Morrison Heights Family Connect

Congratulations to Clinton High School Teacher, Julie Roberts for her recent honor. Julie joined us to talk teaching, ministry, baptism, and writing.

Darron Byrd serves at both the Baptist Children's Village (BCV) and Refugee Ministry International (RMI...or, as we usually call it, Vimal's ministry). In the middle of a busy week for both ministries, Darron took the time to sit down and update us about the many ways God is working through the BCV and RMI.

Welcome Bryant Phillips to our Missions team! If you see a new face in our missions office, it's our new local missions coordinator Bryant Phillips. Bryant took a few minutes to sit down and help us get to know him and his family. We look forward to seeing how God uses him Morrison Heights!

Pastor Greg joined us this week to help us reflect on what God did in 2022 and dream about what He plans to do in 2023. He also gave us the scoop on his upcoming knee surgery. Thanks for watching!

That's right. With this episode, we're ending the tradition of title alliteration. We hope you'll find it in your heart to watch this episode anyway because it's really good. We caught up with Tim Rowan, Associate Pastor of Missions. He's been busy with the Giving Tree and the new Missions Guest House. He's always finding ways to keep us focused on our mission to take the Gospel to all nations!

When Life Meets the Soul: Everyday lessons from the book of Job is the newest release from Dr. Ivan Parke. He joined us on the podcast for the book's official launch day. We dove deep into the topics of joy, suffering, God's control, and how to interpret the book of Job. Learn what Dr. Parke means when he encourages us to "leave it blank."

We've never done an episode like this. To celebrate the Christmas season, Morrison Heights is providing boxes full of Advent activities and crafts. Melanie Lenow was the leader of the advent boxes project, so we invited her on the podcast to show us what's in the boxes. Have you ever painted a sheep? Tim now has. We're confident you can do it better.

Dr. Evan Lenow is Assoicate Professor of Christian Studies at Mississippi College and co-author of the book Ethics as Worship. Because he is receiving an award at this year's Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) meeting, we invited him back on the podcast to discuss his book, the latest events at Mississippi College, and his future writing plans.

Join us as we catch up with David and Laura, some old friends of Morrison Heights with lots of stories to tell. They've served as missionaries in South America, Africa, South Asia, and Europe. Hear David talk about his approach to evangelism in a post-Christian culture, plus some updates on his family and some stories from back when Tim had hair.

Mississippi College's long-standing and influential impact on the Clinton community has a long history of almost two-hundred years, and they are continuing to support and grow our small town for the betterment of their students as well as those living in the area. Laura Jackson, Chief Finance Officer/Chief Operating Office at MC, shares an exciting update on the new Highway 80 development, the generous Leland Speed scholarship, as well as the brand new Gore Arts Complex. So often, Laura points out, it is easy to get bogged down in all that is happening around us, but God has been and will continue to be faithful and bless us with a new set of mercies each day.

It may only be October, but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Commons as our Operation Christmas Child ministry kicks off their month long, church-wide shoebox packing for families and individuals! Sheri Baker, an OCC volunteer, shares that our OCC ladies hope to have five thousand boxes ready to send out all over the world because for every box, there is a child at the other end. While OCC boxes provide enjoyment and fun for the children receiving them, there is eternal benefit as children are able to hear and experience the gospel. Sheri reminds us that we are all called to share Christ with others, and packing or sponsoring boxes allows us all to play a part in providing a way for so many children to meet Jesus - possibly for the first time! Be sure to grab a box starting this Sunday!

Growing, serving, and connecting at Morrison Heights, Megan Collins is now officially working here as our new Student Ministry Intern. Having been a part of our Student Ministry for a number of years and experiencing personally the pivotal role it played in her walk with the Lord, she is eager to come alongside students to invest in their lives. Currently a junior at Mississippi College, she is a Christian studies major with a big heart for ministry and, in fact, just spent her summer with GenSend in Boston. Of course, she also enjoys spending time with family and friends, participating in campus activities, and keeping dorm life running as the resident assistant. Through it all, Megan is learning to rely even more on God and to trust His plan for her life because she knows it will be better than she can imagine.

An integral part of each ministry area within the church are those who offer support as assistants or associates. Brian and Grace Hanna, are not only newlyweds, but they are also new to our staff. Brian serves as an Associate in Media, and Grace serves as the College Ministry Assistant. Both are enthusiastically involved and making invaluable contributions to their ministry areas which are incredibly busy this time of year as they focus on Christmas preparations and welcoming back college students. While ministry may be busy, these high school sweethearts are still making time to plug into a Life Group, participate in a Bible reading group, host a missional community in their home, and for Grace, serve on our women's ministry team. We are so thankful for this couple, and you don't want to miss out on getting to know them!

