Canaan Missionary Baptist Church

History of Canaan Mission

For several years there had been those that had expressed a desire to see a Missionary Baptist Church on the south side of Springfield, MO. Although it was discussed many times among different people, it seemed as though all of our desires would remain wishful thinking. In the summer of 1998, Brother Rick DeGraffenreid and Brother Ken Stephens met and discussed the need to start a mission in south Springfield.
After much prayer, many others in the south Springfield area expressed an interest in a mission work. Brother Mike Rowan, Brother Lou Lairmore, and Sister Susan Gravatt were contacted. They also expressed a desire to work in a mission in south Springfield.
On September 16, 1998, Rick and Alexis DeGraffenreid, Ken and Diane Stephens, Mike and Cathy Rowan, and Lou and Christa Lairmore met to formalize a Missionary Baptist Mission and sign a lease on the current meeting place.
The Mission decided to call themselves "Canaan Missionary Baptist Mission." It was agreed to invite various preachers to come and preach. On Sept. 27, 1998, Canaan Mission held its first service with Elder Paul Cofer conducting the services.
Preachers who have graciously contributed their talents to come and help the mission are as follows: Elders Doug Skinner, Aaron Hood, Keith Frieze, Ron Ervin, Mike Foster, Bro. Rick DeGraffenreid, Paul Cofer, Terry Nicodemus, Charles Pratt (Poplar Bluff, MO), Eugene Brown, (Nashville TN), Brad Wheeler, (Bowling Green, KY), Rick Jones (Missionary to Jamaica), and Brother Jerry Medlin, (Vera Beach, FL).
After much prayer and discussion, the Mission called Elder Paul Cofer to become mission pastor on November 15, 1998.
Bro. Mike Rowan has been serving as music director and clerk; Sister Susan Gravatt as pianist; Brother Ken Stephens as treasurer.
The Mission has three Sunday school classes with Sister Kya DeGraffenreid teaching the toddlers, Sister Christa Lairmore teaching the grade school level and Brother Mike Rowan teaching the teenage through the adult class.
The mission has been blessed with spiritual preaching and as many as 50 people in attendance.
The Lord gave those attending a growing desire to become an organized body of Christ.
On April 18, 1999, Canaan Missionary Baptist Mission voted to organize into a church with a date of June 13, 1999.
Let it be known to all, that this work is and has not been by the will of man, but by the will of our Almighty Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, with the Leadership of the Holy Spirit.
"Except the Lord Build the House, they labour in vain that build it: Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psalm 127:1
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth into a habitation of God through the spirit." Ephesians, 2:19-22

Charter Members of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church
Ray and Gina Burroughs
Brother Ray Burroughs was saved in 1980 at home knelt down on a tomato box under a bunk bed. He was subsequently baptized into Northeast Baptist Church in San Antonio, TX.
Sister Gina Burroughs was saved at home on Sept. 11, 1988. She joined Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Lebanon, MO, shortly afterward. Sister Gina was baptized by her father Elder Jerry Crain. She was also blessed to be baptized with her sister, Beth.

Jacob Cofer
One Sunday night at Victory Missionary Baptist Church at the age of seven, I suddenly realized that I was lost. After the service ended, Dad saw that I was troubled and came and asked me if I needed to go to the altar. I went and prayed for a long time but I was still lost. I went several months like this and when the Holy Spirit would trouble me I would go to the altar. I even went to the altar at revivals at other churches. One morning before school, Dad prayed with me. It seemed that it stayed with me even at school. The teacher gave us free time and I bowed my head and prayed like I had never prayed before. Suddenly the burden left me and I experienced peace in my heart that is still with me. I know that Jesus saved me and His salvation has never left me. Later on that week the teacher gave the class a chance to tell something for show and tell. When it came my turn, I told the class and the teacher about how the Lord saved me and I showed them the spot in the classroom where it took place. Later the teacher asked me about it and even asked my parents about salvation. I hope that she gets saved if she is not already. I was baptized into the fellowship of Victory Missionary Baptist Church by Dad.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jordan Cofer
I understood and felt that I was lost and separated from God during the time that my family and I were living in Tennessee. Dad was pastoring Victory Missionary Baptist Church at the time. Mom and Dad had just finished up with the sale of our house in Bolivar, Missouri and we went to a special series of Youth Services at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lexington, Tenn. I was troubled through all of the services and wanted nothing to do with them. But I knew that I was lost and headed for Hell and needed salvation. That Sunday morning there was a testimony service at Victory Church and the lost and sinners fell under the power of God as they went to the altar to seek salvation. One of the young teenagers of the church, Shelly Stinson, came back to me and asked me if I was lost and needed to go to the altar. I moved out of the pew and started for the front but I couldn't make it, I stretched my self out to pray on the front seat. There were people both lost and saved praying throughout the church. Dad was at the front praying with some others and Mom bowed beside me. I asked the Lord to save me and it was like all of a sudden I felt peace and saw my name, "Jordan Cofer" written in the Lord's Book of Life. I know that I am saved. Later I was baptized into the fellowship of Victory Missionary Baptist Church.
Revelation 21: 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it (Heaven) anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: BUT THEY WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE.

