June 2026

Help, Hope & Healing:

MESSENGER STAFF

Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@oklahomabaptists.org

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Bob Nigh | Contributing Writer bnigh@oklahomabaptists.org

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STOP AND DO THE MATH

The other day I had a really bad day. On top of a number of things that had gone wrong, I started getting intense phantom pains in my leg, which I haven’t had in a long time. By the end of the day, I was ready to have a pity party. I have found on days that you feel like Alexander having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, that perspective helps a great deal. In the midst of a rotten day or hard season of life, pausing to gain perspective on all that you are actually blessed with can help you see the difficulties of the moment in a different light.

One of the things that has gotten me through my journey is a phrase I will tell myself—“Stop and do the math.” Then I will do my best to stop focusing on my present difficulty and start adding up how blessed I am by the Lord. This exercise has helped me gain perspective that is greater than the challenge I am facing.

Perhaps you saw an unbelievable statistic about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) after the Thunder’s final game with Phoenix in the first round of the playoffs. From March 17 to April 27, the Thunder played 16 games. In that time, SGA missed only ONE shot in the 4th quarter or overtime. ONE. SHOT. That’s an insane stat where someone “stopped and did the math” that puts perspective on what an incredible player SGA is. I can get caught up in the midst of a game cheering for the Thunder—pumped when someone hits a 3 or gets a dunk, exasperated at the refs or when someone has a turnover—that I lose perspective on what a generational talent SGA is and how fortunate we are to have a team this good. But reflecting on the math of that amazing stat about SGA puts things in perspective.

It’s easy to get caught up in the difficulties of the moment. I know I did the other day. But if we will stop—go get alone and pray, get in the Word, and read and meditate upon it—then do the math—my leg hurts, but I am alive and able to do so much; this day stinks, but I have a Savior, a loving family, and more blessings than I can count—it can help us gain perspective to rise above the fray of a bad day.

One great way “to do the math” is simply focus on God’s love for you. I think of the verses in Ephesians 3:17-19 that have often been called “the geometry of God’s love.”

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith— that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.”

So, the next bad day you’re having, stop and do the math. Calculate the breadth and length and height and depth of God’s love for you. Calculate the vast blessings you have that can so easily be eclipsed by hardship. Ask God for perspective to focus on what is eternal, not on those things that are temporal. As followers of Christ, He “dwells in our hearts through faith,” which enables us to be “rooted and grounded” in Him even in the hardest of days.

Todd Fisher Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” Ephesians 3:17-19

Is A.I. Your Co-Pilot in Life?

Years ago, there was a bumper sticker that read, “God is my co-pilot.” By using that phrase—for whatever it lacked theologically and practically—the driver of the car was saying he or she relies the most on God for daily living.

Fast forward to today, and millions of people are relying on Artificial Intelligence as their “co-pilot in life.” Among the most popular A.I. systems out there, such as Chat GPT and Claude, there is even one A.I. system literally called Co-Pilot.

Now we have, of course, had A.I. with us for a number of years, but today it is everywhere and used by seemingly everyone. In some ways, these technologies are a blessing, because they save time on tasks and help disseminate information quickly.

In more significant ways, though, it can quickly become a curse, such as in the following ways:

WHEN PEOPLE USE A.I. FOR SINFUL OR MISDIRECTED PURPOSES

If loneliness is the epidemic in our age, there are reports of many people using A.I. to access harmful and pornographic content. There are people who are substituting human relationships with artificial ones. Sadly, there are college students using it to write their school essays for them or even ministers tempted to have A.I. write their sermons. The rapid advance of A.I. has, like other technologies, enabled a giant leap forward in the sin problem amid our weak human nature.

WHEN WE BECOME TOO TECHNOLOGYDEPENDENT

Many of us sleep with our cellphones within arm’s length, get online before getting out of bed and spend hours each day staring at screens. If you are spending more time staring at a screen, or interacting with A.I., than you are sleeping, you are too technology dependent.

WHEN WE LOSE OUR RESOURCEFULNESS

Whereas people once had to navigate using printed maps or stopping and asking directions, now we can navigate using digital GPS. If the GPS takes us to the wrong place, or if we rely on it exclusively, we can lose our ability to be resourceful. Similarly, when it comes time to remembering trivia, or needing to look up information, technology allows our brains to get out of practice. When we don’t use it, we lose it.

