
The original issue can be found at: http://www.baptistpress.com/issue-09/03/2008

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2,000 refugees in Georgia fed by Texas relief workers
by Mark Kelly
Date: September 03, 2008 - Wednesday

GORI, Georgia (BP)--Families displaced by fighting in the Black Sea country of Georgia are expressing profound gratitude for a feeding ministry Southern Baptist relief workers are conducting in Gori, a member of the relief team has told Baptist Press.

A seven-member team of disaster relief specialists from Texas Baptist Men cooked hot meals for about 2,000 people who have taken refuge in 18 kindergarten buildings in Gori, the team member reported.

"We are really starting to ramp up the relief operation," the team member said. "Many of these people have not had a hot meal in more than three weeks."

As people receive the meals, which are being provided through the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund, they thank the volunteers profusely, the team member said.

"One lady just could not stop saying, 'Thank you,'" he said. "One man was crying as he accepted the food."

One woman who lives near the local Baptist church came to where the volunteers are working and asked for some soup, the team member said. She took it back to her apartment in an old paint bucket. Touched by the fact that she had nothing better to carry the soup in, one of the team members found a teapot near the church, cleaned it up, filled it with soup and took it to the lady's apartment.

The Texas team left Aug. 27 to set up the feeding operation and are expected to be joined by a seven-member team from the Kentucky Baptist Convention scheduled to depart Sept. 4 and a 10-member team from the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma leaving Sept. 7, according to Jim Brown, U.S. director of Baptist Global Response, a Southern Baptist international relief and development organization.

Each team is expected to be on the ground roughly 10 days, Brown said. Before the Texas team leaves, a total of 24 Southern Baptist specialists will be in Georgia at the same time.

The responsibility of cooking for refugees housed in the kindergarten buildings is expected to be turned over to the Italian Red Cross, the team member noted. When that happens, Southern Baptists will turn their attention to converting a building shell owned by the church into a soup kitchen for the refugees.

Dealing with the multitude of details involved in conducting a relief effort has been difficult, but it is worth it to see the joy and hope in people's eyes, the team member said.

"It's an adventure, but it's been challenging," he said. "God is stretching our faith and showing Himself faithful. We're looking forward to seeing what God will do here."

Relief workers on the ground in Gori asked for prayer on several counts.

"Please pray for logistics. We've had some interesting dealings with other humanitarian aid organizations," the team member said. "And pray the good relationships with the Georgian government and the Georgian Red Cross would continue.

"We'd also ask people to pray for the delivery of food," he added. "Delivering food to the 18 kindergartens today was kind of challenging. If we also start feeding at the private homes where refugees are staying, that difficulty could easily multiply."
--30--
Mark Kelly is an assistant editor with Baptist Press. Baptist Global Response is on the Internet at gobgr.org.


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Gustav spawns ministry by Baptists
by Staff
Date: September 03, 2008 - Wednesday

ALEXANDRIA, La. (BP)--The most extensive damage from Hurricane Gustav's winds in Louisiana is in a triangle formed by Baton Rouge, Alexandria and Lafayette, according to Gibbie McMillan, Louisiana Baptists' disaster relief coordinator.

Across the state -- from the coast to the northern tier of parishes -- flooding from the storm surge and tropical rains (more than 20 inches in multiple locations) will require cleanup operations, with volunteers especially needed to assist the elderly and people with special needs.

"We are much better prepared this time than when &#91;Hurricanes&#93; Katrina and Rita came, but the damage is still major," McMillan said. "The Louisiana Baptist &#91;disaster relief&#93; teams are moving into place to assist, and teams from our partnering states are arriving to make a difference in the name of the Lord. The Red Cross and Salvation Army have requested Southern Baptists to prepare almost 400,000 meals per day at various locations &#91;in Louisiana&#93;."

David E. Hankins, executive director of the Louisiana convention, said, "As we discover needs, we are confident that Southern Baptists will rally to help those in need. We are grateful for the disaster relief volunteers who are already on the job."

To assist the pastors and churches in the hurricane-stricken areas, the convention's website, www.lbc.org, offers various opportunities. The opportunity to give online to the Hurricane relief fund also is available. 

In Mississippi, relieved residents expressed gratitude that Gustav delivered only a glancing blow to the state, unlike Hurricane Katrina three years earlier that came ashore near Bay St. Louis and caused widespread destruction not seen since Hurricane Camille in 1969.

"No doubt, it could have been much worse," Jim Futral, executive director of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, said of Gustav. But, Futral noted, "&#91;S&#93;till there is destruction and loss" across the Mississippi Gulf Coast."

Futral added, "People along the Gulf Coast held their breath for several days as Hurricane Gustav was making his arrival. Already, Southern Baptist Convention disaster relief feeding and recovery teams have been mobilized and deployed into areas damaged or destroyed by Gustav."

Jim Didlake, director of men's ministry for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board who is part of a disaster relief team on the coast, reported to the The Baptist Record, the convention's newsjournal, "The spirit of the people to whom we've talked is good."

Didlake reported on the morning of Sept. 2 that many areas of the Gulf Coast encountered considerable flooding, downed trees and electrical power outages.

"There's going to be a need for some cleanup and 'mud-out' work," Didlake said, referring to the procedure used when Baptist volunteers remove materials such as wallboard and carpet from a home that has been flooded.

"There will also be a need for financial assistance, building materials and repair work," Didlake said.

Donations for Mississippi disaster relief ministries can be made payable to Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, designated to Hurricane Relief on the memo line, and mailed to the MBCB Business Office, Hurricane Relief, P.O. Box 530, Jackson, MS 39205-0530.

As in several other states, a number of Mississippi Baptist churches have joined with churches in several other states to open their doors to evacuees from south Louisiana and south Mississippi. Officials estimated the Louisiana evacuation alone at nearly 2 million people.

The Madison campus of Jackson's First Baptist Church, for example, served as a shelter for 70 elderly residents evacuated from St. Margaret's Daughters Home in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.
--30--
Compiled from reporting by John Yeats, director of communication for the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and William H. Perkins Jr., editor of the Mississippi Baptist Record.


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New York judge says governor can order out-of-state 'gay marriages' recognized
by Staff
Date: September 03, 2008 - Wednesday

NEW YORK (BP)--A New York State judge dismissed a lawsuit Sept. 2 against Gov. David A. Paterson, ruling that he acted within his power when he ordered state agencies to recognize "gay marriages" from outside the state.

Although the decision by Justice Lucy Billings could be appealed, it nevertheless is a victory for "gay marriage" supporters nationwide. If Paterson's May directive stands, it will mean that the nation's first (California) and third most populous states will recognize "gay marriages" in one form or another. Unlike California, New York homosexual couples cannot get "married" within the state, but they are only a short drive from Massachusetts or Canada -- both of which border New York -- where "gay marriage" is legal and they can obtain a license.

The lawsuit against Paterson, a Democrat, was filed by the Alliance Defense Fund, a pro-family group, on behalf of 16 state taxpayers, including two state senators and three state assemblymen. The suit stated that the governor "does not have authority to declare which unions will be recognized as valid marriages in New York" and that such authority belongs to the legislature.

But Billings disagreed, saying "gay marriage" is not specifically banned in New York. She ruled that Paterson's directive was a "permissible, if not mandated, step toward the objective of equality for a group for whom legal as well as practical barriers to equality persist."

The Alliance Defense Fund and other pro-family groups noted that the legislature has considered the legalization of "gay marriage" and thus far rejected it. The Democratic-controlled New York Assembly last year passed a bill that would legalize such relationships, although it has yet to pass the Republican-controlled Senate. 

Opponents of "gay marriage" also say the controversy over Paterson's directive underscores the need for states clearly to define the definition of marriage in state law. This fall three states -- Arizona, California and Florida -- will consider constitutional amendments that would protect the natural definition of marriage, thus banning "gay marriage."

Jim Campbell, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, criticized Billings' logic.

"This decision enshrines the radical notion that the State of New York should forfeit its autonomy to define marriage for itself," he said, according to The New York Times.
--30--
Compiled by Michael Foust, an assistant editor of Baptist Press. 


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Connecting young adults to their faith
by Kelly Shrout
Date: September 03, 2008 - Wednesday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Ministry as usual will not cut it, Jason Hayes said, for the new demographic of young adults seeking depth, authenticity and answers to the hard matters of faith

Hayes, young adult specialist for the Threads initiative of LifeWay Christian Resources, was among the featured speakers at a "Connect Conference" Aug. 25-26 in Nashville, Tenn., sponsored by the Southern Baptist entity.

The conference, geared for church leaders who work with young adults, included several sessions focusing on recent statistics about young adults ages 18-34.

Hayes described the statistics as offering a challenge and an opportunity for ministry with young adults.

"I don't view these statistics as a problem," Hayes said, "but a chance for God's name to be great among a generation that is spiritual, but not religious." he said.

Hayes outlined four markers of things that matter most to young adults -- community, depth, responsibility and connection. The markers were developed from an extensive eight-month survey of young adults from varied geographic, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. The markers also are discussed in detail in a new book, "Lost and Found" by Hayes and Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research.

CREATE COMMUNITY

"What we found is that young adults desire to do life together," Hayes said. "They desire relational equity and community that goes beyond casual hellos. They want to pour their lives into each other."

Providing practical tips for the conference attendees, Hayes said community should hold forth a connection between a Christian's actions and personal convictions. Community also should minimize church jargon, provide an atmosphere where it's OK to not know all the answers, provide personal illustrations and encourage life application. 

"Above all, community among young adults must be biblical," Hayes said. "It will be a failure if we raise a generation who are just friends. Growing in the likeness of Christ is essential."

PROVIDE DEPTH

"What we found in our research is that young adults who are churched are saying, 'If we are going to stand for truth in a world that is not standing for truth, we want to be equipped,'" Hayes said. "The unchurched are saying, 'We are not going to make a decision at face value. We want to make informed decisions when it comes to matters of faith.'"

To provide depth, young adult leaders must engage in theology, apologetics and offer insight on worldviews and other religions, Hayes said.

"Our God is a never-changing God, yet He is constantly relevant," Hayes said. Noting that young adults want the opportunity to go deeper into the truths of God's Word, Hayes advised, "Teach the whole Bible, foster discussion and answer the difficult questions of faith." Also: "Offer quality, exegetical Bible teaching and sing theologically sound music that accurately depicts the Word of God." 

CULTIVATE RESPONSIBILITY

For churched young adults, responsibility comes in the form of service, evangelism and missions. For unchurched young adults, social action and global responsibility are a huge priority.

"For both church and unchurched young adults, we have found that both recognize that their choices make a difference and they want to improve the world around them," Hayes said. "As a result of this heightened sense of responsibility, we can help create a door for service and evangelism."

MAKE A CONNECTION

Younger adults place a "heavy value ... on connecting with people who have more life experience than they do," Hayes said. "Some would call this mentoring or cross-generational ministry. The bottom line is that they want to learn from someone else's experiences. They're looking for a connection with the church and a connection with people who are willing to walk alongside them and give a little advice here and there."

Hayes encouraged conference attendees to connect personal application to convictions. "If an absence exists between what you say and what you do, young adults will become quickly disinterested," he said. "If you desire for your church to be a healthy body that raises the banner of intergenerational ministry, you need to personally invest in this generation as well."

Scott and Tricia Johnson, who attended the conference as volunteer young adult leaders at Athol Orange Baptist Church in Athol, Mass., said the research presented during the conference accurately portrays the young adults with whom they work.

"The young adults we serve desire community and depth," Tricia said. "We have kids who may not believe in God but they are willing to come to social events or service events. We want to keep a relationship with them any way we can so they continue to hear the Word of God."

Scott agreed that "the responsibility aspect of young adult ministry does make sense."

"Young adult ministry is not about wowing this generation with the latest shows, but about allowing them to impact their world," Scott said. "Those who come to our church are extremely interested in supporting events that make the world a better place. In providing opportunities to serve, we ultimately hope nonbelievers will make decisions for Christ."

Randy and Lori Dongiovanni from Grand Rapids, Mich., also identified with the themes presented at the conference.

"This conference really opened my eyes to the main characteristics of the postmodern culture and how young adults view the world around them," said Randy, young adult and evangelism pastor at Grand Rapids First Assembly of God. "As a result of this conference I will be a better listener to the young adults I serve."

The Connect Conference also included main teaching sessions by Stetzer and others, small-group discussions and a question-and-answer panel forum.

