Posted: 7/29/03

Harold Bennett, conciliatory
force in SBC, dead at 78

By Greg Warner

Associated Baptist Press

NASHVILLE (ABP)—Harold Bennett, who led Southern Baptists during their most difficult era, died July 27 after a brief bout with pancreatic cancer.

Bennett, 78, was president and treasurer of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, the powerful agency that drafts the budget for the SBC and conducts the business of the convention between annual meetings.

Bennett, who retired in 1992, became Southern Baptists’ chief executive in 1979, the year SBC conservatives elected their first in a string of presidents and ushered in the most dramatic change in the denomination’s history.

During the next 13 years, he was considered by many to be a conciliatory force among factions in the SBC. He drew praise for his even-handed leadership of the Nashville-based Executive Committee, where many of the struggles for control of the denominational played out.

"We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Dr. Bennett," said Morris Chapman, Bennett’s successor at the Executive Committee.

Bennett was "an invaluable mentor" during Chapman’s transition into the post, Chapman said. "He knew Southern Baptist Convention and Executive Committee work as well as anyone in the land and was willing to share his knowledge with me."

A native of Asheville, N.C., Bennett was a denominational leader for most of his professional life. Prior to becoming the SBC’s chief executive, he was executive secretary-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention from 1967 to 1979. He also worked for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the Home Mission Board and the Sunday School Board.

Bennett was a Navy pilot during World War II and later an FBI clerk. Before beginning his denominational service, he was a pastor, assistant pastor and chaplain.

He served as vice president of the Baptist World Alliance and was "responsible for bringing on most of the leadership" currently working for the international group, said BWA spokeswoman Wendy Ryan.

Reggie McDonough, who served under Bennett as executive vice president of the Executive Committee from 1981 to 1987, remembered Bennett’s "all-out dedication" to the SBC.

"He was willing to put his own personal needs and ideas aside because he felt very strongly that he was elected to serve all Southern Baptists," said McDonough, executive director of the Baptist General Association of Virginia until his retirement in 2001.

John Sullivan, executive director of the Florida Baptist Convention, was a member of the Executive Committee during Bennett’s tenure. "He was a man of faith and conviction," Sullivan said. "His ability to treat a person fairly during a difficult situation was a centerpiece of his ministry during those days."

Bennett was "one of the most capable administrators in the Southern Baptist Convention," Sullivan added. "He exhibited administrative awareness and strong convictions about doing things ‘decently and in order.’ His work in Florida is still foundational to all we do."

Lloyd Elder, retired president of the Baptist Sunday School Board, said: "I counted Harold Bennett as a very close personal friend for years now—earlier as a working associate and more recently as a Christian and social friend. In Baptist life, he tried desperately and effectively to be fair to the whole family and to keep us moving together in missions, and for that I deeply appreciate Harold and the ministry he had. We will miss him as one of our very able leaders over a difficult period of time in Baptist life."

Mark Edwards, minister of music at First Baptist Church, called Bennett "one of the Baptist statesmen," who also served "in significant ways" in his home church. "He was particularly interested (in) and supportive of our church’s mission endeavors and her ministry of music. We shall miss him. Persons of such stature are not easily replaced."

Under Bennett’s leadership, the Southern Baptist Convention grew from 13 million members to 15 million. The convention’s Cooperative Program budget almost doubled, from $75 million to $140 million.

Bennett was a graduate of Wake Forest University, now in Winston-Salem, N.C., and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

He served as pastor of Glen Royal Baptist Church in Wake Forest, N.C. (1948-51) and West Point (Ky.) Baptist Church (1952). He was chaplain to Kentucky State Reformatory and Kentucky Women’s Prison (1951-53). He was assistant pastor of First Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (1953-55), and then pastor of Beech Street Baptist Church in Texarkana, Ark. (1955-60).

His denominational service began in 1960, when he became superintendent of new work for the Sunday School Board in Nashville. In 1962, he became secretary of the department of metropolitan missions for the Home Mission Board in Atlanta.

Bennett was director of the missions division of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in Dallas from 1965 to 1967, when he was hired to lead the Florida Baptist Convention.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; three grown children, Jeffrey of Palm Harbor, Fla., Scott of Charleston, S.C., and Cynthia Howard of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and five grandchildren.

The funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. July 30—which would have been Bennett’s 79th birthday—at First Baptist Church in Nashville. The family has requested that memorial gifts be made to the American Bible Society or the Baptist World Alliance.

