June 8, 2015 Illinois Baptist

h e n w a r c o m e s h o m e Holy

News and updates

Throughout the week:

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Sterling | The young soldier sat in the chair across from Army Chaplain Aaron Jackson and described the grisly scene that reoccurred in the private’s nightmares

But Jackson was only half listening Instead, his own anxiety that he had spent years suppressing flooded his mind, and images of violence and death caused his hands to become clammy and his heart to race

“Until that point I had always felt stronger than it,” said Jackson “No

way was it going to overtake me In the military we are taught to improvise, adapt and overcome You don’t want to be the one who’s hurting ”

The more he counseled others, the more Jackson’s post-traumatic stress disorder came to the surface PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or seeing a terrifying event It’s closely connected to military service; the National Center for PTSD reports 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Free-

2015 Southern Baptist Convention

Baptists bathe Ohio in prayer before SBC

Columbus, Ohio | Southern Baptists in Ohio prayed in each of the state’s 88 county seats the month before the Southern Baptist Convention was scheduled to hold its annual meeting there

“The short-term goal is that Ohio Baptists literally would be purified and unified as one, and cry out as one voice for Jesus to draw the lost to Him in every single county,” the effort’s organizer, Cathy Pound, told Baptist Press

The prayer focus couldn’t be more timely as far as the SBC’s Annual Meeting is concerned; President Ronnie Floyd has designated this year ’s meeting, June 16-17, as a time for Baptists to cry out to God together for spiritual awakening in their churches,

communities, the nation, and the world

The Pray Ohio Call to Prayer started last year, with a special prayer emphasis every month May was county seats, and June is the city of Columbus and Crossover, an annual pre-Convention evangelistic effort in the SBC host city

“This has been a long emphasis of ours,” said Jack Kwok, executive director/treasurer of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio “We think it’s very providential Ronnie (Floyd) came along with a similar vision and heartbeat in praying for awakening, and it just fit real well ”

The Tuesday evening session of the SBC Annual Meeting is a “Call to

dom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD, as do 12% of veterans of the Gulf War

But it’s not only war-related The Center says 7-8% of the U S population will have PTSD at some point, about 5 2 million adults in a given year.

Churches and pastors can play a vital role in the healing process, said Kip Troeger, a National Guard chaplain based in Springfield and a member of Living Faith Baptist, Sherman

Continued on page 6

‘Revelation Song’ composer to lead

Springfield | IBSA’s Summer Worship University for students will feature Dove Award-winning songwriter Jennie

Lee Riddle The author of “Revelation Song” will teach several classes in worship leadership and songwriting at the week-long training event for students July 13-17

“Jennie will start off each day teaching a class that will help all students write music and poetry from the book of Psalms,” said Steve Hamrick, IBSA’s director of Worship and Church Music Ministries

Continued on page 2

by Kayla Rinker

Scout leader reflects larger ‘attitude’

Boy Scouts of America President Rob Gates (right) said last month that Scouti ought to end its ban on gay leaders, and th he wouldn’t move to revoke the charter of councils already operating in violation of the current policy Gates’ remarks reflect “an attitude that has infected many faith-based and religious organizations,” blogged Joe Carter of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission “ [M]any religious leaders simply lack the courage to stand up to internally destructive dissidents for fear of losing the broader organization ”

In 2014, as Boy Scouts moved to welcome gay members, messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention adopted a resolution that stopped short of calling for a Scouts boycott, but did urge the removal of leadership who sought the policy change

Irish youth key in marriage vote

After a majority of Irish citizens voted to legalize same-sex marriage, Dublin’s Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said the vote is indicative of the Catholic Church’s relationship with young people “I ask myself, most of these young people who voted yes are products of our Catholic school system for 12 years,” Martin told national Irish broadcaster RTE “I’m saying there’s a big challenge there to see how we get across the message of the church ”

A new Gallup poll of American adults found 60% support same-sex marriage, an all-time high

