The encounter was typical of many on the periphery of World Changers this summer - when roofing, painting and other work projects were punctuated by opportunities for students to share the motivation for their service.   During a break one day on a Fort Pierce, Fla., project, 13-year-old Rachel Davis noticed a young boy walking down the street with a basketball and decided to step out of her comfort zone to share the gospel.   As a result, not only did the boy accept Christ, but he also brought two friends later who made the same commitment. The encounter was typical of many on the periphery of World Changers this summer - when roofing, painting and other work projects were punctuated by opportunities for students to share the motivation for their service.   During a break one day on a Fort Pierce, Fla., project, 13-year-old Rachel Davis noticed a young boy walking down the street with a basketball and decided to step out of her comfort zone to share the gospel.   As a result, not only did the boy accept Christ, but he also brought two friends later who made the same commitment.   "As the crew worked further into the afternoon. they knew in their hearts that they … [Read more...]

The challenge of the new century is to serve God faithfully in unsure times, Dean Doster reminded Louisiana Baptists last week.   "As we have entered the 21st century, it seems that our comfort zones have been invaded, ..." said Doster, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. "We are called to serve Christ in increasingly unsettled times." The challenge of the new century is to serve God faithfully in unsure times, Dean Doster reminded Louisiana Baptists last week.   "As we have entered the 21st century, it seems that our comfort zones have been invaded, ..." said Doster, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. "We are called to serve Christ in increasingly unsettled times."   Doster extended the challenge during his report to last week’s Executive Board meeting. In addition to hearing from the convention leader, board members also:   • Agreed on a 2003 Cooperative Program.   • Received a report from a special committee looking at the future of the Baptist Retirement Center and Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.   • Elected a new Louisiana Baptist Convention leader for women’s missions and ministry.   In … [Read more...]

The question of how to handle associational directors of missions in Louisiana has taken another turn with a proposal approved last week.   The Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board has proposed that local associations be given two options for employing directors of missions.   In option one, the association may choose to employ its own director of missions. The question of how to handle associational directors of missions in Louisiana has taken another turn with a proposal approved last week.   The Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board has proposed that local associations be given two options for employing directors of missions.   In option one, the association may choose to employ its own director of missions.   In option two, the association(s) would enter into a contract in which the state convention would continue funding directors of missions. However, under that option, responsibility for selection, oversight and evaluation of directors would rest with the association - in consultation and cooperation with the state missions staff representative.   The proposal was approved by board members by an almost two-to-one margin last week. … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board members focused squarely on defining the nature of the state denomination last week. In a series of action, board members: • Proposed a constitutional change that would require churches to give through the state Cooperative Program in order to be considered "cooperating." Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board members focused squarely on defining the nature of the state denomination last week. In a series of action, board members: • Proposed a constitutional change that would require churches to give through the state Cooperative Program in order to be considered "cooperating." • Proposed a constitutional amendment that would affirm the "inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God." • Proposed adding the Baptist Faith and Message to the state convention bylaws. • Approved a report from a study committee that focused on tying state agencies more securely to the convention. The proposals figure to make for a busy state convention, as messengers will be asked to take final action on each item. However, if they follow the lead of Executive Board members, the items could take reasonably little time. At last week’s meeting, board members approved three of the … [Read more...]

For the week of October 3, 2002 Potpourri • SAREPTA - New Sarepta church: The Ruppes in concert; Oct. 13, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.; free admission; Danny Dodds, pastor.   • ALEXANDRIA - Tall Timbers conference center: 2002 Royal Ambassador Congress; Oct. 25, 6 p.m. registration/supper - Oct. 26, 3 p.m.; pre-registration $8 ($10 at the door); housing and meals available by calling Tall Timbers at (318) 445-6797; various guest missionary speakers; to register or for information, call Buddy Day of the LBC Men’s Ministry Department, (800) 622-6549 or (318) 448-3402; Sam White, camp director.   • PONCHATOULA - Bedico church: "How to Stay Happily Married" free seminar; Oct. 11, 7-9 p.m.; Reid Doster, guest speaker; for more information, call (985) 845-3417; Leo Miller, pastor.   • ALEXANDRIA - Parkview church: "Interfaith Witness Seminar; A Seminar on Islam" hosted by the Louisiana Baptist Convention; Oct. 12, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; Samuel Shahid, guest speaker; pre-register by Oct. 4; $10 per person registration fee; to register or for information, call Ed Chaney or Sherry Blackwell at (318) 448-3402 or (800) 622-6549; John Hebert, interim pastor.   • WEST MONROE - Mt. Vernon … [Read more...]

