2004 Archives
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EDITORIAL: ‘How can you call yourself a Christian & vote like that?’_80904
Posted: 8/06/04
EDITORIAL:
'How can you call yourself a Christian & vote like that?'A young Texas Baptist minister recently encountered congregational conflict when a member of his church insisted affiliation with the minister's political party comes complete with a ticket to hell. Meanwhile, an older minister in another state created a furor when he apparently endorsed a presidential candidate from the pulpit.
This is only going to get worse.
Both major political parties have hired staff and launched initiatives to recruit conservative, church-going Christians to their cause. The presidential election is too close to call, and control of Congress is up for grabs. Both parties see Christians as the fulcrum upon which important outcomes will tilt. So, they're launching all-out efforts to win these voters to their side. The effort is so intense the IRS already has warned both parties not to influence churches to engage in political activity that would jeopardize their tax-exempt status.
Hard as it is for the most partisan among us to comprehend, many voters affiliated with both parties have picked their political position precisely because of their Christian beliefs. 08/06/2004 - By John Rutledge
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Floods prompt outpouring of ministry_80904
Posted: 8/06/04
Members of The Oaks Baptist Church in Grand Prairie and Texas Baptist Men volunteers discuss where dehumidifiers will be most helpful after floodwaters deluged parts of North Texas. Floods prompt outpouring of ministry
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
BALCH SPRINGS–Debbie Christner stood on her porch as rushing water encroached on her home. It had happened before, and the water always receded before it flooded the house. But this time was different. The water did not slow down.
08/06/2004 - By John Rutledge
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Volunteers are ‘hands and feet of Jesus’ to Valley families_80904
Posted: 8/06/04
Local children make a mad dash at the start of a ballgame during Vacation Bible School recreation time at theProgreso Community Center. The Buckner/Cooperative Baptist Fellowship KidsHeart teams often worked closely with community centers and schools to provide activities for children. (Russ Dilday Photo) Volunteers are 'hands and feet
of Jesus' to Valley familiesBy Scott Collins
Buckner News Service
PROGRESO–A pile of discarded shingles lay in the summer sun outside Alicia Pena's home. The roof had been stripped down to its rotted plywood.
08/06/2004 - By John Rutledge