Students in our Student Ministry enjoyed a summer filled with Bible study, Super Summer, and summer camp, but they are not slowing down just yet! The school year recently kicked off with a great turnout of students as well as some outreach tailgates at the local schools to begin building more relationships. If that's not enough, Chris Cunningham, our Student Minister, along with other leaders will be taking our biggest group ever with one hundred eleven students (you read that right - one hundred eleven!) on Fall Retreat this weekend! We are looking forward to hearing how God works in their lives during their time together and are excited about the days ahead!

It is always exciting when we get to celebrate with a church member when God is using them to bless others. As a potter, Makayla Sherman desires to point people to Christ and to help them see their value by using her artistic gifts to not only teach others the art of pottery, but to also help them see their need to know the Lord. She understands how harsh the world can be at times and hopes her new studio will be a place where people can simply enjoy being themselves and take some time to escape the burdens they carry. Be sure to stop by and say hello to Makayla when she opens in Old Towne in October!

This week we caught up with Dr. Beth Masters who not only leads the chaplain ministry at Mississippi Department of Corrections but also leads the NOBTS seminary program at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility. We talked about the classes she teaches, the church leaders she's training, the challenges of her work, and her undisputed pastry-baking excellence.

Our College Ministry is kicking into high gear as they prepare to welcome and minister to hundreds of new and returning students at Morrison Heights. Another special way the College Ministry reaches out is through their residency program which works to train, prepare, and support newly graduated college students planning to serve in ministry. Caila Hankins, one of our three newest residents, shares how she will be serving this fall, her long term plans to serve on the mission field, and a reminder to find ways to show acts of love.

141. Elected Elder, Excellently Equipped

Every life is a gift. Every life is valuable. Every life is created in the image of God. It is these truths that Erin Kate Goode, Executive Director, CPC Metro works tirelessly to speak into the lives of women facing unwanted pregnancies. By ministering to women through counseling as well as providing numerous support resources, the CPC is able to help both mom and child thrive. As a culture of life is continuing to be built in our community and state, it is all the more important to remember Galatians 6:9, also the CPC's theme verse this year, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

God puts opportunities in front of each one of us on a daily basis to show the love of Christ to others in numerous ways. One very special way that our church is showing that love is through the ministry of Embrace Grace - a non-profit organization dedicated to coming alongside moms who have experienced an unplanned pregnancy or walked through an abortion. Bennette Ash shares how she and other ladies within our church family are loving on these moms through building relationships, discipling them, and most importantly, helping them see who they are in Christ so that they might experience His love, forgiveness, and acceptance. No life is a mistake, and it is no mistake these moms are a part of our church. Let us love them well!

Celebrating others is always a joy, and it is extra special when we get to celebrate a member of our church family! We are exceedingly proud of Tanner DeYoung for receiving a full ride scholarship to study abroad in Europe this fall as a Fulbright Scholar! Studying the history of politics and society, he hopes to pursue a career in health policy to help ensure that healthcare is affordable and accessible. While he will be missed by both his family and church family, Tanner is excited about studying in the Netherlands and getting to do plenty of sightseeing!

During the summer, everyone is often busy running around to various activities and travels. As the girls cross country coach for Clinton High School, Allen Marett is running - literally! When he's not coaching, however, he is working in our missions department meeting with people and organizations to finalize plans for a yearly summer favorite of the church during the month of July - SERV'22. So far this year, we thankful and excited to have four hundred people signed up to help with projects ranging from yard work, to storm clean up, to repairs, and don't worry, there are indoor projects planned as well. If you haven't been a part of this meaningful church wide service project, make plans to join us!

As our new church receptionist, Missy Rayburn has been busy learning the ropes and doing a wonderful job along the way! A long time member of Morrison Heights, she is excited to not only be back, but to also be working alongside us in her new role. Missy shares with us a life update, two of her favorite books of the Bible which might surprise you, and encourages us with her favorite verse from Psalms. Be sure to stop by and say hello next time you are at the church!

Eagerly preparing their return to the mission field, Scott and Casey Tuminello are looking forward to embarking with their family on a new journey as they move to a different ministry location and a new home. While it has been a blessing to be home and a part of churches committed to the gospel, they are ready for this next opportunity. For the Tuminello family, the next opportunity allows them, in the words of the Apostle Paul, to be a servant of the Lord to all for the sake of the gospel, that they may share with others in its blessings.

Jake Johnston and his wife Jane have been a blessing to our church family for nine years, and have served in countless ways. With a heart for building deeper community among international families, they recently brought together families in our church from Saipan, Korea, Honduras, Mexico, Nigeria, China, Malaysia and India for an evening of fellowship, encouragement, and of course, a dinner filled with wonderful dishes representing each family's home country. Don't miss the story behind the Emunah Ministry!

