Israel and Judah, as divided kingdoms, had a roller coaster ride for many generations. Israel, during the divided kingdom years, lasted under many dynasties for about 200 years until 722 B.C., while Judah remained under the control of a single dynasty for about 344 years, until 586 B.C. As we approach the close of the book of 2 Kings in chapter 22 we find ourselves now in the year 624 B.C.

Josiah (the Lord Supports) is a young man. He began to reign when he was only eight years old, and the greatest thing that can be said of him is that "he was a man who did that which was right in the sight of the Lord." Most likely no other king of the divided kingdom could compare, though a few came close. What greater and more noble characteristic could there be for anyone? This young man turned neither to the right nor to the left. He was fully focused and committed to the right path.
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We are in great need of mission volunteers for 2005. Please take time to refer to the "It's A Big World" article in the January newsletter and our Website for the details. We need folks for the Caribbean beginning in March, Vermont in May, the Czech Republic in August, CenterFest in September, and Nicaragua throughout the year. This is urgent, so please share this with those in your church!

Bedford Ride is a county-wide organization of volunteers eager to provide disabled, elderly, and low income people in our communities with easy and affordable transportation to and from non-emergency health care services. Volunteer drivers are carefully screened and thoroughly trained persons who are caring, compassionate, and considerate. They drive safely, protect passenger confidentiality, and treat everyone with respect. Other volunteers serve as dispatchers, driver's escorts and recruiters. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! If you think you might like to join them in helping your neighbors, please call 587-3315 for more information, or visit their Webpage at www.sbava.org/br.

Flint Hill received $1,455 for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, exceeding the goal of $1,400. The church prepared 42 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Care packages were sent to three men serving in the military—one in Iraq, one in Kuwait, and one in Korea.

Flint Hill will observe WMU Focus Week on February 13-20. Karen Smith will speak at the morning worship service on February 13. Karen has been on numerous mission trips, most recently serving for two years in Thailand.

Two members of Mentow recently served with "Because We Care Ministries" on a short term mission trip to Nicaragua.
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Women on Mission: Radford continues to lead devotionals at Oakwood Manor for the first quarter of the year. Mount Olivet will host the February birthday party for residents of Bedford County Nursing Home; Diamond Hill will host it in March.

The Women on Mission groups of Flint Hill are sponsoring a "Poor Man's Supper" (pinto beans, cornbread, slaw, dessert, and beverage) on Saturday, February 19, 5-7 p.m. Eat-in and carry-out available. Donations will be used for mission projects.

At this time, Virginia Baptists do not plan to promote Seeds of Hope in 2005. If plans should change later in the year, you will be notified.
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For those interested in information regarding church incorporation in Virginia, we offer a scanned document (there may be some minor errors due to the scanning process) that you may freely download. To download click here. It is in Word format and occupies about 40K.

Bedford Pregnancy Center offers free pregnancy tests, information on adoption, referrals for medical care during pregnancy, clothing, and baby supplies. The organization also wants to reach teens with abstinence education and touch the lives of post abortive women with counseling and Bible study. BPC provides accurate and essential information regarding the physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of abortion, while encouraging exploration of other options. It is not affiliated with any one denomination, congregation, or any political organization. Financing is through private donations and all donations are tax-deductible. Their address is 159 Market Square, Bedford, and their hours are Monday, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. & Thursday, 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The phone number is 540-587-5900. For more info, go to www.sbava.org/bpc.

For those interested in donating money to help with the disaster relief effort taking place in the Far East following the horrible devastation of last week's tsunami, here are some trustworthy organizations. Donate to "Asia Earthquake Disaster Relief" through the International Mission Board, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230, or call 800-866-3621, menu option 6, or email the IMB at worldhunger@imb.org. Donate through Samaritan's Purse by calling 1-800-567-8183 or mailing a contribution for "Indian Ocean Tsunami Relief" to P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607

March 2 Philip Ayers (Glade Creek)
March 4 Daren Davis (IMB Missionary)
March 7 Rick Mallory (Morgans)
March 24 Dennis Moore (Beaverdam)
March 31 Harold Lewis (Walnut Grove)

March 28 Phil & Jean Day (Mountain View)