Posted: 8/8/03

Missionary calls teens to 'fall in love with Jesus'

By Erin Curry

Baptist Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Greg Benno, an International Mission Board worker in southern Africa, encouraged 6,500 Acteens to go to the nations, give money for missions or pray for unreached people out of a love for God.

“We hope you're having a great time here, but our message more than anything is fall in love with Jesus,” Benno said.

The teenage girls in grades seven through 12 gathered in Nashville, Tenn., for the National Acteens Convention, with the theme of SyncroNations.

Before Benno spoke, a group of male vocalists from Zambia gave the teens a slice of African culture. “You've noticed that there's a lot of life in Africa–the way that we pray, the way that we sing. But on this global tour, I want to show you that there's also a lot of death in Africa, especially in southern Africa,” Benno said.

In Zimbabwe, one out of three people are infected with the HIV virus, and at a typical high school, half the students have lost a mother or a father to HIV, Benno explained. The average life expectancy for a 15-year-old in Zimbabwe is 32 years.

Benno went to Zimbabwe as a missionary Journeyman wondering what a boy like him knew about Africa.

God told him, “You don't have to do anything other than just be in love with me and walk with me and watch me do amazing things before your eyes,” he said. “That's what he always said to people in the Scriptures, 'I will do it through you.'”

The greatest need people in southern Africa have is to know Jesus and understand God's commandments, Benno said.

Lisa Sproull, an IMB worker in Mali, described how God is working even through language barriers in other countries. She told about a pastor in Mali who was prepared to preach but needed an interpreter. The one who was scheduled could not come, and people were eager to hear a word from the man if only they could understand in their language. Someone ended up bringing a man in off the street to translate the pastor's message, but there was one problem: He was Muslim.

The Muslim man knew the language, but his vocabulary did not include Christian words, Sproull explained. He was concerned he wouldn't be able to translate properly, but they asked him to try. During the course of the pastor's sermon, the Muslim man laid out Scriptures for the people as he translated. Now, the man is searching the Bible to see for himself if he believes it.

A teenage girl from Africa then shared prayer requests. She asked that the Acteens pray for peace in war-torn countries; for a Christian witness among unbelievers, idol worshippers and Muslims; and that God would give the countries God-fearing leaders who love the people and have their interests at heart.

Vicky Smith, an IMB worker in Jordan for more than 15 years, told the teens God has put a love in her heart for the people of Jordan, for their language and for their culture. She said Islam is darkness, and she has a love to see the light of Jesus spread in that country.

Islam is “a religion of good works, good deeds–human attempts to draw themselves close to God,” she said.

Ninety-nine percent of the people in Jordan are Muslim, Smith said, explaining that parts of the country are very dark and oppressive while other parts are just “normal.” She emphasized Arab Muslims in general are not like the stereotypes that have emerged from recent world events.

“These people live in darkness, and they need to know the light,” Smith told the girls. “They need to know the freedom that Jesus brings, and they need to know that they are special and God loves them.”

Posted: 8/8/03

Acteens raise their hands in service
in classrooms around Nashville

By Michael Foust

Baptist Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Public schools in Nashville will be a bit cleaner this fall thanks to thousands of Acteens who went around the city July 31, lending a helping hand.

About 6,500 Acteens–teenage girls who participate in a Southern Baptist missions/education program designed for them–took part in a community service project by picking up trash, unpacking boxes and participating in other chores at 65 city public schools.

The Acteens also filled 3,000 backpacks with school supplies that will be given to elementary students who come from needy families. Additionally, the teens donated boxes filled with school supplies to Mississippi River Ministries and the Nashville Baptist Association to assist in future outreach to the schools.

The community project was part of the National Acteens Convention, which brought teenage girls from several countries and more than 30 states to Nashville.

“Those girls are wonderful,” one teacher at Lockeland Elementary School said to another as the teens worked around them. “They have unpacked my room. They are so good.”

The Acteens began outside, picking up trash and debris that had collected over the months. Then they gathered in the school gym, waiting for an assignment.

“I need 22 window-wipers!” shouted one of the group leaders, Linda Sutton of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, N.C. Soon, 22 Acteens were on the task, cleaning windows.

The teens also cleaned bookshelves and bathrooms and moved equipment. Each of them signed a banner that read: “Teachers make a world of difference. Thank you!”

