Posted: 9/14/05

BaptistWay Bible Series for Sept. 25

Rely on the leadership of God

• Joshua 7:1-12, 16-21

By Ronnie Prevost

Logsdon Seminary, Abilene

The story of Israel at Ai is almost as short as the name of the little town just north of Jericho. But the brevity of the town’s name belies the number and variety of lessons Israel had to learn from the experience.

Israel was fresh from the great victory at Jericho. Perhaps the people were cocky. After all, they were “undefeated.” Their triumph against overwhelming odds had instilled in them a sense of invincibility. After all, Ai was “small potatoes” compared to Jericho. Oh, they had relied on God when they really needed to, but Ai was something they could take care of themselves.

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But they had forgotten far too much. First, they had forgotten who had won the victory at Jericho. In our culture, we tend to see this as taking God for granted. But this was beyond the way we would see it. Their culture’s concept of war was somewhat different from that most of us hold. They believed that, as the people of God, when they were at war it was not really a matter of them versus the other people. It was their God warring against the “god” of the other town or nation. That is why, when a battle was won, the booty and plunder belonged not to themselves but to God. But Achan had violated that rule, and the whole community would suffer as a result.

Now, Israel was coming to another battle with sin in their midst. And they were fighting a temptation similar to what we often face: self-reliance versus reliance on God. This put them in what is often called a “double bind.”

First, they believed what is referred to as the “Deuteronomic formula.” This was a system of belief which held that if one does good, God would bless. If one sinned, God would curse. And they measured God’s blessings and curses in terms of material wealth, health and long life. By this, with sin in their community, their attack on Ai was doomed. Their over-confidence blinded them to their need for God.

In the aftermath of the defeat at Ai, Israel learned of Achan’s sin. They felt they had to be rid of sin in their community. The way they dealt with it, as recorded in Joshua 7:24-26, was to destroy Achan, his family and his possessions in the Valley of Achor (which means “trouble”). And they covered Achan with stones as its own kind of monument to greed and sin—but mostly to obscure even the existence of Achan.

As they saw it, they were now free from sin and the trouble brought on them by Achan. Certainly, their reliance on God was renewed.

One problem is that Israel did not always remember what they had learned at Ai. Later, through the prophets Isaiah and Hosea, God alluded to what had happened. God’s people had again forgotten God and were again relying on themselves. And again they would suffer defeat as a result. Their suffering would bring cleansing. Then redemption and restoration would come.

In Isaiah 65:10, God promised that, then “Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who seek me.” Similarly, Hosea 2:15 put it this way, “There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.”

What a wonderful promise! God does hold his people accountable and often (usually?) lets them suffer many of the consequences of disobedience. However, God is in the business of redemption. When his people turn back to him, he will restore. Then, the places that once stood for trouble (brought by sin) become places of hope (brought by God).

That is the meaning of the wonderful passage in 1 John 1:19: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Much of our unrighteousness arises from sources similar to those that hounded Israel. We so easily cry out to him when we are in difficult situations. But it seems most of us forget to rely on God when our lives are going smoothly. We arrogantly think can take care of things all by ourselves. As it happened with Israel, that self-reliance inevitably leads to failure and sin. That is when we find that we have dug ourselves into those very deep holes. And then we call out to God once again. Thank God he still listens.

But we need to learn from Israel’s example and from our own mistakes. Perhaps at this point, we can learn from another old saying: “When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.” The lesson is that, regardless of circumstances, in good times and bad, when we think we can make it on our own, we are digging ourselves into very deep holes. When we live mindless of God’s leadership and without his power, we do so at our peril. But there still is hope. Not in ourselves, but in God’s grace, love, mercy and presence.

Discussion question

• Why do we need God even when our lives are going well?

• What are some ways we take God’s leadership and strength for granted?

• How should our lives be more consistently reliant on God?

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 9/14/05

Family Bible Series for Sept. 25

Instructions for living a life that pleases God

• 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

By Donald Raney

Westlake Chapel, Graham

Over the past several weeks, we have been examining what the Bible has to say about the purpose for our lives. Last week, we discussed the fact that our divinely given purpose is to live in a right relationship to God. But is it enough simply to love God and accept his offer of salvation through Jesus? What practical significance does that have on our daily lives? Is it possible to live a life that pleases God? If so, what does such a life look like?

This week, we are going to look at some practical instructions the Apostle Paul gives for living a life that pleases God.

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1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Paul spends most of the first part of this letter expressing thanksgiving for the news he has heard about the Thessalonian church. Paul heard about how the influence of the believers in Thessalonica has spread to encourage other believers in the area.

Now Timothy has returned to Paul with first-hand news of the depth of faith and love this church demonstrates. Paul begins chapter 4 by commending the Thessalonian believers for the way they already have been practicing the lessons he had taught them earlier. They already were doing well in living lives distinct from those of their pagan neighbors.

Paul encourages them to continue to strive for even deeper levels of commitment. He wants them to hold up their ethical and moral standards even more. They already know the teachings Paul passed on through the authority of Jesus; now they need to move forward in their sanctification.

“Sanctification” is one of those “big church words” that many people often hear without knowing exactly what it means. Sanctification is the process by which the life of a believer is set apart for God’s purposes. The sanctified life is distinct through the practice of personal holiness. Sanctification brings us into a right moral and ethical standing before God.

This does not make the believer perfect, but it simply means that the intentional focus of life is moved from satisfying one’s own desires to seeking to please God. Paul insists this is God’s will for each of them and urges them to continue to strive toward that goal.

Paul then addresses two specific areas where sin most often finds the easiest access; sexuality and money. Perhaps more than any other, these two areas of our lives can interfere with our striving for a sanctified life.

Apart from technological differences, the world Paul lived in was not so different than the world we live in. The drive to satisfy sexual desires was clearly evident throughout the society of the time. Pagan worship ceremonies often included various sexual acts, and pagan temples often employed prostitutes. Prostitution also was prevalent in the marketplace, as well.

Paul was writing to people who had been exposed to these things all of their lives. He knows that even for believers, this natural desire could lead to immoral behavior. He thus encourages them to learn to grow in self-control, to possess their bodies to the degree that they satisfy their appetites in such a way that clearly demonstrates their relationship to God.

In addition to calling the people to live their faith through sexual purity, Paul also tells them they should maintain a high ethical standard in business dealings with one another. No one should defraud or transgress against his or her neighbor.

As with sex, the drive to obtain more and more wealth can be very tempting and can cause us to lose sight of our responsibility toward others. We can come to see them simply as means of obtaining what we want. This often can rob the other person of his or her sense of value, and Paul tells us God certainly will not leave such actions unpunished.

Further, because it is God who calls us to holy lives, anyone who refuses to submit those earthly desires to God is rejecting the word of God rather than a message taught by humans. Here again, Paul likely is speaking to those in the church who want just enough of the gospel to gain salvation without having it affect their daily lives. This is certainly a warning people of every generation need to hear.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Paul next gives the church two positive commands to accompany the two negatives he had just given. In verses 9 through 12, Paul reminds believers to continue to excel in love for one another and to conduct their lives in a quiet and honest manner. As with the earlier commands, following these commands would make them distinct from the world of non-believers surrounding them. Such behavior in itself would be a witness to non-believers.

Paul again commends them for their well-known love for all believers and encourages them to work toward an even deeper love. He also tells them they should do honest work which does not seek to attract attention and does not interfere in the life of someone else. Such behavior not only will please God, but also will be appreciated by everyone and will allow each person to meet their own needs.

Discussion questions

• What are ways we might transgress against or defraud our neighbor?

• What things can we do to move toward sanctification?

• If Paul was writing this letter to you or your church, for what things might he commend you? In what areas are you currently seeking to excel even more?

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 9/14/05

Explore the Bible Series for Sept. 25

Move to the high ground—Jesus Christ

• Romans 3:1-20

By Trey Turner

Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Temple

Is God faithful? (Romans 3:1-4)

A part of this author’s testimony takes place in his West Texas town on typical Sundays in a typical Texas Baptist church. The typical part of the story is probably what makes his testimony illustrative, because sitting next to him each of those Sunday mornings, Sunday nights and Wednesday nights were other youth with big hearts ready to be filled up as God poured himself out.

Yet these young men and women did not respond to God at this time. God was talking, particularly to a young man whom he would call to be a pastor. This young man’s friends would sit, yawn, listen and pass notes. There were times the newly called minister also did these things because this kid was not special—it was the calling on his life that was unique and special.

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As shown from these verses in Romans, some ‘special’ calling does not make anyone extra special, immune to sin or bigger than life. Individuals called to vocational ministries are entrusted with the word of God but do not form some special class of Christian believer.

The questions: Is God faithful when those sitting in the pew with this newly called minister are not hearing all their friend is being prompted in his heart? Yes, God's word is plain to everyone—his standard is laid out for all generations. Is God faithful since those he called to ministry cannot live up to God’s holiness and then fail at some of the expectations placed on them? Yes, God remains faithful to his name. How is he faithful? God has not walked away from the generations. Though he has prompted hearts and his word has been conveyed so extensively in our Texas context, God has not turned away from those who do not hear, ignore, or even reject his voice. He chooses instead to be true to his word another day.

Is God fair? (Romans 3:5-8)

Years ago, someone talked about the contrast of polished diamonds displayed on black velvet. If a person wants to see the amazing facets of a diamond, this is a great way.

Likewise, the Apostle Paul anticipates arguments some could use saying, “God uses me to show just how great his grace is.” In one way, this person could say: “OK, you have made your point, I have showed your holiness against my sin. Now why am I being punished?”

Conversely, “Let’s go sin more and more so that God can look more and more holy.” Paul points out that both of these statements are ridiculous. Remember the purpose of Christ’s coming—he judged sin, but he came out of heaven looking to receive the sinner.

Are all sinners? (Romans 3:9-12, 18)

Lest anyone believe God or his spokesperson, Paul, is pitting one group against another to make one religious group look good and another inferior, see how he levels the proverbial playing field. Paul has talked to the semi-ignorant Gentile (1:21-24), to the moralistic idealist (2:5-6) and to the faithful Jew (2:25-28).

Here then is the universal for the gospel. Neither one’s nationality nor religious background ultimately matters. All people must accept their own unrighteousness before their Creator. Salvation must be a part of every person’s experience.

Are all accountable? (Romans 3:19-20)

Paul describes the role of the law as the ultimate silencer—that which stills the prideful heart and humbles the whole of God’s creation. A person can hear Paul say, “Remember the purpose of the law.”

The law is a powerful teacher, but a terrible master. There is a God behind the law. The law shows us the character of God and the proper view of humanity. The law commands and demands but has no saving power in itself. Instead, Paul says, “Through the law we have become conscious of sin.” Like a mirror to our souls, the law shows people a picture.

Intellectually, people can accept the thought that every person is created equally loved by God, but why is it all too easy for believers to think that God makes some a ‘better’ equal than others? How the world would be different if Christians would grasp the amazing love of God for the sinner. Compassion from the heart of God could draw all people to that humility and ministry that would issue forth from that heart.

Hurricane Katrina reminds us of how there is no high ground where everyone is safe. The only high ground, spiritually speaking, is to meet the savior, Jesus Christ. No one is exempt; instead, all are welcome and invited.

Discussion question

• How does the law relate to your salvation?

• How can Christians have more compassion for nonbelievers?

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 9/13/05

Texas Baptist organizations
team up to help hurricane victims

The list below of organizations providing relief and shelter for victims of Hurricane Katrina will be continually updated.

Go To: Statewide |  North Texas Area |  Dallas Area |  Fort Worth |  Houston Area |  Golden Triangle Area |  Waco Area |  Coastal Plains Area |  San Antonio, Valley Area | 

SBC Survivor Information Database–The Southern Baptist Convention is offering a free online service at www.sbc.net to aid those displaced by Hurricane Katrina to reconnect with their family and friends.

Florida position open for youth minister displaced by hurricane:
Dane Blankenship, senior pastor at First Baptist Church, Cape Coral, Fla., says his church is in need of a youth minister and would like to offer the position to a person/family directly affected by the hurricane.  "We have immediate housing available for this family and would be able to pay a competitive salary as well."
Write Blankeship at pastor@firstbaptistcapecoral.com

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Financial contributions to the BGCT, designated "Katrina relief," benefit both the disaster relief ministries of Texas Baptist Men and other Texas Baptist ministries to victims of the hurricane.

Mail to: BGCT Controller's Office, 333 N. Washington, Dallas, TX 75246

The Texas Baptist Missions Foundation can accept disaster relief contributions by credit card. Call (214) 828-5343 or toll-free (800) 558-8263.

East Texas Baptist University
East Texas Baptist University will be a collection point for donations for the “Harrison County Unity Day for Katrina Relief” sponsored by radio station KMHT 103.9 FM/1450 AM. The station will be broadcasting live Friday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Texas Baptist Men

Texas Baptist Men disaster relief volunteers are providing emergency food service and other ministries to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

To contribute financially, send checks designated "Katrina relief" to Texas Baptist Men, 333 N. Washington, Dallas, TX 75246.

For more information on how to volunteer, call (214) 828-5350.

Buckner Baptist Benevolences

Buckner is accepting contributions at four sites to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Buckner can accept cash donations at all sites, as well as online at www.buckner.org.

Other items needed are shoes, clothing and food staples. Only new clothing and shoes can be accepted.

Collection sites:

• Houston – Buckner Children and Family Services. Contact: Maggie Pilgreen, c/o South Main Baptist Church, 4100 S. Main Street Houston, TX 77002. Phone: (281) 630-6610.