Paul Cofer
I realized that I was lost at the age of 12. At the end of a church service I went to the altar seeking salvation but I didn't get saved at that time. Later I tried to make a profession of faith thinking that just confessing it would get me by but I deceived myself into thinking and believing that I was alright. But God continued to deal with me and trouble me each time that I attended a church service or a revival and I knew that something was wrong because I didn't have any joy and I was afraid that if I died that there was a possibility that I was not saved and that Hell would be my home. This went on for about five years until the age of 17 and on the last day of summer employment on a Sunday in a grocery store warehouse I experienced such a deep troubling and conviction for sin that I could no longer deny it. I prayed several times in the warehouse but could get no relief or peace with the Lord. I thought that I had gone too far and that the Lord would not help me. But I felt strongly impressed to pray again and I became so caught up in Prayer that I did not care who heard me praying or what they thought. Suddenly I looked up toward the ceiling of that warehouse and it was as though the Lord reached down and a Great High Priest came to me from the Holy of Holies in Heaven and sprinkled His shed blood upon my heart. I experienced peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. And I met the Great High Priest, my Intercessor and my Mediator who still abides a Priest after the order of Melchisedec. Later I was baptized into the fellowship of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church by Elder Keith Frieze. I was also called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God and was ordained as a minister by Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. I have Pastored many churches in the state of Missouri and Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn. But I do not seek glory in myself, but if I glory in anything let it be in the Cross of Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause He (Jesus) is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Shirley Cofer
I had attended Church services as a young girl from time to time but had never felt troubled or convicted about my standing and spiritual condition with God. One day I attended the funeral of one of my grandparents. As the preacher told the congregation about the need for salvation for a person to enter Heaven, I realized that I was lost and in need of a Savior. Later on one night the burden about my Soul's condition and eternal destiny became so heavy that I began to pray and seek God. I was on my parent's back porch in a seat praying and I remember that I wanted to know God and know that I was saved. Suddenly the burden of sin left me and I had a peace in my heart like nothing that I had ever experienced before or have ever experience since then. When I came to myself I realized that Jesus saved my soul and the night sky, even though that it was night-time, was so bright that the moon which was full and bright light up everything around me. I knew that I was saved. I later joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar and was baptized by Elder Keith Freize.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Rick and Alexis DeGraffenreid
Brother Rick DeGraffenreid was saved June 16, 1979. He was baptized two weeks later into the fellowship of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO. Brother Rick was licensed to preach by Calvary Missionary Baptist church on Feb. 5, 1997.
Sister Alexis DeGraffenreid was saved on Father's Day, June 17, 1979. She joined Calvary Missionary Church in Bolivar, MO, in July, 1979. Elder Marshall Henderson held the revival in which Sister Alexis was saved, and Elder Keith Frieze was the pastor at Calvary. Also attending Canaan with her parents is Sister Kya DeGraffenreid and her fiancé' Brother Mark Wheeler. They are members of Old Union Missionary Baptist Church in Bowling Green, KY.

Susan Gravatt
Sister Susan Elaine Gravatt was saved March 27, 1965, at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar, Mo. She joined the church and was baptized shortly thereafter by Elder Alpha Redford. Sister Susan is joined at Canaan by her son, Brother Andrew Peters.

Connie R. Huff
Connie R. Huff, granddaughter of Ray and Zelda Reynolds, was saved at 10 years of age on July 30, 1965 at Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church, Polk, MO. She was baptized into Sentinel on August 8, 1965. Membership was moved to Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Grandview, MO on February 21, 1970 and was a member there until relocating to Springfield, MO in 1993. She joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO that same year. Sister Connie has one son, Chad D. Huff, residing at present in St. Louis, MO.

Lou and Christa Lairmore
Brother Lou Lairmore was saved at the age of 21 during the summer of 1984. He was saved in the home of Elder Steve Skinner. A week later Brother Lou joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO, and was baptized by Elder Steve Skinner, who was pastor at Calvary.
Sister Christa Lairmore was saved in April 1977, at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO. She was saved at age 13 during a revival held by Elder Clarence Bybee. Elder Keith Frieze was the pastor at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, and he baptized Sister Christa when she joined the church on May 15, 1977.
Attending Canaan with Lou and Christa are their children: Brooke, age 10, and Bart, age 8.

