
The original issue can be found at: http://www.baptistpress.com/issue-10/19/2005

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.


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Quake survivors’ needs differ from tsunami, but sharing Jesus is key to both efforts
by Goldie Frances*
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (BP)--The Oct. 8 earthquake that shook northern Pakistan and India has the region scrambling once again to meet enormous needs as recovery continues from the Dec. 26 tsunami that ravaged the countries of Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives.

Southern Baptist disaster relief response to the earthquake will be similar to its response to the tsunami: meeting medical needs, providing food, building temporary shelter and helping individuals generate income.

However, the differences between the two disasters are vast.

“In the tsunami, most of the casualties were instant, within hours,” Southern Baptist disaster relief specialist Philip Monroe* said. “I think with the earthquake, you’re going to see a significant amount of secondary injuries. Secondary injuries will be much greater from lack of shelter and exposure to the elements. The tsunami occurred in a tropical zone, so you didn’t have to worry about the change of the season.”

Winter snows already have blanketed the tops of the Himalayan Mountains, and Pakistani earthquake survivors say the snow will reach their villages within the next month, perhaps within two weeks. When the snow falls, it typically piles waist-high. The impending snows make finding shelter urgent for those who have none and limit the timeframe in which Southern Baptists can meet such needs.

Landslides continue to close mountain roads, making it even more challenging to reach some villages before winter weather arrives. Aftershocks are still common, one rocking Islamabad as recently as 4 a.m. Oct. 17.

“Another significant difference: as far as the tsunami, the international response matched the need,” Monroe said. “In Pakistan, here I will say there is just a dearth of available medical personnel to respond.

“With the tsunami, the world’s attention and the amount of international response resulted in astronomical resources to address the catastrophic need. The earthquake has not challenged the international community like the tsunami did; therefore, the response has not been as great as it should have been.”

One bright spot in Pakistan, however, has been the national response, Monroe said.

“In Sri Lanka and Indonesia, there was not much of national response by the citizenry, but in Pakistan, there has been an overwhelming response,” he said.

Much of that national response has come from the Christian community in Pakistan. About 96 percent of Pakistan’s more than 131 million people are Muslims. Only 2.3 percent are Christians.

Despite their small numbers, Christian churches are uniting to try to meet the needs of earthquake victims, one Christian believer said. They are buying and taking in supplies, translating for international relief workers, listening to the victims as they share their stories of grief and making a plan for long-term service.

Another believer from a Muslim background said he is wearing his cross necklace for the first time -– knowing that the cross will prompt conversations about Jesus, allowing him to share his personal testimony as he ministers among earthquake victims.

“This is the time to share the Gospel,” he said. “People are open. They call me ‘padre.’ I am praying with them.”

While the tsunami and the earthquake have not been the only disasters in South Asia in the past year, the two catastrophes affected large numbers of people who do not know Jesus as their Savior. The greatest similarity centers on the spiritual, Monroe said. 

“Each disaster occurred at the center of lostness,” he said. “This earthquake has opened the eyes of the victims and has softened their hearts. People are experiencing a great degree of grief right now. We can see God’s hand at work here, just like we did in the tsunami.”
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*Name changed for security reasons.



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Assisted by tsunami aid, volunteers in Asia continue ministry
by Jesse Lyautey
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--Workers and volunteers laboring to meet the immediate needs of people affected by the tsunami that hit South Asia and the Pacific Rim last December have utilized more than half of the $16.8 million given to the International Mission Board in response to the disaster.

Almost $9 million donated for relief has helped individuals and families in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and other areas rebuild their lives.

Now the board is moving toward long-term approaches to impact the area for Christ.

“Workers have been reassigned to different locations to help move relief work into long-term projects,” said Jim Brown, International Mission Board specialist for world hunger and relief ministries. “If doors stay open, efforts to help could last years.”

All funds -– 100 percent given –- go directly to help those affected by the tsunami. This is possible because Southern Baptist gifts through the Cooperative Program provide funds for administrative needs. Plus, CP monies and gifts through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering support IMB workers in the area.

Tsunami relief funds have been used in building homes and boats, repairing damaged or rebuilding destroyed schools and supplying drinking water, food and fishing nets.

In Thailand, more than 350 volunteers have used $2 million in relief funds to build 26 homes; minister to more than 17,000 families; build 50 boats; and distribute 8,250 fishing and crab nets.

Almost $4 million in relief funds has helped those in Indonesia obtain food and water purification; materials for boats, houses and schools; cooking and medical supplies; and livestock.

In South Asia, more than $2.5 million has bought sewing machines, thread and needles to help start jobs; food; and school supplies. The funds also have been used to build houses and provide medical care and hydraulic brick-making machines.

“We go in wanting to meet basic needs and God reveals ways for longer-term access to these locations.” Brown said. “In southern Thailand, the Sea Gypsy people group was hit extremely hard by the tsunami. Many of the Sea Gypsies have come to faith in Christ through the efforts of volunteers.”

House churches have started where volunteers have met not only physical needs but also spiritual needs. 

Volunteers and prayer partners are still needed to continue medical clinics and construction projects. To find out how to volunteer, go to http://going.imb.org or write to SouthAsiaVIM@wigtake.org. To help tsunami survivors, go to http://worldhunger.imb.org. 
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Watch an entire TC:Video about Southern Baptist tsunami relief online <a href="http://www.imb.org/videolink/findresults.asp?name=dm-1240">here</a>.

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At her childhood church, tears flow over hurricane's toll
by Keith Manuel
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

NEW ORLEANS (BP)--With tears flowing down her cheeks, Judy Hagler gasped as she saw for the first time the jumble of pews and sludge left in the Gentilly Baptist Church in New Orleans, the church in which she grew up.

She had driven from her home in Independence, La., to check on her once-beautiful community. Long moments of silence and more tears accompanied her stories of the past.

In 1951, 9-year-old Judy became the first person baptized in the current sanctuary by her pastor, William Fussell.

