Posted: 1/20/06

Chaplains offer comfort to pet owners

By Nicole Larosa

Religion News Service

RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS)–When her cocker spaniel died last June, Pam Carpenter was devastated. Niki was the family clown. Abused as a puppy, he thrived after Carpenter adopted him, and he wielded control over her husband, Don, and their seven other dogs on their North Carolina farm.

So, when chronic bronchitis meant Niki had to be euthanized, Mrs. Carpenter needed support. Enter the pet chaplain.

Like a handful of others across the country, Rob Gierka of Raleigh, N.C., is a chaplain for pet owners. Based at a veterinary hospital, he conducts pet blessings and funerals, honors prayer requests for pets, and lends an ear to those grieving the loss of their faithful furry friends.

Gierka drove over an hour to be with the Carpenter family that evening. A friend of Mrs. Carpenter from graduate school, he led the family in a celebration of Niki's life.

“He played music. He read some prayers. We talked about Niki and about a lot of things related to life and death and spirituality,” said Mrs. Carpenter. Gierka also encouraged the couple to share funny memories, like how Niki hated to be outdoors. “It lightened the load,” she said.

Gierka was a lay chaplain at his Baptist church and trained as a professional chaplain in a human hospital. But as an animal lover who had “lots of dogs and gerbils” as a child, he noticed an unmet need in people grieving for their pets.

“The loss of a pet is not trivial. Serious issues come up,” he said. “The kind of grief that a person is feeling isn't quite acceptable in the culture we live in.”

Wearing a badge that says “chaplain,” Gierka offers support to anxious pet owners in the waiting room, or after their pet is put to sleep. He also ministers to hospital staff, whom pet owners often lash out at when they learn their animals must be put down.

Although he is a Baptist, Gierka stressed that his work is nondenominational. Some-times, he said, it's not even directly spiritual. Much of what he does is “just listening.”

Children and the elderly particularly are affected by a pet's death, Gierka said.

He remembers a 10-year-old boy who prayed for a miracle to save his dog. But the vet told the boy's mother the animal was dying. Telling her son that God wouldn't answer his prayer was difficult.

“That's a theological problem,” said Gierka, and the kind he's trained to help with.

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: 1/20/06

Thowback jerseys blend sports, style & evangelism

By Greg Garrison

Religion News Service

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS)–Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Cornell Jackson switches out of his military uniform and pulls on what looks like a Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls basketball jersey bearing the number 23.

But where the word “Bulls” would be, it says “Psalm.” So the sports jersey becomes a biblical reference to Psalm 23.

Another version looks like Kobe Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers basketball jersey, except it says “Luke 8.” And Acts 27 adorns what looks like the uniform of Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero.

Jackson calls them Christian throwback jerseys. But instead of hearkening back to classic NBA or NFL uniforms, they're invoking books of the Bible.

He started the business last July and has sold several hundred jerseys, mostly in New York, California and Washington, D.C.

“People really jumped on it,” said Ronea Rouse, owner of a Christian bookstore in Los Angeles, who has sold more than 100 of them. “We do a lot of street evangelism. It's really a good tool. We've really been pushing them. It's a good thing he's got going on.”

Some popular Christian rappers have made public appearances wearing the shirts, Jackson said.

“The artists are loving my jersey,” he said.

Jackson was hired by a friend, Paul Fleming, to be manager at a Birmingham, Ala., Christian gift store in 2004. Fleming closed the store in 2005. But while helping out there, Jackson began thinking about Christian products for young people.

“I was trying to come up with something different for youth, offering the kids a message in a product they can wear and be cool,” he said.

Jackson studied popular sports jerseys and noticed that the kind he wanted to emulate, with thick, hand-stitched letters, were all made in Korea. So he flew to Korea last February to look for a manufacturer who could produce what he wanted. He stayed three weeks. He visited companies and met the owners, who typically spoke some English. He showed them his designs.

“I got a company to agree to it,” he said. “We came up with a great product.”

He also showed the jerseys to the NBA Properties office, which said he was clear of any copyright or trademark infringements, since he was only imitating colors and type fonts but not using any team names or logos.

Nonetheless, they look enough like authentic jerseys to create a buzz.

“A lot of youth pastors have been looking for something to use to get in touch with youth,” he said. “Adults are loving it just as much as kids.”

Jackson, 35, hopes the jerseys prompt people to think about the Bible, maybe even look up, read and study the biblical references.

“It's a conversation piece,” he said. “It's a way we can witness.”

