Posted: 4/04/06

HPU students 'build relationships' on spring break

By Kalie Lowrie

Howard Payne University

BROWNWOOD—Four groups of students from Howard Payne University spent their spring break serving in a variety of ways, all with the same goal in mind—building relationships.

Students traveled to Biloxi, Miss.; Saltillo, Mexico; and Houston—as well as serving in Brownwood—to minister to people through construction, sports, fellowship and hospitality.

Howard Payne students Allison White and Sarah Schoel packaging up boxes for refuge families in Houston.

Six students, accompanied by Sergio Herbert, associate director of recruiting for Howard Payne, traveled more than 1,000 miles to Biloxi to help with hurricane relief along the Gulf Coast. When the students arrived, they discovered a city still seriously damaged from the effects of Hurricane Katrina—slabs of concrete where houses once stood, crumbled bridges and devastation around every corner.

Students helped four families repair their homes. The volunteers painted, installed windows, cleaned furniture, and helped in various other ways.

“The thing that changed my life the most was not the funny stories or the bonding that happened within the group. Instead, it was just listening to the people who had lost everything, who were living in FEMA trailers or with their neighbors but still had the joy that only the Lord can give. It just amazed me,” said Amy Bennet, a Howard Payne senior.

Howard Payne Baptist Student Ministry Director Andy Dennis and 10 students traveled to Saltillo, Mexico, where they spent the week with university students around the city. They were able to encourage new believers in their faith and teach them about leadership within their churches.

“We found that even with different cultures, they have a lot of the same struggles, the same worries as college students here,” Dennis said. “Those in other countries struggle with the same issues. It’s a common bond between students. So it was easy for our students to relate to others—in spite of the language differences.”

Nine students and faculty member Grant Reid traveled to Houston to work with Middle Eastern refugees in the area. They served with the United Way during the day, preparing CARE packages for the recent immigrants. Each package contained basic necessities for families that did not have anything as they entered the United States.

In the afternoon, they worked with children in an after-school program. They organized games and activities for the children throughout the week and built relationships with them. They also worked with an Iranian church to minister to the people in the area.

“The students were amazed at the growing influence of Islam in Houston, and in the United States,” Dennis said.

The students found that there were up to 20 mosques within a very small area. Several students in the group hope to be missionaries in Muslim countries following graduation.

Another 15 students from Howard Payne stayed in town and worked with Champs Camp at First Baptist Church of Brownwood. More than 50 college students from around the state joined together to serve as leaders for this all-day sports camp.

The students led groups in activities and Bible studies. They also served as coaches for various sports that were played throughout the week. More 220 children from the area participated in the camp, learning skills in basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming, golf and football.

Cliff Cary, children’s minister at First Baptist in Brownwood and an HPU student, said of the week, “It was truly a blessing to see the children come together to have a good time but also to learn about Christ at Champs Camp.”

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: 4/04/06

BaptistWay Bible Series for Easter

Believing in the resurrected Jesus

• Luke 24:1-12; 36-43

By Joseph Matos

Dallas Baptist University, Dallas

In each of the first three Gospels, Jesus had predicted it from the time Peter first confessed him as the Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus alluded to it from very early in his confrontation with the Pharisees.

The disciples seemingly hung on every word Jesus spoke. But that did not mean they understood everything he said. In fact, when everything finally occurred as Jesus predicted, the disciples’ disbelief proved they were unprepared for it.

We are speaking, of course, about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We often are quick to judge the disciples for their disbelief and lack of understanding. Who hasn’t criticized the disciples, possibly even with the phrase, “If I had been there, I would have …”? Even Jesus occasionally rebuked the disciples. Yet, their initial disbelief serves for us today as one of the “many convincing proofs” that Jesus was raised from the dead.

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Luke 24 tells of the disciples’ journey from disbelief (v. 11), to disbelief mixed with “joy and amazement” (v. 41), to Jesus convincing them of his resurrection (vv. 45-46). Their journey serves to encourage our own belief in the resurrection. This chapter offers several proofs of Jesus’ resurrection.

Proof 1: The empty tomb (vv. 1-3)

It was the first day of the week (Sunday) and a number of women went to the tomb to pour spices on the body of Jesus. Already we see they did not expect Jesus to rise from the dead. If they had, perhaps they and the disciples would have stayed at the tomb to await the resurrection, though the guards placed there at the request of the scribes and Pharisees might have been a deterrent (Matthew 27:62-66).

Instead, the women went to the tomb and the disciples were huddled together somewhere else. Upon their arrival, the women found the stone to the tomb already rolled away. Missing when they entered, however, was the body of Jesus.

Proof 2: Testimony of the “two men” (vv. 4-8)

Immediately, they were perplexed, wondering what this could mean. They soon found out what had happened. While the women were in the tomb, two men in gleaming appearance stood before the women. The men tried to calm the women’s fear and assured them with the words, “He is not here; he has risen.” To validate this claim, the men reminded the women Jesus had predicted he would be crucified and be raised from the dead. They did remember now.

Proof 3: The testimony of the women (vv. 9-12)

The women then returned to where the disciples and others were and reported what they had experienced. Despite the report coming from several individuals, the disciples did not believe. Verse 11 states they did not believe “because their words seemed to them like nonsense.”

It often has been rightly pointed out that women being the first witnesses really serves as strong support for the resurrection of Jesus. The testimony of women was not admissible in court. If that was the case, why did not the Gospel writers suppress this? They did not because what the women said was true.

