HAYWOOD BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MISSION STRATEGIST REPORT for April 14, 2026

We are so excited that after many delays and challenges that actual PROGRESS is being made in converting some of our office space into sleeping quarters and showers for mission teams. Sharp Builders has been contracted to do the work. If all goes well, we should be finished in three months. We hosted a couple of mission teams who did some painting, moving furniture and books, and disposing of clutter in preparation for our remodel.

For the past six months or so, I have served as intentional interim at Bethel. The Lord blessed our time there, and the church is prepared for good things in the future under their new pastor, Dr. Mark Golden. We are blessed in Haywood Baptist Association with outstanding pastors—mature solid veterans and an influx of young champions. Of course, most pastors seem young compared to me!  The future is bright in seeing healthy churches thrive and be on mission for the Lord!  I met with and prayed for several of our pastors. These are good men, but still men. They need support and encouragement. It is a privilege to be able to provide that. I hope you will plan a “Pastor and Staff Appreciation Month” this October. It puts fuel in their tank!

We had a Christmas Party for our Pastors and Wives at Rocky Face Tavern. Good food and great fellowship was experienced, as we got together. A number of our Pastors are involved with Blueprint for Ministry that meets monthly. This cohort gives training to our pastors who want to grow in their leadership. This cohort will end in a couple of months, but if you would like to get in on the next one, be on the alert for details coming this fall. I was able to attend the ordination service for Seth Trantham at West Canton Baptist Church. Seth has been called to pastor in Arkansas. We had an Ordination Examination for Rick Lombardo and recommended him to serve on staff at Antioch.

I was able to speak to the Joyful Hearts—Crestview’s Senior Adult group. They were so receptive and fed me well. Likewise, it was a wonderful time to preach revival services at Allen’s Creek. God is moving in this church and we are grateful for them hosting our Spring Associational Meeting. The “Come to Jesus Revival” was a joint effort of churches led by High Street Baptist and Pastor Chris Willett. It was a blessing to attend and aid in that.  I got to preach at Lake Junaluska First Baptist Church last month. Pray for them as they search for a new pastor. The Children’s Bible Drill took place at Hemphill Baptist Church and I was blessed to attend. If your church is not participating, I would urge you to get informed and involved in this. A special information time is coming on May 16—“The Thrill of the Drill!”

We provided many “Coats for the City,” in that mission effort to New York. Jason Miller was gracious to pick them up and take them to the State Convention office. My wife and I attended the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and had more coats to deliver. The wonderful thing is that not only are physical concerns addressed when these coats are distributed, but the Gospel is shared also. If you have never been involved with this, you might pray about taking a group from your church.

A special opportunity I have had for several months is online training with two different pastor groups in India. We have provided them Bibles to distribute also. They are so appreciative. I start these around midnight which is morning for them. Some people talk in their sleep—I preach in mine! These men have little training and resources. It costs about $700 each month to transport them and feed them—about 70 men in the two groups. So far God has been faithful to provide. At our last 5th Sunday service, an offering was received of over $1200 for this cause. Thanks so much! If you or your church would like to give something—anything—send it to the Haywood Baptist Association and designate it for India.

That 5th Sunday night service was awesome. The music and message by John Swanger was outstanding. If you have never been to one of these, our next one is in May. Details will be available soon.

I did an interview with Carolyn Olliff who heads up the Orchard Counseling Ministry. They have a counseling room at the HBA. She is working on her degree and this was part of her studies. I have counseled several people and couples this fall and winter. Further, I teach that subject at Fruitland Baptist Bible College. Pray for me as I travel there each Tuesday in the spring and summer.

It is a joy to serve Jesus by serving Haywood Baptists!

Dennis Thurman, Mission Strategist