E•SPOKES • APRIL 18, 2023 (Apr 18, 2023)

Ryan Kelly presided over the meeting. Anthony Harris provided the opening prayer. Matthew Rigel led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ryan then led the club in the Four Way Test. The meeting was held at the Mugshots Bar and Grill in Hattiesburg.

Ryan reminded members that the District’s golf tournament will be held on April 21 at Shadowridge. He also reminded everyone there were still sponsorships left for the conference. Mallory and Mavis are working on getting food donated for the food fest Friday night.  Mark asked members to try and get items donated for giveaways. They can be dropped off at the YMCA Aor to the meeting next Tuesday.

Joe Meador then introduced today’s guest speaker Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Bernie Crockett of William Carey University.

William Carey is one of the most widely known missionaries in the history of Christianity. He’s often was referred to as “The Father of Modern Missions,” a moniker that reflects his influence on generations of missionaries.

From his earliest years, he knew that his life belonged to God. From a young age, Carey mastered some Latin grammar by committing the majority of a textbook to memory. He studied Greek with friends and learned Hebrew by asking ministers in his area for both their help and their books. He taught himself Dutch and learned to read French over several weeks.

He also translated the Bible into Bengali, Assamese, Hindi, Marathi, Oriya, and Sanskrit.

Before he became a missionary, Carey worked as a shoemaker and a teacher to subsidize his income as a Baptist preacher. His past career as a shoemaker allowed him to get a managerial position at an indigo factory. That’s where he learned Bengali and engaged in evangelistic conversations with his colleagues. Years later, Carey established the Serampore College, through which he and others would train local leaders.

Carey became a member of the first team sent out by the new Society he inspired and established with a group of faithful friends. For the next several decades, this Society funded Carey’s work. All these opportunities—and countless more—came about because of the sovereign hand of the Lord.

There being no further business to come before the club, Ryan thanked Allen for his comments and his continued service to this community. He then adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”

UPCOMING SPEAKERS