The project was an extension from the previous day, when Acteens gathered at the Tennessee state Capitol to pray for the city, the nation and the world.

“We put feet to our prayers by going into the public schools and doing community service projects in whatever capacity they (needed) us,” said Kristy Carr, volunteer specialist for Woman's Missionary Union and chair of National Acteens Convention ministries. WMU sponsors Acteens.

“We hope and pray that through our example a door will open for the local associations and churches to carry on (the) work.”

Posted: 8/8/03

National Acteens Convention knocks at Nashville

By Erin Curry

Baptist Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–More than 6,500 teenage girls, gathered for the National Acteens Convention in Nashville, assembled for a prayer rally at the Tennessee State Capitol to pray for Nashville, Tennessee, America and the world.

Acteens is a missions organization for girls in grades seven through 12 sponsored by the Southern Baptist Woman's Missionary Union. The national Acteens meeting has been held about every five years since 1972.

Acteens from Florida and Louisiana carry a cross, leading 6,500 Acteens to the Tennessee state capitol during the National Acteens Convention held in Nashville. After walking past the historic Ryman Auditorium (at left), the teens gathered at the Capitol to pray for the nation. (Kent Harville/BP Photo)

The girls, meeting at the Nashville Convention Center, marched to the state Capitol, where they sang praises to God and prayed for God's blessings.

Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell welcomed the girls to the city.

“I also want to tell you how proud I am of the goals you have while here in Nashville,” he said. “I believe it could be the beginning of a lifelong journey of making a difference.”

The girls fanned out across the community, helping to prepare 65 schools for the return of students by unpacking books, painting, cleaning school property, beautifying school grounds and distributing backpacks full of school supplies.

“You need to know that the director of our public schools, Pedro Garcia, myself, all the faculty and, most importantly, all the parents and 70,000 Nashville school students will be touched and changed because of what you are going to be doing in those schools,” the mayor said.

Purcell read the Acteens' theme verse for the week from Habakkuk 1:5: “Look at the nations and watch–and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your day that you would not believe even if you were told.”

Linda Leathers, minister to singles at First Baptist Church in Nashville, led the girls in a prayer for Nashville and Tennessee.

Leathers noted 6 million people live in the state and thousands visit daily. “Please, Lord, use us to take your gospel of good news to these people,” she said.

Leathers also prayed for Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, the state representatives, senators, office workers and judges. Then she prayed for the 550,000 people of Nashville and for the mayor.

WMU's national president, Janet Hoffman, reminded the girls of one of her favorite hymns, which says: “Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear; All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

Prayer truly is the greatest work the girls can do, Hoffman said, and then she led them in praying for the United States.

Acteens from New Life Baptist Church of Garland pray outside the Capitol. (Theresa Barnett/WMU Photo)

Hoffman also prayed for national missionaries and the North American Mission Board. She closed in praying for God to bless America with revival as he has so many times in the past.

Hoffman then instructed the girls to gather in clusters of 10 or 12 and pray for their home states and communities.

Twylia Bell, an International Mission Board worker in Tanzania, shared a story about God's provision of food for Tanzanians when rain did not come and they could not grow their crops. Then she led the Acteens in praying for the world.

“We pray for the countries that are in turmoil right now, that you would not just give peace because we know peace is not going to reign in the world–you've told us that–but that in the turmoil you would show your might and your power and what you can do,” Bell prayed.

In closing, girls representing various countries of the world prayed the Lord's Prayer in their languages.

Posted: 8/8/03

Acteens tour the world through
Global Village created for them

By Michael Foust

Baptist Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Thanks to a bit of ingenuity, thousands of Acteens were able to tour the world in just two hours.

The National Acteens Convention opened a Global Village, a series of virtual encounters with missionaries and cultures from throughout the world, July 30-31. Spread across a number of rooms in the Nashville Convention Center, it allowed the teenage girls to learn how God is working in both America and other nations.

With the help of missionaries, Woman's Missionary Union staff, local volunteers and props, the Acteens, among other things, experienced a house church service in China, wrote prayer requests and placed them in the Jerusalem Wailing Wall and even scribbled graffiti on brick walls in New York City.

More than 10 cultures were represented. Outside each room, a television played the “Jesus” film in the respective culture's language.

In the Japanese room, the Acteens witnessed an official Japanese tea ceremony. “It's been packed every single time,” said Ron Capps, a missionary to Japan. “They're coming for missions. That's what it's all about.”