WHEN WE BECOME HABITUALLY DISTRACTED

Many of us check our phones quite frequently, which turns our focus from what’s going on immediately around us to the digital world. We can quickly be sucked into temptations and turmoil going on online, without being present. As a source of endless entertainment, it can cause us to be endlessly distracted.

For these reasons and more, we need to become more aware of our technology-use tendencies. Sometimes it’s easier to see the problems in others than we do ourselves. Perhaps you might do one of the following:

1. Ask someone close to you to keep you accountable. Ask them to call you on it if you become excessively dependent on A.I. or too distracted by your smartphone.

2. Put away your phones or technology. This could be meal times or for a quiet time. These breaks will give your brain a break and allow you to connect with God and others.

3. Skip A.I. The next time you forget information, don’t immediately Google it. Stop and try to use your brain or ask someone around you.

These are just a few ideas that might help lead to a more balanced life. If we don’t get our technology habits in check, at the end of our days, we just might be regretful about how much of our “heart, soul, mind, and strength” we gave to A.I. instead of the Lord.

Brian Hobbs Oklahoma Baptists Editor

See what events are happening around the state!

July 26-30, 2026

Indian Falls Creek Falls Creek Conference

Centers, Davis, OK indianfallscreek.org/

August 2-6, 2026

Collegiate Week Falls Creek Conference

Centers, Davis, OK oklahomabaptists.org/ event/collegiate-week/

Visit oklahomabaptists.org/events/ to view more events happening throughout the year!

Agape Marriage Intensives

strengthen marriage female)

sessions, this extended format allows couples to slow down, step away from distractions, and give intentional attention to their marriage.

This also helps couples see additional areas for other ways to strengthen their marriage.

A Little Scared of Snakes

Some of you may know that I have a brother. There was a time I referred to him as my little brother. But something happened, and now he is bigger than I am. I now refer to him as my younger brother. In fact, he is about seven years younger than I am. He has been that way his entire life.

He and I have spent a lot of hours fishing together. At one point, we stepped up our game and bought a johnboat. One thing I learned was if you buy a boat out on the land, you really have no idea how it will do in the water. I guess I should have figured it out when the guy selling us the boat made a point of reminding us that it was being sold “as is.”

The “as is” meant it had a hole in it that we discovered the first time we put it in the water. It wasn’t a big hole. But it was big enough that we would take on water fairly quickly which meant we would have to go to the shore, unload everything that was floating around in the boat, dump all the water out, reload everything that we had in the boat, shove off into the pond and start the whole cycle over again.

One day my brother and I were in the boat fishing quickly because you wanted to get as much done as possible before you had to go to the shore when it happened. My brother said, “Look at that snake!”

I did. It looked a lot like an anaconda or a python— or a coppermouthrattlemocassin.

The snake was acting rather nonchalant, which I have noticed is a trick snakes often do. I did not want to take chances with a potentially tricky snake. I’ll just go ahead and admit it. I am terrified of snakes. If I had been in the Garden of Eden with Eve and Adam and could have found a 10-foot pole, there wouldn’t have been any sinning because there wouldn’t have been a snake left. Well, if bad words are sinning, I might have sinned some but just a little bit. Snakes seem to bring that out in me.

The next thing I heard as I was trying to navigate to the shore so I could run to and climb up on my pickup was my brother saying, “I think I can snag that sucker with this spinner bait.” I remember begging my brother not to try that. When he

laughed manically, I started ordering him not to try to snag the snake. Trying to order people around, especially younger siblings, is a common trait of the oldest sibling. It seldom works.

I watched in horror as my brother cast his lure over the snake, took three or four cranks on his reel and then set hook. My brother snagged that snake right in the middle of its demonic body.

The snake was not appreciative. It started rolling around in the water like the Tasmanian Devil, wrapping my brother’s fishing line around its evil body. And then it started toward us.

I put the trolling motor on high and started toward the shore. But I have to tell you that the boat halffull of water, carrying two grown men and too much fishing gear was not moving very fast. And that stupid snake was gaining on us.

