LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) – Just 11 days before Christmas, Don Whitney received three words from his doctor that no one wants to hear: “You have cancer.” By Jeff Robinson Southern Seminary Communications LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) – Just 11 days before Christmas, Don Whitney received three words from his doctor that no one wants to hear: “You have cancer.” Whitney, associate professor of biblical spirituality and author of numerous books on prayer and other Christian disciplines, was stunned. There were no signs that anything was amiss in his body –  no pain, no bleeding, no mysterious lumps. He felt perfectly healthy. The news came from a routine medical checkup that included a colonoscopy. “I think I was kind of numb at first,” Whitney recalled. “I tried to ask some questions and I tried to write down [the doctor’s] answers because I knew I wouldn’t remember. My hand was quivering as I tried to write down what he said. “My mind was tumbling [with] a thousand things running through my head,” he continued. “I was trying to stay with the subject at hand and ask him questions [such as] ‘What’s next?’ and ‘How bad is this?’” After two surgeries for colon cancer and a painful recovery period, Whitney is … [Read more...]

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (BP) – Calvary Baptist Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho, acknowledges the unending debt it owes and the unceasing gift it gives to the Cooperative Program, the Southern Baptist Convention’s method of funding missions, missionaries and seminary training. By Karen L. Willoughby Managing Editor IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (BP) – Calvary Baptist Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho, acknowledges the unending debt it owes and the unceasing gift it gives to the Cooperative Program, the Southern Baptist Convention’s method of funding missions, missionaries and seminary training. Birthed with CP Missions money, Calvary Baptist in 1951 was the first Southern Baptist church in southeastern Idaho. It since has given life to at least a dozen other churches – its latest offspring is a granddaughter church across the state in Hayden, north of Interstate 90 in the Idaho panhandle. “When we’re involved in missions, the Cooperative Program is always there to help,” said Kirk Casey, Calvary’s pastor who also is a New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary graduate. “When we partner up to do missions work, it’s a joint partnership with all Southern Baptists through CP Missions.” Calvary is involved in CP missions … [Read more...]

BOSTON (BP) – A federal judge April 24 upheld the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on homosexuals, dismissing a lawsuit filed by 12 former members of the armed forces who argue the policy is unconstitutional. By Michael Foust Baptist Press BOSTON (BP) – A federal judge April 24 upheld the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on homosexuals, dismissing a lawsuit filed by 12 former members of the armed forces who argue the policy is unconstitutional. U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr., a nominee of President Clinton, ruled that there is no “fundamental right” for homosexuals to serve in the military. “[N]o controlling case has held that homosexuals generally, let alone the subset of that class that the plaintiffs comprise – openly homosexual service members as defined by [federal law] – constitute a ‘suspect class’ for equal protection purposes,” O’Toole, who serves in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, wrote in a 42-page opinion. “Indeed, in two cases where it might have agreed to such a holding, Romer and Lawrence, the Supreme Court rather conspicuously avoided doing so.” In Romer v. Evans and Lawrence v. Texas, the Supreme Court expanded rights for homosexuals. … [Read more...]

BURKINA FASO, West Africa (BP) – Southern Baptist missionary Elsie McCall, 69, admits she gets a little “restless” from time to time. By Shawn Hendricks IMB Staff Writer BURKINA FASO, West Africa (BP) – Southern Baptist missionary Elsie McCall, 69, admits she gets a little “restless” from time to time. While some of her friends enjoy retirement and more time with their families, McCall – a single woman who jokingly calls herself an “unclaimed jewel” – was ready for something more several years ago. That desire to still be useful led her to overseas missions work in Burkina Faso, West Africa – a move she calls “coming home.” “When I go to America, after about three weeks, I’m ready to come back to Burkina Faso,” said McCall, who is in her second term on the field. “As long as I stay healthy, I’m going to stay here.” McCall was one of the first people to serve with the International Mission Board’s Masters Program that began in 1999. The program gives people age 50 and up opportunities to work alongside career missionaries for at least a two- to three-year term. When McCall discovered the program, she was the church and communities ministries director for the South Florida Baptist Association in … [Read more...]

The National Day of Prayer is slated for May 4. From sea to shining sea, prayer rallies will take place at public venues as well as in churches. It will be the fifty-fourth consecutive year that the observation has been held. By Kelly Boggs Editor The National Day of Prayer is slated for May 4. From sea to shining sea, prayer rallies will take place at public venues as well as in churches. It will be the fifty-fourth consecutive year that the observation has been held. In 1952, President Harry Truman signed into law a bill that established an annual National Day of Prayer. It specified that the President select the day each year on which the event would take place. In 1988, Congress introduced legislation calling for the National Day of Prayer to be held on the first Thursday in May. It was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. Prior to the codifying of the National Day of Prayer as law, days of prayer have been conducted intermittently throughout America’s history. Two of the most notable occasions were in 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time of prayer in forming a new nation, and Abraham Lincoln’s resolution that called for a day of fasting and prayer during the Civil … [Read more...]

