The original issue can be found at: http://www.baptistpress.com/issue-12/10/2012 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------- ANALYSIS: Survey shows CP legacy, challenges by Roger S. Oldham Date: December 10, 2012 - Monday NASHVILLE (BP) -- Southern Baptists are putting their CP treasure where their missional heart is, according to the most recent Cooperative Program survey conducted by LifeWay Research. (See today's [INSERT URL] Baptist Press story on the survey's findings.) The Southern Baptist Convention was created to elicit, combine and direct the energies of Baptists "for the propagation of the Gospel," as noted in the SBC's 1845 charter. The convention's formal purpose, meanwhile, is the "promotion of Christian missions at home and abroad," according to its constitution. And the convention has embraced a missional vision to "present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world and to make disciples of all the nations," stemming from messengers' approval of the final report Great Commission Task Force of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2010. To help accomplish these goals, the convention adopted a program of cooperative giving we today call the Cooperative Program. A comprehensive vision The Cooperative Program is the means by which Southern Baptists work together to provide financial support for the missions and ministries in their respective states, across the nation and around the world. For 87 years, the Cooperative Program has provided Southern Baptists a cooperative means to fulfill a missional vision of building what Frank Page, president of the SBC Executive Committee, calls "A Strong Home Base with an Aggressive Global Vision!" In cooperation with CP-funded state convention ministries and the SBC ministries of the North American Mission Board, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and the six SBC seminaries, local churches seek to establish a strong home base. In partnership with the CP-funded SBC International Mission Board and state convention overseas partnerships, local churches champion an aggressive global vision. A look to the past State conventions, many of which existed prior to the founding of the SBC, already were engaged in vibrant ministries such as colleges, hospitals, orphanages and a host of missions societies. Formation of the SBC provided new opportunities to engage in an aggressive vision of missions and evangelism. It also created new challenges. These new SBC ministries drew their support from the same churches that provided funds for state ministries. Soon, representatives from all of these ministries flooded the churches with financial appeals. The outcome of this "direct-appeal" approach was less than ideal. More visible ministries received larger offerings while other important ministries suffered in want. Support for all ministries was unpredictable from one year to the next. As the number of ministries increased, available resources to support them was diluted. In some instances, the cost of raising funds reached as high as 50 percent of the amount raised. Church and ministry leaders were frustrated with the time, effort and money it took to generate a never-sufficient financial base. The convention needed to "elicit, combine, and direct" its financial resources fairly and dependably. A biblical model Facing desperate circumstances, the SBC acted to address its continuing financial challenges. In 1923, the convention commissioned the "Committee on Future Program" to come up with a solution. The committee wanted a plan that was biblical -- one that would incorporate both storehouse tithing and special offerings; rational -- one that would address all essentials of ministry in proper proportion; and dependable -- one that would provide consistent, equitable support for the ministries Baptists deemed essential in their respective states and in the Southern Baptist Convention. The committee sought to develop an overarching strategy that would produce consistent, long-lasting results. It wanted a program of giving that encouraged regular contributions by churches. It aimed for convention-wide coordination and proportionate distribution. Two years later, when Southern Baptists gathered in Memphis, Tenn., for their annual meeting, the committee introduced a plan they believed would be coordinated and fruitful. Their proposal utilized the biblical ideals of obedient giving, on a regular basis, in proportion to one's blessing from God (1 Corinthians 16:2). They called it the "Co-Operative Program of Southern Baptists." A simple plan The design of the Cooperative Program is remarkably simple: -- Churches pray over and approve their annual budgets based on anticipated tithes and offerings from their members. -- Cooperating churches prayerfully commit to give a percentage of their undesignated receipts through the CP. -- That percentage is sent to the state convention on a monthly basis and becomes the basis of the state convention's ministry budget. -- Each cooperating state convention prayerfully commits to send a portion of its CP contributions to the SBC for distribution to the convention's missions and ministries. -- The SBC determines an appropriate allocation for each of its approved ministries, following a model of prayerful reflection and messenger approval. The original plan called for states to deduct the costs of promoting the CP, with a goal of forwarding 50 percent of the remainder to the SBC for its missions and ministries. As the 2010 Great Commission Task Force report showed, this goal continues to resonate with Southern Baptists. A generation of success During that first year, cooperating churches contributed an average of nearly 11 percent of their undesignated contributions