The original issue can be found at: http://www.baptistpress.com/issue-03/13/2014 DISCLAIMER: Baptist Press should be credited for any reprinted stories that originate with BP. Suggested credit line: Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. Please note that Baptist Press periodically carries stories from other sources by permission. Individuals interested in reprinting non-BP stories should contact the entity where the story originated to seek reprint permission. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Abedini, in hospital, shackled & denied care by Erin Roach Date: March 13, 2014 - Thursday TEHRAN, Iran (BP) -- Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen, was moved to a private hospital in Iran but was shackled and denied medical care, prompting the American Center for Law and Justice, which is working for his freedom, to say his case took a turn for the worse. The next day, March 13, ACLJ reported that Abedini, imprisoned for his Christian faith, had been released from the shackles and was allowed to receive visitors again. He had not been treated, though, for severe abdominal ailments resulting from beatings by Iranian prison guards. Abedini's wife Naghmeh, on Facebook, asked believers worldwide to pray and even "fast from something" until Thursday, March 20, which marks the Iranian New Year, a day when the Islamic republic often grants clemency to prisoners of conscience. ACLJ reported March 12 that Abedini, sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement in house churches, was moved from the brutal Rajai Shahr Prison to a hospital. He received nourishment and underwent various tests, something ACLJ called a much-needed reprieve. "Today, all that changed," Jordan Sekulow, ACLJ's executive director, reported. "This morning Iranian guards lashed out violently against Pastor Saeed and an elderly relative who had been able to visit him in the hospital. Pastor Saeed was pinned down and shackled. His elderly relative was roughly handled and expelled from the hospital." Abedini was denied surgery and was given only pain medication. He wasn't even allowed to know the results of the tests he underwent, ACLJ said, and guards claimed they had a court order banning visitors and instructing them to keep him shackled. Sekulow said the timing of the move to the hospital was suspicious given that Catherine Ashton, a representative of the European Union, was visiting Iran when Abedini was hospitalized. Once she left, he was told he would return to prison with no treatment. "The EU has been faithfully raising Pastor Saeed's case for some time, and this move would allow Iranian officials to report that he was receiving medical treatment if his case was brought up during the EU's visit to Iran," Sekulow said. After Abedini was denied treatment and shackled, and after ACLJ drew worldwide attention to the problem, a family member of Abedini went to the prison to ask why the pastor had been denied medical care, Sekulow reported March 13. "He was told by prison officials that the whole ordeal was a 'mistake' and that the warden called the hospital and ordered that Pastor Saeed be unchained and permitted to visit the family member." Iran's behavior demonstrates the need for international pressure to remain strong on Abedini's behalf, Sekulow said, adding that an ACLJ legal team was meeting with world leaders in Geneva, working toward Abedini's release. Naghmeh Abedini, living in Idaho with the couple's two young children, challenged supporters to pray for the meetings in Geneva, stating, "I believe in the power of prayer." Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in February, raised the possibility that Abedini and other Americans held by Iran could be granted clemency. Abedini's wife urged believers to pray that her husband would be released in conjunction with the Iranian New Year. The day before news of Abedini's hospital beating and shackling broke, Naghmeh Abedini posted on Facebook a glimpse into how she is faring as her husband is persecuted. "Many nights like tonight/today I am awakened after only 3-4 hours of sleep and I find myself struggling with hopelessness and despair," Naghmeh wrote. "... I spend hours in prayer and crying out to The Lord." Later that day, March 11, she wrote, "Today I struggled with despair. I spent my day playing worship music, reading my Bible and devotionals, praying and reading each of your sweet messages (being surrounded by the body of Christ)." God used 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 to remind her that "these pressures and uncertainties happen that I might not rely on myself, but on God." She quoted the passage, emphasizing that "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again." --30-- Erin Roach is assistant editor of Baptist Press. To sign an international petition for Saeed Abedini's release, visit www.beheardproject.org. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Discipling & theology on the mission field by Chuck Lawless Date: March 13, 2014 - Thursday WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP) -- I have traveled around the world and have reviewed many strategies for making global disciples, but this one caught my attention like few others. I am concerned that we help new believers develop a strong biblical theology, and this approach does just that. John*, an IMB missionary serving in one of the most populated regions of the world, uses the Bible and the Baptist Faith and Message as his resource for training new believers and leaders. You likely have seen the layout of the BF&M: several theological articles complete with commentary and scriptural references. Instead of giving his students a translated version of the BF&M, though, John gives them only the scripture references that accompany each article and several questions to guide their study. Imagine this scene. A group of new believers who have left another world faith to follow Christ are learning to study the Word. John gives them this exercise as they study the Word together: The Scriptures (Theology Exercise #1) Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21. What is the Bible? Who wrote the Bible? Who inspired the Bible? Is the Bible true? Does the Bible contain any error? The believers work together in several groups of five or six, first reading the texts aloud and then corporately seeking answers to the questions. They must answer only with the words of Scripture, and they must also state the references. This process alone often takes a few hours. Next, the multiple groups join together to review the individual group responses. Collectively, they evaluate the responses and correct each other as needed based on the teachings of the Word. Should the group ultimately reach an untenable conclusion, John steps in to guide them back to the Word for further study. Most often, the group properly corrects one another, like when several believers corrected two others who stated that Christians can lose their salvation. This second step in the process often requires two or more hours of additional work. Thus, the groups spend four to five hours studying each doctrine intensely. The entire group of studies requires eight full-day sessions, often scheduled once per month. At the end of each study, the believers then have a written resource for guiding further study, for teaching others, and for recognizing and correcting error. My reasons for affirming this model are several. First, it begins and ends in the Scriptures. The believers start by reading the Scriptures, find their answers in the scriptures, and submit to the Scriptures when theological correction is in order. They begin to understand that the Bible truly is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Second, this approach highlights the importance of proper theology. Doctrinal error is always a threat -- especially for young believers -- but proper attention to the Word helps guard against that danger. Models like this one emphasize the theological foundation on which churches are built. Third, it emphasizes the value of the church's studying the Word together. Believers not only learn the Word, but they also learn how to study it. Should some formulate false beliefs, the group takes seriously its responsibility to correct one another. Missionaries like John guide them in this group discovery process, lovingly correcting them as needed so they teach the Word properly to next generations. Fourth, it is reproducible. Indeed, John expects his students to teach other believers during the time between his training sessions. Because they now have a resource and a method to instruct others, they can reach and teach another generation of believers. Should questions arise they cannot answer, further training sessions with John and the group provide opportunities for more study. This method may be only a beginning in theological training, but it is a robust one. In eight sessions of reading, discussing and correcting, the believers formulate their theology about the Scriptures, God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Man, Salvation, the Church and Last Things -- all based on the Word. I suspect most believers in our North American churches seldom receive this level of training. I am grateful for missionaries like John who take seriously their responsibility to sow the Word, lead non-believers to follow Christ, teach believers a strong biblical theology, and equip them to plant healthy churches. They give me confidence that our support through the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is reaping fruit. Moreover, their work challenges me to strengthen my own efforts in these tasks right where I live in North Carolina. --30-- *Name changed. Chuck Lawless is dean of graduate studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., and global theological education consultant for the International Mission Board. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- TRUSTEES: GuideStone initiatives recapped by Timothy E. Head Date: March 13, 2014 - Thursday DALLAS (BP) -- Speaking from an Old Testament passage, Joshua 3:4-5, GuideStone Financial Resources President O.S. Hawkins told trustees, "We are challenging our employees to see 2014 as a 'Year of Transition' as we seize opportunities to enhance the financial security of our participants." Hawkins' report was part of the March 3-4 meeting of GuideStone trustees in Dallas, during which Chief Operating Officer John R. Jones and executive officers John Raymond and Ron Dugan reported on key facets of services provided by the Southern Baptist entity. Jones also was honored for 25 years of service to GuideStone during the trustee meeting. Hawkins, in his remarks to the trustees, said GuideStone "is going places in 2014 that we have never been before as we expand our ministry assignment by making our funds available to members of Southern Baptist and other evangelical churches." As a focal verse for the Year of Transition, Hawkins underscored Joshua 3:4, which reads "... you have not passed this way before" (NKJV). Jones updated trustees on GuideStone program areas in investments, retirement, insurance and financial assistance. Investments "Last year, GuideStone's theme was the 'Year of Performance,' and perform GuideStone did," Jones told trustees. "Total GuideStone assets ended the year at an all-time peak of $12.6 billion." Jones noted in a recap of GuideStone's investment funds' performance for 2013 that its Value Equity, Growth Equity and Small Cap Equity Funds exceeded the S&P 500 with one-year returns ranging from 34.5 percent to 38.0 percent for the GS4 share class. (Share classes are defined in the prospectus of each fund and largely relate to eligibility of participants and fund size.) Jones said that, while such high returns are not to be expected, they certainly were welcomed. GuideStone's Fixed Income and Specialty funds also performed well in relation to peers, he reported. According to Lipper Rankings, 10 of 14 GuideStone Funds performed above median over the last decade, although investment strategists note that past performance does not guarantee future results. "In addition, GuideStone Funds ranked 38th out of 225 mutual fund families in the most recent Fund Family Fiduciary Rankings prepared by fi360," Jones said, adding, "GuideStone Funds have ranked in the top 20 percent of all fund families in the fi360 universe for 12 consecutive quarters ending Dec. 31, 2013." The fo360 report ranks mutual fund families based upon the percentage of their individual funds that pass fi360's due diligence screens that include a fund's track record, assets, management tenure, style consistency, expense ratio, risk adjusted performance and performance relative to their peer group. Retirement Contributions to GuideStone's retirement plans were up 9.4 percent from 2012, Jones reported. "GuideStone is not only growing through its expanded ministry opportunities but also through its SBC base," Jones told trustees. "Indeed, the net number of active retirement plan participants has increased almost 6 percent over the last four years. And, the average account balance of a GuideStone retirement participant increased a cumulative 46 percent from 2007 to 2013." Property & casualty GuideStone's property & casualty program had its greatest year ever in 2013, through what Jones described as its strong relationship with Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co., based in Fort Wayne, Ind. "In 2013, GuideStone was able to close 63 percent of new business and to renew 100 percent of its existing business, resulting in $5.1 million in bound premium," Jones said. "The success in the number of churches and ministries covered and in the total dollar amount of insurance in force bear witness to the strength of that relationship" with Brotherhood Mutual. Agents with GuideStone Agency Services were named Agent of the Year and Rookie of the Year for Brotherhood Mutual in 2013. Jones attributed the surge of success in P&C program "to the Lord in bringing GuideStone and Brotherhood Mutual together some 21 months ago." Mission:Dignity Nearly 1,800 new donors made their first gift to Mission:Dignity during 2013, Jones said in regard to the GuideStone-sponsored avenue of assistance to retired Southern Baptist ministers and widows who face uncertainties as to how they will pay for their basic needs like food and medicine. "With 2,338 churches participating in Mission:Dignity this past year, that was the highest level of church participation in the history of the program," Jones said. The Mission:Dignity program provides financial assistance to nearly 2,000 retired ministers or their widows in crucial financial need. Information concerning Mission:Dignity may be requested by calling GuideStone at 1-888-98-GUIDE (1-888-984-8433) or by visiting www.MissionDignitySBC.org. GuideStone products & new investors Trustees also heard a report from Jones and executive officers John Raymond and Ron Dugan on expanded access to GuideStone Funds. "This initiative is the capstone of our long-range strategic plan, GuideStone 100, and is designed to enhance our economies of scale across all GuideStone entities to better enable us to continue to try and enhance the financial security of the pastor at the crossroads," Raymond reported. "The timing of this initiative is perfect because of the recent national recognitions received by GuideStone Funds and the positive peer ranking that have generated interest in GuideStone from many sectors." Dugan observed that this initiative "will not impede upon GuideStone's principle purpose of maintaining church plans and benefit solutions, and that our core focus as a church-benefits board will remain firmly intact." Trustees accepted the recommendation of their officers' nominating committee and elected Michael S. Hamlet of South Carolina as chairman and John R. Morris of North Carolina as vice chairman. At the Monday evening dinner meeting, trustees recognized Chief Operating Officer John R. Jones for the 25th anniversary of his employment with GuideStone. In addition, two trustees were honored as they reached the end of their terms of service: J. Timothy Wilkes of Alabama and Roger D. Phillips of New York. --30-- Timothy E. Head is the executive officer for denominational and public relations services at GuideStone Financial Resources. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Bible Drill now on smartphones, tablets by Eddy G. Oliver Date: March 13, 2014 - Thursday DULUTH, Ga. (BP) -- The Georgia Baptist Convention has brought the digital age to Bible Drill, developing an app to help students and leaders study the Bible on smartphones and tablets. Developed as a discipleship tool for children, students, adults and families, the app allows drillers to review the Bible through different activity and study options, Maria Brannen, a GBC state missionary in discipleship/spiritual renewal. "Kids are digital natives and this is a great way for them to have an opportunity for study at home during the week," Brannen said. The app provides a variety of study tools to aid in Scripture memorization, including options such as electronic flash cards. Additional activities are designed to help students learn and review Bible books. The app is pre-loaded with three translations used by Bible Drillers -- the King James Version, the Holman Christian Standard Version and the English Standard Version. Students and adults also have the option to share a verse they are learning via social media. Because it is not specific to Georgia's Bible Drillers, anyone can download the app for 99 cents in the iTunes store. "It's a great home study tool where students can learn even if no one else is around," Brannen said. "We hope to have a whole new generation of children who will have a passion for studying God's Word." Christian parents can use the app to help their children memorize Scripture, facilitating a faith connection at home for family activities, Brannen said. The app also can be used as a learning activity on an iPad in Bible Drill, Sunday School and missions classes at church. The app is already receiving five-star reviews on iTunes. "All my Bible Drill parents and teachers are downloading the app and they love it," a Bible Drill leader in Calhoun, Ga., said. "We have several church members who do not have children but simply want to be familiar with the material when the competition comes. Bible Drill is contagious!" An array of Bible Drill ideas also is posted on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/gabibledrill. First developed in the 1920s, Bible Drill's purpose is to teach the Bible, develop skills in locating Bible books and verses and in memorizing Bible verses and names of the Bible books chronologically as well as teaching personal biblical application. The GBC is the permanent host for the National Invitational Youth Bible Drill and Speakers Tournament. In 2014, the event will take place on June 20 at First Baptist Church in Helen. --30-- Eddy G. Oliver serves as state missionary in communication services at the Georgia Baptist Convention. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Bible Study: March 16, 2014 by Staff/LifeWay Christian Resources Date: March 13, 2014 - Thursday NASHVILLE (BP) -- This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups. This week's Bible study is adapted from the MasterWork curriculum. Bible Passages: Exodus 20:1-5, James 4:1-4 Discussion Questions: What does our culture tell us must be present in our lives for us to be happy? What is an idol? What are the indications that something good has been turned into an idol? Food for Thought: What do you really feel has to be present in your life for you to be happy, for life to be worth living? Maybe, if you were really honest, you'd have to admit it's money, the acclaim of others, power or perhaps family. Is it God? Is He what you most desire and want? Is His presence the one indispensable thing you could not live without? An idol is whatever takes the place of God in our lives. An idol is whatever we think we could not live without. It is what we think is an absolute necessity for life and happiness. In Exodus 20:5, God says that an idol is something we "bow down to," which means it commands our obedience. It is something we "serve," which means we pursue it because we feel like we couldn't live without it. As such, it controls our emotions. We are terrified at the prospect of not obtaining it. Finally, it is something we love more than we love God. Astoundingly, we often try to make God an accomplice in the pursuit of our idols. James said that sometimes when we pray, we don't get what we ask because "you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God" (James 4:3-4)? We can "pray like adulterers." That's a pretty disturbing analogy, but what does it mean? We are adulterers to God when we demand that He give us certain things so we can find a happiness, contentment and security in these things that we should instead find in Him. Jesus is the one essential we must have. He is life itself. Jesus is better than money. Jesus is better than human love. Jesus is better than any earthly pleasure. Jesus is better than earthly power. Jesus is better than popularity. It is a revolutionary, liberating truth that in Christ you have all you need for everlasting joy. His approval and presence are all you need for life and happiness. MasterWork MasterWork is an ongoing Bible study curriculum based on works from a variety of renowned authors and offers pertinent, practical messages that adults will find uplifting and enriching. The list of authors and their books to be studied in upcoming months can be found at www.lifeway.com/masterwork. Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool. --30-- -------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST-PERSON: Is the SBC relevant to a 21st-century world? by James T. Draper Jr. Date: March 13, 2014 - Thursday DALLAS (BP) -- A good question and one worth asking: Does our SBC have anything significant to say to this 21st century? I ask the question here in response to the contemporary idea that the age of denominationalism is past. It does us no good -- and actually does us harm -- to dwell on our size, numerical goals and our heritage. We can't live in the past. Our heritage is only as meaningful as its most recent application, meaning that all we have done in reaching the nations for Christ does not guarantee us relevance in the future. Being "Great Commission People" and "People of the Book" means daily seeking opportunities to engage the world with the power of the Gospel but in humility and with a heart of service. It is easy for us to point to all that we feel is "wrong" about the SBC. Yes, there are some things that need to be changed but mostly we need to refocus. Every individual Southern Baptist has the ability to decide whether to be part of the problem or part of the solution. The solution is found in engaging the world with the power of the Gospel in humility and service. "What relevancy does the SBC have today?" It's a good question and here's my answer. (1) The SBC foundationally has a vision for missions and evangelism. Taking the Gospel to the nations is in our DNA. Never could our denominational forefathers have predicted the geopolitical complexities of the 21st century, but the SBC is structured to literally reach the "uttermost" parts of earth. (2) There is strength in our cooperative efforts. We can do more together than we can by ourselves. Get beyond the cliché that many people have made this statement to be and contemplate its weight. We currently have more missionaries under appointment and more volunteers serving around the world than any other evangelical denomination. No one church, especially the smaller churches that comprise the majority in the SBC, can so completely cover the globe with resources, but together they can. The irony is that these totals are the tip of an iceberg. There is no reason why Southern Baptists couldn't involve thousands more missionaries and give billions of dollars to support them through the Cooperative Program and our missions offerings. We have the resources; we just have to give them. (3) Southern Baptists have a heart for soul-winning. We take seriously God's mandate to share the Good News of salvation. All ministries are important and have their place, but the greatest service we can provide to a lost world is personally introducing people to the Lamb who sits on the Throne. We have a long way to go to implement this vital soul-winning strategy, but it is in our hearts to do so. We just need to do it. (4) We love the local church. We understand that simply leading others to salvation is only part of the process. Jesus created the church -- His bride -- to be an integral element in His relationship with us. It is through the church that we grow spiritually. From the church we are sent out, and to the church we bring the lost for refuge. (5) We have a clearly defined doctrinal base. The Baptist Faith and Message outlines the area in which we move theologically and is a statement of "our faithfulness to the doctrines revealed in Holy Scripture." (6) Southern Baptists celebrate the autonomy of the local church. There is no hierarchical structure to force conformity on issues. Autonomy creates enormous freedom, and also tension (our structure actually invites controversy!). No action by the SBC or its entities is binding on any church. We volunteer to cooperate and when we do it creates a bond of steel. (7) We have developed the most effective theological training anywhere in the world through our seminaries with more than 16,000 students enrolled. In fact, all six of our seminaries rank in the top 15 largest seminaries in America. Men and women are formally being developed to impact the world with the Gospel and that impact will be felt for generations to come. (8) Resources provided by Southern Baptist entities have had a significant global impact in cultures worldwide and beyond our denomination. Am I boasting? Absolutely not! I trumpet God's blessings on us as a people and recognize that He has worked through us in spite of ourselves. Can we do more? Absolutely! Think how God would use us if we totally and humbly submitted ourselves individually and corporately to His leadership. Is the SBC a lost cause? Absolutely not! Remember, the story we are sharing with the world is one of grace, redemption, restoration and usefulness. Let's extend grace to each other and stay on point to be used of God. If we will, I believe that not only will good come from