For the week of February 27, 2003 Executive Committee An added focus on the Cooperative Program has been incorporated into the proposed Southern Baptist Convention budget for the 2003-04 fiscal year. During its recent meeting, the SBC Executive Committee approved a recommendation that $250,000 be utilized "to fund the enhancement of (Cooperative Program) education at the six (Southern Baptist) seminaries" - if receipts from churches exceed the budget goal of $182 million next year. The total budget of more than $182 million still must be approved by messengers to this summer’s Southern Baptist Convention. The overall budget maintains percentage allocations the same as this year, including 50 percent to the Southern Baptist International Mission Board and 22.79 percent to the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board. LifeWay news Despite tough economic times, LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention stands to see an overall increase in revenue for 2003, officials said. In a recent meeting of LifeWay trustees, agency officials said they predict a 3.4 percent increase in overall revenue. However, that means that revenues still would fall more than $18 million short of the budget for the … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptists lost last week a true friend, and I lost a personal friend. Last Thursday, the Lord had Robert L. Lee fold his earthly tent and come home to his permanent residence God had prepared for him..   Bob Lee lived and led in a way that should be an example to those of us who are still granted life on this earth. He loved Louisiana Baptists collectively, and when he knew them personally, he loved them that way. It was from this deep love that his leadership style grew. Louisiana Baptists lost last week a true friend, and I lost a personal friend. Last Thursday, the Lord had Robert L. Lee fold his earthly tent and come home to his permanent residence God had prepared for him..   Bob Lee lived and led in a way that should be an example to those of us who are still granted life on this earth. He loved Louisiana Baptists collectively, and when he knew them personally, he loved them that way. It was from this deep love that his leadership style grew.   For almost 25 years, I had the joy of serving with Bob Lee, as well as enjoying a personal friendship with him. I watched as Dr. Lee showered love and kindness upon people of all strata of society in general, and Louisiana … [Read more...]

As one might expect, the International Seamen’s Center in Mobile, Ala., just buzzes with activity whenever ships are in port.   One group of seafarers might be gathered around the big-screen television, watching a soccer game.   Another may be playing the game on the field outside. Others might be gathering for a ride to the local Wal-Mart, while still others chat over refreshments with local volunteers. As one might expect, the International Seamen’s Center in Mobile, Ala., just buzzes with activity whenever ships are in port.   One group of seafarers might be gathered around the big-screen television, watching a soccer game.   Another may be playing the game on the field outside. Others might be gathering for a ride to the local Wal-Mart, while still others chat over refreshments with local volunteers.   But for center Director Aias De Souza, the focal point of the evening comes as everyone is asked to gather in the chapel.   In one such service, De Souza asks representatives of four nationalities to read John 3:16 in their native languages.   "Isn’t that a wonderful message," he asks. "I wish I had a better message than that one, but I … [Read more...]

When they married in the late 1800s, George Washington and Cora Berry Leavell had no way of knowing how God would use their descendents in his kingdom.   However, they knew what God expected, and they committed their marriage and family to the Lord. The Leavells subsequently raised nine boys based on Christian principles and the Word of God.   The results have been remarkable. Gary Myers/Shannon Baker, New Orleans Seminary   When they married in the late 1800s, George Washington and Cora Berry Leavell had no way of knowing how God would use their descendents in his kingdom.   However, they knew what God expected, and they committed their marriage and family to the Lord. The Leavells subsequently raised nine boys based on Christian principles and the Word of God.   The results have been remarkable.   Eight of the Leavells’ nine sons went on to serve in some type of vocational Christian ministry. These eight participated in almost every imaginable ministry in the Southern Baptist Convention, and many were innovators in their areas. Their ministries changed the face of the convention and spread the gospel across the world.   Fittingly, New … [Read more...]

The theme of the recent Kaleidoscope enrichment conference for Louisiana Baptist women had special meaning for Cindy Townsend.   In fact, as far as Townsend was concerned, "Designed by God’s Love" represents the actual story of the conference.   Townsend is the new Louisiana Baptist women’s missions and ministry director, assuming office in January. The theme of the recent Kaleidoscope enrichment conference for Louisiana Baptist women had special meaning for Cindy Townsend.   In fact, as far as Townsend was concerned, "Designed by God’s Love" represents the actual story of the conference.   Townsend is the new Louisiana Baptist women’s missions and ministry director, assuming office in January.   One of her first responsibilities was the annual Kaleidoscope conference, designed as an enrichment session for Louisiana Baptist women.   Six days before the registration deadline for the conference, Townsend faced her first job difficulty - only 18 women had signed up for the gathering.   The new state leader admits she did not know what to do.   "I began to pray and said, ‘Now, God, this is your agenda, but 18 women isn’t enough for a … [Read more...]