IMB adopts new guidelines

Trustees of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board adopted in May a new, unified set of qualifications for missionaries The new policy updates previous stipulations that went beyond what is described in The Baptist Faith & Message (2000), including qualifications about divorce, baptism, families with teenage children, and speaking in tongues

“This policy asserts that this statement of faith, which unites over 40,000 churches in the Southern Baptist Convention, is sufficient for us,” wrote IMB President David Platt

Photo project restores Joplin

After a massive tornado barreled through Joplin, Mo , ve years ago, First Baptist Church in arby Carthage started a ministry to elp restore and return lost family phos The “Lost Photos of Joplin” project, egun by Minister of Music Thad eeler, has returned more than 17,500 hotos that were lost in the storm

What s big on the small screen

American television watchers love geniuses, crime procedurals, and zombies, according to Barna’s new report on what we’re watching “The Big Bang Theory” is the most popular among Mil nial and Gen Xers, and second for Boome

Other high rankers: “Criminal Minds,” “T Walking Dead,” and “NCIS ”

How much TV people watch seems to increase by generation: Millennials report two hours of viewing per day, while Elders watch five hours a day.

Riddle: Worship is ‘all-encompassing lifestyle’

Continued from page 1

Riddle and Micah Tyler, a recording artist from Buna, Texas, will also teach a Worship Leaders workshop Students in that class will lead nightly worship sessions alongside the artists and other adult coaches.

“Revelation Song,” which was certified gold last year, was made a worship staple in churches by artists like Phillips, Craig & Dean and Kari Jobe Riddle, a former high school principal, invests in the next generation through The Emerging Sound, a series of workshops for young writers and worship leaders.

When describing worship and training young people, she used military-style language, calling

worship “a powerful weapon ”

“If we will train young people now, we will arm them for life,” Riddle told the Illinois Baptist She also said worship is not a career, or something that’s volunteered for or assigned. Rather, it’s a mandate

“The most important thing in worship ministry is to stay on active duty and recognize that it is an all-encompassing lifestyle ”

Summer Worship University is for students in grades 6-12, and includes all members of IBSA’s All State Youth Choir In addition to songwriting and worship leadership, students can choose from classes in choir, band, guitar, piano, bass, drums, voice,

brass instruments, drama, musicianship, stomp, interpretive movement, visual art, sign language and worship technology And ukulele

SWU seeks to develop students spiritually as well as musically, with breakout sessions in apologetics, evangelism and discipleship

The cost is $199 per student, which includes class fees, lodging and meals Summer Worship University is held at Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, Mo Go to IBSA.org/worship to register and for more information, or contact Hamrick at (217) 391-3132 or

SteveHamrick@IBSA

Illinois bikers ride south for Baptist history

Nashville, Tenn | Nine motorcyclists from Illinois’ F A I T H Riders ministry used the long Memorial Day weekend to ride to the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Board, where they toured the building and viewed some historical Baptist treasures

“The group saw and held the original hand-written charter from the first convention in Augusta, Ga , ” said IBSA’s Pat Pajak, who helped organize the ride “They also held the Philadelphia Bible, over 200 years old, and the Broadus gavel that has opened every SBC Convention since its inception ”

The group also did several “bike blessings,” on their trip, Pajak said, praying for motorcycle riders they met at gas stations and rest stops. One couple from Missouri accepted Jesus as Savior, he reported

For more information about F A I T H Riders, contact Pajak at (217) 391-3129 Go to http://ibsa e-quip net and search

org

“Motorcycle Ministry” for information on how to start a ministry at your church

BFI adds new option to bonds program

Springfield | In an effort to offer investors a more predictable option for individual and church saving, the Baptist Foundation of Illinois is now offering “defined maturity” bonds