When Fussell resigned the church to return to Alabama, Judy and her best friend voted against the motion to accept the pastor’s resignation. “They came over and explained to us, ‘He is leaving anyway. We would like to make this unanimous.’ But we didn’t want him to go,” she recounted with a smile.

The grandfather of Judy’s late husband was one of the people responsible for the church being planted in the Gentilly community as a mission of Valence Street Baptist Church. 

As a child growing up in the church, she learned lessons about God’s love and care from the devoted people who taught in this community church. Children’s voices, full of giggles and prayers, echoed through its hallways. “The church was very huge then, we had about 600 members,” Judy said. “It looks a lot smaller than it did when I was a child.”

Now the church is eerily silent. No part of the church facility is left untouched by the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina. Six to eight feet of water rose through halls where weeks before worshipers walked.

As Judy looked at the mangled pews and the water lines staining the walls, she spoke with a cracking, tear-choked voice, “It’s sad. I just hope the church people that are here now will be back and they’ll want to rebuild it. &#91;The church&#93; was starting to deteriorate badly, before they took it over.... I think they had some really great plans for it.”

With a well-timed overstatement of the obvious, she laughed, “They will have to have new pews.”

“This is where my faith grew and was really established,” she reflected. “This is where I learned to trust &#91;in God&#93; and know everything will work for the best. But sometimes it’s very sad to see, especially for the ones who are still here.”

One of the lessons about faith Judy clings to through the overwhelming damage is, “We have no idea what purpose &#91;the storm has&#93; in the small scheme of things. But in the larger scheme, it is working toward &#91;God’s&#93; plan of salvation.”
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Keith Manuel is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in New Orleans.


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Photojournalists’ group nurtures support, witness for faith
by David Roach
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--In the mid-1970s, a group of 12 Christian photographers formed a mailing list to share prayer requests and encourage one another in their faith.

Led by Gary Fong, who is now director of editorial graphics technology at the San Francisco Chronicle, the group named itself Christians in Photojournalism and began ministering to photographers.

“A wonderful ministry 2,000 years ago got started with 12 guys, and it just kept going,” Fong told Baptist Press. “We thought that would be an interesting parallel. So we said, ‘If God wants this group to get going, He can use anybody to do it. And if it’s not us, it’s somebody else. And if it’s somebody else, they would get the blessings.... And we didn’t want to miss the blessings.’”

Thirty years later, the group has grown from 12 to 1,200 and includes Pulitzer Prize-winners, photographers from major newspapers and contributors to such noted magazines as Sports Illustrated and Newsweek.

“We met some of the best photographers in the country, who love God, who have some of the most interesting talents,” Fong said.

Christians in Photojournalism (CIP) requires no dues from members and does not hold many formal meetings, focusing instead on publishing a newsletter, maintaining a website at www.christiansinphotojournalism.org and encouraging one another through regular contacts.

“My personal vision is to see Christian journalists gather together and empower one another with encouragement not only in their spiritual walk but in their profession,” Fong said.

As non-Christian photojournalists observe the friendship and warmth of CIP, opportunities to share the Gospel frequently arise, Fong said, noting that over the years a number of photographers have committed their lives to Christ though the group’s witness.

Fong remembers when a woman approached him at the annual Southwestern Photojournalism Conference at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. A photographer herself, the woman told Fong that she heard him share how to become a Christian at a previous Southwestern Photojournalism Conference. She went home pondering Fong’s words and eventually committed her life to Jesus one night in her bedroom.

On another occasion when Fong spoke at the Southwestern Photojournalism Conference, he received word after the session that a photographer from the Dallas Morning News wanted to speak with him. When Fong approached the photographer, the man said with tears in his eyes that he wanted to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior. Fong went over the Gospel again with him led him in a prayer of commitment.

“There are just moments that a photographer will share with a photographer about things that we have a passion for -- not only our craft, but our faith,” Fong said. “The Gospel touched him just like it will touch anybody, and we’ve seen that time and time again.”

Despite the group’s lack of advertising, an average of one person per day asks to be on the mailing list. Many discover CIP through Google Internet searches for Christian photojournalists. Some newcomers are seeking spiritual answers and turn to the Christian photographers for wisdom.

“We love to share the Gospel and have an opportunity to do that and to fellowship and let our profession be a part of our ministry,” Fong said. “It doesn’t mean that we do a lesser job at our profession. We want to be the best that we can be in our profession, that God would get glory for that.”

CIP’s pursuit of excellence has contributed to some of the most famous pictures in photojournalism, including Fong’s photograph of the assassination attempt of President Gerald Ford, David Black’s photographs of the Olympic Games and Patrick Murphy Racey’s photographs for Sports Illustrated.

Each picture tells a story and those stories serve as reminders that God has used CIP to accomplish His work and His will, Fong said.

“We’re just blown away about some of the people God has brought our way,” he said. “There’s a joy in our heart that comes from hearing some of the stories. It’s amazing, and it’s every day.”
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Gallup poll latest to show Americans reject secular evolution
by Michael Foust
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--A majority of adults support the biblical account of creation according to a new CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll -- the latest in a series of polls reflecting Americans' tendency to reject secular evolution.

In the poll, 53 percent of adults say "God created human beings in their present form exactly the way the Bible describes it." Another 31 percent believe humans "evolved over millions of years from other forms of life and God guided" the process. Twelve percent say humans "have evolved over millions of years from other forms of life, but God has no part."

The poll of 1,005 adults, conducted Sept. 8-11 and posted on Gallup's website Oct. 13, is but the latest survey showing Americans tend to reject a strictly secular explanation for the existence of life:

-- A Harris poll of 1,000 adults in June found that 64 percent believe "human beings were created directly by God," 22 percent say humans "evolved from earlier species" and 10 percent believe humans "are so complex that they required a powerful force or intelligent being to help create them." In another question, only 38 percent say humans "developed from earlier species."

-- An NBC News poll of 800 adults in March found that 44 percent believe in a biblical six-day creation, 13 percent in a "divine presence" in creation and 33 percent in evolution.

