All the mothers were honored, Sunday morning. Each mother received a small tin of hard candies, “Mixed Fruit Drops” and a small book, “God’s gift for Mothers” published by Thomas Nelson. Every lady present received a flower that was ready to be set out. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message…
When you look at Joe Banks, you might think that you are looking at a fellow who has never been far away from the hills, but a few weeks ago his wife, Pat Banks, brought a copy of the Hornet Apollo Eleven Recovery Cruisebook to church. Joe was aboard the…
Sunday was “Go Blue” Child Abuse Awareness at Bethany Baptist Church. Most people wore blue just as a reminder that we are stewards of God’s precious children. Darlene Sorensen handed each person a small dark blue ribbon to wear on their lapels and shoulders in support of the effort to…
The Young Women N Christ attended the Youth Retreat that was held last weekend at Hammond Mill Camp. They came back telling about the games and the really generous amount of food that was offered as well as the messages that they heard. Pastor Bob Sorensen and his family attended…
The Young Women N Christ will load up in the church van immediately after school, Friday, to be taken to the Hammond Mill Campgrounds for a weekend Youth Retreat. Darlene Sorensen will be driving and staying with them for this event. It is an opportunity for our young people to…
Bethany Baptist Church was pleased to have guests come in Sunday morning. Guests are always welcome to all the services and activities at the church. There will be a Ladies’ Bible Study, Thursday morning at 8:30 to 10:00. They are studying the Leviticus instructions on the different offerings and how…
The folks at Bethany Baptist Church were pleased to have visitors, Sunday morning, and even more visitors Sunday evening for the Fellowship Supper and the presentation of the Easter Cantata. Some of the visitors had come from the Gainesville area, some from Mansfield and one whose home is in Alaska.…
There is always some kind of activity being planned at Bethany Baptist Church. The Young Women N Christ are planning to take part in a Youth Retreat at Hammond Mill in April. The Ladies Bible study group will soon conclude a series of lessons on “Giving an Acceptable Sacrifice to…
On any given weekday, if you stop by Bethany Baptist Church you may find someone working. It might be some of the men working on the building or some of the ladies vacuuming the auditorium. Someone might be mopping in the fellowship room or sweeping the front porch. All this…
The ladies met Thursday morning for prayer and Bible study. They generally meet on the second and fourth Thursday mornings at 8:30. Jim and Ruby Corder, Joe and Pat Banks, Norma Stillings and Dan Stillings joined Bob and Darlene Sorensen and some of the Teens for some of the Sorensens’…
Bethany Baptist folks were glad to see the sun shining and the snow melted off the parking lot, Sunday morning. We still do have some folks facing health issues but a cheerful spirit prevailed. The young people met for music practice at 9:15 AM, the men met for prayer at…
The ladies met for their Bible study, Thursday, morning. The next Ladies’ Bible study lesson on February 28 will be on “Making an acceptable sacrifice.” Stephanie Corder brought pictures, Wednesday evening, that she had taken at the Ben and Brittany (Corder) White wedding last week. Our prayer would be that…
Jim and Ruby Corder and Jeff and Stephanie Corder returned Sunday afternoon from a trip that they had made to Chesterton, Indiana to celebrate the marriage of Jim and Ruby’s granddaughter, Brittany Corder, to Ben White. Brittany’s Uncle Jeff Corder conducted the ceremony. Ruby’s sister, Virginia Coats, who made the…
It was a special treat to have missionaries of Mongolia at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. One of them gave an accounting of some of the things that have happened in their ministry during the past six years since his last visit. The orphanage was recently granted permanent status and was…
The folks at Bethany Baptist Church are looking forward to having Mitch and Baljmaa Tillman, missionaries of Mongolia, with us Sunday, February 3. With them will be two adopted children, Mishka and Johnny and Baljmaa’s mother Oumaa. We will have a combined Sunday school class at 10:00, a preaching service…
Work continues on the exterior of the building and the church voted to do certain other repairs and improvements when the money came in to do so. Those plans included putting new lights in the fellowship room. The carpet in the pastor’s office is to be replaced. The driveway is…
The attendance at Bethany Baptist Church was still low because of the serious rash of colds, flu, and other illnesses. First one member of a family would be sick and then another. However, there were some of the faithful who were well enough to attend the regular Wednesday and Sunday…
Bethany Baptist Church members were hit hard by the flu last week. The Christmas Cantata that had been scheduled for Sunday evening was reset for 6:00 PM Sunday, December 30 after the Fifth Sunday Fellowship Supper at 5:00. The “Name That Tune” event was held as scheduled Wednesday evening and…