The next Connect Conference will be Sept. 4-5 in Charlotte, N.C., followed by conferences in Jackson, Miss.; Orlando, Fla.; and Tulsa, Okla. For more information about the young adult ministry at LifeWay, visit www.threadsmedia.com. 
--30--
Kelly Shrout is the employee communications editor at LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.


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Texting keeps New Orleans seminary alert
by Gary D. Myers
Date: September 03, 2008 - Wednesday

NEW ORLEANS (BP)--Since Hurricane Gustav, good news has been arriving to cell phones of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary families through NOBTS' new priority text messaging system. 

The system has been an information lifeline for the seminary community during the evacuation. When the storm moved out of the New Orleans area, a brief text message offered the following report:

"Campus secure. Damage minimal. Reopening Monday. Return possible Thursday. Praise the Lord!"

Many seminary students, professors and staff members first heard about the evacuation through the text messaging list, and they also have received daily updates on campus' status.

Among the many lessons learned following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, seminary officials worked to develop more reliable communication options. The priority text message system was implemented to provide urgent, concise messages to the seminary family in emergency situations. Since the system was implemented in 2007, the seminary has urged students, professors and staff members opt in to the system via a secure online registration.

The seminary also developed a plan to address the computing needs during an evacuation. At the start of hurricane season, the seminary rented a moving truck to take essential computers and servers to the seminary's North Georgia Hub in Atlanta.

By Sunday, Aug. 31, the seminary's servers and website management had been transferred to Atlanta. The move ensured that the seminary website would be available to provide information throughout the storm. Longer, more detailed messages have been posted on the site.

Kelley wrote on the seminary website Tuesday, "The news continues to be good. Our operations crew and others are already at work cleaning up the campus, and similar work is beginning all over the city." Kelley noted: "We had no flood damage at all, and no evidence yet of any internal damage to buildings, homes, or apartments." 

With the website working properly, the seminary community has more access to information, such as a "frequently asked questions" section, such as a report that the campus sustained a few missing shingles on buildings, damaged fences and downed trees from Gustav. Power already has been restored to the front of campus. On the back of campus which includes most of the student, faculty and staff housing, power is being restored gradually.

Kelley has used the web updates as an opportunity to provide pastoral encouragement to the seminary family.

"I conclude this update with a personal word from the journey of my soul with God. These last three years have been for me a Ph.D. seminar on the mercy of God," Kelley wrote. "There is a mystery I cannot penetrate on how and why God chooses the mercy He provides to His people. What is crystal clear, however, is that in ALL circumstances God gives mercy and grace sufficient for the needs of his children (Romans 8:28-39).

"That is a conviction that is becoming very precious to me, and I hope to you," Kelley continued. "Perhaps because New Orleans has a seminary training leaders for the Church all over the world, God is using our city as the location for this Ph.D. seminar in His mercy. In any case, I pray that we will all be faithful witnesses to the glory, mercy, and grace of God in these times and circumstances." 
--30--
Gary D. Myers is director of public relations at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.


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Preventive care begins with you
by Tamara Quintana
Date: September 03, 2008 - Wednesday

DALLAS (BP)--We hear a lot these days about rising health care costs. I know when I see a bill from my doctor, I'm sure glad I have health insurance. But insurance isn't enough. I firmly believe that if health care costs are ever going to stabilize, it's up to me to do my part to stay healthy. 

By taking some common sense steps and with a little help from our doctors, each of us potentially could save thousands of dollars on health care and also prevent injury, illness, disability and premature death.

Making responsible lifestyle choices is the first step toward good health. Here are a few tips:

-- Don't smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.

-- Maintain a healthy weight.

-- Get regular exercise.

-- Choose a diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.

-- Fasten seat belts and be sure that kids ride in proper safety seats.

-- Brush and floss regularly.

-- See your doctor and dentist regularly.

One of the most important things you can do for your health and your family's health is to schedule regular checkups with your physician. You should discuss any risks due to your lifestyle, family history or other factors, and follow up regularly with appropriate preventive tests.

PREVENTIVE CARE GUIDELINES 

Preventive care is as important for your health as treatment is when you're sick. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (www.ahrq.gov/clinic/USpstfix.htm) has developed guidelines to help keep you and your family on track with preventive care screenings and exams needed for your particular age and gender. Discuss with your doctor the types of tests and timeline for your age and health history.

