by john pierce
Birthday Gifts A trusted source of information, interpretation, inspiration
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his month, Baptists Today is celebrating its 30th birthday in a variety of ways. Foremost, a big dinner event is planned for April 25 at First Baptist Church of Gainesville, Ga. Everyone is welcome! It will be an exciting evening with great music by Kate Campbell, a video tribute to the news journal’s three decades of service, an award presentation to centenarian physician and missions advocate Virginia Connally, and the release of the autobiography of founding editor Walker L. Knight and a commemorative book on the birth and evolution of Baptists Today over 30 years. (See reservations and other information on page 15.) For 30 years Baptists Today has been a trusted source of information, interpretation and inspiration for those seeking to live faithfully in a fast-changing world. Trends and issues that were on no one’s radar when the news journal began in April 1983 are now impacting church life dramatically. Therefore, Baptists Today has been adaptive through this swirl of change. However, the news journal is still rooted in a strong commitment to responsible editorial freedom and independence from any outside influence that dares to restrict the free flow of news, opinions and other information. Also unchanged is Baptists Today’s reliance on those who share these values and appreciate the unique mission that is being carried out year after year.
Unlike denominational-funded and controlled publications, Baptists Today relies on support from like-minded partnering organizations and individuals who believe in this cause. The funding needed to continue and expand this ministry comes in a variety of ways. Gifts to the annual fund, memorial gifts and three-year pledges are the backbone of support. Estate gifts — from those who want to sustain this ministry with the assurance that its future is held in the good hands of an independent Board of Directors — are blessings beyond measure. These gifts allow for much-needed reserve funds or endowment, as well as for sponsoring special projects consistent with the donor’s interests. The most unusual gift to Baptists Today came in 1988 from the family of legendary Baptist pastor, editor and denominational leader Louie D. Newton: a historic and refurbished 1972 Cadillac. The long-time pastor of Atlanta’s Druid Hills Baptist Church had been given the car by layman Warren P. Sewell of Bremen, Ga. Newton cared for the car like a baby, wrote about his many travels in it to various speaking engagments late into life, and refused efforts to replace the aging car with a newer model. After Newton’s death, his family donated the classic car to Baptists Today to provide transportation for editor Jack U. Harwell who had a long and close relationship with the
“Our family wants the larger Baptist family to know that the Newton family supports SBC Today (now Baptists Today),” said Catherine Robertson, daughter of legendary Baptist leader Louie D. Newton, in presenting her late father’s car to editor Jack Harwell in 1988.
influential Baptist leader who served as vice president of the Baptist World Alliance and president of the Southern Baptist Convention (1947-48) and was an outspoken advocate for religious liberty. Eventually, the car was sold with the funds supporting the news journal. While Baptists Today is not looking for a collection of classic automobiles, the news journal does rely on the generosity of many donors as it looks to a bright and hopeful future. Birthday gifts — of all shapes and sizes — are deeply appreciated. Such generosity is a cause for even greater celebration as Baptists Today moves ahead nimbly, boldly and faithfully. BT
Happy 30th Birthday, Baptists Today! I/we join in this 30th birthday celebration by: ❏ Making a one-time gift for $______. (Enclosed, or by credit card at baptiststoday.org/donate or 1-877-752-5658) ❏ Making a gift for $______ in honor or memory (circle one) of _______________________________________. ❏ Making a three-year pledge for $______ per year. ❏ Including Baptists Today, Inc., in my/our estate. ❏ Dropping off a 1972 Cadillac Coupe de Ville on my next trip down I-75 traveling through Georgia.
SEND GIFTS TO: Baptists Today, P.O. Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208-6318. Baptists Today Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Walter B. Shurden, Chairman
April 2013
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