•Beaumont –Beaumont Children’s Village, 9055 Manion Drive , Beaumont, Texas 77706, Michelle Harris (409) 866-0976; mharris@buckner.org

•Dallas – Buckner Crisis Relief Center, 4828 S. Buckner Blvd. #B, Dallas, TX 75227, Jackie Belt (214) 275-9002; jbelt@buckner.org

•Longview – Buckner Children and Family Services, 110 E. Cotton Street , Longview, TX 75601, Greg Eubanks (903) 757-9383; guebanks@buckner.org

•Lufkin – Buckner Children and Family Services, 3402 Daniel McCall, Suite 21, Lufkin, TX 75901, Judy Morgan (936) 637-3300; jmorgan@buckner.org

North Texas Area

Powderly Baptist Church, Powderly, TX
Phone: 903-784-7917(home), 903-517-6863(cell)
Contact Person: Pastor Jerry Moore
Powderly Baptist Church in Powderly, Texas, near Paris ,has available a large gymnasium with 3 bathrooms and a kitchen. There are also 6 classrooms in which families could stay in the gym building. Our church has an additional 6 bathrooms and large kitchen in the church which is connected to the gym by a covered driveway. There is a large parking lot and the church is located 1/4 mile from an elementary school, post office and fire department. The church is 8 miles north of Paris as well as North Lamar Middle and High Schools. In addition, we have a 15 passenger van which can be used to transport people. We will be happy to come as far as necessary in order to help transport and could probably acpuire a few additional vans from other churches and bring a convoy. We also have had several churches offer to help with the food and other needs of the people. Contact numbers are: Jerry Moore (pastor) 903-784-7917(home), 903-517-6863(cell), moore.pk@1starnet.com (e-mail); Raymond Allen 903-732-3784; Michelle Burks 903-784-3944. We have a couple who have also volunteered to house a family or couple in their home.

Dallas Area:

The new Disaster Relief Unit of the Dallas Baptist Association is serving in Hammond, La., where they are a part of feeding up to 20,000 meals daily to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Hammond is about 40 miles northwest of New Orleans.
For complete relief information see the Dallas Baptist Association website: www.dba.net/dbanew/

Mimosa Lane Baptist Church in Mesquite will conduct a "Mororama Car Show" at the church from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Sept. 17 to raise money for Katrina relief. Entry fee is a minimum $5 donation. The event, conducted by the church's PitStop Ministry, which provides oil changes and minor repairs for those in need, will feature a display of 75 to 100 classic and unique show cars as well as music, entertainment, food and prizes. The church is located at 1233 N. Beltline Rd., Mesquite, south of Hwy 80. For more information, write Stephanie Smith at Allyseventservices@comcast.net.

Wilshire Baptist Church

Location: 4316 Abrams Rd., Dallas, Texas

Wilshire Baptist Church has partnered with University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, La., to provide clothing, shoes, bedding and toiletries for refugees who have sought shelter from Hurricane Katrina in Baton Rouge, La.

Specific needs:

• Cash donations to allow bulk purchase of clothing and bedding. Mark contributions "Baton Rouge Relief Project."

• New clothing for children, youth and adults. Wilshire cannot accept used clothing. Clothing needed is basics such as undergarments, socks, shorts, pants, T-shirts. Buckner Baptist Benevolences is donating 5,000 pairs of new shoes for delivery to Baton Rouge.

• New bedding items such as sleeping bags, pillows and sheets. Wilshire cannot accept used bedding items.

• Small toiletry items such as hotel-size bottles of shampoo, bars of soap, tubes of toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, etc.

The shoes, clothing, toiletries and bedding items will be delivered to Baton Rouge on Monday, Sept. 5., in two large trucks.

Donated items and cash contributions will be accepted at the north entrance to the church from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, September 1-4.

For more information, call (214) 452-3100.

Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Cedar Hill
Phone: 972-291-0066
Contact Person: Andrea Hernandez, Director of Colonial Hills Baptist Church Preschool Development Center
How they are ministering to victims: Child Care
Preschool development center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am – 2pm.  The church has some spots available in its preschool development center and would love to open them up to some families affected by the hurricane that might need free childcare. Currently there are 4 spots available in the Baby and Toddler Class which is for 6 months to 24 months, 4 spots available in the Two Year Old class, and 4 spots available in the Pre-Kindergarten (4 years) class. 

* Colonial Hills Baptist Church Preschool Development Center
820 E. Wintergreen Rd.
Cedar Hill, TX  75104
972-291-0066
Contact:  Andrea Hernandez
home 972-293-6924.

Cliff Temple Baptist Church, Dallas
125 Sunset Ave., Dallas
(214) 942-8601

Cliff Temple's Goslin Care Center caught fire at about 4 a.m., Sept. 2. Fire gutted the upstairs area where the clothes closet was located, and initial assessment indicated the building was beyond repair for the forseeable future, said Pastor Glen Schmucker.

Refugees from Hurricane Katrina were in the church parking lot waiting for the care center to open when church officials arrived to assess the situation. Cliff Temple will move its food pantry to the church's fellowship hall, which will function as the care center temporarily. The church needs:

–Canned goods to restock the pantry.

–Clothes. Everything in the church's benevolence clothes closet was destroyed by fire or smoke.

First Baptist Church, Duncanville

323 W. Wheatland Rd., Duncanville

(972) 298-1435

At least 50 people–and possibly up to 100–will be housed in a shelter at First Baptist Church in Duncanville. The church needs:

–Unused bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows)

–Cots

–Board games and magazines

Fort Worth Area

Complete relief information at Tarrant Baptist Association's website: www.tarrantbaptist.org

For the latest on how Tarrant Baptist Association is responding: Click here.

New Orleans Seminary operation has been moved to Fort Worth. If you know anyone in the Fort Worth area who can assist with housing, please contact Southwestern Seminary at 817-923-1921.

Celebration Fellowship – available to help
want to be contacted as more information is available about logistics
Contact James Reeves, pastor James@celebrationnet.com

Eagle’s View (Saginaw) – Contact Kevin Groth 817-808-3969 They are already housing people with church families. Could use toiletries and gift cards from Walmart and Target to pass out to families located near Cherry St.

Fielder Road Baptist Church will provide housing by creating hotel-like rooms for families who will re-locate for long-term shelter. The church plans to access each situation and then relocate them to an apartment as soon as possible.

First Baptist Church, Everman – one house. Contact John Tallpo 817-903-7905

First Baptist Church, Keller
Pastor: Keith Sanders
Business Administrator: Ed Nelson cell: 817-368-0157
Contact 817-431-2545; ksanders@fbckeller.org;
Gymnasium sleeps 100-150 – enough restrooms
Only one shower
Kitchen can prepare food for same number
Can provide food and shelter
Need cots/sleeping supplies
Can ask church members about keeping families with special needs kids
Date: Preparation – one week
Length of stay: months

River Oaks Baptist Church
Contact Pastor Jim Lemons
Church available with kitchen, showers and bedding when needed.

