Packets were sent through the mail this week. The packets include applications for camp positions, a poster, camper grant application and brochures. If you need more brochures, be sure to let us know at 507-893-3249.
INTRODUCING BOOSTERS! This year we have begun a program to generate financial support from those who love and appreciate the ministry at Bass Lake. Simply put, we are dependent upon our friends to help us with our financial obligations while striving to keep the cost of camp as low as possible. Would you be willing to help us? Contact the camp at 507-893-3249 for more
information.
TWO NEW CAMPS! Primary Camp is intended for those entering grades 2-4. This is a three day camp (July 29-31). It is a good way to introduce and prepare your youngster for the week-long camp which our ministry is known for. A
Young Adults' Rally will Aug. 2-4. This is designed especially for college-aged singles who want an opportunity to connect with friends before heading off for fall plans. More information will be coming soon.
Be sure to follow us on
Facebook. The camp just opened a new business page. Be sure to look for it! We also have a member's page which is listed as
Bass Lake Camp Members. The Facebook feeds allows you to be informed of camp events on a regular basis. You will see pictures of building progress, our needs, deadline alerts and other useful information.
This year's camp schedule is at the end of this newsletter.
MARBC REP/CAMP DIRECTOR UPCOMING SCHEDULE
FEB. 3: Chatfield, Calvary Baptist
FEB. 5: Southern Pastor's Fellowship, Kasson
FEB. 5-12: Vacation
FEB. 17: Mankato, Grace Baptist
FEB. 19-20: FBBC, Ankeny, IA.
FEB. 21: Council of Seven Meeting, Blaine
FEB. 22-23: Northern Fellowship Men's Retreat
FEB. 24: Montevideo, Cornerstone Baptist
FEB. 25: Camp Board Meeting, Blaine
FEB. 26-28: Cornerstone Bible Institute, Hot Springs, SD.
MAR. 3: Sleepy Eye, Calvary Baptist
MAR. 4: Camp Corporation Meeting, Brooklyn Park
MAR. 5: Southern Pastor's Fellowship, TBA
MAR. 10: Rochester, Chinese Christian Church
MAR. 24: Moorhead, Brookdale Baptist
MAR. 31: Wadena, Southbrook Baptist
CHURCH NEWS
November activities included a Senior Saints trip to Owatonna, a Thanksgiving banquet and the filling of some benevolent boxes to those with financial needs.
December ministries included a children's Christmas program, a Christmas musical (with an estimated crowd of 560), a Christmas Eve service and a New Year's Eve family film night.
January events included our annual business meeting and the beginning of our Branch groups. Branch groups are designed to make connections through social activities.
We now have a youth pastoral intern. Jesse, along with his wife Alexa, have been an encouragement to the church and youth group.
Much of the country has just recently endured a record cold snap. Our town (Winnebago) got down to -27. The wind chill was far worse! Sometimes people say, "Wow! It's freezing outside!" Truth be told, I think many would like to see freezing. We have not hit 32 degrees in a long time. Perhaps a more accurate description would be that it is frigid outside.