Jackson has been in the Army more than 16 years, and the past nine years has been a recruiter and retention officer, in charge of keeping soldiers enlisted.

His sideline of selling jerseys has gotten a lot of notice and appears ready to take off.

In its pre-Christmas issue, Gospel Today Magazine touted the Christian throwback jersey as one of its Christmas gift recommendations. Sports Illustrated columnist Pete McEntegart mentioned the jerseys in his Dec. 20 online column at SI.com.

“It is indeed strange to see a No. 8 jersey in Lakers colors but with 'Luke' written across the front; it's like some bizarre, mismatched trinity of Kobe Bryant, Luke Walton and Jesus Christ,” McEntegart wrote. “Yet who wouldn't love to be the first kid on the block with a fly Deuteronomy jersey?”

Jackson sees the jerseys as a perfect blend of sport, style and evangelism.

“Now you have a powerful message and you witness at the same time,” Jackson said. “The response has been excellent. I came up with something people have been wanting and just never had.”

Greg Garrison writes for The Birmingham News in Birmingham, Ala.

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: 1/20/06

2nd Opinion:
Religion/evolution: False dichotomy

By Brent Walker

The debate over whether and how to teach evolution in the public schools continues 80 years after the Scopes “monkey trial” in Tennessee. Now the dispute itself has evolved into a pitched battle in the larger culture wars.

President Bush has declared his support for the inclusion of intelligent design in the curriculum of public schools. Recently, eight members of the Dover County School Board in Pennsylvania were voted out of office after adopting a policy that mandated the introduction of intelligent design in biology class. The policy provoked a federal lawsuit and led a Bush-appointed judge to find it “abundantly clear” that the teaching of intelligent design in science class is unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court has been clear about teaching religious theories of origin in public school science classes. Banning the teaching of creationism, the high court said, “There is and can be no doubt that the First Amendment does not permit the state to require that teaching and learning must be tailored to the principles or prohibitions of any religious sect or dogma” (Epperson v. Arkansas). The court also ruled unconstitutional the so-called Balanced Treatment Act, which sought to require teaching creationism where evolution is taught (Edwards v. Aguillard).

In the aftermath of these rulings, opponents of evolution adopted other strategies. Some tried to spruce up creationism by positing the concept of intelligent design, arguing nature is so complicated that one must infer a designer of some sort. Although its advocates do not name the designer, the concept is no more than creationism with a little lipstick. Conservative columnist Charles Krauthammer calls the anti-evolution movement a “national embarrassment” and palming off intelligent design as science a “fraud.” As a Baptist minister, I believe in an intelligent designer whom I unabashedly call God. But this is a religious affirmation, not a scientific proposition suitable for inclusion in a science classroom.

Others have sought to attack evolution itself by claiming evolution is not a fact but only a theory. This ignores the overwhelming support for evolution in the scientific community. It also fails to appreciate that a scientific theory is not a mere hunch, but a model that has endured scrutiny under the scientific method, even if it fails to supply all the answers.

Finally, some have tried to use intelligent design to drive a wedge between religion and science. This is a false dichotomy. Evolution and religion are not mutually exclusive. As former President Jimmy Carter, both a scientist and devout Baptist, wrote in Our Endangered Values, people of faith who take the Bible seriously and appreciate good science can comfortably embrace both. Both seek truth, but in different ways. One tries to answer the “who” and “why” questions through faith; the other addresses the “how” through scientific inquiry.

But the idea of intelligent design need not be ignored in the public schools. It can be discussed and debated in the appropriate context–such as in a comparative religion course examining theories of origin or in a social studies class that teaches the controversy itself. Nor does it mean evolution cannot be critiqued in science classes. But such challenges must be based on science and launched by scientists, not theologians.

Intelligent design proponents should abandon their efforts to stoke the flames of the culture war by forcing these divisive and religious tenets into science classes. Instead, they should seek to promote their religious beliefs in their homes, churches, private schools and the public square, and, if they desire, seek appropriate inclusion in public schools' religion and social studies curricula.

A failure to appreciate this common-sense understanding of the relationship between religion and science threatens to make monkeys of us all.

Brent Walker, an attorney and ordained Baptist minister, is executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C.

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: 1/20/06

After-school program scores
computers from Mavericks

By Felicia Fuller

Buckner Benevolences

DALLAS–At the Vickery Family Wellness Center in northeast Dallas, Buckner after-school participants began the new year with the staccato clicking of new computers–11 of them.