"Nobody starts out as a Darwinian evolutionist," said William Dembski, professor of science and theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and the author of "The Design Revolution: Answering the Toughest Questions about Intelligent Design."

"You start out with a wonder of creation, thinking that there's something beyond it. And then it has to be explained to you why there really is no wonder behind it."

The Gallup poll was released amidst a trial in Harrisburg, Pa., over whether Intelligent Design can be taught in a Pennsylvania school district. Intelligent Design says that patterns in nature are best explained by pointing to a creator (that is, intelligence). Supporters of the theory of Darwinian evolution have opposed Intelligent Design, saying it is not science. Evolution teaches, in part, that humans evolved over millions of years from apes.

But despite the fact that public schools are teaching evolution as fact, Americans are not buying it. A November 2004 poll of 1,016 adults found that 35 percent said evolution was "just one of many theories and one that has not been well-supported by evidence." Thirty-five percent said evolution was "well-supported by evidence," while 28 percent didn't know enough about evolution to answer. In addition, a February 2001 poll of 1,016 adults found that 48 percent said the "theory of creationism" best explained the origin of human beings while 28 percent said the "theory of evolution" made the most sense.

Reflecting the argument Paul makes in Romans 1, Dembski said the "beauty" and the "extravagance" of creation -- the "beautiful sunsets, flowers and butterflies" -- points to the existence of a creator.

"Unless you're really indoctrinated into an atheistic mindset, I think &#91;the beauty of creation&#93; is going to keep tugging at our hearts and minds," he said.

Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, called the Gallup poll findings "incredible" and said they should be "encouraging" to conservative Christians.

"Virtually every American adult has had high school biology, and in high school biology they were taught as a fact that human beings evolved from simple life forms according to the Darwinian theory of evolution," Land said on his radio program, “Richard Land Live!” Oct. 15. "This &#91;poll&#93; must make high school biology teachers really depressed."

Said Dembski: "The secularized education system ... is not being executed as effectively as the secular elites would like. So that's something that we have to be thankful for -- that a lot of schools are not implementing it and forcing it down kids' throats. But it's still happening, and as far as it happens, the indoctrination can be quite effective."

For example, Dembski said, there is little public outcry over PBS programs such as "Nature" that are publicly funded and regularly present evolution as fact. Also, Americans themselves seem conflicted over what to believe. An August Gallup poll found that 58 percent said creationism was definitely or probably true and 55 percent said evolution was definitely or probably true -- meaning that many of those surveyed saw no conflict between creationism and evolution. And the Harris poll that found only 22 percent of adults believing humans evolved from earlier species also found that 46 percent believe apes and humans have a "common ancestry."

Americans, Dembski said, often try to take a middle road by believing God guided evolution. Nevertheless, he said, the poll numbers are promising for Intelligent Design proponents who are making their case in the public square.

"I think anybody who is on the God-had-something-to-do-with-it side -- whether it's through a direct act of creation or through some sort of evolution process -- is likely to give Intelligent Design a second look,” Dembski said. “We have a great pool of people that we can appeal to.
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CULTURE DIGEST: ‘A Life of Faith’ dolls serve as alternative to American Girl; reports of N.O. euthanasia investigated
by Erin Curry
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--As news reports indicate proceeds from bracelets connected with the popular American Girl dolls are going to support homosexual and abortion-rights causes, many parents are searching for alternatives for daughters who treasure the doll collections that come with life stories and multiple accessories.

A Life of Faith dolls, which are growing in popularity among Christians, provide role models that help girls imagine and experience a lifestyle of faith. This line of dolls features four main fictional characters: Elsie, Millie, Violet and Laylie, who are ordinary girls with extraordinary faith encountering inspiring adventures that make them intriguing heroines.

Similar to the American Girl dolls, A Life of Faith dolls emerge from different periods of American history and accompany books that chronicle their experiences and, in this case, testify to their devotion to Jesus.

In addition, A Life of Faith Clubs are being launched in churches, bookstores and neighborhoods across the nation in order to provide an environment for mentoring and discipling young girls, primarily ages 8-14.

“We believe parents are legitimately concerned because a brand they have trusted as wholesome has aligned with a group that supports abortion and lesbianism and all those things that parents see as harmful,” Sandi Shelton, president and publisher of Mission City Press, which makes the A Life of Faith dolls, told Baptist Press.

“What’s going on here is a battle for the hearts of children, and our company treasures the hearts of young girls,” she added. “We are all about helping girls love God and His Word because that is the only sure compass that there is in this world. Our line is designed to help mentor girls in their life of faith.”

For more information, visit www.alifeoffaith.com.

PROM CULTURE MARKED BY DECADENCE -- A growing trend among students and their parents today is to arrange for the utmost indulgence to accompany the rite of passage known as the high school prom, and the hedonism had gotten so bad at one Long Island school that the principal decided to cancel the event altogether.

“It is not primarily the sex/booze/drugs that surround this event, as problematic as they might be; it is rather the flaunting of affluence, assuming exaggerated expenses, a pursuit of vanity for vanity’s sake -- in a word, financial decadence,” Kenneth Hoagland, principal of Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, N.Y., wrote in a 2,000-word letter to parents this fall, according to the Associated Press.

“Each year it gets worse -- becomes more exaggerated, more expensive, more emotionally traumatic,” he added. “We are withdrawing from the battle and allowing the parents full responsibility. &#91;Kellenberg&#93; is willing to sponsor a prom, but not an orgy.”

In addition to pre-prom cocktail parties, chartered party boats and thousand-dollar dresses, students at Kellenberg last year made a $10,000 down payment on a $20,000 rental in the Hamptons for a post-prom party before the school found out about it and forced a cancellation of the deal, AP said.

“A lot of people have lamented the growing consumption that surrounds the prom,” Amy Best, author of “Prom Night: Youth, Schools and Popular Culture,” told AP, adding that it is not uncommon for students to pay $1,000 on expensive dresses, tuxedo rentals, flowers, limousines and parties.