BFI Executive Director Doug Morrow said the bonds will help investors predict when they might have financial need, and plan their investment accordingly For example, if a bond purchaser knows they need to make a major purchase in two years, they can buy a bond that will mature in that time frame Bonds are available in $1,000 increments, and support capital loans for Illinois Baptist churches When bonds are purchased, BFI uses the invested funds to make loans to churches

that then pay interest on those loans to the Foundation

“Our goal is to provide a way for Illinois Baptist individuals and churches to receive a much higher return than in a comparable bank investment, while investing in Illinois Baptist churches,” Morrow said Bond issue 2015C is currently open, with the f lowing annual yield (coupons) and maturities:

1 year: 1.25%

2 years: 2 25%

3 years: 3%

4 years: 3.6%

5 years: 4 25%

The issue closes Jun 30, or when fully s scribed Once the issue closes,

approximately $5 million will have been invested in the expansion of 21 Illinois Baptist churches, Morrow said BFI’s loan program remains defaultfree since its inception

A new “near real-time” widget has been developed at www BaptistFoundationIL org that shows remainavailability or the bonds

To download a prospectus and app l i c a t i o n , click on the “Saving and Investing” tab on he website

REST STOP – A group of F A I T H Riders from Illinois toured the SBC Executive Committee in May Tour guide and Executive Vice President Augie Boto “said it was the first time a motorcycle ministry group toured the building,” said Pat Pajak (back row, third from right)

The BIG Picture New chapter commences for inmates

Rosharon, Texas | Inside the maximum security Darrington Prison Unit, May 9 was graduation day

“You have done a great deal to educate the mind,” said Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, “but this program is a little different, isn’t it? Because the program has not just been about the mind; it’s been about the heart ”

Patterson was speaking to the firstever graduating class of Southwestern’s prison program, itself a first for Texas The program was inspired by New Orleans Seminary’s educational efforts at Angola Prison in Louisiana

At Darrington, 33 inmates received bachelor ’s degrees, as underclassmen cheered and watched a video feed of the ceremony (photo below)

Mission:Dignity

is June 28, 2015 — Order materials today.

The Illinois General Assembly ended the spring session Sunday, May 31, without a budget in place, leading Gov Bruce Rauner to call it a “stunningly disappointing” session Because of the unfinished business, House Speaker Mike Madigan (DChicago) said, “The House will be in continuous session this summer ” Representatives were expected to be back in session Thursday, June 4

Senate President John Cullerton (DChicago) also said his chamber would be back in session June 9, and told senators to be prepared to return to Springfield “until our work is done,” the Springfield State Journal-Register reported

Here are updates on bills we’ve been following throughout the spring session:

Right of conscience

Before the close of session, the Senate passed SB 1564, which would require physicians who refuse to perform certain procedures like abortion to refer their patients to doctors who will perform the procedures. It would also require crisis pregnancy centers to give referrals to Planned Parenthood and other abortion centers

The House is expected to vote on the bill this summer

Many of the graduates will leave Darrington for other prisons, where they’ll help chaplains start similar programs Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick called the graduates “prison apostles ”

“I’m overwhelmed at what God has done,” he said at the ceremony “Only God could do this ”

Medical marijuana

The Senate passed SB 0033, which adds Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to the list of debilitating conditions which qualify patients to receive medical marijuana The House may take up the issue this summer

Student Prayer

HB 0165, which amended the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act, passed in both chambers and is effective immediately The bill allows for voluntary student prayer and group prayer events, such as Bible Clubs and “See You at the Pole ”

Gay conversion therapy

HB 0127, the Conversion Therapy

Prohibition Act, was approved by the Senate and House and sent to Governor Rauner for his signature The bill bans gay conversion therapy in the state

According to the Chicago Tribune, “Businesses that advertise or offer conversion therapy services in a manner that represents homosexuality as a mental illness could face legal action under Illinois consumer fraud laws.”

The paper also reported, “Psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, social workers and counselors caught doing so [providing such therapy] could be deemed as engaging in unprofessional conduct ” They could be subject to fines and permanent revocation of their professional licenses

Sources: State Journal-Register, Illinois Family Institute, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune

HATS ON – Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson leads faculty through the Darrington Prison Unit during May 9 graduation ceremonies SWBTS photo by Matt Miller

– From Keith Collier ’s report for the Southern Baptist TEXAN and Baptist Press (BPNews net)

to know I can pay my bills on time.”

“I don’t have to worry about being cold, hungry or going without my medicine.

— VIRGINIA PANGLE, widow of Rev. Hazen Pangle

Nate Adams

Cooperation: The pathway to plenty

y work has always involved a fair amount of travel And so early on, I discovered the value of joining various reward programs, where the airline or hotel chain or rental car company gives you a certain number of reward points each time you use their services Those reward points can then be redeemed for free flights or stays or rentals

I know many travelers actually choose the company with which they travel based on the reward points they are seeking to accumulate That’s exactly the kind of loyalty the company is seeking to achieve with its program

However, I’ve always felt that I should try to choose the least expensive option, whether using my employer ’s travel funds or my own. So over the years, I’ve ended up joining multiple rewards programs, hoping to earn at least a few points, no matter what hotel or airline happens to be least expensive

I think that’s why a certain television commercial caught my attention a few days ago It was advertising a new rewards program, one that multiple companies of all different types were cooperating to sponsor There were nationwide chains of supermarkets, gas stations, retailers, and insurance companies, as well as the option of earning points through online ordering And not only could you earn points in these multiple ways, you could spend them in multiple places!

Now I’m not mentioning this program to endorse it or encourage anyone to try it But I have to admit

Pray through the news

Pray for these requests and pass them along to your pastor or prayer leader:

– Ministering to veterans and their families, page 7

– 2015 Southern Baptist Convention, page 9

Prayer prompts are provided by Phil Miglioratti, IBSA’s prayer consultant Contact him at philNPPN@gmail com

it was very attractive to someone like me, who wants to choose the best option for my employer or me, regardless of which company is providing the service These individual companies had chosen to work together to provide rewards in ways that were more beneficial to me, their shared customer

It then occurred to me that this is actually one of the reasons that I find our Southern Baptist Cooperative Program so attractive and compelling What if individual SBC mission boards or ministries chose to compete with one another for my loyalty and support? What if I had to choose between state missions, North American missions, and international missions? What if my missions dollar only “earned points” with one “service provider,” to the exclusion of the others?

Part of the genius and effectiveness of Cooperative Program missions is that it allows me to “earn points” in multiple mission fields and ministries, along with every other faithful giver in my church A portion of each dollar I giv my church is set aside for the larger SBC missions and ministries And points are accumulated with the gifts churches, they grow and can be “r through multiple service providers, one

How many “points” for missions does your weekly giving through your church earn? If you don’t know, that’s a good question to ask

your missions or finance committee, or your pastor

My home church designates 10% of its undesignated offerings for Cooperative Program missions That means a dime out of every dollar I give each week earns multiple “rewards,” through the International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, our six world-class seminaries, and, of course, right here in Illinois through IBSA

I really like the title of that rewards program I saw on that TV commercial They simply call it “Plenti ” The idea, I think, is that there are plenty of points to be earned, and plenty of service providers to provide plenty of benefits to plenty of customers It’s not competition and scarcity, but rather cooperation and generosity that lead to plenty It’s a truth that we as God’s people should model, especially through our missions giving Cooperation is the pathway to plenty

Nate Adams is executive director of the IlliBaptist State Association Respond to his umn at IllinoisBaptist@IBSA org

Reporter’s Notebook SOUND OFF

It was the story that wasn’t really a story according to many observers, at least

Pew Research’s report on Christianity, released last month, noted a decline of almost eight percentage points (in seven years) in the share of American adults who describe themselves as Christians from 78 4% in 2007 to 70 6% in 2014

