July 2008

Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Louisville, Kentucky Permit # 976

KENTUCKY BAPTIST

FELLOWSHIP Equipping & Empowering. Cultivating Partnerships. Engaging in Missions. Kentucky Baptist Fellowship 225 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., Suite 205 Louisville KY 40222-4929 Phone: Fax: Office email: Website:

502-426-1931 502-426-1612 offi[email protected] www.kybf.org

Coordinating Council Officers: Moderator: Robert Davis, Louisville Moderator-Elect: Linda Caldwell, Middlesboro Past Moderator: Alice Mull, Elizabethtown Secretary: Kristen Terry Nethery, Corbin Treasurer: Susanne Jenkens, Louisville Term Expiring in 2009: Bill McCann, Madisonville; Stanley Crabb, Hopkinsville; Jim Dobbins, Elizabethtown; Lisa Wood, Frankfort; Frank Hatfield, Shepherdsville; Ottis Cave, Stanford; John Owen, Winchester; Pat Ramey, Williamsburg; and Don Mantooth, Morehead. Term Expiring in 2010: Larry Haltom, Henderson; Robert Davis, Louisville; Susanne Jenkens, Louisville; Margaret Barlow, Louisville; Kitty Baird, Danville; Jeremy Shoulta, Louisville; Nancy Fields, Covington; Patsey Jacobs, Lexington; and Iraline Craig, Midway.

Year End Financial Report (May 2007- April 2008) General Fund Needs General Fund Receipts

$329,022 $311,492

Missions Receipts $88,061 (includes KBF Missions, Extreme Build, Global Missions Partnership—Morocco) Figures given above are subject to final audit by our CPA.

Extreme

Build

If not, please email offi[email protected] ASAP to be added to the distribution list for August. We will continue mailing the printed KBF News on a regular basis in addition to communicating with you through KBF eNews. Don’t miss out!

Term Expiring in 2011: Bob Coons, Owensboro; Charlotte Benningfield, Owensboro; Jane Brake, Frankfort; Renee Purtlebaugh, Louisville; Don Rogers, Louisville; Amanda Phelps Taylor, Morgantown; James Browning, Pikeville; Don McFadden, Winchester; and Kristen Terry Nethery, Corbin. Term Expiring in 2012: Dwight Lovan, Owensboro; Clarice Johnson, Owensboro; Laura Albovias, Louisville; Naomi Colliver, Georgetown; Susan Reed, Louisville; David Wells, Shepherdsville; Tim Doremus, Mt. Washington; David Honeycutt, Williamsburg; and Mary Edinger, Middlesboro. CBF Coordinating Council: Barry Birdwhistell, Elizabethtown; Jeremy Colliver, Georgetown; and Lynn Smith, Covington. Coordinator: John Lepper [email protected] Associate Coordinator for Missions: Joshua Speight [email protected] Administrative Assistant: Kathleen Cornetet offi[email protected]

Did you receive KBF eNews in June?

2008 VISIT July 13-19 www.mountainhopeky.org

www.kybf.org We are adding new content to the site, so be sure to check often!

KBF News July 2008

KBF News is a newsletter of Kentucky Baptist Fellowship.

Spring Gathering plans challenging Planning the Spring Gathering this year was quite a challenge--even more than usual. Each year the moderator-elect is charged with gathering a planning team to plan the program for the annual meeting. It’s quite a job to reserve space, develop a theme for the meeting and then enlist the right people to inform and inspire participants. Spring Gathering plans challenging continued inside