I kept telling my brother to throw his fishing pole in the pond, and I would buy him another one. He didn’t believe me. And then the snake made a move toward the front of the boat in what was certainly an attempt to cut us off. By God’s grace, I grabbed a knife out of my tackle box and cut the fishing line. The last thing I remember was watching this dumb snake swim away with a spinner bait stuck in its back and trailing some monofilament line. At least he was swimming away from us. My brother said something about that being a $3 spinner bait.

I wanted to tell him that I was worth more than a $3 spinner bait, but I was still trying to stop hyperventilating.

I learned a few things from this near-death experience. One, don’t buy a boat with a hole in it. No good will come from that. Two, be careful who you fish with. Just because you are related doesn’t guarantee intelligence. Three, be careful what you snag. Sometimes they snag back. Four, stay away from snakes. That little grin they have will scare the bejeebers out of you.

Joe Ligon

Oklahoma Baptists Sr. Associate Executive Director

Help, Hope & Healing: Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief Making Impact Amid Active

Year of Storms, Disasters

The 2026 year has seen an uptick in tornadic activity in Oklahoma. In late April alone, a series of damaging tornadoes caused widespread damage in multiple areas and communities in Oklahoma.

Amid the devastation and wreckage, Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) volunteers stepped up to serve people in need.

“We always want to provide help, hope and healing to the people impacted by storms,” said Jason Yarbrough, Oklahoma Baptist DR state director.

Among the many areas impacted by spring storms and tornadoes, Oklahoma Baptist DR served in the Enid area, which was struck by a devastating EF-4 tornado on April 23. In addition to tornado recovery, Oklahoma Baptist DR volunteers were serving in wildfire relief and other areas.

DR TEAM RECOVERS WEDDING RINGS, AMONG ASH FROM BURNED HOME

In late February, wildfires spread across northern Oklahoma, burning thousands of acres in the Oklahoma Panhandle, including in Gate, a small town in Beaver County. Doug and Debra Little, who live in Ditch Valley adjacent to Beaver County and attend Laverne, First, were among the many who were affected.

At first, they thought the fires would go past them, however the wind suddenly changed and pushed the flames towards their home. The Littles were out of town on a work-related trip, but rushed home when they heard the change in direction of the fire. According to Doug Little, by early morning the next day, the fire had swept through their property. Their house, along with most of their property, had been destroyed by the fire. Thankfully most of their farm animals survived. Little said that evidence he found suggested the flames had reached 50 to 60 feet tall.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) ash out teams arrived and offered to help clean out the area. The Littles agreed and asked the team if they could look specifically for their wedding rings.

“Deb was really hoping we could find our wedding rings,” Doug Little said. “I didn’t think there was a chance of them finding those rings.”

The DR team went to work sifting through the ash and debris. Miraculously, the ash out team was able to find the rings. Intense heat had melted the two rings beyond repair, but they could still be discerned against the rest of the debris. Debra’s ring had been melded into a composite of other metals and jewelry.

“Man, those Baptists know how to dig through rubble,” Little said on Facebook. “Two things I’ve learned from this fire: one, is it’s crazy what survives and what doesn’t and two, God is good.”

After the ordeal, Doug had his ring welded together with Debra’s, symbolizing their eternal bond not only to each other but to Christ as well.

DR did all they could to help clean the Littles’ property. In addition to the physical support, the DR team also provided emotional and spiritual support to the Littles. The team left the couple with a Bible. Inside, along with ash fingerprints, the team left notes of encouragement and verse highlights. Little said they didn’t plan on cleaning off the fingerprints anytime soon.

“As big as the crew, machinery and physical work is, the emotional and spiritual support they provided was even larger,” said Little. “That Bible is something we will treasure forever. We know God has a plan and that it’s going to be perfect.”

DR has countless stories like these where teams can go in and reunite natural disaster victims with their physical belongings, but DR isn’t just focused on physical healing. They also bring help, hope and healing of a spiritual nature.

“We have the privilege of seeing people come to faith every year through this ministry,” said Oklahoma DR Director Jason Yarbrough.

In 2025, DR had about 120 Gospel conversations with homeowners. Of those 120, 10 made professions of faith.

“Every 10 times we have a Gospel conversation with a homeowner, or somebody impacted by the storms, we’re seeing somebody pray to receive Christ,” said Yarbrough. “The Kingdom impact is out there, and it’s incredible.”