But parents, she said, are largely responsible for the lavishness because they are often willing to pay for anything their children demand.

“It is a huge misconception that the kids themselves are totally driving this,” Best said.

Hoagland said he has received feedback from around the nation supporting his decision.

“We've received a thousand or so phone calls or e-mails expressing support because the prom culture is sick,” he said.

The school is working with students on a compromise. 

“They originally talked about moving the prom to the night before either graduation or graduation practice,” Robert Lawson, a student at the Roman Catholic high school, said on CBS, “because if you don't show up to practice, you're not allowed to walk, which I thought was understandable. We'd have our prom, the next day show up to practice.”

CORONER INVESTIGATES EUTHANASIA IN NEW ORLEANS -- As New Orleans flooded and looters roamed the city and supplies ran out, desperate medical workers at Memorial Medical Center secretly discussed the option of purposely ending the lives of those patients struggling to survive. 

About three hours after the idea was mentioned, Dr. Bryant King told CNN, two doctors and a hospital administrator gathered with patients in a triage area and the administrator asked if they wanted to join in prayer. Then one of the doctors revealed a handful of syringes.

“I don’t know what’s in the syringes. ... The only thing I heard the physician say was, ‘I’m going to give you something to make you feel better,’” King said in a CNN report.

King chose to leave the room at that moment because he did not want to take part in what he believed was about to happen. He boarded a boat and left, CNN said, and now the Louisiana attorney general’s office is investigating allegations of euthanasia or “mercy killings.” 

Forty-five patients died in the hospital, and the Orleans Parish coroner has attempted to determine the cause of death in each case but because of the deterioration of the bodies has had a difficult time determining the presence of lethal medications.

PASSION 06 RETURNS TO NASHVILLE -- Thousands of college students worldwide are already registering for Passion 06, which is returning to the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tenn., for the second consecutive year with speakers including John Piper, Beth Moore and Louie Giglio and worship leaders Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and the David Crowder Band.

The collegiate event, slated for Jan. 2-5, promises to build on the success of Passion 05 when 11,000 students converged to worship God and be challenged toward a more vibrant daily walk with Him. 

“Not only are we thrilled and humbled by the growing number of students making their way to join us in Nashville, we are excited about the possible impact of these four days on the collegiate culture as a whole,” Giglio, founder and director of the Passion conferences, said. “Millions of students are searching for a meaningful encounter with their Creator and we are praying Passion 06 becomes fuel for a generation that will amplify the name of Jesus to the world.”

Students are registering many times faster than last year and space is limited. Early registration ends Dec. 1, and more information is available at www.268generation.com.
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Land: Miers’ record will be nearly identical to Roberts’
by Tom Strode
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

WASHINGTON (BP)--Richard Land predicts Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers not only will be confirmed, barring an unexpected revelation, but her record will be nearly identical to that of new Chief Justice John Roberts.

“I believe that unless something very unforeseen emerges in the hearings, she will be confirmed, and five years from now there will be a less than 1 percent difference in her voting record” and that of Roberts, said Land, the president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, in an Oct. 17 television appearance.

The Senate hearing on Miers’ nomination to the high court is scheduled to begin Nov. 7, the Associated Press reported Oct. 19. The Republican leadership would like to hold a confirmation vote in the full Senate before the Nov. 24 Thanksgiving holiday, according to AP.

If Miers is confirmed by that date, she would replace retiring Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in time for Nov. 30 oral arguments in two abortion-related cases. One involves a parental notification law in New Hampshire while the other concerns pro-life protests at abortion clinics.

Land made his prediction about Miers in an interview on “Tavis Smiley,” a Public Broadcasting System program.

In response to questions from Smiley, Land continued to defend President Bush’s nomination of Miers, who has been the White House counsel. While evangelical Christian leaders such as Land, James Dobson of Focus on the Family and Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice have endorsed the nominee, many conservatives have expressed disappointment with or opposition to her.

“I personally think that the White House was completely blindsided” by conservative opposition, Land told Smiley. “And I would point out to you that most of that uproar, not all of it, but most of it is not coming from evangelical social conservatives. It is coming from other kinds of conservatives who are itching to re-fight Bork.”

Robert Bork is the former Reagan nominee to the Supreme Court who was rejected by the Senate in 1987 after a campaign of vilification by liberals inside and outside that chamber.

Land said, “I had one commentator say to me, ‘Don’t you think the president has deprived us of a positive, healthy, beneficial debate about the role of judges in America by nominating Harriet Miers?’ And I said, ‘No, I don’t think so.’ In this atmosphere in which we are today, where there is a poisonous atmosphere concerning confirmation hearings, I think the president is attempting to spare us a negative, divisive, corrosive debate that will do no one any good, particularly a nation that is at war.”

Smiley asked Land about a shift in strategy in which the White House, after appearing to emphasize Miers’ evangelical beliefs, is focusing on other aspects of her background and record.

Land said he was not a part of the White House strategy, adding, “And if they had asked me beforehand, I would have said that the idea of pushing her religious credentials is a bad mistake. I don’t think that a Supreme Court justice nominee’s religious beliefs ought to be part of the mix.”

Land repeated his previously made assertions that federal judges and justices should make decisions based on the “original intent and strict construction” of the Constitution.

He also reiterated his belief that Bush has earned the support of conservatives when it comes to judicial selections after four and a half years of “superb nominees” in the face of “unprecedented opposition.”

“If he tells us that Harriet Miers is a strict constructionist, original intent jurist who is going to interpret the law and not seek to legislate and make law from the bench, I believe he has earned the right to our trust until there is demonstrable evidence to the contrary,” Land said.

It was reported Oct. 18 that, during a 1989 race for the Dallas City Council, Miers endorsed a constitutional amendment to ban abortion except when the life of the mother is endangered. After she released to the Senate the questionnaire from a Texas pro-life organization, Sen. Sam Brownback, R.-Kan., said he “took some comfort from” her response, according to The Washington Times. Sen. John Thune, R.-S.D., said he felt a “level of comfort” after meeting with Miers Oct. 18. Brownback and Thune are among the pro-life, conservative senators who have been skeptical of Miers.