But the girls did more than just meet missionaries face to face. Thanks to the Internet Cafe room, they also sent messages of encouragement–as well as some questions–to missionaries thousands of miles away.

In the Chinese room, the girls attended a simulated illegal “house church.” They sat on wooden benches, looked at Chinese Bible verses and learned to say “Jesus, I love you” in Chinese. Then they sang a song–although they were told not to sing too loudly, so the government authorities would not hear. They also heard from a former worker in China.

“Christianity is alive and well in China,” said the woman, whose name is withheld because of her intentions to return.

Trudy Johnson, who along with Becky Yates served as Global Village co-chairs, said the goal was to create “the next best thing to being there.”

In addition to WMU, the village included participation from the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board and North American Mission Board, the Baptist Nursing Fellowship, the “Jesus” Film Project and Prison Fellowship.

Posted: 8/8/03

Moore ordered to remove monument

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (ABP)–The federal judge who last year ruled that a monument to the Ten Commandments in Alabama's judicial building is unconstitutional has set an Aug. 20 deadline for the statue's removal.

But Roy Moore, the state judge who placed the statue there and has become famous for defending the commandments, has hinted he may defy orders to remove the monument.

On Aug. 5, Federal District Judge Myron Thompson ordered Alabama Chief Justice Moore to remove the 5,280-pound granite monument from the rotunda of the courts building in Montgomery by Aug. 20. If Moore defies the order, Thompson said, he will “levy substantial fines against Chief Justice Moore in his official capacity, and thus against the State of Alabama itself, until the monument is removed.”

Thompson originally ruled in 2002 that the monument was a violation of the First Amendment's ban on state endorsement of religion. However, he delayed implementation of his own ruling while Moore and his attorneys appealed to a higher court. On July 1, a panel of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously to uphold Thompson's judgment.

Moore has said he will appeal that ruling to the Supreme Court.

Moore and his attorneys have argued that his duty to defend the Alabama and federal constitutions–which he claims “acknowledge God”–requires him to keep the monument in place.

However, Moore has refused to say whether he will obey the court orders. Groups such as the Alabama Christian Coalition that support Moore in his fight have threatened civil disobedience if authorities attempt to remove the monument.

Moore had the monument installed in the rotunda in the middle of the night, without the knowledge of his colleagues.

The 11th Circuit court's opinion likened Moore's defense to similar arguments by segregationist Southern governors in the 1950s and 1960s in their attempts to defy federal court orders integrating schools and other public facilities.

After noting that former Alabama Gov. George Wallace and former Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett ultimately were forced to obey federal decrees, Judge Ed Carnes wrote in the court's opinion, “Any notion of high government officials being above the law did not save those governors from having to obey federal court orders, and it will not save this chief justice from having to comply with the court order in this case.”

Posted: 8/8/03

All-State musicians hoist
a tune and a tool on mission

HOUSTON–Ministry harmonized with music this year as the Texas Baptist All-State Choir and Orchestra took on a new emphasis.

In addition to rehearsals and performances, the 169 high school students selected for the All-State group devoted a day to hands-on ministry in a variety of settings.

“We began seeing the need to change the emphasis from performance to missions for the students,” explained Debbie Smith, one of the event's organizers. “Our role is not only to equip them for music ministry. We want to instill in them that what we do with our God-given talent is more than just singing; it's getting in the midst of people with your hands and your heart.”

Blake Owens of First Baptist Church in New Braunfels serves at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Houston.

More than 400 students auditioned for the All-State Choir and Orchestra. The 169 selected received notification in January, along with music to practice.

The musicians arrived on the campus of Houston Baptist University July 6 for a series of rehearsals before hitting the road to perform.

On Wednesday morning, however, they boarded four buses bound for ministry sites.

One bus stopped at the Green Acres Nursing Home of Baytown, where students ministered to the elderly and sick.

They strolled up and down the halls, knocking on each resident's door, extending invitations to “story time.” Students pushed newfound friends in wheelchairs or walked hand-in-hand with them toward the great room to hear the weekly Wednesday morning story. After the story, students helped blow up balloons, in preparation for the morning's “exercise” of balloon volleyball. Before loading the buses for campus again, the students also led the residents in a variety of singing exercises.

On Friday morning, the musicians loaded the buses again for a morning of mission work in Houston. This time, however, the entire group departed for the same destination, the Salvation Army Church and Boys & Girls Club of Houston.