Terry, Paula, and David Moore
Brother Terry Moore was saved Mother's Day, 1961, at the age of 9. His experience came at the close of a revival service at Park Baptist Church near St. Louis. It was an emotional experience following many months of heavy conviction. Brother Terry remembers vividly, as if it occurred yesterday, the lifting of the spiritual burden- of being lost replaced with peace and joy. He had a sense that his soul was forever meaningful and with purpose. Terry joined Calvary Baptist Church in 1984.
Sister Paula Moore was saved Sunday, July 3, 1963, at age 10 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO. Elder Alpha Redford was the pastor and revival services were being held by Elder Keith Frieze. (Sister Paula is the daughter of Paul and Helen Roberts, and the granddaughter of Bernice Jenkins who is a charter member of Calvary.)
Brother David Moore was saved at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lexington, KY on May 30, 1998, at the age of ten. He was baptized by Brother Doug Skinner in the Pomme de Terre River. He became a member at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Also attending with her family is their daughter Sister Mackenzie Moore member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

Shelia Nicodemus
As I go down life's road, I find my salvation grows more and more precious to me each day. I have to depend on my Savior, Jesus Christ for each and every aspect of this life. I had never been brought up in any sort of church. My mother came from an Old Time Methodist Church near Conway, MO. I remember attending a small Methodist Church when we would visit my grandmother. When I was 13, we were attending a Free Will Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. One Sunday morning during the altar call, I felt God convicting my heart. They prayed in the altar, had a hand shake, a lady that taught Sunday school asked me if I felt better. The only thing lacking was that I was still lost, headed for Hell. I went on through the years in this condition. Terry and I dated all through high school. I would sometimes attend services with him at True Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield. I would feel God's convicting power at these services, but would not admit I was lost, stating that I was saved. We were married September 29, 1973. Terry was running from his call to preach the Gospel. We did not attend church for a year. One day while Terry was working, his cousin Barbara Grant walked in and told him that her children were lost and seeking God in a revival at True Hope, and asked him to come. We went that night. I felt God's convicting power and fell in the altar. I had seen people shouting, and I didn't want to do this, but I had to shout that night. I reached a place where there was something dark in my way and I could not get around it. The next day on a Saturday, at home, was the worst day I have ever spent in my life. I didn't leave the house. I usually have the shades open and let the sun shine in. I kept the shades drawn all day. I argued with Satan all day. I had a feeling to call Terry's cousin and ask him to come to church to pray for me. Later in the day, I had a feeling to call this friend of my mothers. She attended the church where I had been deceived at the age of 13. This woman was raised at Red Top Missionary Baptist Church near Buffalo, MO. I felt like I needed to tell her I HAD NOT been saved where she attended church. Terry came home from work, and we were ready for church. I had a few extra minutes before we had to leave. I sat down on the couch. I thought Terry was in the other room, but he said he was sitting right across the room from me. During the last 10 minutes of Hee Haw, Lulu Roman started to sing BLESSED ASSURANCE. I cannot tell you what happened during that song. I just remember looking up and her eyes were shining and she sounded SO pretty. I had never actually seen any one saved before. I knew I had been deceived, and I wanted to be saved in the front of True Hope, and it be a big thing. That night we went on to church. Everyone looked so wonderful; Sister Gann looked so pretty. I only went to the altar because I didn't want any one coming to me, and went Sunday morning and Sunday night. I would get there and a voice would say "What are you doing here, you don't need to be here". This confused me. Monday night before church I was talking on the phone to Terry's aunt Bessie. She said, " Are you going to be satisfied with what you've got or try to get more." I thought to myself why did she say that??? Monday night was a testimony service. Testimony services always tore me up. During that service God revealed to me that he had saved me during that song BLESSED ASSURANCE at my home. I wasn't saved in the front of True Hope my way. I was saved my Lord's way. I got WONDERFULL PEACE with GOD.

Andrew Peters
Brother Andrew Joseph Peters was saved at home in Ozark, MO, on Nov. 22, 1997. He joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO, the following week. Brother Andrew was baptized by Elder Douglas Skinner. He is joined at Canaan by this mother, Sister Susan Gravatt.

Mike and Cathy Rowan
Brother Mike Rowan was saved at age 12 in August, 1974. He was saved at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO, during a revival held by Elder Clarence Bybee. Shortly after, Brother Mike joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized by Elder Keith Frieze on Sept. 15, 1974.
Sister Cathy Rowan began attending Asbury United Methodist Church in Springfield, MO, at age 3. She was saved at Camp Galilee in July, 1973, at age 13.
Mike and Cathy are joined at Canaan by their two children: Hannah, age 8, and Seth, age 3.