Building Hope up in Nada By Josh Speight, Associate Coordinator for Missions: The ongoing efforts through the Mountain Hope initiative in Nada continue to inspire hope among not only the people of the community but among those who come seeking partnership with Nada and other Christian communities. The Kentucky Baptist Fellowship, through the local guidance of Paula Settle (Together For Hope - CBF), and the efforts of First Baptist Church Winchester and Dr. John Owen (Pastor) continue to build up hope in Nada. The combined efforts of many churches throughout the summer will help complete a project for the Helton family that is too big for any one church to accomplish on its own. Recently (May 11-18th), Blacksburg Baptist Church (Blacksburg, Virginia) and Dublin Baptist Church (Dublin, Virginia) spent the week in Nada constructing a bathroom/shower/bedroom building for the Helton family; this building provides indoor facilities the family has never had while in Nada. Due to structural issues with the Helton’s home, the new construction needed to be unattached for possible future construction. The two Virginia churches began a partnership with the Heltons which will be continued as FBC Madisonville (Kentucky), Lexington Avenue (Danville, Kentucky), and FBC Kannapolis (North Carolina) come later in the summer to carry on the work and assist the Heltons, building up hope as they build this addition to their home. Clark Lentz, a member from Blacksburg Baptist Church, shared these words about his experience: I was amazed at the work our team was able to accomplish with God’s help this past week! The framing and roof are complete, the siding is complete except for the top piece of siding on three walls, and except for the top triangle of siding on the wall toward the house. The roof over the stoop needs to be framed up and bolted to the structure before this wall can be covered with siding. The entry door is in place with lock and deadbolt....Please share photos with us as the work progresses. We are looking forward to seeing the finished product! Truly this is one story of how we as Christians come together through an initiative like Mountain Hope to build up hope in the lives of others.

We are a fellowship of churches and individuals who share a commitment to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.

Nada . . . One Year Later By Emilee Causey One short year ago I began working in Nada as the Mission Coordinator Intern, assisting teams who came to do construction and activities with the community. During the course of last summer I began to be more involved with the teens and tweens who live in Nada, which evolved into working in Nada part-time as the Youth Coordinator during the school year. Now, another summer is here and we are in the midst of new mission teams and construction, but something is different; it is a little easier. The obstacles of last summer, preventing trust and cohesiveness among the Nada youth, are now more manageable. We have been able to pinpoint some asset building needs over the past year. Most of all, for all ages, those of us who work in Nada are helping to build on the existing bonds of community which provide love, support and encouragement for one another. The planning for summer 2008 began almost as soon as summer 2007 ended. Plans were made to hold a conference in Nada for all the Mountain Hope teams (Owsley County, McCreary County and Nada volunteers) concerning asset building and community development. We were fortunate to have Jeremy Lewis, CBF Global Missions Manager for Together for Hope, to speak to the volunteers about building on the skills already within the community to create action while teaching new life skills. As a result of this meeting, many new developments are occurring. A unique development this summer has to do with the scale of construction projects; some of the mission teams themselves are working together on larger projects to be completed over the course of the summer. Also, a stronger emphasis is placed on the mission groups encouraging the community to participate in the construction projects, to make the project more personal to the community. And, in accordance with the asset building mindset, the mission teams teach skills topics to the youth, in addition to construction projects and activities with the community. These skill topics range from money management/banking to the importance of insurance to job application/interviews/work behavior to renting an apartment. The goal is to encourage and teach them the capabilities needed to take care of themselves as young adults; being a part of the world, and not just in it, requires knowledge of how to handle responsibility (two of the teenagers are even working as assistants). One of the most important aspects of these topics is to learn life skills in such a way they are able to pass the knowledge along to someone else, thereby becoming advocates for each other. My hope is to help empower the community to recognize and develop capacity, both personally and as a community. Sustainable, effective differences are not made in one summer. It takes time to build hope that lasts. With each slow step, each engaging conversation, God is present, working both in the community and in the volunteers to make a positive impact for all.

