Texas Tidbits_120604

Posted: 12/03/04 Texas Tidbits Wayland dedicates 11 scholarships. Wayland Baptist University celebrated homecoming 2004 by dedicating a record 11 endowed scholarships. They are the Salla Stephens Bradshaw and John Ray…

12/03/2004 - By John Rutledge

TOGETHER: Epicenter Ground zero for revival_120604

Posted: 12/03/04

TOGETHER:
Epicenter: Ground zero for revival

At the end of every year while I was a pastor, I gave thanks for the people who were saved and baptized that year in the church. I also prayed, “Lord, help us reach even more people for Christ next year.” Years ago, someone said to me, “God is easily pleased but hard to satisfy.” That's the way I felt about our evangelism efforts–pleased but not satisfied! Every pastor understands the feeling.

Where can you get help so you and your church can be more effective in reaching people for Christ?

You have asked the Baptist General Convention of Texas for help that will relate to your church.

12/03/2004 - By John Rutledge

From Red River to Rio Grande, Paris couple blazes ministry trail for others_120604

Posted: 12/03/04

From Red River to Rio Grande, Paris
couple blazes ministry trail for others

By George Henson

Staff Writer

PARIS–Gerald and Ora Lee Tomes have blazed a trail from the Red River to the Rio Grande that many others are eager to follow.

12/03/2004 - By John Rutledge

Ugandan faith-based microcredit organization focuses on investing in people_120604

Posted: 12/03/04

Ugandan faith-based microcredit
organization focuses on investing in people

By Dale Hanson Bourke

Religion News Service

NTUNGAMO, Uganda (RNS)– Generous Katagira, 26, says she should be thinking about getting married. Most Ugandan women her age have already settled down and started a family.

12/03/2004 - By John Rutledge

Vermont judge grants child-custody rights to partner in same-sex civil union_120604

Posted: 12/03/04

Vermont judge grants child-custody
rights to partner in same-sex civil union

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (ABP)–A Vermont judge has ruled that gay couples united in civil unions should be treated no differently than heterosexual married couples who have had children by artificial insemination when it comes to custody disputes.

12/03/2004 - By John Rutledge

Cybercolumn by Brett Younger: ‘…born again in us’_120604

Posted: 12/03/04

CYBERCOLUMN:
‘… born again in us’

By Brett Younger

We have been through so many Christmas seasons that it’s become routine. We’re used to the sounds of the approaching Yuletide—jingle bells, silver bells, Salvation Army bells, Christmas cards from Southern belles and the one-tolling-for-thee-shopping-bell.

Santa is around more than some family members. “The Miracle on 34th Street” doesn’t seem particularly miraculous many more. We’re no longer inspired (if we ever were) by the television specials where sad, lonely busy people tempted to skip the whole business are suddenly inspired to decorate, bake and wrap. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire sound no better than microwave tater tots.

12/03/2004 - By John Rutledge

Cross-country church connections bringin revival_112904

Posted: 11/24/04

Cross-country church connections bringing revival

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Prayer is connecting Texas Baptists with Christians from New England to the Rocky Mountains, and it is bringing revival with it, firsthand observers report.

11/24/2004 - By John Rutledge

Kentucky Baptists divided over a vote on officers, a constitutional amendment and the BWA_112904

Posted: 11/24/04

Kentucky Baptists divided over a vote on
officers, a constitutional amendment and the BWA

By Trennis Henderson & David Winfrey

Kentucky Western Recorder

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP)—"Kentucky Baptists Connect," an ambitious five-year ministry emphasis, was intended to be the primary focus of the Kentucky Baptist Convention's annual meeting in Louisville.

11/24/2004 - By John Rutledge

Storylist for 11/22 issue_112204

Storylist for 11/22/04 issue GO TO SECTIONS: • Texas       • Baptists       • Faith       • Departments      • Opinion       • Bible Study      • Distance no barrier for churches…

11/24/2004 - By John Rutledge

Alabama Baptists vote against same-sex marriage, turn down funds for BWA_112904

Posted: 11/24/04

Alabama Baptists vote against same-sex
marriage, turn down funds for BWA

By Greg Warner

Associated Baptist Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (ABP)—Alabama Baptists at their annual meeting passed resolutions against same-sex marriage and in favor of education and military chaplains. But they turned down an attempt to divert $30,000 from the Southern Baptist Convention to the Baptist World Alliance.

11/23/2004 - By John Rutledge

Baptist University of the Americas applies for BWA membership_112904

Posted: 11/24/04

Baptist University of the Americas applies for BWA membership

SAN ANTONIO—Baptist University of the Americas has applied for associate membership in the Baptist World Alliance.

At its July meeting in Seoul, South Korea, the Baptist World Alliance General Council amended the international organization’s constitution to allow associate membership.

The new membership category was created “to involve Baptist churches and organized Baptist groups in the global ministry of the Baptist World Alliance through prayer, the sharing of resources and participation in the meetings, congresses and conferences of the Baptist World Alliance,” the amendment stated. “The ministry of churches, organized Baptist groups and the Alliance are all strengthened through this intentional partnership.”

11/23/2004 - By John Rutledge

California Baptists pass bylaw changes_112904

Posted: 11/24/04

California Baptists pass bylaw changes

By Terry Barone

California Southern Baptist

HIGHLAND, Calif. (ABP)—Except for several bylaw changes concerning the relationship of the California Southern Baptist Convention to its agencies, messengers to the convention's annual meeting approved a number of routine items with little debate.

11/23/2004 - By John Rutledge