Rev. Dewayne Tanton.....................Associational Missionary
Rev. Jim Monroe.......................................................Moderator
Rev. Stephen Beavers....................................Vice-Moderator
Rev. Don Taylor..........................................................Treasurer
Mrs. Linda Tollison.................................Office Manager/Clerk
Mrs. Debra Burchfield..............................Hope CPC Director
Rev. Miguel Flores............................Hispanic Church Planter
Rev. Brown Everett........African American Church Strategist

Please pray for the following Pastorless Churches: Altheimer First; Bethel; Dumas First; Forrest Park; Hickory Grove (Interim: Bill Hilburn); Linwood; Matthews Memorial (Interim: M. L. Faler); Northside; Pine Bluff Second; and White Hall First.

Annual Church Profiles are ready to be picked up at the Association Office.

HOPE new volunteer training will be rescheduled. For more information contact the Center 870-535-0811.

The next Executive Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 9th, at 10:30 a.m. at the Association Office. Officers will meet at 9:30.

HBA Senior Adult Revival
February 15-17
10:30 a.m.
Monday, Feb 15 at South Side BC
Tuesday, Feb 16 at Pine Bluff FBC
Wednesday, Feb 17 at Central BC
Dr. Emil Turner, Arkansas Baptist State Convention Executive Director, will be the speaker.
Lunch will be served each day.

The next Pastors Fellowship Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, February 16th at Pine Bluff First Baptist Church. Special guest will be Dr. Emil Turner.

Touch A Life 2010
Skills & Leadership Workshop
Geyer Springs FBC Saturday, March 6
To register, contact Oleta at 800-838-2272, ext. 5150

The next Executive Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 9th, at 10:30 a.m. at the Association Office. Officers will meet at 9:30.

Sean Culpepper, who is with the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries, comes to Harmony Baptist Association every Monday for Pastoral Counseling. Sean has appointment openings available, if you would like to refer someone. To schedule an appointment call, Nina, at 501-455-8554.

2009 World Changers Report
Here are the statistics from this year’s project:
236 participants from 14 churches
19 crews assigned daily to 29 work/ministry sites
942 presentations of the gospel
86 recorded salvation decisions
152 requests for prayer
191 tracts given out and 74 Bibles given out

Thank you for supporting HOPE, a Woman’s Resource Center with your Baby Bottle Offering!!! The BBO to date is $19,032 with thirty-one Harmony Churches reporting.

ARKANSAS BAPTIST BUILDERS URGENT NEED
Arkansas Baptist Builders (ABB) is in need of your help.　 They have taken on the rebuilding efforts in Mena, who was hit by a tornado on April 9, 2009.　 Through the Ouachita Baptist Association and the churches in the area, there are ten projects that have been selected for rebuild.　 Two of the ten are complete home rebuilds, from the slab up.　 The remaining eight projects are repairing roofs and some minor carpentry.　　ABB are looking for Associational and church teams along with individuals who are willing to help with the rebuild projects in Mena.　If you can help, please contact Bill Ridgeway by calling the association office.　 Teams can stay at the Association camp and meals will be provided.
Bill Cantrell, Missions Ministries Team

A chapter of ABBA (Arkansas Baptist Biker Association), solely affiliated with the ABSC (Arkansas Baptist State Convention) is being organized at South Side Baptist Church along with the Bartholomew Baptist Association of the Monticello area. ABBA works closely with Southern Baptist churches to further the goals and causes of the Body of Christ. ABBA members serve as missionaries and outreach groups for the local church. Meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of each month. The FIRST MEETING is Feb. 21, 2009 at South Side Baptist Church (23rd & Poplar Sts., Pine Bluff) at 10:00 a.m. For further information contact JOE HARP. Contact the association office for his phone numbers.

Mexico Missions Opportunities
2009 is the fifth year for Harmony Baptist Association to serve God through mission work in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. In the last four years we have seen over 200 souls give their lives to Jesus Christ through VBS and some door to door evangelism efforts. The vision of rebuilding the Mexican Baptist Association’s church camp to be used as a base of operations for larger door to door evangelism efforts in Nuevo Laredo is now completed enough for us to start carrying evangelism teams as well as construction workers.
The goal for 2009 is to start carrying small five to ten member evangelism teams to Nuevo Laredo and staying at the camp and during door to door evangelism during the day. Some logistics still have to be worked out, but we have transportation, translators, and a million lost souls to witness too.
We will still have a small 5 to seven member construction crew that will continue to rebuild the camp, and all team members will participate is presenting a VBS at night at one or more of the local churches.
Anyone sixteen years old and older will be considered for a trip. Passports are required, no exceptions. The cost of the trips will be held at $300 that includes everything (gas, food, transportation, etc) except traveling food and souvenirs.
2009 dates are as follows; March 20-27th ; July 24-31st; and September 11th-18th .
For more information please call the Associational Office at 870-534-1021.
Dave Henderson, Team Leader

Please note scholarships are offered through Harmony Baptist Association to Ouachita Baptist University ($250 per year for four years) and Williams Baptist College (a one time amount of $500). One scholarship is granted for each school to a graduating senior who will be enrolled in the Fall 2009 semester. This student must be a member of a Harmony Baptist Association Church. The application process must be completed and returned to the Harmony Baptist Office on or before April 1st. Interested students may receive information about these scholarships by contacting the association office at 870-534-1021 or ltollison@sbcglobal.net.

