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"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1: 3-6 NIV

The "Association", why do we need the Association? A question that I am asked from time to time. I would like to take the opportunity

to share with each of you the "Why" of the Association. J.C. Bradley wrote "A Baptist association is a self-governing fellowship of autonomous churches sharing a common faith and active on mission together in their setting." The association was created by churches for the churches. The association is made up of churches who have a common faith and are motivated to work together. In the Lincoln County Baptist Association, we have 40 churches currently with 37 participating in some form. The strength of the association depends on the involvement of the churches. Churches within the association should have a common biblical mission with goals for advancing the kingdom of God. Pastors of those churches should realize the need to cooperate together. We as Southern Baptist have the greatest Mission advancement tool in the Cooperative Program. Every church, no matter the size, can participate together to advance the Gospel. With that said, each church and each pastor can participate in the Association for the sole purpose of taking the Gospel to the lost of this world. We can do more together than we will ever do on our own. A thought that some refuse to grasp. As pastors, we need each other! My prayer is that every pastor will see the need to come alongside other pastors for encouragement and support.

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God." Phil. 1: 9-11 NIV

As we move into the month of April, the focus is on the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. The very foundation of who we are as Christians, (Followers of Christ), is in Easter. Every church will have a time to focus and pray during this time. May God gain all the Glory! Jesus is Alive! He's not on the Cross! He's not in the Tomb! He's not Dead! He's Alive! Celebrate HIS resurrection! On Good Friday, April 3rd, 11:00 AM, at the Big Cross on Hwy 84, we will have a time of worship. This is a community event. I would like to see us have 500 plus in attendance. Please make every effort to be there! Bring a lawn chair & come! Invite others to come with you. Centerpoint is taking the lead in carrying a Cross from downtown to the Big Cross on Hwy 84. If you would like to participate in carrying the Cross, show up at Centerpoint at 7:30 AM. I have participated the last 2 years and plan to this year. The Men's Rally this month is at Macedonia. It is Monday, April 13th at 6:00 PM. Dr. Jimmy Porter will be speaking. The challenge goal is to have 250 plus men and boys there. Let's participate and come together for this event. May God get the Glory!

In closing, Nikki & lare a resource to each and every church. We want to help every church, as we come alongside, to be the people God has commissioned. Please let us know how we can serve you better. "Thank You" for giving and investing in the work and ministry of the Association. I desire to see Lincoln Association continue to be a leader of Associations across the state. We couldn't do what we do without your prayers and support. I pray God will bless each Pastor and Church as we work together for the advancement of God's Kingdom.

David Williams,

AMS Lincoln Baptist Association