Eastern New Mexico University religion professor Greg DeMarco received Christ as his savior in the parking lot of a biker bar 31 years ago. But he says he did not sense God’s call to ministry until a decade later. By then, the former rock-and-roll musician had become a deep-sea diver in the U.S. Navy. Eastern New Mexico University religion professor Greg DeMarco received Christ as his savior in the parking lot of a biker bar 31 years ago. But he says he did not sense God’s call to ministry until a decade later. By then, the former rock-and-roll musician had become a deep-sea diver in the U.S. Navy. Because he re-enlisted in 1987, DeMarco says he never dreamed of someday fighting the Navy in court. However, the former chaplain is one of five Southern Baptists who have sued the Navy last year for alleged discrimination in promotions and other areas of the Chaplain Corps’ administration. Officially, the Navy will not comment on the case. Legal briefs contend the plaintiffs have no valid claims, and the Navy should have the latitude to administer its chaplaincy program. However, DeMarco alleges the corps was dominated by those from liturgical backgrounds and included inappropriate treatment of officers by their … [Read more...]

With more than 800 million chronically-hungry people throughout the world, it is easy to wonder if there is anything at all one person can do to help remedy the situation.   Well, Steve Nelson has an idea. With more than 800 million chronically-hungry people throughout the world, it is easy to wonder if there is anything at all one person can do to help remedy the situation.   Well, Steve Nelson has an idea.   Actually, it is an old idea - but adapted to modern, high-tech capabilities.   Nelson calls it "high-tech gleaning."   Of course, gleaning does not sound like a way to attack the overwhelming problem of world hunger. After all, the Old Testament practice referred to the command of harvesters to leave a little of their crop in the fields for the poor to gather.   Surely, it will take more than a few "leftovers" to feed the hundreds of millions of people hungry in the world.   Not necessarily, said Nelson, director of hunger concerns for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.   "God cares about people in need," he explained. "He calls his people to reach out to them. And when they do - even in the most modest way - he … [Read more...]

Faith equals increased cash. At least that is what you think if you agree with purveyors of what some call the gospel of prosperity. Faith equals increased cash. At least that is what you think if you agree with purveyors of what some call the gospel of prosperity.   The gospel of prosperity goes something like this. If you believe in God and trust Him for financial prosperity, your financial condition gets better and better. The more you believe, the more you prosper.   "Blessings" are seen almost exclusively in terms of material wealth. God’s favor means God putting more material wealth in your possession. Non-tangible blessings, such as peace of mind or better personal relationships, are lagniappes of the primary blessing of more money.   Some purveyors (to call them preachers is a shameful misuse of this marvelous word) of this pop gospel add some other stipulations. One would have you "speak your prosperity" into existence. The combination to unlock the safe holding your gems of prosperity is speaking it aloud in faith. Faith in this scheme is believing really hard, without doubting, that you will get what you want.   Certainly, one of the stipulations for receiving … [Read more...]

The Louisiana Legislature is entering the home stretch of its 2001 session - and matters of moral and social importance remain to be decided. The Louisiana Legislature is entering the home stretch of its 2001 session - and matters of moral and social importance remain to be decided.   How they will be decided may very well rest on how well Louisiana Baptists and other concerned citizens respond in the upcoming days, said Ken Ward, executive director of the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation.   "The fate of many issues that will impact the moral climate of Louisiana is far from decided - and time is running out," Ward emphasized.   "Now is the time for concerned citizens to make their voices heard - and determine the future of our state."   Ward urged persons to use all means possible to communicate with legislators and state officials. He pointed out that the Internet provides one with the easy ability to monitor bills and communicate with state leaders.   In addition, persons may telephone, write and fax legislators, Ward explained. "Louisiana has a most accessible system," he pointed out. "Now, it falls to the citizens to make good use of the … [Read more...]

Jennifer Phillips LBC Public Relations What is love? Some people define love using colorful words, and others cannot even begin to explain an emotion so great in character. What is love? Some people define love using colorful words, and others cannot even begin to explain an emotion so great in character.   Courtney Collins acknowledges love can be many things. "But, love, true love, is God looking down from heaven and saying that he loves the very people who crucified his son, Jesus," Collins reminded persons during her speech at the recent Louisiana Baptist State Speaker’s Tournament.   Because of her thoughts and the presentation of her speech, "Through the Eyes of My God," Collins was awarded first place, with 399 points, in the speaker’s tournament, held earlier this month at Louisiana College in Pineville.   By winning the competition, Collins received a $4,500 scholarship per year to Louisiana College. She is a member at Woodridge Baptist Church in Shreveport.   "While I was considering my topic, I remembered Romans 8:38-39 that talks about the love of God," Collins said. "The verse inspired me to write my speech and inspired me to really think about the … [Read more...]

