Six SBA folks (Joe and Nan Flowers, Steve and Barbara Manuel, Rev. Jerry Parr, and Rev. Larry Ross) have stepped forward to make the Brazil trip scheduled for March 15-26 a reality.

As mentioned in the January newsletter, those who have expressed interest in going to Brazil do not have the funds to do so. The trip will cost about $1,600 per missionary.

If you cannot go, would you be willing to help fund an offering for the mission team? Send checks as soon as possible to Strawberry Baptist Association noting "Brazil Mission Team."

What a great weekend we had! The 23 participants in the intensive January ESL Training were a blessing as they considered the ministry possibilities for our Association. Our plan is to begin teaching English as a Second Language to our large Hispanic community beginning in late February or early March. If you want to be part of this mission experience, but haven't had ESL training, let us know. There are many opportunities not directly related to teaching English that you can help with.
More

March 8 - Philip & Jean Day (Mountain View)
March 18 - Jeff & Paula Johnson (Thaxton)

An international banquet is planned for Saturday, May 4. All SBA churches are invited to come together for a meal, presentations from missionaries, and a special prayer time for missions. On Sunday, May 5, missionaries will be assigned to individual churches for morning and evening services.

Pastors will be receiving a letter in a week or so about an informational meeting scheduled for mid February.

Transformers! is a missions opportunity for adult Virginia Baptists to join together to renovate low-income housing in Amherst/Nelson County. Volunteers will spend each day working on mission projects in the community. Evenings will include worship and fellowship. This is a great opportunity for mission service, spiritual growth, and Christian fellowship.

Cost: $160.00 per person
Registration Deadline: May 4, 2002
Deposit: $60 per person

For more information contact Kathy L. Smith at 540-297-9283.

Special guest speakers: Daren and Shawna Davis, IMB missionaries to Zambia

A Disaster Relief Workshop, sponsored by the Lynchburg Baptist Association, will be held on March 15-16 at Calvary Baptist Church on Timberlake Road. Receive basic Red Cross training as well as training on the Virginia Baptist Feeding Unit.

Opportunities to learn about recovery and water purification will also be available. You must have this training to volunteer to work on the feeding unit during a disaster.
More

• A pastor insecure of his abilities or unsure of his call might feel threatened by the presence of another full-time staff person.
• When problems or divisions arise in the church the youth pastor may unexpectedly find himself on the opposite pole from the senior pastor.
• The added cost can strain the church budget and create new pressures.
• If the church hasn't prepared a detailed job description, confusion may follow as to where the youth ministry is headed. Expectations and responsibilities need to be carefully mapped out and understood before the search begins for additional staff.
  More

  ---

Mount Zion will host the associational Children’s Bible Drill (KJV) on Sunday, May 19, 6:30 p.m.
More

New Covenant Schools of Bedford is looking for a mature Christian who is willing to work four days per week, four hours per day, as a Latin instructor. Yearly salary is $7500. For details, call Amy Thornburg at 540-587-5423.

The Shepherd's Table is looking for a volunteer cook who can help one Friday per month. If you would be able to help out, or if you know someone else who might be willing to take part in this important ministry, please call Eleanor Branin at 540-586-7277.

Under the Lordship of Christ, to equip, support, and involve our family of churches in meeting the spiritual and physical needs of a changing community and world.