Christmas preparations, practices, and events have been underway at Bethany Baptist Church all this month. The Young Women N Christ who meet after school on Mondays have had their Christmas party. The Wednesday evening prayer meeting was dedicated to the music of the season with a “Name that Tune” event.…
Bethany Baptist Church folks decorated the church van and drove it in the Ava Christmas Parade, Saturday. Some of the more agile folks walked along the parade route handing out “John and Romans” booklets and an invitation to visit the church. The weather was favorable and it seemed that there…
Pastor and Darlene Sorensen and their daughter, Sally, visited Darlene’s parents, Don and Doris Taschner, in St. Louis from Sunday evening to Wednesday morning this week. They had not been able to be there for Thanksgiving Day this year so they opted for a later visit. Next Sunday, Sarah Jean…
There is something going on almost every day at Bethany Baptist Church. Monday evening the Young Women N Christ meet for their Bible study. There is a Wednesday evening prayer meeting, a Thursday morning Ladies Bible Study, music practices, and special work days. The month of December promises to be…
Chet and Jennifer Wampler and their children Isaac and Katie were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Chet presented the Faith Scripture Ministry whose goal is to make Bibles available to the people of the nations where Bibles are not now readily available or affordable. The Lord Jesus commissioned the…
The ladies met for a Bible Study, Thursday morning. They are reading and studying lessons in Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians. Paul’s desire for the Colossians and all the churches of Asia was, “That you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” Norma Stillings and Bobbye…
The people at Bethany Baptist Church love missionaries. One of our favorite missionaries is Tommy Tillman of Harbor Evangelism International, Inc. He had a burden for Thailand and began a ministry for the lepers there. He actually lived with lepers, sleeping on mats under bridges, and proving to them that…
The Jubilee Singers sang an old Stamps-Baxter favorite, “I’ll Be Listening,” that reminds us that the Lord may come any day and we should be ready. The church sang, “Happy Birthday” to Bobbye Priddy. Bobbye Barner Priddy was born in Ozark County, attended grade school at “Turkey Trot” then Thornfield…
The ladies met Thursday morning and began a Bible study in Colossians. The lesson was aimed at pointing out the preeminence of Christ in all things. The ladies share prayer requests and pray for the needs of the church. The weather was perfect for the Friday evening hayride out at…
Sam and Mandi Abram and their ten-month-old daughter, Jocelyn Grace, were guests at Bethany Baptist Church in all the services, Sunday. They are visiting churches sharing their burden for souls in Hong Kong, China and hoping to raise financial and prayer support for that effort. Sam grew up in California,…
The Bethany Baptist Church people signed a card of appreciation and gave Pastor Bob Sorensen a love offering Sunday morning. October is Pastor Appreciation Month which gave the church an opportunity to express its gratitude to Pastor Bob who works hard all year. Pastor Bob generally writes and delivers three…
Bethany Baptist Church finished up the 2012 Mission Conference Sunday afternoon. The week had been full of activities. Wednesday and Thursday evenings the Nelson Family Singers presented some really good variations on Country/Blue Grass style gospel music. Joe Gammon spoke each evening. Saturday morning the men had a Men’s Prayer…
We are in the midst of the Annual Missions Conference, September 26-30. Joe Gammon of the Lighthouse Baptist Ministries is the guest missionary. He will speak in the evening services, at the Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Saturday morning, and in the Sunday services at 10:00, 11:00, and 1:00 PM. Ione Gammon…
The Ladies met for their Bible Study last Thursday morning. The subject of study was “Move in the Power of God.” Several members of the church came Saturday morning for a church “work day.” The kitchen got a new sink installed. One of the class rooms and the men’s bathroom…
The Young Women N Christ met Monday afternoon at Bethany Baptist Church with Darlene Sorensen. They have a devotion time, a snack time, and time working on crafts. Pastor and Darlene Sorensen and their daughter, Sally, attended a Family Reunion in St. Louis over the weekend. Bro. Bob Helms spoke…
Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening you can expect to see Joe and Linda Wood drive up to the church’s wheel chair ramp. Someone goes out with a wheel chair and helps Tom Hawkins come in. Tom Hawkins is a resident at the Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare…
