The tsunami that roared ashore last Dec. 26 invaded the lives of millions of south Asians – stealing loved ones, scarring hearts, destroying homes and communities. (Editor’s note: One year after the massive Asian tsunami killed up to 250,000 people, Southern Baptists continue relief and rebuilding efforts. Missionary writer Goldie Frances – name changed for security reasons – who covered the tsunami’s immediate aftermath in Sri Lanka, recently returned to the south Asian island nation to survey ongoing aid ministries there.) The tsunami that roared ashore last Dec. 26 invaded the lives of millions of south Asians – stealing loved ones, scarring hearts, destroying homes and communities. One year later, the television cameras are gone, but the hurt isn’t. Empty arms and miles of rubble linger to keep the pain fresh. “Every morning they wake up to that reminder,” said Ned Thaxton*, a volunteer working in tsunami relief through the Southern Baptist International Mission Board. The tsunami, set off by a massive earthquake on the ocean floor near the Indonesian island of Sumatra, affected many nations – including the south Asian countries of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Governments, relief agencies and … [Read more...]
World of religion
Week of December 19, 2005 LC lawsuit filed A lawsuit has been filed against Louisiana College, the college’s president and certain members of its board of trustees by four of the college’s present professors and one retired professor who had previously settled a suit against Leon Hyatt and what was then The Louisiana Conservative Resurgency, a forerunner of LIFe. The settlement of the suit included certain terms the college and individuals agreed to, but some of which the defendants say have been violated by the school and individual trustees. A suit is a claim made in court for damages or relief against the defendants. The allegations must be proven in a court of law. A trial date has not been set. Louisiana College president told the Alexandria Daily Town Talk when asked about the suit, “We will not be bullied.” Silent Night controversy An elementary school in Wisconsin allegedly has written new lyrics for “Silent Night” for its winter program, stripping away all references to Christ and replacing them with winter weather themes. The conservative legal group Liberty Counsel says that Ridgeway Elementary School – located approximately 30 miles west of Madison – is asking students to memorize “Cold in the … [Read more...]
Trustees hear SACS report before meeting
Louisiana College trustees received and discussed a report concerning its accreditation before its regularly scheduled December meeting but according to school officials, did not discuss it during its official board meeting. By Brian Blackwell LBM Newswriter Louisiana College trustees received and discussed a report concerning its accreditation before its regularly scheduled December meeting but according to school officials, did not discuss it during its official board meeting. Trustees also received a draft of an updated faculty handbook and took other actions related to the business of the school during the board meeting. The faculty handbook committee is working to update the periodical. A final draft of the handbook will be released during Louisiana College’s March board meeting. The committee was formed after a consultant suggested the move. A committee comprised of four trustees, two faculty members and two administrators was formed to create the new handbook. Trustees discussed the business during a closed door meeting. The Baptist Message was asked to leave the meeting and was told the reason was because members of the accreditation review committee had suggested that no members of the … [Read more...]
A ‘star’ shines brightly amidst the hurricanes’ destruction
It is a different kind of star. It is a different kind of star. A young couple bought their first home in New Orleans. Their joy was heightened by the news that a baby was on her way. The mother, Robin, had served in the Peace Corps in the African country of Chad. The people with whom she worked fell in love with her and gave her the African name of Seraya, which means “star.” So, the parents named the baby Seraya. There was no way they could know the hurricane brewing in the Atlantic would add another dimension to their lives. Their new nest was in a part of New Orleans that was devastated by Katrina. The waters came quickly and all they had managed to gather for their home was lost, including all the clothes and other accouterments of a greatly loved infant. Their dreams of their home and life in New Orleans were blown away like pieces of paper in a whirlwind. So, they moved to her parents’ home. It was not what they had dreamed, but it was a place to begin again. But her parents home is in Lake Charles, and their temporary home became more temporary as the winds and waters of Rita drove them out, again. Still, they were not without friends. One of our daughters, Maggie, lives and teaches … [Read more...]
Volunteers call for help in aiding Asia’s earthquake survivors
The earthquake that rocked South Asia Oct. 8 has created a unique opportunity for sharing the Gospel, and more followers of Jesus need to go and help, a volunteer in the region noted. The earthquake that rocked South Asia Oct. 8 has created a unique opportunity for sharing the Gospel, and more followers of Jesus need to go and help, a volunteer in the region noted. “We must go. This is the hour when the door is open – for such a time as this,” volunteer Liz Fendley* said. “I don’t know how long this window of opportunity will be open in this area. We need to help these people, show them His love, care for them and build those vital relationships – and pray that the Lord will move in their hearts. “Women who have been hidden for years, we are now getting access to,” continued Fendley, who recently joined a team of five serving in Pakistan. “We are able to build relationships with them and show them how much God loves them. I think this is an incredible opportunity.” Volunteers can make a lasting impact on the lives they touch for the glory of God, Southern Baptist worker Aleta Ballinger* said. They witness to the unsaved and mentor young believers. And they bless Southern Baptist workers with whom they … [Read more...]