Children of all ages filed into the pews as the All-State group gathered on stage to perform. Laughter and enthusiasm were contagious throughout the room, as the children begged the choir to keep leading them in songs like “Father Abraham.”

“I like the addition of the missions,” said Julie Moore, a senior from Highland Baptist Church of Greenville. “We are a lot busier this year, but it is so rewarding to see the kids' faces when we play with them.”

“The students have been excited about the mission aspect of the week,” Smith concurred. “In a seemingly 'me' society, we are pushing our youth to be more service oriented, experiencing life and situations in all economic and social backgrounds.”

Meanwhle, the All-State group prepared for several concerts, including stops at Westbury Baptist Church of Houston, Williams Trace Baptist Church of Sugar Land and Park Place Baptist Church of Houston.

The choir also visited Minute Maid Park, where they led Astros fans in the National Anthem and then stayed to watch the game.

The group also performed at the grand opening of First Baptist Church of Baytown's sanctuary, where a live recording was made.

Next year's All-State event, scheduled for July 1-9, will offer another new dimension, with additional days touring in Mexico City.

“We hope to cultivate the talent the Lord has blessed these kids with; they will become our future music ministers and children's music leaders,” said Glenn Jones, Baptist General Convention of Texas consultant.

Reported by Kambry Bickings of Texas Baptist Communications

Posted: 8/8/03

Around the State

Hardin-Simmons University has added 14 people to the university's media relations advisory board including Fran Adkins, Randy Armstrong, Glenn Dromgoole, Jack Holden, Ewart Jones Jr., Bob Lapham, Werth Mayes, Terry Minami, Bryan Mundy, Richard Seaman, Janie Sellers, Don Tabor, Dick Tarpley and Darrell Wood.

Amy Austin has been named assistant director of alumni relations at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Dennis O'Connell, professor of physical therapy, has been named to occupy the Shelton-Lacewell Endowed Chair of Physical Therapy at Hardin-Simmons University.

On hand for the dedication of the new sanctuary of First Church in Troup were former pastors, staff and their families. Included were (first row) Vicki Rogers, Phyllis Elliott, D.J. Buckley, Toy Buckley, Whitney Buckley, Dotty Cheatham and Pastor James Cheatham; (second row) Kevin Rogers, Danny Elliott, David Buckley, Charles Goodson and Phyllis Goodson; (third row) David Waldrop, Jeannie Ashcraft, Doris Bilderback, Michelle King and Michaela King; (fourth row) Lynn Ashcraft, Carl Bilderback, Minister of Music and Youth Lance King and McKenzie King.

Rich Taylor will join the Hardin-Simmons University faculty in the fall as assistant professor of history.

Anniversaries

Correction: Al Travis recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as organist at Broadway Church in Fort Worth, not Travis Avenue Church, where Larry Willcoxon has been organist for more than 30 years.

Bert Ball, 20th, as minister of music at First Church in Mineola July 31.

Samuel Ibarra, fifth, as pastor of Primera Iglesia in O'Donnell Aug. 1.

Don Childress, 50th in the ministry, Aug. 3. Members of five churches Childress had pastored gathered at Hainesville Church in Mineola for an anniversary celebration. He currently serves as interim pastor there. Childress began his ministry by starting Oakwood Church in Waco while a student at Baylor University. He later moved on to Buckner Terrace Church in Dallas, First Church in Cedar Hill and Cedar Heights Church in Cedar Hill. In 1991, he moved to Indiana as a home missionary to become an associational director of missions. He returned to Texas in 1997 and became pastor of Red Oak Church in Kaufman and later was interim pastor of Martins Mill Church in Ben Wheeler.

Steve Stege, 15th, as minister of education at First Church in Lubbock Aug. 21.

Randall Scott, 20th, as pastor of Immanuel Church in Paris. He will be honored with a banquet Aug. 23. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 15. For more information, call (903) 785-6484.

Chris Sutton, 10th, as pastor of Calvary Church in Lubbock Aug. 29.

Chester Sassman, 35th, as pastor of Calvary Church in Bay City.

Don Hurley, 10th, as pastor of College Heights Church in Wharton.

Roy Lee Jones, 10th, as music minister at Great Oaks Church in Richmond.

Retiring

Bo Mangum as pastor of First Church in Linden Aug. 17. He has served the Linden church 20 years. He and his wife, Joan, will make their home in Baytown.

