Unprecedented concern about the growing influence of religion in China underscored speeches by top Communist Party leaders at a recent Religious Work Conference in Beijing. President Jiang Zemin himself set the tone, stressing the importance of religion in world affairs. He warned that the impact of religion on the political and social life of the world could not be underestimated. Unprecedented concern about the growing influence of religion in China underscored speeches by top Communist Party leaders at a recent Religious Work Conference in Beijing. President Jiang Zemin himself set the tone, stressing the importance of religion in world affairs. He warned that the impact of religion on the political and social life of the world could not be underestimated. Jiang stressed the Communist Partys work to control religious affairs was linked to Chinas social stability and national security. He warned that no one would be allowed to abuse religion in order to sabotage the party, socialism or national security. While exchanges between Chinese and foreign religious societies would be encouraged, infiltration by overseas forces using the cover of religion would be … [Read more...]
Churches urged to join ‘Souper’ Bowl Sunday
On Super Bowl Sunday, churches across the nation once again will raise money for the poor by participating in the "Souper Bowl of Caring." Meanwhile, Southern Baptists will be given an additional opportunity to raise money for their own World Hunger Fund. On Super Bowl Sunday, churches across the nation once again will raise money for the poor by participating in the "Souper Bowl of Caring." Meanwhile, Southern Baptists will be given an additional opportunity to raise money for their own World Hunger Fund. Southern Baptists are being urged to donate $1 in large soup pots as they leave church on Super Bowl Sunday, said Steve Nelson, director of hunger concerns with the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. All of the money raised among Baptists will go directly to the hunger fund, which supports ministry evangelism initiatives across the nation and the world led by Southern Baptist missionaries and volunteers. "We want to specifically challenge youth groups and churches to take part in this Souper Bowl of Caring emphasis," Nelson emphasized. The Souper Bowl of Caring is a nondenominational grassroots effort to raise … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of January 31, 2002 People, Places and Events Potpourri WEST MONROE - Highland church: "Rekindle the Flame" marriage enrichment seminar; Feb. 8, 7 p.m.; Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; led by Mark Sutton; $55 per couple; Gordon "Skip" Dean, pastor. LIVINGSTON - Colyell church: Carolina Boys Quartet in concert; Feb. 6, 7 p.m.; Craig Forque, music minister; Sanford Sherman, pastor. WEST MONROE - McClendon church: Breakin New Ground in concert; Feb. 8, 7 p.m.; Rick Crandall, pastor. LORANGER - Living Waters Assembly: "Grace in Your Face" youth winter retreat; Feb. 10-12; $50 per youth; for ages 7th grade thru college; Youth Project, retreat leaders; for more information call Tom Long at (985)863-3363 or email at adventurerec@aol.com; David Willoughby, camp director. MINDEN - First church: associational missions rally; Feb. 17, 6 p.m.; Wayne L. DuBose, pastor. Revivals WEST MONROE - Highland church: Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 11-13, 7 p.m.; Mark Sutton, evangelist; Price Harris, music; Gordon "Skip" Dean, pastor. BOGALUSA - First church: senior adult revival; Feb. 11-13, 10 a.m. fellowship, 10:30 a.m. service, 11:30 potluck lunch; … [Read more...]
‘Silent Night’ – the Christmas hymn born in midst of crisis
Silent Night" is one of the most recognizable Christmas songs and one of the most popular pieces of holiday music. During December, it can be heard in malls, churches and concert halls around the planet. It even briefly stopped World War I. Editors Note: The following is the first in a series of three articles about the "Silent Night" Christmas hymn. Silent Night" is one of the most recognizable Christmas songs and one of the most popular pieces of holiday music. During December, it can be heard in malls, churches and concert halls around the planet. It even briefly stopped World War I. Ironically, however, the world never might have had this piece of music had it not been for a last-minute crisis at a church in the tiny village of Oberndorf, Austria. The year was 1818. Within the Church of St. Nicholas, the mood was hardly one of joy that Christmas Eve afternoon. Curate Joseph Mohr, 26, had just discovered the organ was badly damaged. No matter how much he tried to pump the pedals, he could only bring out a scratchy wheeze from the aged instrument. By the time an organ repair specialist could … [Read more...]
Briefs
For the week of December 6, 2001 World of Religion Prayer, fasting movement From two small ethnic Southern Baptist congregations in North Carolina to the Louisiana statehouse, a movement to encourage prayer and fasting among evangelical Christians is spreading. The 130 members of Grace United Community Church and its Hispanic church plant are calling on fellow Southern Baptist congregations to fast and pray for the nation every Tuesday. "This is a call to spiritual arms for our country during this time of crisis, ..." said G.L. Brown, associate pastor of missions for Grace United. "We recognize that this war cannot be won just by military means, but by Gods people being united in prayer. ... This small act gives every citizen a chance to be involved in a personal way and, most importantly, heals our land." News of the churchs effort has spread, Brown reported. Indeed, the call to prayer also has been sounded on the national level by leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention. Meanwhile, in Louisiana, the House of Representatives passed legislation marking Nov. 21 as a day of prayer, repentance, and reconciliation. The resolution called on citizens "to join in their respective places of worship on this day for … [Read more...]