While disbelief was the general attitude, Peter did not simply disbelieve; he went to find out for himself. All he saw was the empty tomb and some strips of linen.

Proof 4: Appearance on the road to Emmaus (vv. 13-32)

Later, two who had been among the group earlier in the day began to make their way toward Emmaus. While they were talking to each other about what had happened, Jesus appeared among them, but they did not recognize him. He asked them what they were talking about. In their sadness, they were amazed at how he could not know.

After Jesus heard their story, he rebuked them for their disbelief and proceeded to show them how the Old Testament had predicted the events. At their invitation, Jesus shared a meal with them. As soon as he broke the bread, they recognized him; and no sooner did they recognize him than he left their presence.

Proof 5: The testimony of the two on the road to Emmaus (vv. 33-35)

The two then immediately departed for Jerusalem and appeared before the disciples. They reported, in confirmation of the earlier testimony, that Jesus was risen. They had seen for themselves.

Proof 6: Appearance before the disciples (vv. 36-43)

While these witnesses were sharing with the disciples, Jesus himself appeared in their midst. Those present were frightened, thinking he was a ghost. But this was no ghost, or even an image of Jesus. Jesus offered more proof of his bodily resurrection. He invited them to observe his hands and feet, the places bearing the marks of his wounds from the cross. Then he invited them to touch him. After all, a ghost does not have flesh and blood.

Then, as if that were not enough, and recognizing that despite their joy and amazement, the disciples did not believe, Jesus then asked for some food to eat. He ate the fish presented to him. Jesus reminded them of his own predictions and those of the Old Testament that these things had to take place.

Jesus did not swoon. His appearances were not a hallucination or shared vision. The women did not mistakenly arrive at the wrong tomb. The body was not stolen. The disciples did not make up the whole thing.

The evidence leads to one conclusion: Jesus rose, bodily, fully.

The disciples were convinced of it.

Discussion questions

• What would it have taken for you to believe that Jesus rose from the dead?

• What finally did convince you to believe in the resurrection?

• What would you consider convincing proof of the resurrection?

• How do you respond to those who question the reality of the resurrection?

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: 4/04/06

Family Bible Series for April 16

Celebrate the resurrection of Christ

• Luke 24:5-8, 36-48

By Greg Ammons

First Baptist Church, Garland

What a wonderful day! I always eagerly anticipate the worship services each Easter Sunday morning. The day always has a special significance.

On this special day, I wonder if that first Easter morning was much like the one I experience now. It appeared to be an average morning when the women went to the tomb to pay their respect to a friend. When they arrived, they received the most wonderful news the world has heard. Jesus is risen!

This wonderful news was not limited just to the women at the tomb. Jesus’ followers are to make the same declaration to everyone today. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we have good news to tell.

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Jesus is alive (Luke 24:5-8)

Very early on Easter morning, certain women took spices to anoint the body of Jesus at his tomb. They were surprised to find the stone rolled away and Jesus not there. Suddenly, two angels appeared to the women and asked a probing question. “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen” (23:5-6).

The angels then reminded the women Jesus had spoken with them earlier about this scenario. They remembered the words of the Lord proclaiming he would be raised on the third day.

It is an exciting revelation when you discover Jesus truly is alive. He is the only Savior of the world and his claims are true. Have you discovered this truth and joy? We can know with certainty that Jesus is alive. It is the most important truth a person can embrace. It also is good news to share with others.

A Christian missionary told of a Muslim convert to Christianity whom he knew in Africa. Someone asked the convert why he decided to convert from Islam to Christianity. The African responded: “Suppose you are traveling down a road and the road forks. Located at the fork in the road are two men, one is alive and the other man is dead. Which man do you ask for directions as to which way to go?” The fact of the resurrection distinguishes Christianity from other religions.

Jesus provides peace (Luke 24:36-43)

The disciples were trying to make sense of the news they had heard of Jesus’ resurrection when suddenly he appeared before them. The first words from his lips were, “peace be with you” (v. 36). Obviously, the disciples were frightened. Yet Jesus assured his followers and encouraged them to see and touch his hands and feet (vv. 38-39). The disciples had witnessed these same hands and feet pierced with nails. Now, they viewed them again on their risen Savior.

Next, Jesus asked his followers if they had anything to eat (v. 41). They gave him a piece of broiled fish and he ate it in their presence (vv. 42-43).

A comforting assurance Jesus gives his followers today is one of peace. Jesus provides us peace as we trust him. Yet, peace is not simply the absence of trouble; rather, it is the presence of God in the midst of it. The disciples were still fearful and faced daunting circumstances, but the assurance that Jesus was alive brought them peace.

Matthew Henry was a Presbyterian minister in England in the late 1600s. His family faced hardship when he was growing up, and later he gave up studying law to enter the ministry. Henry once stated: “Possessing peace is like possessing a precious jewel. I would give anything for it, except truth.”

Jesus fulfills Scripture (Luke 24:44-48)

Jesus reminded his disciples he had told them earlier what would happen in Jerusalem. He pointed them to the prophecies from Scripture about his death and resurrection (v. 44). Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures (v. 45). “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day" (v. 46). He was quoting both the psalmist and the prophet Isaiah.

The purpose of the prophecy’s fulfillment Jesus stated was that repentance and forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name (v. 47). The disciples were witnesses of these events and were to share the good news with others (v. 48).

The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies. George Sweeting asserted he believed more than one fourth of the entire Old Testament was prophetic. Jesus fulfilled each prophecy about the Messiah to come.

