For an antonym of peace, look at the land of the Prince of Peace. Hardly a place on earth exists where convulsive conflict rules more than in Palestine, the land that is now home of Israel and the Israeli occupied land of the Palestinians. For an antonym of peace, look at the land of the Prince of Peace. Hardly a place on earth exists where convulsive conflict rules more than in Palestine, the land that is now home of Israel and the Israeli occupied land of the Palestinians.   The Land of the Bible is filled with the stuff of ongoing, intense conflict - two distinctly different cultures, two languages, two religions, two heritages, two worldviews in one land to which both claim divine right. Millions of people on both sides are packed into a land less than 300 miles long and about 70 miles wide at its broadest point - much of the land too arid to sustain life. Within these very limited borders rest the holiest sites of Judaism, Christianity and two of the holiest sites of Islam.   The intensity of the two groups living in such a small area puts more and more pressure on the volatile situation. The only questions become how much will the pressure build before conflict erupts, where will it erupt … [Read more...]

Some ideologues keep public schools firmly in their cross hairs for severe criticism. According to the more severe critics, nothing good rests in the schools or can be said about them. Some critics apparently have broader agendas at work behind these criticisms, and others are sincerely concerned about legitimate problems of public education. Either way, their harsh negativism slams this basic institution of community life. Some ideologues keep public schools firmly in their cross hairs for severe criticism. According to the more severe critics, nothing good rests in the schools or can be said about them. Some critics apparently have broader agendas at work behind these criticisms, and others are sincerely concerned about legitimate problems of public education. Either way, their harsh negativism slams this basic institution of community life.   Acknowledging the shortcomings of public education should not, however, keep the general population, including Christians, from appreciating the significant work done in public schools by multitudes of people.   Thousands of people who work in the Louisiana public education system do so as what they believe is their major place of ministry. It is part … [Read more...]

Like 90 percent of the ministers in America, David Wallace uses electronic mail in his professional and personal life.   But for the new associate pastor at Montgomery Community Baptist church in Erlanger, Ky., this efficient method of communication will never replace face-to-face conversations. Like 90 percent of the ministers in America, David Wallace uses electronic mail in his professional and personal life.   But for the new associate pastor at Montgomery Community Baptist church in Erlanger, Ky., this efficient method of communication will never replace face-to-face conversations. "One of the frustrations I have with e-mail is if I have something sensitive to discuss with a church member, I’m afraid the printed word will not convey personal feelings," Wallace said.   "So, I will call someone or have lunch with them," he said. "In personal conversation, you can have all the color and depth that e-mail doesn’t. Being an authentic person requires human touch and being with other people. Jesus ministered through human touch and conversation. He did miracles by touch."   Wallace’s comments reflect one side of an ongoing discussion within religious and professional … [Read more...]

Most people would not think of using a Camry with a sunroof as an evangelistic tool, but for Gerry Captain, this is one way to reach others.   "They come up and like that car," Captain says. "It opens up a way for me to reach them." Most people would not think of using a Camry with a sunroof as an evangelistic tool, but for Gerry Captain, this is one way to reach others.   "They come up and like that car," Captain says. "It opens up a way for me to reach them."   Captain says that while she is evangelizing in the impoverished streets of Lake Charles, it is nothing for her to witness drug deals occurring in the afternoon. But she says that when those times come, God takes away her fear.   In this seemingly-hopeless environment, this brave warrior brings a glimpse of hope and light to a neighborhood in need of love and change for the better.   The hope comes via Grace Ministries, which is "a multi-faceted ministry that could be used to inspire individuals and families to experience a full and meaningful life in their schools, homes, churches and community," Captain notes.   Carey Baptist Association sponsors the ministry, and the center is supported … [Read more...]

Most people would not think of using a Camry with a sunroof as an evangelistic tool, but for Gerry Captain, this is one way to reach others.   "They come up and like that car," Captain says. "It opens up a way for me to reach them." Most people would not think of using a Camry with a sunroof as an evangelistic tool, but for Gerry Captain, this is one way to reach others.   "They come up and like that car," Captain says. "It opens up a way for me to reach them."   Captain says that while she is evangelizing in the impoverished streets of Lake Charles, it is nothing for her to witness drug deals occurring in the afternoon. But she says that when those times come, God takes away her fear.   In this seemingly-hopeless environment, this brave warrior brings a glimpse of hope and light to a neighborhood in need of love and change for the better.   The hope comes via Grace Ministries, which is "a multi-faceted ministry that could be used to inspire individuals and families to experience a full and meaningful life in their schools, homes, churches and community," Captain notes.   Carey Baptist Association sponsors the ministry, and the center is supported … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptist women were urged to "discover the joy of missions" during the recent state Woman’s Missionary Union annual meeting.   "The desire to obey (God) has got to be stronger than anything else in our lives, ..." Southern Baptist missionary Patty Higginbotham challenged during the two-day gathering at Jefferson Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. Louisiana Baptist women were urged to "discover the joy of missions" during the recent state Woman’s Missionary Union annual meeting.   "The desire to obey (God) has got to be stronger than anything else in our lives, ..." Southern Baptist missionary Patty Higginbotham challenged during the two-day gathering at Jefferson Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.   "God is preparing all of us for something. We may not know what it is. But we have to ask him to keep preparing us. ... We all need to be prepared."   Indeed, there are needs to be met and opportunities to serve everywhere, another speaker reminded women.   "We have to keep our eyes open," women were reminded during the closing session of the meeting. "We have to keep our hearts open. We have to listen to God. ...   "Don’t say there isn’t anything to … [Read more...]