FROM FIRE VICTIM TO DR VOLUNTEER

Recently, Little went through DR training and received his certification as a DR volunteer.

“It’s been something I’ve thought about for a while now,” he said. “After what happened to our house I just felt like Jesus was tapping on my shoulder, telling me it was time.”

DR provides trained chaplains who go to response sites with other teams to help provide spiritual healing which sometimes extends to the volunteers as well.

Responding to natural disasters can place a mental toll on volunteers. When volunteers need it, chaplains are there to have spiritual conversations or just listen to what they share. This can open doors to spiritual conversations that lead to life change if the volunteer hasn’t already made a profession of faith.

When natural disasters hit, Oklahoma Baptist DR is there to help those affected recover. Whether it be sifting through debris to find personal belongings or seeking to have spiritual conversations, DR is equipped to handle the task.

“I would encourage anyone who can to help and support DR,” said Little. “I don’t think the people on that team know the blessing they are.”

Yarbrough appeared on the Messenger Insight podcast earlier this year to talk about disaster relief and tell the story of the wedding rings. That episode can be found at baptistmessenger.com.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OKLAHOMA BAPTIST DISASTER RELIEF

On December 11, 1973, the Oklahoma Baptists Board of Directors adopted a structured disaster relief plan. It organized volunteers across local church, association, and state convention levels to provide financial aid, emergency assistance, and rebuilding repairs. Early efforts included rebuilding earthquakedamaged churches in Alaska and providing over $25,000 in flooding aid to the Enid area. Following a devastating 1974 tornado in Drumright and Olive, the state established a permanent Disaster Relief fund through budget allocations.

The ministry has grown from a single mass-feeding team into a massive operation. More than 2,500 trained members are organized into five geographic zones across Oklahoma to ensure rapid deployment. During the 2004 Florida hurricanes, volunteers set a record by preparing over 14,600 hot meals in a single day using a large mobile kitchen unit.

DISASTER RELIEF’S SERVICES

The scope of care now extends far beyond food preparation. Specialized teams address diverse physical and emotional needs during crises:

• Clean-up Operations: Teams perform chainsaw debris removal, mud-out and ash-out services.

• Logistics & Hygiene: Volunteers deploy water purification, mobile showers and laundry units.

• Spiritual Care: Chaplains distribute Bibles and offer emotional and spiritual support.

To make a tax-deductible donation to Oklahoma Baptist DR, visit okdisasterhelp.org

CROSSWORD

Note: Bible translations may vary for clues

ACROSS

1 Complains

6 Jesus says you can call Father this

10 Forbid, as sin 13 “__ hath overwhelmed me” (Ps. 55:5) 15 Scuba diver’s find 16 Poetic contraction

17 Do not __ evildoers

18 There won’t be one in heaven 19 Communion cup taker’s action 20 Grocery section

22 Jesus came according to God’s __

WORDSEARCH

26 Jesus __ on the cross 28 Where God spoke 22 Across 29 Earring need 30 KJV deer 31 “Every day they __ my words” (Ps. 56:5) 32 Anger 33 Lighted sign

Spasm 35 Plead 37 Multiple molecule compound

41 “I am like an __ of the desert” (Ps. 102:6)

42 Jesus saves your __ from death

43 See 6 Down

44 Jesus __ our broken relationship with God

47 Lenten practice, for some

48 Cereal aisle find

49 Spice brought to Jesus’ tomb

50 What Jesus died for 51 Bible book of Jesus’ birth

52 Separation, as from God 54 Pride gives big ones

DOWN

1 Repeated, a dance

2 “Thy __ and thy staff…comfort me” (Ps. 23:4)

3 “He hath shewed strength with his __” (Luke 1:51)

4 Jesus is a __ between us and God

5 Lazarus of parable had many

6 43 Across, KJV style

7 Tapped the horn

8 Jesus wore one

9 Big hairdo

10 Jesus stays __ you

11 Gets up

12 Sorrowful sinners do this

14 Christian school subj. (Abbr.)

21 Foolish one

23 We are saved by God’s __

24 Jesus was __ in Bethlehem

25 Assist

27 No room for them in the __

29 Commandment no-no

30 Jesus came to __ sin-sickness

31 “Thy __ be done”