Seniors in high school who consider themselves religious are less likely than their non-religious peers to smoke cigarettes and less likely to drink alcohol, a new study indicates.   The recently-released National Study of Youth and Religion describes religious 12th-graders as less likely ever to have tried any kind of drug than non-religious students. The study was conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and funded by the Lily Endowment, Inc. Seniors in high school who consider themselves religious are less likely than their non-religious peers to smoke cigarettes and less likely to drink alcohol, a new study indicates.   The recently-released National Study of Youth and Religion describes religious 12th-graders as less likely ever to have tried any kind of drug than non-religious students. The study was conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and funded by the Lily Endowment, Inc.   The study’s chief conclusion is encouraging for religious leaders and parents - regular religious service attendance, placing a high importance of faith and years of participation in religious youth groups are clearly associated with safer, healthier, more … [Read more...]

Ever since it was introduced as part of the welfare reform act in 1996, charitable choice has proven a lightning rod for debate.   Should religious organizations be able to receive government funds for delivering social services?   Some say yes, insisting that faith-based groups can deliver the services better than government agencies and that it is time they were not discriminated against. Ever since it was introduced as part of the welfare reform act in 1996, charitable choice has proven a lightning rod for debate.   Should religious organizations be able to receive government funds for delivering social services?   Some say yes, insisting that faith-based groups can deliver the services better than government agencies and that it is time they were not discriminated against.   Others say no, warning that the separation of church and church is being breached and that faith-based organizations are in danger of an intrusive government presence.   Meanwhile, charitable choice has moved forward.   Indeed, President George Bush came to office, vowing to expand the program even more. However, his proposal has run into some difficulty and faces … [Read more...]

For the week of October 10, 2002 LC homecoming Louisiana College has set annual homecoming events for Oct. 24-26 on its Pineville campus. Scheduled events for Oct. 24 include a chapel service at 10:50 a.m.; an alumni golf tournament at 1 p.m.; and a slide lecture by alumnus and artist Bryan LaFaye at 6:30 p.m. Scheduled events for Oct. 25 include a 50th reunion luncheon for the class of 1952 and all classes prior to that year; the Fifth Annual Tricycle Race at 3 p.m.; a reception for this year’s Distinguished Alumni and Wildcat Athletic Association Hall of Fame inductees at 5 p.m.; a homecoming celebration dinner at 6 p.m.; a presentation of "Godspell" by theatre louisiana college at 8:30 p.m.; and a bonfire and pep rally at 9:30 p.m. Scheduled events for Oct. 26 include a homecoming run/walk at 8 a.m.; various reunions for campus organizations at 9 a.m.; reunions for the classes of 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2002 at 10:30 a.m.; pre-game festivities at 11 a.m.; and a football game between the LC Wildcats and Texas Lutheran Bulldogs at 2 p.m. For tickets and information, persons should call (318) 487-7301. Missionary kids safe Students are safe and missionary families relieved … [Read more...]

Last week, this column reflected upon Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s idea that most people see themselves as "coming of age." This includes living independently of God, except on rare occasions.   Bonhoeffer, a brilliant German theologian and preacher, said modern people are so removed from God that their focus is almost completely upon themselves. Note: The following editorial by Editor Lynn P. Clayton first was published in the February 2, 1995 issue of the Louisiana Baptist Message. It is reprinted in this issue as Editor Clayton continues to recover from successful surgery on a brain abscess.   Last week, this column reflected upon Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s idea that most people see themselves as "coming of age." This includes living independently of God, except on rare occasions.   Bonhoeffer, a brilliant German theologian and preacher, said modern people are so removed from God that their focus is almost completely upon themselves.   Before he was hanged by the Nazis in the last days of the war, Bonhoeffer reasoned the only way people would be able to understand sermons would be through their own self-centeredness. He predicted that preaching would, therefore, center more and … [Read more...]

A basic need of human beings is a roof. Call it shelter or whatever - we gotta have it. In our American abundance, we take roofs for granted - until they leak.   For more than a month, a company has been trying to put a new roof over the Baptist Message.   They had to remove all the decades of built-up roofing materials from our flat roof. They did that really well. The roof was bare. Note: The following On Second Thought by Editor Lynn P. Clayton first was published in the July 21, 1994 issue of the Louisiana Baptist Message. It is reprinted in this issue as Editor Clayton continues to recover from successful surgery on a brain abscess.   A basic need of human beings is a roof. Call it shelter or whatever - we gotta have it. In our American abundance, we take roofs for granted - until they leak.   For more than a month, a company has been trying to put a new roof over the Baptist Message.   They had to remove all the decades of built-up roofing materials from our flat roof. They did that really well. The roof was bare.   And then, they had to order more roofing materials they didn’t expect to need. So, the roof was left bare. They assured us there … [Read more...]