Deaths

Walter Brown, 83, July 23. He was pastor of Prairie Grove Church in Mexia 39 years prior to his retirement in 1995. A bivocational pastor, he operated a grocery store in Teague. He never refused groceries to anyone, even if they could not pay. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Temple; brother, Robert; and sister, Cleo Leverett. He is survived by his sons, Ronnie, Mike and Mark; daughters, Kay Walker and Linda Stacks; sister, Lois Adams; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Louie Barron, 80, July 24 in Canton. He had been in ministry more than 50 years, serving New Hope Church in Scroggins, Damascus Church in Lindale, Call Junction Church in Kirbyville, Kentshire Church in Houston, Little Hope Church in Canton, First Church in Frankston, First Church in Cedar Creek, First Church in Chandler and First Church in Ben Wheeler. He is survived by his wife, Aletha; sons, Don, Joe and Mark; brother, Milton; sisters, Aline Ivy, LaNell Dade and Martha Baxter; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Virgie Riddell, 86, July 25 in Houston. She was an emeritus Southern Baptist missionary to Colombia and Chile. She and her husband, Gerald, were appointed by the Foreign Mission Board in 1944. They worked in Columbia until 1954, when they transferred to Chile. They retired in 1980. She is survived by her husband; sons, John, Joe and James; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Culbert Rutenber, 94, Aug. 6 in Austin. As a pastor, professor, author and theologian, he was active in the American Baptist Convention, serving as president from 1968 to 1969. After retiring from Eastern Baptist Seminary in 1980, he retired to Austin, where he was an active member of First Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Duron, and sister, Margaret Rutenber.

Events

Joy Church in Gladewater held homecoming services to commemorate 99 years of ministry Aug. 3. Scott Johnson is pastor.

First Church in Coppell broke ground on an auditorium to seat more than 900 people and preschool education space July 27. David Stubblefield is pastor.

Marty Haggard, son of Merle Haggard, will be in concert at First Church in Devers Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.

Revivals

Harvest Acres Church, Mineola; Aug. 10-13; evangelist, Mike Privitt; music, Jerry and Linda Watters; pastor, Butch Gott.

Faith Temple Church, Terrell; Aug. 17-24; *evangelist, Wes Massey; *music, Don Thornton; pastor, Ray Bailey.

*vocational evangelist

Posted: 8/8/03

New BGCT camp unites
diverse Asian teenagers

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

WACO–Diverse Asian Baptist youth connected with each other and responded to the gospel at “Take Out,” a new Baptist General Convention of Texas-sponsored camp.

More than 100 youth from 10 churches participated in the camp June 16-20. Students mainly came from the Houston area, and several cultures were well represented, including Chinese and Filipino.

Camp organizers said they were amazed to see the children unite through the camp's activities. Age, gender and cultural barriers quickly fell, and friendships emerged, noted David Eng, associate pastor of Chinese Baptist Church in Houston. Eng's youth were among the few participants who had been to a church camp before this summer.

“For our kids, this camp isn't that unique or special,” Eng said. “But I think one thing that is unique is the diversity of Asian churches that have come together.”

The camp gave youth from smaller Asian churches an opportunity to attend a camp especially designed for them. Campers easily related to each other and found sounding boards for issues they were encountering, said Cathy Dundas of the BGCT intercultural initiatives office.

“I think they really made some strong Christian friends that they will take back with them and will help them in their faith,” Dundas added.

God worked in the first year of the effort, held at Baylor University, Dundas said, noting she saw small moments of ministry that reminded her why she organized the camp.

Two young men apologized to a young woman after throwing her in a pool. That night, they played a song they had written to express their feelings.

A young boy said he “came to meet girls, but met God instead.”

Youth eagerly filled a workshop on sharing their faith and boldly testified about their faith later that week at a community pool.

Seventeen professions of faith in Christ and 35 rededications of faith were recorded among the campers.

“I think it was an overwhelming process,” Dundas said. “We had no behavior problems at all. They showed up and behaved. The kids were sensitive and ready to respond.”

Organizers are hoping for similarly positive results from next year's camp, scheduled for June 7-11 at Baylor.

“We accomplished everything we set out to do which was connect people and help them grow in their faith,” Dundas concluded.