The hardware, software and computer lab furnishings are courtesy of a $25,000 grant from the Dallas Mavericks Foundation to Buckner Children and Family Services to promote literacy and learning.

“Because it impacts the educational and vocational future of our residents, this computer lab is truly a gift that keeps on giving,” said Maria Pacheco, Buckner site coordinator. “We are so very grateful for the Mavericks' generosity and for their support of our efforts to serve underserved communities like Vickery.”

Delinquency, unemployment and substance abuse abound at the Melody Place and Melody Village apartments, where Buckner administers social programs from the Vickery Family Wellness Center.

Outreach efforts include job and life skills training, adult literacy classes and an after-school program that provides homework assistance and English-as-a-Second Language courses to more than 60 youth ages 5 to 17 from the surrounding community.

With the addition of the computer lab, “now our children have new high-tech study tools and our adults can do online job searches and learn new software programs to better themselves and their families,” Pacheco said.

Buckner was among six area organizations awarded grants through the Dallas Mavericks Foundation annual giving campaign, said Mavericks community relations representative Matt Miller.

“The Dallas Mavericks Foundation supports programs and organizations in the Metroplex that address the community's most pressing problems involving youth, specifically education, health and fitness, and community service,” Miller said. “Every year, the Mavericks Foundation gives five grants at $25,000 each. This year, we were able to include the reading and learning center project, which ordinarily is not through the Mavericks Foundation. That allowed us to award a sixth grant” to Buckner.

The Mavericks Foundation called on corporate sponsors and volunteers to furnish, paint and supply the lab, recruiting systems administrator Wesley Slaughter to help install the network. Slaughter and his business partner devoted more than 100 hours to laying the cables, setting up the hardware, configuring the server, testing the system and training Buckner staff in use and maintenance.

“We looked at it from two specific points–what is going to support the children and adults' ability to better themselves,” Slaughter said.

“The network is going to support a multimedia environment and provide the ability to run applications that will make learning fun and give users the technical knowledge to be able to thrive.”

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: 1/20/06

Cross Plains church helps
wildfire victims through recovery

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

CROSS PLAINS–Everywhere Shayne Childers turns, he is reminded of the wildfires that devastated his community. Charred fields line the roads. They cry to him from across the street as he picks his son up from school.

Dozens of houses were burned, and two people died in the town.

“Everywhere you drive, everywhere you park … everywhere you go, you see the remains,” said Childers, associate pastor of First Baptist Church. “It is a constant remin-der.”

Childers sees victims of the wildfires daily. Between 60 and 150 people take part in a church-provided lunch for fire victims and individuals helping in the recovery process.

The church “is trying to love these people and meet their needs,” Childers said. He hopes volunteers can let people know God cares for them and will help through a tough time.

The congregation also supplies clothing and food to people in need. Some people have lost nearly all their possessions. Some families have found shelter with relatives and friends. Others have turned hotels into temporary homes.

“They're scattered all over the place,” Childers said.

The need for help is great in the area, but Childers is quick to note that more supplies are not necessary at this point.

Thanks to the generosity of towns near Cross Plains, the church has a gym full of items. He routinely asks congregations to keep the town in their prayers and call back in six months. Other items may be needed then.

Recovery is multi-tiered for an area that lives off its ranching efforts, Childers said. Homes need to be built. The land also needs to recover.

For some time, burnt fields will not produce like they once did. Hay was lost for livestock. It is difficult to estimate the economic impact of the fires.

The recovery process already has started. People are taking inventory of what they have lost and are removing debris. Childers said he is surprised how positive everyone has remained. They are anxious to put their lives back together.

First Baptist Church will be with them throughout the entire process, the minister said. The lunches and distribution of supplies will continue as long as it they are needed.

“It's going to be a lengthy process,” Childers said.

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: 1/20/06

Disaster relief gifts enable ongoing recovery

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS–Disaster recovery continues in South Asia and Louisiana, and Texas Baptists remain integrally involved in both locations.

Texas Baptist donations have enabled the Baptist General Conven-tion of Texas, Baptist Child & Family Services and Texas Baptist Men to continue rebuilding lives throughout Louisiana and Sri Lanka.

BGCT, Baptist Child & Family Services and Texas Baptist Men leaders continue using the funds collected as early as December 2004. More than $180,000 still is earmarked for tsu-nami-related ministry, and nearly $400,000 is available for hurricane-related response work.