the SBC, but that the best is yet to come. --30-- James T. Draper Jr. is interim president of Criswell College in Dallas, president emeritus of LifeWay Christian Resources and a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Photographers capture missions, national attention by Staff/IMB Date: March 13, 2014 - Thursday RICHMOND, Va. (BP) -- Rahima* barely makes a living begging on the busy streets of Bangladesh. As Rahima and her two young daughters sat down on the edge of the sidewalk to eat a bag of cooked rice and vegetables, photographer Joanna B. Pinneo sees a story unfolding before her eyes and takes the shot. Each year IMB releases a special collection of their images taken during the past year. Many of those images compel Southern Baptists to give and go on missions to help relieve suffering through sharing the love of Christ. This article includes links to images and audio comments from photographers who covered the stories overseas. This year, IMB's CommissionStories magazine also was recognized by Pictures of the Year International as a finalist in their Best Publication Division/Best Magazine category. National Geographic received top honors in that category for Best Use of Photography by a Magazine. German Geo and the International Mission Board were the category's finalists. For more information about the award go to http://www.poyi.org/71/35/index.php. The following includes more details behind IMB's photographs. Click here to see full collection. Begging for a better life Through Pinneo's lens she was able to share Rahima's story. See the image here. Listen to Pinneo's comments here. Rahima and her family are forced to make a living in the best and most respectable way they can. This life of mere survival is not Rahima's choice. Her hope and dream is that her two daughters will have a better education and environment than she has had and become "good women." Rahima said, "I do not have any dream for myself. I only have dream and hope for my children." The Light of Hope Learning Center seeks to give girls an opportunity to expand their horizons and to make a living for themselves. The school, started by Southern Baptist worker Geri Hennerman,* lifts the girls up spiritually and provides them an education and handicraft skills. The teachers approach each girl as a whole person, treating them with respect, love and care. (See related stories from BP's May 14, 2013, edition). Hennerman said, "The stories, pictures and video have gotten many people more involved in all the Lord is doing here. We have heard from individuals, churches and groups via email and have also received numerous financial gifts." Because of this, pre-teen girls like Rahima's 9-year-old daughter Minara are able to attend the school five days a week. View a video update about the center and hear the Hennermans expressing their thanks to Southern Baptists for their support here. To get in touch with the Light of Hope Learning Center directors about how you or your church can get involved, email lightofhope916@gmail.com. Ongoing need Another visual story includes a Syrian child taking a nap in a rented home in northern Lebanon, where there are no official, government-backed refugee camps. See the image here. Listen to photographer Joseph Rose's comments here. Roughly half of the some 2 million refugees resulting from the Syrian civil war are children. (Read more at commissionstories.com/speakup). Southern Baptists have an ongoing relief ministry among Syrian refugees in four countries where they have fled. Contribute to the distribution of food packets, hygiene kits and temporary shelters at imb.org/syrianrefugees and designate "Syria relief" in the comment line. Swath of destruction A child runs along the rocky shore at Gibitngil Island, seemingly oblivious to the destruction caused to her community by Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. Behind her are the ruined structures of a small beach resort that provided a valuable tourism income for the tiny community. Gibitngil Island, like many communities that suffered almost total destruction, remained unreached by relief efforts for days because of its inaccessibility. Baptist Global Response (BGR) partnered with local IMB personnel to make assessment trips to many of these more isolated parts of northern Cebu Island to make plans for immediate and long-term assistance. See the image click here. Listen to photographer Hugh Johnson's comments here. For an update on related relief efforts, click here. To donate to Southern Baptists' Typhoon Haiyan Relief fund, click here. The selections IMB submitted were presented in memory of photographer Don Rutledge, who died in February 2013 at age 82. Traveling throughout the United States and to more than 140 countries for more than 40 years, Rutledge captured many moments of humanity and ministry in hundreds of classic photographs taken for the Home (now North American) Mission Board and later for the Foreign (now International) Mission Board. For many mission photographers, Rutledge revolutionized missions storytelling and influenced several generations of Christian communicators. His images helped millions of inspired viewers to understand, pray for and participate in missions. --30-- *Name changed. Story compiled by IMB. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).