Just as the first arrival of Jesus was prophesied, so is his second coming. We can know with assurance Jesus will return to earth again. For each biblical prophecy of Jesus’ first advent, there are approximately eight prophecies of his second coming. Praise God for a Savior who keeps his promises. It truly is good news to share.

Discussion questions

• Which portion of the resurrection story excites you the most?

• Do you experience true peace in your daily life?

• Do you find it easy or difficult to share the good news of the resurrection?

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: 4/04/06

Explore the Bible Series for April 16

Live a life filled with resurrection power

• Matthew 28:1-20

By James Adair

Baptist University of the Americas, San Antonio

Easter has long been the high point of the Christian year. Long before Christmas was celebrated, Christians gathered every Sunday to commemorate the day of the week on which Jesus was raised, and the anniversary of the Resurrection every spring was the day when new, baptized Christians entered the church, following a period of instruction.

For those today who follow the Christian calendar, Easter comes at the end of seven weeks of Lent, a time when Christians are encouraged to take a spiritual inventory of their lives and recommit themselves anew to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Though it is a story we are all very familiar with, Easter continues to inspire, amaze and challenge Christians to live lives filled with resurrection power in the 21st century.

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Matthew 28:1-10

One of the most contentious issues in many churches is the question of the role of women in the ministry. Some believe in a sharp separation of men’s and women’s duties, with ordained ministry reserved exclusively for men. Others think the New Testament teaches men and women are equal before God and both are called to a variety of ministries, including pastoral ministries, without regard to gender. Both groups can quote Scripture to back up their claims.

In light of this debate, it is interesting to consider the resurrection appearance of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. The angel at the tomb announces Jesus’ resurrection first to two women, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” (Mark calls her “Mary the mother of James”) and tells them to go tell the disciples.

Then, on the way from the tomb, Jesus appears to them and entrusts them with a message for the male disciples (Jesus calls them “my brothers”). It is clear from this account, as indeed from the other gospels as well, that the initial message of Jesus’ resurrection was put into the hands of some of Jesus’ most faithful followers, who happened to be women.

Matthew 28:11-15

The story of the empty tomb has been controversial since the earliest days of Christianity. No one could dispute that Jesus had died on the cross, but what was one to make of the contention he had been raised from the dead?

Early Jewish Christians latched onto the story wholeheartedly, while many other Romans and Jews rejected the story as fiction. When confronted with their inability to produce a body, the story circulated in some circles that the disciples had stolen it in order to fool people.

Matthew, uniquely among the gospels, records the preparation to guard the body (Matthew 28:62-66) and the contrivance of the theft story to account for the fact the body was now missing. So what happened to Jesus’ body? Was he raised from the dead, as his followers claimed, or was his body stolen, as the authorities stated?

By the nature of the evidence, people in the first century were going to believe what they wanted to believe, and the same is true today. It is unlikely a person who does not believe will be convinced by logical arguments, but it is a testimony to the power of the gospel that stories like the disciples’ theft of the body were unable to stop the spread of Christianity in the first century.

Matthew 28:16-20

In September 1796, as George Washington prepared to leave the office of president of the United States to which he was elected twice, he delivered a farewell speech to the nation, and particularly to its elected representatives. He urged the people to think of themselves as one nation, united in liberty, and to avoid sectional, sectarian and partisan rivalries.

On a mountain in Galilee, Jesus offered farewell instructions to his followers as well. The disciples were fearful, nervous and even doubtful, but Jesus encouraged them to continue the work he had started.

The Great Commission Matthew records is a succinct overview of the Christians’ mission. First, Jesus commanded them to go. The good news of Jesus Christ does not spread itself. It must be carried by those who believe in it to those who need to hear it.

Second, Jesus commanded them to make disciples of all the nations. Getting people to assent casually to a set of beliefs is relatively meaningless. The gospel can progress only when it is promoted by people who have invested their lives in it. The last phrase, “of all nations,” also is important, for the gospel is directed to all humanity, not just people from a certain geographical region or who hold a certain worldview.

Third, Jesus commanded them to baptize. Baptism is an external sign of an internal change. It is a mysterious picture of the divine-human encounter, whose function as the symbol of unity in Christ—regardless of differences of opinion, social status, ethnic background, or nationality—is paramount.

Fourth, Jesus commanded them to teach their new followers to obey the commands of Jesus. Christianity was first called “The Way,” and it is indeed a way of life more than a set of beliefs. Medieval mystics like Bernard of Clairvaux rediscovered the value of studying and meditating on the life of Jesus, which offers guidance to us in every situation in life.

Washington’s farewell to his country has been preserved, reprinted and read by numerous Americans over the past 200-plus years. Jesus’ words to his disciples have been preached, heard, read and acted upon for almost 2,000 years, and they continue to give us guidance today.

Discussion questions

• What is your favorite Easter tradition? Why?

• In light of the first resurrection appearance of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, what do you believe is the distinction between the roles of men and women in regard to evangelism, if any? How do you regard people or churches whose opinion differs from your own?

• Is your belief in the resurrection more affected by logical arguments or by observation of the power of the gospel? How would you deal with a person who acknowledges the surprising growth of the church throughout the ages but had difficulty accepting a literal resurrection?

• Does your view of evangelism focus on people agreeing to a certain core group of beliefs or on people experiencing life-transforming changes?

• Does the common view of evangelism as inviting people to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior fully encompass all that is meant by the phrase “proclaiming the good news”? What was the content of Jesus’ proclamation of the good news throughout his ministry?

