The Majesty of Spain is an incredible representation of the wealth of the Spanish monarchy from 1745 to 1833, from Fernando VI to Fernando VII. So, I was surprised to know that in one major way, I have more to bank on than they thought they had. The Majesty of Spain is an incredible representation of the wealth of the Spanish monarchy from 1745 to 1833, from Fernando VI to Fernando VII. So, I was surprised to know that in one major way, I have more to bank on than they thought they had.   The cost of bringing the display from Madrid, Spain, to Jackson, Mississippi, must have been monumental. Just getting the prize pieces of art from there to Jackson certainly was a mind boggling achievement. One does not take a most prized painting, like Anton Rafael Mengs "Crucifixion of Christ," considered Spain’s most important neoclassical painting, worth millions of dollars to the pack-and-ship store and say, "Send this to the Mississippi Arts Pavilion in Jackson, Mississippi, USA."   Many of the pieces are not paintings. There are chairs, large bronze tables, marble statuary, a full horse-drawn carriage replete with eight model horses in full harness and even a large gold-leafed gondola that must have … [Read more...]

Concerned reaction from around the world has greeted a recent Dutch vote to legalize euthanasia, with opponents decrying implications of the action and voicing doubts about incorporated safeguards. Concerned reaction from around the world has greeted a recent Dutch vote to legalize euthanasia, with opponents decrying implications of the action and voicing doubts about incorporated safeguards. "Banning intentional killing protects each of us impartially, embodying the belief that all are equal, whether they are young or old, fit or sick, able or disabled," asserted Peter Millard of the British organization Alert (Against Legalized Euthanasia - Research and Teaching). "By legislating for euthanasia, the Dutch government has undermined the very nature of their society. How safe would you feel if you knew that your doctor carried in his bag the instruments of death as well as life?"   A spokesperson for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children agreed, warning that the Dutch action promotes a culture of death.   "The only way to prevent further proliferation of a pro-death culture is to defend the fundamental premise that human life, at every stage and in every situation, possesses an … [Read more...]

Membership in Southern Baptist churches continued to climb ever so slowly toward the 16 million mark in 2000, with an increase of 108,552 persons.   The increase of 0.7 percent brings the total number of church members to an all-time high of 15,960,308. Membership in Southern Baptist churches continued to climb ever so slowly toward the 16 million mark in 2000, with an increase of 108,552 persons.   The increase of 0.7 percent brings the total number of church members to an all-time high of 15,960,308.   That surpasses the all-time high of 15,891,514 - set in 1997. Even so, it comes with a slowed rate of growth. In 1999, membership increased by 0.8 percent.   Recently-released statistics show such increases - as well as some declines - in various areas of Southern Baptist Convention life.   For instance, in one key area, total baptisms surpassed 400,000 for the fourth consecutive year in 2000. Nevertheless, annual total of 414,657 baptisms represented a decline of 4,685 (1.1 percent) from 1999.   Sunday School enrollment increased by 38,958 (0.5 percent) last year to a total of 8,186,415. The jump comes on the heels of a 0.01 percent decrease in … [Read more...]

As Moses prepared to go talk to Pharoah about releasing the Israelite people, God emphasized the importance of his spokesperson maintaining three "anchors" in his life.   The lesson still applies, Dave Edwards stressed to more than 140 Louisiana Baptist college students commissioned recently for summer missions work. As Moses prepared to go talk to Pharoah about releasing the Israelite people, God emphasized the importance of his spokesperson maintaining three "anchors" in his life.   The lesson still applies, Dave Edwards stressed to more than 140 Louisiana Baptist college students commissioned recently for summer missions work.   ‘For as long as Moses did these things (outlined by God), his life worked," said Edwards, an Oklahoma City preacher.   Edwards spoke at the recent commissioning of the Louisiana Baptist students at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria. The commissioning service was a highlight of the annual Louisiana Baptist Collegiate Ministries Spring Assembly.   During his address, Edwards challenged the student missionaries to carry the three "anchors" identified by God with them.   As long as these anchors are held firmly in place, … [Read more...]

The Baton Rouge Advocate newspaper recently warned against the "stagger- ing" negative impact of gambling.   "The human suffering and tragedy inflicted by gambling is staggering," an April 24 editorial in the newspaper notes. The Baton Rouge Advocate newspaper recently warned against the "stagger- ing" negative impact of gambling.   "The human suffering and tragedy inflicted by gambling is staggering," an April 24 editorial in the newspaper notes.   "On a regular basis, tales of those tragedies unfold in our state’s newspapers - stories of a variety of crimes committed to gain money to gamble or to pay debts brought about by gambling and obituaries of suicide victims devastated by their addiction," the editorial continues.   "The occasion for the editorial was news that Avoyelles Parish officials have opened two clinics to help treat persons with gambling problems. The editorial notes that Avoyelles Parish is a "haven" for gambling - complete with video poker machines and a land-based Indian casino in Marksville.   "Counselors say the bad habits and desperation that accompany an addiction to gambling are taking a toll in the parish," the Advocate editorial … [Read more...]

