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Burbank First Baptist Church News

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My wife and I were traveling recently through Wyoming. We stopped at a gas station/convenience store, and I happened to mention that we lived near Ponca City, Oklahoma. The young lady replied that she had no idea where Ponca City was. I did not mention that I pastored a church in Burbank, Oklahoma. I probably would have received that same response. I have been surprised at the number of people I have met that have told me they never have been to Burbank. Who would ever want to travel through it since the main highway on US 60 now bypasses it. There have been some very important people who have lived in Burbank over the years. We have a church member that played for the University of Oklahoma Sooners. One of our young ladies is developing a prominent career with the Osage Tribe in horticulture, decorative jewelry, and working on a Doctoral degree from OSU. There have been many successful young men and women who have had a successful rodeo career. I am sure there are others. This reminds me of the missionary journeys that the Apostle Paul traveled. Because of persecution, people had to leave their homes for safety’s sake. One location was in Ephesus. Paul wrote the following from Ephesians 2:12-13, “That at that time (being called Gentiles) ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” It really makes no difference where you live. When you receive Jesus Christ in your life, all things become new. Chose to service a risen Savior. Gather with all the brothers and sisters in Christ and worship the Lord.
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MotoPlayground Race brings crowds to Ponca City

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Sunday afternoon at Ponca City’s Moto-X racetrack is alive with activity Oct. 8. Pulling into the driveway and winding through the roads, the twists and turns reveal a festive atmosphere. Rows of trailers and RVs line the trail, filled with families traveling from across the United States to participate in the event. Vendors are selling their wares to whomever is buying. Kids on their motorbikes twist through that same path, and many more are walking, simply taking it all in. In the background is a roar, as a myriad of motorbike riders are jumping and flying around the racetrack, competing to see who is the fastest. It is a fair-like atmosphere, one of true excitement, as the MotoPlayground Race once again returns to Ponca City.

Spirit Tour returns to downtown Newkirk

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It is the creepiest time of the year, when people look for ghosts and spirits that inhabit the real world. There are many stories in all communities of hauntings, and Newkirk is no different, and those creepy spirits will soon be explored with the “Spirit Sighting,” offering those who love a good ghost story to see personally what may lurk behind the scenes in the community.

Republican divisions threaten Scalise’s ascent to House speaker

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WASHINGTON — Republican Steve Scalise faces a fight to become House speaker that could drag on for days or even weeks, delaying the US response to fiscal deadlines and a new war in the Middle East. Scalise on Wednesday claimed the GOP nomination for speaker by the narrowest of majorities, beating out the candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump.