August 2012 BaptistLIFE

TM

August 2012 Newsjournal of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware • www.baptistlifeonline.org

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Southern Baptist Convention makes historic move ...............8 SPECIAL SECTION: U.S. Elections ................................11-14 Dixon (above) reflects on NAAF leadership ........................15 Lessons Learned: Taking Gospel to schools IS legal ..........16 Christian Jail Ministry sets hearts free .........................18-19

PERSPECTIVE BY DAVID LEE

Let’s make a difference

A

s followers of Christ we are taught to respond to the hurting people around us. Our Lord possessed that kind of heart. Despite distractions and barriers, he continued to connect with those who needed him.

I want to challenge churches to expand their sensitivity to include hurting churches around them. Daily I see churches struggle. With David Lee someone to come alongside BCM/D Executive them, many of these could start Director the journey back to health and impact.

Adopt a church. Literally, find a church that is in need of help and see if you can become an ongoing partner with them.

Pray for them. Help meet financial needs. Loan them some of your leaders and members for a while to help them return to the critical mass necessary to revitalize their ministries. Share facilities with them. Encourage the pastor and his family.

Partner with them in a Vacation Bible School, an outreach ministry effort, a mission trip.

To be successful the relationship must be mutual. Avoid paternalism. Journey together. Pray for one another. Serve one another. Give God the glory for the results.

As we move forward in Great Commission effort, we are going to need each other more than ever before. The stronger of us should join hands with those who need help. Jesus reminded all faithful stewards, “To whom much is given, much is required!”

Interested? Want to share your blessings with another church? Are you struggling and open to receiving help from a fellow church? Contact me. We will help make those connections.

Together we can make a difference.

PERSPECTIVE BY BOB SIMPSON

S

How important is a birthday?

ome birthdays seem to have more significance than others.

I once asked my paternal grandfather, who was in his late eighties at the time, “Pop, do you mind getting old?” He quipped, “No, considering the alternative!” Birthdays are important (especially that they keep coming). We often tease each other by asking, “Is this the big one?” or “Is this the big 40 (or 50, or 60, etc.?).”

But some milestones of age are very noteworthy. As I write this today it is July 4, 2012. If you do the math, our country is 236 years old. I believe that this particular birthday of America may be one of the “big ones!” I say that because our country is certainly in a mess. Things are chaotic in the economy, in politics, in culture, and, too often, even in our churches.

Yes, this is an election year. Dr. Fred Luter, our newly elected SBC president, has recently said, “I am convinced that the downward moral decline in America will not change because of who is in the White House. I truly believe the moral decline will only change because of who is in God’s House!”

After the death of Moses, the Lord spoke to his successor, Joshua. It was a highly momentous time. The Lord said, “Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.”

I highly commend to you the “40/40 Prayer Vigil for

Spiritual Revival and National Renewal.” (Read more about it on page 14 in this issue). It can be used by an individual, a small group, an entire church, or even a larger group of churches. Here’s how: First, decide to use the “40/40 Prayer Vigil” as a personal guide and pray for 40 days from any starting point. Secondly, decide to use the Guide as a call to prayer leading up to the elecBob Simpson tion on Nov. 4. You can choose BCM/D Chief either the ‘40 days’ (praying each Operating Officer and day between Sept. 26 and Nov. 4) Editor of BaptistLIFE or the ‘40 hours’ (praying for 40 hours between 4 p.m. on Nov. 2 until 8 a.m. on Nov. 4). Thirdly, you can create a sign-up list and ask others to join you in the prayer time. And fourthly, you can register your commitment to join the vigil at the 40/40 Prayer Vigil web site (www.4040prayer.com) to let others know you are joining the national movement to seek God for personal spiritual revival and national renewal.

Can a ‘re-birth’ day be as significant as a ‘birth’ day? Let’s find out as we commit to pray for ourselves, our families, our churches, and for our great nation!

Resolutions for the BCM/D Annual Meeting, Nov. 11-13, 2012 Those who would like to submit resolutions for consideration to the BCM/D annual meeting Nov. 11-13, 2012, at Global Mission Church, Silver Spring, Md., may send them to: Resolutions Committee, 10255 Old Columbia Road, Columbia, MD 21046-1716.

The BCM/D Constitution and Bylaws state that “only resolutions presented to the resolutions committee at least 45 days in advance of the annual meeting will be considered by

Page 2

the committee before the first session. Other resolutions may be referred to the committee by the general body.”

Resolutions coming from the floor must be ready to copy and distribute. They should have a valid reason for not meeting the 45-day rule.

All proposed resolutions must be received via email or dropped off at the Baptist Mission Resource Center to Misty Pearson by Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012.

August 2012

PERSPECTIVE BY KEN STALLS

Typoglycemia!

I

f you spend any time on the internet, you probably have run across a strange type of an article. For lack of a better term, I like to use what one author called “Typoglycemia”. It is truly fascinating, but believe it or not, you can eventually read it. Here is an example.

“I cdn’uolt blveviee that I cluod alulcaty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phanonmneal pweor of the hmaun mnid aocdcrnig to rscheearch taem at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in what order the ltteers in a word are, the olny iprmoatnt tihnig is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can siltl raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the haumn mnid deos not raed ervey ltteer by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Scuh a cdonitoin is arppoiately cllaed Typoglycemia. Amzanig, in’st it?

Yes and you awlyas tghuoht slpelnig was ipmorantt.”

For some unknown reason, both the spell check and grammar check on my computer just suffered a major heart attack.

As amazing as this is, remember that our Lord has done something far greater for all of us who are called by His Name.

Christian families needed: Opportunity to minister to Japanese boys this December in Bel Air, Md.

By Sharon Mager, BCM/D Correspondent BEL AIR, Md.—Oak Grove Baptist Church is offering a holiday international mission trip that comes right to your door. The church is partnering with American Home Life International to host 120 ninth grade boys from Hakodate, Japan, Dec. 7-15. The boys need host families – Christian families willing to take the youth in for the week and share their day-to-day walk with Christ.

“We spend so much money to send folks to other countries. This is different, the people are paying to come here. It’s a brief introduction to missions and a wonderful cultural experience,” Douglas Brooks, Oak Grove Church’s missions coordinator, said.

Brooks said when the opportunity presented itself, his first thought was about the logistical issues, but he began to envision the possibilities, the ministry doors that could open for families and the blessings that the boys could take home with them, especially during the holidays when they could hear the Christmas story and experience worship with their host families.

Host families are required to have a dedicated room for two boys with separate beds. They must provide three meals per day, transportation, perhaps car pooling, to and from John Carroll School in Bel Air, and they must spend time with the youth on Saturday, Sunday and three evenings. The families will attend a host family orientation and a Friday farewell program. Each family must also submit a letter stating that they are active members in good standing with a local Bible-believing church. A $200 stipend will be provided to each family. For more information, contact douglasb@amhomelife.org or call (443) 617-5209.

August 2012

Consider two passages: “In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with wisdom and understanding.” (Eph. 1:7-8, NIV) and “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true.”

(I John 5:20, NIV).

Our Lord has made it posKen Stalls sible for us to understand that BCM/D President and which is totally incomprehensiPastor of South End ble for those who do now know Baptist Church, Him as Lord and Savior. He has Frederick, Md. enabled us to comprehend that which is necessary for eternal life and the abundant life here in this world. Rather than feel proud or be boastful, why not tell others so that they too can enjoy this amazing gift.

Thanks for the privilege of continuing to serve as president of our blessed BCM/D. May His greatest blessings be yours as you continue to serve Him.

August - October Events

(www.bcmd.org/calendar or 800-466-5290 + ext. below)

August ___________________ 2-5 Boys Camp, Camp Wo-Me-To (x226) 9-10 Willow Creek Association Global Leadership Conference, Riva Trace Baptist Church (x219) 11, 18 ESL Training for new teachers, First Baptist, Laurel, Md. (x226) September ___________________ 3 Labor Day - Offices are closed 7-8 Youth Evangelism Conference at Global Mission Church (800-536-6759 x110) 9 Asian Concert of Prayer at Hanuri Korean Baptist Church (410-977-3816) 25 Children’s Ministers Seminar, BMRC (x218) 27 Stewardship Training for Church Planters, BMRC (x222) 28-29 Breathless: A Gathering for Women, Faith Baptist Chuch, Glen Burnie, Md. (x218) October ___________________ 12-14 Ministers Family Getaway, DoubleTree Resort, Lancaster, Pa. (410-977-9852) 12-14 Deaf Retreat & Interpreter’s Conf., Skycroft (x222) 17 Multiplying Church, BMRC (x222) 18-19 Hours of Prayer Retreat (x219) 25-26 Soul of the Servant Retreat for Ministry Couples (x219) Page 3

BaptistLIFE (ISSN 331-640) is published bimonthly except for January as a Cooperative Program ministry of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware.

BaptistLIFE 10255 Old Columbia Road Columbia, MD 21046-1716 (Phone) 800-466-5290, ext. 245 (Fax) 410-290-6627 Send address changes & advertising questions to: iwhite@bcmd.org BaptistLIFE Staff

Bob Simpson Executive Editor Iris White Managing Editor/Mailing Shannon Baker Design Editor/

BCM/D National Correspondent Sharon Mager BCM/D Correspondent

Address change: Send the new address with the old mailing label at least three weeks prior to move or send an email to iwhite@bcmd.org with your old and new information.

Advertising rates are available.

We do not automatically accept all advertising. We typically accept ads for services provided to Maryland and Delaware Baptists related to or assisting in starting new churches and strengthening existing ones. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of any advertiser’s products or services. The deadline for news and advertising is the first day of the month preceding the next issue.

Free Subscription by request Press Releases and Photos: We welcome letters from readers, press releases and photos of topics of interest to Maryland/Delaware Baptists. Digital photos sent electronically are preferred.

If you send glossy prints, please include a SASE for return.

Letters to the Editor (LTTE) do not reflect the views or opinions of BaptistLIFE. We prefer letters from Maryland and Delaware. Only letters marked clearly for publication as a LTTE, signed with addresses will be considered. Please include a daytime telephone number for verification purposes. Letters may not exceed 300 words. Letters attacking churches or individuals will not be published. Letters will be edited for clarity, BaptistLIFE style and space considerations, but not for content. We regret that we cannot respond to all letters not accepted for publication.

BaptistLIFE is a member of the Association of State Baptist Papers, Baptist Press News and Evangelical Press Association and is printed by Carroll County Times, Westminster, Md.

VOLUME 97 ISSUE 4 / August 2012

CONTENTS p. 8

p. 19

p. 20

Features

Perspectives

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION MAKES HISTORIC MOVE p. 8 SBC Messengers elect first black president, approve descriptor

DAVID LEE p. 2

SPECIAL SECTION: U.S. ELECTION p. 11-14 With November’s national election approaching, one must wonder: are Christians losing their voice?

BOB SIMPSON p. 2 KEN STALLS p. 3 GAYLA PARKER p. 20 JOHN COLEMAN p. 21

SPECIAL SECTION: 2012 U.S. Elections

DIXON REFLECTS ON NAAF LEADERSHIP p. 15 Dixon recounts the difficult situations he faced as president of the SBC’s African American group LESSONS LEARNED: TAKING THE GOSPEL TO SCHOOLS IS LEGAL p. 16 It’s hard to believe it’s almost Backto-School time. Are your kids ready to share the Gospel with their classmates?

CHRISTIAN JAIL MINISTRY SETS HEARTS FREE p. 18-19 Dale Pace never “did time,” but he has invested much of his in the lives of inmates, where he’s seen God’s transforming power.

In the special section, BaptistLIFE examines whether Christians are losing their voice in the political arena.

Says Alliance Defense Fund, the future of religious freedom depends on a free pulpit to communicate fundamental, biblical principles to congregations across America.

Cover photo: James Dixon, president of NAAF, and Ric Worshill of the Southern Baptist Messianic Fellowship celebrate the election of Fred Luter. (See article on page 15.)

August 2012

News Briefs...

Maryland Marriage Alliance surpasses petition requirement by 105,000 signatures The Maryland Marriage Alliance turned in over 160,000 petition signatures for a referendum vote on gay marriage to the Maryland Board of Elections, surpassing their goal of collecting 150,000 and the state’s requirement of 55,000 signatures. The signatures represent an effort to make a statement to legislators, the media, and the state of Maryland that people care about seeing marriage upheld as one man, one woman.

“Marriage is priceless, and we will not give up this fight,” said petition organizer, Derek McCoy. “We will continue in our efforts on your behalf to uphold this timeless institution. As we prepare to launch the next phase of our campaign, we will also be working on ways to spread the word about the importance of standing for marriage as far and wide across the state as possible.”

Learn more at www.marylandmarriagealliance.com. The Maryland Marriage Alliance is a grassroots, non-partisan, interfaith coalition dedicated to preserving the traditional definition of marriage in Maryland law. The Maryland Marriage Alliance is supported by the Maryland Family Alliance, the Maryland Catholic Conference, and the National Organization for Marriage, and is the leading entity in Maryland focused solely to the preservation of marriage.

Boy Scouts of America remains committed to moral/ethical leadership standards During the recent meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans, a number of concerned messengers visited the Association of Baptists for Scouting booth to ask if they had heard correctly that the Boy Scouts of America were planning to loosen their standards regarding requirements for adult leaders. R. Chip Turner, Chairman of BSA Religious Relationships, answered, “I am pleased to say this August 2012

is NOT the case. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) remains committed to the moral and ethical standards, which have been affirmed several times in Southern Baptist Convention resolutions.”

Turner also noted scouting remains one of the finest evangelism, family ministry, and religious education tools available for established churches as well as new church plants.

Scouts and their families involved in the religious emblems program are often reached for Christ and it is not uncommon for youth participants to clarify their calling to vocational ministry.

“While I am happy to report Scouting’s commitment to the leadership standards, I remind readers that opponents to these policies are relentless and highly vocal,” he cautioned. “Unfortunately, the ‘silent majority’ remains largely unheard. I believe this is an opportune time to encourage Southern Baptist churches and individual members to send a note of affirmation to BSA for the moral and ethical commitments to which they have remained true for 102 years.” Their address is: Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.

2012 Week of Prayer for Maryland/ Delaware Missions materials available online The Missions M/D state missions offering funds many ministries in Maryland and Delaware in partnership with churches and associations. Thank you for working with the BCM/D to reach Maryland/Delaware and beyond! WE CAN’T STOP! To assist you in promoting the missions offering in your church, the BCM/D has developed several materials, including promotional videos, prayer guides, bulletin inserts and posters, which can be accessed at bcmd. org/offering.

IMB seeks to mobilize more health care workers for overseas service The International Mission Board and its Global Medical Alliance are sponsoring a health care missions conference at the International Learning Center in Richmond, October 11-13.

The event, entitled MedAdvance, is for all health care personnel, pastors and

missions pastors and anyone interested in medical missions. About 25 health care missionaries will be there along with IMB leaders to talk about ongoing work and opportunities for service.

Rebekah Naylor, IMB missionary emeritus, said, “We hope to see a number of those attending mobilized into service overseas among people groups with little or no access to health care.

These ads would play a crucial role in our strategy to raise awareness about the event.”

Register online at regonline.com/ medadvance2012.

BaptistLIFE has a new blog!

The new BaptistLIFE blog is far more interactive and colorful and takes advantage of several multimedia capabilities, including slideshows for images, enhanced commenting features, and a place to leave news tips.

Visit online at www.baptistlifeonline. org to see all the changes.

Looking ahead: 2012 Baptism photos wanted for October cover of BaptistLIFE BaptistLIFE would like to feature a mosaic of 2012 baptism photos on our cover for our October issue. To do that, we are gathering baptism photos from our churches to post on our BaptistLIFE Facebook (to celebrate now) and then use them on the cover. Please feel free to post your photos directly to BaptistLIFE’s Facebook page or send them to Shannon Baker (sbaker@bcmd.org), Sharon Mager, (smager@bcmd.org) or Iris White (iwhite@bcmd.org).

DID YOU KNOW . . . Maryland

provided the original leadership and staging area for what became the SBC’s Brotherhood Commission.

The Layman’s Missionary Movement was organized in 1906 by John Sleman in Washington, D.C. A prominent Maryland layman, member of Eutaw Place Baptist Church, was instrumental in bringing this movement to the SBC, where in 1907 it became an auxiliary. He united men for missions as Annie Armstrong did for women.

Who was he?

For this answer and more historical insight go to http://bcmd.org/history Page 5

Churches partner for mission trip to Nicaragua

By Sharon Mager BCM/D Correspondent SEVERNA PARK, Md.—Dave Brown, pastor of Severna Park Baptist Church, and John Rudman, pastor of Glen Burnie Baptist Church, both began ministering at their churches in December 2009. They met through the Arundel Baptist Association, and they struck up an easy friendship. Now the two pastors are preparing to lead their churches on a combined mission trip to Masaya, Nicaragua, Aug. 16-23, where they will minister to around 1,000 children.

Brown said the upcoming trip is a natural extension of missions. In 1960, Glen Burnie Baptist started Severna Park Baptist in a local outreach effort to minister to the nearby Severna Park area. Now the two churches are combining to reach the world through international missions.

Neither pastor was sure where God was leading them so they began to seek His direction.

“John and I were praying and we got the churches praying together,” Brown said. “We did that for two months and out of that we felt the Lord was leading us to South America...It finalized into Nicaragua,” he explained.

Severna Park Church has some mission experience. They’ve had several members individually participate in trips to Scotland, and Moldova. Since Brown’s arrival, they’ve done local trips to Baltimore and Appalachia.

This will be a new step of faith for Glen Burnie Baptist Church.

“We support the Cooperative Program and the convention fully, but to the best of my knowledge I don’t know of any team that has ever gone on an international trip,” Rudman said.

Ten people are participating, five from each church. It’s a multigenerational group with five women and five men, ranging in age from 16 to 70.

The teams will work with the Messiah Project and with “Pastor Roberto,” the native pastoral leader. They’ll stay at “The Land of Judah” orphanage for abused and abandoned children. In the mornings and afternoons they’ll visit two different villages leading VBS-type activities including telling Bible stories, doing puppet shows, drama, crafts, face-painting and sports.

It will take the team about 40 minutes in a bus to travel the three kilometers to the villages due to the incredibly poor roads.

Mary, Rudman’s wife who has ministered in Nicaragua, several times, said one of the most exciting aspects of working with the children is that it is an entry point for reaching adults. Many of those adults are gang members.

“While we’re ministering to the children, these guys are standing around hearing it.

“In one village we’ve gone to they were overrun by gangs. Missionaries were going through, presenting the Gospel in

a non-threatening forum and gang members got saved and began witnessing to others. One guy was the town drunk and is now a church leader,” Bob Rudman said.

“Gang leaders who used to intimidate with fear are now church leaders.”

The churches have been raising funds through dinners, yard sales, a silent auction, a car show and a music program.

Children in VBS saved pennies to buy school uniforms for the children in Nicaragua who can’t attend school if they don’t have uniforms and supplies.

The VBS funds are donated to a back-to-school program the Rudmans started with friends in Ohio to help the Nicaraguan children. Thirty-five dollars provides a complete uniform, shoes and backpack filled with supplies.

The team needs donations of bowls.

Mary Rudman said village people come for food, sometimes hot soup, and have inadequate bowls to receive it.

“It can be something as simple as three for $1 at a dollar store,” she said.

They also need crayons and beads for outreach ministry.

The pastors are trying to emphasize 100 percent participation, encouraging all members to be involved in the trip in some way, either committing to pray, give or go. They’re close to 90 percent.

“Our churches had been stagnant and haven’t had a vision to reach out. As new pastors, we want to cast that vision to spread the Gospel,” Brown said.

Churches deliver ‘pillow case’ dresses to Nicaragua GLEN BURNIE, Md.—Pat Schwarz, a member of Glen Burnie Baptist Church, is a quilter. She belongs to the Friendship Quilters Club in Linthicum, where club members make dresses out of pillowcases for third world countries. Schwarz had never participated in that project, but when Glen Burnie Church partnered with Severna Park Baptist to make plans for a mission trip to Nicaragua in August, Schwarz thought that the dresses might be a perfect ministry.

“It was as if all of a sudden the Lord spoke to me and said the dresses are just what they need,” she said.

Schwarz explained that in poor countries, if children are poorly dressed they’re at a greater risk of getting attacked. The betterdressed children are assumed to be from a higher class and are usually left alone.

Schwarz planned a sew-in day and about 10 ladies from both churches, attended and made over 20 dresses. Others made dresses at home. Altogether, Schwarz collected over 100 dresses.

“Instead of the pillowcases with ties drawn through the top, we’re making them with pretty flowers, bows, buttons, pockets and appliques.

These little girls are going to feel so special when they Page 6

get these dresses,” she said.

Schwarz is also using scrap material to make more dresses.

“Not every child is a standard pillowcase size.”

In fact, they’re taking dresses for girls from 15 months old to adults.

They’re also collecting t-shirts, shorts and swim trunks for boys along with headbands and hair clips for the girls.

“I’m so excited. We’re taking them to the villages. We’ll stay in an orphanage and take a bus and give them out.”

Schwarz is taking the project even further.

While sewing, she thought of the adage about giving a boy a fish, and he’ll eat for a day and teaching him to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life.

She led an initiative to purchase a sewing machine, take it with them, along with material, and teach the villagers to sew.

Schwarz initially wasn’t going to go on the trip, but as she made the dresses, she began feeling God to lead her to take the step.

“The Lord just laid it on her heart. I just knew God was going to call her and lead her on the trip,” John Rudman, pastor of Glen Burnie Baptist Church, said with a smile.

August 2012

CrossLife Community Church attracts track & field campers through their sports ministry

By Sharon Mager, BCM/D Correspondent ELKRIDGE, Md.—CrossLife Community Church had a record high attendance at their annual track and field camp in June. About 140 kids participated. Campers were assigned teams, each with their own names and matching colored shirts.

Camp began with a half hour of Bible study and learning about topics such as teamwork, perseverance, respect and sacrifice.

Then it was off to the races.

They warmed up on the track for fun and silly stretches and then a headed out for a warm-up lap. Throughout the week they learned high jumps, long jumps, shot put, discus, javelin, and hurdles. They also had snacks and games. The last ten minutes of each day was spent encouraging the campers with awards for living out their lessons they learned in Bible study.

At the end of the program, each camper took home a medal and kids’ meal gift certificates from Chick-Fil-A. “We give the kids medals and tell them they’re not getting it because they did great, but because in God’s eyes they are gold medal winners,” John Mackall, pastor of CrossLife Church, said.

“This year God showed up in an interesting way.

The first day of camp the athletic director was to open the shed so we could use the high jump equipment.

High jump is a highlight for the kids—a must have.

He did not show up or respond to my many phone calls. No one had a key because the track coach put a new lock on the shed.”

Mackall said it was 9 am and the kids were preparing for the jump in a half hour. One of the helpers said he had a few master lock keys at home and drove off to get them. Mackall then remembered he too had master lock keys in his truck for the church trailer.

“I thought, I might as well try. I tried both keys three times...and I prayed, ‘Lord you need to open this lock.’ I tried one more time and the lock popped open and the high jump was set up on time. I tried for 15 minutes on two different occasions to open that lock again with my key, and I could not do it. The coach and the custodian asked how I opened the lock and I told them, ‘I didn’t; God did!’”

“This area is sports crazy,” Mackall said. While reviewing demographics for the area, Mackall said August 2012

residents chose sports or recreation activities over counseling and Bible studies when asked what they would like a church to offer.

So the church responded. They began a “Get Fit” ministry last year and started offering Zumba classes, aerobics, and pilates. They’re using the classes to build relationships with people in the community. The church is also a lead sponsor for a 5K run for the Elkridge food pantry.

Mackall said that as a result of the sports ministries several people have made decisions to follow Jesus and some have gone on to become church leaders.

John Mackall himself enjoys athletics and participates in triathlons.

CrossLife Church meets at Rockburn Elementary School.

They average 80 on Sundays. Mackall said the church has grown slowly and steadily through the years.

Page 7

Ellis Prince

SBC Officers

Kevin Marsico

Maryland/Delaware ministers

SBC WRAP-UP: Historic meeting –1st black president elected, descriptor approved

By Michael Foust, Baptist Press NEW ORLEANS (BP)—In one of the most historic meetings in the Southern Baptist Convention’s 167-year history, messengers meeting June 19-20 elected the body’s first African American president and voted to keep the convention’s name while approving a descriptor, “Great Commission Baptists,” for those churches that wish to use it.

The momentous occasion in New Orleans brought media from across the nation to see the election of Fred Luter, a descendant of slaves who now is the president of a convention whose founders, in 1845, defended slavery.

The convention officially repented of its racist past at the 1995 meeting, and has seen the percentage of non-white churches grow, from 5 percent of the SBC in 1990 to 19 percent in 2010. Last year, messengers approved a landmark report encouraging ethnic diversity in committee appointments.

Luter, who was unopposed and received a lengthy standing ovation from messengers when elected, told media at a news conference that he sees his election as being a turning point for blacks and other ethnic groups.

Page 8

“Here is a convention that has been talking this racial reconciliation thing and now they’re putting their money where their mouth is,” said Luter, pastor of New Orleans’ Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, whose building was flooded after Hurricane Katrina but has been rebuilt into a mega-church amid the city’s muchreduced population.

Luter called his election “a genuine, authentic move by this convention that says our doors are open.” He also said he hopes to see minorities promoted to other positions within the convention, “and I’ll be a cheerleader promoting that.”

About 7,900 registered messengers attended the annual meeting, and nearly every one of them -- plus family members and several dozen media representatives -- were in a packed convention hall when Luter was elected. New Orleans pastor David Crosby nominated Luter, and recording secretary John Yeats cast the convention’s official ballot.

“It is my high honor to cast this historic ballot of the convention for Dr. Fred Luter as president of the Southern Baptist Convention,” Yeats said before adding, “Hallelujah!”

Yeats’ expression seemed appropriate for a historic day, and messengers

responded with an emotional 70-second standing ovation. With cameras flashing as Luter walked to the podium, he pointed heavenward and, while wiping away tears, said simply, “To God be the glory for the things that He has done.”

Outgoing SBC President Bryant Wright then put his arm around Luter and prayed for him.

Luter’s election came with a historical coincidence: He was elected on June 19, or “Juneteenth,” a yearly date in which many African Americans celebrate the emancipation of slaves. His election also came as Americans commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. “This is not just an Anglo convention,” Luther told media members. “... I’m Exhibit A that this convention is serious about saying that our doors are open to everyone. I hope to be a spokesperson to that, because let’s face it: There are some African Americans, maybe Asians or Hispanics who for years felt that they were not welcome in the Southern Baptist Convention. That’s not the case anymore.”

Two days prior to Luter’s election, several hundred Southern Baptist messengers visiting New Orleans -- most of them white -- attended Luter’s church, wanting to see him and the congregation he had August 2012

In other matters: – More than 1,100 decisions for Christ were made during Crossover, the yearly evangelistic emphasis prior to each annual meeting.

– International Mission Board President Tom Elliff reported on the progress of IMB’s Embrace challenge, issued at the 2011 SBC in Phoenix, where he called on Southern Baptist churches to claim responsibility for evangelizing all of the world’s then 3,800 unreached, unengaged people groups (UUPGs). He said 1,281 Southern Baptist churches and entities have indicated an interest in embracing a UUPG. Of that number, 474 churches and entities have taken steps to go deeper in that commitment. “It means some of you are taking this really seriously, and you’re saying we want to count the cost, we want to see what’s involved,” Elliff said. “I want to tell you on behalf of the International Mission Board, we’re absolutely thrilled. We welcome you to the field, we rejoice that you’ve taken up this mantle and we praise God that the Kingdom is being expanded because of your involve‘GREAT COMMISSION BAPTISTS’ The Council of Korean Baptist Churches met in Baltimore ment.”

Passage of the descriptor – North American Mission June 18-20. Chuno Chi, pastor of Laurel Korean Baptist “Great Commission Baptists” also Board President Kevin Ezell Church said having the meeting in the Baltimore/Washwas momentous, although the encouraged congregations to get ington area, where there is a heavy concentration of Korevote total was closer than some involved in planting churches and ans is a contributing factor to the large turnout. The other had expected. The proposal came supporting church planters. To reason, he said, is due to the emphasis on opposing same via a recommendation from the underscore the urgency he quoted sex marriage in Maryland. Many pastors made special Executive Committee, which arrangements to attend because of that emphasis, especially statistics showing that in some had proposed it after a task force states in the Northeast, Midwest with the meeting being so close to the nation’s capitol.

–appointed by Wright–studied and the Northwest, there is only whether to change the name of one Southern Baptist church for Message, Southern Baptists’ statement of the convention. In the end, the task force every 20,000-plus people. In Canada, it’s beliefs, he said. recommended the convention keep its one in 117,000, he said. By comparison, Wright also addressed the issue in name but also adopt a descriptor, “Great the ratio in the South is one in less than Commission Baptists,” that can be used by his convention sermon.

10,000. “Church planting is an evangelis“Our calling is to be centered on any church. Usage is voluntary. tic strategy,” Ezell said. NAMB has a goal Christ and grounded in the Word, while Messengers debated the descriptor for Southern Baptists to plant a net of agreeing to disagree on the finer points of for about a half-hour before approving it, 5,000 new churches by 2022, Ezell said. theological issues,” Wright said. “May we 53-46 percent.

When including churches that die each all agree that Christ ... has given us a very The task force said the descriptor year, that means Southern Baptists must clear message and mission for the church.” plant 13,500 new churches. “We will would be beneficial to churches and Wright added, “If we pride ourselves church planters outside the South—some never be able to plant that many churches more on being a traditional Southern planters say the convention’s regional unless God does a work in His people,” Baptist or more on being a Calvinist or a name is a barrier—as well as to ethnic Ezell said.

Reformed theologian, more than we are churches whose members might view the – About 800 people, representing thankful that we are Christ-centered and name “Southern Baptist” negatively.

600 Korean Baptist churches from across biblically based ... then it is time to repent 40 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, of theological idolatry.”

CALVINISM met at the Westin Baltimore Airport Messengers also overwhelmingly The issue of Calvinism also was Hotel in Linthicum. Md., June 18 -20 addressed from the platform several times, passed a resolution “On Cooperation for the annual meeting of the Council and the Doctrine of Salvation,” which with each speaker urging messengers to of Korean Baptist Churches. This year’s said in part, “We affirm that The Baptist remain united for the Great Commistheme was “Churches planting churches.”

Faith and Message provides sufficient pasion. Executive Committee President The keynote speaker was Sun Ro Kim, of Frank Page—who said he’s not a Calvinist rameters for understanding the doctrine Han Ma Eum Baptist Church in the city of salvation, so that Southern Baptists —addressed each side of the debate. He of Kangwon Province. may joyfully and enthusiastically partner told the non-Calvinists: “There seems Messengers elected Sung Ho Kim, together in obedience to the Great Comto be some non-Calvinists who are more pastor of Living Stone Korean Baptist mission.” concerned about rooting out Calvinists continued on page 10 helped rebuild. At the close of the second service, Luter called on Jimmy Draper, former president of LifeWay Christian Resources, to pray. Prior to his prayer Draper addressed Franklin Avenue church members, referencing Luter’s pending election and telling them to applause, “This is not tokenism. ... We’re electing a great leader who happens to be black.”

The convention has made several moves in recent years in an attempt to reach out to ethnic groups, including the establishment -- by the Executive Committee and the North American Mission Board – of an African American Advisory Council and a Hispanic Advisory Council. Last year’s ethnic diversity report cited the “need to be proactive and intentional in the inclusion of individuals from all ethnic and racial identities within Southern Baptist life.”

Luter told the media he wants to see the convention become even more diverse during his presidency.

He also said he wants to spotlight evangelism and missions and help bring together factions within the convention.

August 2012

than they are about winning the lost for Christ.” He then addressed Calvinists, some of whom he said “seem to think that if we do not believe the same thing about soteriology that they believe then somehow we are less intelligent or ignorant.”

Soteriology is the study of the doctrine of salvation.

“I do believe we can find some ways to work together better,” Page said, “and I believe that the leaders of both of these groups can come together to say, ‘Here’s how we can return to working together like we once did.’”

Page confirmed again that he plans to assemble a group of advisers to help chart a way through the division surrounding Calvinism. But that will not include revising the Baptist Faith and

Page 9

continued from page 9 Church of Dallas, Texas, as president of the council and approved resolutions emphasizing the need for church planting and to support efforts opposing same sex marriage.

– Messengers passed nine resolutions.

A resolution on the sinner’s prayer said the prayer is “not an incantation that results in salvation merely by its recitation and should never be manipulatively employed or utilized apart from a clear articulation of the Gospel.” It further said that messengers “promote any and all biblical means of urging sinners to call

on the name of the Lord in a prayer of repentance and faith.”

A resolution on gay marriage and civil rights rhetoric declared: “We deny that the effort to legalize ‘same-sex marriage’ qualifies as a civil rights issue since homosexuality does not qualify as a class meriting special protections, like race and gender.” The resolution also said messengers “stand against any form of gay-bashing” and that messengers “express our love to those who struggle with same-sex attraction and who are engaged in the homosexual lifestyle.” The resolution was submitted by two African American pastors.

– Nathan Lino, senior pastor of Northeast Houston Baptist Church in Humble, Texas, was elected first vice president, while Dave Miller, pastor of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Sioux City, Iowa, was elected second vice president. Yeats was re-elected recording secretary and Jim Wells re-elected registration secretary.

Michael Foust is associate editor of Baptist Press. With reporting by Erin Roach of Baptist Press and Don Graham of the International Mission Board.

MD/DE Baptists given national recognition Robert Anderson with Frank Page

Jessie Arce NEW ORLEANS—Prominently featured in this year’s annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans were several Maryland/ Delaware Baptists.

Kevin Ezell of the North American Mission Board recognized the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware as seeing the fastest start to church planting in history with more than 30 churches started the first six months of 2012.

David Lee, BCM/D Executive Director, was also recognized because the Baptist Convention of Maryland/ Delaware (a convention of fewer than 500 congregations) was the top giver to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

In addition, several Maryland/Delaware messengers, shown in alphabetical order, served and/or were honored during this year’s annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention: Robert Anderson of Colonial Baptist Church, ending eight years as an SBC Executive Committee member, received a denominational appreciation award from the Black Southern Baptist Denominational Servants Network; Jessie Arce of Healing Water Bible Church International in Bear, Del., and Samuel Nuon of First Cambodian Baptist Church in Reston, Va., were featured in Page 10

the NAMB’s “The Faces of the SBC” exhibit; Byron Day of Immanuel Baptist, Laurel, Md., and Ellis Prince of Gallery Church, Baltimore, served on the 2012 Committee on Committees. Day also served as secretary of the National African American Fellowship; James Dixon of El Bethel Baptist completed his two-year term as president of the National African American Fellowship; Dennis Kim of Global Mission Church in Silver Spring, Md., served on the 2012 Committee on Resolutions.

David Lee, among other entity heads, presented remarks at the annual National African American Fellowship banquet; Sherry Lee, BCM/D missionary for ministers’ wives and families, was selected to be on the board of officers for the 2014 Ministers’ Wives’ Luncheon; Gayla Parker, executive director of Maryland/Delaware’s WMU, hosted a book-signing of “Active Compassion: A Calling to Care,” during the annual WMU missions celebration and annual meeting held prior to the annual meeting; Parker, assisted by her husband, Freddy, also led Southern Baptist students, who “prayer”-cached throughout down-

town New Orleans through their Youth on Mission experience during the annual meeting; Ellis Prince of Gallery Church and Kevin Marsico of NorthStar Community Church in Ijamsville, Md., represented the Northeast region in NAMB’s Send North America effort.

Ellen Udovich, BCM/D team strategist for Acts 1:8 missions involvement, assisted in Crossover New Orleans events held prior to the annual meeting.

Other Maryland/Delaware messengers were elected to serve as SBC committee members and trustees: Brian M. Corrick of Nanjemoy Baptist was elected to served as an Ethnics and Religious Liberty Commission trustee.

Cecil B. Cunigan of Colonial Baptist, Randallstown, Md., and Nelson Miles of Friendship Baptist, Sykesville, Md., were elected to serve on the 2012-2013 Committee on Nominations.

David A. Hall of Oak Grove Baptist, Bel Air, Md., was elected to serve on the SBC Executive Committee.

Bob Simpson of The Church at Severn Run, Md., was elected to serve as a LifeWay trustee, and Victor Simpson of Emmanuel Baptist in Huntingtown, Md., was elected to serve as a Golden Gate Seminary trustee.

August 2012

Special Section

2012 u.S. Elections

Are Christians losing their voice in the political arena?

Alliance Defense Fund urges pastors to ‘Speak Up’ to Save America on Oct. 7 public facilities that are available to other From the day the Pilgrims first set private groups ... denied access to public foot at Plymouth Rock, the cornerstone funds that other private organizations of American government has been relican draw on to help the hurting gious freedom. and underprivileged ... denied This is the land where the uses of suitable property pastors have been free to through arbitrary land ordipreach the Gospel of Jesus nances and zoning restrictions.

Christ and explore the These government roadblocks positive impact of biblical are increasingly impeding truth on every aspect of the church efforts to evangelize and culture. minister to their communities.

This is the nation In response, the Alliance where Christians, in the Defense Fund began Pulpit name and for the glory Freedom Sunday in 2008. The of God, have been free goal of Pulpit Freedom Sunday, to minister His love and scheduled for October 7, 2012, administrate their churches is simple: have the Johnson without government interAmendment declared unconstiference or regulation. tutional – and once and for all But all of that is A statue of Rev. remove the ability of the IRS to changing – and changing Peter Muhlenberg censor what a pastor says from fast – in America today. removing his the pulpit.

Today, government clerical robe to ADF is actively seeking to intrusion into the affairs reveal a military represent churches or pastors of the Church poses a uniform stands in who are under investigation growing threat to church statuary hall in by the IRS for violating the autonomy and to even the the U.S. Capitol Johnson Amendment by preachmost basic religious libering biblical Truth in a way that ties – including freedom of building. expresses support for – or opspeech, freedom to exercise position to – political candidates. ADF religious beliefs and freedom of access. represents all of its clients free of charge.

Intimidated by threats (including The future of religious freedom the possible loss of their church’s 501(c) depends on a free pulpit to communicate (3) tax exemption) brought on the fundamental, biblical principles to conJohnson Amendment (see below), many gregations across America. Join a growpastors have stopped exploring the mesing movement of bold pastors preaching sage of the Scriptures as it relates to issues that might be considered “politically biblical Truth about candidates and elections from their pulpits on October sensitive,” and stopped exhorting their 7, 2012. congregations to obey biblical teaching where it conflicts with the dictates of an --via Alliance Defense Fund increasingly “tolerant” secular culture. http://www.speakupmovement.org Meanwhile, across America, churches are being denied access to

“Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...”

–First Amendment to the Constitution of The United States of America (The Bill of Rights) “The moral issues with public policy implications being debated today are far too important for Christians to ignore, especially at election time. Do your homework on the candidates and vote your values – your biblical values.”

–Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council “The advice I give to pastors is preach the Word. When you stay on the Word, it’s going to cause problems, but it will take care of itself.” – Victor Kirk, Pastor, Sharon Bible Fellowship, and member, Maryland Citizen Clergy PAC “I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered.” –The Apostle Paul, Philippians 1:12, MSG “Educate yourself on the issues. I think we suffer a lot as pastors because, while we love God, sometimes we live beyond the reality of where we live... Sometimes we’re so heavenly-minded, we’re no earthly good.” –Harold Dugger, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Capitol Heights (Md.) and member, Maryland Citizen Clergy PAC “It merits revisiting what the early church did because the fact we are here, fighting this fight again, they did something correct... and they had a respite for at least a couple of centuries.

They spoke out and had an intellectual stand against [such issues as being faced today]. And they backed it up with lifestyle.” – Keiffer Bent, Pastor, Berwyn (Md.) Baptist Church

WHAT IS THE JOHNSON AMENDMENT? The Johnson Amendment was passed by Congress in 1954 as an amendment to section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code. The Johnson Amendment states that entities who are exempt from federal income tax cannot: “Participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of – or in opposition to – any candidate for public office.” The Johnson Amendment was added to the tax code as a result of the political machinations of Lyndon B. Johnson who was running for reelection to the U.S. Senate.

August 2012

Page 11

Special Section

2012 u.S. Elections

Legal dos and don’ts for pastors

By Richard Land, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

“The First Amendment of the Constitution was originally intended to guarantee, not take away, our freedom of religious expression.” Richard Land, President, For Faith & Family

Do...

1 2 3

Preach on moral and social issues and encourage civic involvement Engage in voter registration activties that avoid promoting any one candidate or particular

4 5 Page 12

Distribute educational materials to voters (such as voter guides), but only those that do not favor a particular candidate or party and that cover a wide range of issues Conduct candidate or issues forums where each duly qualified candidate is invited and provided an equal opportunity to address the congregation Invite candidates or elected officials to speak at church services*

August 2012

Don’t...

1 2 3 4 5 6

Endorse candidates on behalf of the church Use church funds or services (such as mailing lists or office equipment) to contribute directly to candidates or political committees

Permit the distribution of material on church premises that favors any one candidate or political party

Use church funds to pay fees for political events

Set up a political committee that would contribute funds directly to political candidates

Allow candidates to solicit funds while speaking in a church

“Is that legal?”

There are legal limits to what churches may do, but your hands are not completely tied. In fact, you may be surprised at how much influence you can have. Unfortunately, many are confused about what is and what is not legal given the IRS restrictions on political activity by churches and other taxexempt organizations. While it is impossible to lay out a definitive list of “dos” and “don’ts” since the IRS interprets what is and isn’t legal, this resource is offered as a general guideline. *Churches that allow only one candidate or a single party’s candidate to speak can be seen as favoring that candidate or party. No candidate should be prohibited from addressing a church if others running for the same office have been allowed to speak. Exempt from this are candidates or public figures who may speak at a church, but they must refrain from speaking about their candidacy.

Visit www.ivotevalues.org for a Voter Impact Toolkit August 2012

Page 13

Special Section

2012 u.S. Elections

Southern Baptists urged to pray for elections during upcoming 40-day prayer vigil

By Shannon Baker BCM/D National Correspondent NASHVILLE—Just in time for the upcoming elections, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberties Commission and the North American Mission Board has partnered together to urge Southern Baptists to participate in a “40/40 Prayer Vigil” for spiritual revival and national renewal.

The 40/40 Prayer Vigil consists of 40 days of prayer from Sept. 26 to Nov. 4, 2012, culminating in 40 hours of around the clock intercession during the last three days of the Vigil. The Vigil focuses first on personal renewal, revival and repentance. It then covers an expanding circle of prayer concerns, from the family and church to the nation.

Stressing the importance of prayer, the Vigil calls Southern Baptists into a season of prayer to get “our own hearts together for this important election as well as just praying for the Church, that God would revive His people again,” explained Barrett Duke, vice president for public policy and research for the ERLC, in a conference call.

Joining him in the call was Richard Land, ERLC president, and Larry Wynn, vice president of evangelism and leadership development at NAMB. “We are convinced, as a Commission, that our only hope for America to be the America we desire for her to be is for there to be a revival that ripens into an awakening and culminates in a reformation,” Land agreed. “None of these things are going to happen without God’s people getting on their faces before God.” The “last great general revival” in the U.S., in 1858, started in a noonday businessmen’s prayer meeting of the men of First Baptist Church, Newark,

N.J., Land said.

There had been “a calamitous economic collapse” and “great talk of succession and civil war.” They began to pray God would send revival, and a God-sent revival “leapt across the Hudson into New York City” and “swept like a prairie fire” along the northern

Spanish, at the 40/40 Prayer Vigil web site, www.4040prayer.com.

An individual, a small group, an entire church body, or an even larger group can use this prayer guide.

Here’s how: First, decide if you want to use this as a personal guide to 40 days of prayer or ask others to join you.

Second, decide if you want to pray for forty days, forty hours, or a combination of the two. The guide is designed to support any of these options.

• Pray once each day between September 26 and November 4, for forty days of prayer.

• Pray for forty hours, be(2 Chronicles 7:13-14 HCSB) tween 4:00 p.m. on November 2 and 8:00 a.m. on November 4.

U.S., Land said.

• Pray for 40 days, between As a result, an estimated one milSeptember 26 and the morning of lion people were added to the church November 2 and then pray for 40 hours rolls of the northern states, which at between 4:00 p.m. on November 2 and the time had a population of 26 million 8:00 a.m. on November. people.

Third, if you decide to make this Shortly thereafter, Abraham a group effort, create a sign-up list and Lincoln was elected as president of the ask others to join you in prayer.

U.S., from a new party that hadn’t even Fourth, register your commitment existed prior to 1854, held the Union to pray at the 40/40 Prayer Vigil Web together and eliminated slavery. site to let others know that you are “With approximately one out of joining the national movement to seek six voters who had a conversion experiGod for spiritual revival and national ence and united with the church, with renewal. such a close election, that made the Organizers say anyone who shares difference,” Land said. the burden for revival among God’s Wynn added, “Our God is the people and for the future of America is same God today that moved in the welcome to join in this intensive period revival [Land] described, the same God of prayer. There is no cost to participate. who moved in the New Testament Also, the guides can be used any time of when the church was birthed, and they the year, not just before election time. literally turned the world upside down Visit online at www.4040prayer. for Christ. We at the North American com to sign up, download the prayer Mission Board believe it can happen guide, join a blog conversation about again, and that’s why we are partnering prayer and the need for revival and with this.” renewal, or stay notified of the latest To assist in the prayer times, the developments in the Vigil.

ERLC offers a fully downloadable prayer guide, available in English and

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

Page 14

August 2012

Dixon reflects on two years as NAAF president

By Shannon Baker BCM/D National Correspondent COLUMBIA, Md.—Although his tenure started rocky, James Dixon, outgoing president of the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention, thanks God for the difficult situations he faced.

“I take race reconciliation seriously, and I’m passionate about what I believe.

My opening statement when I took office caused some people to become very uncomfortable,” explained Dixon, noting he was misunderstood, causing him to experience stressful times. “Many of them didn’t care for my leadership because of the stands I was taking—especially with racial reconciliation.”

Notwithstanding, Dixon pointed to two situations, which “really drove home the joy” of his national presidency: one involving the North American Mission Board and one involving the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.

Also high on his list was the SBC’s focus on the multi-ethnic community and the election of Fred Luter as SBC president.

Dixon, missionary for African American church development at the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware recalls asking questions that challenged NAMB’s new president, Kevin Ezell, when it appeared that the multi-ethnic community was being cast aside. “At that point, the questions caused trouble in the water,” he said. Since that time he holds monthly prayer meetings with Ezell and Frank Page, the president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee.

Dixon credits the power of prayer for the establishment of a better relationship with Ezell and a change in the environment at NAMB and throughout the SBC.

James Dixon, with his wife Dessie, outgoing president of the National African American Fellowship, respond to the election of Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, La., as the first African American president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

The pastor of El Bethel Baptist Church in Fort Washington, Md., said he also feels God used him to “impact the situation” involving ERLC President Richard Land’s “injudicious” comments on the Trayvon Martin case on his call-in radio show March 31. Martin, a black teenager, was shot and killed by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman, a Hispanic, in Florida in February.

After meeting with Dixon and five others from NAAF, Land issued a five-part apology (http://www.bpnews. net/bpnews.asp?id=37795) and wrote personal letters to those he offended: President Obama, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and the Martin family.

“I felt like we needed to deal with the situation from a redemptive posture,” Dixon said, acknowledging the outcome could have been a disaster. “We were very redemptive, very supportive, but very firm with him.”

In the midst of it all, Dixon said his “brethren” and all present experienced a powerful moment. He added, “We definitely need to continue the conversation concerning racial reconciliation. We cannot allow what God has placed in our hands to be hindered in terms of us going forward to make an impact in this whole racial situation.”

Dixon, part of the SBC Executive Committee’s African American Advisory Council, was in the room when New Orleans Pastor Fred Luter became the first African American to be elected SBC president.

“This has been a long time coming,” shared Dixon, commenting immediately after Luter’s electrifying election. “As I look back on how long I have been a Southern Baptist—30-plus years—I didn’t think I would live long enough to see this!

“This whole process has been Goddriven. It happened at the appropriate time, the right time, and God has placed it here so that we may establish better relationships among people—not just white people, not just black people, but His people.”

Dixon praised God for allowing him to be “a bridge-builder for Southern Baptists.”

“As I look back at my two-year tenure as president of NAAF, if I had to do it all over again and go through everything I have gone through to get the same results, I would do it the same way. To God Be the Glory!”

Michael Mattar: Let’s talk about immigration Editor’s note: This article has been edited for space. Read the full article online at www. baptistlifeonline.org.

I

recently attended a 40-hour Intensive Basic Immigration Law Training class in Orlando, Fla., sponsored by World Relief. As Montgomery Baptist Association Language Missionary to our ethnic churches, I, along with our office staff, have received numerous calls wondering how immigrants could get assistance with immigration issues. Due to the lack of knowledge and resources, MBA is in the process of compiling materials and contacts to assist pastors and their members with these issues.

August 2012

Immigration is one of the most controversial topics we face in our society today. The immigration crisis is tearing the social fabric of our nation in ways that are far easier to rend than they are to mend.

We are a nation of immigrants — whether our ancestors came early or late.

As Americans, we should always have room in our country for those who are willing to embrace the American dream and the ideals that both inspired that dream and define it. The time to forge a fair, just and compassionate consensus on this issue is now.

The government has a certain role and responsibility regarding the issue and the Church has a different role and

responsibility: 1) All of us can agree that something must be done. What we’re doing now about immigration isn’t working.

2) Government is limited on what it can do. Even the very best of government has its focus on what it must do and its limitations on what it can do.

3) The void that is created by that limitation is the place where the Church has an important role. It is, if you will, a separation of Church and State not along ideological lines, but practical ones. The government can only do so much. The gap that exists is a place for the Church to move. continued on page 23 Page 15

WINDSOR MILL, Md.—Bill Vogel was a successful businessman. He owned World Financial Agency, a successful investment company. He faithfully supported Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), a non-denominational Bible-based worldwide organization founded to evangelize children, help them grow spiritually and guide them to a local Bible-believing church. Vogel’s wife, Beth, had been involved in the program since she was 10 years old in the Dominican Republic. She was raised in the mission field and her sister was a missionary with CEF. “I was the guy who wrote the check,” Vogel said.

But when he attended a CEF fundraising event, and heard the testimonies, he had a deeper calling. What really spoke

to him was when he heard that it was completely legal to take the Gospel to the schools. In fact, the Supreme Court, made the ruling in 2001 in a case called Good News Bible Club v. Milford Central School District.

The ruling stated that Bible clubs must be given the same access to school facilities accorded any other non-school related group.

“That was the mind-blowing thing for me!” Vogel said. After that, Vogel sold his business and went into full-time ministry with CEF. He is now CEF’s director of strategic ministries in Maryland.

“It still blows my mind. Just think, If every Bible-believing church adopted a school, wrapped their arms around that school and beyond to the families, and connected them to local Bible believing

churches we’d see churches grow, lives changed and societies transformed,” Vogel said.

The Gospel is promoted in the schools through CEF’s Good News Clubs. The clubs include Bible lessons, songs, memory verses, missions lessons and games. The Gospel is clearly presented. Vogel said CEF weaves messages into Bible stories to encourage saved children and to speak to unsaved children to lead them to know Christ.

Currently CEF is working with 76 schools throughout Maryland, reaching 2,000 children each week.

Vogel said the opportunity is incredible, and the need is great. He cited statistics from George Barna that 83 percent of Christians accept Christ before they are 15 years old, and 80 percent will never enter a church.

CEF partners with churches to smooth the process of taking a Good News Club to a school. “We sit down with you, lay out a plan and identify the school most apt to affect your church. We raise up five to 10 workers, train them, screen them, and provide them with curriculum and insurance. We also approach the school district to help get that church into the school.”

While CEF would like for the church to sponsor CEF, Vogel said CEF will partner with a church whether it provides sponsorship or not. Money will not stand in the way, he said.

For more information, see www.cefmaryland.org/Good-NewsClubs.aspx.

Good News Club grows Colonial Baptist Church REISTERSTOWN, Md.—AWANA attendance has almost doubled and VBS enrollment is up, new families are visiting Colonial Baptist Church in Randallstown and the church attributes most of that to Good News Bible Clubs.

Colonial partnered with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) last year to begin the club at Hernwood Elementary School.

Good News Bible Club volunteers teach children Bible stories, encourage scripture memorization, present the Gospel and encourage attendance at local churches.

The first six-week session drew 42, the next session 32 and the most recent spring session brought 63 children to the club.

“Five kids have accepted Christ as their personal Savior,” Vinson McKennie, a deacon in training at Colonial and the director of the church’s Good News Club Page 16

Ministry, said.

McKennie said the church became involved with CEF after a representative spoke at one of Colonial’s missions conferences and told listeners that it was legal to share the Gospel in public schools.

He said, “I was surprised. I didn’t think we could go into schools to talk about Jesus Christ.”

McKennie discovered that his church was in the process of forming a team. He volunteered and went to training.

“I came away really excited about it,” he said. He was asked to become the

team leader. Sixteen volunteers have served so far. After a recent presentation at Colonial, other members have stepped forward to say they want to be involved. School officials, students, parents and church members have all testified how God has blessed them through the clubs.

“Every volunteer that has gotten involved has grown spiritually. They also get a lot of energy from the kids” McKennie said.

Cathy Gantz, principal of Hernwood continued on page 17 August 2012

Churches, BCM partner to touch Rosedale

By Shannon Baker BCM/D National Correspondent ROSEDALE, Md.—Baltimore churches and Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) partnered together to serve the suburban Rosedale community with a block party in late June.

In prior months, Baltimore Baptist Association (BBA) Director of Missions Bob Mackey challenged BBA churches to consider local missions as an option to spending thousands of dollars to go overseas. “Why not do missions in your own backyard?” he asked.

And that’s exactly what Long Green Baptist Church of Glen Arm, Md., did.

They, along with students from area colleges and universities, coordinated with Hazelwood Baptist Church to reach the northeastern Baltimore County community.

“I was wholeheartedly for it,” shared Hazelwood’s pastor, Ed Reese, explaining his church’s budget wouldn’t have allowed the large missions effort. “We were thrilled to have Long Green come in to continue what we’ve done.”

Over 300 people attended the “Community Bridge” evangelistic event, which featured free food, pony rides, carnivaltype games, prayer stations, face painting and giveaways from area businesses, shared organizer Arnaldo “Nando” Irizarry, a bilingual field representative for Nielson TV Ratings and a member at Long Green.

In addition, there were three performers from jazz to the classics to hip-hop. Hip-hop performer Samantha Peoples, a freshman from Towson University, used her performance as an interactive conversation to teach how

to trust God more. When sharing with guests, the Waldorf, Md., native answered questions about her life.

All throughout the grounds, dozens of volunteers reached out to share the Gospel with adults and children of all ages, said Irizarry. “They were such a joyful team. I give glory to God,” he said.

Irizarry also said the college students were such an integral part of the ministry, “as they reached out to guests their own age. I think that was a very great plus to have them there.”

Summer missionary, Madison Rose, an intern for Anne Arundel Community College, spent the day ministering to the “really sweet” children who came. The University of Alabama student loved how the churches “really reached out to reach the community.”

“It’s wonderful to see students from our Baptist collegiate ministries partner with local churches to reach out to communities,” said Mike McQuitty, missionary for collegiate church planting for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware.

“BCM/D churches invest a lot in student ministry through the State Mission Offering and the Cooperative Program, and events like the ‘Community Bridge’ carnival allow our college students to give back!

“Outreach events like these also provide opportunities for students to minister alongside other believers. The collegians benefit greatly from the expertise of older Christians, while our churches appreciate

the energy and enthusiasm of youth.”

Jessica Senasack, collegiate minister from the University of Maryland in College Park, underscored the importance of allowing students to participate in such ministries. “It’s a win for the church, who receives the help from the students, but it’s also a win for the students, who gain ministry experience,” and what Senasack ultimately hopes for, “a missions lifestyle.”

“It was a real blessing to see some college students from BCM around the area and two churches pool their efforts to touch a community in Jesus’ name,” said Mackey. “I heard one weary mom on her way out with a big smile on her face and three children in tow say, ‘I feel like I have been at the fair all day.’”

“To see the Gospel shared, persons register for a planned small group to begin in July, and having clean fun in a Christ-like environment is a product of what happens when pastors collaborate for Kingdom purposes,” Mackey said.

Reese agreed, “One of the most rewarding things, besides multiplying our effectiveness, is the sweetness of the fellowship between the churches. It was encouraging for me personally and for our members. We limit ourselves when we try to do our own things and don’t look for opportunities to help others. We would miss out on so much!”

Good News Club grows Colonial Baptist Church, continued from p. 16 Elementary School, is very enthusiastic about the clubs. Gantz reported that since the club began, the suspension rate has dropped from 11.5 percent to 2.5 percent.

“That’s hard data. The Good News Club works,” Gantz said. “It has a very positive impact.” Gantz said she’s also seen higher report card grades.

“The Good News Club has just August 2012

brought peace to Herndon,” Gantz said.

Gladys Turner’s granddaughter, Jasmine, attends Good News Club at Herndon Elementary.

“It’s a long time since they tried to get Jesus out of the house but because of the Good News Club, He is back in the house and He is filling these children’s mind with the love of God. I praise the Lord and I

praise the Good News Club.

“They have really influenced my baby because a lot of change has come over her since she she’s been going to this club. I know that God is good and God is moving. I want each and every one of you continue to pray that GNC spread their blessings all over.”

-- By Sharon Mager Page 17

Dale Pace from The Church at Covenant Park is the founder, president emeritus and lead chaplain of Christian Jail Ministry.

CJM offers hope to Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) inmates

By Sharon Mager, BCM/D Correspondent JESSUP, Md—There’s a bleak stretch of Route 175 in Jessup, the address of several Maryland correctional institutions. Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) is one of those institutions and at any one time home to 300-350 inmates–many who are broken, addicted and totally void of any self-esteem. Christian Jail Ministry (CJM) brings hope into that sanitized intimidating facility.

Dale Pace, a soft-spoken gentleman and scholar and a member of The Church at Covenant Park, Ellicott City, is the founder, president emeritus and lead chaplain of Christian Jail Ministry, a non-denominational ministry sponsored by various churches, including many BCM/D, the Mid-Maryland Baptist Association and Mid-Maryland Baptist churches. Pace never “did time,” but he has invested much of his in the lives of inmates, where he’s seen God’s transforming power.

“There are a number of people whose lives have really turned around and changed,” Pace said. “They are drawn to the intangible benefits of what happens inside a person.”

“The ministry’s mission is fueled by the sentiment behind Corinthians 5:17, ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’”

“The power of Christ can transform anyone, no matter what that person has been or done,” Pace said.

Pace and his children moved to Columbia in 1979 and began looking for churches. They visited a Presbyterian church whose pastor was providing pastoral counseling at the Howard County Detention Center. Learning of Pace’s previous involvement with ministry to prisoners suggest Pace take the lead in ministry at the Detention Center, which he did and CJM began.

Before his return to Maryland in 1979, Pace led programs in several dozen correctional institutions, including jails, prisons, juvenile facilities, and halfway houses. He was certified as a Supervisor Correctional Chaplain by the Association of Evangelical Institutional Chaplains. He authored a book, now out of print, on ministry to inmates that was used as a text in seminaries and Bible colleges.

“The first inmate I spoke to accepted Christ. I considered that a bit of confirmation,” Pace said of his call to ministry to prisoners.

Pace worked prayerfully and tirelessly to grow CJM, recruiting churches, chaplains and other volunteers. In addition to his ministry with CJM, Pace, a former pastor, was a member of the Principal Professional Staff of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and taught at times in graduate technical management programs at Johns Hopkins.

CJM’s ministry now involves up to 300 volunteers each year in its ministry from several dozen area churches. More than 4,000 inmates a year pass through the Howard County Detention Center and the majority of them return to the community from the detention center.

While CJM would like to devote ministry to those in jails and help those who are transitioning back to the community, funding won’t allow for both, so the ministry is primarily focused on ministering to inmates while in the detention center.

Pace wants to see churches step forward and help with the transitioning of the inmates. The most important way a church can help is by providing a liaison for inmates, someone who will stand by the newly released man or woman, help them acclimate into the church, provide resource information and be a friend. The church can also help by providing transportation and guidance in helping the inmate find a job and, if necessary, housing.

Christian Jail Ministry is dealing with a great problem. More inmates want to attend chapel than the chapel area can hold. Average attendance has grown from 50 in January to 75 in April. CJM responded to that need by offering an additional worship service from 9-10:30 am. The principal speaker in those services initially will be the Rev. Jerry Hoots, a retired BCM/D pastor. There is a big need for churches to step forward and help lead services as well as funding.

Page 18

August 2012

Christian Jail Ministry How can your church help?

• Pray for CJM, its chaplains, volunteers and for the inmates • CJM would like to have churches volunteer to receive inmates • Volunteer to provide a worship service • Individuals can volunteer to help with Bible studies or one-on-one discipleship • Help with administrative tasks • Give to fund the program For more information, see the CJM website: www.christianjailministry.org or call (410) 997-0253

Prison Chaplain Gerard Washington

Christian Jail Ministry (CJM) at HDCD

By Sharon Mager, BCM/D Correspondent

CLASSIFIEDS

JESSUP, Md.—The men, mostly under 30, a mixture of black, white and Hispanic, praised God mightily, singing “Hail, Jesus, You’re My King,” in loud, strong voices. Some raised their hands, others looked to heaven. It was a worship service so exciting that surely the angels must have been present and participating. That service was the beginning of a Celebrate Recovery program at Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) and the singers were inmates.

Prison Chaplain Gerard Washington asked the men, “How did you picture God when you were a child?”

“Santa Clause,” one man quickly said. “As a giant,” another man said laughing. Others said a father figure, a ghost, or non-existent, one said. “I saw him as the moon,” one man said.

“I was in jail for five years and seven months and when I came out I looked up and saw the moon. I saw God in the moon.”

“Let me tell you how I saw God,” Washington said. “I saw God as someone who was going to zap me when I did something wrong. But he’s a loving God!” Washington quoted John 3:16. The inmates sat quietly, some shaking their heads in agreement.

Washington began ministering as a chaplain for Christian Jail Ministry in January after volunteering over a decade. He loves his job. He loves the inmates, and it’s obvious they love and respect him as they hug him, shake his hand and listen so attentively.

August 2012

TOOLS TO HELP YOUR CHURCH GROW—

Available to help the local church: develop praise and worship teams, write missions policies, provide written educational materials catered to specific need, and, discover their organizational strengths and weaknesses through research and analysis. Contact Michael Callahan by email at callahanmb@msn. com. Cell is (240) 460-0634.

While attending Celebration Church in Columbia, Washington heard the call for volunteers and responded.

“I knew God laid it on my heart,” Washington said.

“God lifted me out of that kind of lifestyle. I was never sentenced to do time in jail, but I did spend time in Howard County Detention Center (awaiting trial),” Washington said.

“I was blessed. I did some things that I should have gotten time for but the Lord spared me.”

“God delivers you out of situations because he knows what you can do—go back to these young men and women who find themselves in that situation and give them hope.”

Washington said he had breakfast with a young man who had been back to prison three times. “He truly accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. He had a true encounter and is moving on.”

The man has a job as a seafood manager and when he can he attends early morning prayer with Washington.

Washington said he was initially nervous when he began doing jail ministry. “God gives us the strength to get through those things, then once you start doing them they’re not as hard. A lot of times people need to stretch themselves a bit.

“The highlight is seeing someone make a change in their life and becoming productive citizens, working, being good mothers and fathers, taking part in their churches. The heartache is seeing them come back in.”

NEED AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOUSING—

Long -tenured SBC NAMB Missionary Service Corps missionaries considering relocation to Pasadena, Md., area to be close to family. Looking for affordable single family housing in that area. Call or e-mail us at (301) 384-0524, cell (410) 978-9885. e-mail fwn@comcast. net.

MUSIC LEADER—White

Marsh Baptist Church of Perry Hall, Md., is seeking a part time worship

leader. Send resumes to PO Box 65, Perry Hall, MD 21128; FAX to (410) 529-7189 or email to angie.shaw1@ verizon.net.

WANT TO ADVERTISE?

Deadlines are the first day of each month for the following month’s issue.

Contact iwhite@bcmd.org for ad pricing. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of any advertiser’s products or services.

Page 19

Has anyone ever told you about God?

Gayla Parker BCM/D WMU Executive Director, Missionary for Missions Education/ Customization and SBC WMU

T

his year at the Southern Baptist Convention my days were not filled with business sessions, reports, or meetings. Instead my days were filled with leading students in ministry projects all over the city of New Orleans. When I was given this assignment, my first thought was, “What do I want

Page 20

these kids to learn?”

A leadership team was put together and we began praying about “what we wanted these kids to learn.” The ministry projects included “prayer”-caching modeled after the “geocaching” craze.

GPS coordinates were used for students to find a “prayer cache;” Prayer walking done in a treasure hunting style.

At each stop the student learned something about that particular area, what scripture says about prayer and how to pray specifically for that particular GPS location.

The students also served at The Friendship House, a ministry for women and children in crisis, baked cookies for maritime ministries, and cleaned countless yards near the ninth ward.

And then there was the block party being sponsored

by Missions Lab at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. It was there that I was reminded once again, it wasn’t about what “I would teach these kids” but what “God would teach through these kids.”

Two hundred fifty children came through the block party rotating from one station to another. There was the water balloon station, face painting, beanbag toss, popcorn machine, bouncy thing, mosquito tag, water station,

etc. and a station for making a witnessing bracelet.

As the children sat in a circle waiting for instructions, I heard Rachel Faulknor from First Baptist Church, Fayetteville, Ark., ask, “Has anyone ever told you about God?” I watched half a dozen little heads shake their head “no.”

Rachel responded, “Well, just wait until you hear about Him. He is amazing!”

I stood there for a while listening as Rachel told them about God the creator and moved on to telling them about God the Savior and how He sent His son.

As she told the story the children placed the beads carefully on the leather strap.

After each bead, they would look up at her with eyes wide

open waiting for the next part of the story. I wanted to freeze time and relish in the pure joy of what I was witnessing.

When the group of first graders left Rachel, I thanked her for the amazing way she was working her station. She responded, “But Ms. Gayla, that’s the way I learned it in GA’s.”

Is missions education important? Yes indeed it is!

I watched the results of missions education up close and personal as I watched 17-yearold Rachel tell the story of salvation to group after group after group of children who came through her station.

“For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16) Has anyone ever told you about God?”

August 2012

‘Patience, Church Planter’

By John Coleman, Pastor of EverSpring Church

M

y brain is littered with useless television and movie references. I vaguely remember scenes from the 70’s television show, Kung Fu, where a young orphan was taught patience by a Shaolin monk sensei.

What I remember is just scattered black and white images, but I have been quoting dialogue from that show my whole life.

This is especially evident when my children seem too hurried to be safe or too rushed to be successful at a certain task. I tell them, “Patience, Grasshopper.” In this small phrase, I’m saying, “Relax and take your time to assess the situation, or at the very least, to enjoy the moment,” just like that monk in Kung Fu taught his student to focus on what was lasting. Okay, maybe it’s not exactly like Kung Fu, but you get the point.

So, “Patience, Church Planter.”

Come on, you know we all need to hear it. In fact, “Patience, Church Leader,” might be more appropriate because learning to be patient in any areas of ministry will keep us all sane.

I have learned the importance of patience and perseverance over the past few years as a church planter. In late 2009, we set out to pioneer a new work in Bear, Del. Three other families joined us as we embarked on a mission to start a church that would help people experience the transforming power of Christ’s Gospel in their lives.

One of our first meetings was in the public library. It was a small, poorly ventilated room, but I didn’t mind. I had dreamed of being part of a revival I believe God desires to bring to my home state of Delaware since I was a teenager, so starting small was not a problem to me.

Rather, the actual problem arose in the usual place...my expectations. I was convinced EverSpring Church was going to grow so fast that I’d soon be writing books on how God made it all happen so suddenly. I should have known better, for this isn’t even my first church plant! By now I should have learned that my expectations don’t always match God’s plan.

We are now in our third year of ministry at EverSpring and we are just reaching an average attendance approaching 100. If you had asked me when we were meeting around the table with the core team during those early days, I would have estimated this level of growth in our first six months. Don’t get me wrong; being optimistic is not a bad thing. In fact, we dream too small most of the time. Where our “dream” becomes negative or counterproductive in ministry, though, is when we measure our “success” by some preconceived number or human time frame.

All church planters (at least, the honest ones) want to have the next big cover story. We all want our church to be the next Saddleback, and at least in the beginning that’s what I wanted, too.

Today, though, I don’t ask God to enable EverSpring to be the next cover story. I don’t pray to be the next Rick Warren or the next Steven Furtick. However, I do pray for help to lead my church forward in the best way possible to reach my community and my generation. I do pray for the strength to fight my desire to seek success in light of my own expectations, rather than God’s plan and timing.

Do you want to know how God has been answering my prayers? There has been no audible voice, but in my spirit I have heard Him speak to me over and over again this gentle admonition: “Be consistent. Be steady. Don’t worry. I am with you.”

This has kept me going through the months when attendance August 2012

and offerings were abysmal.

This has kept me going when a few months pass without a baptism. This has kept me going when I have felt alone, tired, frustrated and confused (all common feelings for church planters).

God has called me to a ministry of consistency.

So often we read the stories of great men and women of God and forget that between the lines are years and years of consistency. God blesses consistent faith. Your community trusts consistent presence.

John Coleman can be Over the past few reached by phone or months, God has been blesstext at (443) 523-6878 ing us with new families every or by email at john@ few weeks. We have moved everspringchurch.com. into a building strategically located on a main road in the heart of our area of ministry.

Just a few Sundays ago God drove this point home in my heart. We baptized 11 people (after about a six-month drought in baptisms)! The majority of those baptized were from families connected to our church from the community that we have been trying to touch consistently through kindness outreach.

I had to hold back the tears Sunday as the video of fathers hugging sons and daughters after their baptisms played during our service. Many of these folks have been attending our church for nearly a year. God made is so clear to me again: we are called to a ministry of consistency.

God is going to do amazing things in Delaware in my generation! I really do believe this; moreover, I believe EverSpring will play a part in that movement. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish it would happen tomorrow, but I hear God’s loving reminder to move steadily forward, “Patience, church planter.”