Lynn P. Clayton LBM Editor   First Baptist Church of Covington’s home had been downtown since 1906.   Four years ago, their beautiful 600-seat worship center was only 14 years old, but like a teenager bursting out of her clothes, First Baptist had outgrown its available space. After significant prayer and study, the church voted to relocate. The vote was unanimous. Lynn P. Clayton LBM Editor   First Baptist Church of Covington’s home had been downtown since 1906.   Four years ago, their beautiful 600-seat worship center was only 14 years old, but like a teenager bursting out of her clothes, First Baptist had outgrown its available space. After significant prayer and study, the church voted to relocate. The vote was unanimous.   The congregation found 42 acres of undeveloped land on the west side of town and began the process of building a completely new plant. While architects drew plans, members gave money for the relocation. Members pledged $2.5 million and with a year to go on the three-year pledges, $2 million has come into the church.   "We sold our previous property in two parcels," Minister of Education/Administration Wayne Miller … [Read more...]

For the week of May 3, 2001 Potpourri •BREAUX BRIDGE - First church: Jon Dennis Smith in concert; May 6, 10 a.m.; Jim McClelland, music director; Rod Jackson, pastor.   •EUNICE - Emmanuel church: Canadian missions conference; May 11; banquet, 6 p.m.; conference, 7 p.m.; D. K. Hale, Elie Woerner, Buddy Hampton and Al Marks, speakers; for information, contact Carla Bollich at (337) 457-8332; co-host churches are First church, Trinity church and North Eunice church; Larry Allen, pastor, Emmanuel church.   •JENA - Pine Grove church: cemetery work; May 12, 8:30 - 11 a.m.; church service, 11 a.m.; lunch to follow; Hardy Beaubouef, pastor.   •MILTON - First church: men’s wild game supper and seminar; May 11, 6:30 p.m.; Tom Lambert, pastor.   •MONROE - Parkview church: "My Utmost For His Highest" musical presented by choir and orchestra; May 6, 6 p.m.; Bob White, minister of music; Lee McGlone, pastor. Homecomings •OAKDALE - Bethany church: May 13, 11 a.m.; dinner to follow; Hardy Estes, speaker; Lloyd Godley, music; David Ragland, pastor. Anniversaries •BASTROP - Cherry Ridge church: 65th anniversary/homecoming; May 6, 11 a.m.; Cecil Gregory, evangelist; Charles Dupree, Jr., … [Read more...]

By Paul Davenport Compass Direct Last October 16, 21-year-old Liu Haitao from Henan Province in central China died as the result of severe police beatings. Last October 16, 21-year-old Liu Haitao from Henan Province in central China died as the result of severe police beatings. The immediate cause of his death was a kidney ailment that flared up after police mistreatment and a harsh imprisonment. However, Christian observers emphasize that there is no question his death was the result of his witness for Christ - and that makes him a martyr for the faith, they say.   Christian martyrs once were commonplace in China, especially in the years of the Cultural Revolution (1966-76). Now, they are rare - but the story of Liu’s death illustrates how commonplace police brutality is for many hundreds of Christians detained each year.   "At any one moment, there are probably well over a hundred Christians detained for their faith and receiving severe beatings from sadistic policemen," a house church leader in Loyang notes. "Many of them have permanent injuries as a result."   The callous disregard officials had for Liu’s worsening condition extended even to the point of refusing to … [Read more...]

More than 30 years ago, two brothers came out of  Henan Province in central China, full of the power  of God, Alex Buchan notes.   Every time they preached, many were moved to repentance, says Buchan, Asia bureau chief for Compass Direct. Their ministries were greatly blessed until one of them was jailed. He died in prison in the early 1970s, and in the words of his brother, Mr. Ha, "His testimony moved from words in the air to blood in the ground." More than 30 years ago, two brothers came out of  Henan Province in central China, full of the power  of God, Alex Buchan notes.   Every time they preached, many were moved to repentance, says Buchan, Asia bureau chief for Compass Direct. Their ministries were greatly blessed until one of them was jailed. He died in prison in the early 1970s, and in the words of his brother, Mr. Ha, "His testimony moved from words in the air to blood in the ground."   However, Mr. Ha continued to preach, Buchan reports. He resumed an underground evangelistic ministry. He was introduced everywhere as "the brother of the one who was counted worthy to suffer a martyr’s death."   At first, Mr. Ha did not mind, Buchan reports.   But after … [Read more...]