Pastor Bob, Darlene, and Sally Sorensen returned home from a trip to visit with family members and friends in the Dakota Dunes area in Nebraska. Pastor Bob preached at Harvest Time Baptist Church in Grand Island, Nebraska, and the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Luke Sorensen returned to…
During the past couple of weeks Bethany Baptist Church had three special speakers while Pastor Bob and Darlene Sorensen and Sally were on vacation. Bro. Tom Hawkins spoke on the life of Joseph in the Wednesday evening service. Bro. Bob Helms taught and preached Sunday morning. Bro. Jeff Corder spoke…
Jonathan and Natalie VandenHurk were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Jonathan told about his father who was born into a Dutch family and his mother who was born in Africa both in traditional churches and not knowing about salvation. They were both saved and living in America when Jonathan…
The Sorensens have been enjoying the Pastor’s conference in Highland, Arkansas this week. Bethany Baptist Church will have Jonathan and Natalie Vandenhurk, missionaries to England as guests, Sunday, August 12. There will be lunch in the fellowship hall at noon, an afternoon service at 1:00 PM and no evening service.…
The people at Bethany Baptist Church enjoyed their Fifth Sunday Evening Fellowship Supper followed by a service of special songs and testimonies. Specials were done by the Bethany Baptist country strings group, the Jubilee Singers, the “Whosoever Will” Singers, the Youth Choir, the Stillings Family Trio, and Darlene and Sally…
During the past week we had folks returning grandkids to their home out of the state, one teen attending Camp JOY, and people enjoying family reunions. Over the next few weeks we will have people going off on vacations and family visits out of state. Soon summer activities will give…
Bethany Baptist Church closed out the Vacation Bible School with a program, Sunday evening. It began with a slide show of the various classes, activities, and people involved. The theme was, “Bug Zone,” but the lessons were on Joshua, Gidion, Zacchaeus, and other familiar Bible characters that experienced God’s changing…
Bethany Baptist Church is having Vacation Bible School this week. Paul Burbidge is teaching the Adult VBS, his wife, Sandy and two of their children, Adam and Natalie are also involved with the teaching and activities this week. Paul and Sandy Burbidge are missionaries to Nova Scotia, Canada. The Burbidges…
Dan Stillings sang a special patriotic song Sunday morning and the Jubilee Singers brought a program of patriotic music, Sunday evening called, “Sweet Freedom’s Song.” All the veterans were honored with a small gift, Sunday morning, before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he called, “What would happen if America…
Some of the ladies met Thursday morning as they continued the Bible study, “The Power of a Praying Life.” The topic for study was, “Speak words that bring life.” The Book of James and Proverbs have much to say about the impact of the words that we say and Jesus…
A special song honoring fathers was sung by a couple of the Youth Choir members with Darlene Sorensen. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message from Luke 15 on the father of the prodigal son. We do not know this man’s name, but we know that he was a father of…
Some of the ladies attended the 10th Annual Ladies Retreat at Camp JOY last week. Our own Darlene Sorensen was one of the speakers. The featured speaker was Gladys Cunningham, she and her husband, Oscar Cunningham, served as home missionaries in this area starting in the early 1950’s. It was…
Joshua Pyle, his wife, Wendy, and children, Hannah, Caleb, Naomi, and Nathan, were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. The Pyle Family are on deputation trying to raise financial and prayer support so that they can go as missionaries to South Sudan. Joshua and Wendy grew up in the same…
Dan Stillings sang a special song Sunday morning before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message on, “Seven Things About God the Israelites Learned in the Wilderness.” In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses reviewed the events of forty years of wandering in the wilderness between Egypt and Canaan. In that time…
Dr. Charles Harding, missionary evangelist to America, his wife, Jo, and daughter, Ceci, were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. He brought three timely messages on God and country in an effort to keep Christians better informed, involved, and praying for our nation. Part of being informed is to understand…
All the mothers were honored in the morning service with a small book of devotions. Later on before dismissing at noon, Pastor Bob said that all the women are important whether they had children or not, and gave all the women their choice of yellow, violet, or blue Pansies after…
A Mother/Daughter Banquet will be held Saturday, May 12 in the Fellowship Hall starting at 12 noon. Then Sunday all mothers will be honored in the Morning Service. Chuck Harding of the Awake America ministry will be the guest speaker on Sunday, May 20. He will speak at 10:00 AM,…