A public opinion poll released Oct. 18 showed white evangelicals provide the strongest support for the Miers nomination. They favor confirmation by 43-16 percent, but 41 percent are undecided, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center. Americans in general also are uncertain about Miers. While 33 percent of the public believes Miers should be confirmed and 27 are opposed, 40 percent are undecided.

Among other groups, non-evangelical white Protestants favor Miers confirmation 36-26 percent; white Catholics support her 32-31 percent while secular Americans oppose her confirmation 31-21 percent.

On the issue of homosexual “marriage,” Land told Smiley of an encounter with a Harvard University student who asked him last spring why he would want to interfere in a private relationship between two people.

“And I said, ‘First of all, where did you get the idea that marriage is a personal, private relationship?’” Land said. “Marriage is a social and civic institution, and every society in human history ... has determined that it has the right to regulate who can get married to whom and under what circumstances and under what circumstances they can dissolve that relationship.

“And right now, two-thirds of the American people adamantly oppose &#91;same-sex marriage&#93;,” Land said. “And I say to those who advocate it, if you want same-sex marriage, do what Dr. &#91;Martin Luther&#93; King did. Go out and change the hearts and minds of Americans. Don’t try to shove it down our throats through nine unelected justices.”
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GuideStone to expand dental coverage through CIGNA Dental
by Staff
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

DALLAS (BP)--GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention will offer a choice of three dental plans through CIGNA Dental beginning Jan. 1.

“We evaluated proposals from a number of dental carriers based on benefits, rates, provider networks, claims processing capabilities and customer service,” said Douglas D. Day, GuideStone’s executive officer of benefit services. “We chose CIGNA Dental primarily for their competitive rates and expanded dental PPO and HMO provider networks. Our estimates suggest that the change to CIGNA should result in significant savings that will help us to control plan costs in the upcoming years.

“With CIGNA as our dental plan provider, we’re able to offer access to expanded networks and greater service to our participants,” Day continued. “CIGNA’s broad provider networks give more of our participants the opportunity to take advantage of the negotiated discounts available through participating dentists and specialists.”

Southern Baptist ministers, denominational employees and seminary students are eligible to participate in the dental plans available through GuideStone. Dental plans for 2006 will include two PPO plans available in all states and a dental HMO plan available in 35 states.

“We’re pleased to be able to expand our dental HMO offering from our current 12 states to 35 states for 2006,” Day said. “With family coverage at around $35 a month, almost anyone in a dental HMO service area can take advantage of the savings available through this plan.”

In addition to coverage for dental care services, GuideStone participants who enroll in a dental plan gain access to discounts on a wide range of health and wellness products and programs through CIGNA’s Healthy Rewards. This program is available at no additional charge and includes discounts for Weight Watchers, massage therapy, acupuncture, contacts, glasses and frames, fitness club memberships and more.

Dental plan participants also have access to myCIGNA.com, an interactive website that offers individuals ready access to account information, claims status, provider networks and other useful account maintenance tools. Dental health tips, a glossary of dental terminology and dental health news and information also are available.

A list of PPO or HMO dentists participating in the CIGNA Dental network can be found at www.cigna.com or by calling CIGNA at 1-800-244-6224. Individuals currently enrolled in a dental plan through GuideStone will receive rate and benefit information about the new dental plans in the mail in October. Southern Baptist ministers, denominational employees and seminary students who would like information about enrolling in one of the dental plans available through GuideStone can get rates and a summary of benefits by visiting www.GuideStone.org or by calling 1-800-262-0511.
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Simple technology allows homebound to attend church
by Brooklyn Noel
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Margaret Coffey is a faithful member of Unity Baptist Church and “attends” services every week even though she is homebound and lives nearly 100 miles away.

Thanks to remote listening technology offered through LifeWay Christian Resources, Coffey can feel connected to Unity Baptist and a Christian family in spite of her inability to physically go to the Allardt, Tenn., church every week.

“She feels like she knows some people in the church,” said Linda Smith, Coffey’s daughter and a Unity Baptist member. “She feels like they know her and know of her and know me as her daughter. Mom really felt like she was connected.”

Many individuals resort to television or radio broadcasts of worship services when they must attend church from their living rooms. While these methods offer sermons and worship, they lack the personal connection a local church family provides. 

Mike Northcutt, pastor of Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala., recognized the need to provide worship opportunities for homebound individuals, but his church couldn’t afford to broadcast its services via radio or television airwaves.

Remote listening services served as an inexpensive but effective alternative for Eastmont and a growing number of churches learning to minister to an aging population.

The U.S. Census Bureau in 2000 reported that people over age 65 make up more than 12 percent of the American population. That percentage will only increase as the first baby boomers begin to reach age 65 in about 2011.

Earlier this year, the direct marketing department of LifeWay Christian Resources’ retail division began offering remote listening technology through Lightcast Networks.

Lightcast allows homebound individuals using a Lightcast Home Receiver to connect to their church’s broadcasts through existing phone lines. The receivers feature simple technology and near-radio-quality sound.

At Unity Baptist Church, when Raymond Phillips became pastor in early September, one of his first objectives was to meet with each of the seven people currently using Unity’s remote listening service.

“It’s important that people who are disconnected from the church physically can stay connected spiritually,” Phillips said.

One way he maintains that connection is by specifically addressing remote listeners during Sunday worship. Phillips said he sometimes uses his introduction time to recognize in-home listeners and let them know the church family is thinking of them.

Edward Baker, president and co-founder of Lightcast Networks, said the technology can “give them that connection with the congregation, the feeling they’re right there with their friends and family.”

Northcutt said remote listening devices actually serve a three-fold ministry purpose at his church:

Homebound individuals feel a spiritual connection through real-time worship, a physical connection through church members visiting the homes to install and maintain the listening equipment, and an emotional connection through a sense of “Wow, they care for me,” Northcutt said.

