CEE Story From The Mission Field
'The little church that can'
February 21, 2007
North Morton Baptist Church (NMBC) in Morton, Miss., is a small church with a big heart. After facing the deaths of two of their elders in the last quarter of 2006 and struggling with low church attendance, they set a goal for their Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® (LMCO), hoping for the best. Not only did they meet their goal, they exceeded it by 47 percent – this from a church with an average attendance of 50.
“As many small churches, our attendance is down,” said Leland Burchfield, an active member of NMBC, “but God’s spirit has been working vigilantly.”
North Morton’s heart for missions is evident throughout the year. Jane Brown heads up the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) and helps with activities involving Acteens and Girls in Action (GAs). Year round these missions-minded groups feed the homeless at Gateway Rescue Mission, minister to nursing home residents through singing and fellowshipping, help those who are hurting at Scott Association Crisis Center and share the Gospel with un-churched children during backyard Bible clubs.
“This type of dedication of doing God’s will is what our church is all about,” Leland said. “God has used our church to show us and others that faith has no end.”
Jane recruited Imogene Harris, a retired missionary from Nigeria, to speak at the church’s LMCO kick-off Sunday morning service. Her message was inspiring.
“She touched our hearts and we listened to what God wanted us to do. The LMC Offering was $1,101.20 and our goal was only $750. Isn’t God awesome!” Leland exclaimed.
A fitting testimony of the people’s commitment to missions is a gift given by one of the deceased elders. His wife was going through his things and noticed an envelope containing money he had saved for the LMCO.
“Even though he is at his heavenly home, he is still supporting the mission field,” Leland said. “This is a good example of our church – the little church that can.”
North Morton Baptist Church and others like it are the backbone of Southern Baptist missions. Brother Gary Wyatt, pastor of NMBC, became acquainted with Central and Eastern Europe missions through Michael and Patsy Holyfield, CEE missionaries in Russia. The Holyfield’s spoke at North Morton on their first stateside assignment in 2003.
“They have been praying for us fervently ever since,” Patsy said.
CEE missionaries are so grateful for the hearts and generosity of those at NMBC. Thank you, North Morton, for your faithfulness.
Find out more about giving to ministries in CEE and the LMCO