This marks the first time in TBM, Baptist Child & Family Services and BGCT history that Texas Baptists have shifted their ministry from purely disaster relief to service that includes recovery on such a large scale, officials noted. Leaders are listening to the needs of local Christians and seeking to meet them strategically.

About 185 congregations have helped the recovery process in Louisiana through a partnership between the BGCT and the Greater New Orleans Baptist Association.

Texas Baptists are helping New Orleans Baptists rebuild their churches and reach out to their respective communities. Funds are being allocated to churches and families who were affected by Hurricane Katrina.

“Recovery can take years,” said Milfred Minatrea, a BGCT staff person helping coordinate Texas Baptist relief efforts.

“We have long-term and strategic investments in churches in Louisiana and Southeast Texas.”

Texas Baptist Men is meeting needs through partnerships of its own. Gospel for Asia, an evangelical group that has partnered with TBM since January 2005, continues to share needs. Texas Baptists will finish another building near Batticoloa that will complete a trade school.

TBM also will work with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in the near future to build homes in Sri Lanka. CBF has been ministering in Sri Lanka for about a year.

These relationships help TBM expand its ministry in the island nation, said TBM Exe-cutive Director Leo Smith. Texas Baptists will continue to spread the gospel to a country largely comprised of non-Christians.

“There are a lot of people who are being touched,” Smith said.

“In Southeast Asia, when we were over there, it opened the door for the Muslims and Buddhists. It changed what they thought Christians were. They saw people care and love them.”

Baptist Child & Family Services continues developing a foster care program for Sri Lanka. The effort is the first of its kind in the country.

While Louisiana and South Asia remain on the minds of many people, Minatrea reminds Texas Baptists they also are ministering to victims of wildfires across North Texas, providing supplies and committing to the rebuilding process, and in Southeast Texas, they are helping victims of Hurricane Rita.

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: 1/20/06

DOWN HOME:
Faithful companion & beloved friend

I miss Betsy most in the mornings.

She and I were the early risers in our family. Most of the time, especially on weekday mornings, when the alarm went off long before dawn, she'd get up to give me company. She'd hang out in the bathroom while I shaved, and she'd eat breakfast with me in the kitchen. I miss her quiet, faithful presence in the mornings.

Still, I miss her almost as much when I arrive home from work in the evening.

Years ago, when my daughters were little, they ran to the door to hug and kiss me when I came home from work. Eventually, they got too busy. But Betsy always came running, at least until she grew old and nearly deaf and couldn't hear me. Even then, as soon as she figured out I was home, she'd come to greet me. I miss the way she always seemed happy to see me, no matter what happened that day.

Then again, maybe I miss her most late at night.

Whether I was working or reading or just watching TV, she always lingered nearby, usually only a few feet away and sometimes right by my side. She didn't demand much. For her, it was enough to be in the same room. After the 10 o'clock news, she followed me to the bedroom, ready for rest and anticipating a new day. I miss her loyal, trusting companionship.

I miss Betsy more than I dreamed possible. Her steady, sweet disposition always cheered and comforted me. Her big, brown eyes always persuaded me to do whatever she wanted. And her genuine affection always made me glad I did.

Unfortunately, even beloved pets succumb to the cruel, irrepressible ravages of age. Betsy arrived in our home in November 1991. Joanna and I bought her as a puppy for our daughters' birthdays, when Lindsay turned 8 and Molly 5. She grew up with our girls. If you asked anyone about our family, everybody mentioned Betsy. She was a Knox.

But just as the force of time altered our family, it took its toll on Betsy. This fall arrived, and Molly left for college, Lindsay anticipated her December wedding, and the debilitations of old age set in for Betsy.

I watched her change, even as I denied it was happening. Week by week, however, the signs of her decline (I won't degrade her dignity by reciting them now) became increasingly obvious. As much as we loved her, we didn't want to see her suffer, and we came to realize prolonging her life would be selfish on our part. If we truly loved her, we had to let her go.

When I took Betsy to the veterinarian's office, he confirmed our feelings–an act of grace I will cherish all my days. He gently reassured me, and as I told her how much Jo and Lindsay and Molly and I all loved her, Betsy died in my arms.

Now, I know that with all the pain and evil and suffering in this world, the death of a pet is a relatively minor tragedy. But still, the passing of a noble friend–even of the canine variety–is an event to be mourned. And a life to be celebrated with gratitude.
–Marv Knox

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: 1/20/06

EDITORIAL:
Stewardship encompasses all of life

Soon and very soon, people from all over the globe will settle down in front of our TV sets for two solid weeks, mesmerized by the XX Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. We'll cheer for athletes we've never heard of competing in sports we only think about once every four years. And don't say you won't, because you know you will. “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” are the best drama on TV (with the slight exception of any episode of Lost).