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.

Storylist for week of 3/20/06

• Hospice caregivers preserve quality of life even as it runs out

• Students help recover mementos and memories from fire scene

• IMB trustees reverse decision to remove Burleson

• Children's home helps church rebuild after fire

• Satellite photos fuel controversy about Noah's ark

• Texans named to national Acteens panel

• American hostage found dead in Iraq

• LAYING ON HANDS: Ordination practices vary widely among Baptists



• LAYING ON HANDS: Ordination practices vary widely among Baptists

• BWA president offers global perspective on the church

• Cultural changes call for fresh expressions

• Church: Help families cope

• Plane mechanic finds calling at Wayland

• Church leaders urged to trust and obey

• Chaplain's son needs double-lung transplant

• Nehemiah's Vision seeks to rebuild homes

• Recent Wayland grad brings ministry training to secular job

• ETBU grad shares faith through illusions

• On the move

• Around the State

• Texas Tidbits


Previously Posted
Hispanic Evangelism Conference
• Churches can minister through schools, inner-city pastor maintains

• Follow Jesus, and evangelism happens

• Christian witnessing requires readiness


Epicenter
• Church growth does not equal kingdom growth, speaker says

• Transformed leaders minister out of spiritual overflow

• Spiritual outsourcing not the answer, McNeal says




• Graham preaches ‘last evangelistic sermon' in New Orleans

• IMB chair urges committee to reconsider

• Network hopes to avert clergy shortage

• Lotz announces retirement, Kazakhs pull out of BWA

• Baptist Briefs

Previously Posted
• NAMB trustees ask task force to investigate



• Despite disabilities, Dyer feels called to pro fishing circuit



• Churches broke tax laws, IRS reports

• Kid's TV more violent than prime-time

• Faith-based funding figures disputed

• Chat rooms provide open window into students' world



• Reviewed in this issue: A Year With Dietrich Bonhoeffer, edited by Carla Barnhill



• Texas Baptist Forum

• Cartoon

• Classified Ads



• EDITORIAL: Forget holy smoke, what about people?

• 2nd Opinion: Partisan churches will feel IRS heat

• DOWN HOME: A tornado, rain and a prairie set on fire

• Texas Baptist Forum

• TOGETHER: Pray for courageous servant leadership

• Cybercolumn by Jeanie Miley: Being human—in the family of God

• Cybercolumn by Berry D. Simpson: Thanks for asking



• BaptistWay Bible Series for March 19: Do not forget the Lord's provision for your life

• Family Bible Series for March 19: Celebrate when people come to Christ

• Explore the Bible Series for March 19: Share the refreshment of Christ with a thirsty world

• BaptistWay Bible Series for March 26: Saul's search leads to his being found

• Family Bible Series for March 26: Honor Christ through obedience

• Explore the Bible Series for March 26: God's warnings are universal


See articles from previous issue 3/06/06 here.

Posted: 3/31/06

Ashley Nash	Kara Fonville

Texans named national Acteens panelists

By Amy Whitfield

Woman’s Missionary Union

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Two teenagers from Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated churches in Garland have been selected to serve on the national Acteens panel.

Kara Fonville, 17, of Lakeside Baptist Church and Ashley Nash, 18, of Freeman Heights Baptist Church are two of the six panelists chosen this year.

Panelists are selected on the basis of leadership, voluntee-rism, spiritual maturity and commitment to a missions lifestyle through Acteens involvement, said Suzanne Reece, ministry consultant for Women’s Missionary Union’s student resource team. Acteens is a WMU ministry organization for teenage girls in grades 7 to 12.

The national Acteens panelists have demonstrated a high level of service and leadership—not only in their churches, but also in school, where they have earned high marks in both academics and extracurricular activities, she added.

Fonville, also selected as a 2005– 2006 Texas WMU panelist, has participated in several missions projects in the Dallas area but said what meant most to her was helping plan and organize an “extreme home makeover” for a family in need. Five Dallas Baptist Association Acteens groups came together for the event last March.

“Not only was it an amazing experience for us to see how God answered prayer, but I truly believe that what we did changed the lives of this family and impacted this neighborhood for Jesus Christ,” Fonville wrote in her application.

“Acteens has provided me with leadership opportunities that I could not have gained in an everyday setting. I think God has shown me that I can be a good leader.”

Similarly, Nash, who volunteered as a teen staffer at GA camp this past year, said Acteens taught her to be a missionary in everyday life.

“Acteens has taken me out of my comfort zone to reach out to others with the love of Christ,” she wrote.

All of the young women were recommended highly by teachers, pastors and others who witnessed their impact through missions.

As national panelists, the teens have the opportunity to interact with missionaries and national missions leaders, and they often are invited to speak to church, associational or state Acteens and WMU groups.

In June, they will be featured leaders during national WMU’s annual missions celebration in Greensboro, N.C.

This year’s panelists will serve from February to December.

In addition to those Acteens selected to serve as panelists, WMU also selects additional young women as Top Teens to recognize their strong involvement in missions.

Rachel Latham of Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth was selected as a Top Teen.

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: 3/31/06

Hospice a ministry, not just a service, providers say

By Karen Brittain

Hendrick Health System

ABILENE—Late one evening shift, registered nurse Kay Kovach sat at her station in the Hendrick Hospice Care inpatient unit, busily charting information and occasionally glancing at her watch.

