Archive for Bible Studies
Honoring a Legend
Posted by: | CommentsDuring my junior year at Oklahoma Baptist University, I was introduced to a fairly new discipleship series called MasterLife. I spent the better part of that year going through the weekly homework and meeting with a small group at 6:30 a.m. Throughout the study I memorized scripture, learned the principles of discipleship, learned how to share my faith, and most importantly, learned the value of community with a group of like-minded believers.
What I didn’t realize at the time was MasterLife was the introduction of a relationship with the author, Dr. Avery T. Willis. For a young college student in the 1980s, Christian writers and authors were heroes of mine from a distance. I admired Dr. Willis from afar and continued to not only learn from MasterLife, but to also lead several groups through the study into my 20s. When Dr. Willis visited my church in the late 80s, I jumped at the opportunity to join him for lunch (along with about 20 other people!) I can remember shyly introducing myself and trying to explain the difference his Bible Study had made in my life.
Fast forward. Throughout the years I’ve continued to admire Dr. Willis and was thrilled when I was asked to serve on the Advisory Board of the Avery T. Willis Global Outreach Center at Oklahoma Baptist University. How fitting that I would be in his company on the campus that gave me not only a Biblical worldview, but instilled in me a passion for making disciples. For the past four and a half years, Dr. Willis is no longer someone I admire from afar, but he has become a friend. While he is in his 70s, Dr. Willis continues to allow God to give him passion and vision for reaching the world. He is an outstanding leader in the area of orality and continues to challenge others in the Great Commission cause. He not only believes in a Great Commission Resurgence–he lives it.
Today Dr. Willis faces a new challenge. Not long ago, he was diagnosed with leukemia. He is undergoing treatments and the doctors have already said it looks like the disease is in remission. His condition has caused many to take notice that now is time to honor this hero.
The news of his illness has prompted Oklahoma Baptist University to honor Dr. Willis for his contributions to the university and for his vision in the area of missions. A special dinner will be held on Thursday, March 4, in the Geiger Center at OBU. Would you join me and other global missions and discipleship leaders as we honor this living hero of our faith? For more information and to purchase tickets online, vist www.okbu.edu/willis or call 405.878.2706.
Loading Up For State Evangelism Conference
Posted by: | CommentsSometimes our office feels like we should be in the moving business! We are constantly loading and unloading to get ready for our next event. Today feels like one of those days! We have spent the morning boxing up supplies for next week’s State Evangelism Conference. I’d like to remind all of you of the details and why you should bring women!
The Women’s Emphasis of the State Evangelism Conference in Tuesday, January 26, at First Baptist, Moore. A general session begins at 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. We have a terrific line-up of speakers this year and you will not want to miss them. Our theme this year is MY316, which is the new evangelism strategy that will be implemented in Oklahoma in 2010. Believers in our state will be encouraged to share their story with the most familiar verse in the Bible (John 3:16) to lead others to a faith in Christ.
The first is Mary Jo Sharp. 
I met Mary Jo five years ago when I came to the BGCO and found her to be one of the most intelligent and passionate women in the area of apologetics. She is now a Certified Apologetics Instructor with the North American Mission Board. She will be speaking to women about defending your faith and how to confront Oprah’s false gods. Each woman who comes will receive a brief pamphlet on apologetics that Mary Jo wrote for our event.
The second keynote speaker is Kelly Minter. 
Kelly is a wonderfully gifted young woman who not only has written Bible studies, but her first passion is in the area of leading worship. Her recent study, Ruth: Loss, Love and Legacy, not only is a great Bible Study, but she has written a CD of music that tells the story of Ruth. Her study, No Other Gods, will be the study she will focus on in the afternoon seminar sessions. She’ll be sharing how you can use Bible studies in your homes to develop relationships for evangelism.
You are going to be blessed by coming next Tuesday to the Women’s emphasis of the State Evangelism Conference, so plan now to bring a group of women from your church.
For more detailed information and the schedule, please visit our website at www.bgco.org/women. Final note: We will be accepting an offering during the morning session and all proceeds will be given to Haiti Disaster Relief efforts. If you would like to donate online, visit the BGCO home page at www.bgco.org and click on the button to donate.
Take Our Quick Bible Study Survey
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I am the Women's Missions and Ministries Specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Our purpose is to encourage women to embrace and echo God's heart for the world.