Allowing homebound individuals to experience Sunday worship is a key aspect of remote listening technology, but Baker said the equipment has potential in other areas, noting that churches have used the technology to connect homebound people to activities such as weeknight revivals, Christmas cantatas and Easter plays.

Additionally, the Alabama Baptist State Convention used a remote listening system to make its November 2004 proceedings available to people unable to attend.

“There’s no substitute for real time and feeling like they can be there,” Northcutt said.
--30--
For more information about remote listening services, visit LifeWayStores.com/Lightcast or call 1-800-464-2799.


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Extra copies of Mature Living popular at residence for seniors
by Polly House
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (BP)--Churches and senior adults have one thing in common -– most don’t have a lot of extra money.

A recycled magazine ministry to senior adults is not expensive, however, or time-consuming for the church, and it gives a popular product to the seniors at no charge. A perfect match.

Several churches in the Buncombe Baptist Association in Asheville, N.C., have made the lives of seniors in their area a little happier by recycling their copies of Mature Living magazine and sending them to Vanderbilt Apartments.

Mature Living, published by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, targets senior adults with articles that include travel, memories about earlier times, crossword puzzles and a Grandparents’ Brag Board telling cute anecdotes about grandchildren.

“We had a library in a small room on the third floor that really wasn’t used too much,” said Fred Thompson, an active senior at the Vanderbilt Apartments who is in charge of the facility’s book exchange and magazines. “We decided to move the books and magazines down to a table in the lounge where it is brighter and where most people go at some point during the day. It’s made a big difference and people are using the library more. They really do like Mature Living. Just about every copy we get is taken.”

Yvonne Martin, Joan Bradley and Tinia Gamble are among the Mature Living readers.

Martin called Mature Living “just about the best thing around. I read it, then cut out articles and send them to my daughter in South Carolina.”

Bradley, a longtime member of Merriman Avenue Baptist Church in Asheville, said the church has been providing her copies of Mature Living and HomeLife, another LifeWay publication. “I just appreciate it so much that my church gives these magazines to me. I enjoy reading and especially like the profile stories on Christian people in Mature Living.”

Gamble, who Thompson called a “Baptist-friendly Methodist,” said she liked everything about Mature Living, especially the Grandparents’ Brag Board feature. “I just love to read what those children say. It’s always so cute.” 

“Mature Living gives them something interesting to read and talk about,” Portia Gough, the resident services coordinator, said. “The stories spark conversations.” 

Gough said she is starting a reminiscing time for the residents where they will talk about Asheville history and their own personal histories, and she plans to use Mature Living to stimulate their thoughts. 

Norma Melton of the Buncombe Baptist Association staff encourages churches to send their magazines to the association office, which then distributes them. Requests for the magazines are made through the association’s newsletters and e-mails to the churches. 

“It’s something that any church can do,” Melton said. “It doesn’t matter if the church is small or large. It’s a ministry that matters a lot to the people who receive these recycled copies.”
--30--


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11 films to lift the spirit amid calamity & heartbreak
by Phil Boatwright
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP)--Disaster movies were all the rage in the 1970s, ranging from “Airport,” a star-studded actioneer that soared with moviegoers, to the killer bee threat “The Swarm,” which deservedly got stung at the box office. After this year’s hurricane and flood catastrophes, the last thing many will want to see is a movie about apocalyptic misfortune.

But some films containing tragic themes also show how man, aided by faith and God’s mercy, can persevere. Here are 11 “disaster” films in which calamity is overridden by the triumph of the human spirit.

Many of these films may be considered “old” by today’s movie attendees. My reason for including them is two-fold. First, I was looking for poignant films that lacked objectionable language or excessive violence (not easy to do when selecting from recent releases). And second, it profits a generation to see how difficulties were addressed in times past. Oh, and third, they’re great movies!

SAN FRANCISCO. (1936) In this lavish production, gambler Clark Gable is the embittered pal of devout priest Spencer Tracy. Gable is at war with God until he allows himself to open up to love. There’s an effective earthquake depiction, which leveled the City by the Bay in 1906. Just as powerful is the scene of redemption as Gable turns to God.

THE GOOD EARTH. (1937). The lives of a simple Chinese farmer and his struggling family are nearly destroyed, first by a plague of locusts, then by greed. Though it is quite old, the story is involving, containing insightful messages of love, honor and self-sacrifice.

TITANIC. (1953) Though “A Night to Remember” powerfully chronicled the ship’s sinking, this 1953 fictionalized account with Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck personalized the event. Here is a potent human drama where people face certain death.

WAR OF THE WORLDS. (1953) Nothing man can do seems to stop a Martian invasion. This may seem an unusual film to add to this list, as it is science fiction, whereas the others are based on real catastrophes. But I have included it because there’s a clear message that God is ultimately in command of our world. The remake of the H.G. Wells story with Tom Cruise was an effective action thriller, but I went into the theater expecting today’s filmmakers to eliminate the spiritual impact that was primal in this earlier version. Sure enough, much of the Christian symbolism had been removed. The theme of the book was metaphoric, an allegory, if you will, of man’s struggles and his ultimate salvation. In the 1953 film people gathered in churches, seeking God’s intervention. In the newer interpretation, directed by Steven Spielberg, a church is one of the first buildings to be torn in two during the first attack. It’s difficult not to see that depiction as a symbolic reaction to organized religion.

The earlier film, which featured Gene Barry, is a superior sci-fi actioneer, eerie and frightening, but also containing a positive message. Don’t miss the ending narration by Sir Cedric Hardwicke.

A VOW TO CHERISH. (1999) While this is the story of one family facing a devastating illness rather than floods and pestilence, the film pointedly examines the destructiveness of Alzheimer's, a disease that affects many families. The film goes beyond the dramatization of a certain affliction. Rather, it presents three-dimensional people who find fulfillment and strength through Christ, who is there amidst each travail. Made by World Wide Pictures, look for it at your local Christian bookstore.