P>Christina Sagat’s testimony of being a Christian in Indonesia is a tale that involves trauma - and pain. Christina Sagat’s testimony of being a Christian in Indonesia is a tale that involves trauma - and pain.   "My scar healed quite fast, but the sad, humiliated feeling stayed," Sagat says as she tells how she suffered genital mutilation at the hands of Muslim neighbors.   "I feel like I’m no longer complete, both as a person and a woman."   Sagat, 32, is not alone in her tale. Her niece suffered the same forced treatment - and while she was pregnant. So did Sagat’s 70-year-old mother. So did others - teenagers, infants alike.   "I don’t understand these people," Sagat says simply of the Muslim mutilators.   Sagat’s story is indicative of the state of affairs in Indonesia. As Muslim jihad warriors press their efforts to kill or convert all Christians there, many believers are forced to choose between their faith and their lives.   Sagat is a native of the nation’s Kasiui island. Until recently, Christians and Muslims lived peacefully on the island, even helping each other build places of worship.   Then, the fighting … [Read more...]

Numerous meetings and annual events are scheduled in conjunction with the 2001 Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans next month. Numerous meetings and annual events are scheduled in conjunction with the 2001 Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans next month.   The annual convention is set for June 12-13 in the Louisiana Superdome. The schedule for the two-day gathering features a variety of music, business and messages.   Other related meetings will feature various Louisiana Baptists as well. As usual, a variety of groups have planned meetings and fellowship events in conjunction with the annual convention.   Scheduled events include:   •The 2001 Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference.   The next generation of Southern Baptist pastors are scheduled to take to the pulpit June 10-11 for what organizers say they hope will be "an old-fashioned Holy Ghost meeting." Meeting organizers say they sought to enlist grassroots and hot-hearted preachers for the annual conference, which is set to meet in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The theme of the meeting is "Until He Comes ... Go!" There will be a decided focus on evangelism, organizers said. One of those … [Read more...]

I read recently that the trustees of Louisiana College have agreed that all professors employed in the future must sign an agreement as a part of his/her contract endorsing the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. I read recently that the trustees of Louisiana College have agreed that all professors employed in the future must sign an agreement as a part of his/her contract endorsing the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. I would like to say "Thank You" to the trustees for setting a positive standard for Louisiana College and for all Louisiana Baptists. "Thank You" for making a positive influence on our future Christian heritage as Southern Baptists. Shane Terrebonne, Pastor Northside Baptist Church … [Read more...]

For the week of May 24, 2001 Potpourri •DRY PRONG - New Prospect church: "Man of God" musical presented by men’s choir; May 27, 6 p.m.; Robert Willie, minister of music; Leonard Free, pastor. •HAUGHTON - Koran church: dramatization of Lord’s Supper; June 3, 11 a.m.; George Rogers, pastor. •SAREPTA - New Sarepta church: Dennis Swanberg to speak; June 4, 7 p.m.; Danny Dodds, pastor. •TIOGA - Alpine First church: "Man of God" musical presented by men’s choir of New Prospect church, Dry Prong; June 3, 6 p.m.; Robert Willie, director; Wayne Jenkins, interim pastor. Homecomings •MANSFIELD - Emmanuel church: 59th; June 3; Sunday School, 10 a.m.; worship service, 11 a.m.; dinner and afternoon music to follow; Wayne Spanhanks, speaker; John Neilson, music; Jim Reynolds, pastor. •VIVIAN - Mt. Gilead church: 141st; June 3, 10:30 a.m.; dinner to follow; Bill Mitchell, speaker; Jerry Jones, pastor. Dedications •ALEXANDRIA - Riverview church: dedication of new facilities; May 27; Sunday School, 9 a.m.; worship service, 10:15 a.m.; Barry Corbett, speaker; dinner to follow; dedication service, 2 p.m.; Paul A. Roney, pastor. Revivals •MANSFIELD - Emmanuel church: June 4-7, 7 p.m.; Wayne Spanhanks, … [Read more...]

American adults agree - something needs to be done to help young people develop needed skills in a sometimes troubling world.   American adults agree - there are important things they can do for young people.   American adults also agree - they are not doing them. American adults agree - something needs to be done to help young people develop needed skills in a sometimes troubling world.   American adults agree - there are important things they can do for young people.   American adults also agree - they are not doing them.   A new study by Lutheran Brotherhood and Search Institute reveals an "alarming gap between what adults believe kids need and what adults actually do."   The study asked adults to identify the most important actions they can make to contribute to the healthy development of young people. They then were asked if adults they knew actually were doing those things.   The numbers are troubling.   In most instances, far more adults say an activity is important than say it is being practiced. For instance, 90 percent of adults agree it is very important to encourage success in school - but only 69 percent say the … [Read more...]