Woodland Heights Baptist Church – some housing available Doug Riggs, pastor (817) 571-7884

Mahanaim Christian Fellowship, Crowley
Contact Pastor Ellison Donald – (817) 966-1592 cell
(817) 568-1592 hm., mcf3@juno.com
Church building is presently vacant and available to house refugees all Sept. and Oct.
The building is 4100 sq. ft., and includes a kitchen, two bathrooms, sanctuary, fellowship hall and four other rooms.
Located at 5500 Stewart Feltz Rd., Crowley. I-35 to Waco. Exit 1137 Rendon Crowley. West 5 miles to flashing yellow light (West Cleburn Rd.). Go North 1⁄2 mile, left at Stewart Feltz Rd. Church is on the right. OR south on Hulen Rd. past North Crowley H.S. Right (west) on Cleburn Rd. to Stewart Feltz Rd.

The Hope House, an arm of Bethlehem Baptist, Mansfield
Contact Portia Wilson – (817) 473-1236
Facility is available Tues, the 6th, indefinite time period. Can house 15. Meals provided, but kitchen available to people to use. Non perishable food/clothing/medical needs at clinic available starting Tuesday.

First Baptist Church, Grapevine
301 E. Texas St., Grapevine, 76051
Contact Russell Young, Business Admin. – (817) 301-7700
Gymnasium available with showers and kitchen. Need bedding. Can house 100 people for 2 weeks to one month.

Houston-area

Union Baptist Association: www.ubahouston.org

For a list of known needs in the Houston area or to request assistance as your congregations seeks to minister victims now housed in Houston, click here.

White Oak Baptist Church, Houston
White Oak Baptist Church in Houston, a congregation of 350, is housing and feeding 50 evacuees and is Pastor Forrest Lowry is asking its members to plan to give weekly for the long haul in caring for them. Others who want to help can make checks payable to White Oak Baptist Church 3615 Mangum Road Houston, TX 77092 (Put Katrina Shelter Fund in the Memo Line). All contributions are tax deductible.

OPERATION COMPASSION
A two-hour training session is required for volunteers at Second Baptist's West Campus, 19499 Katy Freeway or at its North Campus, 22770 U.S. 59 North in Kingwood.
–Registration: Volunteers are asked to register with their local religious organizations, which will coordinate with Second Baptist. Individuals without congregations can come to training without registering.
–More information: www.second.org/global/operation_compassion.aspx or 713-365-3479.

Some of the known needs include:

cots/mattresses (CRITICAL)

bedding

food

baby supplies

volunteers (cooks, janitors, security, secretarial, children's programming)

toiletries

underwear

finances and/or gift cards for gas or area stores such as Wal-Mart, rolls of quarters for laundry mat (CRITICAL)

Houston-area churches offering shelter to victims of Hurricane Katrina:
Contact information for those seeking to assist these shelters is as follows:

Bamore Road Baptist Church, 1110 Bamore Rd, Rosenberg — Hosting 79, can host up to 100 hurricane victims but will determine that on Tuesday. Contact the church at 281-232-7924.

Bayshore Baptist, 11315 Spencer, La Porte — Can house 150 and are nearing capacity. Call 281-471-0332.

Copperfield Baptist, Copperfield — Can house up to 100 persons and are nearing capacity. Contact 281-856-2273.

Eagle Heights Fellowship, Mont Belvieu — Can house 135 and currently has 100. Contact 832-514-1157.

Fairmont Park, La Porte — Can house 200. Currently FULL. Contact Theresa Cousins, coordinator, tcousins@fairmontpark.org or at 281-471-2615.

First Baptist Huntsville, 1229 Avenue J, Huntsville — FULL with 400. Contact 936-291-3441.

First Baptist Katy, 906 Avenue A, Katy – Housing 200. FULL. Contact 281-391-3000.

First Baptist Seabrook, 1506 Bayport Blvd. — Housing 100. FULL. Contact Cheryl Harrison at 281-474-3281.

First South Houston, 315 Georgia Street — Can house 200. Contact the church at 713-946-5944.

First Metropolitan, 8870 W. Sam Houston Parkway N. — One facility can hold 50 and has 35. Another is at capacity with 25. Contact Paulette Snowden at 713-983-7878, ext. 13.

Primera Iglesia, Pasadena — Currently housing 35. FULL. Contact Doug Wheeler, 832-741-0511.

South Main Houston, 4100 Main — Housing 50. FULL. Contact Tom Williams at 713-529-4167.

Tallowood, 555 Tallowood Drive — Housing 100. Contact 713-468-8241.

The Lord's Church, 7036-F FM 1960 East — Can house 60 and currently have 30. They are also working to locate jobs and assist with eventual move into affordable housing. Contact Joseph Smith at 281-852-5852.

White Oak Baptist, 3615 Mangum Road — Currently housing 45 persons. Contact Connie Balthrop at 713-682-6478.

Willow Meadows, 4300 West Bellfort — Will open Monday. Contact Susan Brock, 713-723-3969.

Willow Meadows is also offering training for those providing grief counseling in hotels and shelters.

While shelters are being established, other churches are organizing to feed the hundreds of stranded families in nearby hotels. Clear Lake Baptist fed 300 in their first effort after distributing 1,800 flyers at area hotels. The food pantry ministry, who initiated the response, is currently looking for assistance from other area churches.

San Jacinto, Deer Park FBC, Deer Park United Methodist, Church of the Living Water, and FaithBridge are pooling resources and efforts to assist approximately 200 to 300 refugees staying in the Deer Park area. Currently working with the local Salvation Army shelter, they are also meeting with area officials today to determine what more area churches can do in a coordinated effort.

Greater New Hope is collecting food and clothes at their facility at 778 Granville Drive. Pastor John Wilburn is the contact and can be reached at (713) 699-4285.

Golden Triangle Area

More information is available at the Golden Triangle Baptist Association website: www.gtba.org/

Shepherd's Inn has a critical need for volunteers, especially for security. Volunteers are needed to work from about 10 pm to 7 a.m. at the reception desk during the night. You may read or study but your help is needed to maintain security.

Complete household furniture items are needed for evacuees that are moving from shelters into apartments or houses. Several families need items.
There is a need for families who are willing to take an evacuee family into their home, for houses, and apartments for evacuees.
Jobs and employment opportunities are needed for evacuees

Coastal Plains Area

First Baptist Church, Bay City
Phone: 979-245-3056
Contact Person: Pastor Mike Zimmerman
How they are ministering to victims:
First Baptist Church, Bay City – Pastor Mike Zimmerman – currently
housing 60 people (1/2 are children) with more coming. The estimated stay is
2 weeks minimum. FBC Bay City is a Red Cross location.
Anyone wanting to volunteer go through American Red Cross 979-245-3056
Financial Donations – to purchase hot meals and snacks. Meals have to be
catered by an approved Red Cross kitchen.
Other donations should include: SCHOOL SUPPLIES, Deodorant, Phone Cards,
Laundry Detergent, Body Lotion, Disposable Razors, Shaving Cream, Feminine
Products, Diapers (all sizes), Trash Bags (large yard size), Blankets,
Pillows, Lysol, and Bottled Water.