Everything is always better together, but sometimes gathering together can be difficult. This summer, we are excited as we anticipate being together for one worship service during June and July. Fellowship will be better. Singing will be better. We will be better!

We are so very pleased to be welcoming our newest staff member, Properties Manager, Hardy Pittman. He and his wife Jamie, along with their three children, have been a part of our church family for several years and are actively involved. Throughout the years, the Lord has led Hardy through various career paths, always directing his steps, to perfectly equip him for his new position here at Morrison Heights! Welcome Aboard, Hardy!

Being stretched out as far as possible for the Lord in order to reach the nations, Dr. Jolly Rimai has been faithfully serving in India having been called by God to begin the Harvest Network Ministry - a church planting movement. Always having a heart for missions, Jolly spends his time mobilizing churches, sharing the vision, training leaders, and praying for God to continue to not only provide leaders, but to also transform the lives around him.

On February 24th, life tragically changed for the people of Ukraine as well as our dear friends Becky DeWett and Nadia. After fleeing with only her Bible and very few possessions to the US, Becky is spending some time recuperating, continuing to minister and assist her teachers back in Ukraine, and learning to wait on God to reveal His plans as she awaits being able to return home.

We are so very thankful for the work of Vimal Vimalasekaran and his family in Germany as they serve and share life with refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and now Ukraine. Vimal's hope is for each refugee to see their need for Christ, and how, ultimately, He is their refuge and strength.

Jack Santos serves churches in San Ramon, Peru. When he joined us for Great Commission Weekend at Morrison Heights, we took a minute to hear about his work, his family, and his favorite restaurant in Clinton (his choice is solid).

One of our long time friends was in town for Great Commission Weekend. We call him Hoss and hide his face because he works in a high security area. Hear about his work with churches in his home country, his family's news, and his prayer for Morrison Heights.

Serving community. Building relationships. Giving humanitarian aid. The work to be done is huge and plentiful, but many unique opportunities have opened up for two of our friends because there is a willingness to serve. Whether through the distribution of food to the poor during the pandemic or hosting a Zumba classes for the local women, it is never known what will lead to eternal changes in the lives of those being reached, but we are grateful for those who heed the call to “Go!”

A small church plant in Waiehu, Maui is blessed to be ministered to by Jay Haynes (who many say looks like Tim Tebow) along with his wife Melissa and their boys. While the past two years have been difficult, the church is thriving, loving on each other, and reaching out to the community. What a testament to God's faithfulness! Jay shares with us an update on family, ministry, and a favorite passage of his and the church to remind us to not grow weary in doing good, but continue to bear with one another.

Most of us want to be better at making prayer a daily part of our life, and this weekend we will be learning how to do just that as Daniel Henderson, author and President of Strategic Renewal, leads our “Prayer Life Conference.” Chrystelle Thames, our MHBC Prayer Ministry Leader and the Communication Director for the Baptist Children's Village, joins us to share her excitement about Daniel's upcoming teaching on prayer, and the 125th anniversary of the Baptist Children's Village.

Long after they leave the classroom, professors remain students, and still pursue learning to challenge themselves and to dig deeper into a variety of topics. Dr. Jerry Reagan, a Mississippi College biology professor as well as a Morrison Heights Life Group leader, discusses all that he is learning about biblical application to cultural issues through a unique fellowship opportunity with the Colson Center. Cultural issues can challenge us all, but Dr. Reagan points us to Psalm 93 to offer encouragement that God is majestic, powerful, immutable, and eternal giving us no reason to worry.

Ministry takes many different forms. For Matt Knight, Sr. Chaplain, Air Force Mortuary Affairs, ministry takes the form of caring for the fallen with honor, dignity, and respect when they return home, and caring for the families of the fallen by ministering to them as they are hurting. We are so thankful for Matt and his ministry within the military as he shares the truth of Jesus.

On Sunday, we were privileged to host and hear from Dr. John Mark Yeats of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as we kicked off our Discipleship Workshops Week. As a Professor of Church History, Dr. Yeats stresses the importance of continuing to dig deeper into God's Word so we can be a faithful people living out our Christian faith. He also encourages us with a reminder from Ephesians 3:10 that Christ works, and always will work, through the church to make His plan known.

This past weekend our students participated in an annual favorite - DNOW weekend! Not only was there a great deal of fun to be had (like an epic lip sync battle), but there was also great teaching and much spiritual growth. Brother and sister, Christian and Sarah Kyser, share with us what they learned from speaker Jason Curry on not comparing one's self to others which can keep us from reaching the standard God has set for us, and they also give us a worthy reminder of God's great love for us from Romans 5:6.