Ken and Diane Stephens
Brother Ken Stephens was saved at the age of 16 in a revival held at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in July 1978. He joined Calvary that same meeting and was baptized into Calvary's fellowship by Elder Keith Frieze. Brother Ken is the son of the "late" Morris Stephens and Wilma Stephens.
Sister Diane Stephens was saved in August 1973 at the age of I 1. She was baptized in the First Baptist Church in Smithville, MO on September 2, 1973. In August of 1990, the Lord impressed her to join Calvary Baptist Church. She gave her testimony of salvation and was baptized by Elder Steven Skinner.
Ken and Diane are joined at Canaan by their three children: Kimberlee- age 9, Kaylee - age 6, and Drew - age 3.

David, Diana, and Nathaniel Woods
Brother David Woods was saved at home in his bedroom in March 1977. He was baptized by Elder Keith Frieze and joined True Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, MO , on August 27, 1995.
Sister Diana Woods was saved December 11, 1970, at Stockton Missionary Baptist church in Stockton, MO. She was baptized by Elder Denzel McCall and joined Stockton Missionary Baptist Church in January, 1971. Sister Diana moved her membership to Colorado Missionary Baptist Church in Aurora, CO, in 1991. She later moved her membership to True Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, MO, in 1993.
Brother Nathaniel Woods was saved at True Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. He was saved during a revival held by Elder Mike McCurry on July 20, 1996. Brother Nathaniel was baptized by Elder Keith Frieze and joined True Hope Missionary Baptist Church on August 4, 1996.
David and Diana's daughter Leah, age 9, also attends Canaan with her parents and brother.

Terry Nicodemus
In late 1964, 1 was at True Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri during the fall revival. I was nine years old and the revival had been going on for a few days when one night I was standing behind the front row of seats on the north side of the church, Diana Ingram was seeking the Lord on the front pew and I was standing watching. Sister Gloria Bilyue came to me and asked me if I was lost. I said no and when I said I wasn't, I became lost. I immediately knew I was lost and certainly did not want to be lost. All I found was a troubling in my soul. I remained in this lost and lonely condition for a year till I was ten. I started the fourth grade the next fall. Even during school I would feel the grips of damnation in my soul. One day before the fall revival I was in school and Mrs. Wontuck my fourth grade teacher had us get in a half circle and read. I was so miserable that all I could do was cry. She had me go back to my desk and put my head down. She called home that night and talked to my mother. I really think my parents knew what was wrong with me. The revival started with Brother Junior Ingram preaching. Brother Web Foster was the pastor. On Friday night of the first week Brother Junior preached. I cannot tell you what he said, but with every word I became more miserable. Even the light seemed dim, I was a mess. When Brother Junior got done preaching he gave an altar call for sinners to seek the Lord for their soul's salvation. They began to sing "Kneel At the Cross". As always, the congregation stood to there feet. We were standing toward the back on the south side of the church. As they sang, my world crumbled and I began to tremble. Surely the pains of Hell got hold of me! I could no longer stand, so I sat down and began to weep. I remember Denise Ingram Brother Junior's youngest daughter coming to my right side and kneel down and pray for me. Mom and Dad and my Aunt Bessie and Uncle Bob were all praying on the other side of Denise. As I was sitting there, trying to ask God to save me, three brethren came to the seat behind me. The first was Brother Frank Gordon. He put his hand on my shoulder and asked me if I was lost. I told him I was and he said, "Trust in the Lord'. Then he left. The next one was Brother Gene Grant. He asked me if I was lost. I told him yes. He said "Trust in the Lord". Then he left. The last one was Brother Keith Freize. He asked me if I was lost. I told him yes I was. He said "Trust in the Lord". Then he left. So there I lost in my sins. I tried to bargain with God in order to get saved, I told him he could have my new Western Flyer bike I got for Christmas, but that didn't work. I began to promise all sorts of things but to no avail. I then came diligent to find Jesus. I begged the Lord that much more. There is a space of time that I cannot tell about, but when I came to myself, the burden was gone, and all I could feel was peace. Where there was trouble and sorrow, there was peace. Where there was darkness, there was peace. Because of this peace, I will be with Jesus through all eternity. The Lord called me to preach as I was driving southbound Hwy. 65 about 9 miles south of Buffalo, Missouri. I was ordained February 29, 1979 at True Hope Missionary Baptist Church Springfield, Missouri, 5 months after being called as pastor of Red Top Missionary Baptist Church, Red Top, Missouri. To date I have pastored 4 churches in two states.