On Tuesday, July 4, we will celebrate the 230th birthday of our nation. Similar to the biological process that produces new life, the United States experienced a period of gestation and labor before it emerged as an independent and free country. On Tuesday, July 4, we will celebrate the 230th birthday of our nation. Similar to the biological process that produces new life, the United States experienced a period of gestation and labor before it emerged as an independent and free country. Years of unjust treatment at the hands of King George III caused colonist leaders to conceive the idea of independence. Over time the embryo of liberty matured. Events such as the Boston Massacre and the subsequent Boston Tea Party served to cultivate the concept of independence. Labor pains began in earnest the spring of 1776. On June 7, Richard Henry Lee addressed the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia, Pa. The delegate from Virginia proposed a three-part resolution that would declare the colonies independent from England, form foreign alliances, and prepare a plan of confederation. After days of debate the Congress decided to form separate committees to deal with each of the three points of … [Read more...]
Anne Lotz plans New Orleans visit
NEW ORLEANS – Three months ago, Billy Graham preached a message of hope to New Orleans. His daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, plans to do the same Aug. 26 specifically for women, inside the same building her father preached in earlier this year. By Brian Blackwell Staff Writer NEW ORLEANS – Three months ago, Billy Graham preached a message of hope to New Orleans. His daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, plans to do the same Aug. 26 specifically for women, inside the same building her father preached in earlier this year. Known as “Just Give Me Jesus,” this one-day revival inside the New Orleans Arena is designed to change women’s lives – specifically those from regions affected by Hurricane Katrina. Usually area churches pay for all the revival expenses, but Lotz is underwriting the entire event. Admission will be free of charge. No tickets or registration are required. Joining Lotz will be worship leader and Christian contemporary artist Fernando Ortega, soloist Stephanie Seefeldt and intercessor Sheila Bailey. The revival is set from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. “I’m praying that, through this, the people of New Orleans will come together,” said Frances Autry, co-chairman … [Read more...]
Adkins reflects on SBC election
WESTWEGO – Even though his election bid for second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention failed, Jay Adkins said he came out a winner in the end. By Brian Blackwell Staff Writer WESTWEGO – Even though his election bid for second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention failed, Jay Adkins said he came out a winner in the end. Adkins, 33, was one of four candidates for the post. Wiley Drake, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church in Buena Park, Calif., was elected as second vice president with 50.37 percent of the vote. Adkins received 207 votes. “I had several reasons for running,” said Adkins, pastor at First Baptist Church of Westwego. “The convention wanted younger pastors involved. Plus I was pastor of a church that is the size of most congregations. Finally, I wanted to bring to light what has happened to churches affected by Hurricane Katrina.” Even though he lost the election, Adkins was encouraged by the convention’s recent commitment to younger leaders. During the SBC annual meeting, a motion was made that at least one pastor under 40 years of age be appointed to serve on each convention board and committee. Also, younger people were named to the convention boards … [Read more...]
Wise named to convention interim post
ALEXANDRIA—The Louisiana State Baptist Convention announced today the appointment of Janie Wise as the acting interim for the women’s missions and ministries. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Cindy Townsend, who is moving to central Texas with her family. Her husband, Bill, accepted the position of Vice President for Development at Mary Hardin Baylor University, Temple, Texas. By John Yeats LBC Communications Director ALEXANDRIA—The Louisiana State Baptist Convention announced today the appointment of Janie Wise as the acting interim for the women’s missions and ministries. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Cindy Townsend, who is moving to central Texas with her family. Her husband, Bill, accepted the position of Vice President for Development at Mary Hardin Baylor University, Temple, Texas. Wise will continue her responsibilities with Acteen and Girls in Action ministries. She will also serve to give direct guidance to the overall women’s and missions ministries staff who serve to provide training, mission education and inspiration for women in the local Southern Baptist churches and associations. “I look forward to serving Louisiana Baptists however needed” says Wise. … [Read more...]
Executive Board to consider 2008 convention in New Orleans
GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--A motion calling for the relocation of the 2008 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention to hurricane-stricken New Orleans was referred to the SBC Executive Committee, although one of its staff members expressed several concerns about its feasibility. By Kyle Smith Baptist Press GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) – A motion calling for the relocation of the 2008 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention to hurricane-stricken New Orleans was referred to the SBC Executive Committee, although one of its staff members expressed several concerns about its feasibility. The motion, proposed by David Crosby, pastor of First Baptist Church in New Orleans, called for the relocation because New Orleans is a city “ripe for the Gospel,” one where Southern Baptists could “dramatically change” the future. “We need the help of God’s people,” Crosby said in a statement from the floor. “It is an opportune moment.... “We didn’t know a year ago that Katrina was going to come and devastate this historic city,” Crosby said, “but we now know what has happened and we know the opportunity we have.” Going to New Orleans in 2008 “is very important as opposed to going later,” he said. “I believe … [Read more...]
