Forgiveness is powerful but not easy, a victim of kidnapping and rape told participants in the Southern Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union annual meeting last week in St. Louis.   Debbie Morris captivated persons in two presentations as she told how she was kidnapped and raped multiple times during a 30-hour period when she was 16. The Death Row story of one of her abductors, Robert Lee Willie, was portrayed in the movie "Dead Man Walking." Forgiveness is powerful but not easy, a victim of kidnapping and rape told participants in the Southern Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union annual meeting last week in St. Louis.   Debbie Morris captivated persons in two presentations as she told how she was kidnapped and raped multiple times during a 30-hour period when she was 16. The Death Row story of one of her abductors, Robert Lee Willie, was portrayed in the movie "Dead Man Walking."   Morris’ own story is chronicled in her book, "Forgiving the Dead Man Walking."   Forgiving the man who traumatized her took years, said Morris, who lives in Mandeville. "Jesus says we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Sometimes that is easier said than done. Some people are … [Read more...]

It was a red-white-and-blue finale for the 2002 Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference - complete with patriotic music, a salute to the military and an address by retired Lt. Col. Oliver North.   "We ought not to be timid," North urged conference participants in his closing address. "We ought not to be afraid. We must have the courage to confront others with the gospel and the courage to present it just the way it is written in this book (the Bible). In this book, every single word is true." It was a red-white-and-blue finale for the 2002 Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference - complete with patriotic music, a salute to the military and an address by retired Lt. Col. Oliver North.   "We ought not to be timid," North urged conference participants in his closing address. "We ought not to be afraid. We must have the courage to confront others with the gospel and the courage to present it just the way it is written in this book (the Bible). In this book, every single word is true."   North’s address closed a conference that featured a number of headline preachers, including Fred Luter, pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans.   North spoke following the … [Read more...]

The Southern Baptist Convention meeting in St. Louis last week went as expected, with only a couple of exceptions.   There were, however, signs that annual meetings are moving into a different phase. The Southern Baptist Convention meeting in St. Louis last week went as expected, with only a couple of exceptions.   There were, however, signs that annual meetings are moving into a different phase.   There was less rhetoric related to the internal struggle that has dominated conventions for the last 24 years. Obviously, that issue has been settled, but there has been a distinct need to stop rehashing the past and focus on the future. James Merritt, in his presidential address, warned that the "danger of a lukewarm spirit" has replaced what he called liberalism as the greatest threat to the convention. He then challenged the convention to move forward in a fight against threats from outside the church.   Another move to focus on the future came when messengers adopted a long-term ministry initiative, "Empowering Kingdom Growth." SBC Executive Committee President Morris Chapman called the new initiative "not a program" but "a vision." At this point, how to obtain the vision … [Read more...]

Jesus is worth following - even if the cost is high, Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry emphasized to Southern Baptists last week.   "For those that know Jesus and love him, I would give the encouragement that he is still worthy to be followed, even if it costs us something," Mercer said at last week’s Southern Baptist Convention in St. Louis. Jesus is worth following - even if the cost is high, Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry emphasized to Southern Baptists last week.   "For those that know Jesus and love him, I would give the encouragement that he is still worthy to be followed, even if it costs us something," Mercer said at last week’s Southern Baptist Convention in St. Louis.   She and Curry should know.   As missionaries with the interdenominational Shelter Now ministry, the pair was imprisoned in Afghanistan for sharing the gospel last August. They remained in captivity until rescued by soldiers in November. In the span of time, their plight captured the attention of Christians worldwide.   The pair spoke during the opening session of last week’s annual meeting, encouraging to serve God despite the risks and possible costs involved.   Curry told … [Read more...]

As in past years, Southern Baptists geared up for their annual meeting last week by taking - and demonstrating - gospel love to St. Louis residents   Amid the swirling mix of food, games and excitement at the New Life Community Church block party last week in St. Louis, Lucille Lee found a receptive audience for the gospel in one 9-year-old boy. As in past years, Southern Baptists geared up for their annual meeting last week by taking - and demonstrating - gospel love to St. Louis residents   Amid the swirling mix of food, games and excitement at the New Life Community Church block party last week in St. Louis, Lucille Lee found a receptive audience for the gospel in one 9-year-old boy.   Then, his brother became interested, followed by his other two siblings - and, finally, both parents. By the end of the day, the family members were among more than 50 individuals who had made professions of faith at the East St. Louis event.   "I have never seen that happen before, where I would be sharing with one person, and they would get their friends and ask them to come over - and I would share with them, too," said Lee, a Southern Baptist church member in Atlanta. "God was just … [Read more...]