33 Good __, the gospel message 34 Flaunt

36 Beverly Hills’ Drive

Note: The word clues are chosen by Messenger staff, while the puzzles and letters surrounding the clues are computer-generated at

56 “__ is laid unto the root of the trees” (Luke 3:9)

57 Commits 50 Across 59 Satan was __ from heaven

63 Clock measure, for short 64 Canal

65 Do not __ God’s message

66 New Testament period, e.g.

67 __ God’s commandments

68 Author Erich

37 Police force

38 Gospel writer 39 Pennsylvania city 40 Roman king (Lat.)

42 __ Francisco

44 Paris wife (Fr.)

45 Medicinal drink

46 Roman Catholic devotion

47 Storm caused __ winds on Sea of Galilee

48 One broke out when Paul preached

50 Abort a launch

51 __ Armstrong, trumpeter

53 Begin again

55 “__ so loved the world...”

58 Pig place

60 Tower

61 LAX info (Abbr.)

62 Keyboard key

WORDS

ACTIVITY

Church NEWS

JOHNSON, SALLATEESKA CELEBRATES DEBT-FREE MILESTONE WITH NOTE BURNING CEREMONY

Johnson, Sallateeska marked a momentous occasion on Sunday, March 22, as members gathered to celebrate the full payoff of a loan taken out for the purchase of additional land adjacent to the church property. In a symbolic and joyful act, Pastor Don Acker and Deacon John Jones burned the loan note before the congregation, signifying the church’s freedom from debt and God’s continued provision.

DEBT FREE, OKC, PUTNAM CITY CELEBRATING CENTENNIAL

On April 1, 2025, Oklahoma City, Putnam City (PCBC) Pastor Bill Hulse challenged his members to pay off the remaining balance of a $1.1 million longstanding debt before the church’s 100th anniversary in June. The members stepped forward to accept

the challenge and on April 30, Hulse announced the $1.1 million in debt was paid, leaving the church unencumbered to celebrate its centennial anniversary debt free for the first time since 1998. On May 10, the church celebrated the momentous achievement with a note-burning ceremony. PCBC is celebrating its centennial June 13-14.

TRIBUTES

Doug Collins died April 27. He was the father of Connor Collins, youth pastor at Del City, First Southern.

June Carney died May 4. She was the mother of Derrick Carney, pastor of Luther, First.

Mack Chambers died May 4. He was pastor of Caddo, Blue River Fellowship.

Elaine Shatto died May 7. She was the wife of Bobby Shatto, pastor of Maud, First, and Oklahoma state F.A.I.T.H. Rider chaplain.

Molly Miller died May 10. She was the young daughter of Megan and Mason Miller, pastor of Carnegie, Alfalfa.

Gerald A. Peters Sr. died May 14. Peters’ 91 years of life included 77 years of ministry, faithfully serving the Lord at home and abroad. He pastored churches in Marsden, Elmer, Zaneis, Marietta, Miami, Pauls Valley, Augusta, Georgia, Carnegie and Cookson. For 11 years, Gerald served as the Director of Missions for East Central Baptist Association and as the administrator of Tenkiller Baptist Campground. He served on and chaired numerous committees and boards of the Oklahoma Baptists Convention. He served with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief at major events and natural disasters in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas and the 9/11 response in New York. He was the father of Sheryl Porter, wife of Sam Porter, retired Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief Director; and father of Gerald Peters II of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, among other family.

MINISTRY In FocusCAMP PERFECT WINGS

DAVIS—Summer camps are officially underway and thousands are expected to attend across Falls Creek Youth Camp, CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp and Indian Falls Creek. Many are familiar with these mainstays of Oklahoma Baptist culture, however another summer camp offered that has a major Gospel impact that some are unaware of is Camp Perfect Wings.

Meeting at CrossTimbers, Camp Perfect Wings is a camp experience for children and adults with cognitive or intellectual disabilities, ages eight and up.

“Camp Perfect Wings gives these kids and adults a place to come and have fun,” said CrossTimbers Program Director Sarah Hagar. “They get to spend time with friends doing things they enjoy. They hear about Jesus and the salvation only He brings.”

At Camp Perfect Wings, each activity is designed with the campers’ special needs in mind. These include game nights, carriage rides at Turner Falls, a talent show, ropes course and more. One of the events that campers anticipate the most each year is riding with the F.A.I.T.H. Riders, a motorcycle ministry.