One of the most attractive aspects of the Olympics always has been the uniquely individual nature of the competition. Of course, I love baseball and football, respect basketball and have developed a growing appreciation for hockey. Team sports are thrilling and larger than life. But individual sports, such as the majority featured in the Olympics, are so compelling because they highlight a solitary competitor striving against nature, time, gravity, human limitations and/or other individuals with the same dreams and aspirations. When you watch many of these solo competitions, you witness the world in microcosm.

Many factors determine which athletes climb up on the medal stand and which ones pack up and head for home. They include everything from climate to equipment to talent to genetics to funding to, sometimes, sheer good fortune. But the No. 1 factor inevitably is this: Stewardship of individual resources. Sure, raw ability plays a part. (Remember Eddie the Eagle, the British ski-jumper? Everyone knew his physical skills wouldn't fly him to a medal.) Every other factor, however, is impacted by stewardship of resources–how well the athletes use everything at their disposal. The medal stands are populated by athletes who commit themselves to gaining quality experience, training extremely hard and well, understanding the dynamics of both the sport and the specific competition, eliminating distractions, resting body and soul, and focusing intensely on the one thing that matters at the moment: The competition. We call them champions.

The Apostle Paul apparently loved the ancient Olympics. He enlivens his letters with athletic metaphors. The most famous one states: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul understood the similarities between athletic prowess and successful Christian living: Forget what is behind. Strain toward what is ahead. Press on. Keep the goal in mind. In other words, steward all that you have–time, talent, energy, passion, funds, focus–toward being and doing what God has called you to be and to do.

This issue of the Baptist Standard includes a focus on stewardship. Most of the time–as is the case with this package of articles–when we say “stewardship,” we mean “money.” That is entirely appropriate. One of the stellar teachings of the Bible is the importance of financial generosity and of contributing a tithe and more of our financial income to support the Lord's work. We can't begin to imagine how many more people would come to faith in Christ and how much pain and suffering would be alleviated if God's people would tithe to their churches and provide generous offerings for other Christian causes.

But we miss the mark if we narrow our understanding of stewardship to finances. The gospel is holistic; it encompasses all that we are. When Jesus saves us, he doesn't simply claim our wallets, because he needs our money. He claims our wristwatches, because he is Lord of our time. He claims our shoes, because he wants to guide where we go. He claims our gloves or equipment or baking pans or toolboxes, because he wants to direct us as we work. He claims our books and TVs and computers and musical devices and conversations, because what we think and how we shape the thinking of others matters to him. He cares about our diet and exercise and sleep, because our bodies belong to him, not us.

In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus preaches about a master who went on a trip and allocated portions of his estate to his servants, “each according to his ability.” When the master returned, he held each servant accountable for the portion entrusted to him. The master rewarded the servants who used their resources wisely (someday, we'll discuss the spiritual virtue of risk-taking), but he not only condemned but also took away from the servant who did not exercise wise stewardship of what he had received.

God expects the same from each of us. We're accountable, not only for money, but for every second of our lives.

Marv Knox is editor of the Baptist Standard.

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: 1/20/06

Garcia announces retirement;
Palos to lead Hispanic work

Jimmy Garcia retired Dec. 31 from his role leading Hispanic work for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and Frank Palos will serve in that role during the interim.

“Jimmy served us faithfully for 18 years,” said Ron Gunter, BGCT chief operating officer and associate executive director.

“We are thankful for his service with us and for his continued ministry as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Dallas.”

Palos has worked on the BGCT staff 21 years, with his last position being associate coordinator of the Church Health and Growth Section.

“Frank has been closely involved with our Hispanic work in Texas for a number of years, and his understanding of that important aspect of our convention will be of great value during this interim period,” Gunter said.

Palos, a former pastor, holds a bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University and a master's degree from Dallas Baptist University.

He also is a past officer of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas.

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: 1/20/06

Transitional home for girls
offers hope in Guatemala

By Jenny Pope

Buckner Benevolences

GUATEMALA CITY–Buckner Orphan Care International celebrated the grand opening of its first transitional girls' home in Guatemala City this month. Unlike orphanages, the transitional home will provide a place for girls age 18 and older to live as they continue their education and learn life skills.

