CORNING, Ark. – When Don Settles became the Current-Gaines Baptist Association associational missionary in January 2001 his goal was to lead the association “to be involved in missions and ministry.”
“We have done that,” he said.
Over the years, the Jonesboro native said the association has completed 24 foreign mission trips. Some of those include visits in Brazil, Mexico and Haiti. The association had partnerships in Nebraska and North Dakota, working with the churches in those states for several years.
They also are very much involved with Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief. They have a mobile feeding kitchen and just recently acquired a mobile shower unit. Additionally, the association has a food and clothing ministry, feeding about 200 families every month. The families are given a supplemental bag of groceries.
“We are a caring association. We care about people. We know God loves us and loves them and together we just want to love the Lord,” Settles said.
Settles was ordained in 1968. Throughout his 55 years of ministry, he has pastored five churches. Of those, one was in central Arkansas. The others were all in northeast Arkansas. His most recent pastoral role was at Earle Baptist Church.
He left there in 2001 to serve the Current-Gaines Baptist Association. Settles plans on retiring at the end of the year. His last day will be Dec. 31.
Settles and his wife, Eddi, are blessed with two children, seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A couple of his hobbies include yard work and wood working. Mostly, Settles said he has tried to remain accessible for the churches of the association, which is comprised of 24 churches in Clay, Randolph and Greene counties in northeast Arkansas.
For more information about Current-Gaines Baptist Association, click here.
4 Responses
Bro. Don has been an amazing director. He has been very instrumental in getting our association involved in the Lord’s work. Bro. Don supports our churches in so many ways such as supply preaching, pastor search, church camp, the Agape Mission, and pastor support. He will be missed in a big way. Happy retirement to he and Mrs. Edie.
He is a Great Man !
I have been blessed in knowing Bro. Don over the years. He knows Current-Gaines Association well, and he has served well. I look forward to hearing how our Lord will use him in the days ahead.
Don is one of my heros! Saved my neck when I fell out of a semi on deployment in LA. Wonderful example of a Godly man. Thank you Don for all you do for Arkansas Baptist.