Meet Our 2008 McCreary County Summer Intern Hi, I’m Dora Gosnell, a 19 year old, single female. I was born in Somerset, Kentucky, but I have lived in McCreary County all my life. I am the youngest of three children; I have two older sisters, Sunshine Ellen and Angel. My oldest sister, Sunshine Ellen is married and has 4 sons. Our middle sister, Angel is married with one daughter and one son. I enjoy spending time with my niece and nephews as often as possible. We all really enjoy spending time outdoors, something we have all acquired from my father; over the years he has definitely turned us all into avid fishermen, or least we like to think so. I am currently a junior at The University of the Cumberlands where I am double majoring in Elementary Education and Mathematics; I chose these majors due to my love for children and because math has always been an easy subject for me. I live on campus at the University, which has been an experience all in itself. I do work-study as a way to lower my tuition. I work in a second grade classroom in Williamsburg, Kentucky, which has proven to be one of the most rewarding experiences in my life thus far. I was looking for a summer job to help pay my school insurance when a family friend, Sister Nancy Sutton, told me about the internship with McCreary County Community Housing Development Corporation (McCHDO) and Kentucky Baptist Fellowship. Sister Nancy is a wonderful woman who has definitely made a difference in my family’s lives. She contacted me about the job and explained to me all the wonderful things both McCHDO and KBF have been doing in McCreary County. After discussing it with her, we both agreed it would be a great experience. Through this internship I see a chance to give back to the community. I have seen many lives affected by these programs, and when I had the chance to be part of this experience, there was no question in my mind about taking the internship. My primary focus in this internship is one of the great programs that first attracted me to this job: Extreme Build. This is a great event held annually in McCreary County to help provide housing for needy families. One family is chosen and in one week, thanks to KBF, McCHDO, and all the volunteers from all across Kentucky, a house is built for this family in hopes it will improve the quality of life for them. I feel this position as the Kentucky Baptist Fellowship Summer Intern for McCreary County serves as an important communication tool between McCHDO and KBF. I hope I can help the bond between McCHDO and KBF to continue to grow so their work together will continue to thrive.

Spring Gathering plans challenging continued Logistics at the recent spring gathering became quite a challenge for Robert Davis and team. First there was the matter of moving “Friday Church” to a church a block away. Parking at Highland Baptist Church is always a challenge. Just as the newsletter was being mailed, Robert learned that the street where Highland is located would be closed on Saturday morning due to the marathon. Robert and team met each challenge “head-on” and alternate plans were made to overcome the challenges. The meeting was held with no major glitches.

Alice Mull and Don Rogers Worship leaders came from Morocco and Texas. Jean-Luc Blanc and Karen Thomas Smith traveled from Morocco to provide keynote messages, serve on a panel discussion, and lead a breakout workshop. John and Amy Wiles traveled from Texas to provide worship leadership; their style enlivened worship, providing energy and excitement. Highlighting the worship service on Friday evening was the installation of Josh Speight as Associate Coordinator for Missions. The program was altered this year to make time for a panel discussion. Jean-Luc Blanc and Karen Thomas Smith were joined on the panel by Dr. Ghouse Shareef (Islamic Cultural Center, Louisville) and Dr. Roy Fuller, (adjunct professor at Baptist Seminary of Kentucky). John Lepper, Coordinator of Kentucky Baptist Fellowship, moderated the panel discussion. Dr. Shareef also led a “standing room only” breakout workshop on the basics of Islam.

Joe Phelps and Joy Horde In business matters, the body adopted a budget of $342,665, received reports from various work groups, and elected fourteen new members of the coordinating council.