The number of religiously unaffiliated people, conversely, has risen from 16 1% to 22 8%

You’re forgiven if you read the research and it all felt a little iar Pew released simil findings in 2012, and the I ternet nearly exploded wi news about the “rise of t nones ”

Way Research President Ed Stetzer wrote American Christianity while losing percentage points is gaining a “distinctly evangelical face ”

Debating the research

The ILLINOIS BAPTIST Staff

For questions about subscript ons, articles, or upcoming events, contact the Illinois Baptist at (217) 391-3110 or IllinoisBaptist@IBSA org

The Ill no s Baptist is seeking news from IBSA churches E-mai us at IllinoisBaptist@IBSA org to tell us about anniversar es special events and new min stry staff

POSTMASTER: The Illinois Baptist is owned and publ shed every three weeks by the Illinois Baptist State Association, 3085 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703-4440 Subscript ons are free to Illinois Baptists Subscribe onl ne at IBSA org

This time, though, many Christian leaders took a different tack. The numbers show a shift in Christianity, sure, but may not indicate it’s time to panic

“I think this is perhaps bad news for America, but it is good news for the church,” blogged Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore The report’s findings show “the nones” aren’t isolated to traditionally unchurched regions of the U S , he noted “Christianity isn’t normal anymore, and that’s good news….Only a strange gospel can differentiate itself from the worlds we construct But the strange, freakish, foolish old gospel is what God uses to save people and to resurrect churches (1 Cor 1:20-22) ”

The report may also indicate a positive shift for evangelicalism In a piece for The Washington Post, Life-

The “dramatic shift” he referenced in his article’s title isn’t the decline of Christianity, but a tendency toward evangelicalism: Depending on how you look at the new numbers, the evangelical percentage of the American population either decreased slightly (from 26% in 2007 to 25% last year), or actually grew The number of people who describe themselves evangelical or born gain rose from 34% to 5% Even the first set of umbers, based on deominational affiliation, report the total number of evangelicals in America is larger than in 2007 from 59 8 million then, to 62 2 million now

“No one should read a slight uptick in number and conclude evangelicalism is thriving,” Stetzer warned “There is plenty of room for improvement ”

Still, he said, the numbers show half of American Christians define themselves as evangelical or born again

“We have gone from a time when nobody knew what former President Jimmy Carter was talking about when he mentioned being ‘born again,’ to where half of all Christians use that phrase or the word evangelical to describe themselves,” Stetzer wrote

Now, that sounds like a story

The new Pew numbers may not have been ground-breaking, but the report did set off some spirited conversations among religion and culture watchers:

“Yes, mainline denominations remain in sharp decline, and yes, evangelicals have fared slightly better overall Yet many evangelical bodies have begun shrinking as a share of the population as well These numbers tell us that America’s religious landscape is more complex than some evangelicals once believed Conservatism does not necessarily lead to growth, it seems, and liberalism does not necessarily lead to decline ”

– Jonathan Merritt, religionnews com

“Merritt is correct that a key concern is the ‘growing number of people who are apathetic or antagonistic to the claims of Christianity ’ But that should not lead us to conclude that [it] is evangelicalism that must change We shouldn’t abandon the gospel or water it down to make it more palatable ”

– Joe Carter, erlc com

“What’s in steepest decline is affiliation, not religious practice What we’re clearly seeing happen, in Bible Belt environs as well as on the liberal coasts, is people who once would have identified as Christians socially (as Christmas-and-Easter Methodists, cultural Catholics, etc ) are now dropping the label altogether In terms of religious practice, however, the trend is less stark ”

–

Douthat,

e genius and effectiveness Cooperative Program missions is that it allows us to support multiple mission fields and ministries.

