Membership in Southern Baptist churches continued to climb ever so slowly toward the 16 million mark in 2000, with an increase of 108,552 persons.   The increase of 0.7 percent brings the total number of church members to an all-time high of 15,960,308. Membership in Southern Baptist churches continued to climb ever so slowly toward the 16 million mark in 2000, with an increase of 108,552 persons.   The increase of 0.7 percent brings the total number of church members to an all-time high of 15,960,308.   That surpasses the all-time high of 15,891,514 - set in 1997. Even so, it comes with a slowed rate of growth. In 1999, membership increased by 0.8 percent.   Recently-released statistics show such increases - as well as some declines - in various areas of Southern Baptist Convention life.   For instance, in one key area, total baptisms surpassed 400,000 for the fourth consecutive year in 2000. Nevertheless, annual total of 414,657 baptisms represented a decline of 4,685 (1.1 percent) from 1999.   Sunday School enrollment increased by 38,958 (0.5 percent) last year to a total of 8,186,415. The jump comes on the heels of a 0.01 percent decrease in … [Read more...]

As Moses prepared to go talk to Pharoah about releasing the Israelite people, God emphasized the importance of his spokesperson maintaining three "anchors" in his life.   The lesson still applies, Dave Edwards stressed to more than 140 Louisiana Baptist college students commissioned recently for summer missions work. As Moses prepared to go talk to Pharoah about releasing the Israelite people, God emphasized the importance of his spokesperson maintaining three "anchors" in his life.   The lesson still applies, Dave Edwards stressed to more than 140 Louisiana Baptist college students commissioned recently for summer missions work.   ‘For as long as Moses did these things (outlined by God), his life worked," said Edwards, an Oklahoma City preacher.   Edwards spoke at the recent commissioning of the Louisiana Baptist students at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria. The commissioning service was a highlight of the annual Louisiana Baptist Collegiate Ministries Spring Assembly.   During his address, Edwards challenged the student missionaries to carry the three "anchors" identified by God with them.   As long as these anchors are held firmly in place, … [Read more...]

The Baton Rouge Advocate newspaper recently warned against the "stagger- ing" negative impact of gambling.   "The human suffering and tragedy inflicted by gambling is staggering," an April 24 editorial in the newspaper notes. The Baton Rouge Advocate newspaper recently warned against the "stagger- ing" negative impact of gambling.   "The human suffering and tragedy inflicted by gambling is staggering," an April 24 editorial in the newspaper notes.   "On a regular basis, tales of those tragedies unfold in our state’s newspapers - stories of a variety of crimes committed to gain money to gamble or to pay debts brought about by gambling and obituaries of suicide victims devastated by their addiction," the editorial continues.   "The occasion for the editorial was news that Avoyelles Parish officials have opened two clinics to help treat persons with gambling problems. The editorial notes that Avoyelles Parish is a "haven" for gambling - complete with video poker machines and a land-based Indian casino in Marksville.   "Counselors say the bad habits and desperation that accompany an addiction to gambling are taking a toll in the parish," the Advocate editorial … [Read more...]

Lynn P. Clayton LBM Editor   First Baptist Church of Covington’s home had been downtown since 1906.   Four years ago, their beautiful 600-seat worship center was only 14 years old, but like a teenager bursting out of her clothes, First Baptist had outgrown its available space. After significant prayer and study, the church voted to relocate. The vote was unanimous. Lynn P. Clayton LBM Editor   First Baptist Church of Covington’s home had been downtown since 1906.   Four years ago, their beautiful 600-seat worship center was only 14 years old, but like a teenager bursting out of her clothes, First Baptist had outgrown its available space. After significant prayer and study, the church voted to relocate. The vote was unanimous.   The congregation found 42 acres of undeveloped land on the west side of town and began the process of building a completely new plant. While architects drew plans, members gave money for the relocation. Members pledged $2.5 million and with a year to go on the three-year pledges, $2 million has come into the church.   "We sold our previous property in two parcels," Minister of Education/Administration Wayne Miller … [Read more...]

For the week of May 3, 2001 Potpourri •BREAUX BRIDGE - First church: Jon Dennis Smith in concert; May 6, 10 a.m.; Jim McClelland, music director; Rod Jackson, pastor.   •EUNICE - Emmanuel church: Canadian missions conference; May 11; banquet, 6 p.m.; conference, 7 p.m.; D. K. Hale, Elie Woerner, Buddy Hampton and Al Marks, speakers; for information, contact Carla Bollich at (337) 457-8332; co-host churches are First church, Trinity church and North Eunice church; Larry Allen, pastor, Emmanuel church.   •JENA - Pine Grove church: cemetery work; May 12, 8:30 - 11 a.m.; church service, 11 a.m.; lunch to follow; Hardy Beaubouef, pastor.   •MILTON - First church: men’s wild game supper and seminar; May 11, 6:30 p.m.; Tom Lambert, pastor.   •MONROE - Parkview church: "My Utmost For His Highest" musical presented by choir and orchestra; May 6, 6 p.m.; Bob White, minister of music; Lee McGlone, pastor. Homecomings •OAKDALE - Bethany church: May 13, 11 a.m.; dinner to follow; Hardy Estes, speaker; Lloyd Godley, music; David Ragland, pastor. Anniversaries •BASTROP - Cherry Ridge church: 65th anniversary/homecoming; May 6, 11 a.m.; Cecil Gregory, evangelist; Charles Dupree, Jr., … [Read more...]