“A hit is an understatement,” said Becka Johnson, longtime Camp Director at Camp Perfect Wings. “Our campers can’t wait to ride on those motorcycles.”

Camp Perfect Wings also has mission stops where campers can learn about ministries across the world. This year, the mission stops focused on Native American ministry.

The theme for this year is identical to that of CrossTimbers: “I Am” based on John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

David Anderson, Louisiana Baptists Children’s Ministry Strategist, once again served as the camp pastor. He has preached at Camp Perfect Wings for 18 years, becoming a welcomed friend to campers. Anderson said that to him community was what made Camp Perfect Wings so special.

“The campers know each other and see each other throughout the year at different events,” said Anderson. “When they come to Camp Perfect Wings it’s just like one big family reunion.”

To help the campers have a safe and enjoyable time, Camp Perfect Wings campers are paired with a Buddy. A Buddy is a responsible adult or teen (16 years old and up) who has the desire to serve those with special needs. They can be people who have worked or currently work with individuals with special needs, are family members of individuals with special needs or anyone else who wants to serve those with special needs.

Camp Perfect Wings is a unique ministry in Oklahoma because every part of it is designed for campers with special needs. At Camp Perfect Wings, everyone is made perfect in the image of God.

Longtime OU BSU Leader remembered for impactful ministry, discipleship

Max Don Barnett, 89, longtime director of the Baptist Student Union (BSU)/ Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) at the University of Oklahoma (OU), died May 17.

Barnett, a native of Littlefield, Texas, helped lead a ministry at OU that celebrated its Centennial on Oct. 20, 2023. More than 500 students and BCM/BSU alumni and supporters gathered for the special 100th anniversary event.

Barnett served at OU from 1967-2004, “Where his faithful, Spirit-led leadership established a model of collegiate ministry marked by evangelistic fervor, doctrinal depth, and pastoral care for students. Max faithfully served the Lord Jesus Christ for more than 60 years in Baptist collegiate ministry, giving his life to reaching university students with the Gospel and discipling generations of young men and women for Kingdom service,” said Shane Kammerer, current OU BCM director.

In 1999, Barnett and others served on a Baptist Faith and Message Study Committee of the Southern Baptists Convention, chaired by the late Adrian Rogers, which convened to review and revise the Convention’s confessional statement for a new generation of Southern Baptists. The committee delivered its report to the Convention on June 14, 2000, resulting in the adoption of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000—a document now affirmed as a faithful summary of biblical doctrine and the confessional foundation of Southern Baptist cooperation.

Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher said, “Max Barnett was an Oklahoma Baptists icon in Baptist Collegiate Ministry. He served at the BCM at OU for 37 years and was a member of the committee that presented the updated Baptist Faith & Message in 2000. His long, far-reaching legacy of disciple making and evangelism has a tremendous impact for the kingdom of God.”

An outpouring of support and appreciation for Barnett was seen across social media.

Pastor Bill Elliff said, “Max Barnett was one of the greatest men I’ve ever known. God led him to oversee the Baptist student work at the University of Oklahoma for decades, but it was merely a launching pad to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and ministries around the world. He arguably started more student ministries on major college universities than any man living.”

One OU alumni on the BSU staff under the leadership of Barnett said on Facebook, “At the BSU he taught me how and what ministries are all about. He’s a great leader and speaker and Christ was his life.”

Another former student said, “Under his leadership, I learned how to walk with God. I learned how to understand my faith and how to share Jesus with others.”

Kammerer added, “Max was truly a pioneer in ministry. His discipleship methods revolutionized campus ministry as we know it today. Max’s impact is still felt today at OU and other BCM’s, and he will be greatly missed. We are praying for his family.”

Barnett was a longtime member at Norman, Trinity, where he served as an elder. He held a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Doctor of Ministry degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has also served as the volunteer state director for the Baptist Collegiate Ministries in Colorado and has been a professor of collegiate ministries holding the E.F. Hallock Chair of Student Work at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to his wife Sandra for more than 60 years. They have one son, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren.

A funeral service was held June 12th at OKC, Southern Hills.