The folks at Bethany Baptist Church enjoyed plenty of good food and a time to visit at the Fifth Sunday Fellowship Dinner at 5 PM and a special service of singing and testimonies following at 6 PM. There were special songs sung by the Jubilee Singers, the Stillings Family Trio,…
The sun was shining and there was a brisk breeze, Sunday morning, as Bethany Baptist folks gathered to celebrate Resurrection Day. There was special music presented by the Youth Choir in the morning service and the Jubilee Singers in the evening. The songs and the messages focused on the Crucifixion…
Gene and Ethel VanDeman were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Gene makes pulpits and communion tables that he than gives to small churches with no charge to them. He does not ask for the cost of materials or labor, but some pastors and churches are giving some support to…
The Ladies Bible Study group met Thursday morning as they continued the lessons on “The Power of a Praying Life.” Norma Stillings sang a special song, Sunday morning, before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought another message in the series on Bible marriages, “Nabal and Abigail.” The marriage between Nabal and Abigail…
Dr. Mickey and Kim Muse of “Strengthening Church Ministries” were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Dr. Muse gave an explanation of the purpose and plan for that ministry. Across America, thousands of church doors have closed because pastors are discouraged and resign or the church comes to an agreement…
The topic of the Ladies Bible Study, Thursday morning, was “Take Control of Your Thoughts.” There is a war going on in our hearts and minds. On one side we have the flesh pulling us away from God and on the other the Spirit that pulls us toward God. We…
Darlene Sorensen sang a special song, Sunday morning. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought the third message in a series on Bible Marriages, “Isaac and Rebekah,” from Genesis 24:1-4. Isaac was forty when his father, Abraham, sent his eldest servant away to find a suitable bride for Isaac. It was the custom…
Paul and Sandra Burbidge and two of their children, Adam and Natalie, were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. The Burbidges are Canadians who are being sent out from Chegoggin Baptist Church of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to share their burden for lost souls in Eastern Canada and their desire to…
Pastor Bob Sorensen brought the second message on Bible Marriages on Abraham and Sarah. All marriages go through certain stages beginning with the “Honeymoon stage” through to the “Golden Years” but in between somewhere in the middle years some problems that have not been addressed properly may lead to a…
There was a Ladies Bible Study, Thursday morning. The topic was “Put Your Hope in the Lord.” Sometime we must wait for the answer to our prayers. We may not see the answer immediately. The Lord can give us peace while we wait. The Lord will not fail us. Several…
The Youth Choir sang a special song, Sunday morning before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he called, “The Making of Mighty Prayer!” He used Matthew 9:29, 19:26 and Mark 9:32 and 11:24 as the main texts for his message. According to Pastor Sorensen the making of mighty prayer rests…
Darlene Sorensen and Norma Stillings sang a special song, “The Old Time Religion,” to complement Pastor Bob Sorensen’s sermon of that same title. In Jeremiah 6:16 the Lord said, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths where is the good way, and walk therein,…
The Buntons, Jim and Bonita, of Winterset, Iowa were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Jim and Bonita are visiting churches to share their burden for the Jewish people. It is their plan to start a church in the St. Louis area where there are several congregations of Orthodox Jews…
Bethany Baptist Church had the semi-annual business meeting, Wednesday, evening. One item for discussion was the need for a new bus or van. It was agreed that the church would start a “Bus fund” to be used for that purpose. It was also agreed to purchase a transmitter and receivers…
Bethany Baptist Church has a lot going on every week. There is a youth choir practice at 9:15 each Sunday morning, a men’s prayer meeting at 9:30, Sunday school at 10:00, preaching at 11:00. Then special music practice at 4:15, choir practice at 4:45, ladies’ prayer meeting at 5:15, and…
Youth Choir sang a special song, Sunday morning. Bart and Cheryl Roughton and their children sang a special in the evening service. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he called, “What will happen in 2012.” We have been told not to boast of tomorrow for we do not know what…
Bethany Baptist Church met at 11:00 Sunday morning for a special Christmas service. Dan Stillings and the Jubilee Singers presented “One Star,” an anthem about that one special birth that proved to be the light of all mankind. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message, “The “When, What, Why, and Where…
