San Antonio church provides BUA scholarships for two students from India_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

San Antonio church provides BUA
scholarships for two students from India

By Craig Bird

Special to the Baptist Standard

SAN ANTONIO–The cross-cultural mix at Baptist University of the Americas will get even richer next month when two students from India begin studies at the BGCT-affiliated school.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

Texas Baptist Forum_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

TEXAS BAPTIST FORUM

For whom the bell tolls

Target's decision to place "no solicitation" restrictions on the Salvation Army lacks any legal or Christian justification. If nothing else, we who have discretionary funds need gentle reminders of our affluent good fortune during this abrasive period.

That Target prohibits a modest, peaceable effort to help the needy is morally inexcusable.

Since 1891, Salvation Army bell-ringers have sought funds. Standing on wet or icy pavement is no ego-inflating exercise. Rather, it is a humble reminder for us about the many unfortunates among us–our mentally and/or physically ill, addicted, veterans (one-third of our homeless are former military personnel), our inadequately educated, disabled, downsized, abandoned, our too elderly or too youthful.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

Suit asserts Lottery Commission, attorney general broke state laws_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

Suit asserts Lottery Commission,
attorney general broke state laws

By Ferrell Foster

Texas Baptist Communications

AUSTIN–A Texas taxpayer doesn't want state government to pay a bill to a Las Vegas lawfirm, and he's filed suit to stop it.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

Accrediting agency places Louisiana College on one-year probation for violating standards_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

Accrediting agency places Louisiana College
on one-year probation for violating standards

By Robert Marus

Associated Baptist Press

PINEVILLE, La. (ABP)–The South's major accrediting agency for schools has placed a Louisiana Baptist college on probation for a year for violating the agency's standards.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

On the Move_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

On the Move

B.B. Alvarez to Fairview Church in Grand Prairie as interim minister of music.

Luke Austin to Zephyr Church in Zephyr as minister of music.

Jeff Bankhead to Central Church in Italy as pastor.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

Brother’s unselfishness provides gift of life, inspires sister_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

Brother's unselfishness provides gift of life, inspires sister

By George Henson

Staff Writer

DALLAS–A boy's desire to give of himself has meant new life for seven other people and led to eternal life for his sister.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

Abilene church helps members match skills, interests to missions needs_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

Abilene church helps members match
skills, interests to missions needs

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

ABILENE–At Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, any member who can sweep a floor has a skill that can be used to honor Christ. Church leaders emphasize Christians should live “missionally”–using their talents and abilities to glorify God and share Christ.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

Christmas Bible School teaches true meaning of the season_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

Christmas Bible School teaches
true meaning of the season

By George Henson

Staff Writer

PRINCETON–No star above a stable guided them, but the story of the Christ-child still drew people to worship as a North Texas church reminded area families about the true meaning of Christmas.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

After 54 years in Nigeria, ‘Chief Doctor Mama’_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

After 54 years in Nigeria, 'Chief Doctor Mama' retires

By Mark Kelly

International Mission Board

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)–When King S.O. Abimola II bestowed an African chief's title on a 56-year-old woman from Texas, young people danced in procession to the palace and hundreds assembled for the ceremony.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

Seaman’s Center ministry makes global impact, particularly around Christmas_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

Seaman's Center ministry makes global
impact, particularly around Christmas

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

FREEPORT–The Seaman's Center might be able to teach Santa a thing or two.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

‘Star of wonder’ still leaves astronomers wondering about its origin_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

'Star of wonder' still leaves
astronomers wondering about its origin

By Margie Wylie

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON (RNS)–In Matthew's Gospel, it's the apparition that heralds the birth of Jesus. Today, it features in Christmas trappings from tree toppers to carols to cards. No children's Nativity play is complete without its tinfoil likeness above the storied stable.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge

Council told new approaches could resolve stem-cell dilemma_122004

Posted: 12/17/04

Council told new approaches could resolve stem-cell dilemma

By Kathi Wolfe

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON (RNS)–A Stanford University biology professor and two Columbia University physicians told a presidential advisory council new approaches could resolve the thorny ethical problems swirling around embryonic stem cell research.

12/17/2004 - By John Rutledge