Ruple church celebrates 75th anniversary
Ruple Baptist Church in Haynesville recently celebrated its 75th anniversary with a weekend of activities. The church actually was begun in 1923 as a multi-denominational congregation, with Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians and Church of Christ meeting on different Sundays each month. Ruple Baptist Church in Haynesville recently celebrated its 75th anniversary with a weekend of activities. The church actually was begun in 1923 as a multi-denominational congregation, with Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians and Church of Christ meeting on different Sundays each month. It became a Baptist church with 13 charter members in 1926 and has grown to a membership of 186. Fifteen pastors have served the church, including current Pastor Jerry Gill, who has served the congregation for 11 years. The church sanctuary was constructed in 1926, with building additions made throughout the years. In 1977, a baptistry was added to the sanctuary. Prior to that time, new Christians were baptized in a pond. The church now also has education space, an activities building and parsonage. During recent anniversary celebrations, church members participated in a Saturday song … [Read more...]
LBC church uses prayer wall to help
Children deal with Sept. 11 events The day after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America, leaders at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hammond, noticed something about their children. Children deal with Sept. 11 events The day after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America, leaders at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hammond, noticed something about their children. "Our children were quite disturbed by the events of the previous day," says Terri Johnson, director of the Immanuel childrens choir. "Some voiced concern that no one seemed to want to talk to them about what had happened. Their teachers were crying and different at school, according to several, but nothing specific was shared with the children." Despite talking with parents, many of the children remained frightened and confused, Johnson says. "It became clear that we, as their Christian leaders, would also need to address the issues," she explains. During the next four weeks, leaders devoted a portion of choir and missions time for activities designed to allow children to express themselves about the events of Sept. 11. They also sought to remind children of the power of … [Read more...]
A vital role
My wife Ellen and I are International Mission Board representatives working as prayer coordinators for part of the North Africa and Middle East region. My wife Ellen and I are International Mission Board representatives working as prayer coordinators for part of the North Africa and Middle East region. We would like to invite Louisiana Baptists to help us and other IMB representatives end the persecution of Christians in Northern Africa and the Middle East and reach the unreached peoples for Christ. Many persecuted and unreached peoples live in Sudan, Chad, Egypt, Israel, West Bank, Gaza and Jordan. They are unreached because they live in harsh environments, are nomadic, illiterate, with no Scripture in their own language or evangelistic materials. Most are closed to the Gospel due to their belief in Islam. Many who have converted to Christianity are being persecuted by governments, family systems and Islamic leaders fearful of losing their people and the threat of Christianity. How can you and others help to stop this persecution and bring the Gospel to these unreached peoples. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus said, "Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of December 6, 2001 Potpourri RAYVILLE - Woodlawn church: Parable, a drama team from Louisiana Tech Baptist Collegiate Ministry, will lead a youth worship celebration; Dec. 12, 7 p.m.; Alan Miller, pastor. Revival PONCHATOULA - Eastside church: Dec. 7-8, 7 p.m.; Dec. 9, 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.; Joe Aulds, evangelist; Price Harris, music; Johnny Hernandez, pastor. Ordinations ZACHARY - First church: Warren Brady, Scott Baudoin, Scott Mankins, Eron Cooper and Mark Cunningham to deacon ministry; T. W. Terral, interim pastor. Licenses ZACHARY - First church licensed Thomas L. Russell to gospel ministry; T. W. Terral, interim pastor. LEESVILLE - Calvary church licensed Herb Rutter to gospel ministry; T. J. Crosby, pastor. Staff Changes Pastors WINNFIELD - Lindsey Burns to First church from First church of Jennings. Others LEESVILLE - Buster Plummer to Calvary church as associate pastor and music director; T. J. Crosby, pastor. Available CONVERSE - David Cox, available for interim or bi-vocational pastoral work; for information call (318) 567-3695. Youth EUNICE - Acadian Center youth lock-in, Dec. 21-22; for … [Read more...]
News of cloned human embryo generates cries of outrage, warning
Widespread criticism and calls for an immediate legislative ban greeted the announcement of the first cloned human embryo.Researchers at Advanced Cell Technology, a biotechnology firm in Worcester, Mass., revealed Nov. 25 their success in cloning an embryo. Widespread criticism and calls for an immediate legislative ban greeted the announcement of the first cloned human embryo.Researchers at Advanced Cell Technology, a biotechnology firm in Worcester, Mass., revealed Nov. 25 their success in cloning an embryo. While the Advanced Cell Technology spokesperson said they produced a number of embryos, only one progressed to the six-cell stage, where it stopped dividing. The researchers said their goal still is to clone an embryo from which to take stem cells to treat various diseases, a process that destroys the embryo. At this time, they said they do not support cloning to produce the birth of a child. But that assurance did not silence critics from the White House, Congress and a variety of concerned organizations. President George Bush called the cloning of an embryo bad public policy and morally wrong. "We should not as a society grow life to destroy it," Bush … [Read more...]
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