The ladies met Thursday morning for a Bible Study on replacing doubt with unwavering faith. Doubt leaves one unprotected against the attacks of the enemy of our souls. If one doubts the truth of the scripture’s testimony about creation, or if one doubts the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then one…
Bethany Baptist Church had a float in the Ava Area Christmas. We did not win a prize, but we saw some very nice floats that did win. Our message that rang out with the bells of Christmas was that Jesus Saves. Tim and Jackie Long, and their son, Levi, long…
The Ladies met Thursday morning to continue their Bible study, “The Power of a Praying Life” by Stormie Omartian. Prayer is important in the lives of the people at Bethany Baptist Church. The men meet for prayer before Sunday School, Sunday morning and the women meet for prayer before church…
Several of the Bethany Baptist Church family made trips for Thanksgiving visits away from here. Pastor Bob, Darlene, and Sally Sorensen had Thanksgiving with her parents, Don and Doris Taschner, in St. Louis. They arrived back home Saturday. Jim and Ruby Corder made a weekend visit with their son, Rod…
Everybody’s favorite missionary, Tommy Tillman, and his grandson, Jordan Rauch, were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Maybe the main reason that Tommy is so well loved is that he has loved the Lord so much that he reflects God’s love for some of the poorest people of the world,…
The Jubilee Singers sang a special song before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought his message, “Thankfulness is the road back to God.” Three hundred ninety years ago the Pilgrims had the first Thanksgiving dinner. The harvest was in, but those that had survived the previous winter knew that they faced another…
The ladies met for their Bible Study, Thursday morning. They are doing a study that was written by Stormie Omartian, “The Power of a Praying Life.” One of the keys to a successful prayer life is in maintaining a right heart. Another key, that is being studied this week, is…
Dan Stillings sang a special song before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message from 1 Kings 17:1-24 on “Elijah’s example for the 21st Century Christian.” All who serve God will undergo testing and trials. Each trial prepares you for something down the road. That something may be financial difficulties or…
Several Bethany Baptist Church folks went out on a hayride and cookout at the Corder farm Friday evening. It was a beautiful evening with the temperatures on the cool side, but perfect for kids running around the hay field turned playing field. There was a big pot of Ruby’s “World…
Andy and Amy Sturm and their six children, missionaries in Carlisle, England were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. It had been nine years since the Sturms had last visited our church. They have been in England seven years and two of the children were born there. They moved to…
The Jubilee Singers sang a special in the morning service before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he called, “Keeping the oil well pumping.” 2 Kings 4:1-7 tells about an impoverished widow who asked the help of Elisha, the prophet of God. She was in a predicament. Creditors had come…
Norma Stillings sang a special song, Sunday morning. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message from Genesis 3:1-14 to answer the question, “Why do we sin?” Adam and Eve only had one command to keep. There was only one restriction. “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,…
Bethany Baptist Church closed out the Annual Mission Conference Sunday afternoon. Special guests for the week were, Hal and Dawn Baker and their family, church planters in Clinton, Arkansas, and Samuel and Barbara Martin with World Missions Bearing Precious Seed of St. Robert, Missouri. Hal Baker provided special music and…
Bethany Baptist Church kicked off the annual “Faith Promise” mission conference, Sunday morning with Charles and Jurldean Strong, long-term missionaries to Mexico. Charles and Jurldean were members of this church in the early 1960’s before attending Baptist Bible College in Springfield. After graduating from college they moved to Florida where…
The Jubilee Singers sang a special song before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he called, “One nation under God.” The use of the phrase, “under God,” in the Pledge of Allegiance is under attack. On September 11, 2001, we were stunned when terrorists flew airplanes into the World Trade…
Norma Stillings and Darlene Sorensen sang a duet Sunday morning before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message from Romans 10:1-4 he called, “My hearts desire.” Although Paul had been sent to carry the gospel to the Gentile nations, his heart was broken for his own people. In Romans 10:1, he…
Don and Debbie Drey, Church Planters to Kansas, and two of their daughters, Darcie and Denise, were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Debbie and the girls sang special songs in both the morning and the afternoon services. Don Drey taught the Sunday school lesson on how to discern God’s…
