I feel like I know Mr. Bill Ichter (February 6, 2003, issue).   Every month, the Woman’s Missionary Union at my church I feel like I know Mr. Bill Ichter (February 6, 2003, issue).   Every month, the Woman’s Missionary Union at my church - Immanuel Baptist at Morgan City - honors missionaries, past and present on their birthdays. I was given Mr. Ichter’s name to pray for, and I read about his blessings while in Brazil.   God bless you, Mr. and Mrs. Ichter. We love you for all you do!   Janice Durkin Morgan City … [Read more...]

Churches and church staffs have tried to follow the CEO business model of developing growing churches. While God's work should be handled with business- like seriousness and accountability, I think we are beginning to see what the business world has now discovered. CEO mentality apart from character, competence and chemistry are doomed to fail. Churches and church staffs have tried to follow the CEO business model of developing growing churches. While God's work should be handled with business- like seriousness and accountability, I think we are beginning to see what the business world has now discovered. CEO mentality apart from character, competence and chemistry are doomed to fail.   How many church leaders wake up only to find it is too late, that they or others in their church have positions of leadership without any real possession of leadership. Southwest Baptist University Dean of Students Steve Morrow, in his book "Leadership, Not Salesmanship" hits the mark when he points out that the original leadership development principles of Christ as shared in the Sermon on the Mount is still the only way to go. Being comes before doing if it is to have any eternal substance.   People today … [Read more...]

At the beginning of the last meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, I was asked to give the invocation and to recognize all of the veterans of the armed forces by asking them to stand. I was pleased to do that as it was Veteran’s Day. At the beginning of the last meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, I was asked to give the invocation and to recognize all of the veterans of the armed forces by asking them to stand. I was pleased to do that as it was Veteran’s Day.   But as I returned to my seat, I noticed a lady, Dottie Hayes, sitting in the choir. I first met Herman and Dottie Hayes in what was then the Republic of South Vietnam. For a year, we were members of the same church, Trinity Baptist in Saigon. They were, as I recall, the first Southern Baptist missionaries to Vietnam. I think they entered the country in 1959. After the fall of Vietnam to the communists, Dottie and Herman continued their ministry to the Vietnamese people in Australia. Herman has since gone on to be with the Lord.   It is good to honor those of us who willingly served our country in a time of war. But people like Dottie were often in far more dangerous circumstances than many soldiers. They served the … [Read more...]

It all began in 1994 when members of the Bronx House-hold of Faith wanted to hold a meeting in a local public school building.   The school said no.   The group filed suit, citing the concept known as "equal access." And last June, the group won its lawsuit against the New York State Board of Education. Note: The following is the third of four articles on "The Church and the Law." This article focuses on First Amendment issues. The final article will look at political/moral issues. The series of articles was commissioned by the Association of State Baptist Papers.   It all began in 1994 when members of the Bronx House-hold of Faith wanted to hold a meeting in a local public school building.   The school said no.   The group filed suit, citing the concept known as "equal access." And last June, the group won its lawsuit against the New York State Board of Education.   "The church had asked for a permit to meet in a school building; the school denied it, saying no outside groups may have religious services on school property," explained Randy Singer, attorney and executive vice president of the Southern Baptist North American Mission … [Read more...]

In many ways, it is the great untold story of the Civil War that so devastated the United States.   In the fall and winter of 1863-64, a "great revival" took place among the Confederate and Union forces - and tens of thousands of soldiers were converted. In many ways, it is the great untold story of the Civil War that so devastated the United States.   In the fall and winter of 1863-64, a "great revival" took place among the Confederate and Union forces - and tens of thousands of soldiers were converted.   In a war in which 620,000 died - more than in all other American wars combined - men sought the solace of God in great numbers, and chapels could not hold the soldiers who wanted to attend.   Volumes upon volumes have been written about the violent Civil War battles within the divided nation. But the devout faith of men on both sides of the fight rarely has been chronicled.   However, now, readers and audiences can discover the religious beliefs of those who fought on both sides of the Civil War in a new Broadman and Holman book, "Faith in God and Generals: An Anthology of Faith, Hope, and Love in the American Civil War." The book was released Jan. 31 … [Read more...]

