1. Inviting people to love God and others...
February
2012
The Church Spotlight
On The First Baptist Church of Vestaburg
2011 by Pastor Pete Carlson
Dear Church Family,
I am writing this from my office in Berkley just
before packing my computer up to take it to my
new office in Vestaburg. Over the past few weeks
while packing I have thought often of Abraham and
Sarah – about their move from Ur to Canaan.
Hebrews 11:8 says “…he [Abraham] went out, not
Special Interest knowing where he was going.” Genesis 12:5
Articles: tells us he knew the location because it says after
From the the Lord told him to leave Haran he went to
Pastor’s Desk Canaan. What he didn’t know is what he would find
by Pastor Pete there when he arrived.
It has been 20 years since Mary Jo and I have moved. 20 years is a long
Random
Memories time to form relationships and gather possessions. Genesis 12:5 also says that
by Lois Green Abraham and Sarah “took all the possessions they had gathered and the
people whom they had acquired.” We are taking most of the possessions we
Bits from Betty have acquired (that’s why it’s taking us a month to move) but unfortunately
by Betty Guthrie we can’t take the people. There aren’t enough bedrooms in the parsonage for
that.
Ivan’s Point of Unlike Abraham and Sarah, we do know some things about where we are
View going. We know we are moving into a newly remodeled (new kitchen,
by Ivan Palmer
bathrooms, paint and flooring) home. Wow – thank you! We feel so blessed.
During the process of candidating we met many of you in the congregation and
have begun to form relationships. We look forward to meeting many more as
we get settled in and to forming deeper relationships.
Happy Birthday Back to Abraham and Sarah, Genesis 12:8 says that as they began to
settle in to their new location “he [Abraham] built an altar to the Lord and
3rd -- Michelle Feldpausch called on the name of the Lord.” I’m sure Sarah was in on it too. We purpose
5th -- Emma Johnston to do that as we settle in Vestaburg. Actually though, the altar is already built.
Jesus is our altar of worship. First Baptist Church of Vestaburg was founded on
7th -- Walt Tereschuk that altar (Ephesians 2:20). We count it a privilege to join you and have a part
13th – Ed Palmer in leading you to build on that foundation. As we do, let’s not neglect to follow
Abraham’s example to continually call on the name of the Lord. Let’s be a
15th – Evodie Bernard praying church.
16th -- Valarie Johnston
19th –Scott Marshall With love,
Peter Carlson, Pastor.
24th --Paul Malek
25th --Pastor Pete Carlson
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons,
29th -- Dan Suprise Kevin, 5, and Ryan, 3. The boys began to argue
over who would get the first pancake. Their
mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. If
Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my
brother have the first pancake. I can wait.' Kevin
turned to his younger brother and said, 'Ryan,
you be Jesus.'

2. The Church Spotlight
b its fr o m B et t y by Betty Guthrie
Senior version of Jesus Loves Me
Here is a new version just for us who have white hair, or no hair at all.
For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this
newest version of "Jesus Loves Me". It is quite cute, so read, sing and enjoy:"
JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow.
Apple Pie in a Cup Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
1 medium apple (peeled,
(CHORUS)
cored and chopped into ½’ YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME...
cubes) YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
12 to 15 red hot cinnamons Though my steps are oh, so slow,
½ sheet of Cinnamon With my hand in His I'll go
Graham Crackers On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
2 TBLS whipped cream (CHORUS)
Put the chopped apple into a Though I am no longer young,
cup, add the red hots, cover I have much which He's begun.
and microwave for two Let me serve Christ with a smile,
minutes. Stir and microwave Go with others the extra mile.
(CHORUS)
and additional 1-2 minutes When the nights are dark and long,
until the apple is softened. In my heart He puts a song.
Mix and allow to cool. Top Telling me in words so clear,
with crushed graham "Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)
cracker and garnish with
When my work on earth is done,
whipped cream
And life's victories have been won.
E He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love
N (CHORUS)
J I love Jesus, does He know?
O Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
Y That I love Him every day.
A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what
the Bible means!"
His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible
means?
The son replied, "I do know!"
"Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?"
"That's easy, Daddy..." the young boy replied excitedly," It stands for 'Basic
Information Before Leaving Earth.'

