By Dr. Gerry Baughman - Director CAMP BIMI * SMART
Did you ever do something stupid and then say to yourself, ‘That was real ‘SMART’? I’m sure you are no different than the rest of us. Come on! Admit it! You’ve been there…done that! A few years ago, Wall Street had an article on the front of USA Today stating that SMART is the new buzz word in business. Atlanta has SMART CARTS at the airport to carry luggage and even Wal-Mart sells a round green luggage tag called SMART TAG. There is SMART START cereal and even SMART BALANCE dairy spread. Remember the crazy detective show ‘GET SMART’?
Looking back over thirteen years of SMART trips in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Guatemala, Bolivia, Germany, Romania, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ukraine, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Philippines, China, Venezuela, Ecuador, Québec, Manitoba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Zambia, Tanzania, Japan and Alaska, I ask myself, "is it still SMART?" and I must answer a resounding "Yes, yes, yes!" SMART 2007 will find additional prospective missionaries going to New Zealand and Samoa. I encourage you to be a vital part of this team. Make that call today!
I have wonderful memories of each trip. Of course, those would not include a four inch scar, a ¾ pull out bed surrounded by mosquito net with holes, or sleeping on a table in a church basement with no bathroom. Those ‘souvenirs’ pale in comparison to Adam Lewis returning to South Africa to take the reigns of his SMART ’98 missionary host, or Don and Lisa Thatcher who serve in Ireland with their five children after being there on a SMART 2000 trip, or Aaron Oesterle heading to Alaska as a result of SMART 2006. Space does not permit me to name everyone who is now serving as a full time missionary in the country they visited. What’s exciting also is that many others confirmed missions was for them through a SMART trip but are now serving in countries where their SMART team did not go.
My favorite definition for a SMART trip is that it is a ‘deposit ministry’. When team members meet the people, experience the culture and foods, see the needs through the eyes of the host missionaries, and get involved in ministry opportunities while there, it is amazing to see what the Lord does in each heart. Hearts are deposited, only to be picked up on the day they return to that country to serve the Lord full time for a life time.
If the buzz word in business is SMART, then the buzz word for serving the Lord should be SMARTER. Remember…Our greatest fear should not be that we would fail, but that we would succeed in that which does not matter to God. It’s time to take the challenge. Let God complete the details. Be willing to deposit your heart. Now, that’s SMART! Make that call today.
Did you ever do something stupid and then say to yourself, ‘That was real ‘SMART’? I’m sure you are no different than the rest of us. Come on! Admit it! You’ve been there…done that! A few years ago, Wall Street had an article on the front of USA Today stating that SMART is the new buzz word in business. Atlanta has SMART CARTS at the airport to carry luggage and even Wal-Mart sells a round green luggage tag called SMART TAG. There is SMART START cereal and even SMART BALANCE dairy spread. Remember the crazy detective show ‘GET SMART’?
Looking back over thirteen years of SMART trips in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Guatemala, Bolivia, Germany, Romania, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ukraine, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Philippines, China, Venezuela, Ecuador, Québec, Manitoba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Zambia, Tanzania, Japan and Alaska, I ask myself, "is it still SMART?" and I must answer a resounding "Yes, yes, yes!" SMART 2007 will find additional prospective missionaries going to New Zealand and Samoa. I encourage you to be a vital part of this team. Make that call today!
I have wonderful memories of each trip. Of course, those would not include a four inch scar, a ¾ pull out bed surrounded by mosquito net with holes, or sleeping on a table in a church basement with no bathroom. Those ‘souvenirs’ pale in comparison to Adam Lewis returning to South Africa to take the reigns of his SMART ’98 missionary host, or Don and Lisa Thatcher who serve in Ireland with their five children after being there on a SMART 2000 trip, or Aaron Oesterle heading to Alaska as a result of SMART 2006. Space does not permit me to name everyone who is now serving as a full time missionary in the country they visited. What’s exciting also is that many others confirmed missions was for them through a SMART trip but are now serving in countries where their SMART team did not go.