Do you ever look at the gas gauge?" I asked my wife as I looked down at the gas gauge needle that registered almost empty.   "Not until I hear it ring," she answered calmly. She had been driving and understood it is a man kind of thing to tell women how to operate machinery. "And it just rang for the first time." Do you ever look at the gas gauge?" I asked my wife as I looked down at the gas gauge needle that registered almost empty.   "Not until I hear it ring," she answered calmly. She had been driving and understood it is a man kind of thing to tell women how to operate machinery. "And it just rang for the first time."   We were in the middle of some woods and I told her how dangerous it is to start a trip out in the country without adequate fuel. I made a typically male big-deal out of it.   Later that day, I started home about 10:30 p.m. after a quick trip to Shreveport. After my lecture that morning to my wife, I check the gas gauge, which appeared okay. Not full, but okay when one is in a hurry.   It was okay until five miles north of Airport Road-the first sign of civilization coming into Alexandria on I-49-when the truck gave a major cough and quit, as … [Read more...]

Cooperative Program support by Southern Baptists continues to be one of the truly amazing stories of modern denominationalism. Contributions to the national Cooperative Program continue to increase in spite of national trends of decreasing gifts to the national offices of other denominations. Cooperative Program support by Southern Baptists continues to be one of the truly amazing stories of modern denominationalism. Contributions to the national Cooperative Program continue to increase in spite of national trends of decreasing gifts to the national offices of other denominations.   Denton Lotz, General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance, in his June 2002 article in BWA News, says that denominational offices have experienced a "paradigm shift." "The earlier generation was willing to trust denominational headquarters to do mission . . . This has been a traditional way of giving."   But now, because of a shrinking globe, "local churches are sending mission trips (crews) all over the world . . . They have their own projects and sister relationships overseas." According to Lotz, their dollars follow their established mission relationships. "The result: less of the offering plate is going to … [Read more...]

Former Southern Baptist Convention President Jerry Vines is standing by his statements regarding Islam - with the support of other denominational leaders. Former Southern Baptist Convention President Jerry Vines is standing by his statements regarding Islam - with the support of other denominational leaders.   During the recent Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference, Vines described Muslim prophet Mohammed as a "demon-possessed pedophile" and suggested the religion teaches the destruction of non-Muslims.   The statement ignited a firestorm of criticism in some quarters.   Vines has stood by his statements, expressing love for Muslim believers while offering documentation for his views. However, he has declined to meet with Muslims in his area in order to discuss the matter.   Meanwhile, other convention leaders have voiced their support for Vines, pastor at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville.   SBC Executive Committee Morris Chapman strongly affirmed Vines’ character and his remarks about Mohammed. "We fully support his leadership among Southern Baptists and the evangelical community," he emphasized.   Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President … [Read more...]

It was in 1977 that Southern Baptists established Missions Service Corps as a way of funding missions in ways that would not have been possible under conventional funding models.   Twenty-five years and more than 7,600 volunteers later, the strategy has become one of the Southern Baptist Convention’s most effective tools for reaching North America with the gospel. It was in 1977 that Southern Baptists established Missions Service Corps as a way of funding missions in ways that would not have been possible under conventional funding models.   Twenty-five years and more than 7,600 volunteers later, the strategy has become one of the Southern Baptist Convention’s most effective tools for reaching North America with the gospel.   Earlier this month, that fact was celebrated during an anniversary Missions Service Corps luncheon in conjunction with the annual Southern Baptist Convention.   The luncheon also served as the kickoff of the MSC Future Fund, an endowment organizers say will help position Missions Service Corps to take advantage of strategic opportunities and provide emergency assistance for corps volunteers.   During the luncheon, North American Mission … [Read more...]

For the week of June 27, 2002 Potpourri • SULPHUR – First church: "Sweet Land of Liberty" dinner theatre; June 30, noon and 6:30 p.m.; July 1, 6:30 p.m.; $5 tickets, limited seating; for information, call (337) 527-5231; Donald W. Dukes, music minister; David Holder, pastor.   • BATON ROUGE – Stevendale church: The Dixie Echoes in concert; June 28, 7 p.m.; Michael J. LoBrutto, pastor.   • SHREVEPORT – Parkview church: Family Jubilee; July 6, 5-8 p.m.; music by Heartland Family Ministries, Jeremiah Coleman and Fourth Watch; free hot dogs/drinks; Mike Anderson, pastor.   • RAYVILLE – Woodlawn church: Testify in concert; July 14, 6 p.m.; J. Alan Miller, pastor.   • SWARTZ – First church: The Bennetts in concert; July 1, 7 p.m.; Step Martin, guest pastor; Collin Wimberly, pastor.   • SULPHUR – Olivet church: Testify in concert; July 5, 7 p.m.; nursery provided for three years and under; Don Walker, pastor.   • TROUT – Searcy church: Bible Conference; July 5-6, 7 p.m.; July 7, 10 and 11 a.m.; Jessie and James Norris, guest speakers; Lloyd Trisler, pastor.   • BOGALUSA – Superior Avenue church: Dinner ’n Show; June 29; dinner at 5:30 p.m.; Don … [Read more...]