The Ohio Independent Baptist, April 1991

l luls off lo Pas tor Greg I logan and lbe people of Calvary Baptis t, llroudview Heights. On Friend Day, February 24, the c hur h reached an alleodancc of 300 used hymnals in good coodition. Contact Pastor Don Parvin, Calvary Baptist Churc b, Byesville. 1 7, an increase of 62 over lbe previous average! Having an Intpac-i on Ohio Larry Fetzer State Representative Many of you from all across Ohio, and even ome from outside Ohio, have called or wri tten to express appreciation for the "new look" OTB . It bas been encouraging to know that you have read and enjoyed our paper. The OIB belongs to the people of our churches. Our prayer is that it will draw us closer together as a fellowship, and help us to "build one another up in the faith ." Be sure to let us know about the great things happening in your church. Your "happening" could contribute to another church·s ministry somewhere else in the state. To share with one another is a scriptural concept- the biblical word is "partakers." Through the ideas and inspiration we share with one another in the OIB, we "might be partakers thereof with you ." Send your articles/ideas to The Ohio Independent Baptist P.O. Box 293058 Kettering, OH 45429 Again we are printing the new purpose statement for the OIB as drawn up by the Council of Twelve. This is the guide we follow each month to ensure that our paper will be helpful to our readers. All Ohio Regular Baptists note that the annual GARBC conference will be in Indianapolis June 24-28. Please remember to contact me if I can be of help to you. ) Larry Fetzer • 4221 Wallington Dr. Dayton, OH 45440 • 513-299-3128 2 The Man Who Rebinds Bibles John H. Green started the Ohio youth camp program in 1935, he was instrumental in the purchase of Lake Ann Camp in Michigan, and be instituted the pastors' insurance program in New York state. But be is best known in southern Ohio as "the man who rebinds Bibles." John, who celebrated bis 90th birthday on January 31, was honored during chapel at Cedarville College on that day for bis years of service to the Lord. From 1927 to 1970, John pastored churches in New Jersey, Kenlucky, Ohio, Michigan, and New York. Retired in 1970 from full time ministry , he then held interim pastorates at Immanuel Baptist in Arcanum, Faith Baptist in Van Wert, and two churches in Georgia. Until a 1983 heart attack required his move back to Cedarville to be near bis son Harold, John was chaplain and on the advisory board of Source of Light Mission in Madison, Georgia. Since living in Cedarville, John bas conducted three Bible studies per week, as well as rebinding approximately 75 Bibles a year. He is still an ardent reader and a student of the Scriptures. His most recent effort bas been a study of "The Will of God and the Senior Citizen," which is being printed by Source of Light Mission. Church Planting in Ohio Laying the Foundation Washington Court House: Grace Community Baptist will soon be one year old. Born on Easter Sunday 1990, the church was chartered with 37 members on November 18. Dr. Robert Gromacki, pastor, notes that the average attendance for morning worship bas increased to 70. One endeavor which has brought the church recognition in the Washington Court House area is the eight page evangelistic\disciplesbip newspaper which the congregation mails to 10,000 families each month. Grace Community Baptist meets for Sunday services in the Washington Senior High School, and in three area homes mid-week. Sidney: Pastor Earl Shaffer reports several encouraging signs of growth at Good Shepherd Baptist. Recently four or five people made professions of faith in Christ; 29 teens participated in a "jalopy raid," and a family who are members of a cult visited the church. Pastor Shaffer and Dave Ryan, part-time youth pastor, are visiting in the homes of community members who are on the church mailing list. Pastor Shaffer requests prayer for several members in positions of church leadership, including the treasurer, who are facing possible job transfers. Purpose Statement The OIB bas been established as the official organ of tbe OARBC. Its purpose shall be to communicate information regularly to our constituency concerning the programs and activities of the fellowship and its churches. • It will promote the minis tries and programs of the association. • It will reporl on the news of significant happenings in the churches o f general interest throughout the fellowship._ · . • It will give information concerning the state camping program. • It wi11 be a means ofmutual encouragement among thepastors and peopleof the OARBC. • It will be a vehicle for the sharing of useful ideas among the churches. • It will seek to support the vision statement of the OARBC.