to this new, integrated plan for supporting convention missions and ministries. This level of response continued for more than 60 years: From 1925 through 1989, cooperating churches continued to forward an average of 10 percent of their undesignated gifts through the Cooperative Program. During this same 60-year period, the SBC portion of the CP forwarded from the states fluctuated between a low of 26 percent during the Great Depression to a high of 39 percent in 1989. Following a slow decline through the 1990s, the percentage forwarded by the states began rising steadily in 2002 and now stands again at nearly 39 percent. At this level of support from the churches through their respective state conventions, the SBC was able to enlist, empower and equip the largest evangelical missions force in the world -- full-time field personnel fulfilling their ministry goals without the distraction of needing to raise their own support. The convention also built a consortium of low-cost theological education unrivaled in Christian history. Changing times The SBC was not immune from the societal and demographic changes traced by Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow in his twin books, "The Restructuring of American Religion" (1988) and "The Struggle for America's Soul" (1989). In the almost 25 years since his groundbreaking works, commitment to denominational structures has only gotten weaker. As the new LifeWay Research survey shows, Southern Baptists pastors who are 55 and older are more likely to support the Cooperative Program, believing the CP supports missions and ministries their churches value. They also are more likely to think convention entities use their CP contributions effectively and to place a higher value on the ministries the CP supports. Younger pastors (ages 18–44) are less likely to believe the convention's entities use their CP contributions effectively and are less willing to agree that the CP supports SBC ministries and missions their churches value. It is also interesting that, according to the survey, younger pastors are less likely to say improving the vitality and health of existing churches and developing an evangelism strategy for North America are essential. Few of today's Southern Baptists were alive when the failed system called "societal giving" held sway. Most are unaware of the devastating failure of the Seventy-Five Million Campaign during the opening decades of the 20th century. Promising great success with more than $92 million pledged, the capital fund program only generated $58 million, plunging the convention's entities into massive debt and threatening their very existence. Changing demographics Over the past two decades, Southern Baptists' greatest growth has been among ethnic congregations. Many of these newer churches are unacquainted with the history, value and successes of the Cooperative Program. As they become more fully informed about the missional impetus behind the CP, their support for the CP is increasing. Some ethnic churches, having been planted or assisted through Cooperative Program investment, already share a missional commitment to the CP. They believe in the principles of cooperative giving and support the CP as a key component of their missions giving strategy. A tipping point While the dollar amounts contributed through the Cooperative Program continued to increase through 2008, the average percentage forwarded by the churches to their respective state conventions began a downward slide in the late 1980s. Over the past two and a half decades, the average percentage forwarded from the churches through the CP has declined by almost one half -- from 10.52 percent in 1987 to 5.41 percent in 2011. Messengers from cooperating churches must join SBC entity leaders by thinking about the question, "Does there come a point at which we can no longer count on the CP as a dependable source of funding for our collective Kingdom ministries?" And, relatedly, "What other options do we have?" Convention leadership at every level must continually take strides to build the trust that is the glue that holds the convention's missions and ministry enterprises together. The LifeWay Research survey is encouraging in that it shows the majority believe God still desires to use CP-funded missions and ministries to fulfill His Kingdom enterprises. The survey is instructive in that it reminds us that trust must be earned from one generation to the next to undergird a Strong Home Base in order to maintain an Aggressive Global Vision for presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world. --30-- Roger S. Oldham is vice president for convention communications and relations with the SBC Executive Committee and executive editor of its journal, SBC LIFE, where this article first appeared. Portions of this essay are adapted drawn from "Forged by Faith ... One Sacred Effort," the second DVD in the Forged by Faith series, based in concept on the book by Chad Owen Brand and David E. Hankins titled "One Sacred Effort: The Cooperative Program of Southern Baptists" (Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2005). The Forged by Faith collection is available online at www.sbc.net/ForgedByFaith -------------------------------------------------------------------- Leaders: Window open for immigration reform by Tom Strode Date: December 10, 2012 - Monday WASHINGTON (BP) -- A window for the federal government to enact "top-to-bottom" immigration reform stands open for now, supporters are saying. Advocates for comprehensive reform of the United States immigration system expressed new optimism at recent events in Washington. They urged Congress and the White House to work together quickly before the window of opportunity closes. There is a "fairly narrow window," Southern Baptist ethicist Richard Land said Dec. 5 at a summit sponsored by Human Rights First. Advocates have until early 2014, when congressional primaries begin, "to get this done before election politics begins to intrude its ugly head again into this issue," he said. "The country is hungry for seeing bipartisan agreement in this town, and I think this is an issue where we can achieve it, and we need to do so while we still have this moment," said Land, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. On the same panel, nine-term Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D.