Posted: 8/8/03

BGCT reduces budget for schools but income could rise

By Ken Camp

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS–Texas Baptist schools may see fewer dollars in the 2004 Baptist General Convention of Texas Cooperative Program budget than in the 2003 budget, but they actually could receive more money next year.

One hundred percent of nearly $12.8 million next year is more than 85 percent of $14.9 million this year, and that's what the BGCT Christian Education Coordinating Board hopes Texas Baptist schools will receive.

A budget recommendation affirmed by the coordinating board at its Aug. 5 meeting in Dallas would reduce the Cooperative Program budget for Texas Baptist universities, academies and Hispanic Baptist Theological School by $2.1 million in 2004 from the amount budgeted in 2003.

However, under the suggested budget plan, Texas Baptist schools potentially could realize an increase of up to $1.85 million in Cooperative Program funds next year if the scaled-down budget is met and if giving in 2003 continues at the current pace.

Through the first half of 2003, Texas Baptist churches gave $29.28 million in total Cooperative Program gifts and $20.34 million toward the BGCT Cooperative Program budget, falling 14 percent short of budget requirements, according to David Nabors, BGCT treasurer and chief financial officer. For planning purposes, BGCT program areas have projected 2003 receipts at 85 percent of budget.

The 2004 budget recommendation from the Christian Education Coordinating Board would allocate $12.78 million for Texas Baptists' eight universities, San Marcos Academy, Valley Baptist Missions/Education Center and Hispanic Baptist Theological School. That represents a 14 percent drop from the $14.94 budgeted for 2003.

However, if Cooperative Program receipts in the current year continue at a projected pace of 85 percent of budget, Texas Baptist schools will receive only $10.8 million, according to Keith Bruce, coordinator of BGCT institutional ministries. Institutions receive funds at the percentage level that the BGCT budget is met.

As recommended by the coordinating board, the eight Texas Baptist universities together could receive $11.86 million through the Cooperative Program budget in 2004, compared to their projected actual receipts of $10 million in 2003.

Under the suggested plan, Hispanic Baptist Theological School could receive $459,162; San Marcos Academy could receive $310,000; and Valley Baptist Missions/Education Center could receive $150,000. That is a $919,162 cumulative total in the 2004 budget, compared to projected total receipts of $758,330 this year.

Recommended Texas Baptist funding for Truett Seminary in Waco and Logsdon School of Theology in Abilene would drop from $1.05 million in the 2003 budget to $891,677–roughly equal to projected Cooperative Program receipts for this year.

The Theological Education Committee does have some allocated funding that will be used to maintain the current level of support for these ministries at least through 2004, according to Royce Rose, BGCT director of theological education.

The BGCT Administrative Committee will consider the coordinating board's budget recommendations at its Sept. 4-5 meeting. The Administrative Committee's budget proposal will be presented to the BGCT Executive Board on Sept. 30, and the board-approved budget proposal will be considered by messengers to the BGCT annual session in Lubbock Nov. 10-11.

Posted: 8/8/03

BGCT annual session will offer 'learning and sharing' sessions

By Ken Camp

Texas Baptist Communications

LUBBOCK–Messengers accustomed to sitting for hours in a meeting hall, listening to report after report at the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual session will have to adjust their expectations for this year's meeting, Nov. 10-11 in Lubbock.

“This year offers some exciting changes in our annual meeting,” said BGCT President Bob Campbell, pastor of Westbury Baptist Church in Houston.

“Business sessions will be abbreviated, and verbal reports will be few,” he added.

Instead, the convention will offer a series of “learning and sharing” breakout conferences, giving Texas Baptists an opportunity to interact with BGCT Executive Board staff and others.

Breakout sessions will allow messengers and guests to ask questions about the BGCT budget, talk with leaders of the still-developing missions network and participate in an open forum with convention officers.

More than 50 special-interest sessions will focus on enhancing church ministries, missions and leadership. Breakout sessions will be offered four times: 9:30-10:30 a.m., 10:45-11:45 a.m. and 3:45-4:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, and 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11.

General business sessions will be held 1-3 p.m. Monday and 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. A missions emphasis program will be scheduled at 7 p.m. Monday. All sessions will be held at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

The Woman's Missionary Union of Texas annual meeting and the Texas Baptist Men convention are scheduled prior to the BGCT, rather than during a Tuesday afternoon break as in recent years.