First Baptist Church, El Campo
Phone:
Contact Person: Pastor Rick DuBroc
How they are ministering to victims:
First Baptist Church, El Campo – Pastor Rick DuBroc – currently feeding
45 people.  If anyone would like to make financial donations please send the
money to the New First National Bank, PO Box 470, El Campo 77437 in care of
the El Campo Ministerial Alliance.
 
River Pointe Church, Richmond
Phone: 281-277-6767
Contact Person: Pastor Patrick Kelley
How they are ministering to victims: 
We are still formulating a long-term plan but believe the best way we can help immediately is to partner with Second Mile Ministries in Stafford.  Second Mile has been asked by The United Way and the Houston Food Bank to help administer emergency aid for displaced hurricane evacuees.  Currently there are somewhere between 3,000 – 4,000 "refugees" from New Orleans in 22 Stafford Hotels.  These folks are being directed to Second Mile Ministry for assistance. 
Second Mile needs our help.  The following is a list of requested items for donations:
* Financial Aid (for medications, gasoline, other short term needs)
* Baby Items (formula, diapers, baby wipes)
* Bottled Water
* Blankets and pillows
* Heat to Eat and Snack foods (cereal bars, pop-tarts, soup, canned pasta,) Pop-Top cans if available
Second Mile also needs volunteers to help organize and distribute these items.   Donations can be brought directly to Second Miles' facility at 504 FM 1092 in Stafford.  You can also bring items by the church.  We've set up a trailer in the parking lot and will be taking donated items to Second Mile daily.
 
Bamore Road Baptist Church, Rosenberg
Phone: 281-232-7924
Contact Person: Pastor Harvey Abke
How they are ministering to victims:
Bamore Road Baptist Church, Rosenberg – Pastor Harvey Abke – currently
they have sufficient supplies, food, etc.  Their food supply will last until
Tuesday or so of next week.  There is a need for more air mattresses.  A
number of local churches have volunteered to provide meals on specific days.
A group of about 40 people will be leaving this coming Monday for Dallas.
They have made arrangements in Dallas for housing, etc.  That will leave
about 35 or so left at Bamore.
If you would like to help next week please contact Harvey Abke at: 281-232-7924;
Please call ahead to confirm since needs change daily.
 

Waco Area

Seventh & James Baptist Church

602 James Avenue, Waco

Phone: (254) 753 6425 & Fax: (254) 753 1909

Email: mail@seventhandjames.org

Seventh & James Baptist Church is offering temporary, free shelter for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The church can accommodate up to 100 people

In addition to financial assistance, the church needs:

–Clothing. Please sort and package it male/female and by size/age to expedite handling and distribution.

–Bedding. Please indicate the size of bed.

–Meals. The church needs meals (lunch and/or dinner) cooked and delivered. We project 35 people in the next week but the number could grow to 100.

–Cell phones. The church asks anyone who can spare cell phone and air time to help keep volunteers connected to other relief efforts.

Baylor University

* Baylor's Student Government has set up a means by which students, faculty, staff and alumni can contribute to hurricane relief efforts. For information on "Paws for a Cause" click on www.baylor.edu/paws4cause.

•Baylor is working to accommodate upperclassmen from higher education institutions in the hurricane-affected areas to assimilate them into the university so they can continue their studies on a temporary basis. At this time Baylor is unable to accommodate additional freshmen, but admissions staff members are working to admit sophomores, juniors and seniors for the fall semester on a space available basis. For more detailed information please click here.

•Baylor's McLane Student Life Center at Speight and Bagby avenues is providing showers and towels to displaced persons who are sheltered at Seventh and James Baptist Church in Waco.

•Truett Seminary will serve the Baylor family as a collection site for various items most requested by FEMA and other emergency relief organizations. The seminary will take donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in the first floor dean's suite. The requested items are: cleanup kits, health kits, bottled water, canned tuna, diapers, peanut butter, and granola or cereal bars. For more information, call Truett Seminary at (254) 710-3755.

•Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminary has offered to accommodate students at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for a semester while the Louisiana school recovers from the hurricane.

•Baylor's School of Law has offered to work with the law schools at Tulane and Loyola to accommodate their law students as visiting law students while the Louisiana schools recover from the hurricane.

•The School of Social Work is hosting an emergency meeting in Truett Seminary's Powell Chapel for area community service providers, social and health service providers and congregational leaders at 8 a.m. Sept. 2 to coordinate local Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

•Baylor's Student Life division is working on assembling student teams to help with the cleanup efforts over Baylor's fall break (Oct. 21-23).

For more information, visit www.baylor.edu.

San Antonio Area

Valley Baptist Mission Education Center
Valley Baptist Mission Education Center in Harlingen, TX, will house
about 220 evacuees at the request of Buckner Baptist Benevolences. The dorm facilities have been empty since Valley Baptist Academy closed in May 2003.

Baptist Child and Family Services can receive donations for its hurricane relief efforts at 909 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 800, San Antonio 78209, by credit card at (210) 832-5000 or online at www.bcfs.net. For more information, call toll-free (888) 545-4222.

BCFS is in need of experienced case managers. Social workers (MSW) who can work for one week to a month are needed in San Antonio to help with placing evacuees in permanent housing. Volunteers can call 888-545-4222 to apply to volunteer.

Updated information available at the San Antonio Baptist Associataion website: www.sanantoniobaptist.org

Bibles have been requested by individuals coming. Donations accepted at TriPoint Center. See below for location.

2) Clothing Donations–Salvation Army 352.2000 or Goodwill

3) Food & Water Collection point is TriPoint/Old Albertson's Store at 3233 N. St. Mary's (corner of Hwy 281/N. St. Mary's). This is near Trinity Baptist Church.
ITEMS NEEDED in addtion to food and water:
personal hygiene items; single serving snack items, peanut butter, paper goods, cups, diapers, tissue, formula, wet, wipes, lunchables;

4) Volunteers needed at TriPoint/Old Albertson's Store to collect, sort, move donations. Call Steve Payne: 210.378.4616

5) Medical Trained Prsonnel–Baptist Child & Family Services need RN/LVNs to volunteer. Call BCFS: 210.283.5123.

6) A special account has been set up in the SABA office to channel relief funds to victims in the path of Hurricane Katrina. Make check to SABA and designated for disaster relief effort. Mail to 5807 IH10 West, 78201. ALL funds are sent DIRECTLY to the most pressing need of the moment.

