In addition to headline articles, the Baptist Message regularly
publishes stories that cheer the heart and illustrate the faithful work of Baptists
around the world. Below – in random order – are 10 such stories from
2002.
In addition to headline articles, the Baptist Message regularly
publishes stories that cheer the heart and illustrate the faithful work of Baptists
around the world. Below – in random order – are 10 such stories from
2002.
The end of a struggle. For 25 years, Tom Hebert Road Mission
in Lake Charles was a struggling mission. When Chris Fuselier became pastor
four years ago, attendance was eight in Sunday School and 15 in worship. The
mission could not even pay for the utilities in all its buildings. Some sponsoring
leaders were ready to give up on it. But by early last year, attendance had
grown to 50 in Sunday School and 75 in worship – and the mission had constituted
as Tom Hebert Baptist Church, a self-supporting congregation.
Because of prayer. When Southern Baptist missionaries
Gene and Jean Phillips were abducted from their home in the African country
of Lesotho, the call went out via the Internet – pray for the couple. Amazingly,
instead of killing the pair, the kidnappers let them go. Hours after the abduction,
they were safe – and the local law enforcement officer who interviewed
them was convinced. In his report, he wrote – “They were not killed
because of prayer.”
Still going strong. Southern Baptists launched the True Love
Waits program to promote sexual abstinence among American teenagers years ago,
but in 2002, it continued to gain momentum. Early in the year, 77,000 teenagers
around the nation went online to make pledges to remain sexually pure until
marriage. Then, by years end, True Love Waits was expanding, releasing
a pledge for parents to live lives of sexual purity as well – for themselves
and their children.
A surprising choice. Faced with a changing ethnic neighborhood,
a longtime Louisiana Baptist church decided not to die as many such congregations
do – but to live. In an historic area of New Orleans, leaders of Gentilly
Baptist Church and Community Church – a mission of Gentilly – decided
to unite. The result is a multi-cultural church focused on meeting the needs
of its community.
Home – at last. When a Muslim government launched attacks
on some Sudan villages in 1987, almost 40,000 young children – mostly boys
– became instant orphans. However, after surviving years of brutal conditions,
about 4,000 of the boys finally found a new home – some with Baptist families
who agreed to care for them.
Pennies … for a purpose. During Vacation Bible School at
Simpson Baptist Church, it was boys vs. girls – and Southern Baptist retired
ministers were the winners. Boys and girls in the school competed in collecting
pennies – and gathered $650 worth. The money was sent to the Southern Baptist
Annuity Board to be used for support of retired ministers in need through the
Adopt-an-Annuitant program.
Homeless – but not hopeless. Colfax Avenue in Denver could
be considered one of the meanest streets in the area – full of drugs,
crime, gangs, prostitution and such. It is a magnet for the homeless. But once
there, many of these unfortunates find hope – in the ministry of nearby
Central Baptist Church. The church has made a commitment to minister to the
homeless in the area – practically and spiritually.
Reaching out – with hope and care. Louisiana is no stranger
to poverty. It affects many of the states residents. However, Louisiana
Baptists are working to respond to the needs. Twenty years ago, they had just
two hope and care centers in the state. Last year, the number had grown to 40,
including the Helping Hands ministry in Leesville. The ministries provide such
things as English-as-a-Second-Language training, literacy programs, pregnancy
counseling, tutoring and food and clothing needs. Oh yes, they also share the
gospel with people desperately in need of hope.
Miss America – free to talk. For awhile, it looked as
if Miss America officials were going to muzzle 2002 winner Erika Harold, denying
her the opportunity to promote sexual abstinence. But within a matter of days,
officials relented – Harold could promote abstinence, at a time when reports
show the message is making a difference and more and more youth are making a
choice for sexual purity.