Missions in the USA

by Dr. Scott Morie, Mid-America Alumnus, MDIV, 1987

It was the hardest four years of my life. It was also, however, the most rewarding years of my life. My pregnant wife, 1-year-old son, and I moved to Memphis in 1984 to begin my seminary education. We left four years later with five children (including one set of twins) to serve with the North American Mission Board (NAMB) as a church planter.

While a student at Mid-America, a convenience store attendant where I purchased gas once asked me, “Preacher, do you ever think it will be worth it all?” The Holy Spirit gave me a response to that question not just for her, but even more so for me. I answered, “Mrs. Edna Mae, it’s worth it all right now!”

Forty years later, I am just as excited and grateful to be serving the Lord. Furthermore, I will always be indebted to Mid-America for the spiritual and biblical training that was provided to me. It was at Mid-America that God put a burden on my heart and a passion in my soul for evangelism and missions.

Presently, I have the honor of serving as the Director of Missions (DOM) for Cimarron Baptist Association in North Central Oklahoma, which consists of 53 churches in three counties. Working with pastors, staff members, and church leaders is a serious responsibility. They are facing a spiritual battle daily and need as much encouragement and support as we can give them. There are struggles and challenges in many churches where a DOM might provide guidance and counsel. It is also a joy to welcome new pastors to our Association, to mentor and coach first-time pastors, and to celebrate the longtime ministries of those retiring.

Scott Morie baptizing — Though Scott ministers right in the heartland of the United States—North Central Oklahoma—he’s discovered that the nations are coming to us. With a heart on fire for missions which Mid-America helped ignite, he works with Hispanic, Korean, and Chinese churches and ministers to more than 2,000 international students attending Oklahoma State University.

Part of my experience at Mid-America was acquiring a vision for the world. It was a highlight in every Chapel service to sing our Alma Mater, “To All the World for Jesus’ Sake.” Following my Mid-America graduation, my wife and I explored foreign missions, but that did not seem to be God’s will, though I continue to have that passion. Not only have I been blessed to go overseas on missions trips, but each of our six children has also served internationally.

One huge blessing as Director of Missions in rural Oklahoma is to work with our Hispanic, Korean, and Chinese Baptist churches. My eyes tear up every time we meet, whether a planning session or a worship service.

It is also a very special opportunity for me to partner with a ministry that impacted my life 45 years ago as a college student. Our Association includes the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Oklahoma State University, my alma mater. OSU is a choice mission field with an enrollment of 25,000, including 2,000 international students, the driving force of our Chinese and Korean churches.

Our Association is also involved with an unusual ministry that we call “Love Worth Sharing.” This is our second year to conduct this missions emphasis, and we look forward to many more. “Love Worth Sharing” is a two-month focus on one community in our Association. We invite Cimarron churches to send a team for a half or full day to help with service projects. These projects include roof repairs, minor home renovations, brush removal, or handing out smoke detectors. Our Disaster Relief chain saw team removes downed trees or hanging limbs. Others go door-to-door delivering food packets or Bibles and praying with families. Everyone serves with the purpose of sharing the love of Jesus Christ in word and deed.

Forty years ago, as a young seminarian at Mid-America, I had no idea where God would send me or how He would use me. Following my education at Mid-America, I knew I would work in missions, and without a doubt, I would be involved in evangelism. No, it has not always been easy, and at times it has been extremely challenging. Nevertheless, it has also been a most fulfilling and inspiring life. God has certainly blessed me, and one of His greatest blessings was placing me at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. I can say it now, as I said it then, “It is worth it all!”