The Texas WMU annual meeting will be held Nov. 8-9 at First Baptist Church in Lubbock, and the Texas Baptist Men convention will meet those same days at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

The BGCT housing block opened for reservations July 16. Seventeen hotels are included in the block, ranging in price from $40 to $90 per night, reported Don Robinson, BGCT convention planning manager.

The Holiday Inn Hotel and Towers is the headquarters hotel for both the BGCT and Texas WMU. The Four Points/Sheraton is the headquarters hotel for Texas Baptist Men. Both were full as of July 30.

The Lubbock Inn is headquarters hotel for associational directors of missions. For more information, call (806) 792-5181. The Holiday Inn Park Plaza is headquarters hotel for Texas Baptists Committed. For details, call (806) 797-3241.

Additional information about the convention and housing is available on the Internet at www.bgct.org/convention2003.

Posted: 8/8/03

Bivocational ministers discuss
how to respond to abuse cases

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

BELTON–As many as seven out of 100 people in a church experienced abuse as children, according to conservative estimates. Texas Baptist leaders want to help congregational leaders learn how to minister to those unique needs.

About 200,000 child abuse cases are reported annually, according to Charles Lavine, pastor of Terrace Acres Baptist Church in Fort Worth and a licensed counselor. Many more are never reported, as victims hide out of fear or embarrassment, he added.

The abuse affects each level of churches' ministries, said Dwayne Wheat, pastor of Berea Baptist Church in Big Spring and a licensed counselor.

“Children in abusive homes probably attend some of your church activities. Senior adults who are abused and exploited may also serve or be served by your church. There are adults in our churches who were abused as children,” Wheat said.

The latter group demands attention on two fronts, he added: “One, they probably need specific ministry, and secondly they are extremely at-risk of becoming abusers. And because of that, if we use them as workers, we can be in a great deal of trouble ourselves.”

While church leaders are legally obligated to report child abuse when they find it, victims may not tell them what is happening at home, Lavine said. Bruises, running away from home and more knowledge about sex than expected are some potential indicators of abuse.

Identifying abusers also can be difficult if they are not pointed out, according to Dan McGee, director of Baptist General Convention of Texas Psychological Services. Although there are generally acknowledged risk factors, all abusers do not fit one profile and most do not exhibit psychological problems, he said.

“Abusers are not always disciplinarians or authoritarians. While abusers are often people with high expectations of themselves and others, in abusive situations I usually find an imbalance between external stressors and parenting skills,” he said. “Parents do not want to be abusive and often feel guilty afterward, but they have run out of resources and need help.”

Abuse may reveal itself as secondary symptoms such as difficulty getting close to others, sexual disengagement and anger, Lavine explained at the Bivocational Ministers' and Spouses Statewide Conference.

Several factors–secondary symptoms, the severity of the abuse, identity of the abuser, how a victim has dealt with the issue and a minister's natural instincts–make counseling abused individuals difficult, Lavine said.

However, he found abused individuals often come to pastors for counseling because they recognize the church is supposed to help. Pastors should be available to counseling victims by being open and understanding, he added.

However, church leaders cannot push the person into healing, he emphasized.

Victims may have difficulty presenting what happened, but ultimately they must tell their stories to start healing, the pastors said. If the counselor is genuine and patient, the tale of abuse will come out.

“Our first inclination is to try to fix it,” Wheat said. “You're not going to fix it, particularly if the person has been sitting on it for 20 or 30 years.”

The pastors encouraged leaders to use Scripture in their counseling. It can help victims understand liberation comes through forgiveness, they explained, and counselors also may need to help people separate forgiveness from a pardon.

In some instances, a minister should refer a client, Lavine said. If the person becomes psychotic or suicidal or makes a request, a referral is needed. The same is true when the counseling becomes more than the minister can handle because of limited training or time constraints.

“Don't forget that when their problem is too time consuming, you need to let somebody else help you,” Lavine reminded. “It's not failure. It's not that you failed. In fact, you have failed if you devote all your time to that. You're letting your church go.”

Beyond trained counselors for victims, congregations need to have a plan to prevent child abuse in church facilities, Wheat urged. The plan also should outline the church's actions if abuse occurs.

“Unless your church has a detailed plan in place to protect children from abuse in its ministry, it is at risk for loss of its ministry, its reputation and its resources,” Wheat said.

As long as there is a chance child abuse will happen in a community, the church needs to be ready to minister to victims, even if there is only one victim in the congregation, Lavine concluded.

“If there's just one, then there's someone who needs help, and there's a family in need.”