For the week of March 27, 2003 Relief for Iraqis Baptist workers in Jordan have begun ministering to refugees who are fleeing hostilities in Iraq. Working in cooperation with the Baptist Society of Jordan, Southern Baptist workers have distributed diapers, formula for babies and blankets in camps set up along the Iraq/Jordan border. The workers also plan to address hunger, nutritional and medical needs as the situation unfolds. In addition to money to purchase relief supplies, the team is seeking volunteers at this time, leaders report. "We call on all Southern Baptists to join in fervent prayer for the peoples of Iraq, that this time of turmoil and uncertainty might cause them to seek God," a Southern Baptist missions official said. "We ask them to give generously to relief efforts. ... We also call on them to give themselves for work in the region - as living examples of Gods love for the Iraqi people." Contributions for relief may be mailed to: Iraq Response, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767. Make checks payable to International Mission Board and designate "Iraq Response - General Relief." Medical professionals interested in volunteering for medical outreach projects should e-mail … [Read more...]
The Iraqis and their dictatorship have no defense for this
The live images of the sights and sounds and courage and carnage of war come right into our homes and offices as never before. The televison news coverage of the Vietnam conflict was at its time astounding. Americans saw the vivid videoed news reports of that war on the evening network news as they relaxed after a days work. The live images of the sights and sounds and courage and carnage of war come right into our homes and offices as never before. The televison news coverage of the Vietnam conflict was at its time astounding. Americans saw the vivid videoed news reports of that war on the evening network news as they relaxed after a days work. The images gave Americans direct images of war. They knew although the war was occurring halfway around the globe, they were watching reports of battles that had been fought only hours or a couple of days earlier. Now, we watch live battles via television. The lens of the television camera become our peephole to war as it occurs. It is not pretty. Regardless of the reasons for war, W.T. Sherman was right when he said in a speech, "There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, it is … [Read more...]
Tall Timbers dig finds artifacts dating to early centuries
Baptist youngsters and adults have walked the hills of Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center near Woodworth for decades. If they would confess, many of those young people - and maybe even some adults who attended the conference center - have slinked through the woods and waded the waters of Indian Creek that flows on the north side of the land, pretending they were Native Americans stalking game or hiding from an approaching party. Baptist youngsters and adults have walked the hills of Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center near Woodworth for decades. If they would confess, many of those young people - and maybe even some adults who attended the conference center - have slinked through the woods and waded the waters of Indian Creek that flows on the north side of the land, pretending they were Native Americans stalking game or hiding from an approaching party. They might be surprised to know that their imaginations were not so far from what actually happened in that area almost 2,000 years ago. Louisiana Baptists are not the only ones - nor were they the first - to think the site was an ideal camping spot. Folks have been camping on the Tall Timbers … [Read more...]
For Mel Gibson, final hours of Christ a true ‘passion’
On the outskirts of Rome, the greatest story ever told is being recreated on the backlot of a legendary studio. Directly across from the decaying wooden sidewalks and fake storefront sets from "Gangs of New York" sits the city of Jerusalem - or at least Mel Gibsons 2.5-acre scaled-down replica of it. On the outskirts of Rome, the greatest story ever told is being recreated on the backlot of a legendary studio. Directly across from the decaying wooden sidewalks and fake storefront sets from "Gangs of New York" sits the city of Jerusalem - or at least Mel Gibsons 2.5-acre scaled-down replica of it. For his third directing project, Gibson has chosen a story about the last 12 hours of Christs life, primarily focusing on the betrayal, trial and death of Jesus and culminating with his crucifixion and resurrection. Gibson describes "The Passion" as his "labor of love." He co-wrote his ode to Christ, using Scripture from the Gospels. He spent 10 years writing, rewriting and waiting for the right timing - only to find no studio interested in the project. The major problem cited was the most unusual feature of the film - it is shot entirely using the Aramaic … [Read more...]
State convention in ‘excellent’ financial shape, leader asserts
When Dean Doster decided to check breakdowns related to Louisiana Baptist Cooperative Program giving, he figured he knew what he would find. He was wrong. Understandably, state Cooperative Program giving is an area of key interest for Doster, who serves as executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. When Dean Doster decided to check breakdowns related to Louisiana Baptist Cooperative Program giving, he figured he knew what he would find. He was wrong. Understandably, state Cooperative Program giving is an area of key interest for Doster, who serves as executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. And understandably, with giving somewhat stagnant, Doster was anxious to check trends. He acknowledged that he expected to find something, some discernible shift in giving patterns from churches. Instead, Doster said he found nothing. "My observation is there are essentially no changes in Cooperative Program giving and special missions giving except for the normal incremental increases," he said. That is both good news and bad news for the state convention, which has seen relatively flat … [Read more...]
