For the week of September 2, 2004 Appreciation of wives The Louisiana Baptist Womens Missions and Ministry Division has set Sept. 19 as the second annual Ministers Wives Appreciation Day in churches across the state. In celebration of that day, leaders have suggested that churches ask Sunday School classes to write notes of appreciation to minister wives, that church recognize the wives during services and that congregations either host a luncheon honoring the service and dedication of the wives or treat them to a nice dinner. In conjunction with the emphasis, the state convention division also has announced plans for the annual Ministers Wives Retreat on Oct. 22-23 at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth. Speakers, musicians and dramatists are scheduled, as are breakout sessions for participants. Cost is $35 per person. For details on either the upcoming emphasis or the retreat, persons may call (800) 622-6549 or (318) 448-3402. Parents of the Year Alvin and Pat Oney have been honored as Cottage Parents of the Year by the Louisiana Baptist Childrens Home. The annual award is voted on by staff members and is based on a couples total contribution to the … [Read more...]
Stay alert to vote on Louisiana’s same-sex marriage amendment
A proposed amendment to the Louisiana Constitution that would ban same-sex marriages or civil unions is bouncing around the states court system like a ping-pong ball in a whirlwind. A proposed amendment to the Louisiana Constitution that would ban same-sex marriages or civil unions is bouncing around the states court system like a ping-pong ball in a whirlwind. To this point, the legal battles have centered on technicalities rather than intention of substance. Why cannot such matters be simple? The proposed amendment, overwhelmingly approved by the Louisiana Legislature, would cement the states existing law against same-sex marriage into the constitution. It also bans civil unions and recognition of same-sex marriages or civil unions recognized in other states. Presently, the vote on the proposed amendment is set for September 18, but whether or not the vote will actually be on that date, no one knows for sure. As would be expected, there are "issues," predominately political, about having the vote on that date which is the states open primary. Presently, the fate of the proposed amendment rests before the Louisiana Supreme Court. Ah, but it is not that … [Read more...]
True Love Waits marks 10 years of world impact
The 10th anniversary of the True Love Waits marital purity movement culminated in the shadow of one of the ancient worlds most impressive ruins, once a site of sexual indulgence. The 10th anniversary of the True Love Waits marital purity movement culminated in the shadow of one of the ancient worlds most impressive ruins, once a site of sexual indulgence. At the event, youth of the world were called to make a stand for sexual purity by remaining sexually abstinent until marriage. The event was held Aug. 22, at the Dora Stratou Theatre, located on a hill adjacent to the Acropolis, site of the Greek Parthenon. Activities focused on the program sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, which challenges young people to make a commitment to remain sexualyl pure until marriage. In addition to challenging the few hundred in attendance, the call to purity was Web cast through www.truelovewaits.com and is still available for viewing. A central aspect of the event was the arrival of more than 460,000 commitment-to-abstinence cards from young people in more than 20 countries. "I believe the diversity of countries from where … [Read more...]
Louisiana Baptists look to ‘light the way’ for others to experience the gospel
The teacher walks into the Sunday School class and takes her seat behind a small desk. The teacher walks into the Sunday School class and takes her seat behind a small desk. Instead of beginning the class with the usual prayer, she focuses her pupils attention on the song "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." After several scriptures are read aloud by her students, she asks another to recite John 8:12. In this passage, Christ declares that he is the light of the world. Building on that scripture, the teacher tells the class that as Christ followers, they are to keep that light burning brightly. "So, what youre saying is we are to rise up and carry the light until every dark area of Louisiana is illuminated?" one student in the class asks. Another student says shining that light starts in Louisiana with friends, family, coworkers and neighbors. And that is the purpose of the Georgia Barnette Offering for State Missions, Cindy Townsend says, citing the above skit about the annual offering. Through the Georgia Barnette offering, Louisiana Baptists annually try and provide a light for those in need of a personal relationship with … [Read more...]
New Orleans Seminary effort seeks to undergird Cooperative Program
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary has launched a new initiative to promote and strengthen the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary has launched a new initiative to promote and strengthen the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program. During the seminarys recent student orientation, 189 new masters-level students enrolled in a required course that details the history of the school, the Southern Baptist Convention and the Cooperative Program. In the course, special attention is given to the 12 convention entities and how each entity benefits from the $180-plus million given through the Cooperative Program by local church members and state conventions each year. Students also learn how the Cooperative Program giving plan provides significant funding for Southern Baptist missions and ministry endeavors throughout the world. "The Cooperative Program is both the lifeline and glue of the Southern Baptist Convention," New Orleans Seminary President Chuck Kelley emphasized. "It is the lifeline that makes the ministry of all the entities possible," he noted. "It is the glue that holds the local church, the state conventions and … [Read more...]