PINEVILLE – When Dennis Dunn accepted the position as head coach of the Louisiana College football team in December 2005, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and divine purpose. By Brian Blackwell Staff Writer PINEVILLE – When Dennis Dunn accepted the position as head coach of the Louisiana College football team in December 2005, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and divine purpose. “God has called me here,” said Dunn, whose great-great-grandfather served on the college’s original board of trustees and even donated land where the school now sits. “I’ve had lots of family who have gone to school here,” continued the 43-year-old head coach. “So I believe God has allowed me this opportunity to reap the seeds sown a hundred years ago by my great-great-grandfather.” Success seems to follow Dunn wherever he has gone. Dunn is best known as the coach who turned Evangel Christian Academy into a national powerhouse. During his 14 seasons at the Shreveport high school, Dunn’s teams won 13 district titles, nine state titles and one national championship. He coached 19 prep All-Americans there. And when he was head coach of Woodlawn High School, Dunn won three district titles in five … [Read more...]

Week of May 1, 2006 Potpourri WINNFIELD – First church:  Dino Kartsonakis, America’s piano showman, in concert; May 7, 6 p.m.; Lindsey Burns, pastor. DRY CREEK – Dry Creek camp:  Couple’s retreat; for married couples of all ages; May 12, 6 p.m. - May 13, 2 p.m.; Marvin Douglass, guest speaker; $60 per couple/$40 for commuters; to register, call (337) 328-7531; Curt Iles, camp manager. DRY CREEK – Dry Creek camp:  Church counselor workshop; for those attending a week of summer camp as a cabin counselor; May 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; no charge; lunch provided; casual dress; for information, call (337) 328-7531; Curt Iles, camp manager. MONROE – College Place church:  “Becoming a Titus Woman” Ladies retreat; May 6,  8:30 a.m. registration - 3 p.m.; Tracey Baker, guest speaker; $12 per person/includes light breakfast and box lunch; nursery provided upon request; for tickets, call (318) 343-3180; tickets are available at the door; Jimmy Pitson, interim pastor. MINDEN – First church:  “The Promise” a pageant on the life of Jesus Christ, presented May 7, 7 p.m.; free admission; Todd DuBose, minister of music; Wayne DuBose, pastor. SHREVEPORT – Kingston Road church:  J. C. Clement, guest speaker recognizing … [Read more...]

DEVILLE – One of the hardest things for me to do lately is to get to church at the right time. By Karen L. Willoughby Managing Editor DEVILLE – One of the hardest things for me to do lately is to get to church at the right time. But somehow, God is in control and I end up in the place where God wants me to be. One recent week I set off for First Tioga, following my plan of one week attending a church in the local area, and the next week, out of the area. By the way, I’m glad to come visit your church. Just invite me! And tell me what time the service starts. Someone had good words to say about First Tioga Pastor David Cranford, so I thought to go hear him preach, but when I arrived at 10:25 a.m., the church sign said services started at 10 a.m. I had passed Paradise Baptist, Ball, and had seen their church started at 10:30 sign, so doubled back there, and was blessed first by the gift of a crocheted bookmark produced by the WMU, and later by the preaching of Farrell McMorris as well as the generous outpouring of love the congregation shared with each other and me. Last week I drove out Hwy. 28, passed one church that has been written about a lot in the Message, but then got worried that I … [Read more...]

MONROE – David Uth encouraged pastors last week to implement a ministry of humility. By Brian Blackwell Staff Writer MONROE –  David Uth encouraged pastors last week to implement a ministry of humility. “The most important word that needs to describe you and your ministry is humility because it is what God honors and believes in,” he told a group of young ministers from across the state attending the inaugural Paul Timothy Conference at First Baptist Church of Monroe. “Humility is the heart of the pastor.” The conference was designed to encourage pastors under 40 years of age to gain leadership insight from a seasoned pastor such as Uth, who serves as pastor at First Baptist Church of Orlando, Fla. “The conference accomplished all our goals,” said Alan Miller, Louisiana Baptist Convention director of pastoral leadership. “Leadership development is the main goal in an event like this. David Uth gave excellent leadership principles that could be life-changing for these pastors if they choose to implement those ideas.” Throughout the day, Uth offered advice on challenges that pastors face each week. Among those challenges are: • Not enough time to accomplish the task at hand. Uth urged … [Read more...]

ALEXANDRIA – Baptist Message Editor Kelly Boggs and Louisiana Baptist Foundation Executive Director Wayne Taylor said recently that history is in the making as ministers and laymen from across Louisiana find their way to Cypress Bend Golf Resort on Toledo Bend Lake for a two-day golf event May 8 and 9. By Joanne Brechtel Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA – Baptist Message Editor Kelly Boggs and Louisiana Baptist Foundation Executive Director Wayne Taylor said recently that history is in the making as ministers and laymen from across Louisiana find their way to Cypress Bend Golf Resort on Toledo Bend Lake for a two-day golf event May 8 and 9. The tournament is to be the first jointly-sponsored event between the two Louisiana Baptist Convention agencies, and promises to be even better than its previous 24 or more tourneys. Boggs and Taylor assure registrants that the sights and sounds from the surrounding lake and natural wildlife habitats in the woodlands at the resort are most inviting. “Those who have previously participated in tournaments at this breathtaking location look forward to returning and first timers will enjoy the superior course and accommodations,” Boggs said. “These will be a lingering memory … [Read more...]