The ladies met Thursday morning for prayer and Bible study. They are following a Bible Study by Stormie Omartian on “The Power of a Praying Life.” The Jubilee Singers sang a special song Sunday morning. Dan Stillings accompanied the singing with his guitar. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he…
Darlene Sorensen sang a special song in the morning service. The Youth Choir sang in the evening. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message from Judges 16:15-22, “Getting your haircut in the wrong barber shop!” There is no doubt that Samson was a man of great strength and promise. His exploits…
Brian and Ashley Todd were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. They are presently on deputation sharing their burden for souls in Costa Rica. Brian grew up a missionary kid in Costa Rica. He heard the gospel in Spanish and English all his life, but he was not saved until…
Dan Stillings sang a special song in the Sunday morning service, before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message from Genesis 3:1-4, “Influenced by the Devil.” When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he told them to put on the whole armor of God so that they could stand against the wiles…
Bethany Baptist Church finished up Vacation Bible School with a short program Sunday evening. Each class teacher reported on the lessons of the week and students recited memory verses learned. Some of the workers and teachers put on a skit depicting the “Race of Life” and the obstacles that can…
The Jubilee Singers sang a special song in the morning service. Dan Stillings sang a special song in the evening. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message from Mark 9:42-48 he called, “What is there about Hell that mankind should fear?” Why should we be concerned about Hell? Because Jesus warned…
Several Bethany Baptist Church folks got on the church bus, Friday morning, to go around business places in Ava with flyers announcing the Vacation Bible School that starts here Monday, July 18 and continues through to Friday, July 24. All the fun begins at 6:15 and goes through 8:30 each…
During the past couple of weeks there have been many Fourth of July celebrations here in Ava, out through the area, and across America. Whether it was a small family picnic or a grand fireworks display, someone had decorated with the colors red, white, and blue and displayed the American…
Bethany Baptist Church will have an Independence Day service, Sunday, July 3. Veterans will be honored in the morning service. There will be lunch in the fellowship hall after the morning service. The Nelson Family Singers from Arkansas will be singing in the morning services and presenting a concert, Sunday,…
The fathers who were at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday morning, were each given a booklet, “Man of God.” Darlene Sorensen sang a song honoring fathers and Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message out of 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 that he called, “The Portrait of a Father.” A godly father demonstrates fond…
Jayme and Mandy Jackson, church planters to South Louisiana, and their four children, Larkin, Braxton, Ethan, and Morgan were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Jayme Jackson was raised in Alabama and has pastored in Natchez, Mississippi, Wichita, Kansas, and worked on church staffs at various other places. He made…
Norma Stillings sang a special song in the morning service, Darlene Sorensen sang in the evening service. Pastor Bob Sorensen preached a second message out of Luke 16, “What the man in Hell did and didn’t ask for!” Today many people deny the existence of Hell, but Jesus warned about…
Several of the Bethany Baptist Church folks attended Pizza and Movie Night, Friday evening. The movie was based on an inner-city ministry sending “at-risk” kids to a working horse ranch where they came to see Christianity in action. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought his message from Luke 16:19-31, Sunday morning on…
Missionary/Evangelist Bob Walker was the guest speaker for the spring revival at Bethany Baptist Church last week. Bob Walker displayed his collection of facsimile copies of early English translations of the Bible. His collection included copies of the Tyndale Bible, the Coverdale Bible, the Geneva Bible, the King James’ 1611…
Missionary/Evangelist Bob Walker will be speaking at Bethany Baptist Church, this week. The service times are 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with Sunday services at 10 and 11 A.M., and 1 P.M. There will be lunch on the grounds at noon. Dan Stillings and his mother, Norma, sang a…
The Bethany Baptist Church ladies had a Mother-Daughter Banquet at Saturday, May 7. The guest speaker was Elaine Wilson the widow of long-time evangelist and pastor, Art Wilson. Elaine was born on August 4, 1915 in Warsaw, New York. Elaine and her mother, Florence Sweet, accepted Christ the same night…