“A home like this is important for these girls, because a lot of them don't have anywhere to go,” said Leslie Chace, director of Latin American programs for Buckner.

“These girls are desperate; they're desperate for sponsors or for people to help them. We don't want them to fall into the pitfalls of their past. This home will give them opportunities–teach them how to live on their own, let them finish their education, budget their own money and get jobs to start contributing to the home.”

Buckner has wanted to start a program like this for a long time in Guatemala based on its success in the United States with transitional homes, but never had the right opportunity, Chace said. Early in 2005, the opportunity came through Isabel de Bosch, a Guatemalan businesswoman and founder of Fundaninas Girls' Home.

Buckner Orphan Care International celebrated the opening of its first transitional girl's home in Guatemala City on Jan. 7. The home will provide a place for girls age 18 and older to live as they continue their education and learn life skills.

“I got a phone call one day in Dallas, and (de Bosch) was saying, 'Hey, we've got this empty house, could you guys do anything with it?' We went to see the house and thought that this would be a good start for a transitional home,” Chace said.

Through a partnership with Fundaninas, Buckner began planning in early 2005 for the new home that would hold 10 girls–five from Fundaninas and five from the Manchen Girl's Home in Antigua, where Buckner has established relationships with many of the girls.

“We wanted to start a home with a small number of girls to see how it goes, because we're going to use it as a model home,” Chace said.

“We hope to have maybe two more homes by this time next year–one for boys and one for girls.”

Building began last summer, and finishing touches were added to the new home in late December. The Jan. 7 grand opening was “a time to celebrate and dedicate the home to the Lord and the girls' future,” Chace said.

“Most of all, we want to give them the spiritual aspect–that's the primary reason for doing this. We want to give them the Lord, help them have a connection with the Lord so that they may have fruitful lives and know how to turn to the Lord with their problems.”

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: 1/20/06

Baptist chaplain in Kuwait
seeks conversation-starters

By George Henson

Staff Writer

KUWAIT–A Texas Baptist chaplain in Kuwait is looking homeward for help in his ministry to soldiers far from home.

Rick Brunson, former pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Weatherford, serves as chaplain for the Task Force 1st Battalion 6th Infantry Regiment.

Brunson, who was a pastor 13 years in Texas, Louisiana and Florida, said he approaches the troops in his battalion much as he did his congregations.

“I never approach a soldier by beating him over the head with a Bible. I find out his needs and minister accordingly,” Brunson said in an e-mail interview.

Meeting those needs requires some stateside assistance. When he was transported to Kuwait, space was at a premium with no room for excess baggage. Also, he was unsure what resources would be at his disposal when he arrived. “We hoped for the moon but mostly got sand–lots and lots of sand,” he said.

Consequently, soldiers need cough lozenges and eye drops. Baby wipes–showers often are not available–also come in handy, along with facial tissue, hand sanitizer and personal toiletry items, he noted.

Soldiers also enjoy snack items in individual packages–anything from chips to candy to jerky, he added. Soldiers lack any means to cook individual meals, so uncooked food cannot be used.

Many soldiers have DVD players or a laptop for playing movies, so any kind of DVD entertainment is appreciated, Brunson said. Books and magazines also are requested.

“We have a small store here, but supplies are often limited, and lines can be extremely long,” he explained. “A few weeks ago, we had an additional 20,000 soldiers in camp. We were waiting in lines for hours for everything from meals to making purchases at the PX. Everyone did their best, but supplies did not meet the demand.”

All the items requested come under the military heading of morale, welfare and recreation resources. While these giveaways help Brunson open the door for conversation, they are in short supply.

“I have had a great success with my soldiers as I distribute morale items to them. They are much more open and accepting of the ministry I provide because I'm scratching where they itch,” Brunson said.

“When I hand out items to the soldiers, some will reply by saying, 'Thanks, Chappy!' Others will ask, 'Hey, Chappy, got a minute?' Those are the opportunities I seek.”

Those intimate conversations are vastly different than public prayers Brunson often is called on to deliver in interfaith settings.

“I use discretion when I offer public prayers, because there are so many faith groups present. I usually close my public prayers with 'the name of our Lord and Shepherd.' I have too much reverence for the name of Jesus to use it as a battering ram to prove a point,” he said.

“When I pray with soldiers on a personal level, everything is different. I always ask if I can pray for the soldier. In my six years as a chaplain, I've only been told 'no' once.

“To non-Christians I always explain that I will be praying to my God, and his name is Jesus. Then I ask permission to pray to my God for them. So far, I have never been told no.”