3. The Church Spotlight
Missions Corner
Update from the Genung’s
Thank you for praying for us and this ministry.
The first wall is standing, praise the Lord! Even though yesterday was a JOHN DEARMORE AND BLACK MAMBA IN CONGO
rainy day, quite a bit was accomplished. Today has been a very productive day. "How God Cares For Us From Day To Day, Often In Ways
We praise the Lord for wisdom in decision making and for safety in the work. Unknowable to Us"
We praise the Lord for the churches who are working out bringing groups to In the early days when my husband, Jim, surrendered to go to
help. We look forward to working with them. We praise the Lord for all of you the Mission Fields of Africa we traveled to Wichita Falls to one of
who pray for us and those who support us financially. We have the privilege of our churches to speak, seeking missions support. We (that is
myself, Georgia, and our three children, Jamie, Becky and John)
having a young couple, an evangelist and his wife, join our "compound" or did not travel very much on long trips with my husband, because it
"campground," however you choose to look at it. He will be speaking here at the cost so much more to travel that way, and because the children
church on Christmas Eve, so they are staying in their camping trailer along side needed to be in School. But because we were not so far away I
of our group. took the children with me, and went with Jim on a speaking trip to
Please continue (I risk sounding like a broken record) to pray for safety, for Wichita Falls, Texas.
wisdom, for boldness in witnessing opportunities, for homeschooling, and for Several of the Ladies at the Church there asked me - "How can
spiritual growth. Please also pray as the Lord uses us in the church ministries as you take these little children to the troubled country of Congo,
Africa. Are you really going to take these little children into that
He sees fit. We’ve included this next part to ask you to pray for us financially. It dangerous part of the world?" I answered quickly and plainly, "Yes,
is very easy to lose a supporter, but really hard to get new ones. We know that I am."
the Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills and knows our needs. Below is an This was in the days when there was much trouble in Africa . . .
excerpt from a recent letter from a (now former) supporting church: . especially during the time when the memory of the Mau-Mau
Last Sunday we, New Covenant Church, (formerly Faith Baptist Church of Edwardsville, uprising in Kenya was very strong. There was a lot of killing,
Ill) voted to stop supporting you. Several years ago we pulled out of the GARBC, and the burning houses, mutilating domestic animals and mutilating white
thought was "why are we supporting a missionary who builds churches for what we people in the most horrible ways possible, assaulting women,
came out of?" Obviously, this has no reflection on you. We wish you the best as you pillaging, etc. I replied to our friends: "God has promised He would
take care of us, even our children. We and they, will be safer there
continue to serve our Lord in this way. in God's will, than to stay in "safety" here in the USA, out of God's
Just to set the record straight Continental Baptist Missions is an Independent will and way for our lives."
Fundamental Baptist Mission which assists Independent Baptist Churches that And with this assurance and His leading, after Jim had finished
agree in name, doctrine and practice—some of which are GARB churches. deputation, we were soon packed and flying across the Ocean to
the shores of Africa. We landed in Leopoldville, the Capital city of
Faith does not struggle; faith lets God do it all. CORRIE TEN BOOM Congo, a large city on the banks of the Congo River.
Most of this story is about our youngest son, however. Both of
Faith draws the poison from every grief, takes the sting from our sons picked up the language quickly and became friends with
every loss, and quenches the fire of every pain; and only faith the young African boys. John, our youngest soon became friends
with the young boys and was often out hunting with them for birds.
can do it. JOSIAH GILBERT HOLLAND They were not "hunting for fun" but were hunting for food for the
The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of little Africans.
true faith is the end of anxiety. GEORGE MUELLER John and his friends were walking single file down a trail
through the bush, hunting for meat for his little African friends.
They had spotted some birds in a tree off to the side of the trail,
and they were walking along on this little, narrow footpath slowly,
slowly, quietly trying to get closer to the birds, all the while
watching the birds in the tree, instead of watching the narrow
Why do we have a leap year (as in this year) and why is it in pathway they were creeping along, to get a shot at the birds with a
February? "slingshot."
While creeping along like this, and watching the bird he was
The issue of leap year and the weirdness of February is always hoping to shoot, John stepped right on a deadly Black Mamba
worth looking at because, coming so infrequently, who can snake, one of the most deadly snakes in the Bush. The Black
Mamba was sometimes called the "African Two-Step." It was so
remember the explanation for it from the last time? deadly poisonous that sometimes just a few steps and you were
The earth revolves around the sun every 365.24 days, not an down, or so it seemed.
However, God's promises are true, and His loving care and
even 365. That produces an extra day's worth of hours every four protection of His own is endless, and always sufficient. Just before
years. We could distribute them as a bonus to everyone--a one-day John stepped on the snake, the Lord had sent along a bush rat.
God had also made the snake hungry at the right time, and the
time-out every fourth year in which the clock is stopped and we snake had just caught the rat and was slowly swallowing it when
stay in bed all day. But we don't. Instead we add an extra day onto John stepped directly on the deadly snake.
The rat was only about half way down the snake's throat, and
February. about half of the rat was still hanging out of the snake's mouth, so
Why February? It was originally the last month on the Roman that when the snake reared up and struck our son John on his leg
near the knee, (the rat being still in the mouth of the snake) the
calendar and a logical place to stick the extra day. But Julius snakes fangs could not pierce our sons skin, and therefore our son
Caesar changed the first month to January, stranding February and was safe. John and his little African friends quickly killed the snake,
of course. And our son was not harmed. So here in this true story,
its little peculiarity in the second spot. we have an example of how God cares for his own, when they are
in his will and doing his work

4. People want the front of the bus, the back of the
Kid’s Page church, and the center of attention
The Church Spotlight
A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a
question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about
God?"
A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the
kindergarten boy.
"Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked.
"You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven...
"
A mother was teaching her three-year-old The
Lord's Prayer. For several evenings at bedtime, the
child repeated it after the mother. Then one night
the child was ready to solo. The mother listened
with pride to the carefully enunciated words, right
up to the end. 'And lead us not into temptation, but
A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read, 'The man
deliver us some e-mail'.
named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his
wife looked back and was turned to salt.' His son asked, 'What
happened to the flea?'
On any
important
truth the
devil tries to
The boy listened closely as the rabbi read the Bible. 'May I ask a get you to
question?' he asked. 'Sure. Go ahead. Ask your question,' replied the
rabbi. 'Well, the Bible says that the children of Israel crossed the Red stop too
Sea-the children of Israel built the temple-the children of Israel did this
and the children of Israel did that. Didn't the grown-ups ever do short, or go
anything?'
too far.