7) Some New Orleans Seminary Students are being moved to the Southwestern Seminary campus in SA. Rev. John Franklin is coordinating housing for these students. Call 674.2702 if you are interested in assisting with housing.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 9/13/05

CYBER COLUMN:
Learning trust from tragedy

By Brett Younger

When we began seeing the first horrific images from Hurricane Katrina, I thought about Max. On a mission trip to New Orleans in 1997, my job was leading a daily Bible study for 15 homeless men with drug or alcohol addictions. Ex-convicts, victims of abuse, and only a few high school graduates made it a Saturday night crowd rather than one of the Sunday morning crews with whom I usually share Bible study. On the first day, while discussing the parable of the Good Samaritan, I said something like: “It’s hard to know what to teach my children about strangers. I don’t want them to trust everyone, but if I teach them to be afraid, I may also be teaching them to hate.”

Brett Younger

Max reacted angrily, shouting: “You don’t know what it’s like in my world. I was 8 years old the first time I saw a man murdered. I’ve lost count of how many murders I’ve seen since then. I have an 11-year-old daughter. I’m going to teach her to fear everyone. If hating them keeps her alive, then I hope she hates them.”

For just a moment, I wished that there were metal detectors on the doors of the mission. A few participants who had only been marginally aware of our Bible study were suddenly interested. I shakily admitted that I really don’t know what it’s like in his world, but I understand that if I lived with his concerns I’d raise my children differently.

During the week, Max and I talked about the way environment shapes our attitudes. Our conversations led us to the conclusion that the poor and the wealthy often start with the faulty assumption that everyone on the other side of the poverty line is untrustworthy. Max helped me understand more about the wisdom that comes from struggles beyond my experience, the dignity born of suffering, the spiritual strength that comes with genuinely thanking God for getting through another day, the honesty of those who have plunged to the depths and come up alive.

It’s been eight years since I’ve seen Max. Maybe he was far away when the water started rising. People move, but he was a native of New Orleans and may still have been among the most vulnerable. I can only hope he’s OK and will get to see his 19-year-old daughter making her way.

And I wonder if, like me, he’s still learning about the limits of self-sufficiency and the need to trust. Strength like Max’s could help him survive a great deal of hardship, but this tragedy has made it clear that none of us can be certain of making it on our own. Hating everyone won’t work. Thousands of evacuees now have no choice but to trust strangers. People who are used to taking care of themselves will find it hard to rely on others for shelter, clothing and friendship.

In the days, weeks and months to come as we find ways to care for those who are hurting, it will require us to trust. It can be frightening to extend kindness to a stranger, but in the midst of this horrible tragedy, we may learn something.

Brett Younger is pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth and the author of Who Moved My Pulpit? A Hilarious Look at Ministerial Life, available from Smyth & Helwys (800) 747-3016. You can e-mail him at byounger@broadwaybc.org.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 9/09/05

Diary of an Astrodome Volunteer

By Michelle M. Guppy

Graceview Baptist Church, Tomball

It was Sunday.

I went there with one mission— to pass out Bibles that another volunteer said were needed, and to find children with disabilities so that at least I would feel useful. I knew how I could help them, and their parents. I have a child with autism.

The 10 minute-orientation for the volunteers did little to prepare us for what would be experienced over the next eight hours.

When I made the trek from the volunteer center to the “community,” I didn’t quite know what to expect. From what I’d seen on the news about the Superdome, I prepared myself for panic and chaos. I pictured people scurrying around in fear. But what I saw was calmness—Jesus on the boat holding up his arms to calm the waves and quiet the worried disciples.

There were post-it notes of sisters separated from brothers, husbands looking for their wives. People walking by looking at the names on the board, hoping to see one they knew. With hardly any communication—actually no communication—all one could simply do was watch the signs as people walked around advertising who they were looking for. Instead of being ungrateful that more was not being done, they were simply thankful. Thankful to be out of the sweltering hell they called the Superdome, with the stench so great they would rather take their chances sleeping outside on cement than inside on a cot. Seeing all those lists of missing friends, family members, relatives made me think of those who I loved and whether their name would be on the list of eternal life that God would be searching through one day. I vowed to be a better Christian witness to them.

It wasn’t so much a question of where to volunteer; it was a question of where not to volunteer. The needs were so great. The volunteers and help they could provide so few in comparison. I wanted to go where I would truly make the most difference and feel worthy. Much to my surprise, that turned out to be picking up garbage in the hallways, bathroom and eating area. In the bathroom, I saw mothers giving their babies baths in the dirty sink with no soap. I closed my eyes and saw Jesus washing his disciples dirty feet and knew that the job I was doing was worthy indeed.

The only thing identifying me as a volunteer and not a “guest, was the peach wristband given to me at training. We were told that as volunteers, we could eat upstairs away from everything— and everyone. But no one I saw did that. There was no need for barriers. There were no walls of division, race, rank, or status. It was simply people among people. The VIP’s carrying boxes of supplies, the janitorial crew being served by community leaders. God’s children among God’s children. Very much living, I saw how heaven would be.

I found myself taking a break and sitting at a table where one woman was sharing her experiences of waiting out the hurricane in the Superdome as the roof was ripped off and the rain came pouring in. She’d witnessed the craze of those taking advantage of others. She stood in lines where the military had rifles pointed ready to shoot anyone who got unruly. When she asked what would happen to them, they simply stared forward and said nothing.

“How could our own people turn against us?” she said in anguish. “We were treated like we were less than human,” she recalled, as those in charge would completely stop the food distribution for everyone, when a handful of people got out of control.

“Just not knowing” was the hardest. There was no communication. No T.V. She knew buses would be coming. But she didn’t know when. Nor really where to go. So every morning her family would wake up at 4am and stand in a line, and wait. 6 p.m. came, and after she had watched dozens pass out from heat and exhaustion, her family finally gave up, only to do it all over again the next day.

She knows she was one of the lucky ones. She ended up in Houston, only missing one sister out of four. There was more she wanted to share, but she just couldn’t. All she could say was, “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for making us feel human again.” Thank you for showing us love. I asked if I could hug her, and while doing so pictured the scenes in the Bible where Jesus embraced those whom no one else would.

It was time for the clothes and supply distribution lines to open. My job—to get people what they needed. It was here that I learned the true meaning of what a “food and clothing drive” should be. Often when I would participate in those efforts, I gave what I didn’t need, or didn’t want and thought I would be doing someone a great service.

Here, today, I experienced being a recipient of my past generosity. And what a realization that was. Digging through piles and piles of people’s old and discarded outdated clothes showed me how truly selfish I had been. How could these people who have no homes, no money and no clothes ever hope to go out and rebuild their lives wearing mismatched outfits, purple sequined stained shirts, and wearing no socks or underwear? I know some would say that they should be thankful for what they have. And trust me, they were. They would have gladly taken used underwear – if there were any. From now on I will give only what I would want to wear. I will give gifts worthy of a carpenter turned King.