Harmony is still collecting reading material of good moral content for the AR Department of Corrections and wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches for the "Wheels for the World" organization.

My Friends:
Now is the time to renew or get your passport. According to the U.S. Customs officials that I have talked to, no one can get into the United States without a valid U.S. Passport or Visa after January 1st, 2008. This will cause all mission trips outside the U.S. borders to require a passport, even to Mexico and Canada. I would encourage you to acquire your passport soon. The time frame for receiving a passport is about 6 to 8 weeks if there are no problems. The total cost as of September 1st, 2007, for a new ten year passport is $110 and can be applied for at the main post office at 8th and Main Street. The postal service now takes the passport pictures and sends off your application with your original birth certificate with the raised seal on it. You can pick up an application at the post office or Harmony Baptist Association office. Get yours now!
Dave Henderson

If your church has received a love offering for the UAM-BCM, please send it in to Harmony Baptist Association or the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Thank you for your participation!!!

The HOPE Center Has Ministry Opportunities for your Church
     The HOPE Crisis Pregnancy Center provides "Women of Integrity" classes on Tuesday evenings for women who are seeking to learn more about God’s will for their lives. The number of women attending these classes has grown. We are grateful to serve more and more women with the knowledge of Christ. As our numbers grow, so do ministry opportunities for the Center and your church.
     Transporting the participants to the Center on Tuesday evenings has become difficult. To answer our transportation need, the Center is organizing a "Van Ministry". If your church has a van and a driver available to pick up and return participants, the Center would be grateful for your participation in this ministry.
     Each Tuesday evening the HOPE Center also provides a meal for the WOI participants. The Center would appreciate any help with feeding about a dozen people each Tuesday. Sandwiches, hot dogs, and pizza are all favorites.
     The Center also provides child care for participants’ children. Some women could not attend Women of Integrity classes without someone to care for their children. Volunteers are needed to help with child care. Even one Tuesday evening a month is helpful. Supplies are also needed for the childcare area. Diapers, all sizes, wipes, baby toys, books, and toys for older elementary children would be greatly appreciated.
     Please pray for these women and their children. Pray for the Center as it provides an alternative and the good news of God’s grace and forgiveness.
     For more information about how your church can participate in these ministry opportunities please contact Debra Burchfield at 535-0811.

Does your church have an elected Harmony Executive Board Representative and has that person’s name been reported to the Assn. Office? Join us as we unite to serve the Lord.

NOTE to Treasurers, Deacons, Finance and Personnel Committees:
Through Cooperative Program gifts to the ABSC, the Church Retirement Plan has included Survivor & Disablity Benefits and a $210 yearly cash contribution to a minister’s retirement account at no cost to the local church. The cost of the benefits are increasing by 40%. But this "supplement", which in the past was provided by the Annuity Board, is being discontinued. Your minister will no longer receive the $210 per year supplement beginning January 2007. Would you please consider helping with additional retirement contributions? For more information contact Denny Wright at ABSC.

Celebrate Recovery
     The Bible clearly states "All have sinned." It is human nature to sin. None of us is untainted. Because of sin, we’ve all hurt ourselves, we’ve all hurt others and we’ve all had others hurt us. This means each of us have been left with some form of "hurt, habit, & hang-up."
     Celebrate Recovery can help. It shows us God’s way of conquering those emotional giants we’ve been battling; whether you’re struggling with depression, bitterness, anger, slothfulness, addiction to food, smoking, gambling, alcohol, drugs, etc.
Celebrate Recovery
Based on God’s Word the Bible
Forward-looking rather than wallowing in past failures
Emphasizes personal responsibility
Emphasizes spiritual commitment to Jesus Christ
Utilizes the Biblical truth that we need each other in order to grow spiritually and emotionally
Addresses all types of habits, hurts, and hang-ups
Produces lay ministers
     Won’t you come join us Thursday nights @ 7pm in the Singles House at Watson Chapel Baptist Church and discover your path to freedom.

Is your Bible Study or Women’s group looking for a mission project? Please consider providing some of the following items for the HOPE, a Woman’s Resource Center.
Baby Soap; Baby Shampoo; Baby Powder; Baby Lotion; Baby Wipes; Sleepers, sizes 0-12 months; Blankets; Crib Sheets; Bibs; Boy & Girl Clothes, sizes 0-12 months; Socks & Shoes, sizes 0-12 months; Maternity Clothes, all sizes; Tee Shirts, sizes 0-12 months; New Born Caps; Diaper Bags; and Diapers, sizes newborn to size four. Donations can be delivered to the center Tuesday or Thursday or to the Association office.