The news isn’t as bad as we think

Ross

The New York Times

Before we get to Columbus

For many Baptists traveling north and east for this month’s Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Ohio probably feels like an out-of-theway destination Before moving to Chicago earlier this year, my husband, Steven (an IBSA zone consultant), and I lived and ministered in Ohio for several years

Those of us in the Midwest know the state as an influential place whose opinions and politics can affect the whole country, and where the gospel is desperately needed

In the 1980s, Columbus, the state capital, adopted a new slogan, proclaiming the city “the heart of it all ” Truly, time and again, the state has proven to be a powerful community in politics As one Washington Post columnist wrote before the 2012 presidential election: “As Ohio goes, so goes the presidential race ”

But how much do we know about its capital? Here are some facts and figures: Columbus is home to Ohio State, one of the country’s largest public universities The city has a large LGBT community and has been named the country’s “most underrated gay city” by an LGBT travel website

At 36%, Catholicism is the predominant religion practiced in Columbus, and the Muslim population is on the rise According to the most recent statistics, only 6% of the city’s population identifies as Southern Baptist

The SBC is going to Columbus in order that we might bring the good news of the gospel to the lost, and so that we might strengthen and encourage each other and our brothers and sisters in Christ who are on the front lines, pushing back the darkness

As we share the gospel through the Crossover evangelistic outreach and other outlets along the way, we can say like the prophet in Isaiah 40:9, “Behold your God!”

As we go into Columbus, here are some things to remember and pray:

• As light bearers, we must keep the premier things in their place The premier thing is the love of God, and the second is to love others As Christians, our premier work is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ

• We should go in the spirit of missions, not only sharing the Word, but also showing the gospel through acts of service, compassion, and justice toward the lost

• We must go to Columbus encouraging our denomination to purposely speak to the issues of our young people, in order that we might raise up a passionate, God-fearing generation of diverse leaders who stand on the Word of God and live with a Christian worldview, even in these difficult times

Let us greet the city of Columbus graciously As we do, our desire must be to bless our host city by our conduct and love for people, even as we lift up our voices saying, “Behold your God!”

Robin Bickerstaff Glover is a writer living in Chicago and a member of Uptown Baptist Church

Table Talk: Theology, ministry, and things that matter

“The

A slice of life

Very religious

32.6%

Moderately religious

Get fit: Physical health is a spiritual issue

Looking down at the scale, I was shocked I knew I wasn’t making healthy choices when it came to exercise or eating, but I never expected to see my 5’11’’ frame register at 50 pounds over my ideal weight!

For years I had attempted short excursions into exercise or healthier eating, but never with any results or real dedication And as I contemplated my situation, I realized for the first time that my weight problem wasn’t a physical issue it was a spiritual one

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

My life habits weren’t glorifying God Food was often a comfort for me when I was stressed or just wanted to forget everything around me It became clear to me that if I was looking for comfort or peace, I needed to start going to God

So I did

I began allowing more opportunities for prayer and found God growing that time both in length and in depth

Scripture became my food in times of trouble, and I worked more diligently on applying the Bible and not just reading it But I also realized I needed to be more physically active

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way ” (1 Timothy 4:8)

Paul wasn’t telling young Timothy to pursue spiritual health and deny physical health Bodily training is of “some value,” and our spiritual life should influence our physical life. I was determined to do exactly that, because I had known far too many pastors with self-imposed health problems that were a result of unhealthy choices I decided I wasn’t going to be one of those men The choice had to be made now if I wanted to be physically able to serve

God, my family, and my church

So, I began to exercise regularly It wasn’t intense, but it was something Lunch choices became more than just “regular” or “super-sized ” Fried foods and soda didn’t go away for me, but the quantities did When someone would ask about my weight loss, my common response was, “I stopped going back for thirds ”

Eventually I took up running, and 2011 was spent running several times a week, anywhere from three miles to a personal best of nine Before every run and every workout I reminded myself of this: “Quitting is easier than completing ” I prayed before my workouts and my runs that God would give me the physical strength, as well as the mental strength, to become a more effective tool for his service And sure enough, God answered my prayer.