I mingle with men and women among the masses of cots lined neatly row by row—an odd feeling in itself. Keenly aware that I was invading the privacy that no one really had. One elderly woman lying all alone seemed like she needed a friend. So I asked her, “Do you mind if I stay and talk with you?” She said, “Sure, if you like.”

She was fine. But with the wisdom of her years, she knew that I was saying that more for me than for her. We both knew I couldn’t offer her anything she really wanted, which was to be in her own home and in her own bed. I pictured the little drummer boy who had nothing to offer the king— except for himself. And so that is what I gave her for the next 10 minutes.

On to the next row a woman was sitting on her cot. “What can I get you?” I cheerily asked. This was one of the many times that I wished I had a delete button to hit before the words actually came out of my mouth. But too late?—the look in her eyes in response was about as empty as the box of possessions beside her. I don’t know how else I could have asked that, but hearing myself ask it seemed so lame in light of what brought her here. Here was a woman who deserved the most expensive bottle of perfume poured on her feet. Instead, I gave her socks and moved on.

Out in the hallway where the children were playing was the only sense of normalcy. Five or six little boys who found a football were on either end of the hallway, playing catch and trying to see if they could hit the light fixture hanging from the ceiling. Typical. At least for some in that shelter, life seemed unchanged.

Back in the food area, life was changing. I stop and listen as a mother has her middle school aged children sitting around the table—lecturing them on how to make the right choices by staying in school and getting good grades, and not getting pregnant until married, and going to college to earn a degree to get a career—all so that they would never have to find themselves in the position that she was in. No husband, no education, no job, and no home. A mother facing the reality of the importance of training up your children in the way they should go—and her children seeing the results of what could happen if they don’t.

There were many young mothers holding babies and toddlers all day long because they could not bring their strollers or didn’t have time to get them. I asked mom after mom if they would like me to hold their baby while they ate. None would allow me. For them, I think, their babies were the only things they had left in this world, their only true possession, and they would not part with them for anything. I felt instantly warmed by God’s arms wrapped tightly, possessively, around me. Not ever wanting to let me go either.

The bright spot to me were the pregnant mothers. I met a mom who was very, very, pregnant, and wondered how many baby girl Katrina’s there would be….reminders of how even in the midst of destruction and despair, God brings new life, new hope, new rainbows.

My Bibles are gone, but I go back in the area where the cots are one more time. I still had not found who I was looking for. It was getting late in the day, and my main mission was not yet accomplished. I didn’t know his name, but I knew that I would know when I found him. And there he was. Rocking back and forth, with his mom holding his hands. I go up to her and ask just to confirm what I knew was true.

“Yes, he does have autism,” she says.

“Do you need anything? Anything at all?”

“No,” she responds.

“Do you have a place to go?”

“Yes, we will be leaving shortly.”

We exchange names and I give her my number so that if it doesn’t work out, she can call me. I stay for a while and talk.

Joshua was doing fine as long as his mom was there holding him. I guess that would be one benefit of being in your own world and not understanding what is going on around you.

As I get up to leave, I ask, “Will you call me when you get to where you are going?” I want to make sure they were OK.

She smiles, nods, and says, “I will.”

I tell her why I needed to find her son. I tell her about my son who has autism and how I needed to know that if he and I were in that position, that someone would come looking for us. I sigh in relief, grateful that there is a shepherd who won’t rest until every lost sheep is found and brought safely home.

It’s dinner time, and I find myself serving in the food line. By this time I am really trying to process all that I took in from the day. I find myself obsessed with trying to put the shredded beef neatly in the middle of the bun so as to not make a mess. Thinking that a “perfect sandwich” will somehow cancel out the imperfect conditions our guests must endure until they get their lives back in order, but it’s to no avail. With so many to feed, neatness is mission impossible!

The line leader shouts, “I need more sandwiches!” The people didn’t care about neat sandwiches anyway. Most were thankful to just have a hot meal in an air-conditioned building with chairs to sit on. They gladly took the plates, smiled and said, “Thank You.” I make a mental note to be as thankful myself when I go back home.

Finally home, I sit down and put my feet up. They did hurt, but not nearly as bad as my heart. I wondered as I fell asleep that night how much more Jesus’ feet hurt as he carried the cross that day. How much more did his heart hurt for the entire world? Would he do it again?

As bad as life seems sometimes, and as little hope as we something think there is for humanity, it is times like this that you see that people do care and that there is hope. Sure, there were those who complained that I couldn’t find them a brown bag instead of the black one, or the tennis shoes instead of dress shoes. There were those who weren’t happy with shredded beef on a bun, no matter how neatly it was made. But overall, I saw people—not evacuees, not refugees and not even the victims of an event. I saw people in need of help from other people. I saw unselfishness and servanthood at its best. I saw what community is all about. I saw what being an American is all about. I saw people doing for other people exactly what Jesus would do for them.

I wake up the next morning with the answer to the last question that I went to bed with the night before.

“Yes,” Jesus answers, “I would……”

And I make room in my schedule to volunteer as long as it is needed.

It was nice to experience a sermon for once, and not just hear one.

–Michelle M. Guppy, Cypress, Texas

MichelleMGuppy@yahoo.com

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 9/09/05

Evacuees trust Huntsville
church's facilities and care

By Ferrell Foster

Texas Baptist Communications

HUNTSVILLE—About 250 evacuees from New Orleans packed into the facilities of First Baptist Church in Huntsville, but they would not leave for another newly opened shelter because they felt safe and secure, said Pastor David Valentine.

“We’ve opened another shelter in town, but they won’t budge,” Valentine said. They want to stay because “they got burned so badly at the Superdome,” where they had sought shelter from Hurricane Katrina.

A total of 340 evacuees arrived at the church at 1:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2, after a 16-hour ride from New Orleans to Houston—where they were turned away from the Astrodome—to Huntsville. The church had 30 minutes advance notice.

Valentine boarded each bus and gave them a simple message. “I know you’ve been in hell; welcome to heaven,” he remembers telling them. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, but there’s a warm cot, hot meal and hot shower waiting for you here. You’re in the safest place in the United States.”

The church’s facilities are next door to a prison operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the congregation has regular, ongoing ministries with the prison and its workers.

The evacuees arrived in terrible condition. They wore clothes stained with blood and human waste, the pastor said. “It was the nastiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

First Baptist Church took the people in and made them feel welcome.

“Our people have been good,” Valentine said. Most of the evacuees now want to stay in Huntsville, he added.

The church expects to house evacuees for 12 to 16 weeks, but the building can handle no more than 150 people over such a long term.

Crowding is so great now that the people cannot sit at tables to eat, said Jerry Phillips, associate pastor for community ministry.

