Spencer’s baptism just one of many amazing stories at Coweta, Community
COWETA—This is Spencer Shamas’ story. But it’s also the story of a church plant in a small Oklahoma town that is making a big impact. Let’s start with Shamas. Shamas was born in Okmulgee, where he grew up attending the Lutheran church, playing sports and was a curious soul trying to understand life. A deep thinker, he was always inquisitive, wondering how things worked and what might be beneficial to him. For example, at age 14, he...
Church from nowhere growing, serving community
PAWNEE—Masham Church in Cimarron Association doesn’t understand that it’s in the middle of nowhere and, in this day and age, is supposed to just exist. For the past year, since Johnny Wagner took over the pastorate, the little church that couldn’t, has. It has grown from 12 to more than 40 in Sunday School and from 20 to around 60-80 in worship. Wagner has baptized 12, with three more awaiting baptism. Young families are joining the...
Burns Flat pianist is missionary to local store customers, employees
BURNS FLAT—WANTED: Missionary. Must be friendly with outgoing personality. Must love people, know the Bible and yearn to share the love of Jesus with others, praying for them and inviting them to church. Apply at Walmart. While it is unlikely that Walmart or any retailer would pay for an ad like this. If they did, Hazel Fleming would fit the bill perfectly. A member of Burns Flat, First for nearly 30 years, Fleming spends a part of...
After searching for hymn on baptism, 91-year-old preacher writes it himself
Although he was called to preach the Gospel, music has always been a powerful force in Ralph Crawford’s life. A music minister’s dream to work with, Crawford, now 91, always said when the music portion of a worship service ran long, “I’m the variable here. We need that good music.” And he was a master at fitting his remarks into the time allotted to him. Crawford, who served as pastor of Oklahoma City, Olivet for 25 years, often said...
Former missionaries loved on at Falls Creek
DAVIS—More than 30 former International Mission Board (IMB) appointees who have settled in Oklahoma received “royal” treatment March 4-5 during a special retreat held in their honor at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center. The retirees, who are among 983 missionaries who accepted a Voluntary Retirement Incentive, are fluent in more than a dozen languages. But the words spoken at the retreat were in the language of love, and no...