THE SCARLET AND THE BLACK. (1983) Though not about nature’s destructive ability, this film and the remainder of this list demonstrate the world pulling together in order to defeat and repair Satan’s destructive force. A true story, it concerns a priest, played by Gregory Peck, who harbored allied POW escapees, and the Nazi official, Christopher Plummer, who tried to catch him. The message at the end of the picture should not be missed. It is a true example of Jesus’ compassion, reminding us to love our enemies. It has just been released on DVD.

THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES. (1946) Fredric March heads an all-star cast in this sensitive narrative of returning World War II servicemen adapting to civilian life. The seven-Oscar-winner also deals with prejudice and longing, but without offensive language or sexual explicitness. Real-life disabled veteran Harold Russell won two Oscars for this film -– as Best Supporting Actor and a special award for “bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans.” Although some of the dialogue may seem dated, it is involving storytelling that also reminds us that when wars end, struggles continue for those who sacrificed for their country.

THE CIVIL WAR. The quintessential examination of the War Between the States, made by acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns, is a moving testament to the foibles and nobility of the human conscious. Done in several episodes, it will take several evenings to digest, but I can’t remember a made-for-TV event that was more effective in its depiction of the American spirit. It is a remarkable achievement.

ANNE FRANK REMEMBERED. (1995) Anne Frank's diary has sold more than 25 million copies and has been translated into 55 languages. Her life and tragic death speak on behalf of the 1.5 million children killed by the Nazis. This poignant documentary works on several levels: a true life coming of age, the insight of a wise young girl, and the human capacity to survive.

Every teenager should see this film to witness the wickedness of bigotry and to be uplifted by the courage people can display. Though there are many screen versions of her story, this documentary is extremely effective, very moving. Filled with many intuitive moments, the video reminds us that soon no one will be here to tell the personal events associated with that horrific time. It is rated PG for the depiction of the concentration camp atrocities briefly seen toward the end of the film.

THE HIDING PLACE. (1975) Yet another film with WWII as a backdrop makes my list because man’s inhumanity to man is just as insidious as the indifferent forces of nature. Corrie ten Boom worked with the underground during the war, helping to save many Jews. Imprisoned herself, she learned “there is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still.” Available at many Christian bookstores.

OUR VINES HAVE TENDER GRAPES. (1945) A charming look at rural life during the beginning of WWII featuring Edward G. Robinson and Margaret O'Brien, this film contains a respect for Christianity, life, and the price we pay for freedom. Keep Kleenex handy for Margaret's sacrifice as she rallies the town to become part of the fight against evil.

I love movies. The motion picture combines the essence of all the other art forms. But keep in mind that artistic interpretation is just that -– man’s interpretation. God communicated His reasoning and love via the Bible, so that’s where we should ultimately seek His truth and comfort. No one gets through this veil of tears without facing trials and tribulations. And every thinking man will at some point question God, “Why me, why us?” David did it. Moses did it. But people who embrace the Scriptures will have an inner awareness and strength to ease them through seasons of doubt and discomfort. To be prepared and buoyed up for such seasons, keep reading God’s Word. 
--30--
Phil Boatwright reviews films from a Christian perspective. For further information, go to his website at www.moviereporter.com.


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FIRST-PERSON: Establishing credit
by Howard Dayton
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

GAINESVILLE, Ga. (BP)--My friend and fellow cofounder of Crown Financial Ministries Larry Burkett used to say, "The first myth about credit is that you must have it. You don’t." Larry believed that you shouldn’t establish credit unless you have a specific purpose for it and know how to use it wisely.

Regrettably, in today’s world teenagers often are heavily indebted before they turn 20. Many teens get into trouble with credit because: (1) they’ve been told they need it and so they’re desperate to establish credit; (2) credit is being offered them even when they are without jobs; and (3) it’s easy for them to qualify for more credit than they can manage. 

The first thing we recommend is to do without credit as long as you can. The less credit you have, the less credit you’ll be tempted to use. We also discourage the use of credit for any consumer items, such as entertainment, food, clothes or repairs. Those things usually become obsolete long before the debts are paid. Unfortunately, even fast-food chains have joined the long line of those who want us to purchase with plastic.

The safe way to establish credit initially is to borrow against an acceptable asset. For example, if a person has $1,000 in a savings account and wants to borrow the same amount, most banks will lend the account holder $1,000, using the savings as collateral. Usually, the lender charges from 1 to 2 percent more for the loan than the prevailing savings rate. So it would cost about 2 percent interest to establish a good credit history. For a one-year loan of $1,000, the net cost would be approximately $20.

In fact, as we know, it’s not even necessary to go through this process to get a credit card today. But even if a person does follow this suggestion, it neither implies that everyone should get a credit card or that having one means the person will be able to manage one properly. Nevertheless, the point is this: The discipline of saving should first be acquired -- otherwise that readily available credit can cause a whole lot of harm. 

Because credit is accompanied by responsibilities and rights, people need to know what those responsibilities and rights are before they apply for credit. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) ensures that all consumers are given an equal chance to obtain credit. But before making application for a credit card, shop around and compare interest rates, annual fees and services of different credit card companies. Consider the finance charges, expected monthly payments and types of accounts or uses to which the card is limited. Check to be sure there will be no hidden charges that can be applied to the bill. It’s sensible to get a credit card that is widely accepted. However, before committing to any credit card company, read the credit application contract -- that means the entire contract -- and read it carefully.

Creditors are required to state the cost of borrowing in common language so that customers can figure out exactly what the charges for borrowing will be. Since credit costs vary, you need to remember two terms when comparing credit prices from different sources. Under the Truth in Lending law, the creditor must list in writing the finance charge and the annual percentage rate. The finance charge is the total dollar amount that has to be paid to the creditor to use the credit card. It includes interest costs and sometimes other costs, such as service charges and some credit related premiums or appraisal fees. The annual percentage rate (APR) is the percentage cost (or relative cost) of credit on a yearly basis. These are the two keys to comparing credit card cost, regardless of the amount of credit or the allowable payback time offered by the creditor. 