A recent Public Agenda study affirms what others have said in times past - in many ways, the family is a microcosm of the American society as a whole.   In that case, society is in trouble - because families are.   Indeed, the Public Agenda study states the situation plainly - despite their efforts, parents are having trouble.   And the trouble is both external - and internal. The parenting challenge: Modern parents face an onslaught of pressures in raising their children, including countering strong cultural forces and teaching kids key values   Editor’s Note: The following is the first of a two-part look at the challenge of modern parenting. This week’s article focuses on the current state of parenting and how parents themselves feel they are meeting the challenge. Next week’s article will offer some tips on how parents can respond to modern pressures and meet that challenge.   C. Lacy Thompson, LBM Associate Editor   A recent Public Agenda study affirms what others have said in times past - in many ways, the family is a microcosm of the American society as a whole.   In that case, society is in trouble - because … [Read more...]

Thank you for your timely article in the January 30 issue of the Baptist Message regarding the benefits of your health insurance covered through the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Thank you for your timely article in the January 30 issue of the Baptist Message regarding the benefits of your health insurance covered through the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.   I, too, have had similar experiences through my almost 40 years of employment with the Louisiana Baptist Convention and now almost 13 years of retirement. I also express a hearty thanks to the convention and the Annuity Board for this service and strongly urge anyone eligible to participate in this program to do so. You will never regret it. I fear to think of our financial situation without this coverage.   Thank you for your valuable work with the convention through the years.   Melba Voda Alexandria, La. … [Read more...]

For the past few days, I have been reflecting on the life and witness of Dr. Robert L. Lee. He was indeed a remarkable Christian leader. If anyone ever reflected the love of Christ in all his actions, it was Bob Lee. For the past few days, I have been reflecting on the life and witness of Dr. Robert L. Lee. He was indeed a remarkable Christian leader. If anyone ever reflected the love of Christ in all his actions, it was Bob Lee.   For a dozen years, we worked side-by-side in the same city, trying to do Christ’s work and serving Louisiana Baptists (during Lynn’s tenure as president of Louisiana College and Lee’s term as executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention). Many were the joys, victories, opportunities and crises we faced. Often, we talked about critical issues that faced Louisiana College and the convention. We sometimes differed on strategy, but what I noticed about Bob Lee was that his attitude of Christian love bathed all his dealings with fellow Christians.   I remember going into his office to discuss an issue and coming away with the sense of having been in the presence of God.   I sense that many Louisiana Baptists had the same experience as they sensed Bob … [Read more...]

In 1992, the Church at Pierce Creek in Binghamton, N.Y., challenged then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton’s stance on abortion, homosexuality and sexual abstinence outside of marriage.   They did so in a paid advertisement in USA Today and the Washington Times. They did so with scripture verses supporting their position. Note: The following is the fourth - and final - article in a series on "The Church and the Law." This article focuses on the issue of free speech. The series of articles was commissioned by the Association of State Baptist Papers.   In 1992, the Church at Pierce Creek in Binghamton, N.Y., challenged then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton’s stance on abortion, homosexuality and sexual abstinence outside of marriage.   They did so in a paid advertisement in USA Today and the Washington Times. They did so with scripture verses supporting their position.   As a result, the Church on Pierce Creek in 1995 became the first church in United States history to lose its tax-exempt status for taking a moral stand, a spokesperson at The American Center for Law and Justice noted.   The Internal Revenue Service determined the church violated a code that … [Read more...]

Southern Baptist Convention leaders have proposed a plan to cut contributions to the Baptist World Alli-ance in order to fund their own global network of "like-minded Christians."   The proposal does not call for the convention to leave the Baptist World Alliance at this time. However, the groundwork for that possibility will be laid with development of a global "Kingdom Relationships" initiative. Southern Baptist Convention leaders have proposed a plan to cut contributions to the Baptist World Alli-ance in order to fund their own global network of "like-minded Christians."   The proposal does not call for the convention to leave the Baptist World Alliance at this time. However, the groundwork for that possibility will be laid with development of a global "Kingdom Relationships" initiative.   As proposed, that initiative will be launched with funding of $125,000 - redirected from the $425,000 allocated to the Baptist World Alliance in recent years. The redirection represents about a 30 percent decrease for the alliance.   "The emphasis (of the Kingdom Relationships initiative) will be to strengthen bilateral (Southern Baptist Convention) relationships with Baptist … [Read more...]