Bevill's Chapel Baptist Church - 12/18/2011

Though our paths cross quite frequently with MBA events, I had never actually heard Pastor Benny Berry preach.  Regina, his wife, is the Financial Manager for the Madison Baptist Association, so I have dealings with her all the time and might I add that she is always very helpful. 

We arrived about 10 minutes early for Sunday School and it just so happens that it was Regina who pulled up to the door at the same time.  She helped us to get where we needed to go as our day began.  The class was friendly and after a bit of socializing we began the lesson.  The class was going through a book called Biblical Mathematics:  Keys to Scripture Numerics, that deals with the importance of numbers in the Bible.  It was interesting and I can't say that I had heard of the book before our visit.  Once class was over one of the class members helped us to find our way to the sanctuary for the worship service. 

The music was nice with the choir doing a special number and a trio doing another one.  Somewhere I have heard the trio before (perhaps at a special community service); they did a great job.  Regina mentioned something about her and Benny being here over 20 years...wow, what dedication!  

When Brother Benny spoke with us it sounded like he had a cold but when he preached the message one could hardly tell.  He is a very soft spoken man but is very strong and sure when he brings the Word.  All in all it was a good visit and things seem to be going well at Bevill's Chapel. 

Mt. Zion Baptist Church - 12/4/2011

Yesterday we spun the wheel and it landed on Mt Zion as our next church to visit.  I know Michael Davis, the Minister of Education there and a big shout out to him as he will be graduating from New Orleans Baptist Seminary in two weeks !  I have also been to several of the weekly pastor meetings and an E-Board meeting or two at the MBA where pastor Ron Madison was present.  I had looked forward to hearing him preach as he seems to be a man of purpose. 

We arrived right at the time the first Sunday School was letting out.  A very nice lady greeted us as soon as we entered the building and took us to the welcome center.  There we were greeted again by several folks, filled out a visitor card and then escorted to a Sunday School class close to our age range.  The welcome center person introduced us to the teacher, Dwayne Jones, and then everyone in the class proceeded to introduce themselves.  A lot of organization here--nothing less than what I expected from a top notch Minister of Education like Michael.  After sharing prayer concerns and opening in prayer the teacher led a discussion out of Genesis.  He did a very good job, was very transparent and practical in his teaching.  It was also clear he had prepared well for the lesson.  Most everyone in the class participated at some point. 

The worship center was very beautiful and during the greet time Michael Davis made his way over to greet us.  Both the choir and the praise ensemble did a great job as well.  One thing I liked very much was how much space there was in the aisle.  Pastor Ron did a very good job bringing the message out of Hebrews concerning hope.  The points he made concerning the hope for our economy and our individual lives were spot on the way I see it.  I have heard many good things about Mt Zion and it appears they have good leadership there.