All was quiet on the unit, with the exception of the all-too-familiar sound of a patient’s wife trying to communicate with him in the room across the hall: “Turn—is that right, Mark? Do you want me to turn you?”

Mark, age 35, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 15 months ago. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, attacks the muscles and renders the patient a virtual prisoner in his own body.

His disease had progressed rapidly. His routines changed from playing catch or going fishing with his son, Tommy, to racing him in his wheelchair. Now, he was totally helpless, unable to swallow or speak.

Two weeks earlier, Mark’s breathing became difficult, and he needed frequent suctioning. That setback brought him to the Hendrick Hospice Care inpatient unit.

Kovach acknowledged later that she wondered why God would allow a man so young to be taken from his family. But it’s a reality she frequently faces in her job.

One evening early in Mark’s stay, Kovach was startled to see a boy was standing by her—Mark’s 6-year-old son, Tommy—eyeing a small plastic bag lying on the desk with three or four apricots inside.

“I love apricots,” he said.

Kovach assured him she had more than she needed and offered him one.

Taking a seat beside her, the boy quickly ate the apricot. Then, leaning back with a serious look, he said: “You know what? Life isn’t too much fun anymore.”

Kovach quietly closed the chart she was working on and laid down her pen.

“Why isn’t life fun anymore?” she asked.

“Do you know my daddy is going to die?” he asked.

She replied that yes, she knew his father was going to die.

The boy considered her words thoughtfully.

“Kay, do you think we need another apricot?” he finally asked.

Kovach held open the bag for him, and the two sat and ate silently.

In the weeks after that encounter, Tommy visited the nurses’ station often, sharing his greatest fears and heartaches with Kovach—watching his mother cry, thinking about vacations the family would not take together and recounting stories of racing his bicycle against his dad in his wheelchair.

“Kay, I bet you didn’t know wheelchairs can pop wheelies,” he told her.

Kovach relayed Tommy’s stories to the hospice bereavement counselor who began talking with him.

Throughout Mark’s stay in hospice, Kovach kept a box at the nurses’ station, decorated with watercolor painting of an apricot and a card labeled: “Tommy’s Apricot Box.” Hospice staff kept the box filled with a variety of treats and notes to Tommy.

One afternoon, Mark’s father stopped by the nurses’ station, his shoulders drooping more than usual. Tired and heavy, he settled into his grandson’s favorite chair, noticing the box for the first time.

Kovach explained how the box came to be and how the staff used it. With tears rimming his tired eyes, he talked about what it’s like to lose a son, one he considered his best friend, and what it is like seeing his grandson and other family members grieve.

A few nights later, while Kovach again sat filling out charts, an older patient’s son came by to talk about his father’s condition. Adjusting his baseball cap, the 40-something banker settled in Tommy’s nurses’ station chair.

Spying Tommy’s apricot box, he said, “There has to be a story behind that.”

Kovach closed her chart and laid down her pen, once again, ready to listen.

Those are the kind of stories that reinforce the need for hospice care provided in a Christian context, said Bruce Lampert, Hendrick’s director of pastoral care.

“Hospice is not just a service,” Lampert said. “It’s a ministry. And can there be any more appropriate place for ministry to happen than at the bedside of a dying person?”

By creating the hospice inpatient unit, Hendrick provides a comfortable, peaceful, home-like environment for patients and their families. Hospice ensures the end of life occurs with comfort and dignity.

Hendrick Hospice Care’s inpatient unit provides palliative care that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with advanced and usually life-threatening illness.

The hospice delivers high-quality patient care and pain and symptom management, using a professional team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, volunteers and support staff.

Established in 1983, Hospice of Abilene joined the Hendrick Health System in 1993 and changed its name to Hendrick Hospice Care in 1997. The inpatient unit opened later that year, the only such facility in the region and one of only two hospice inpatient units among Texas Baptist hospitals.

Hendrick administration improved access to hospice care by converting one unit of the hospital exclusively to hospice inpatient care.

Previously, patients receiving hospice services were spread throughout the hospital.

“Hospice is about quality of life,” Hospice Executive Director David Stephenson said. “The staff and volunteers are here because of the difference hospice makes in the lives of patients and families each and every day.”

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: 3/31/06

Volunteers help burned-out
community reclaim mementos

By Miranda Bradley

Texas Baptist Children’s Home

GORMAN—With the help of a walker, 87-year-old Marie Cook watched as children from Texas Baptist Children’s Home sifted through what remained of her house—burned to the ground by a New Year’s Day wildfire.

Children’s home residents and staff spent a day of their spring break cleaning up the devastation around the Gorman area, salvaging the few remaining trinkets residents held dear.

“My mom planted that tree,” Cook said, watching as its charred branches were sawed off. “It was over a hundred years old.”

She had spent her entire life in that house. After her mother died, she and her husband raised their large family there. Thousands of memories were made there, and she clung to hope that even a small token of those moments remained.

87-year-old Marie Cook marvels at old photos and letters found unscathed in her deep freeze. They were some of the few tangible objects found at Cook's home, which was demolished by a wildfire in January.

“I found something,” one of the kids shouted. “It’s a necklace.”

Stroking the charred metal, Cook’s eyes filled with tears.

“Eddie gave this to me,” she said, speaking of one of her sons, as she put the locket in her pocket. “These are the things that mean something only to me.”

A thicket of trees parched from drought had surrounded the house. At noon on Jan. 1, high temperatures caused a brush fire that destroyed 60 houses and two churches in the Gorman area.

“It just burned everything in its path,” volunteer Neal Weaver said.

