Instead of standing alone, they work together in building up the kingdom of God.

From Liberty County to Wayne County, churches of the joint Altamaha/New Sunbury Baptist Association work together to get things done. Under the leadership of the Rev. Jim Elliott, the 43 churches that comprise the association are doing great things through their missionary efforts.

According the association’s website, the “Altamaha/New Sunbury Association exists to work together in strengthening churches through sharing the gospel and serving the people we exist to assist.”

Churches affiliated with the association are in Hinesville, Midway, Fleming, Walthourville, Ludowici, Jesup, Gardi, Hortense, Screven, Odum, Darien, South Newport, Crescent, Townsend and Richmond Hill.

Two of the largest churches in Liberty County — First Baptist in Hinesville and Gum Branch Baptist — are members.

The association also has a Hispanic and a Korean church in Hinesville under its umbrella.

Members of the association’s churches don’t allow distance, culture or language to keep them apart spiritually.

The association is 147 years old and has weathered many the storms.

The association helps churches find a pastor and the pastors with relocating. There are 21 churches in the New Sunbury association and 22 in the Altamaha association.

Last month, association churches provided donations to the food drive for the Georgia Baptist Children Home. The project culminated on June 14.

They also support the Cord of Three Counseling Services in Patterson through prayer and financial support.

One of the association’s men’s ministry is the Watchmen’s Program. This organization was developed to evangelize to the lost men of the community. The men are discipled through fellowship, training and a mentoring program.

The program is geared towards evangelism, mentoring, kingdom principle, devotionals and mission projects. The program is composed of men from six association churches.

When needs arise in the community, the Watchmen reach out and provide a solution with minimum or no cost to the family in need. Last year, they completed 21 mission projects and held five retreats, conferences and outdoor events.

The men of the association are preparing for the Georgia Baptist Convention’ statewide men’s conference Aug. 11 in Statesboro.
The association also will host a Sunday school workshop Aug. 4 at the First Baptist Church in Ludowici.

No novice to the ministry or to leadership, Elliott has been in the ministry for more than 40 years and has pastored several churches in Georgia. He has served as the associational missionary for seven years, providing spiritual oversight.

Elliott preaches at various churches within the association and conducts revivals and workshops.

Additionally, he fills in when churches are without pastors.

“I enjoy working and visiting the different churches,” Elliott said.

For information about the association, go to www.aba-nsba.com or call 876-4268.