2026 INDIAN FALLS CREEK TO EMPHASIZE GOSPEL CALL TO ‘LOVE KINDNESS’

By Jennifer Barnett and Kelli Webster

The faithful love of the Lord manifests in the relationship He has made with His children. The attitude of our hearts should reflect a committed love toward Him; this love binds us together as a community of faith.

Indian Falls Creek (IFC) strives to strengthen and cultivate this community within the Indigenous churches across North America, who will gather for the 79th IFC, July 26-30 at Falls Creek Conference Centers.

Mike Keahbone (Comanche, Kiowa, Cherokee), pastor of Lawton, First, will serve as camp pastor to churches representing more than 50 tribal nations. From preschool to adults, the classes, recreation and worship services are designed to uplift the entire family. The week is an opportunity for churches to cultivate generational faith among their members and encourage campers to reach out to their family members who need Christ.

Campers begin the day with morning devotions and classes, which provide opportunities to make new friends and fellowship. The Mathena Family Event Center houses the children’s morning classes and both the morning and evening Children’s Church services. Preschool, Youth, Young Adult and Adult classes are hosted in the Tabernacle and cabins across campus.

Less than 10 percent of Native peoples are Christian. When seeing the numerous Native people at IFC, this fact can be easily forgotten. The leaders of IFC know this week is important to the edification of the family of churches that attend each year.

Awakening Faith, Cultivating Ministry—Indian Falls Creek serves as a catalyst for spiritual awakening that transforms lives for Christ by uplifting Indigenous believers and cultivating Native-toNative Ministry for eternal impact.

Many campers who have attended since childhood look forward to the fellowship with lifelong camp friends. The collective nature of Native cultures lends to the community felt among campers. The

encouragement and call to faithful living can be seen in the leaders who bring their church families, volunteers who serve annually and the IFC Board members.

The majority of pastors among Native churches are multi-vocational and minister to small congregations. Bringing their church families to camp allows them more time to fellowship with and minister to them. Also, standing alongside leadership from other Native churches at IFC cultivates stronger bonds between churches.

Volunteerism is the backbone of IFC programming, which provides opportunities for people to develop leadership skills, practice gifts of service and discern calling. Each summer, mission teams come to minister to the children and in recreational areas. Some campers volunteer to enact daily programming to support Board members, allowing them to serve alongside friends they only see at camp.

Consider bringing your family to IFC. If you would like to volunteer or support camp, contact IFC Executive Director Victor Cope.

Pray for the:

• Movement of God the Holy Spirit among the tribal Nations and families represented at camp to change lives and call people to ministry.

• Indian Falls Creek Board of Directors as they complete and enact programming.

• Volunteers and mission teams ministering to campers.

• Encouragement, resilience and continued commitment among church pastors and leaders.

• Provision for churches and families to attend.

For more information, visit IndianFallsCreek.org.

Barnett is Chairperson of the IFC Board of Directors. Webster is IFC Asst. Director of Promotions and Publicity

Join us throughout the year in praying for our missionaries, serving locally and around the world!

2026 MISSIONARY Prayer Guide

Who & Where Why How to Pray

The goal of GoStudents Network is to inspire, equip, and empower Oklahoma Baptist churches to adopt and conduct youth mission trips with Southern Baptist missionaries, church planters, and ministry leaders. In-state projects are for students who have completed sixth through twelfth grade who want to see God’s Kingdom advance in Oklahoma. Out-of-state projects are for students who have completed ninth through twelfth grade and range from North America to around the world.

Ryan and Lynsi Rhodes work among the American peoples affinity group with the International Mission Board. They work in support of other missionaries in the Americas ensuring their families have the appropriate medical, counseling, kid’s schooling and other resources. This is an important task in keeping healthy missionaries on the field to plant more churches. The Rhodes and their kids also partner with other believers in their community to share the love of God to those around them in the city of Lima.

Michael and Melissa serve as missionary trainers with Lead Global in Nairobi, Kenya. Along with their four children, they are hard at work equipping East African churches to model church health, prepare them to send missionaries, and train believers to participate in the Great Commission both locally and cross-culturally.

Pray students of all ages would develop an awareness of lostness here, near, and far.

Pray that through GoStudents missions work, students will be equipped with training and resources.

Pray students will walk in obedience if God should call them to the mission field.

