Joe McKeever

Wednesday's Pastor's Meeting

Dr. Joe is travelling this week, so Lynn Gehrmann has provided the minutes from today's weekly pastor's meeting, held at the New Orleans Chinese Baptist Church.

BAGNO held the weekly meeting with association pastors at New Orleans Chinese Baptist Church at 10:00 am. Freddie opened the meeting with some pastors sharing a blessing that happened during the past week.

Thomas Glover (New Covenant) -- They closed on the Woodmere property yesterday. The fall festival on October 31st was a big success. One hundred people attended. Thirty plus prospects and seven professions of faith.

Ann Corbin (Global) -- They have received a financial blessing.

Oscar Williams (Good News) -- At a eulogy on October 27th, there were eleven people who gave their life to Christ.

James 'Boogie' Melerine (Delacroix Hope) -- Last Wednesday night, October 25th, there were seven people at their prayer worship. Three of them, Catholic, had been attending worship services at Delacroix Hope. Boogie shared that some people do not like to pray out loud. He asked each person to just say one sentence and at the end of the prayer, some of them had tears in their eyes. He then asked who would be willing to give their testimony on Sunday. One of the ladies, gave her testimony on Sunday and so did her husband.

Tom Pewitt (Memorial) shared that last Thursday, October 26th, their Chairman of Deacons, Ray Gomillon, passed away. He was a Gideon and used to go the parish prison and hand out Bibles. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Mark Joslin (New Vision) -- The framework of their building is up. Within the next week, they should be able to start on the walls.

Steve Gahagan (Operation NOAH Rebuild) shared that a week ago he and his wife attended the homecoming service of Port Sulphur Baptist Church. They are averaging between 30-35 people. A former member, who came to the homecoming, gave them a check for $2,100. Steve introduced David Maxwell, former pastor from West Monroe, Louisiana, who is now working with Operation NOAH Rebuild as their construction engineer. He looks forward to working and helping in any way he can. Freddie Arnold stated he participated in David’s Ordination Council. Gary Morrow has been retained by Operation NOAH for his electrical experience. We have about 2,000 requests to be filled. We are not sure we will stop taking these requests. He requested prayers for volunteers and that this city will not be forgotten. He shared that he appreciates the friendships he and his wife and the staff at Operation NOAH have made.

David Rhymes (NAMB) is in charge of contacting each church and to make sure that their needs are being met; evangelism, outreach, etc. Some work is being done particularly in Zone 1, Gentilly area, 17th Street Canal to the Industrial Canal. Gentilly Baptist Church will be hosting a block party on Saturday, November 4th from 11:00 -- 3:00 pm. Jim Richards, Executive Director of Southern Baptists of Texas Convention mentioned a book entitled, 'Breaking the Missional Code.' David recommends this book because it is very practical.

Freddie Arnold showed a PowerPoint presentation on Evangelistic Events (block parties).
A-G Strategy Review

A -- Attract Attention
B -- Build a Bridge
C -- Communicate Christ
D -- Determine a Decision
E -- Evaluate the Event
F -- Follow-up Faithfully
G -- Glorify God

Freddie Arnold announced the following:

Pastors meeting to continue at New Orleans Chinese Baptist Church for the next couple of weeks, 3413 Continental in Kenner. We will not meet on November 22nd, the day before Thanksgiving. Thereafter, we will begin meeting at the BAGNO office, 2222 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans. Lunch will be served the first Wednesday of each month at BAGNO and refreshments will be made available the following weeks.

Church Library conference will be held on November 3rd and 4th at First Baptist Church-Marrero, 4001 7th Street. Dinner to be served promptly at 5:30 pm on November 3rd and breakfast the next morning. Hope Ferguson has been in contact with churches in other states that will be providing books. Everything is free.

Alberto Rivera (LBC) shared the LBC has the resources for the churches who would like have a block party. We have trailers that are specially made for block parties. They are not here yet. One is available from one of our sister churches. It opens in the front and has a sound system. It is set up for a wonderful block party, if anyone is interested.

Hy McEnergy shared that on Saturday, November 18th, a block party will be held at the Municipal Auditorium from 9:00 -- 3:00 pm. They need volunteers to work with the children. Churches are invited to set up booths. Trailer loads of food, clothing will be given out. There will be drama, plays, puppet shows, dental screenings, haircuts, etc.

James 'Boogie' Melerine (Delacroix Hope) shared that Calvary Baptist Church will be helping them with their block party on Saturday, November 11th. Music is needed. Freddie Arnold stated that the BAGNO office has tents available for their use.