-Calif., told the audience, "I do think we have the first real opportunity since I've been a member of Congress. ... and I'd like to have it done by Easter." Immigration is "a mess from top to bottom, and we need top-to-bottom reform," she said. "I think we have a real opportunity at this point to do top-to-bottom immigration reform." The optimism comes more than five years after the last push for immigration reform failed despite the efforts of then-President George W. Bush. The November election that reform advocates said demonstrated the increased voting power of Hispanics provides a significant reason for legislative movement in addressing a long-standing problem that has resulted in about 11 million illegal, or undocumented, immigrants in this country. The calls in the country's capital for a new push to enact reform came amid other developments the same week that provided hope for success: -- Sen. Marco Rubio, R.-Fla., said Dec. 5 he is "really hopeful we can deal with the issue of immigration holistically" in the next two years "in a comprehensive package of bills," Politico reported. -- Former President Bush called in a Dec. 4 speech in Dallas for "a benevolent spirit" in addressing immigration, according to The Dallas Morning News. "America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time," said Bush, who has expressed regret he didn't push for immigration reform before Social Security reform after winning the 2004 election. -- A new study based on U.S. Census Bureau data through early 2011 confirmed illegal immigration has experienced a sustained decline in recent years and there is no net migration from Mexico any longer, the Associated Press reported Dec. 6. The survey showed 11.1 million illegal immigrants in the country, virtually the same as in 2009. At the Human Rights First panel discussion, Thomas (Mac) McLarty pointed to three factors that have changed in recent years on the issue: (1) border protection is much more serious and efficient; (2) the latest election changed the political landscape, producing a "wake-up call" for Republicans especially, and (3) Mexico's economy has improved. McLarty, chief of staff for President Clinton and cochairman of a 2009 task force on immigration for the Council on Foreign Relations, also expressed optimism about a new reform effort. "It still has some tough politics to it, no question about that," he said. Land told summit participants President Obama and leaders from both parties in Congress must provide real leadership "to construct a conscious coalition of the middle -- of the moderate conservatives in the Republican Party and the moderate progressives in the Democratic Party who will wall off the radicals on the right and the radicals on the left who will try to sabotage this." "[I]t's going to take a disciplined coalition of the middle, which I think represents at least two-thirds of the country, in terms of their attitudes on this issue, to get this done," he said. Republicans told reporters at a Dec. 4 news conference their party needed to change tactics. Conservatives and Republicans "have been talking to the wrong crowd; we've been worried about the wrong people; we've been pandering in some cases to a small minority of our party," said Mark Shurtleff, Utah's attorney general. Brad Bailey, a Houston businessman and co-founder of the Texas Immigration Solution, said, "[T]he vocal minority has hijacked this issue, and we need to fight back." At the news conference, Hispanic evangelical leaders said immigration is a biblical, moral issue but acknowledged politics is involved. They pointed to the Republicans' need to change if they hope to gain votes among Hispanics. Exit polling indicated only 27 percent of Hispanics voted for GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who had called for self-deportation during the primaries. Pollsters said the Hispanic vote moved four states -- Colorado, Florida, Nevada and New Mexico -- into the Democratic column, said Luis Cortes, president of Esperanza. The Hispanic evangelical church is conservative, but the Hispanic vote "moved away from social values to family values" in the latest election, Cortes told reporters. "One of every five Latinos knows someone who has already been deported, and they're all members of our family, our extended family. So we voted against self-deportation," he said. The Hispanic electorate is expected to double by 2030, and Texas and Arizona likely would be the next states to switch party columns as a result, Cortes said. "So at the end of the day, what's in it for the Republican Party is survival," he said. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, said the GOP has an opportunity to make gains if it acts soon on immigration reform. "If they pass this in 2013, [the Republicans] will have three years to redeem the narrative" among Hispanics, Rodriguez told reporters. "If they wait 'til the end of the game, it could be difficult next time around." Both Cortes and Rodriguez also said Obama must show his commitment to reform. "The president promised the first-term immigration reform. It did not happen," Rodriguez said. The Obama administration announced in June an executive action that will immediately permit illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children to apply to be free from the threat of deportation and to seek authorization to work. "There are skeptics in the Hispanic community saying, 'Was that an act of political expediency or was he really committed to that as it pertains to a moral imperative?' This is his time to prove that wasn't an act of political expediency but rather he is wholeheartedly committed," Rodriguez said. "So what's the president's role? He must be the moral and the national spokesperson for comprehensive immigration reform." The Dec. 4 news conference featuring religious and business leaders, as well as law enforcement officials, came on the first day of a two-day strategy session attended by more than 250 people. Land and others made visits to congressional offices seeking support for reform legislation. The coalition organized by the National Immigration Forum cited three consensus points: Recognition of the need for border security and safety in communities; establishment of a just pathway to legal status and citizenship for undocumented immigrants; and modernization of the immigration laws. On Nov. 13, Land joined nine other leaders of the Evangelical Immigration Table in asking Obama and the leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives to meet with them in early 2013 to discuss a bipartisan solution to the controversial issue. --30-- Tom Strode is Washington bureau chief for Baptist Press. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Plush puppies become LifeWay stores' ministry by Jon D. Wilke Date: December 10, 2012 - Monday SOUTHAVEN, Miss. (BP) -- What started as an idea sparked by a hospitalized child has grown into a "Jesus Loves Me Plush Dog" outreach through LifeWay Christian Stores' 160 locations nationwide. Sherry Parnell started the Christmas Plush Donation at the LifeWay store she was managing in Southaven, Miss., outside of Memphis. But call it her idea, and she is quick to say it was all God -- that He spoke to her out of a crisis her family experienced. In 2006, Parnell's infant grandson Will was hospitalized during Christmas for a serious illness. A year later, Parnell was thanking the Lord for Will was healthy and wasn't in the hospital. That's when the Lord reminded her that other families were experiencing what her family had been through. Parnell shared her desire to do something for hospitalized children and their families with assistant manager Mary Gowen and other store employees. They decided to encourage their staff and customers to buy the store's plush bear to give to children spending Christmas at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, where Will had been treated. On Christmas Eve, Parnell and a few employees went to the hospital and personally delivered 167 bears to all the patients and families on every floor. The next year more than 200 plush animals were donated. The ministry has grown every year since. Parnell retired in 2011 after more than 24 years with LifeWay Christian Stores. The Christmas Plush Donation, now a plush puppy, has expanded to all LifeWay Christian Stores, with each location and a local ministry partnering to provide the special gifts for children in need. Customers can purchase the Jesus Loves Me Plush Dog at LifeWay stores for $5. They come in three different colors, with the words, "Jesus Loves Me," sewn into their red hats. The plush puppies are then donated to local hospitals, Baptist Children's Homes and other groups for needy children. "Expanding this program to the entire chain was an easy choice," said Scott Chancey, marketing director for LifeWay Christian Stores. "Every year we've been amazed at the generosity and support of our customers." More than 100 stores worked with nearly as many charities to provide more than 50,000 plush animals last year. Customers also may participate via LifeWay.com by purchasing a Christmas plush puppy to be donated to the Front Porch Ministry for at-risk kids in Nashville, where LifeWay's headquarters are located. The Christmas Plush Donation has extended to other times throughout the year as store employees and customers alike suggest ministry opportunities to LifeWay. Mark McMillan, manager of the LifeWay Christian Store in Tallahassee, Fla., said customers donated about 500 plush toys to the local police department to give to children at crime scenes, domestic violence calls and traffic stops. The plush toys ride along in the patrol cars ready to be given out when a child is separated from parents during a domestic dispute. "The police give the plush animals to those kids who at no fault of their own are in the middle of a tough situation ... to provide a little comfort when the kids are scared or worried," McMillan said. "It's a great ministry and honor for us to help with these kids through the plush campaign," he said. The employees at the Southaven LifeWay store have watched the ministry's outreach grow daily. Opportunities to partner with churches, ministries and community organizations have "just snowballed," Mary Gowen said. "We have been blown away by the generosity of our customers." "People driving by the Southaven store may see only a business, but its faithful customers and employees know it is truly a ministry," said Mick Houston, LifeWay's director of store operations. Whether through the Christmas Plush Donation program or other avenues of service, Houston noted, "Every day there are opportunities to share hope and encouragement to anyone who walks through the door." "I love the people. I love serving the Lord," Gowen said. "This is my ministry. ... There's nothing more satisfying than telling someone about Jesus or helping them find their first Bible." Parnell agreed, "There are so many needs and so many people ... who have never heard the Gospel. And if you get a chance to plant a seed, then why not? We can easily miss opportunities, but if we're attentive to them we can find ways to minister to people." Local store contact information is located online at LifeWay.com. --30-- Jon D. Wilke is media relations manager for LifeWay Christian Resources. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Md./Del. convention has multi-ethnic flair by Staff Date: December 10, 2012 - Monday SILVER SPRING, Md. (BP) -- The 177th annual meeting of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware included participation by several ethnic churches as well as the largest number of language church members ever present at the convention's annual gatherings. With the theme "We Can't Stop," based on the account of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin in Acts 4, the meeting at Global Mission Church in Silver Spring, Md., drew 260 messengers and 96 guests. During worship, groups from Burmese, Chinese, Haitian, Kenyan, Korean and Nepalese churches shared hymns and praise music in their native languages, and an international dinner featured American, Chinese, Haitian, Hispanic, Korean and Nepalese foods. Robert Kim, a BCM/D Asian church planting missionary, told messengers the convention hosts two language ministry events each year -- a Palm Sunday music festival and a concert of prayer in the fall. Also during the Nov. 11-12 meeting, the convention's executive director, David Lee, announced he will retire July 31. Lee said God changed his life at age 15 and it made "all the difference in the world." "My life in ministry has not always been easy, but I can stand here and tell you God has always been faithful," Lee said. "It has been such a privilege to serve you and to serve with you. When I came here, I was given specific tasks by God. I'm convinced that that assignment has been completed," Lee said. During his address, Lee referred to the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and warned that the church may be moving toward a world similar to the first century when Christians could face lions' dens or fiery furnaces. "I am concerned that we may not be far from living in a strange land that we will no longer recognize," Lee said. "We may be about to experience 'Daniel World,' an exile of sorts, where our freedoms will be limited. Following Christ will have a price tag. "It's so critical that you and I join hands and hearts together, and we're going to need leaders to step up and keep it together because what is in front of us is going to require the very best in all of us," Lee said. Dennis Kim, pastor of Global Mission Church, speaking on the theme "We Can't Stop Praying," told messengers, "All the days I've been here in America, I praise the Lord for you." "Korean Christians learned to pray from Western missionaries," Kim said. At Global Mission Church, prayer is a priority, he said, noting that prayer warriors are praying at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, resulting in God's blessing on the church which now has eight services. Chuck Lawless, dean of graduate studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, spoke on the theme "We Can't Stop Pursuing," using John the Baptist's statement in Mark 1:7. "When's the last time you were so amazed by Jesus that you stopped wherever you are in your spiritual journey?" Lawless asked. "I don't care how long you've served the church. You just had to stop and say, 'Who is this?' See, when we don't have those moments, we lose our wonder. "It's one of the reasons God puts us in the boat that's going into the storm. It's in the storm we find out just how mighty the Son of God is," Lawless said. Messengers elected Robert Anderson, pastor of Colonial Baptist Church in Randallstown, Md., president and re-elected Ron Smith, pastor of First Baptist Church in Havre de Grace, as first vice president and Andrew Bell, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Essex, as second vice president. There were no nominations for recording secretary or assistant recording secretary, so Anderson will appoint officers to fill those vacancies. Messengers approved a $6,102,609 BCM/D budget, a 0.2 percent increase from 2012, and a $1,877,300 Skycroft Conference Center budget, which was a 1.3 percent increase from 2012. For 2013, the budgeted Cooperative Programs receipts are expected to total $4,250,000. BCM/D allocated 43.5 percent to Southern Baptist Convention missions and ministries, which includes a 0.5 percent-of-budget increase approved by messengers. The remainder, or 56.5 percent, will stay in the BCM/D. The budget does not designate any shared expenses with SBC. John Schoff, representing the Baptist Foundation of Maryland/Delaware, delivered to the convention a check for $137,882 for the starting and strengthening of churches. The funds were derived from interest on loans provided to churches. Harold Phillips, pastor of Pleasant View Baptist Church in Port Deposit, Md., introduced a statement to reaffirm the BCM/D's 2011 resolution defending traditional marriage, which messengers approved. Next year's annual meeting will be Nov. 10-12 at Ogletown Baptist Church in Newark, Del. --30-- Based on reporting by Sharon Mager, a correspondent for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. -------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST-PERSON: Men, don't stop dating your wife by Eric Geiger Date: December 10, 2012 - Monday NASHVILLE (BP) -- While there is not a biblical mandate to have a date night every week with your spouse, there is the command to love your wife as Christ loved you (Ephesians 5:25). And how did He love us? He pursued us when our hearts were cold to Him. He continually wooed us to Himself. He offered Himself fully for us to establish an everlasting relationship, one that will endure for all time. Men often stop pursuing and dating their wives with the same passion with which they initially pursued them. And this is a poor reflection of the greater marriage we have with Christ. When God confronted the church at Ephesus, He rebuked them for losing their first love (Revelation 2:4) and challenged them to do the things they did at first (Revelation 2:5). They had lost their intimate walk with the Lord, and He was calling them to repentance. There is a connection between losing your first love and stopping the things you did at first (time with the Lord, sensitivity to His Spirit, daily repentance, etc.). When applied to a marriage, the same is true. There is a connection between drifting from love expressed to our spouses and the stopping of things we did at first. In other words, men, date your wife. Early in our marriage, as a newlywed couple in college, Kaye and I committed to have a date night every week and a vacation together every year. I made $12,000 a year as a student pastor, and she worked part-time at a bank, so funding was the main challenge for our date nights. Thus, our two favorite places to eat were the Pizza Inn buffet and the Shoney's breakfast bar (our metabolism was a lot higher back then). We didn't have a comfortable couch, so when it was cold outside, we would rent a movie and snuggle on a twin mattress we placed in front of our TV. When it was warm, we often spread out in a hammock we had hanging in our yard and talked. With kids, the challenges change, but our commitment to a date night is the same. Here are five tips we have learned. 1. Schedule it. If we don't schedule the date each week, it won't happen. So we plan several days out and block off the time. Sometimes she initiates and reminds me in a loving and subtle way, without making me feel like a loser husband for forgetting. Other times I am the one to say, "Hey, what night do you want to go out this week?" 2. Start again. Some weeks we miss. Instead of assuming our marriage is falling apart or letting that miss become a habit, we simply pick back up the next week. 3. Kid swap. We have never enjoyed the luxury of living in the same city as our parents, so we know the babysitting costs can be a challenge. When we lived in Miami, we had a weekly kid swap with another couple. One week they would go out and my wife would go to their house so their kids could go to bed on time in their own beds. The next week it would be our turn to go out. On the weeks when it was the other couple's turn, we would have an "in-house date" with takeout and a movie. 4. Explore. It is easy to fall into the same routine with the same restaurant each week. For us, we have enjoyed exploring new parts of the city where we live, eating at local places, and checking out areas we have not yet conquered. 5. Romance. Find some places where you can talk, embrace and enjoy each other. In Miami, we would pull the car up next to the water on Key Biscayne, snuggle while listening to jazz at Van Dykes, etc. I am not giving away my Nashville spots. Men, dating your wife is spiritual. Do the things you did at first. And enjoy it! --30-- Eric Geiger serves as vice president of the church resources division of LifeWay Christian Resources. Prior to joining LifeWay, Geiger served eight years as executive pastor of Christ Fellowship Miami. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- WEEK OF PRAYER: Called to action by Wanda S. Lee Date: December 10, 2012 - Monday BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP) -- I have a confession: I've always been a do-er. I have a difficult time sitting back and simply observing when I see something that needs to be corrected. I have friends who love to debate politics, sports and theology. They get all excited analyzing the pros and cons of the latest technology, what's wrong with their boss or how they feel about the latest issue at church. While some of them will seek resolution or change, most of them just love the debate. I can only take so much debate, and then I want to fix it. I think that desire is part of the reason I became a nurse. Nurses are generally do-ers. If a nurse stood over your hospital bed and only debated the pros and cons of the latest prescribed treatment, you might never get well. Good nurses analyze quickly and then act. As followers of Christ, I recognize there is a time for us to study, debate the Scriptures and even argue over approaches for reaching people with the Gospel. But eventually, there comes a point where the debate stops and we heed Christ's call to action. Yes, Jesus faced questions, even debate at times, over His teaching and His challenges to existing culture. He wisely used those instances to instruct those who might be watching and listening. Not only did He bring clarity to issues people were facing about everyday life, He provided insight to how His followers are to live based on Scripture. From the moment He called each of the disciples, they witnessed how much of His earthly ministry was spent preaching, teaching, healing and meeting other physical needs. The Gospel of Matthew tells us, "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field'" (Matthew 9:35-38, NIV). There's an appropriate time for discussion and debate, but Jesus is calling for workers in His harvest field. You and I are called to be people of action -- a voice for justice and salvation among the many who do not know the one true source of peace. We've been called to give of our resources and our time; to commit ourselves totally to His