At the Executive Committee Meeting, April 17, there were 26 attending representing 15 churches.  Financially, God continues to bless even though we have had extra expenses for the first quarter of the year.  At this meeting there was a celebration of what God is doing through our teams and ministries.   Preliminary plans were reviewed of a garage/storage building to possibly be built behind the present office to securely house and protect the MBA Shower Trailer and to provide needed storage for the association.  The Administrative Team will discuss further ways to fund this project.  The Executive Committee approved the recommendation from the Administrative Team to accept Friendship Baptist Church, Lee County, as a member of the Mallary Baptist Association under the provisions of the By-Laws which states that they are considered a provisional member (may have representation at Executive Committee meetings but unable to vote) until being approved at Annual Meeting October 16, 2008.   Welcome to our newest church!  We now have 49 churches and three missions.

God continues to be at work and opening more doors of opportunity.   One of the most recent is that the Chaplain of the South Georgia Wildcats arena football team requested that he be able to use our office for a non-denominational Bible study for the team members.  The Administrative Team was contacted and the first Bible study was held this past Sunday.  We are working on providing a meal for the team in a month or so.    What a wonderful opportunity for us to have a positive influence on these young men!  Thank you association for having a heart for “being on mission with God!”  

The Evangelism/Missions Team has been discussing for some time the possibility of building a special event trailer for use by our churches to minister evangelistically through block parties, family fun days, and/or other outreach events.  It came to our attention that we could purchase a new 18 foot trailer at a very good price for making into and event trailer.  The Evangelism/Missions Team recommended and the Administrative Team approved the purchase of this trailer.   After acquiring the trailer, we will begin the furnishing of this trailer with such things as a snow-cone machine, popcorn machine, cotton candy machine, large grill, generator, tables, chairs, sound system, tents, inflatable children’s activity, and so forth.  Your church might like to provide the resources for one or more of these.   

For your information, our associational men have been requested to build a shower trailer for the Atlanta Baptist Association for use in their downtown ministries.  They have provided the money and a trailer shell has been ordered.   As you know, our association has been involved in building a number of shower trailers that are now stationed all over the U.S.   This is just another way that we are being on mission in our setting.    Isn’t it great to be used of God in His plan to redeem folks here, the state, the U. S. and the world!!!  

Thanks again for the privilege of being a part of what God is doing through the Mallary Baptist Association.  God is using this association worldwide!  I am finding it more and more difficult to keep up with what is happening through the association, but I find it exhilarating!  It is my joy to be your Director of Missions!

                                                             -Tom