By Paul Davenport Compass Direct Last October 16, 21-year-old Liu Haitao from Henan Province in central China died as the result of severe police beatings. Last October 16, 21-year-old Liu Haitao from Henan Province in central China died as the result of severe police beatings. The immediate cause of his death was a kidney ailment that flared up after police mistreatment and a harsh imprisonment. However, Christian observers emphasize that there is no question his death was the result of his witness for Christ - and that makes him a martyr for the faith, they say.   Christian martyrs once were commonplace in China, especially in the years of the Cultural Revolution (1966-76). Now, they are rare - but the story of Liu’s death illustrates how commonplace police brutality is for many hundreds of Christians detained each year.   "At any one moment, there are probably well over a hundred Christians detained for their faith and receiving severe beatings from sadistic policemen," a house church leader in Loyang notes. "Many of them have permanent injuries as a result."   The callous disregard officials had for Liu’s worsening condition extended even to the point of refusing to … [Read more...]

More than 30 years ago, two brothers came out of  Henan Province in central China, full of the power  of God, Alex Buchan notes.   Every time they preached, many were moved to repentance, says Buchan, Asia bureau chief for Compass Direct. Their ministries were greatly blessed until one of them was jailed. He died in prison in the early 1970s, and in the words of his brother, Mr. Ha, "His testimony moved from words in the air to blood in the ground." More than 30 years ago, two brothers came out of  Henan Province in central China, full of the power  of God, Alex Buchan notes.   Every time they preached, many were moved to repentance, says Buchan, Asia bureau chief for Compass Direct. Their ministries were greatly blessed until one of them was jailed. He died in prison in the early 1970s, and in the words of his brother, Mr. Ha, "His testimony moved from words in the air to blood in the ground."   However, Mr. Ha continued to preach, Buchan reports. He resumed an underground evangelistic ministry. He was introduced everywhere as "the brother of the one who was counted worthy to suffer a martyr’s death."   At first, Mr. Ha did not mind, Buchan reports.   But after … [Read more...]

Even as attention turns to ties between China and the United States, American Christians are being urged to pray the communist nation might hear the gospel   One commentator has described the recent spy plane incident over China - and its continuing fallout - as the latest example of the ongoing "love-hate relationship" between America and the Communist nation. Even as attention turns to ties between China and the United States, American Christians are being urged to pray the communist nation might hear the gospel   One commentator has described the recent spy plane incident over China - and its continuing fallout - as the latest example of the ongoing "love-hate relationship" between America and the Communist nation.   And without a doubt, more recent disagreements regarding human rights and arms sales to Taiwan are sure to keep the relationship turbulent.   The two nations admire each other’s achievements and eagerly court each other’s markets. However, they suspect each other’s motives and resent each other’s power.   Will they become allies, enemies or something in between as the new century unfolds?   No one knows for sure.   There is … [Read more...]

Recently, much has been written and suggested about the economic future of the nation - how low will the stock market go, is a recession coming, how bad will things get before they get better?   Well, do not look now, but the nation has plenty more to worry about than just economics - at least, the overwhelming majority of Americans say so. Recently, much has been written and suggested about the economic future of the nation - how low will the stock market go, is a recession coming, how bad will things get before they get better?   Well, do not look now, but the nation has plenty more to worry about than just economics - at least, the overwhelming majority of Americans say so.   Indeed, about two out of three Americans adults (65 percent) say they are concerned about the future. And a key cause for their concern is not economics.   It is morals. Overall, three out of four American adults say they are concerned about the moral condition of the country. In other words, even 9 percent of the people who say they are not concerned about the future still acknowledge there is causefor alarm when it comes to the United States and its morals.   By their own … [Read more...]

Time remains to make a difference in the Louisiana Legislature - if concerned citizens will act, Ken Ward emphasized. Time remains to make a difference in the Louisiana Legislature - if concerned citizens will act, Ken Ward emphasized. "The legislative process is never really never over until its over, and for this session, that means June 18, 2001," explained Ward, executive director of the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation. "There is still time to make a difference in the outcome of many (measures)." Indeed, with less than 40 days remaining in the legislative session, bills are pending in several key areas, Ward noted. Whether they pass - and in what form - very much depends on how concerned citizens respond, he said. "Never before has the technology afforded the citizens of this state a convenient opportunity to keep informed and involved. But remember, the person who can’t make a difference in their state because of a lack of freedom is little worse off than the person who simply chooses not to make a difference because of a lack of concern." Ward cited numerous bills that have generated interest thus far in the legislative session. These include: •House Bill 37 would close a loophole in current … [Read more...]