Harmony to become drop-off point for Wheels for the World
Do you have a used wheelchair you do not need? Please bring it to the association office and it will be picked up and restored. Some of the restoration is done at Tucker Prison by trained inmates. The wheelchairs are then shipped overseas to be used by short-term mission teams. Wheels for the World is a disability outreach ministry of "Joni & Friends", which was founded by Joni Eareckson Tada. For more information call the association office.

Disaster Relief Team
       "There seems to be no area of mission action that requires more rapid response than a time of disaster. The disaster comes unexpectedly and with it the opportunity for immediate ministry."
       "The North American Mission Board, along with state Baptist Conventions contribute manpower, ministry, and financial help during floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and earthquakes."
       Harmony Baptist Association has been putting together a Disaster Relief Team to help aid in this effort. We have a fully stocked Disaster Relief unit that is set up for recovery (chain saw and light carpentry) efforts, but volunteers are needed.
       If you would like to know how you can be a Disaster Relief Volunteer or need more information about Harmony’s Team contact Bryan McPherson, Harmony’s Disaster Relief Team Leader, or Dewayne Tanton, Associational Missionary, at (870)534-1021.

ABN Newsmagazine - Most of the news items that you see on this web page can be found on the front page of the "ABN Newsmagazine - Harmony Association Special Edition", which is published every two weeks. You can order the newsmagazine by calling 800-838-2272 or 501-376-4791 ext. 5153, or visit their website at http://www.arkansasbaptist.org. When you order, be sure to specify the "Harmony Association Special Edition" of the ABN Newsmagazine so that the front page will have news items specific to the Harmony Association. If you have upcoming events or news items, such as staff needs, and would like them published on the front page of the newsmagazine, please turn this information into Linda at the Harmony Association office at least 3 to 4 weeks prior to the event.

Church News

What is happening at your church (VBS, Revivals, Special Projects, Staff concerns, etc.)? We will be glad to share your church news on this page. Announcements should be turned in to the Association Office at least two to three weeks prior to the event. We look forward to hearing from you. Please call (870)534-1021 or FAX us at (870)534-4625.

"Eleventh Hour" will be in concert at Bethel Baptist Church in Gould on Saturday, February 20th, at 7:00 p.m. Bethel Baptist Church will also be holding Revival services February 22nd-26th, at 7:00 p.m. each evening. Dr. Allan Eppinette, a pastor from Collinston, LA, will be the evangelist and "Eleventh Hour" will lead in worship. Everyone is welcome!

On Saturday, March 6th from 8:00 to 3:00 Gould First Baptist Church, 305 S. First Street, will host a Parenting Seminar, Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman. Lunch will be provided free of charge.

Watson Chapel Baptist Church will be having a World Missions Conference March 7th-10th. Dr. Clyde Medder, the Executive Vice President of the International Mission Board, will be speaking at 10:45 and 6:30 on Sunday. Missions displays will be shown at 6:00 Sunday. Speaking during the Wednesday night service at 6:30 is Dr. Russ Moore, the Senior Vice President and Dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Dollarway Baptist Church will be having a Fifty Year Celebration on March 13th and 14th. Come join in the celebration.

Dumas First Baptist Church has called Dr. Marc Gibson as pastor. Harmony Association welcomes the Gibson family as they join us in ministry!!!

Central Baptist Church has called Allen Elkins as Pastor. Brother Allen’s first Sunday will be December 6th. Harmony welcomes the Elkins family to our association!!!

Harmony Association welcomes the following new pastors; Dean Dancer at Victory Baptist Church; Rudy Davis at Hardin Baptist Church; and Bruce Cox at Bethel Baptist Church.

Hardin Baptist Church is currently seeking a part-time Minister of Music. Interested parties should contact the Church office at 870-247-3559 and/or send resumes to Hardin Baptist Church, 300 Todd Lynn Drive, White Hall AR 71602.

Shepherd Hill Baptist Church is looking for a Youth Director full or part time. Their present youth group averages around 40 students. Resumes may be sent to Shepherd Hill Baptist Church, 10710 Shepherd Hill Road, Pine Bluff, AR 71603. For more information call the church at 870-534-1926.

River Road Baptist Church has 20, twelve foot pews, a pulpit, communion table, and two arm chairs for sale. All pieces are made of oak. For more information contact the Association office.

Rankin Chapel Baptist Church has twelve wooden pews with gold cushions that they want to pass on to another church. The pews are around ten feet long. If interested, contact pastor Monty Meek by calling the Harmony Association office at 870-534-1021.

Please pray for the following Pastorless Churches: Altheimer First; Bethel; Dumas First; Forrest Park; Hickory Grove (Interim: Bill Hilburn); Linwood; Matthews Memorial (Interim: M. L. Faler); Northside; Pine Bluff Second; and White Hall First.

Association News

Church News

Association News

Church News