Depends on attitude
There is certainly some merit to Wade Williamsons letter in the March 20, 2003, Baptist Message. Who can question that the church belongs to Christ and that he is the head of it. However, it seems to me that it depends on the attitude of the one who refers to the church as "my church." There is certainly some merit to Wade Williamsons letter in the March 20, 2003, Baptist Message. Who can question that the church belongs to Christ and that he is the head of it. However, it seems to me that it depends on the attitude of the one who refers to the church as "my church." If we refer to the church as "my church" in an arrogant or controlling manner, this is obviously wrong. If, however, a person refers to the church as "his church" in an affectionate and loving attitude, I do not think that Christ is displeased. It simply indicates that the persons feelings are very personal and caring toward his church. In these days when controversy is so prevalent in many churches, it is refreshing when I hear someone who is so pleased with "his church" that he says to others, "Come to our church; we want it to be yours also." Then, together, let us give Christ first place in … [Read more...]
Christian minority in Iraq facing Islamic militancy
Hours before a U.S.-led war to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein appears poised to begin, Iraqs small Christian minority were expressing fear of more than American bombs. They also expect to be targeted by a growing tide of Islamic militancy now being encouraged in the secularized Arab state. Hours before a U.S.-led war to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein appears poised to begin, Iraqs small Christian minority were expressing fear of more than American bombs. They also expect to be targeted by a growing tide of Islamic militancy now being encouraged in the secularized Arab state. Numbering less than 400,000, Iraqs Christian community has become the object of overt discrimination by Islamist elements in recent months. The attacks have ranged from verbal abuse and graffiti campaigns to stone-throwing and even brutal assassinations, reports indicate. Although Saddam Hussein initially kept religion out of Iraqs political life, he began to encourage devotion to Islam after the 1991 Gulf War, emblazoning the Muslim slogan "God is great" on the Iraqi flag and claiming descent from the family of the prophet Mohammed. Four years ago, he launched a campaign to promote a revival of Islam, building scores of … [Read more...]
Southern Baptists respond to news of war with prayer
Southern Baptist leaders responded to news of the onset of the American war with Iraq with appeals for persons to come together in prayer. Fighting in Iraq began March 19. Soon after the war against Iraq began, Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham described the military effort as a "last resort" and called for concerted prayer. Southern Baptist leaders responded to news of the onset of the American war with Iraq with appeals for persons to come together in prayer. Fighting in Iraq began March 19. Soon after the war against Iraq began, Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham described the military effort as a "last resort" and called for concerted prayer. "America will continue to respond to threats of evil with courageous resolve," said Graham, pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas. "Southern Baptists will embrace and engage this global challenge with faith and renewed commitment to evangelism and missions. "We will unite in prayer and faith." Graham called for pastors and churches to designate days of prayer and fasting. He also encouraged families to join together in personal and private … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of March 27, 2003 Potpourri PINEVILLE - Trinity church: Dallas Holmes in concert; March 29, 7 p.m.; $5 per ticket; nursery provided for ages four and under; for information, call (318) 445-3000; Darryl Hoychick, pastor. BREAUX BRIDGE - First church: Appointed in concert; April 6, 6 p.m.; Rod Jackson, pastor. SHREVEPORT - Ingleside church: Special singing concert featuring Glory Bound Quartet, Set Free, Golman Trio and Faye Wallace; March 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Johnnie Dunn, minister of music/education. LAKE CHARLES - Trinity church: "Next Level-Childrens Ministry Leadership Conference;" April 3, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and April 4, 9 a.m. -12:15 p.m.; $215 per person; for information or to register, call (407) 297-6436; "Hit the Mark-On Target Parenting Conference;" April 4, 6:30-9 p.m. and April 5, 9-11:30 a.m.; $10 per person/$15 per couple; for information or to register, call Kay Smith at (337) 480-1555; Art Murphy, leader for both conferences; Steve James, pastor. DENHAM SPRINGS - Live Oak church: Testify in concert; April 6, 10:30 a.m.; Howard Turner, pastor. JENA - Jena High School gym: LaSalle association presents "Team Impact;" … [Read more...]
I looked two hundred years plus into the future
I looked 200 years into the future last week. State Southern Baptist paper editors met in Charleston, South Carolina. First Baptist Church was the first Baptist church in the South and we gathered there with the state convention executive directors for worship on Thursday evening. The worship in music was truly that - worship. I looked 200 years into the future last week. State Southern Baptist paper editors met in Charleston, South Carolina. First Baptist Church was the first Baptist church in the South and we gathered there with the state convention executive directors for worship on Thursday evening. The worship in music was truly that - worship. Then, Richard Furman walks slowly into the room and to a lectern. Deliberately and forcefully, Furman begins delivering the message he had preached earlier to the Triennial Convention as its first president. Richard Furman, a Harvard-educated lawyer before becoming a minister, exhorts his fellow Baptists to unite so they can further their biblically-mandated missionary, educational and charitable causes. One may not agree with the brilliant Richard Furman, but one cannot deny the power of his … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- …
- 41
- Next Page »