My favorite definition for a SMART trip is that it is a ‘deposit ministry’. When team members meet the people, experience the culture and foods, see the needs through the eyes of the host missionaries, and get involved in ministry opportunities while there, it is amazing to see what the Lord does in each heart. Hearts are deposited, only to be picked up on the day they return to that country to serve the Lord full time for a life time.
If the buzz word in business is SMART, then the buzz word for serving the Lord should be SMARTER. Remember…Our greatest fear should not be that we would fail, but that we would succeed in that which does not matter to God. It’s time to take the challenge. Let God complete the details. Be willing to deposit your heart. Now, that’s SMART! Make that call today.
CAMP BIMI I and II 2007
June 23-30
CAMP BIMI I 2007
June 30 - July 7
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with James and Holly—CB ‘99
Our new co-workers are here. Pray as we get the Good News out. A tract for the special season has been translated. With it, we will get some socks together for many people. We have been able to gather almost 40 children for Good News Club.
Be in prayer as many places of worship here will be doing special outreaches during this holiday season. Two projects we will be doing are food and clothes distribution with a presentation of the Good News and showing a film at the study with refreshments and sharing the Good News there as well.
Hearts are being softened by love. Recently, we began treating a girl with an ear infection. The medicine the doctor gave her did not help it. The week before, her mother said she could not come to the house of God. We started treating her ear infection. It got better and she was able to come with us to C for the first time. The mother believes it was the witch doctor that helped, but the father believes it was our care that helped her. What a special day it was when she was able to join us!
One last, but best, thing is that James was able to lead another lamb into the Arms of the Shepherd. Pray for his growth.
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Our new co-workers are here. Pray as we get the Good News out. A tract for the special season has been translated. With it, we will get some socks together for many people. We have been able to gather almost 40 children for Good News Club.Be in prayer as many places of worship here will be doing special outreaches during this holiday season. Two projects we will be doing are food and clothes distribution with a presentation of the Good News and showing a film at the study with refreshments and sharing the Good News there as well.
Hearts are being softened by love. Recently, we began treating a girl with an ear infection. The medicine the doctor gave her did not help it. The week before, her mother said she could not come to the house of God. We started treating her ear infection. It got better and she was able to come with us to C for the first time. The mother believes it was the witch doctor that helped, but the father believes it was our care that helped her. What a special day it was when she was able to join us!
One last, but best, thing is that James was able to lead another lamb into the Arms of the Shepherd. Pray for his growth.
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About the size of Colorado, New Zealand is a mountainous island nation. 72% of its’ 4.04 million people are considered New Zealand European and preserve British traditions. The remaining 28% are either Maori or Asian. Ancestors of the Maori were Polynesian, originating from Southeast Asia. They have their own language. Today immigration numbers from oriental countries, especially from China and Hong Kong, are sharply increasing.
New Zealand is very nominally Christian—Anglican (17%), Presbyterian (12%), Roman Catholic (12%), Methodist (3.2%), Baptist (1.4%). It is stated that only about 3% of the population attend any church regularly and that about one percent of the population will be in church on any given Sunday. Among the Maori, Mormonism has had a considerable impact.Return to Top
Peppering the Pacific just below the equator halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, a group of islands make up two nations—American Samoa and the independent nation of Samoa. They are home to nearly a quarter million people.
The Polynesian people of the Samoan Islands share a distinct language and culture steeped in ancient tradition. At the same time, due to Western influence over the last one hundred years, both nations are quickly modernizing in technologies and ideologies.Christianity was introduced in the Nineteenth century by Congregational and Methodist missionaries, with the Catholics not far behind. The gospel of salvation by grace is rarely preached in its’ pure form. The need for fundamental Baptist missionaries is great.
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By Colleen Grant, CB ‘04 - Thailand
In Nam Kem, Billy was a typical 16 year old. Then he accepted Christ as his Savior. He loved nothing better than spending time with his church family. He was brutally murdered a few days after I arrived. Police are still investigating, and we may never know why.