Pray for family back in the States who are not believers.

Pray that Christians in the States would be bold in showing love and sharing the Gospel for those in the States.

Pray for revival in the churches in Lima, and that Peruvian believers would feel the call to go as missionaries into their areas and beyond.

Pray for Melissa, Michael, and their family as three of their four children are away, attending college in three different states.

Pray for the Rains family as they find balance in life, family, and work.

Pray for God’s favor and blessing over Melissa and Michael’s ministry in Nairobi.

Pray for Oklahoma Baptists who are serving in Sub-Saharan Africa. This large area includes the island of Madagascar and all but 10 countries on the African continent. The primary religions are Islam, Christianity and Animism. Though Sub-Saharan Africa has a growing Christian population, it is still home to more than 1,600 unreached people groups. But because of the consistent presence of Oklahoma Baptists and others, thousands of new believers are confessing faith in Christ, churches are being planted, and leaders trained.

Pray for missionaries as they serve in this huge area and among so many millions of people.

Pray the people of Sub-Saharan Africa will hear and accept the words of Jesus so His kingdom will grow.

Pray for the well-being and safety of missionaries and the Christian population in Sub-Saharan Africa.

HOW TO SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY WHEN IT’S CONSIDERED ‘BORING’

Let’s settle the most important matter first. There are NO boring testimonies! Every salvation is miraculous.

At the same time, what if God didn’t save you out of a life of drugs and gambling? What if you weren’t an atheist who converted to faith in Jesus while reading ancient philosophy? What if you didn’t live a fake religious life for years before receiving the true gift of Christ’s salvation?

If you were, for example, saved at a young age or the circumstances of your salvation seem very normal, it can be intimidating when asked to share your testimony.

“Um...I attended Sunday School, learned the Gospel, experienced conviction of sin, trusted in Jesus, and I was baptized. Thanks for coming to my TED talk.”

HERE ARE THREE SUGGESTIONS FOR SHARING YOUR EARLY-LIFE CONVERSION STORY:

1. Celebrate Childlike Faith. While we never want to cause confusion for children who are asking questions about salvation, we believe children can be saved! Children are able to recognize a need for salvation (including the realities of sin and the impact of death and brokenness in the world), even if they lack certain life experiences. Every person on the planet has two problems they can’t fix on their own: sin and death. Only Jesus—through His death and resurrection—is the answer, and this is Good News for everyone, no matter their background or life experiences.

3. Show How Faith in Christ Has Guided Your Life. As we age, we often catch glimpses (through temptations, doubts, experiences, etc.) of what life might’ve been like without Christ. When sharing with others, we can say, “This is what my life easily could’ve looked like without Jesus.” Plus, we can share how God’s wisdom and grace have guided us around sinful pitfalls and through dark valleys.

*Those converted at an older age or out of difficult circumstances are able to testify especially to God’s radical forgiveness; a longtime Christian is able to testify in a unique way to God’s radical faithfulness Both realities bring God glory!

ONE CAUTION ABOUT SHARING YOUR EARLYLIFE CONVERSION STORY:

You know the person. They tell stories from 25 years ago, but these are the only stories they have. This scenario is funny and harmless when a “has-been” athlete tells stories from high school. It’s dangerous, though, when this scenario describes how a person talks about salvation.

2. Don’t Apologize or Exaggerate. Tell YOUR story, not the story you wish you had. Christianity is marked by the same Gospel message (repentance and faith) and the same confession (“Jesus is Lord”) for every person, but our stories are unique. Witnessing is directly tied to the concept of telling the truth. Exaggerating your testimony to make it sound more compelling actually undermines the very idea of sharing the Truth of Christ.

When the ONLY thing we can say is, “I prayed a prayer as a child” or “I went to church with my grandparents,” this should be a serious caution flag. In Scripture, key markers of salvation are enduring faith, wise obedience, loving relationships, and growth in spiritual fruit and spiritual gifts.

Don’t be embarrassed to speak about your simple faith and conversion as a child. However, take a close look at your soul, if the only thing you can talk about is what happened when you were younger. If your faith hasn’t endured, grown, or produced fruit, you might be in a perfect position to have one of those “cool” testimonies!

Owen Nease

Oklahoma Baptists President | Lead Pastor at Oklahoma City, Emmaus