The Internet is here to stay. That may not have been the sentiment in the early days when the technology developed through the Department of Defense for internal communications made the jump to general public use. There were plenty of Net naysayers in the 1990s with the mentality of IBM executives back in the 1940s and 1950s who felt there would never be a need for more than a few computers in the world. They just couldn't imagine the impact of computer and information technology on "regular folks." Yet today we have nearly one billion computer and Internet users worldwide, and the number will continue to grow as prices come down and availability increases. Hopefully, our churches will not be the last to enter into and take advantage of new technology. The benefits can be huge, but without the investment and effort, we will remain on the outside.
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Larry Ross Evangelistic Ministries is planning a mission trip to Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, May 6-13, 2006, and is looking for volunteers to help. Larry will preach in a revival meeting each night in addition to replacing the roof on First Baptist Church during the day. The church has been praying for over 5 years for someone to come and help them with this project. They will furnish all materials and some tools. Their fellowship hall is available for sleeping, and a full kitchen and showers are also available. Larry is also checking out motels and RV parking. This is in cooperation with Appalachian Regional Ministry an organization that helps needy churches and ministries of Appalachia.

If you can volunteer, please contact Larry at 540-587-8962 or edrynn@juno.com. As the Lord leads, please share this information with your church. Larry is a carpenter with over 10 years of experience. One unique aspect of Larry Ross Evangelistic Ministries is The "Carpenter's" Evangelist. This is part of Larry's vision to use his skills and experience in construction combined with his call to preach the Gospel. The objective is to minister to churches and lead others to know Christ, the Carpenter from Nazareth. Please pray for LREM and this aspect of ministry. Visit his website at http://LarryRoss.org.

Our next Youth Movie Night will be at Bedford Baptist Church on Sunday, February 19, beginning with a pizza supper at 6:00. There is no charge for the pizza or movie, and you are encouraged to invite lots of friends! We'll finish up around 8:30. We would appreciate a call (540-586-8345) or email (sba@sbava.org) by Wednesday, Feb. 16, so we'll know how much pizza to order, however, if you forget to contact us, don't let that keep you from coming!

You can double your Sunday School class in two years or less! Don't miss an opportunity to hear nationally-known author and Sunday School trainer, Josh Hunt, explain just how it can be done. Josh will be at Abingdon Baptist Church in Abingdon, VA, on Monday evening, March 13, 6:30-9:00. The event is sponsored by the Southwest Virginia Christian Leadership Network and the Sunday School Department of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. There is no charge for the training session. Plan to bring a group of your church leaders to hear five simple and workable principles allowing any church to impact their community. For more information, contact the Christian Leadership Network toll-free at 1-866-223-9344 or e-mail info@vachristianleadership.net.

Women on Mission: Radford continues to lead devotionals at Oakwood Manor in February and March. Mount Olivet will host the February birthday party for residents of Bedford County Nursing Home; Diamond Hill will host it in March.

SBA WMU Annual Meeting
Saturday, March 25, 2006, 10 a.m.
Suck Spring
(Covered dish meal)

Roanoke Valley Baptist Association
WMU Annual Meeting
Vinton Baptist Church
Monday, March 27, 2006
Meal at 6 p.m.
(Estimated cost is $5-$6—call 540-366-7631 to make reservations by the first of March.)

Evangelist, Larry Ross, will be teaching a Winter Bible Study at Flint Hill March 12-15, beginning at 7:00 each night. The study will focus on the book of Nehemiah.

Mentow is searching for a part-time Music Minister as well as a part-time Pianist. Send resume to Mentow Baptist Church, 3282 Mentow Drive, Huddleston, VA 24104. The church office phone number is 540-297-4051.

Mount Hermon is seeking to call a part-time Youth Minister. For information, contact the pastor, Mark Flores, at 434-841-7022.

North Bedford's Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions totaled $14,060.

Thaxton sent 88 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child; donated two blankets for Social Services Christmas baskets, donated $1,121.50 for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, and supported Toys for Tots. Also, twelve from Thaxton went on a mission cruise. They took care packages to an orphanage in Belize as well as ministered in prisons and in nursing homes. In Cozumel, Mexico, they ministered in a school, painted a church sanctuary, and held a joint worship service. In Honduras, they shared in jail ministry, participated in door to door visitation and in kids club, and helped with construction of a church.

Hundreds of children in the Bedford area are in need of an advocate—a voice to speak up for them. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Central Virginia is offering a training class at Bedford Memorial Hospital on Monday evenings from 5:00-8:00, beginning on February 6 and running until April 10. For more info, or to sign up, please contact Linda Bailey at 434-528-2552. You may visit their Website at www.cvcasa.org.

You are invited to be part of the Jeremiah People event February 11, 6 p.m., at Gretna High School. Designed especially for families to share together, it is also a wonderful ministry for any age group. The Jeremiah People is a Christian musical theatre group that has been around for over 25 years. They are associated with the internationally known Continental Singers and are always looking for new talent to commit to a short-term ministry serving as actors, singers, dancers, technicians, and instrumentalists. Come share the experience and see what else might be in store!