Even though I never met Billy, I did have the opportunity to be at both the Buddhist and Christian funeral services. His family is Buddhist, but they allowed Billy’s church to have a Christian Home-going celebration. The sadness I felt while the Buddhist monks chanted was overwhelming because of the hopeless ties that bind a Buddhist person in Thailand. I’m sure the family was wondering if he was good enough. "Would he be reborn as a person, or an animal, or even an insect? Were the prayers chanted on his behalf adequate? If we make a spirit house and bring food, will that satisfy his spirit and keep him from haunting us?"
By contrast was the joy and celebration of his Home-going with his brothers and sisters in Christ. Even though Billy is no longer here, his friends KNOW he is with his Savior – not because of any good works he had done or prayers he had chanted, but because they knew that Billy had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. I am so glad that I have that assurance.
I could not be happier that the Lord has asked me to share with the village of Nam Kem. Every day I meet new people and have new opportunities to witness. Pray for us as we prepare for the village-wide Christmas celebration. The Thai people are very curious about Christmas and American culture. This is a great time to share with them the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Yet while we celebrate that joy, December 26th will be the second anniversary of the tsunami. A memorial service to be held will stir up many memories of loved ones lost in this tragedy. Pray for open doors as we share Christ.
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In Nam Kem, Billy was a typical 16 year old. Then he accepted Christ as his Savior. He loved nothing better than spending time with his church family. He was brutally murdered a few days after I arrived. Police are still investigating, and we may never know why.Even though I never met Billy, I did have the opportunity to be at both the Buddhist and Christian funeral services. His family is Buddhist, but they allowed Billy’s church to have a Christian Home-going celebration. The sadness I felt while the Buddhist monks chanted was overwhelming because of the hopeless ties that bind a Buddhist person in Thailand. I’m sure the family was wondering if he was good enough. "Would he be reborn as a person, or an animal, or even an insect? Were the prayers chanted on his behalf adequate? If we make a spirit house and bring food, will that satisfy his spirit and keep him from haunting us?"
By contrast was the joy and celebration of his Home-going with his brothers and sisters in Christ. Even though Billy is no longer here, his friends KNOW he is with his Savior – not because of any good works he had done or prayers he had chanted, but because they knew that Billy had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. I am so glad that I have that assurance.
I could not be happier that the Lord has asked me to share with the village of Nam Kem. Every day I meet new people and have new opportunities to witness. Pray for us as we prepare for the village-wide Christmas celebration. The Thai people are very curious about Christmas and American culture. This is a great time to share with them the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Yet while we celebrate that joy, December 26th will be the second anniversary of the tsunami. A memorial service to be held will stir up many memories of loved ones lost in this tragedy. Pray for open doors as we share Christ.
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CURVE BALL BLESSINGS
Diane Baughman
One night in dorm devotions last summer, the Lord impressed upon my heart to speak to the gals about "curve ball blessings." The opening statement was regarding my mom’s accidental fall and serious head injury December 30, 2005. It was an unplanned journey for which we were not prepared. Overwhelming and heart wrenching, it took me on a path filled with despair, discouragement, loneliness and grief – a dark tunnel that appeared to have no end or light. However, in the dark of each night and the endless hours of no sleep and care of my precious mom, I was reminded that, in the midst of uncertainty, He was there. His Word was there filled with promises for me and He would never leave me nor forsake me. Further down the path, there were many blessings, open doors for ministry in places I would not have chosen. A whopper of a curve ball to be sure, but…how many lives would be touched along the way and either helped or led to the Saviour?