Spanning 35 miles, the inferno cut a swath five miles wide, spurred on by 45-mile-per-hour winds. The Cook home was in its hot spot, 10 miles from where it began, but nobody was inside.

One month before the blaze hit, health concerns caused Cook to be placed temporarily in a nursing home.

“We’re just so thankful she was not home when the fire came,” said Don Cook, one of five sons. “There’s no way she could have gotten out in time.”

Marie Cook has been a long-time supporter of Texas Baptist Children’s Home, sending in what she could each month. Her late husband, Enouch, had been a deacon at New Hope Baptist Church in Gorman, where she was a pianist and Sunday school teacher.

Ashley, a Texas Baptist Children’s Home resident, takes a moment to look at the broken hands of Jesus she uncovered in the rubble that was once Marie Cook's home.

“She is just a beloved woman,” Weaver said. “She taught me stuff about the ministry.”

One of the Texas Baptist Children’ Home volunteers, Ed Rogers, didn’t realize whose house he would be helping with at first.

“I haven’t been here in years,” said Rogers, who was pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in the 1950s. “I used to eat Sunday lunch here.

“This is a wonderful family. It’s awesome how God works in bringing people together again in times when they need each other. My being here was no accident.”

When volunteers sorted through the debris around the Cook house, they found twisted metal forms that once were a refrigerator and freezer. To everyone’s surprise, when they pried open the freezer door, they found a treasure trove of mementos.

Everything inside—old letters, pictures and cards—survived without as much as a scratch.

As volunteers began placing the items into bags for Cook, exclaimed: “I think it’s a figurine! Here’s another piece.”

Before long, an entire porcelain nativity scene was excavated from the dust and soot, un-scathed.

“It’s a miracle,” Cook said. “It’s just a miracle.”

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: 3/31/06

Wayland executive VP killed in plane crash

By Teresa Young

Wayland Baptist University

PLAINVIEW—Wayland Baptist University Executive Vice President Bill Hardage was killed March 25 in a plane crash in central California.

Hardage, a university employee for close to 40 years, had traveled to Watsonville on a personal trip to pick up a recently purchased Air Coupe plane, reportedly one of his favorites to fly. Details of the accident still are under investigation.

An accomplished pilot, Hardage had spent many years as the university’s pilot along with his administrative duties, often shuttling officials to graduation ceremonies at external campuses or to other locations on Wayland business.

Hardage first came to Wayland in 1963, transferring from Hardin-Simmons University to run for Wayland’s new track and field program. After earning his degree in 1965, he moved to Lubbock to coach football and track at Coronado High School, then to Texas Tech University as assistant track coach and physical education instructor. He earned his master’s degree in education there.

Hardage came to Wayland as assistant track and field coach and assistant professor of physical education, serving five years before taking a two-year break to earn a doctorate in education at East Texas State University, now Texas A&M at Commerce. He returned to Wayland to chair the physical education department and to coach track before moving eventually into administrative roles.

In 1979, he became director of special services, taking the reins of the four existing external campuses and helping to start another. Since then, he has been instrumental in expanding Wayland’s reach through adding eight additional external campuses in the United States and another location in Kenya, Africa.

He went on to serve in the academic vice president’s office, the advancement vice presidency, external programs leadership and back to academic and student services and provost. In 2001, he was named vice chancellor, and his title changed to executive vice president when the chancellor’s position was eliminated in 2002 with Wallace Davis’ retirement.

“Words cannot begin to express Wayland’s grief and my sadness over the loss of our gifted executive vice president,” President Paul Armes said. “Bill loved Wayland and contributed to her success as an institution of higher learning in more ways than any of us will ever know. He will be missed greatly by every member of the Wayland family.”

Hardage is survived by his wife, Nell; a son, Tim, of Plainview; and a daughter, Cindy Bessire of Muleshoe, along with their spouses and numerous grandchildren.

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: 3/31/06

Schmeltekopf served as top
aide to two BGCT directors

By Ken Camp

Managing Editor

FORT WORTH—Texas Baptist denominational leader Ed Schmeltekopf died March 29 after an extended illness related to his longtime battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Schmeltekopf, 73, served nearly two decades as associate executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and a quarter-century as a Texas Baptist pastor. He was elected BGCT first vice president in 1977.

For 19 years and nine months, Schmeltekopf worked as a staff liaison with virtually every major study committee appointed by the BGCT and as a top aide to two executive directors—James Landes and Bill Pinson.

Pinson praised Schmeltekopf as “a devout follower of Jesus Christ and gifted servant-leader … (who) helped to shape for good the lives of thousands” of people.

“Ed combined organizational genius and personal compassion—a rare combination. But, then, he was a rare person,” Pinson said.

“He guided multiple committees, study groups and planning teams of the BGCT that helped the convention and its related churches, associations and institutions set record after record. He supervised some of the most creative aspects of convention life. He had a gift for listening, planning and implementation that enabled diverse groups to move forward in cooperative harmony. Much of the success of the BGCT in the years he served can be attributed to his leadership.”

Schmeltekopf was “a man of real integrity,” said Doris Tinker, executive associate to the BGCT executive director, who worked with Schmeltekopf first when he was a pastor serving on various convention committees and later as a colleague at the Baptist Building.

“Ed Schmeltekopf was a person with great sensitivity to and love for people,” Tinker said. “It was evident in all he did. His gifts and talents were many, and he used them well. His attention to detail made him an invaluable asset in all areas of work with the BGCT.

