Love God … Love People
Nearly every year for more than a decade, I have had the privilege of accompanying one or both of my sons to watch a Major League baseball game. Most of these outings have been to Atlanta to see the Braves in action. My first experience to see the “big” Braves was to Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta when my oldest son Dan (now a college freshman) was in the second grade. We had great seats that were located just a few rows behind the Braves’ dugout. We were close enough to read the names on the back of the jerseys and take pictures as the players move to the “on deck” circle and took their practice swings prior to stepping up to the plate.
Our first visit to see the Braves was memorable for both of us. Being a participant in youth baseball leagues and a devoted Braves fan, Dan enjoyed the excitement and hoopla associated with professional baseball. I likewise enjoyed the thrill of being in a Major League sporting complex. Yet, my bigger and more personal thrill was the opportunity to spend time with my son and participate in an activity we both enjoyed. And, in some small way, my prayer was that our time together would be the beginning of a legacy of love that all of my children would remember throughout their lives.
In the years since that first visit, we have traveled to Atlanta or to Houston to see Major League ball games. On some of these occasions, I took a host of elementary-aged boys to these locations by myself (talk about bravery, naivety, etc.) and on other occasions, my wife and daughter accompanied my sons and me to these games. On one of our more recent trips to watch the Braves play the New York Mets, Dan commented on the size of the stadium, the number of fans, the noise, the marketing efforts to attract fan support, the availability of clothing and other Braves souvenirs, and all of the technology involved in the scoreboard and replay screens. Then he offered a truth that seemed a bit profound to me by stating, “It is still the same game of baseball that I played in Little League.”
Dan’s observation of the parallels between Little League and Major League was interesting and accurate. In other words, once all the “extras” associated with professional baseball are peeled away, the game looks remarkably similar to Little League ball. Such a comparison may be appropriate on a more spiritual level. Although the means and methods of delivery may have been enhanced and revised since the first century, the truths that Jesus presented through the Great Commandments and the Great Commission remain steadfast. In essence, followers of Jesus Christ are not only challenged to Love God and Love People, but also to be intentional about helping others pursue a genuine love relationship with the Lord.
This newsletter presents the story of two families whose strong desire to honor Christ’s instructions led them to partner with the Mississippi Baptist Foundation as a “laborer together with God.” Prayerfully, you will receive encouragement from these examples of Christian stewardship and explore similar avenues to invest your life and resources in a tangible manner to Love God and Love People.”
Deborah Quinnelly Mission Trust … The Ministry Continues
Over a decade ago, God began a significant new work in Copiah County as several Mississippi Baptists responded to the opportunity to launch a ministry for the growing number of Hispanic residents of Hazlehurst and other nearby areas. Representing several Baptist churches, folks such as Albert Parsons, Bob Bozeman, David Patterson, and Ray and Deborah Quinnelly determined from a survey that over 300 people whose primary language was Spanish lived in the county. After consultation with John McBride (AMD for the Copiah Baptist Association) and Neron Smith (Spanish Coordinator for the MBCB), a small group of concerned individuals began showing love to the Hispanic population by teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).
The churches of the Copiah Baptist Association responded enthusiastically as Gallman Baptist Church served as the site for the first teacher training and Damascus Baptist church hosted the first ESL course. Other churches became involved by bringing meals to the ESL participants as they met to learn the English language.
Ray and Deborah Quinnelly were two of the primary leaders in the early stages of the Hispanic work in Copiah County. Deborah was one of the first teachers to become ESL certified. In addition to her involvement as a teacher, Deborah helped coordinate the meal preparation and delivery schedule for the various churches. Deborah also was instrumental in acquiring a school bus to transport ESL students to their classes.
As a result of the good response from ESL, Hispanic worship services began at Damascus Baptist Church where David Patterson served as pastor. Later the group moved to Westside Baptist Church for a period of time. Sardis Baptist Church where Albert Parsons was pastor became the home of the Hispanic work prior to a move to the First Baptist Church of Hazlehurst. Following a stint at FBC, the ministry location shifted to the campus of the Copiah Baptist Association where worshippers met in a mobile chapel provided through the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board.