From the looks on each face and the tears streaming from downcast eyes, it was clear that everyone in that very silent room had experienced a curve ball thrown their way. Quickly, the Lord changed our direction that night and, one by one, each shared their curve ball. Some were still trying to come to grips with what had come their way so unexpectedly; yet others had seen light at the end of the tunnel. Some lives had been directly affected by their curve ball for several years. However, none of us in the room that night could say that it was NOT a blessing in disguise. Not ONE. Yes, that emotional night set the tone for the entire week where strangers removed their façades and realized that, as believers, we can all claim the same promises from His Word and be survivors. Proverbs 27:1
In the midst of curve balls and uncertainty, these things we know: Psalms 55:22, 56:9, Romans 8:28, II Timothy 1:12. Read them. The Lord also sent me precious earth angels when Mom came home making it possible to sleep or prepare for CAMP BIMI or the SMART trip. Hebrews 6:10 "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Thank you, ladies.
In my tunnel of darkness, I was reminded to bloom where I was planted and to delight in a ministry I had not chosen but was given at a difficult time. How? By sharing Mom’s testimony, the power of prayer and acceptance of God’s Will for Mom with everyone, helping those who had no one by praying with and for them, cheering their progress, assisting out of town families to find affordable lodging, locating specialists for second opinions, sharing valuable medical information, offering smiles and hugs, listening to families’ curve ball stories, visiting hospital and rehab facilities to say thanks and to show them the power of prayer. Psalms 40:10 December 19th will be mom’s last therapy. Restored to 100% of herself—to God be the glory; great things He hath done! Thank you for praying! I am so thankful we can only see one day at a time. Remember, when your curve balls come on the mission field, in full time ministry, or as Christian laymen, the Lord will be there to cover you with a protective helmet and to help you bat it out of the park for all to see. He, alone, knows the final score.
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Diane Baughman
One night in dorm devotions last summer, the Lord impressed upon my heart to speak to the gals about "curve ball blessings." The opening statement was regarding my mom’s accidental fall and serious head injury December 30, 2005. It was an unplanned journey for which we were not prepared. Overwhelming and heart wrenching, it took me on a path filled with despair, discouragement, loneliness and grief – a dark tunnel that appeared to have no end or light. However, in the dark of each night and the endless hours of no sleep and care of my precious mom, I was reminded that, in the midst of uncertainty, He was there. His Word was there filled with promises for me and He would never leave me nor forsake me. Further down the path, there were many blessings, open doors for ministry in places I would not have chosen. A whopper of a curve ball to be sure, but…how many lives would be touched along the way and either helped or led to the Saviour?From the looks on each face and the tears streaming from downcast eyes, it was clear that everyone in that very silent room had experienced a curve ball thrown their way. Quickly, the Lord changed our direction that night and, one by one, each shared their curve ball. Some were still trying to come to grips with what had come their way so unexpectedly; yet others had seen light at the end of the tunnel. Some lives had been directly affected by their curve ball for several years. However, none of us in the room that night could say that it was NOT a blessing in disguise. Not ONE. Yes, that emotional night set the tone for the entire week where strangers removed their façades and realized that, as believers, we can all claim the same promises from His Word and be survivors. Proverbs 27:1
In the midst of curve balls and uncertainty, these things we know: Psalms 55:22, 56:9, Romans 8:28, II Timothy 1:12. Read them. The Lord also sent me precious earth angels when Mom came home making it possible to sleep or prepare for CAMP BIMI or the SMART trip. Hebrews 6:10 "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Thank you, ladies.
In my tunnel of darkness, I was reminded to bloom where I was planted and to delight in a ministry I had not chosen but was given at a difficult time. How? By sharing Mom’s testimony, the power of prayer and acceptance of God’s Will for Mom with everyone, helping those who had no one by praying with and for them, cheering their progress, assisting out of town families to find affordable lodging, locating specialists for second opinions, sharing valuable medical information, offering smiles and hugs, listening to families’ curve ball stories, visiting hospital and rehab facilities to say thanks and to show them the power of prayer. Psalms 40:10 December 19th will be mom’s last therapy. Restored to 100% of herself—to God be the glory; great things He hath done! Thank you for praying! I am so thankful we can only see one day at a time. Remember, when your curve balls come on the mission field, in full time ministry, or as Christian laymen, the Lord will be there to cover you with a protective helmet and to help you bat it out of the park for all to see. He, alone, knows the final score.