As Ray Dry encountered the world of the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, he asked one inmate what it felt like to live in prison.   "Lock yourself up in your bathroom for 20 or 30 years and see how it feels," the inmate answered. "I’m in this cell, by myself, 23 hours a day. I’ve got a daughter, 16 (years old). I’ve been here 14 years. As Ray Dry encountered the world of the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, he asked one inmate what it felt like to live in prison.   "Lock yourself up in your bathroom for 20 or 30 years and see how it feels," the inmate answered. "I’m in this cell, by myself, 23 hours a day. I’ve got a daughter, 16 (years old). I’ve been here 14 years.   "Here, see her photo? I miss her. I’ve got 10 more (years) to go."   One who visits the Angola prison is likely to see a little bit of everything, men imprisoned for any range of criminal activity, acknowledged Dry, a member at University Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.   However, late last month, Dry had the opportunity to see something that most people probably would not consider a likely sight in a state prison — an Easter service open to the public.   "I read you guys … [Read more...]

Your prison chaplains, active and retired, surely are some of the most grateful clergy in Louisiana; thankful to God and some of his special people for the chapels completed and those planned for the state’s prisons. Just the presence of a chapel speaks volumes to prisoners about God’s love and about what is important in that prison’s program activities. Your prison chaplains, active and retired, surely are some of the most grateful clergy in Louisiana; thankful to God and some of his special people for the chapels completed and those planned for the state’s prisons. Just the presence of a chapel speaks volumes to prisoners about God’s love and about what is important in that prison’s program activities.   One warden at Angola (Louisiana State Prison) regularly said, "The only thing that will take a man out of this prison and guarantee that he stays out is a genuine conversion to Jesus Christ as Lord."   With 18 years in prison ministry, I know that is true. After seeing that miracle many times, I call myself A God Watcher — like, "Okay Lord, what are you going to do next?" Several inmates have come out of one prison and directly into seminary. One of those will graduate with the master of … [Read more...]

For the week of April 18, 2002 Potpourri • GOLDONNA - Goldonna church: Prayer and Bible Conference; April 26, 5 p.m.; April 27, 8 a.m.; Jerry Chaddick, Eddie Douglas, Jim Hill, Donald Rudd, Ed Smith, Kelley Tingle and Donnie Wise; guest speakers; Hill Family Singers, Kingdom Bound and Mark Lanier, music; all meals provided; sessions and meals are free; to make reservations, call (318) 727-8532; Doyle McGrew, pastor.   • WEST MONROE - Fair Park church: "Church Renewal Weekend" April 26-28; child care provided; Ivan Harless, coordinator; Waymond Warren, pastor.   • LAFAYETTE - First church: Choir and orchestra present "Experiencing God: The Musical," April 28, 8:30 and 11 a.m.; Perry Sanders, pastor.   • RUSTON - Ruston Civic Center: "Abundant Life: Living Above Your Circumstances" Concord Association women’s conference; April 26-27; hosted by Ruston First church; Mary Glynn Peoples, speaker; Starla Harbin, music; $25 per person; to register or for information, call (318) 255-9030; Connie Ward, director of missions.   • GLENMORA - Glenmora church: Disaster relief and mission service water puri- fication course; April 27, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.; lunch provided; led by Dick … [Read more...]

The ghosts of Rwanda’s 1994 massacre still haunt Melanie Uwamaliya — memories of her mother, siblings and cousins, felled by Hutu extremists in Rwanda’s far-off capital, Kigali.   To make things worse, at times, Uwamaliya actually would cross paths with Hutu killers — walking free. The ghosts of Rwanda’s 1994 massacre still haunt Melanie Uwamaliya — memories of her mother, siblings and cousins, felled by Hutu extremists in Rwanda’s far-off capital, Kigali. To make things worse, at times, Uwamaliya actually would cross paths with Hutu killers — walking free. However, last June, Uwamaliya and fellow Tutsi expatriates celebrated a victory of sorts, when a Belgian jury sentenced four Rwandans to jail for participating in their country’s horrific massacre. Now, from her small apartment a few blocks from a Brussels courthouse, 53-year-old Uwamaliya awaits justice in two other genocide-related suits — including charges that Belgium’s former defense and foreign ministers abandoned Rwanda to its fate. She is not alone in turning to Belgium in pursuit of human rights convictions. The country has a unique law that allows individuals to pursue such cases — against just about anybody until recently. Indeed, … [Read more...]