calling. As we pray and give during this season of the year, let's especially remember those who have committed their lives to following the Great Commission into all the world -- preaching and teaching and healing -- so the Gospel will be proclaimed among all people. I think it's OK to be a do-er. The time to act is now. Let's go to the harvest field together and make a difference for Christ. --30-- Wanda S. Lee is executive director/treasurer of Woman's Missionary Union. This year's Dec. 2-9 Week of Prayer for International Missions in the Southern Baptist Convention has centered on the theme of "BE His heart, His hands, His voice" from Matthew 16:24-25. Each year's Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions supplements Cooperative Program giving to support Southern Baptists' 5,000 international missionaries' initiatives in sharing the Gospel. This year's offering goal is $175 million. To find resources about the offering, go to www.imb.org/offering. -------------------------------------------------------------------- BP Ledger, Dec. 10 edition by Staff Date: December 10, 2012 - Monday EDITOR'S NOTE: BP Ledger carries items for reader information each week from various Southern Baptist-related entities, and news releases of interest from other sources. The items are published as received. Today's BP Ledger contains items from: Publishers Place University of the Cumberlands Campbellsville University Memoir Relates Pastor's Love for People LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Publishers Place) -- One of the most pulsating moments of Gene Enlow's life occurred the night a man burst into his study, threatening to kill him because of the pastor's opposition to legalizing sales of liquor by the drink. As Enlow pondered what to say, the Holy Spirit prompted him to pray that God help him love this man the same way He did. "This experience taught me a lesson that would guide me throughout my pastoral career," Enlow says. "Whenever I encountered problem people, I prayed, 'Lord, help me to love this man (or woman) like You love him.' That often resolved tense, difficult situations. Saying that prayer can disarm critics and supply you with supernatural strength. It gave me the realization that God is working on behalf of both parties and will resolve the problem. It is up to Him to take care of it, not me." This anecdote appears in A Legacy of Faith: The Enlow Papers. Enlow compiled it with the help of veteran co-author Ken Walker, a freelance writer for several national Christian publications and the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Enlow, who turned 90 in mid-October, wanted to leave a record for future generations of family and others. The memoir includes a collection of his favorite sermons and essays, as well as reflections on his father, Isham, a longtime pastor, church planter and district missionary in Kentucky and Florida. "I think some of the experiences I've had and stories I tell will help people with the problems they face," says Enlow, a graduate of Georgetown College who earned his doctoral degree at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. "I hope it will also be inspirational to churches where I've ministered." A former trustee of Southern Seminary, Enlow is Pastor Emeritus of Beechmont Baptist Church in Louisville. He served three other Kentucky churches: Crooked Creek (now Marcus) Baptist in Pendleton County, Clover Bottom Baptist Church near Versailles, and Bethany Baptist in Louisville; and Immanuel Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Enlow held numerous interim pastorates after retiring from Beechmont in 1988. A native of Covington, Enlow spent many of his formative years in Whitesburg. He graduated from Dry Ridge High School and attended Georgetown on a basketball scholarship. He holds three degrees from Southern Seminary and an honorary doctorate from Georgetown. Married to his first wife, Culley, for 52 years before her death in 2001, Enlow married his second wife, the former Bettye McSwain, in 2003. They make their home in Louisville. Copies of the 162-page paperback are $15 plus shipping ($3 for the first book and $1 for each additional copy) and can be ordered from the publisher, Publishers Place, 821 Fourth Avenue, Suite 201, Huntington, WV 25701. For more information, e-mail publishersplace@gmail.com or call 304-697-3236. ********** Cumberlands prof & cancer survivor celebrated By Meghann Holme WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. (University of the Cumberlands) -- Connie Howard considers her nature shy, but one seeing the woman with an almost constant smile and ready laugh might not believe her. A trait that the University of the Cumberlands' public health professor shares that cannot be disputed, however, is her nearly unbelievable, wholly inspirational positivity. In April 2011, doctors discovered that Connie had HER 2 NU breast cancer, a highly aggressive type of cancer that is best treated through early detection. According to Connie's doctor, if her cancer had been discovered even 3 months later the end result of her cancer could have been her death. After months of grueling chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she is now cancer free. At a celebration of her life on Wednesday, Nov. 28—held by her colleagues at the University of the Cumberlands' Health, Exercise and Sport Science Department—it was her positive spirit that the cancer survivor's colleagues, co-workers and friends marveled at. "You're an inspiration," said one, while another remarked on Connie's "good mental attitude." Dr. Glenda Warren, professor of health who has worked at UC with Connie for more than 20 years acknowledged that Connie's attitude is not a result of her cancer