A driving force of our College Ministry is their heart to come alongside students to not only disciple them as they grow in their faith, but to also equip them to be ready to take the Gospel to those who have not yet heard. This summer, the College Ministry is excited to be kicking off a new missions program as a part of the 1:11 Project - “Expedition.” Drew Dabbs and Chris Williams share how students will train and serve locally before being sent overseas to work with some of our mission partners. They also share an update on their recent trip to the Cross Conference, and how the Lord is using what was learned in the lives of the students.

Renown watercolorist, Wyatt Waters, known for his watercolors of Southern culture, recently completed a beautiful painting of Morrison Heights entitled “After Church” as a gift of appreciation to Dr. Charles and Norma Jean Scrivener. Wyatt not only shares about his experience painting the church, but also gives us a glimpse into his story of becoming an artist.

The Lord blesses His people with a variety of talents and gifts, some of which are quite unique. For Derek Melton, that talent is blacksmithing. Whether it's winning on the popular television series Forged in Fire or simply working in his shop, Derek's desire through it all is to use his gift to encourage and influence other men for the Lord by living out Proverbs 27:17 - “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” He also reminds us that while we may have to go through the fire, we can know there is an end result as we grow to be more like Christ.

The Lord often provides unique opportunities for ministering to others and sharing the Gospel. For Bethani England, that unique opportunity involves using her English degree to reach out to students not only at Hinds Community College, where she runs the writing center, but also through teaching grammar to ladies at the local correctional facility in Pearl through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary's Leavell College. Even as a young girl, growing up in Guatemala where her family served as missionaries, Bethani never shied away from telling of the Lord's love and forgiveness - even if that meant telling the men who kidnapped her of God's goodness! You do not want to miss hearing how God is using Bethani in the lives of others.

Life can change in a moment. In life's darkest, most difficult times, Christ always remains faithful and furthers His plans. Jimmy Craft shares with us the moment he and his wife Pam's life changed forever after a tragic accident, and how God has worked to miraculously restore so much through it all. Jimmy reminds us that God's grace is sufficient for each day, His goodness is immeasurable, and most of all, that we should live each day with a thankful heart.

You never know how an Operation Christmas Child box will impact a child's life until you get to hear that child's story. Lydia Lagg, one of our very own MC students, shares how the Lord used just such a box in her own life. She also shares the story of how God brought her to the US and led her to Morrison Heights, a glimpse into the other side of the world, and her future plans. What a joy to see how what God has done and is doing!

Our Sunday night Ethics As Worship workshop has been such an great help in equipping the church in not only better understanding difficult ethical topics, but also in teaching the church how to handle those hard discussions surrounding numerous issues facing us today. Evan Lenow, along with Steve Taylor, join the podcast today to discuss some follow-up points from a recent session.

For twenty-years, Dr. Charles and Norma Jean Scrivener have served our church family faithfully and lovingly. Numerous lives have been touched and blessed by their example, their diligence, and most of all their witness for Christ. While we know they are looking forward to being near family (and Florida University – Go Gators!) as they move to Florida, and how God plans to use them for His purposes, they will be greatly missed by us all. The Scriveners dedication to ministry and the joy they find in serving has, without a doubt, brought honor and glory to God. Thank you for your service!

It's pastor appreciation month! Watch this episode featuring our pastor, Dr. Greg Belser, and you might discover a few more reasons we appreciate him. The episode includes a report on the Mississippi Baptist Convention and a recognition of the outstanding contribution to our church made by Dr. Charles Scrivener over the last 20 years. Of course, we had to spend a few minutes talking geography and rivers too. Come hang out with Tim and Greg for a few minutes and you'll catch up with what's going on at MHBC and have few laughs along the way.

From serving in missions, teaching missions classes, and writing numerous books, Dr. Jerry Rankin, President Emeritus, IMB has no intention of retiring from God's calling on his life. In his latest book, The Character of God in Psalms, he writes to know God we must be in relationship with Him; and the more we know Him, the more there is to know. Life is meant to be a worship of God and being aware of His presence. We can fully trust in the One who has the big picture of the real world because we only have an illusion.

Casey Stevens definitely has a heart for children - born and unborn. Casey and Tim talk about ways his family and Morrison Heights have taken a stand for the sanctity of all human life from praying for the lives of the unborn to assisting families seeking adoption.

While it may have been fall break for our college students this week, they definitely did not slow down! Instead, they spent time serving in New Orleans assisting Tim Rowan with hurricane relief. Cortney Earnest, one of our College Ministry Residents, shares an update on the trip, as well as giving us a peek into what she is learning in the residency program along with her future plans.