“He had such a wealth of knowledge about the Lord’s work through the BGCT and Texas Baptist churches and institutions that we referred to him as a ‘walking encyclopedia.’”

BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade recalled Schmeltekopf as a good friend who reached out to him when Wade became pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington.

“He was an effective administrator—creative and dependable,” Wade said. “He was a calming presence in difficult discussions. He was Christian gentleman who had the respect of every pastor I know. … We are a better people because Ed lived and served among us.”

Schmeltekopf was pastor of First Baptist Church in Burleson 19 years before joining the BGCT Executive Board staff. He served previously at churches in Graham and LaVernia.

Schmeltekopf was a native of Kyle and a graduate of Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, where he was a record-breaking fullback for the Bobcats, was named to the All-Texas College Team and was inducted into the school’s hall of honor in 1989.

He earned his master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Semi-nary.

Schmeltekopf was a 20-year member of Broadway Baptist Church of Fort Worth.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Lilla, of Fort Worth; daughter Cynthia Krause and her husband, David, of Dallas; son Jeff Schmeltekopf, and his wife, Judy, of Fort Worth; five grandchildren; two brothers: Robert Schmeltekopf and his wife Bettye of Kerrville and Donald Schmeltekopf and his wife Judy of Waco; and one sister: Mary Pryal and her husband, Alfred, of Gastonia, N.C. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Ruth Schmeltekopf of Kyle and one brother, James Schmeltekopf of New Braunfels.

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: 3/30/06

Explore the Bible Series for April 9

Pursue a vigorous righteousness

• Isaiah 32:1-39:8

By James Adair

Baptist University of the Americas, San Antonio

Isaiah 32-39 includes a series of oracles about a future, righteous king of Judah (Isaiah 32-33), an oracle of judgment on Edom (Isaiah 34), a transition to the new themes that will begin in chapter 40 (Isaiah 35) and a historical section dealing with King Hezekiah (Isaiah 36-39). They repeat many of the themes of the earlier chapters, but in chapter 35 they reach new heights of poetic expression and introduce in earnest the theme of exile and return.

Isaiah 32:1-8; 33:17-22

The first large section (chapters 32-33) begins and ends with prophecy concerning a restoration to the throne of Judah a king who would rule in righteousness. The literary technique of beginning and ending a section with the same theme is called an inclusio (Latin for “inclusion”), and it is a common literary device in both the Bible and other ancient writings, whose purpose is to delimit a distinct unit of written material.

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These chapters describe both the good and the bad—the blessings of the righteous king’s reign and the villainies of the wicked opposition to the king. The king’s reign is described first as characterized by righteousness and justice. These two words appear in parallel half-verses in verse 1. The rules of interpreting Hebrew poetry (including prophetic oracles like this) suggest the two words have more or less the same meaning.

In English, we sometimes think of righteousness as an inward attitude of commitment to God and justice as the outward manifestation of that commitment. This understanding is not bad in English, but the two Hebrew words used here really mean just about the same thing.

The prophet probably would have been surprised to learn that people make a distinction between one’s inner attitude and one’s outer activities. The prophetic approach to the issue assumes the two are indistinguishable. If, like the fool, one practices ungodliness, lets the hungry starve, deprives the thirsty of drink and ignores the pleas of the needy (vv. 6-7), clearly these deeds are the result of inner unrighteousness. It is impossible, from the point of view of the prophet, to be inwardly righteous and outwardly unjust.

Isaiah 33:13-16

Three monkeys sit next to each other on a log. The first covers his eyes, the second covers his ears and the third covers his mouth. Their names? See-no-evil, hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil.

Many people approach the world’s great problems with an attitude borrowed from these monkeys. As long as their lives are untouched, they don't want to know about the misfortunes of others or the sins of their contemporaries. “It’s not the place of Christians to be involved in the world,” they might say.

A cursory reading of these verses from Isaiah might at first seem to support such a position, but a closer reading shows this prophetic oracle teaches just the opposite. When God threatens to visit the people in judgment, the “sinners in Zion” ask, “Who can dwell with the consuming fire?”

The word translated “dwell” means “to live as a foreigner in the land,” and it reminds us we are all sojourners in this world. Who can survive the consuming fire? Only the righteous, the prophet answers, those who refuse to profit on the misery of others or gain favor through bribery, two sins still quite prevalent in our day.

The righteous also are described as those who “stop their ears from hearing of bloodshed” and who “shut their eyes from looking on evil.” Does this mean it is all right for God’s followers to ignore the misery of others or evil in the world?

On the contrary, these verses mean just the opposite. The prophet says the truly righteous will refuse to participate in unjust schemes and will actively oppose them (implied in the phrase “speak what is right” in verse 15).

It is not enough for God’s people to avoid committing evil ourselves. We also must take a stand for justice on behalf of those who cannot stand effectively for themselves.

Isaiah 35:1-10

Many books of the Old Testament were put together over a long period of time, and in the process, sections were rearranged, modified, added and deleted. At some point in the composition of the book of Isaiah, it is likely chapter 35 came just before chapter 40, for it forms a nice thematic bridge between chapters 1-34 and chapters 40-66. Only later, according to this theory, were chapters 36-39 added as a sort of historical appendix (very close in content to portions of 2 Kings 18-20).

Isaiah 35 describes the rebirth of Israel after exile as a parched land that receives much-needed rain. Just as rain showers can bring forth wildflowers and other vegetation from the dry soil, so would the gentle rain of God’s mercy bring the nation of Judah back to life after a period of suffering.