Columbia Extension Center Baptist Mission Resource Center • Columbia, MD FALL 2012 Fridays 7:00-9:30 pm Saturdays 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

SPRING 2013 Fridays 7:00-9:30 pm Saturdays 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Session 1: Aug. 10-Sept. 8 Survey of Christian Ethics Session 2: Sept. 14-Oct. 12 Into to Church History 1 Session 3: Oct. 26-Nov. 17 Intro to Christian History 2

Session 1: Jan. 25-Feb. 16 Leadership & Family Ministry Session 2: Mar. 1-Mar. 23 Intro to Missiology Session 3: April 8-May 4 Biblical Hermeneutics

For more information: contact Ken White 443-745-2904 or pastorken@comcast.net or go to: www.sbts.edu/extension/centers/columbia-md/ Page 21

What God is doing in our churches: Blue Ridge Baptist Association is starting an Evangelism Training Center to help Christians learn how to share their faith.

BRBA Director of Missions Bruce Conley said the association will use a variety of resources including Evangelism Explosion; “Just Walk Across the Room,” based on a book by Bill Hybels; Billy Graham School of Evangelism resources and Saddleback material. The association hopes to have two to three training events each year.

The first session will be an evangelism training event sponsored by Covenant Baptist Church, Shepherdstown, W. Va., on Aug. 18, working with Evangelism Fellowship Training.

Following the training session, participants will be invited to go to “Bike Night” in Martinsburg, W. Va., to get some hands on time witnessing and sharing Gospel information to those interested.

Canton Baptist Church (BBA), Baltimore, opened its outdoor venue, “The Dock @ Canton” in May. The outdoor covered patio area has a cool, outdoor cafe type feel. It’s ideal for the many dog walkers who daily pass the church. In fact, Steve Wolver-

pants were asked to submit questions in a drop box anonymously.

Wilson said that relieves the awkwardness of asking hard questions in a public setting.

First Baptist Church, Elkton, (SBA) has called Greg Weigel as associate pastor to education and discipleship. He comes to Elkton from Ogletown Baptist Church. He and his wife Cindy began their ministry on May 6. The senior pastor is James S. McBride.

First Baptist Church of LaPlata (PBA) is reaching out to their community this summer. The church had Vacation Bible School and backyard Bible clubs last month and is now in the midst of hosting an Upward flag football and cheerleading camp.

Fort Washington Baptist Church (PGBA) will host the Prince George’s Baptist Association’s next roundtable discussion on Nov. 3. The topic is “Should Christians join fraternities, sororities and secret orders?” and it’s the second of a two-part series.

Iron Hill Baptist Church (DBA), Newark, had their tenth annual Father’s Day car and bike show on June 17. About 80 cars were registered. Church members served about 600 hot dogs, water bottles, chips and sno-cones. They also had a moon bounce and a kids’ train.

Linthicum Baptist Church (ABA) women are making dresses and pants to send to a missionary in Haiti and also yarn dolls to send to a journeyman in Madagascar to give to children as he goes to different villages to spread the Gospel.

Redland Baptist Church (MBA) will have a handbell camp from 9 am-noon Monday through Thursday from Aug. 20-23. Each child will learn to play English handbells and have fun doing crafts, learning American Sign Language, and playing games.

The PrimeTimers at Bethel Baptist Church (MMBA) honored Jimmy Jackson and his wife, Cleo, for 60 years of service to the Lord and the thousands of people who have been touched and blessed by their faithfulness.

ASSOCIATION KEY...

ton, pastor of Canton Church, took notice of those people and thought an outdoor venue would be a perfect way to connect to the neighborhood.

On opening day, the church offered food and drinks and pet-related activities in an effort to get to know the dog owners.

The Sunday following the opening day, several of those people returned and sat outside to listen to the service.

Page 22

Arundel ABA Baltimore BBA Blue Ridge

BRBA

Delaware DBA Eastern EBA Mid-Maryland MMBA Montgomery MBA Potomac PBA Prince George’s

PGBA

Susquehanna SBA Western WBA

College Parkway Baptist Church (ABA), Annapolis, has a topical Sunday school class called “The Shuffle.” Ron Wilson, who teaches the class, said it’s designed for people who don’t want “homework” type classes, but still want challenging deep studies. The current session is called “Tough Questions Tackled.” Partici-

Upper Seneca Baptist Church (MBA), Germantown, had an official dedication service for their new church sign on June 10.

Western Baptist Association churches are in full swing in their annual fair and special event summer ministry. Churches volunteered at Grantsville Days and the Allegany County Fair.

This month they’ll be at the Garrett County Fair. Volunteers man baby comfort stations, providing clean, safe areas to care for their children’s needs. They also give away free walking sticks. The sticks have beads on their handle that the volunteers use to share the Gospel.

OBITUARY—William Harold Lipham, Sr., of Tucson, Ariz., passed away on July 1, 2012 after a valiant fight against leukemia.

He is survived by his wife of almost 53 years, Carol Jean Lipham, and their family: son Douglas W. Lipham, daughter-in-law Shannon, and grandsons Kyle and Jaxyn of Monroe and Kannapolis, N.C.; son Steven W. Lipham, daughter-in-law Beverly and grandsons Camden and Aidan of Gallatin, Tenn., and son William (Bill) H. Lipham, Jr., daughter-in-law Judy and granddaughter Ella of Tucson, Ariz.

Lipham was born in Pensacola, Fla., on Feb. 25, 1936, and was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. He served 56 years as a Southern Baptist minister in Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky and Arizona. In Maryland, he served at Calvary Baptist in Bel Air, Md., Indian Head Baptist and Elkridge Baptist. He was a graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the International Mission Board, SBC, in Richmond, Va.

August 2012

“Dear Counselor” with CentrePointe Counseling, Inc.

“What should I do if I suspect an eating disorder?”

Dear Counselor, I am recently married and have noticed some unusual behavior of my wife which had not caught my attention during our courtship. Whenever we share a meal together at home or in public, invariably at the end of the meal she will excuse herself and go to the restroom. While this might not be too odd, what has me worried is that when I have passed the restroom at home after dinner she seems to be vomiting. When I ask her about this, she says everything is fine.

—“Worried” Dear “Worried”: Your observations are significant and may well indicate that your wife is suffering from an eating disorder known as bulimia nervosa in which the person follows a pattern of binging and purging. Such persons may also be binging on food when others are not around and may be regularly using laxatives, diuretics, enemas, etc. accompanied by periods of fasting and excessive exercise. Sometimes with eating disorders there is simply binge eating where one is powerless over food, and sometimes there is an obsession with thinness and excessive weight loss in a condition called anorexia nervosa.

These eating disorders are estimated to occur in 10 million females and 1 million males each year and can be life threatening (Mintle, 2011). While reasons for these disorders are complex and contextual, our cultural obsession with body image and the sub-culture of the church where food is an ac-

ceptable “substance” to abuse create an environment for these disorders to flourish.

As you have already discovered, denial that there is a problem is common and resistance to treatment is high in most cases. However, these disorders do not go away without professional help. I would encourage you to engage the help of others to collect more “data” from observations such as your own. Close friends, family, trusted persons from church may help to confirm or deny your suspicions. Then, you can bring those persons together, along with your pastor, to speak directly to your wife about your concerns and the necessity of getting help. Your pastor may then be able to help develop a team who would work with your wife, including such persons as a therapist, a medical doctor, a psychiatrist, and a nutritionist.

Used appropriately in combination with other approaches, certain Scripture verses can be of tremendous help such as Romans 12:1-2 (renewal of the mind); I Corinthians 3:16 (treating the body well); 2 Timothy 1:17 (not living in fear). As well, there are helpful books like: Mintle (2002), “Breaking free from anorexia and bulimia;” or Mintle, (2006), “Making peace with your thighs.”

— Tom Rodgerson Send your questions by email to trodgerson@bcmd.org.

For appointment information, call (800) 491-5369 or visit www.centrepointecounseling.org.

Michael Mattar: Let’s talk about immigration, continued from p. 15 To begin with, we have to admit we are a nation of immigrants. Unless you are Native American, you are the product of immigration. And while it is true the issues and impact of immigration are not universally applicable to all times and places in our history, it is instructive to remind ourselves of some of that history.

For example, if you are of German descent, you might be interested to know how many looked at and felt about immigrants back when Germans first came to the U.S. In his day, Benjamin Franklin worried about the impact of German immigrants on his beloved Pennsylvania: “Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them?”

Franklin worried about their language and even questioned their intelligence toward learning English and becoming good citizens. Sound familiar?

Familiar also to us are the attitudes and treatment of Irish immigrants in the 1800’s and, later, Italian immigrants in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s.

One issue that seems universally applicable to immigration regardless of August 2012

time and place are the compelling reasons leading to someone seeking to immigrate: poverty, famine and persecution. It was famine that drove the tribe of Jacob to Egypt. Persecution drove Joseph and Mary to bundle up their newborn baby, Jesus, and head also to Egypt.

Religious persecution brought thousands to risk the hazardous journey across the ocean and seek a new life in the new world known as America. The potato famine in Ireland in the early 1800’s brought about the great Irish immigration to America. Issues of poverty in Italy similarly brought the Italian immigrants to America in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The issues of poverty, famine and persecution remain the primary issues today causing someone to seek to immigrate to the U.S. While illegal immigration has always been a concern within the entirety of immigration history, it has become a particular boiling point today.

Romans 13:1-7 makes it abundantly clear that God expects us to obey the laws of the government. The only exception to this is when a law of the government forces you to disobey a command of God (Acts 5:29). Illegal immigration is the breaking

of a governmental law. There is nothing in Scripture that contradicts a nation having immigration laws. Let me remind you though, that not all illegal immigrants entered this country illegally. Some immigrants became illegal when their ‘status’ expired. Many found in this situation try to find ways to either renew their status or change status to become legal again.

I think we can all feel some anguish for people who find themselves in the desperate situation of poverty and famine, sensing no alternative but to cross the border into America in hope of finding work and bringing their families with them, only to be discovered and separated from them.

There is much, much, much, more to be discussed about the issue of immigration. I hope you’ll take the next step in the conversation by attending the upcoming forums scheduled for Spring of 2013.

Michael Mattar is pastor, Hope Fellowship Church, Sterling, Va., language missionary for Montgomery Baptist Association, and the point person for Embrace Silver Spring.

He may be contacted at michaelmattar@ verizon.net, (703) 599-3527 Page 23

BaptistLIFE 10255 Old Columbia Road Columbia, MD 21046-1716

Non-profit U.S. Postage PAID Columbia, MD Permit #350