Going beyond Nativity scene, protestants rediscover Virgin Mary
It’s Christmas — and for Protestants, that means it’s time for the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, to make her annual cameo appearance in creche sets, carols and children’s bathrobed Christmas pageants. It’s Christmas — and for Protestants, that means it’s time for the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, to make her annual cameo appearance in creche sets, carols and children’s bathrobed Christmas pageants. But for some Protestant theologians and activists, the season also presents a time to take a fresh look at the role of Mary in the life of the church and to recover her presence for a more vital faith and spirituality. A host of books, essays and magazines are doing just that. These Protestant thinkers and writers see a recovery of Mary as in keeping with historic Reformation views. “Martin Luther had a very high view of Mary,” says Southern Baptist Timothy George, dean of the evangelical Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Ala., “and a loving devotion to Mary, in a way. “(Luther) refers to her as the place where God did his handiwork on earth,” George adds. George made his comments in an interview for the PBS show, “Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly,” to be broadcast this weekend (check local … [Read more...]
Lift holiday parties toward a higher aim, Hughes advises
At a holiday party she hosted several years ago, author and women’s ministry leader Page Hughes watched the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” with her guests while they enjoyed soft drinks and refreshments. At a holiday party she hosted several years ago, author and women’s ministry leader Page Hughes watched the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” with her guests while they enjoyed soft drinks and refreshments. Before the movie credits rolled, Hughes shared that the most wonderful thing in her life was her relationship with Jesus. “I had an operation with complications the summer before this party and almost died in my own home,” says Hughes, the wife of Alabama pastor Les Hughes. “During that time I had experienced such peace and never knew fear. I shared this experience with my guests.” After she shared her feelings, one of the guests asked many questions about God, heaven and other spiritual issues. Just a few weeks later, Hughes found out that the young lady who had asked the questions had died tragically. “I’m not sure where this precious friend is spending eternity, but I know that I did what God was leading me to do,” Hughes notes. “God was using me to give her another chance.” Hughes uses this … [Read more...]
Collegiate cooperation: Students from Louisiana’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries demonstrated Christ’s love as they volunteered at disaster relief sites affected by recent hurricanes this year
Tim LaFleur said this semester has been stranger than any other during his 13 years as Baptist Collegiate Ministry director at Nicholls State University. By Brian Blackwell LBM Newswriter Tim LaFleur said this semester has been stranger than any other during his 13 years as Baptist Collegiate Ministry director at Nicholls State University. Since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected Louisiana, his students from the Thibodaux campus have been involved with relief efforts about every week. “People have asked if the hurricanes would affect our students’ involvement in our ministry,” he explains. “It hasn’t hurt our attendance. If anything, more students have been coming to our weekly meetings. “It’s been neat to see how God has worked through this,” he continues. “Our students have such a desire to help in missions work and projects and the response to the hurricane is just one example.” The week after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, students served meals to the National Guard, who were protecting the campus and surrounding area. Also, for 10 consecutive days, the ministry led a service for evacuees in the area. One Saturday 25 students repaired the roof of a retired pastor in … [Read more...]
Weekly announcements
Week of December 19, 2005 Potpourri MANSFIELD – First church: Gloryland Quartet in concert; Jan. 8, 2006, 6 p.m.; Roy “Thumper” Miller, pastor. NEW IBERIA – Highland church: Weekend in the Word Seminar; Jan. 6, 2006, 5 p.m. registration-9 p.m.; Jan. 7, 2006, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. concert; Jon Gillis, seminar leader; Rachel Gillis, worship leader; $30 conference fee/$20 book; to register or for more information, call Lynette Gary at (337) 364-2273; David Jeffreys, associate pastor. BOYCE – Cotile church: Pine Ridge in concert during night watch services; Dec. 31, 7-10 p.m.; Johnny Miller, pastor. ALEXANDRIA – Calvary church: “Becoming Soulmates” one day couple’s seminar; Jan. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Les and Leslie Parrott, seminar leaders; $25/person, $50/couple; can register online at www.calvarynet.net or call (318) 445-5640 or (800) 274-1926; Steve McAllister, young marrieds minister; David Brooks, pastor. Revivals VINTON – Emmanuel church: Jan. 1-4, 2006, 7 p.m. nightly; Jack Daniels, evangelist; Gerald Little, pastor. ATHENS – Mt. Olive church: Jan. 8-11, 2006, 7 p.m.; Jack Daniels, evangelist. Christmas Programs FERRIDAY – First church: Live Nativity; Dec. 22-23, 6:30-8 p.m.; Wayne Gray, pastor. Staff … [Read more...]
World of religion
Week of October 31, 2005 Seminary recovery New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary recently launched a major volunteer cleanup initiative, giving Southern Baptists an opportunity to assist with the restoration and renewal of on-campus housing at the school. The goal is to schedule 50 volunteers per week from Oct. 31 until the job is finished. Volunteers will be asked to assist in a comprehensive cleanup and restoration of all second- and third-floor apartments on campus. The seminary’s insurance will only reimburse the school for restoration work on the contaminated first floors of campus residences. That work currently is underway. The volunteer plan includes three phases – cleanup of remaining items in apartments; cleaning and repainting; and restoring apartment flooring. The seminary will provide two meals per day and drinking water for volunteers. A sleeping area will also be provided, but volunteers must bring bedding, towels, a daily change of clothes (washers and dryers are not available) and breakfast snacks. Volunteers must be 18 and older and insurance is required. The seminary has arranged an insurance provider for volunteers; coverage can be purchased for a few cents per day. Details can be found at … [Read more...]
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