Football rates a mere fourth on his list of priorities behind God, family and academics. NEW YORK (BP) – Football rates a mere fourth on his list of priorities behind God, family and academics. Even so, in New York City Dec. 8 Tim Tebow became the first college sophomore to win the famed Heisman Trophy in the 70-plus years of the award. The University of Florida quarterback was a finalist along with Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan and Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel. The trophy is one of the most prestigious individual awards in all of sports. “I’d just like to first start off by thanking my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gave me the ability to play football and gave me a great family and a support group and great coaches and everything around me,” a breathless Tebow said at the ceremony, moments after the award was announced. Going on to thank teammates, high school coaches, his parents and siblings, Tebow repeated thanks to Jesus Christ and drew laughter when pledging his love for his chosen school for the third time. “I love the University of Florida, I love being a Gator. I love Gator Nation,” Tebow said. A graduate of Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Tebow helped … [Read more...]
Leaders sharpen effort to reach continent
More than 700 leaders from 41 state conventions, LifeWay Christian Resources and the North American Mission Board met Dec. 3-6 with the goal of finding more effective ways to partner in the effort to reach North America for Christ. NASHVILLE (BP) – More than 700 leaders from 41 state conventions, LifeWay Christian Resources and the North American Mission Board met Dec. 3-6 with the goal of finding more effective ways to partner in the effort to reach North America for Christ. Leaders from both the state conventions and SBC entities acknowledged the urgency Southern Baptists face as North America drifts toward a more secular mindset and becomes more spiritually diverse. “This is not your father’s North America,” NAMB President Geoff Hammond told attendees at the 2007 SBC State Conventions’ Summit. “What used to be a melting pot has become a mixing pot. Cities like New York have 500 people groups represented. As Southern Baptists, having engaged only 35 of those groups is not enough.” Hammond called the meeting “historic,” saying Southern Baptist forefathers would have expected today’s Baptists to work together, even in the midst of different ministry responsibilities. “Every partnership has some walls,” he said. “My … [Read more...]
Church builds CP Momentum led by former, current pastor
The Cooperative Program and First Baptist Church in Tehuacana, Texas, were started in 1925 – and both continue to serve as beacons of God’s light throughout the world. TEHUACANA, Texas (BP) –The Cooperative Program and First Baptist Church in Tehuacana, Texas, were started in 1925 – and both continue to serve as beacons of God’s light throughout the world. “We have a strong belief in missions,” said Dale McDaniel, First Baptist’s pastor. “We feel that by our giving we who cannot go into all the world can send those who can.” The church gives at least 10 percent of its undesignated offerings through the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists’ cornerstone method of shared support for missions work state by state and around the world. In addition to its CP Missions commitment, the church also sends similar sums to the Bi-Stone Baptist Association for cooperative local Southern Baptist missions endeavors and to a nearby youth camp. At the same time, First Baptist focuses on local ministry, fellowship and community needs. It often does so in cooperation with the local Methodist church and with trustees of the Westminster University campus, now in restoration as an academic institution. One joint project was outdoor … [Read more...]
In God, he trusted during World War II
The words come slowly at first, and then in a rush as 88-year-old Willis Prather started to recall memories long ago forgotten and buried. BENTLEY – The words come slowly at first, and then in a rush as 88-year-old Willis Prather started to recall memories long ago forgotten and buried. Sitting at his kitchen table in front of a stack of old pictures, it is hard to tell by his voice, still strong and vibrant, what he is feeling as he relives his experiences in World War II. His hands, though, finally give him away. “You know, I saw some terrible things back then that I don’t want to ever see again. I have done my best to block them from my memories,” Prather said, as every so often he would wring his hands. “As hard as I try, though, I can’t forget them – the images, sounds and smells. I believe the good Lord just doesn’t want me to forget them.” As a member of the famed 82nd Airborne, Prather, along with millions of fellow U.S. servicemen, fought their way across Europe and the Pacific during the dark and bloody days of World War II. He was part of a generation that helped to shape the modern world and paved the way for freedom. His generation has been hailed as America’s greatest generation, a title many, … [Read more...]
Annual LBC Convention convenes on Nov. 12
An anticipated 2,000 messengers and guests will converge for celebration, reporting, preaching, official business, adoption of resolutions and selection of officers Nov. 12-13 for the 160th meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. STATEWIDE – An anticipated 2,000 messengers and guests will converge for celebration, reporting, preaching, official business, adoption of resolutions and selection of officers Nov. 12-13 for the 160th meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. The annual meeting of the largest evangelical faith group in Louisiana begins at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Alexandria Riverfront Convention Center. The Louisiana Baptist Convention (LBC) is comprised of 1,576 local churches that cooperate for missions outreach and church growth/strengthening ministries. “This year (2007) marks the 160th annual meeting of Louisiana Southern Baptists. Since our humble beginnings at Mount Lebanon in 1848 with 88 churches, Louisiana Baptists have given hundreds of millions of dollars and invested thousands of our best people for the cause of mission work in the state, North America and around the world. This year’s event, which will be available on www.LBC.org via real time video streaming, holds potential to set … [Read more...]
