Submitted by philip on Tue, 10/22/2013 - 12:30 A team composed of members of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary's Moskau Institute of Archaeology and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority cleared weeds, dirt and debris from the Bronze Age gate system at Gezer, Israel, in a reexcavation of the site this summer. Gezer was part of the ancient Canaanite city-state society which reached its height of importance in the Middle and Late Bronze ages. By Gary Myers, NOBTS Communications JERUSALEM (BP) -- When Moses sent 12 spies into Canaan to explore the land, the men's sighting of large, fortified cities created fear among the Israelites and led to rebellion. Instead of conquering the land, God's people wandered in the wilderness 40 years. The account in Numbers 13 does not specify which cities were observed, but fits well with the archaeological record of the Canaanite culture from the Bronze Age. Many of the Canaanite cities at that time were equipped with massive, imposing walls and well-defended gates. A team composed of members of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary's Moskau Institute of Archaeology and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) got a first-hand look at the Bronze Age walls and gate systems this … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Tue, 10/22/2013 - 12:32 Former New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary trustee Bill Bailey guides a bag of debris as it is pulled from the ancient water system at Gezer, Israel, part of the ancient Canaanite city-state society. The summer dig aimed at determining the date of the tunnel system was conducted by members of NOBTS' Moskau Institute of Archaeology and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. By Gary Myers, NOBTS Communications JERUSALEM (BP) -- R.A.S. Macalister faced a crucial decision in late 1907 when he reached the bottom of the ancient Gezer Water System in Israel -- drain and excavate the pool at the bottom step or explore the cavern beyond the pool. He chose to bypass the pool and excavate the cavern. Macalister had no way of knowing the implications his decision would have on establishing a date for the system. Now, more than a hundred years after Macalister's dig, a reexcavation of the water system by a team of archaeologists from the Moskau Institute of Archaeology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) is bringing the implications of Macalister's choice into clear focus. Leaders of the NOBTS/INPA dig believe … [Read more...]

by Laura Wilson BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Not many organizations are rich with a heritage that spans more than 100 years, but Girls in Action and Acteens organizations sponsored by WMU have now passed the century mark of engaging girls in missions education and involvement. It was in 1909 when large hats, high button-up shoes, and long Sunday drives in a horse and carriage were popular that GA got its start. In 1907, Young Woman’s Auxiliary (YWA) was created for younger women and grew to 992 organizations within two years. The missing link was involving preteen and young teenage girls in missions, so WMU began publishing literature for these girls in 1909. These missions groups were first included in a 1913 report, and that year was claimed in later years as the official start of missions education for girls through WMU. Although the names of the missions organizations for girls have changed over the years, its missions purpose remains true. As members of Junior YWA (1909), Junior Auxiliaries (1912), Girls’ Auxiliary (1914); Junior Girls’ Auxiliary and Intermediate Girls’ Auxiliary (1924); Girls in Action and Acteens (1970), girls have come to understand God can use them now—even in their youth—to share His love with others and make … [Read more...]

By Laura Wilson BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – At a young age, Amanda Mellot* knew God was calling her to missions through her years of involvement with GA and Acteens. “I knew I loved Jesus and that there are people in the world that didn’t know Him,” explained Mellot. “I was burdened at a young age for lost people in the world. GA and Acteens were the foundation of my life; I knew I wanted to be part of what was going on in the world as God uses His church for His renown.” Mellot said one of her first memories in GA is the Wednesday night when she memorized Matthew 28:19-20: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded of you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (NIV). “I remember those words piercing my heart in a way I could not explain, but I knew it was true and that I wanted to be part of the commission Jesus gave us when He went to be at the right hand of God,” Mellot said. Ever since that night, Mellot says that passage has been how she views the world and a big part of her life. “Whatever we do, we are to go and make disciples,” said Mellot. Mellot gained knowledge and … [Read more...]

By Laura Wilson BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – At a young age, Amanda Mellot* knew God was calling her to missions through her years of involvement with GA and Acteens. “I knew I loved Jesus and that there are people in the world that didn’t know Him,” explained Mellot. “I was burdened at a young age for lost people in the world. GA and Acteens were the foundation of my life; I knew I wanted to be part of what was going on in the world as God uses His church for His renown.” Mellot said one of her first memories in GA is the Wednesday night when she memorized Matthew 28:19-20: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded of you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (NIV). “I remember those words piercing my heart in a way I could not explain, but I knew it was true and that I wanted to be part of the commission Jesus gave us when He went to be at the right hand of God,” Mellot said. Ever since that night, Mellot says that passage has been how she views the world and a big part of her life. “Whatever we do, we are to go and make disciples,” said Mellot. Mellot gained knowledge and … [Read more...]

By Laura Wilson BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A life of traveling around the world, taking pictures and connecting with people and writing their stories so their voices can be heard - that is Susie Rain’s* life and passion. “You don’t often hear about ‘missionary journalists’ but that’s what I am,” explained Rain. “I write and photograph stories about God’s work and His people all over the world.” The beginning of her passion for missions started when she was much younger. Rain started out in Mission Friends and then GA and Acteens at her church. “I do know that Bible verses I memorized as a GA still pop into my brain when I’m out doing ministry,” said Rain. “It always surprises me when a verse comes to mind that will comfort someone in the midst of an earthquake or tsunami. “I used to sit for hours in the church library just looking through The Mag [the WMU publication for Acteens] as my parents were in meetings,” reflected Rain. “God started my passion for media at that young age and allowed me to be a tool in sharing His story.” Rain started her adult missions involvement as a journeyman with the International Mission Board in the Caribbean. “A journeyman is someone who has a college degree, is under the age of 26 and gives two years … [Read more...]