diagnosis, rather her unrelenting faith in God. "I always said, if she dies, she'll die with a smile on her face...she'll be happy 'til the end," said Warren of her friend. "Because [to Connie] it's not the end." Connie admits she gained her strength and courage from God, especially through the weeks of difficult chemotherapy sessions. "I would take one step at a time, and God would pull me along," she said. Connie has been a health professor at UC since 1978, and much of her teaching focuses on death and dying. Most students who've sat in her classes list her as one of their favorites: "Her attitude and outlook in life made the subject [of death] okay.... She gave us the tools to succeed in class, but also in life.... It didn't matter what she was teaching, she was passionate about it." Connie's UC family members aren't the only ones who have valued her heroic strength during an extremely difficult journey. On August 23, 2012 Connie was recognized by her community at the Tri-County Cancer Coalition's annual Cancer Survivor's Dinner in Corbin, Ky. when she received the Brenda McKeehan Celebration of Life Award, after being nominated by a former UC student Lee Richardson, Community Resource Coordinator at Baptist Regional Medical Center (BRMC) in Corbin. The award has been given to inspirational cancer survivors since 2008 to honor Ms. McKeehan, a nurse at BRMC who succumbed to cancer after 13 years of remission, and inspired others with her strength and invaluable contributions to the cancer coalition. Connie was humbled and surprised to receive the award; she had no idea upon attendance of the dinner that she had been nominated. "Why did I win this award? It seemed like I didn't suffer that bad," she said, comparing herself to others who have suffered with cancer. Yet she admits that chemotherapy at times seemed impossible, noting that she set small goals to make it through each one. Today Connie continues to teach at UC, and has resumed her work as a grief facilitator at BRMC. Her Facebook page often shows updates of recent hiking excursions, and she is currently planning a trip to hike the Appalachian Trail. As a teacher, survivor and friend, Connie continues to inspire. --30-- Meghann Holmes is media and publications coordinator at the University of the Cumberlands. ********** Campbellsville prof named Special Education Administrator of the Year By Mary Kutter CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. (Campbellsville University) -- Deborah Spalding, assistant professor of education at Campbellsville University, has been named the 2012 Kentucky Special Education Administrator of the Year by the Kentucky Council on Exceptional Children for her service as special education director of the Marion County school system. "Mrs. Spalding has set the bar high for student achievement in our district and in doing so has raised the bar in our region and across the state," Dr. Chuck Hamilton, superintendent of the Marion County School District, said. Roger Marcus, the executive vice president of St. Catharine College and Spalding's previous supervisor, said, "In her role as director of special education/preschool education, she has proven to be a highly effective, child-centered decision maker with problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to assist others in making wise decisions for children." In public education for 31 years, Spalding retired as special education director of the Marion County school system in September 2012. Spalding began teaching classes at the School of Education at Campbellsville University in August 2012. "This is a prestigious honor," Dr. Brenda Priddy, dean of Campbellsville University's School of Education, said. "Being a special education teacher and administrator has provided me with such a rich life of service," Spalding said. "I get to be a small part of young people finding their path in life, seeing them happy and successful. "Seeing those young people walk across the stage and receive their diploma is like seeing your own children reach such a milestone in their life. The final piece is after they graduate and even 20 years down the road when you are introduced as their teacher. There is nothing like knowing you were a small part in their way to a successful life." "Our students are so very fortunate to have this caliber of faculty member teaching them," Priddy said. "We are thrilled to have her as one of our newest faculty in our special education program." "I cannot think of a more rewarding profession," Spalding said. "I thank God I will have the opportunity to continue teaching these amazing students at Campbellsville University." A native of Marion County, Spalding is a 1975 graduate of Marion County High School. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in special education for kindergarten through eighth grade students. She earned her master's degree in psychometry in 1986. Spalding received her Rank I certification in 2000; and in 2001, she became certified as a director of special education. Active in the special education community, Spalding has served on the Communicare board of directors in 2010 and the local interagency council board. She also served on the advisory board at the Anderson County Regional Training Center. A member of Counsel for Exceptional Children and KYCASE for 11 years, and a member of the local handicap association, Spalding served as chairperson for two years. She is the wife of Ronald Allen Spalding. She is the daughter of Edna Mae Allen of Lebanon, Ky., and the late James Ray Allen. Spalding and her husband have two grown children, Jason Allen Spalding and Jameson Tyler Spalding. They also have two grandsons, Ty and Zac. --30-- Mary Kutter is a student newswriter at Campbellsville University.