Not only will the land be healed in this idealized future, but even the common maladies that affect people will be remedied: the blind will see, the deaf will hear and the lame will leap like a deer. The people will see streams in the desert, and desolate wastelands will be converted to marshes full of water. The highway through the land will be so wide and straight even the person with the worst sense of direction can’t get lost.

Moreover, the land will be cleared of dangerous animals like lions or wolves so the redeemed people of God will be able to return to their homeland in absolute safety, singing all the way.

This picture of return from exile is indeed idealized rather than strictly literal, but it uses poetic language well to emphasize the feeling of freedom a returning exile might feel upon being allowed to return to his ancestral homeland.

In 1989, my family and I returned to the United States after spending more than a year in South Africa. Although we very much enjoyed our stay, because we were there during the waning days of apartheid, we also experienced a feeling of oppression (though our oppression was mostly vicarious, experienced through some of our South African friends) hard to describe. When we finally landed at the airport on U.S. soil, I remember the feeling of freedom and joy I felt when I saw the American flag flying.

I imagine the Jews who returned home from Babylonian exile felt a much more intense version of what I felt when they saw their homeland, many of them for the first time in their lives. If so, I don’t think any of the descriptions in this chapter, even though they might be idealized, are exaggerated in any way.

Discussion questions

• How should Christians relate righteousness and justice in their own lives? Does the church do enough to advocate for justice in the modern world?

• How do we draw a distinction from “butting into other people’s business” and taking a stand for what is right? Are there circumstances in which it really is better to keep quiet in the face of wrongdoing, or should we always speak up?

• What are the most intense feelings of joy or elation that you have felt in your life? Does the juxtaposition of sorrow/suffering and joy make the feeling of joy that much more intense?

• How would you evaluate the following words from the poem The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran? “When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. … [Joy and sorrow] are inseparable.”

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: 3/31/06

Afghan Christian released, finds asylum

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (ABP)—An Afghan man threatened with execution for converting to Christianity was freed and was granted political asylum in Italy March 29.

Meanwhile, according to an agency that monitors persecution of Christians, at least two other Afghans currently are jailed for similar situations.

On March 26, Afghanistan’s Supreme Court dismissed the government’s case against 41-year-old Abdul Rahman. He had been jailed for violating Islamic law by abandoning that faith.

Muslim clerics in the country called for Rahman’s execution. Hundreds of people protested the court’s decision to release him March 27 in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif, uttering cries of “death to Christians!” according to multiple news reports.

Afghan government officials gave conflicting statements March 27 about why they were dropping the charges against Rahman. While court officials cited a lack of evidence, other authorities said they believe he may be mentally unfit to stand trial.

Rahman reportedly also appealed to the United Nations to help him find political asylum, fearing for his safety if he were to stay in Afghanistan.

According to the United States Commission on Cooperation and Security in Europe, Rahman converted to Christianity while working for a Christian aid group in Pakistan more than 14 years ago. He only recently was jailed because his faith emerged in court when Rahman attempted to regain custody of his children.

Since his imprisonment made headlines, groups from multiple faiths, continents and political ideologies have decried the Afghan judicial system for the situation. Conservative Christian groups and impartial human-rights watchdog organizations in the United States first called attention to the situation but have been joined by international human-rights groups, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the New York Times editorial board.

Responding to pressure from those groups, President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice appealed to Afghan President Hamid Karzai to assure Rahman’s safety. But Karzai said he could do nothing without violating the separation of powers between Afghanistan’s executive and judicial branches of government.

The Afghan Constitution, drafted and approved in the wake of the nation’s liberation from the theocratic Taliban regime in 2001, has separate sections protecting religious freedom and establishing Islam as the supreme law of the land. Religious-freedom watchdog groups repeatedly have warned the tension between the two provisions would provide too much leeway to conservative Muslim jurists in cases such as Rahman’s.

Several U.S. organizations issued statements March 26 and 27 heralding Rahman’s release but calling for continued focus on the status of religious freedom in Afghanistan. The Free Muslim Coalition Against Terrorism said it “applauds” the decision to release Rahman but added: “The release of Mr. Rahman must be complemented by constitutional and legislative change to ensure that the freedoms of religion and conscience are preserved, and that no further prosecutions for apostasy can occur again.”

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said the case exposes faults in the way the Bush administration is handling the task of nation-building.

“Simply dismissing the charges based upon lack of evidence does not sufficiently address the lack of religious freedom in Afghanistan,” he said. “As the United States continues its work in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is vital that the Bush administration secure a clear understanding of religious freedom from these new governments. Abdul Rahman’s imprisonment has revealed a major fault in our foreign policy.”

Compass Direct, an evangelical Protestant group that monitors persecution of Christians worldwide, reported at least two other Afghan Christians have been jailed in recent days. However, the agency declined to disclose details about the cases.

“Because of the sensitive situation, local sources requested that the location of the jailed converts be withheld,” read a story posted on the organization’s website, www.compassdirect.org.

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, asked at the March 28 daily White House press briefing whether the incident had hurt Afghanistan’s image, deflected the question.

“Well, I think it’s important to put in context where Afghanistan is,” he said. “This is a new and emerging democracy. This is a democracy that has enshrined in its constitution certain universal principles of human rights, and we will continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to the universal values that all democracies hold dear, such as freedom of expression and freedom of religion. … But we are pleased that this was resolved in a favorable manner and that he has been released.”

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.