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Indonesia
3 lbs whole chicken, remove skin,
cut into serving size pieces
2 Tbsp cooking oil
Fry chicken in oil for
about 20 minutes until golden,
turning over once.
Transfer to large plate. Cover. Keep warm.
2 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbsp ginger root, minced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced ¾ tsp ground coriander
1 fresh small red chili (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
Sauté these 5 ingredients in same frying pan for about 3 minutes until onion is soft and starting to turn golden.
2 c coconut milk ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp white pepper
Add coconut milk, salt and pepper to the spice mixture. Stir. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Add chicken. Cover. Simmer for about 45 minutes, turning chicken over once, until tender and no longer pink.
Sprinkle with ½ c coarsely chopped cashews. Serve over long grain white rice. Delicious!
Serves 4
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3 lbs whole chicken, remove skin,
cut into serving size pieces
2 Tbsp cooking oil
Fry chicken in oil for
about 20 minutes until golden,
turning over once.
Transfer to large plate. Cover. Keep warm.
2 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbsp ginger root, minced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced ¾ tsp ground coriander
1 fresh small red chili (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
Sauté these 5 ingredients in same frying pan for about 3 minutes until onion is soft and starting to turn golden.
2 c coconut milk ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp white pepper
Add coconut milk, salt and pepper to the spice mixture. Stir. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Add chicken. Cover. Simmer for about 45 minutes, turning chicken over once, until tender and no longer pink.
Sprinkle with ½ c coarsely chopped cashews. Serve over long grain white rice. Delicious!
Serves 4
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Journal of David Brainerd
David’s heart for God and love for the American Indian people are evident throughout his journal. Experiencing physical hardships, spiritual battles, deep depression and great spiritual growth, he knew the real enemy. David died of consumption at age 29 while being cared for by the love of his life, Jerussa. Never having the joy of marriage, they were a wonderful testimony of God’s grace and their commitment to serve Him. You will be blessed and challenged.
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David’s heart for God and love for the American Indian people are evident throughout his journal. Experiencing physical hardships, spiritual battles, deep depression and great spiritual growth, he knew the real enemy. David died of consumption at age 29 while being cared for by the love of his life, Jerussa. Never having the joy of marriage, they were a wonderful testimony of God’s grace and their commitment to serve Him. You will be blessed and challenged.Return to Top
June 21 – 28, 2008
If you came to the last reunion, you are really in for an extraordinary treat with this one!
If you’ve never been, you’ll not want to miss it!
Plan your furloughs and vacations even now!
Don’t be the missing
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a person who is following God’s heart…
to the place of His calling…
for the time He has appointed…
for the purposes He has in mind.
Think about it…
God wants a contrite heart, a humble spirit, and a servant’s heart.
A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn.
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to the place of His calling…
for the time He has appointed…
for the purposes He has in mind.
Think about it…
God wants a contrite heart, a humble spirit, and a servant’s heart.
A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn.
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Missionaries of the Day
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Richard & Patty Comer - CENTRAL AMERICA
Brian & Jamie Cone - THAILAND
Richard & Elizabeth Conrad - JAPAN
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Richard & Patty Comer - CENTRAL AMERICA
Brian & Jamie Cone - THAILAND
Richard & Elizabeth Conrad - JAPAN
ENCOURAGER Newsletter Archives
CAMP BIMI I & II & III NEW!
June 19 - June 26, 2010
CAMP BIMI I
June 26 - July 3, 2010
For an APPLICATION Email the Baughmans
June 19 - June 26, 2010
CAMP BIMI I
June 26 - July 3, 2010
For an APPLICATION Email the Baughmans
CAMP BIMI Director
Gerry & Diane BaughmanRead more about the Baughmans.
Email the Baughmans
Phone: (423) 855-9357
or (423) 344-5050
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