Wiccans, atheists, Native American shamans and followers of other faiths readily have accepted prayers in Jesus' name, he noted.

“On more than one occasion, I have had commanders with no religious faith to ask me to pray for their soldiers before going on missions or exercises. That only happens by loving soldiers in Jesus' name instead of trying to shove his name down their throats,” Brunson said.

Tangible results are beginning to be seen. “When I came to my battalion, very few of my soldiers attended any church service. Now I lead two contemporary services each Sunday and at times preach at a third service. My soldiers are embracing the gospel, and others are becoming more open to lead their buddies to the Lord,” Brunson said.

Brunson offered recent examples of lives changed by the gospel, such as a soldier who approached him, asking to talk. The soldier had been getting into trouble a lot–nothing big, but enough to get him unwanted attention from his superiors. The 30-year-old soldier hadn't really accomplished much with his life, and when Brunson asked about his plans for the future, he said he didn't have any plans.

“I shared my call experience and the education required to become a pastor/chaplain in order to get him to understand the need to set big goals and then see them happen through small increments,” Brunson said.

“When I finished my story, the soldier replied, 'I've been running from God for six years. The Lord called me into ministry then, and I've done everything possible to mess up my life in order to avoid what he wanted me to do. Your story is my story, and I know what I need to do.'”

The soldier rededicated his life to Christ and called to tell his wife. “She was ecstatic,” Brunson said. “She was ready to leave him because of his constant problems. Now, their marriage has a new life as they will both begin a new life.”

Brunson also recalled a staff sergeant who previously had not expressed a need for his ministry. “He told me he watched his dad die a number of years ago. He begged God to spare his dad's life, but the prayer was not answered. At that point, he blamed/cursed God and became a very angry person. He is a great soldier and leader, but his family life has suffered greatly,” Brunson said.

“Since his father's death, the soldier has been through two marriages, numerous other rocky relationships, an attempted suicide, and other attempts to kill himself through alcohol and binge drinking. “Less than an hour ago, the soldier accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord. He now sees God as a wounded healer who will help him through his pain instead of the source of the pain.

“God is making a difference, one soldier at a time.”

To send Brunson items to assist in his ministry, mail them to Chaplain (Captain) Rick Brunson, TF 1-6 Infantry, HHC, 1-6 INF, APO AE 09930.

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: 1/20/06

Texas Baptist Forum

Speak up for Christmas

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2).

This Christmas season has included many surprises. Some of us were surprised by the department stores that opted not to use the word “Christmas” in their ads this year.

Recently, I had another surprise. Of the scores of people I talked to about the attack on Christmas, I was surprised by the number of folk who hadn't heard about the attack. Do these people watch the news? Or should the question be, “Do these people watch the right news?” Any news agency that won't report this problem is obviously in bed with the “kill Christmas” group.

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"When you consider that 80 to 90 percent of the American public celebrates Christmas, that (retailers) actively solicit and advertise to … make millions and millions of dollars, and they're not willing to mention the words 'Merry Christmas,' something is drastically wrong." Manuel Zamorano Protester, who called off his boycott of Macy's department stores after the chain reinstituted "Merry Christmas" in its advertising (RNS) "When did it become the responsibility of department stores to preach the gospel? It is not the purpose of retail establishments to advance the cause of Christ. I do not recall Jesus ever saying, 'Why haven't you turned my marketplace into a house of prayer?' If Christ is missing from Christmas, don't blame department stores. The real reason is somewhere closer to home. … No wonder Christ seems to be missing from Christmas–Christians keep looking for him in the mall." James Evans Pastor of First Baptist Church in Auburn, Ala. (EthicsDaily.com) "The speaker believes a Christmas tree is a Christmas tree, and it is as simple as that." Ron Bonjean Spokesman for House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., explaining Hastert's decision not to label the Capitol Christmas tree a "holiday tree" (Washington Times/RNS) "I think the 'Person' of the Year should be God. On the one hand, more people seem certain they know God's will on the social issues of the day. On the other, all of us feel the need to find answers as we confront the 'acts of God' dominating the news, like diseases and global catastrophes." Coleen Rowley Former FBI agent and one of three "whistleblowers" honored as Time magazine's "Persons of the Year" in 2002 (RNS)

But it's better not to know the news than to do nothing after hearing it. I guarantee you that if enough Christians lodged a complaint against stores that refuse to use “Christmas” this week, they'd be talking about “Christmas” next week!

Edmund Burke spoke a truth when he said: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.”