For chaplain, Iraq was about the miracle of salvations
Huey Bratton spent several years in the Navy, then 11 years in a "civilian" ministry. Huey Bratton spent several years in the Navy, then 11 years in a "civilian" ministry. However, after Sept. 11, 2001, he knew exactly what he wanted to do. Bratton said he told his wife one night shortly after the Sept. 11 terror attacks that he wanted to help fulfill the militarys need for chaplains by volunteering for service. Although the war with Iraq was looming, it was by no means a sure thing. In time, the war did come - and Bratton held true to his word, traveling to Kuwait and Iraq as a chaplain for the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga. It became clear on the grueling trek through the barren desert that God has a sense of humor, says Bratton, who now is associate pastor of family life/youth at First Baptist Church of Richmond, Hill, Ga. "Im 40 years old ... and the chaplain of a combat arms battalion, which means I have to keep up with a bunch of 17-21-year-old jocks who can run a 12-mile road march in full gear," Bratton notes. "The only thing I had going for me was that I didnt have to carry a weapon." But whether … [Read more...]
Lacking healthy fast-food, just wear your gravy on your waistline
O, the curse of being married to a registered dietitian. O, the curse of being married to a registered dietitian. She loves me and wants me healthy, she says daily. At this point, I am worth more alive than dead. This means an ongoing raised eyebrow, or worse, at my choices of foods. Take Sunday for instance. The cafeteria offered a number of delicious items and if not to be eaten, why have them there for me to eat, I reasoned. "I would like chicken-fried steak." "Brown or white gravy?" "White." "Mashed potatoes or fried okra?" "Fried okra." The cornbread was outstanding and the gooey pie delicious. I pretend I do not notice my wifes glare. On the way home that evening, at supper time, the discussion about where to eat ensued. "After that lunch today, you need to eat something with a little less fat. You know, give your arteries and heart a break." "Okay, where do we eat?" "Try that drive-through. They have some healthy items on their menu." Sure enough, on the plastic board beside the drive-through are listed several "health-wise" items. … [Read more...]
Weekly Briefs
For the week of September 9, 2004 Louisiana amendment Late last week, the Louisiana Supreme Court cleared the way for state voters to cast ballots on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as only between a man and a woman. The Sept. 18 vote had been challenged in court - and the trio of cases had reached the Supreme Court last week. However, the court quickly - and unanimously - refused to consider the challanges from the gay rights group. The court ruling was the final avenue of appeal and guarantees the Sept.18 vote. Supporters of the amendment say it is needed to protect traditional marriage in the state. The amendment is predicted to pass by a large margin. The Baptist Message will present more information on the issue next week. "Passion" sales "The Passion of the Christ" was released on DVD on Aug. 31, and by noon, sales had reached 2.4 million copies. First-day sales totals were tallied at 4.1 million. "Finding Nemo," an animated film, holds the record for one-day DVD sales with about 8 million. "The Passion" became the most-surprising blockbuster of 2004 when it was released in theaters last February. The film grossed more than $370 million in ticket sales - … [Read more...]
When choosing leaders, use your head and heart
Louisiana Baptists, as part of a state convention seeking executive directors for three of its agencies and as citizens of the United States, are faced with casting their lots for leaders. Louisiana Baptists, as part of a state convention seeking executive directors for three of its agencies and as citizens of the United States, are faced with casting their lots for leaders. In addition, as citizens of Louisiana, we will elect a United States senator, and in various parts of the state, voters will elect members of the United States House of Representatives and, in some cases, local officials. And in November, we will cast votes on who will be the most powerful man in the world - the president of the United States. As we approach these times of decisions, certainly, every Christian should seek divine enlightenment through prayer, be open to the insight given by the Holy Spirit and seek information about every aspect of a prospective leaders life. The motto given by Southern Baptist agencies in such seeking is "vote values," and that is excellent advice for any groupespecially a Christian group seeking leadership. In addition, each position mentioned above needs to be filled with a … [Read more...]
Former Saints player finds sobriety – and peace
Danny Abramowicz never does things halfway. As an undersized but furiously competitive end on the football team at Xavier University in Ohio in the mid-1960s, he "worked out like a maniac." Danny Abramowicz never does things halfway. As an undersized but furiously competitive end on the football team at Xavier University in Ohio in the mid-1960s, he "worked out like a maniac." In fact, doing isometric exercises at his mother-in-laws house one day, Abramowicz accidentally ripped out several feet of molding. Against all odds, he caught on in professional football - and became an All-Pro receiver with the New Orleans Saints, where he was famous for wringing every drop of advantage out of his gifts. However, after football, Abramowicz started drinking - and became an alcoholic. In 1981, Alcoholics Anonymous and a reawakening of his Christianity saved him - and transformed him. More than 20 years later, Abramowicz is still on the journey. The path that winds from professional athlete to drunk to recovering drunk now finds Abramowicz as author of a small handbook on spirituality for men: "Spiritual Workout of a Former Saint." "Workout" is an instruction … [Read more...]
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