Q & A For Louisiana Baptist Convention Presidential Candidates
Charles Michial “Mike” Holloway Charles Michial “Mike” Holloway Pastor at Cook Baptist in Ruston FAMILY: Born in Monroe, he was saved when he was 8-years-old at Bethel Baptist in West Monroe. Married in May of 1981 to Dawn, the couple have two children – 24-year-old Candace Dawn Rodriguez and 21-year-old Charles Matthew. EDUCATION: Graduated from University of Louisiana at Monroe with a B.A., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a M.Div. and Mid-America Seminary with a D. Min. EXPERIENCE: In the past 23 years, Holloway has pastored four churches in Louisiana – Highland Park Monroe, First Marion, Unity Cotton Valley, Cook Ruston. He has been at Cook Baptist since October 2005. He also is serving as the evangelism director of the Concord-Union Association, but has served in every possible position in the association, including moderator. From 1992-98 he served on the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board, and while there was a chairman of the budget committee (1996-98) and vice president (1997-98). He also has served on the NOBTS Board of Trustees from 1992-98. PRESENTATION STATEMENT: “I believe you will find that Dr. Holloway brings strong, proven leadership to Louisiana Baptists. I have personally … [Read more...]
Q & A For Louisiana Baptist Convention Presidential Candidates
Chuck Pourciau Pastor at Broadmoor Baptist in Shreveport Chuck Pourciau Pastor at Broadmoor Baptist in Shreveport FAMILY: Born Sept. 2, 1961 in Baton Rouge, he was saved at Comite Baptist Church in Baton Rouge at age 9. Pourciau married his wife Tracy on Jan. 3, 1981. The couple have two daughters – Leigh and Casey. Leigh is a senior in English Education at Mississippi University for Women. Casey, who was recently married in June, graduated in May with a B.S. in nursing and is currently working as a nurse in Fayette, Alabama. EDUCATION: He is a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a M.Div and Ph.D. EXPERIENCE: Pourciau was ordained a pastor in September 1984. Whille he spent a number of years pastoring in Mississippi, he has pastored at Lewiston Baptist Church in Kentwood before returning to Louisiana in April 1999 to become pastor of Broadmoor. In the past 81/2 years, he has served on the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board and the Louisiana College Board of Trustees. PRESENTATION STATEMENT: “If elected president, Chuck Pourciau will emphasize missions – both in giving and participation. He will bring a passion for evangelism and growth to his presidency. And, he will seek to help … [Read more...]
Hughes’ book is about hope
Bible study teacher Rebecca Hughes happened to be at the Baptist Building in Alexandria the day Women’s Missions and Ministry Director Janie Wise received Hughes’ new book, so Hughes sat down at Georgia Barnette’s desk in the WMU office and inscribed Winds of Hope: Healing Devotions for Life’s Storms for Wise. NEW ORLEANS – Bible study teacher Rebecca Hughes happened to be at the Baptist Building in Alexandria the day Women’s Missions and Ministry Director Janie Wise received Hughes’ new book, so Hughes sat down at Georgia Barnette’s desk in the WMU office and inscribed Winds of Hope: Healing Devotions for Life’s Storms for Wise. The book is a 60-day devotional featuring stories of hope in times of natural disaster. It includes Katrina stories as well as stories of other kinds of disasters, such as earthquake, fire, windstorm and more. “My prayer is the book will be an encouragement to anyone who is experiencing a disaster, natural or otherwise, and a resource for anyone ministering to those in recovery,” Hughes said. A Book Release party was held on Nov. 1, at Riverside Baptist in River Ridge. A book-related overnight retreat is set for Nov. 16-17 at Camp Living Waters. The theme of the retreat is “Look At Us Now,” … [Read more...]
Chalmette FBC is halfway to its goal
First Chalmette is halfway to its goal of raising $50,000. A donor pledged this summer to give up to $50,000 in matching funds. CHALMETTE – First Chalmette is halfway to its goal of raising $50,000. A donor pledged this summer to give up to $50,000 in matching funds. The money so far has come in mostly from Builders for Christ partners. Builders for Christ is a volunteer construction ministry out of Alabama that rallied its members to help with the construction of the church that was crippled by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. “I feel I should share perhaps a clearer picture of what our project entails,” wrote Pastor John Jeffries in a recent email. “Most people focus only on the church but the project has four parts to it.” The first part is the reconstruction of the worship center/education/administration building, all under one roof. 2: The completion of a new building called The Annex, which is across the street from the primary facility. The Annex can be used to house volunteers, as a youth building, perhaps as a mission church, or other options; 3: The rebuilding of First Chalmette members’ homes, at least 25 of which are in various states of disrepair). “We also participate, as do most of our SBC churches, with … [Read more...]
McNeese BCM enjoying a great fall
The McNeese BCM is off to a great start for the fall semester according to Director Keith Cating. LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese BCM is off to a great start for the fall semester according to Director Keith Cating. Lunch attendance has gone from 140 last fall to 190 this year. Members of the BCM are tailgating before each home football game on the corner of McNeese and Kirkman three hours before kickoff. All students, alumni, parents and high school seniors are invited to join them there each week. “We have a great group of freshmen who are getting involved,” Kating said. “Our outreach to international students is continuing to grow. We had 20 students eating Nepali food at our building last Friday. “Students are primed to head to the mission field, and we are challenging as many as possible to get their passports so they will be ready if God calls them to go abroad to serve.” Cating said. “Some may need funding for these trips, so I would ask you to pray about possibly supporting one of these students as they will be raising money for these trips. “I would also ask you to continue to pray for our ministry. In light of the good things listed above, I am sure that the enemy is not pleased. Pray we will not be distracted … [Read more...]