Doug Fincher

San Augustine

Speak up for serious matters

The usual hot buttons of “In God We Trust,” “… one nation under God,” and so forth have been temporarily put on the back burner. Instead, we have changed to the hot buttons of Christmas, as politicians and religious leaders go for more money and political influence.

I heard a well-known religious figure say on the radio that if you don't call a decorated tree a “Christmas tree,” it is an attack on Jesus! The speaker of the U.S House of Representatives made a point of renaming the tree at the Capitol a “Christmas tree.” Some organizations want to boycott businesses if they don't use politically correct greetings–as defined by religious/political leaders.

Jesus told us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison and minister to the sick. Did he really intend to mandate certain words of greeting and correct terminology for decorated trees at this time of year and then just forgot to mention it?

Our nation is facing serious problems, not the least of which is corruption in our political system. We have hungry, homeless people and families who have lost loved ones in Iraq. How would Jesus respond to our lack of concern for serious matters?

I think he would weep.

Carl L. Hess

Ozark, Ala.

Circle grows narrower

Please look at Paul Pressler's last book, where he and others promised those of us with charismatic leanings a place at the Southern Baptist Convention table. Check with Wallace Henley in Houston as well.

I serve Central Baptist Church of Hixson in Chattanooga, Tenn., and have hosted Fresh Oil and New Wine conferences for years. Six hundred-plus Baptist churches cooperate with us.

We want to stay (in the SBC), but the circle of so-called orthodoxy grows ever narrower. If the gifts of the Spirit have ceased, then let the convention say it. Scholars may not believe in the supernatural, but no reputable New Testament scholar denies the gifts are clearly taught.

The action of the International Mission Board is one more step down for a declining denomination whose only hope is a fresh openness to the Holy Spirit.

Ron Phillips

Chattanooga, Tenn.

Decision hurts missions

Regarding the International Mission Board's decision not to appoint missionaries who use “prayer language” in private: I know there's debate about the nature of speaking in tongues in the Scripture. There are zealous and sincere people on both sides.

However, it is wrong for the IMB to limit God by eliminating missionaries who have their own (presumably Spirit-filled) way of praying.

Our church's mission giving will no longer include this organization.

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as he wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11).

Darryl Hall

Garland

Obituary embarrassing

I must tell you how disappointed I was with the Standard's coverage of the death of Dr. Adrian Rogers (Nov. 21).

My disappointment and embarrassment is that something so insensitive and one-sided would be printed about a Christian brother at his death.

It would have been better to ignore his passing rather than reprint an article from another agency. I find it difficult to believe that your talented writers could not write their own story.

Dr. Rogers was a man of dignity and humility, and whatever your theological and political differences, he deserved better treatment from your paper. Poor form, sir.

Keith Sanders

Keller

Design for intelligence

Kansas should be commended for taking a stand for teaching intelligent design.

The opponents of teaching intelligent design call such teaching “bad science.” Actually, Darwin's theory of evolution is bad science similar to the alchemist teaching of the past.

Teaching intelligent design in schools moves the teaching of biology out of questionable theories, just as atomic theories moved physical science out of the theory of the alchemist. Just as atomic theory showed heavy metals could not have “evolved” from lighter metals, archeological research now shows higher-order animals appeared rather rapidly–not over thousands of years as thought by Darwin's theory.

Teaching intelligent design in our schools will help today's students seek better scientific understanding of living organisms.

Bill Osborne

Houston

No hypocracy if you check the facts

If Mark Johnson (Jan. 9) had checked out the facts, he would not have accused the Southern Baptist Convention of hypocrisy regarding its stand on Disney and on The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

First, the Harry Potter Books are too violent for small children under fifth grade. That is my opinion based on my survey reading of several at my local library. I know others who disagree with me. Now, I believe that we can disagree without being disagreeable on things like this.

Second, the SBC has announced as of June 2005 that Disney had made changes that the SBC wanted and that the boycott was off.

Third, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is an excellent book written by a famous Christian author, C.S. Lewis, who also wrote The Screwtape Letters, another classic.

Fourth, I see LifeWay’s attempt to capitalize on this movie first and foremost as promoting good moral literature and secondly as good business. That is their job, is it not?

Therefore, the SBC is not hypocritical but attentive in assisting the promotion of a great movie based on great literature from a company that changed due to our boycott. How better to follow up a boycott than to reward that company when they are doing something right. Not to do that would be hypocritical.

Michael Simons

Cleburne

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