The church, however, has been aided in handling the evacuees. The prison is doing all of the laundry, and the TDCJ staff is partnering with the Huntsville Police in providing security.

The local telephone company provided five telephones for evacuees to contact family members; a university set up a computer room; and 12 portable showers were put in place. Also, First Baptist is a certified Red Cross shelter and thus has liability protection.

Valentine traced the church’s successful ministry in this situation back to a $5,000 gift from the Baptist General Convention of Texas that helped established the criminal justice ministries that are now in place. The church has taken that initial ministry investment and turned it into a variety of community ministries that served as the foundation for its hurricane response.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 9/09/05

Texas, Tennessee churches make
impact in local communities, Baton Rouge

By Carla Wynn

CBF Communications

ATLANTA – Two churches located more than 850 miles apart are meeting significant needs in Baton Rouge, La., and in their hometowns.

In addition to sending major supply shipments to University Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, First Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., and Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas are making a local impact.

On Saturday, First Baptist Church became an American Red Cross shelter in Knoxville, capable of housing up to 130 evacuees.

"I’m so proud of my church. All of us were just hungry to do something. We just had no idea it would be our privilege to house these [evacuees]," said the church’s pastor Bill Shiell.

The church has been supplying meals to evacuees and Red Cross workers, with plans to help supply meals for more evacuees at the Civic Coliseum, which is opening as a shelter. Supply donations have been pouring into the church, according to Sandy Wisener, who is coordinating the church’s relief efforts.

"We just think about it, and someone will donate it," she said.

On Wednesday afternoon, the church sent a shipment of supplies ranging from 200 pillows to 24,000 pounds of bottled water to University Baptist Church.

"It was a 50-foot trailer packed to the brim," Wisener said. "The people in our church have just come alive and are doing everything."

Wilshire Baptist Church has collected more than $50,000 for relief efforts, much of which has been used to purchase additional relief supplies. At least three shipments of supplies have been sent to Baton Rouge, including items such as 2,500 pairs of shoes donated by Buckner Benevolences and more than 10,500 diapers.

Donations haven’t come from church members alone. Community members have donated anywhere from $200 to $1,000 since Wilshire began collecting funds, said Mark Wingfield, the church’s associate pastor. One woman got a list of needed supplies and returned later that day in her vehicle packed with those priority items.

"We gave her that opportunity to give feet to what she wanted to do to help," Wingfield said.

Church members have assembled approximately 8,000 personal hygiene kits that have been distributed in Baton Rouge and to evacuees in the Dallas area.

"We’ve turned them out like a factory," Wingfield said.

Working with the Interfaith Housing Coalition and Buckner Benevolences, the church will adopt at least 10 refugee families, who will be housed in donated apartments stocked with furniture and household items.

"The response has been absolutely overwhelming. People desperately want to help, but they want to help in more ways than just giving their money. People want to get in and do something tangible," Wingfield said

For the latest information on the Fellowship’s hurricane relief efforts, visit www.thefellowship.info/landing/relief.icm.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 9/09/05

Baptist disaster-relief volunteers from Mississippi, Virginia and other states gather for prayer at First Baptist Church in Biloxi, Miss., soon after dawn Sept. 5, readying for another day preparing meals for victims of hurricane Katrina. (ABP photo by Stretch Ledford)

---

Baptism goes on, even after
'total immersion' of church

By Dee Ann Campbell

Associated Baptist Press

GULFPORT, Miss. (ABP)—When Tom MacIntosh baptized his two oldest daughters, it was in the war-torn islands of the Philippines, with destruction and chaos all around. He had hoped the baptisms of his youngest two children would be under more tranquil circumstances.

But on Sunday, Sept. 4, MacIntosh baptized his third child, Connie, in the midst of the destruction of Gulfport, Miss., a city decimated by Hurricane Katrina.

A former missionary to the Philippines, MacIntosh spent 13 years on the islands, returning home to the United States last May.

He and his family tried to stay in their Gulfport home through the hurricane. But when flood waters began to rise inside their house, they were forced to leave.

“We had to evacuate in the middle of the storm,” he said. “The water was rising and we had to climb through the window. We went through the water about a quarter mile to a neighbor’s house.”

During his years as a missionary, MacIntosh said, he spent much of his time ministering to people who had suffered at the hands of disasters, both man-made and natural. Human suffering and hardship are not new to him or his family.

But those hardships had, until now, affected the lives of the people to whom he ministered, not his own.

“As missionaries, we’ve been through floods, through wars, through attacks and fights, and even kidnapping threats,” MacIntosh said. “We were on the other end of coordinating relief efforts as missionaries. But now we’re on the receiving end. Now people are giving us food, helping us when we need it. God works both ways.”

After Connie made a profession of faith a few weeks ago, her church, First Baptist of Gulfport, scheduled her baptism for Aug. 28. But with the hurricane looming off the coast, those plans were postponed. And when the storm destroyed their church, it seemed that the baptism would have to be postponed indefinitely.

But six days after the storm, MacIntosh and his family were among hundreds of worshipers from their church and others who gathered at Crosspoint Church, a congregation planted by First Baptist about a year ago, whose building sustained only minor damage.

It was during that service, with no electricity, in a borrowed portable baptistry, that MacIntosh baptized his 10-year-old daughter, making her the third MacIntosh daughter to be baptized amid destruction. MacIntosh’s two older daughters, Bethany, 14, and Julia, 13, were baptized in the Philippines in 1999 and 2001, respectively.

“They were baptized after a war, along with Muslim converts,” said MacIntosh, who now serves as missions director for First Baptist. “Last week, before the hurricane, I told Connie that her two sisters were baptized under incredible circumstances but that she would be baptized in peace. Now she’s been baptized in the aftermath of Katrina.”

Connie’s baptism was part of an emotional service that was filled with tears and hugs and shared pain, with many of those in attendance no longer having homes. But, MacIntosh said, Connie’s baptism provided a sweet statement of God’s love and providence.

“Before the storm, when we prayed the Lord’s Prayer, we were praying for more comfort, more prosperity,” he explained. “But today we are really asking just for our daily bread.

“Our home was flooded, but we have a place to stay. We lost both vehicles, but a stranger loaned us a car. People we don’t even know have given us things we needed. God has provided.”

“This just shows us that there are things that are bigger than our petty, material things,” MacIntosh added, smiling down at Connie. “Now we have work to do. We have to preach the gospel with deeds, not just words. That’ll speak louder than anything.”

Connie had her own thoughts about the storm and God’s presence. “I think he’s testing our faith,” she said. “We survived, and he’s blessed us.”

With three of his four daughters baptized, Tom MacIntosh turned his attention to the youngest, Katie, 7.

“We don’t know what the circumstances will be when she is baptized,” MacIntosh said with a laugh. “But if it’s any indication, her name in the Philippines is Katrina.”

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.