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Pastors have
extraordinary
courage, character
By Andy Childs
Northern Catalyst, Pastor Wellness achilds@gabaptist.org, 770-936-5383
Pastors are our heroes. That last word prob- ably makes most pastors uncomfortable. Most don’t see themselves as heroes as they live out their calling. “Hero” often brings fictional im- ages – Superman, Batman, even James Bond. You know, those with unreal power and skills. People that are not really human or at least seem superhuman.
But if we define “hero” not with imagi- nation but experience, then ordinary people with extraordinary courage or character pop- ulate the list. The neighbor who risks his life to pull others from a burning house. The driv- er who stops to render aid at the scene of an accident. A regular person at the right place at the right time to make a difference.
From the experience perspective, pastors who serve the church and share the gospel are heroes. Pastors are there to celebrate and to cry. Pastors committed to their call have an influence beyond themselves. David wrote in Psalm 16:3, (NLT), “The godly people in the land are my true heroes!”
Pastors have the most important job in the state. The balancing act is demanding and never stops. Through Pastor Wellness, the Georgia Baptist Mission Board supports our heroes in these areas of health: spiritual, voca- tional, relational, physical and financial.
We encourage pastors, ministers and their wives to review the resources available to them by visiting gabaptist.org/pastorwellness. The Pastor Wellness team is available to serve and support in various capacities.
Photo courtesy of Mark Jones, Ebenezer Baptist Church
Executive Director Thomas Hammond shares with pastors and their wives at the 2021 Pastor and Wives Retreat at Jekyll Island. The fall Pastor and Wives Retreat will take place Oct. 22-24, 2021, at Lake Lanier Legacy Lodge.
Create, deepen friendships at upcoming Pastor Wellness events
By Jeff Gongwer
East Central & Southeast Catalyst Pastor Wellness jgongwer@gabaptist.org, 770-936-5596
What do you get when you mix dozens of pastors, a delicious meal, a beautiful day and golf?
A bunch of fun! On April 26, pastors from all over Georgia and specifically from South Georgia gathered at Stone Creek Golf Course in Valdosta to hit a few balls and have a few laughs. They played in four- somes, giving them the opportunity to create and deepen friendships with fellow pastors.
The Pastor Wellness team and GBMB Executive Director Thomas Hammond also had the opportunity to connect with our pastors. The reason we host these events is to facilitate relationships between leaders who have the shared the often challenging experience of being in ministry. One of the highest needs of a local church pastor is deep-hearted, fully committed friendships. As pastors, we find ourselves surrounded by people but still often feel lonely and un- able to confide in anyone other than our wives. Golf opens doors to bonds that will help pastors be healthy on an emotional
and relational level.
Believe me when I say, pastors, that you
are our heroes and we want to help advance the gospel by investing in you and your families. Be on the lookout for the next golf outing on Sept. 20 at the Mirror Lake Golf Course in Villa Rica. These golf fellowships are free to pastors and are completely funded by donors who love pastors and want to help them to thrive in ministry.
Psators, ministers and their wives can also plan to start registering on Aug. 1 for the upcoming Pastors and Wives Retreat on Oct. 22-24, 2021. This event will take place at the Lake Lanier Legacy Lodge in Buford. Our pastors’ wives can also plan to attend the Gathering Together event hap- pening Sept. 25 in Augusta. The free event includes a meal.
Pastors and their spouses should also look into the One-Day Health Care Sum- mits, which are regional events. We offer a variety of health care including dental ser- vices and some locations will have a mobile Angio Screening. There will be an event Aug. 26 in Macon and one on Sept. 23 in Cartersville.
Visit gabaptist.org/pastorwellness or contact one of our staff members with any questions.
Scan to see Pastor Wellness Events!
Summer Safety Tips
Summer is here and we want to keep it all fun and games! We want you to be confident and healthy to take on the fun summer can bring. Here are a few sum- mer safety tips to keep you and yours playing all summer long!
Water Safety:
• Monitor the water closely and avoid distractions. It can be helpful to leave phones in a separate safe place. When in or around water, your undivided attention is needed!
• Refresh your knowledge on CPR and first aid or take a course.
• Encourage no diving.
• Teach children to stay away from
drains and outlets in and around
pools or spas.
• Do not leave young children around
bodies of water, including bathtubs or inflatable pools. Empty and flip over inflatable pools after every use.
• Do not swim alone or when you are tired.
General Summer Safety Tips:
• Remember to wear sunscreen SPF 15 or higher and reapply every two hours (or even more often). Avoid being in the sun during high UV Index times.
• Protect your skin with shade, hats, clothes and sunglasses.
• Take breaks from the sun often.
• Remember to drink plenty of fluids. Drinking small amounts more fre- quently (10-15 minutes) is the most
beneficial.
• Ensure campfires and grill fires are
completely extinguished before
leaving unsupervised.
• When grilling, keep children and
pets away from the grill and re- member to grill away from your home.
• Never add more lighter fluid or coals to an already burning fire.
• Remember that fireworks, includ- ing sparklers, will cause burns. Consider using glowsticks, stream- ers or confetti poppers.
• Always wear a helmet when riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc., and ride in a safe, well-lit location with little to no traffic.
Contact:
Wendy Milligan | Medical Director wmilligan@gabaptist.org 770-936-5384
GEORGIA BAPTIST MISSION BOARD JULY 2021