For adults, the focus of preventive care is to eliminate high-risk behaviors and screen for chronic and/or life-threatening diseases. For children and young adults, the focus is on maintaining or developing healthy lifestyle habits and eliminating high-risk behaviors. For infants and young children, physical and mental development, immunizations, nutrition and safety are key.

The guidelines have been created for the general population who do not currently have symptoms or disease. If you have a medical condition like heart disease, asthma or diabetes, recommendations for some tests may be different. Your doctor can help you determine how often certain tests should be performed to maintain your health.

You can help put prevention into practice by working with your doctors to make sure you get all the preventive care you need. Take charge of your health and live a longer and healthier life.
--30--
Tamara Quintana is the director of the employee wellness program for GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.


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SBC disaster relief teams roll into La.
by Adam Miller
Date: September 03, 2008 - Wednesday

CLINTON, Miss. (BP)--The night's warm breeze gave way to a drizzle as Kentucky Baptist disaster relief units rolled out of Camp Garaywa, a Woman's Missionary Union camp located in this small town west of Jackson.

The camp has long served as a staging ground for disaster relief operations, including those following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. "I was here and went down there after Katrina," says Michael Webb, who served on a recovery unit then and today volunteers with the feeding unit as Kentucky Baptists prepare to serve 30,000 meals a day in Thibodaux, La., nearly four hours away.

While most Southern Baptist disaster relief units routinely handle 10,000-30,000 meals per day, units in Houma and Baton Rouge will handle American Red Cross and Salvation Army requests for 110,000-150,000 meals as Louisiana Gulf Coast residents without power seek food and refuge.

Feeding units are traveling to affected areas from Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia and Kentucky with more possibly to follow. Many of these units also will begin recovery operations in coming days as residents return home to find flooded or wind-damaged homes and downed trees. 

Places such as Baton Rouge will be in feeding operations into next week. Evacuees are still making use of shelters in Shreveport and Alexandria, La.

As residents return home, they are asking disaster relief organizations and FEMA for essentials such as blue tarps to keep the rain out of damaged homes.

On Sept. 2 as disaster relief units made final preparations in response to Hurricane Gustav, many Baptist volunteers reflected on Katrina, a storm that changed their ministry lives.

Kentucky disaster relief communications specialist Johnny Kitchen said he decided to use his ham radio skills after he went 8-10 days without talking to his wife, who worked in a feeding unit in New Orleans following Katrina.

"I was in communications in the Army," he said. "When I couldn't talk to my wife for more than a week because cell service was down, that's when I decided to use my interests to help people in trouble."

Today Kitchen will join Tom Westerfield as they pull behind a trailer packed with ham radio, shortwave radio, scanners and a special communications system that allows them, via the web, to communicate with the North American Mission Board's disaster operations center in Alpharetta, Ga.

"If you get into a disaster situation and you can't communicate, you can get in trouble," said Westerfield, who learned the craft more than 30 years ago. 

After a long night of preparing generators and gas containers, they enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes, sausage links, cereal and coffee. Afterward, a red 18-wheeler and half a dozen other vehicles began the 215-mile trip to Thibodaux. 

During the overall response to Gustav, Southern Baptists have deployed 41 feeding units to prepare and serve more than 500,000 meals to victims, first responders and volunteers in hurricane-affected areas and at regional shelters. Another 17 shower units have provided victims and workers with about 2,000 showers.

The 58 feeding and shower units are being staffed and mobilized by 21 state Southern Baptist conventions, including those in Alabama, Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, Arkansas, Missouri, Ohio, Kansas/Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Baptist General Convention of Texas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Arizona, New Mexico and California.

Heavy rains continue to hamper relief efforts. An Arkansas disaster relief team serving in Alexandria, La., awoke Wednesday morning to find their personal vehicles flooded and two inches of water in their food preparation kitchen unit. None of the equipment was damaged, but personal vehicles sustained water damage.

Meanwhile, SBC disaster relief personnel in the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia and Florida already are planning for Hurricane Hanna, now hovering near the Bahamas but predicted to strike the East Coast this weekend.

To donate to Southern Baptists Disaster Relief efforts, visit www.namb.net or call toll-free 866-407-6262. 
--30--
Adam Miller is associate editor of On Mission magazine at the North American Mission Board. Mickey Noah, a staff writer for the North American Mission Board contributed to this article.