5. The Church Spotlight
Pancake Supper!
How many different animal-themed teams can you
name? (Bears, Lions, Bengals, Ravens, Colts, Jaguars,
Panthers, Falcons, Dolphins, Eagles, Cardinals,
Broncos, Sea Hawks, Rams…)
Where to find these teams in Scripture:
Bears: 2 Kings 2:24
Lions: Psalm 57:4
Bengals: Proverb 26:13
Ravens: Luke 12:24
Colts: Mark 11:2
Dolphins: Exodus 25:14
Rams: Psalm 114:4
Hawk: Jeremiah 12:9
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
-I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous!
-I don't suffer from stress. I'm a carrier.
-Warning: Dates in the Calendar are closer than they
appear.
-A flashlight is a case for holding dead batteries.
-Lottery: A tax on people who are bad at math.
-If "con" is the opposite of "pro," what is the opposite
of "progress?"
-A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is
where a train stops. On my desk I have a work
station...
-I get enough exercise just pushing my luck.
-Budget: A method for going broke methodically.
-Shin: A device for finding furniture in the dark.
The After Party
The world
How To Be Strong In Your Faith
Do you find it difficult to act on principles in which you believe or to is divided
share your beliefs in certain crowds and situations? Even Christ's own into two
disciples were hesitant at times until they actually saw the risen Lord classes,
and, in the case of Thomas, felt the scars in Jesus' hands. Once they
had experienced being with Christ after the resurrection they were all so those who
bold in their actions, testimonies and ministries that they were willing to go ahead
even die for their beliefs. Most of them were martyred for their beliefs.
How far would you go to defend your faith? How far would you go to and do
act on the principles that you believe in? Jesus along with the New something
Testament writers have indicated that all of us who follow Him should and those
not be fearful or timid about what we believe and we are to "BE
STRONG IN THE LORD." The Holy Spirit within gives us as Christians who sit
that power. and
There are three ways to gain that strength.
1. We can pray for God to fill us with His Spirit. inquire,
2. We can spend time daily in God's Word. "Why
3. We can spend time with other Christians who are strong in faith. wasn't it
These are simple things we can do that will work, but each requires a
strong commitment on our part. If you would like to be stronger in your done this
faith, let me make a suggestion. Write a letter to yourself committing to way?"
these three actions. Put it in an envelope and address it as MY
COMMITMENT TO GOD. Place it somewhere where you will see it often.
Writing it out will actually get you started on the road to a stronger
faith.

6. The Church Spotlight
The Son
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art.
They had Everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael.
Empathy They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.
When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He
Have you ever played a softball game was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another
against a small child? Have you ever allowed soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only
them to get on base, make a basket or score in son.
some way? Have you ever witnessed a six or About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at
seven year old hit a ground ball back to the the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in
his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier
adult pitcher and see such a great overthrow to for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and
first that the right fielder catches and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart
clumsiness continues until the child has giggled and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for
their way all around the bases to score? art." The young man held out his package. "I know this isn't much.
Why can we show such empathy toward the I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted
you to have this."
young, the injured or the mentally retarded but The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son,
have little towards others? It’s true that many painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier
people have put themselves into stupid had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father
situations. It’s true that there are those who was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears.
should not be given financial assistance. It’s He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the portrait.
"Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a
also true that there are people who seek to gift."
take advantage of us. But it is also true that The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors
empathy is free. You will not get an empathy came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before
bill at the end of the month. he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his
paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing
this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. I the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for
feel that this verse means everything, from their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son.
dying in battle to giving of your time to help The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding
others. Money can represent pieces of your life with this portrait of the son. Who will bid for this painting?" There
you give in tithes or assistance. was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. "We
want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer
Galatians 5:26 Let us not become persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the
conceited, provoking one another, envying one bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice shouted angrily. "We didn't
another. Do you see the command? We are to come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the
be empathic. We are not to provoke others. Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!" But still the auctioneer
A couple other verses to think about are: continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the
John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My long-time gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the
disciples, if you have love for one another.” painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have
John 15:12 This is My commandment, that you $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the
love one another as I have loved you. masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?"
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the painting
of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their
collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice,
SOLD for $10!" A man sitting on the second row shouted. "Now
let's get on with the collection!"
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is
over. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a
secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that
stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be
auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire
estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets
everything!"
God gave his son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much
like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The son, the son, who'll
take the son?" --unknown--