‘Point of Challenge’ speakers urge SBC toward greater faith
GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) – Southern Baptists heard four “Points of Challenge” speakers addressing them as individuals, as churches and as a convention during the SBC annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., June 13-14. By Kay Adkins Baptist Press GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) – Southern Baptists heard four “Points of Challenge” speakers addressing them as individuals, as churches and as a convention during the SBC annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., June 13-14. The challenges underscored SBC President Bobby Welch’s “Everyone Can” campaign to baptize 1 million souls in a year. David Cox, co-pastor of First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Fla., first challenged Southern Baptists to win the world to Christ through clearly demonstrated Christian love. “You know if there is one thing that we are missing in our Southern Baptist Convention, something that we need to grasp more of, it is the whole concept of Christian love and loving one another and loving sinners,” Cox said. Preaching from Mark 9:12-13, Cox exhorted messengers to remember that it is not the healthy who need a physician but the sick and that Jesus desires our compassion over sacrifice. “If you’re trying to get a handle like I am on what’s this all … [Read more...]
Kelley recognized for decade of service at New Orleans Seminary
GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary alumni honored Chuck Kelley for 10 years of service as president during the school’s alumni and friends luncheon at the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., June 14. Three others were honored with distinguished alumni and service awards. “You have been a great blessing to us these 10 years,” Ron McCaskill, national alumni president, told Kelley. “We express our heartfelt gratitude for your leadership. During difficult times, God raises up great leaders. We thank God for sending us a leader who has seen us through the waters.” The capacity crowd responded with a standing ovation, and McCaskill presented Kelley with a love offering collected by the national alumni officers. “Thank you very much ... for this very kind and generous act,” Kelley said. “It truly has been a wonderful 10 years. It has been great to serve this seminary and this body of alumni.” Kelley then presented John Moore, state director of Baptist Campus Ministry for the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and Emil Turner, executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, with distinguished alumni awards. He also gave a special distinguished service award to Joe … [Read more...]
Mora leadership needed, U.S. Secretary of State says
GREENSBORO (BP)–Without America’s moral leadership, the world could easily descend into chaos and despotism, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said June 14 at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C. By Gregory Tomlin Baptist Press GREENSBORO (BP) – Without America’s moral leadership, the world could easily descend into chaos and despotism, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said June 14 at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C. “The weight of international leadership is not borne easily,” Rice said, “but we as Americans are more than equal to this challenge, and we must be, for if we imagine a world without American leadership we are led inescapably to this solemn conclusion: If America does not serve great purposes, if we do not rally other nations to fight intolerance and support peace and defend freedom, and to help give all hope who suffer oppression, then our world will drift toward tragedy.” American inaction will result in the strong abusing the weak and inevitable threats “to the very heart of our nation,” Rice said. The secretary’s 30-minute address followed videotaped comments from President Bush the previous day. … [Read more...]
Bush greets SBC via videotape
GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) – On the same day U.S. President George W. Bush met in Baghdad for a surprise five-hour visit with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, he spoke for five minutes via a surprise videotape during the first session of the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in the Greensboro Coliseum. By Karen L. Willoughby Managing Editor GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) – On the same day U.S. President George W. Bush met in Baghdad for a surprise five-hour visit with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, he spoke for five minutes via a surprise videotape during the first session of the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in the Greensboro Coliseum. Pledging support for pro-life causes, fair judges and faith-based ministries to those in need, Bush first recognized two men – SBC President Bobby Welch and legendary evangelist Billy Graham. “I’m pleased to join you for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention,” Bush told about 18,000 registered messengers and guests June 13, recognizing SBC President Bobby Welch as “a man whose life has been defined by service, as a minister of faith and a soldier in uniform.” Welch, who is also the pastor of First Baptist Church of Daytona … [Read more...]
Bush signs into law broadcast indecency fine increase
WASHINGTON (BP) – Broadcasters who transgress the federal government’s indecency standards now will have to pay as much as $325,000 per violation. By Baptist Press Staff WASHINGTON (BP) – Broadcasters who transgress the federal government’s indecency standards now will have to pay as much as $325,000 per violation. President Bush recently signed into law legislation increasing by tenfold the maximum fine for indecency on television and radio. The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act increases the maximum fine that can be levied by the Federal Communications Commission from $32,500 to $325,000. During the signing ceremony at the White House, Bush commended Congress for sending legislation to him that will “help American parents by making broadcast television and radio more family friendly.” “Parents are the first line of defense [in supervising what children watch and listen to], but broadcasters and the electronics industry must play a valuable role in protecting our children from obscene and indecent programming,” the president told an audience that included pro-family advocates and members of Congress. “Unfortunately, in recent years, broadcast programming has too often pushed the bounds of … [Read more...]
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