Dan Stillings sang a special song, Sunday morning. The Jubilee Singers sang in the evening. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message Sunday morning from Isaiah 6:8 and 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 he called, “The child of God can’t quit!” Isaiah demonstrated his love for God and his agreement with God’s purposes…
Several of the Bethany Baptist Church folks came out Friday evening for the Pizza and Movie night. The movie was a serious representation of conditions that may occur on the earth after the rapture. It will be far better to be ready to meet the Lord in the sky than…
The Jubilee Singers sang a special in the morning service. Dan Stillings sang a special song in the evening service. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message on “What Is An Independent Baptist Church.” The word independent has been defined as: “not subject to the authority of another,” “not dependent on…
A couple of teams took packets out through some neighborhoods to hang information packets on doors. The hope is that people who do not know the Lord will be saved because someone cared enough to get up early on a Saturday morning to take the message of Salvation to them.…
Bret and Patricia Skillen, missionaries to the U.S. Military in Germany, and their three children were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Bret finished twenty years of service in the U.S. Army having served in Iraq several times and lived in Germany several years. He and his family benefited from…
Paul and Terri Pritchard and their daughter, Tiffany were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. The Pritchards are missionaries to Cape Verde Island off the coast of Africa, which is a Portuguese speaking nation. Paul and Terri both grew up in Brazil as missionary kids. So they spoke Portuguese from…
Dan Stillings sang a song in the morning service. The Jubilee Singers sang in the evening. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he called “Is Your Life Pleasing To God?” God has given us the gift of life. Since God has given us this life, he has a right to…
The Jubilee Singers sang a special song in the Sunday morning service. Dan Stillings sang a special song in the evening. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he called “How To Know If You Are Lost.” You can know what your spiritual condition is by studying scriptures. Romans 10:13 says,…
Bethany Baptist Church had visitors at the Wednesday evening prayer meeting. Jonathan Williams, missionary on deputation for Central America, sang a couple of songs first in English and then in Spanish. His father, Bill Williams, long-time missionary to Mexico, gave his testimony and preached for us. Jonathan was to be…
Carey and Jessica Hendricks and their twin daughters, Elle and Anne, were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Carey and Jessica are on deputation raising support so that they can go as missionaries to the Republic of Ireland. Carey started attending church when he was nine years old. His brother…
The ladies of Bethany Baptist Church met for their Bible Study, Thursday morning. They are finishing the lessons from “A Woman After God’s Own Heart” by Elizabeth George and will be starting a new study in the next few weeks. Next Sunday, February 27, the church will have missionaries Carey…
There was a good number of people out for the pizza and movie night. Some of them were just glad to be out of the house, period. Some of the driveways had not been clear for two weeks. All some people had been able to do was carry in wood,…
The Wednesday evening service at Bethany Baptist Church was cancelled because the parking lot was ice covered. Several other events were postponed, but Sunday morning there was a good turn out for church. Norma Stillings sang a special song. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message from 2 Timothy 2:24-26, “Has…
Dan Stillings sang a special song Sunday morning and accompanied himself on the guitar. There were special songs Sunday evening by the Jubilee Singers, Stillings Family Trio and the Youth group with Norma Stillings at the piano. Darlene and Sally Sorensen sang a duet with Sally at the piano, vocal…
Darlene and Sally Sorensen sang a special song Sunday morning before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message on the rapture he called, “Are You Ready For The Take-Off?” At any moment the call could come, the Lord Jesus will descend from heaven with a shout, those who sleep in Jesus…
Bethany Baptist Church held its January semi-annual business meeting, Wednesday evening. Dan Stillings gave the 2010 financial report and presented the proposed budget for 2011. The congregation approved both the financial report and the proposed budget. The congregation agreed to contribute to the support of the Lighthouse Baptist Ministries of…
Kent and Lindsey McBay were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Kent and Lindsey are planning to start a church in Mesa, Arizona just outside Phoenix. Kent and Lindsey grew up in Tanner, Alabama where they both attended the First Baptist Church. They had been active in church activities and…