Larry’s three principal rules regarding the use of credit cards were these:

-- Never use a credit card to buy anything that isn’t budgeted. 

-- Pay the entire credit card bill each month. 

-- The first month the entire credit card bill cannot be paid, destroy the cards.  

The difficulty encountered when people attempt to reestablish credit reinforces an important truth taught in Proverbs 22:1: "A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold." 

It takes a long time to build a good reputation but very little time to destroy it. Although God is faithful to forgive, this doesn’t mean that the consequences of violating His principles of finance can be avoided. There is no quick fix to damaged credit. The best way to reestablish credit is through the disciplined use over a long period of time of whatever credit is remaining. In addition, if all past debts have been repaid, then each creditor should be personally contacted and asked to review the credit rating they have given to the credit bureaus.

Another helpful option in reestablishing credit is to obtain a secured credit card. A secured card is a bank credit card that is established by depositing money in a bank account. The account serves as security for the card; if the bill isn’t paid, the money in the account may be used to cover that debt. 

Again, remember that the "first myth about credit is that you must have it, because you don’t." Use credit only for specific purposes for which you have budgeted and planned. And know how to use credit wisely. Lenders may promote the idea that a person should establish credit at an early age. But, in fact, the earlier you learn and put into practice biblical financial principles, the better off you’ll be. And the longer you can go without credit the chances are less that you’ll have to depend on it later.
--30--
Howard Dayton is CEO of Crown Financial Ministries. Dayton and the late Larry Burkett joined forces in 2000 when Crown Ministries, led by Dayton, merged with Christian Financial Concepts, led by Burkett. The new organization became Crown Financial Ministries, on the web at www.crown.org.


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FIRST-PERSON: How to get a life when ministry drains it out of you
by David R. Brumbelow
Date: October 19, 2005 - Wednesday

HIGHLANDS, Texas (BP)--Years ago my dad and I, both pastors, attended an associational meeting. The speaker lamented a survey revealing that something like 75 percent of all pastors had considered leaving the ministry. Dad -- Joe Brumbelow, who in his lifetime was pastor of several churches in South Texas -- commented, “The results worry me, too. I’m concerned that 25 percent of the preachers lied.” 

Most every pastor has considered quitting. Stress, burdens and heartache are common among professional clergy. As a young preacher I learned much from my dad about how to "get a life" while in the ministry:

-- Laughter is a good medicine (Proverbs 15:13; 17:22). It can cure what ails you or at least make life a little more bearable. Laughter takes the edge off difficulties. Laugh often. Joke, when appropriate, with your church members and your family. If you are a believer, you have ample good reasons to smile. Humor also enhances and illustrates your Bible teaching. Through humor a pastor can reveal the joy of the Lord. 

-- Find humor in practically every situation. Joe Brumbelow certainly did. Even a serious circumstance sometimes brought a smile or humorous comment. "Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying," he surmised. "Brother Joe", as most everyone called him, enjoyed biblical humor such as Job's telling his questionable friends, "No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you" (Job 12:2, KJV). Funny situations abound; recognize and enjoy them.

-- Be serious about your ministry but not too serious about yourself. You may be an outstanding minister, but God can get along fine without you. The world does not hang on your shoulders. Dad ended a lot of stress when he prayed one day, "Lord, this is Your church, not mine. I’ve done all I know to do. If You want it to die, then let it die." He recognized that God ultimately was in control. That day he took his burdens to the Lord and left them there.

When you make a mess of things, don’t try to hide it; just admit it and have a good laugh at yourself. As my old college friends once said, "Lighten up."

-- Use humor that is appropriate. Humor can cut as well as heal. Be careful of misunderstandings. Sometimes humor is better understood in person than in writing (or in e-mail.) Don’t use off-color humor at all. Limit some humor only to family or your closest friends. Keep some thoughts to yourself!

-- Everyone needs a diversion. Vance Havner quoted Jesus' telling His disciples, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Havner said, "If you don’t come apart and rest, you will just come apart."

With Dad, relaxation meant fishing. He’d go wade-fishing and forget the world's cares. He complained that live shrimp (which he used for speckled-trout fishing) were way too expensive. He then concluded with a smile, "But it’s cheaper than paying $60 an hour for a psychologist." Fishing was his "stress therapy." Gardening also relaxed him. He could bring something good out of the worst of soils. A diversion is not a waste of time; it’s something you need. Being spiritual when you are physically tired is difficult. Get enough rest. Joe Brumbelow joked, "Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is to take a nap."

-- Fellowship with fellow ministers. The old spiritual says, "Nobody knows the trouble I’ve known, nobody knows but Jesus." But those in ministry often know, understand and care. Don’t just seek out persons of the same age. Make friends with ministers that are older and younger than you. Late in his ministry, Brother Joe considered being friends with the younger ministers on the staff at First Baptist Church in Lake Jackson, Texas (where he served at the time of his passing in August 2002) to be an honor. Dad instructed young preachers to attend associational, state and national conventions. Sometimes these get boring and tedious. But you need the instruction; you especially need the fellowship. Laugh, cry and pray with other preachers.

-- Lean on your family and closest friends for your deepest emotional needs. Brother Joe said, "I would rather be known as a great husband and dad than to be known as a great preacher." Make your home a fine place to retreat. My mother played a vital role in this area. A church can be a loving family. But don’t expect members to meet needs that only a close family or the closest of friends can meet.

-- Most of all, lean on Jesus. Nurture your personal relationship to the Lord. More than anyone else, Jesus understands the trouble you’ve known.
--30--
David R. Brumbelow is pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Highlands, TX and author of a book about his dad, "The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow: Favorite illustrations, personal stories, humor, history, folklore, and lessons learned from over 50 years in the ministry." The book is available in bookstores and also through the publisher at www.hannibalbooks.com.