Ray Quinnelly was privileged to preach to the group through an interpreter. Ray related an incident of a “sloppy drunk” stumbling into a worship service during the early days of the Hispanic ministry. This man went to sleep and fell off the pew. Although some in the service wanted the man to leave, Ray insisted that the drunk not be thrown out. Some years later, a team traveled to Guatemala for a mission trip. While there, they encountered this same man who had become a preacher in Guatemala. As a result of God’s movement in the hearts and lives of a few Copiah Baptists, the message of Jesus Christ is making an impact locally and globally.
Today the Iglesia Bautista Agua Viva (Living Water Baptist Church) meets once again in facilities provided by FBC Hazlehurst. Although the latest census listed approximately 400 Hispanic residents in the county, the total is likely several times that number. Jose Roberto Ruiz currently serves as the pastor of Living Water and his passion for this ministry is evidenced by the numerous Hispanic Bible study groups that he has helped cultivate in areas beyond Copiah County.
As the AMD of the Copiah Baptist Association, Dr. Pat Bufkin continues to be supportive of the outreach efforts to Hispanics within the county. Through his encouragement, Ray Quinnelly recently established the “Deborah Quinnelly Memorial Trust” with the Mississippi Baptist Foundation in memory of his wife who died recently and in honor of her untiring efforts to establish the ministry to Hispanics through the churches of the Copiah Baptist Association. This fund will provide supplemental monies for Hispanic ministry in Copiah County and beyond until our Lord returns.
The Gilliam-Thetford Memorial Trust … A Light That Shines
Approximately two years ago, Burnita Thetford from Lincoln County called the Foundation office inquiring about ways in which she could favor Kingdom ministries utilizing the services of the MBF. Burnita explained how the Lord had given her the opportunity to do something tangible and significant for him as a result of the death of two family members who had bequeathed a sizeable amount of money to her.
During that initial phone conversation, Foundation staff explained how a Charitable Remainder Trust or a Gift Annuity would allow for immediate tax advantages, offer an income for life, and provide perpetual financial resources for the Baptist cause or causes of her choosing. After listening politely, Burnita indicated that her desire was to “just give the money outright” with no income stream coming to her. Burnita went on to explain that she wanted to promote the Kingdom during her lifetime as well as beyond her days on the earth.
During the conversation that followed, Burnita shared how an article in the Baptist Record written by Jim Futral, executive-director treasurer, MBCB, in the Fall of 2003 — nearly two years prior to her call to the MBF office — had influenced her life in a positive manner.
She said that the article was about being a lightning bug and leaving the light burning in the present and in the future. Although Burnita was in her 80s and struggled to talk on occasion due to some respiratory challenges, she expressed her desire to let her light shine brightly for the Lord. Within that particular Directions article, Dr. Futral promoted the ministry of the MBF by stating:
“Another way that people leave their light burning is through the Mississippi Baptist Foundation. The Foundation is an integral part of the work of Christ in our state. More and more people are becoming aware of the fact that when they are gone, they are able to leave in place investments that can go on touching lives, helping our institutions or agencies, caring for children, scholarships (for) students, and supporting our missionaries. The Mississippi Baptist Foundation is not just a financial institution, it is a ministry that enables us to leave the light on when we are gone.”
The Lord called Burnita to higher service just a few weeks ago. At her funeral, the pastor mentioned the generous spirit with which she lived her life as he acknowleded her stewardship through the Mississippi Baptist Foundation. The “Gilliam-Thetford Mission Trust” that Burnita established will provide income for student scholarships at out Baptist colleges in Mississippi and for mission efforts through the North American Mission Board and the International Mission Board until our Lord returns.
During the past several days, I have seen bits and pieces of the Little League World Series. As I watched those pre-teen boys, I was amazed at their poise and athletic prowess. Because many of them listed their favorite Major League player on their personal data sheet, I was reminded of my son’s comment about the close parallel between Little League and Major League baseball.
In the final analysis, nothing has changed with respect to the privilege and responsibility that those who follow Jesus have for edifying the Kingdom. Not only are we charged to Love God and Love People, Jesus informed His followers that the world will recognize His disciples by the love that they exhibit.
Both the “Deborah Quinnelly Mission Trust” and the “Gilliam-Thetford Memorial Trust” are unique and tangible expressions of loving God and loving people. September is designated as Baptist Foundation month and your friends at the Mississippi Baptist Foundation would be delighted to visit with you concerning ways in which you, like Deborah Quinnelly and Burnita Thetford, can establish your own legacy of love.
– Daniel C. Hall