Some of the young folks at Bethany Baptist Church ate pizza and played games on New Year’s Eve. Sunday, January 9 Kent and Lindsey Mebay and their four children will be guests at Bethany Baptist Church. They are church planters to Phoenix, Arizona. There will be lunch in the fellowship…
Norma Stillings played Christmas songs at Kabul Nursing Home, Wednesday afternoon, Rocky Ridge in Mansfield, Friday afternoon, and the Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center, Christmas morning. She visited with a few residents at these facilities. Many nursing home residents have a hard time at Christmas if they do not…
Bethany Baptist Church participated in Ava’s Christmas Parade, Saturday afternoon. They handed out copies of John and Romans along the parade route. They were pleased to be awarded the Grand Prize for the float. Darlene Sorensen designed the float and Jim Corder built the framework for the giant “peppermint candy…
Pastor Bob and Darlene Sorensen, Luke and Sally entertained members of Bethany Baptist Church and friends in their home Friday evening. There was a lot of good food for the occasion and lots of good conversation. The folks at Bethany Baptist Church enjoyed the Soup and Pie Fellowship, Sunday evening…
The folks at Bethany Baptist Church are getting ready for the Christmas Parade, Saturday. Packets have been prepared to hand out and finishing touches are being made on the float. Norma Stillings sang a solo, Sunday morning before Pastor Sorensen brought a message from Acts 16:16-36 on “How To Recover…
Our pastor, Bob Sorensen, his wife, Darlene, and children, Luke, and Sally, returned home Saturday after a Thanksgiving visit with Darlene’s parents, Don and Doris Taschner, in St. Louis. Dan Stillings sang a special Sunday morning. The Jubilee Singers sang in the evening. Pastor Sorensen brought a message on “Giving…
Joe and Ione Gammon of the Lighthouse Baptist Ministries were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. The Lighthouse Baptist Ministries focuses on helping and encouraging missionaries as they serve the Lord around the world. They currently are set up to provide expert help in crating and shipping missionary belonging and…
Several members of Bethany Baptist Church got together, Friday morning to put together packets for the Christmas Parade. Each packet has a small candy cane in it. A lot of people turned out to help and the work was done in short order. The Jubilee Singers sang in the morning…
Dan Stillings sang a special song in the morning service. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he called, “Don’t show up empty-handed,” from Deuteronomy 16. The men of Israel were to come to Jerusalem to the temple for three major feasts each year. There was a certain time and a…
Several members and friends of Bethany Baptist Church went out to the Corder Farm for a hayride and picnic. The weather was near perfect, the fall colors were beautiful, and the food was delicious as was expected since even ordinary food tastes better eaten outside around a campfire. Pastor Bob…
There is quite a lot of activity going on each Sunday afternoon with various practices. The young people are working on a play. The Jubilee Singers have started working on Christmas music. Some of the people practice for specials and the ladies have a prayer meeting. This Friday evening the…
Some of the young people met Friday evening for the Pizza and Movie Night. Pastor and Darlene Sorensen prepared the pizza. The movie was called, “The Inheritance.” The folks at Bethany Baptist were disappointed that their favorite missionary, Tommy Tillman, was not able to come to Ava, Sunday. Tommy had…
Next Sunday, October 10, Tommy Tillman, missionary to Thailand and Mongolia will be visiting at Bethany Baptist Church. Tommy began working with lepers in South Korea back in 1983 and later on he went into Thailand to work with the lepers there. By the grace of God he was able…
Bethany Baptist Church concluded the annual Faith Promise Mission Conference, Sunday afternoon that had begun Wednesday evening. The guest missionaries, Micah and Jillian Dorr, had come from their home in Mexico for the conference. Phillip and Diann Crow of Mansfield, Texas presented music each evening. Micah gave an overview of…
The 2010 Mission Conference is underway at Bethany Baptist Church this week. Special guests are, Micah and Jillian Dorr, missionaries to Mexico, and Phillip and Diann Crow (Forever His) singers. Phillip and Diann will be singing Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Micah Dorr will be bringing messages Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday…
Darlene Sorensen sang a song in the morning service that was a tribute to godly fathers. The fathers who were present in the morning service were honored with a gift. The fathers honored Pastor Sorensen with a gift. The Youth Choir sang a tribute to fathers, “ The Steps of…
Norma Stillings sang a solo Sunday morning. Dan Stillings sang in the evening service. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he called, “Find out what God wants you to do and do it!” Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he commanded his disciples to go out into all the world…