A Word from our Moderator by Robert Davis, Moderator As I begin my year as Moderator, we celebrate a significant milestone in the life of KBF. In June of 1998, John Lepper was hired as the first full time employee of the KBF. Over the last 10 years under John’s leadership we have made great strides forward in ministries in which we are involved and our finances have grown steadily. We are now at a stage of maturity that allows us to seriously look at what the next step should be for us as an organization. While we celebrate John’s 10 years with us we also celebrate a new beginning with the hiring of Josh Speight as our Associate Coordinator for Missions. Josh brings a new energy and a fresh set of eyes to what we as the KBF are endeavoring to do across this commonwealth. My goals for the coming year center around 3 specific tasks. First of all, using our Spring Gathering as a springboard, I want to see us strengthen the partnership that we have begun with the churches in Morocco. Karen Thomas Smith and Jean-Luc Blanc both challenged us to step to the plate and find unique and creative ways in which to help the Moroccan churches in their efforts to be the presence of Christ in the local setting. As I write this, we have 17 individuals in Morocco on a study and listening tour. This group is spending time talking with Islamic university students and professors, visiting mosques and interacting with members of local congregations throughout Morocco. The goal is to begin dialogue and enhance the level of understanding between Christians and Muslims. Secondly, I would like to see our organization strengthen our connections statewide through the development of cluster groups across the state. These cluster groups will allow for our members to come together for any number of activities without having to drive great distances to be involved. The Networking work group will be working on this challenge throughout this year. Lastly, I want to help our Administrative work group continue the process of establishing an endowment fund for the KBF and begin the process of funding it as well. An endowment fund will help provide a solid financial foundation which will help to insure the viability of our organization for many years to come. We have a great history behind us and an unlimited future before us. My goal is that we take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to us as we seek to be the presence of Christ across this commonwealth. If you are not actively involved, I encourage you to take a leap of faith and join us on this incredible journey which is the Kentucky Baptist Fellowship.

calendar July 11: Baptist Seminary of Kentucky 5th Annual Golf Scramble; Kearney Hill Links, Lexington. Email Glenda Simpson glenda.simpson@bsky. org or call 859-455-8191. July 13-19: Extreme Build; McCreary County, KY August 15-16: KBF Coordinating Council; Kavanaugh Retreat Center, Crestwood September 6: Repair Affair, Owsley County September 6: Repair Affair, McCreary County September 10-12: Together for Hope Partners Meeting, Winchester (national meeting) September 27: Children’s Mission Day; Faith Baptist Church, Georgetown October 16-17; Kentucky Council of Churches Annual Convocation, Frankfort October 25: Christian Education Workshop (Co-sponsored by Baptist Seminary of Kentucky and Kentucky Baptist Fellowship) BSK Campus, Lexington

BSK’s Golf STIRRING THE WATERS 2008 Kentucky Baptist Fellowship Scramble Christian Education Conference Baptist Seminary of Kentucky’s 5th Annual Golf Scramble is Friday, July 11, 2008 at Kearney Hill Links, Lexington. $75 per golfer $300 for a foursome Entry fee includes: green fee cart shirt gift bag lunch prizes Registrations deadline: June 25th Schedule 8:00 AM Registration 8:30 AM Shotgun Start 1:00 PM Lunch & Awards To register or for more info: contact Glenda Simpson 859-455-8191 [email protected]

PLEASE HELPupdate KBF

our email database! Simply, send us an email confirming your email address: offi[email protected]

WHERE: WHEN: WHAT: COST: INCENTIVES:

Baptist Seminary of Kentucky (Lexington) Sat., Oct. 25, 2008 - 9am to 3pm (lunch provided) Workshops designed to enhance your ministry $25/person or $20 each for 5+ (students $15) $5 discount if registration/fees received by 10/1

Dr. Jeff Woods presents:

How congregations are tempted to find a quick fix. Sustaining Organizations: Twelve balancing points for sustainability, Five variables that matter most in attaining congregational health & growth In his current role as Associate General Secretary for the American Baptist Churches, USA, Dr. Woods is responsible for encouraging the health and vitality of the 35 regions throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. He has written six books and over thirty articles. As a consultant and resource person, he has worked with groups in nearly every state and province in North America. His areas of expertise include leadership and organizational development.

Special Feature for Ministers “Spiritual Renewal for Ministers” Led by Dr. Daniel Vestal, Executive Coordinator, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Laity, clergy, and workers with preschool, children, youth and adults will benefit from workshops carefully designed to enhance gifts for ministry. Register by sending name, address, email address and church for each person attending along with a check made payable to: Baptist Seminary of Kentucky 631 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40508