For the week of February 27, 2003 Executive Committee An added focus on the Cooperative Program has been incorporated into the proposed Southern Baptist Convention budget for the 2003-04 fiscal year. During its recent meeting, the SBC Executive Committee approved a recommendation that $250,000 be utilized "to fund the enhancement of (Cooperative Program) education at the six (Southern Baptist) seminaries" - if receipts from churches exceed the budget goal of $182 million next year. The total budget of more than $182 million still must be approved by messengers to this summer’s Southern Baptist Convention. The overall budget maintains percentage allocations the same as this year, including 50 percent to the Southern Baptist International Mission Board and 22.79 percent to the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board. LifeWay news Despite tough economic times, LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention stands to see an overall increase in revenue for 2003, officials said. In a recent meeting of LifeWay trustees, agency officials said they predict a 3.4 percent increase in overall revenue. However, that means that revenues still would fall more than $18 million short of the budget for the … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptists lost last week a true friend, and I lost a personal friend. Last Thursday, the Lord had Robert L. Lee fold his earthly tent and come home to his permanent residence God had prepared for him..   Bob Lee lived and led in a way that should be an example to those of us who are still granted life on this earth. He loved Louisiana Baptists collectively, and when he knew them personally, he loved them that way. It was from this deep love that his leadership style grew. Louisiana Baptists lost last week a true friend, and I lost a personal friend. Last Thursday, the Lord had Robert L. Lee fold his earthly tent and come home to his permanent residence God had prepared for him..   Bob Lee lived and led in a way that should be an example to those of us who are still granted life on this earth. He loved Louisiana Baptists collectively, and when he knew them personally, he loved them that way. It was from this deep love that his leadership style grew.   For almost 25 years, I had the joy of serving with Bob Lee, as well as enjoying a personal friendship with him. I watched as Dr. Lee showered love and kindness upon people of all strata of society in general, and Louisiana … [Read more...]

As one might expect, the International Seamen’s Center in Mobile, Ala., just buzzes with activity whenever ships are in port.   One group of seafarers might be gathered around the big-screen television, watching a soccer game.   Another may be playing the game on the field outside. Others might be gathering for a ride to the local Wal-Mart, while still others chat over refreshments with local volunteers. As one might expect, the International Seamen’s Center in Mobile, Ala., just buzzes with activity whenever ships are in port.   One group of seafarers might be gathered around the big-screen television, watching a soccer game.   Another may be playing the game on the field outside. Others might be gathering for a ride to the local Wal-Mart, while still others chat over refreshments with local volunteers.   But for center Director Aias De Souza, the focal point of the evening comes as everyone is asked to gather in the chapel.   In one such service, De Souza asks representatives of four nationalities to read John 3:16 in their native languages.   "Isn’t that a wonderful message," he asks. "I wish I had a better message than that one, but I … [Read more...]

When they married in the late 1800s, George Washington and Cora Berry Leavell had no way of knowing how God would use their descendents in his kingdom.   However, they knew what God expected, and they committed their marriage and family to the Lord. The Leavells subsequently raised nine boys based on Christian principles and the Word of God.   The results have been remarkable. Gary Myers/Shannon Baker, New Orleans Seminary   When they married in the late 1800s, George Washington and Cora Berry Leavell had no way of knowing how God would use their descendents in his kingdom.   However, they knew what God expected, and they committed their marriage and family to the Lord. The Leavells subsequently raised nine boys based on Christian principles and the Word of God.   The results have been remarkable.   Eight of the Leavells’ nine sons went on to serve in some type of vocational Christian ministry. These eight participated in almost every imaginable ministry in the Southern Baptist Convention, and many were innovators in their areas. Their ministries changed the face of the convention and spread the gospel across the world.   Fittingly, New … [Read more...]

The theme of the recent Kaleidoscope enrichment conference for Louisiana Baptist women had special meaning for Cindy Townsend.   In fact, as far as Townsend was concerned, "Designed by God’s Love" represents the actual story of the conference.   Townsend is the new Louisiana Baptist women’s missions and ministry director, assuming office in January. The theme of the recent Kaleidoscope enrichment conference for Louisiana Baptist women had special meaning for Cindy Townsend.   In fact, as far as Townsend was concerned, "Designed by God’s Love" represents the actual story of the conference.   Townsend is the new Louisiana Baptist women’s missions and ministry director, assuming office in January.   One of her first responsibilities was the annual Kaleidoscope conference, designed as an enrichment session for Louisiana Baptist women.   Six days before the registration deadline for the conference, Townsend faced her first job difficulty - only 18 women had signed up for the gathering.   The new state leader admits she did not know what to do.   "I began to pray and said, ‘Now, God, this is your agenda, but 18 women isn’t enough for a … [Read more...]