It took a while, but by the end of 2011, I was down to my target weight And other than some occasional fluctuations (hello, Christmas candy!) that’s right where I’m at today A knee injury last year claimed my running career, so now I’m at the gym early in the mornings four times

28.7%

38.6% Nonreligious

a week And through all this, I’m stronger and healthier today than at any point in my life, including Basic Training!

Through this, I’ve learned some valuable lessons

1 Stop making excuses about your eating Claiming your Baptist heritage (potlucks, fried chicken, fried everything) just isn’t funny anymore

2 Not feeling full is not the same as feeling hungry

3 Be patient! Change takes time, especially when you’re changing your life and not just your body

4 Set goals! My first run was sad So I set a goal of one mile and worked up to it Then three Then five

If you struggle with weight, stop thinking of it solely as a physical issue Admit that it’s a spiritual issue Repent of gluttony and idolatry of food Pray for the resolve to complete instead of quit And remember that God desires the glory even as you eat and drink

Heath Tibbetts is pastor of First Baptist Church, Machesney Park

“It became clear to me that if I was looking for comfort or peace, I needed to start going to God.”

only downside of updating our sound system is the increase in sermon critiques ”

Churches play key role in helping people suffering from PTSD

Continued from page 1

Troeger said the church holds a unique position to reach out to all people and their families who are battling PTSD

“If you are dealing with something that has put a bruise on your soul or is surrounded by a tremendous amount of shame, or maybe you were even put in a situation that goes contrary to your moral conscience, what better place than at the cross of Jesus Christ to find healing?” he said “That’s the answer that the secular world can’t provide ” ‘The God of all comfort’

In the 1990s and early 2000s, before God called him into the ministry as a pastor and a chaplain, Aaron Jackson served as an Air Force cop for the security forces in Iraq

“I was an assistant flight sergeant on the midnight shift for combat controls,” he said “It was a busy time and that was a busy part of the war ”

To this day, Jackson prefers not to talk about the details.

But it was during his chaplaincy, just three years from full military retirement, when Jackson knew he had to quit He was asked to identify the remains of one of the men in his unit

“That was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Jackson said “I had to get away from it ”

That was in 2008 Now seven years later, Jackson is pastor of Emmanuel

Baptist Church in Sterling Though his PTSD hasn’t gone away, Jackson said the Lord has brought comfort and blessings in the middle of his afflictions, just like the Apostle Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort

with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (ESV)

“I’ve clung to this verse and it’s helped me realize a purpose in the post-traumatic stress disorder and a purpose in my going through combat,” he said

Jackson can shine a light in the deep darkness that most have never walked through Whether a person has experienced a war zone, sexual abuse, natural disasters, serious accidents or

another type of traumatic event, Jackson knows what it means to live with PTSD But he also knows where hope is found

And though Jackson still battles his symptoms of anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, memory loss, anger, social issues, and physical struggles, they don’t overwhelm him like they once did

In fact, Jackson recently visited a local Veterans Affairs (VA) office and underwent a series of tests His VA therapist said his symptoms have greatly improved in the last year

“He attributed that to my being around people of the same faith that I have,” Jackson said “I certainly know that’s true My church family and support system throughout Sinnissippi Baptist Association is an awesome blessing. I also know Jesus Christ is providing his healing power and comfort Oh and of course Archer; he is a tangible of God’s grace ”

Archer is a service dog that Jackson acquired through an organization associated with Disabled Veterans He said Archer has helped him with anxiety, parts of his depression, and even his nightmares

“He sleeps by my bed and when he sees me start to struggle in my sleep, he wakes me up,” Jackson said “He’s also the official greeter at our church Everyone loves Archer ”

MAN’S BEST FRIEND – Pastor Aaron Jackson’s dog, Archer, has helped him overcome symptoms of PTSD and also is the official greeter at his church, Emmanuel Baptist in Sterling

“One of the things that Vietnam taught me and the repor ting I did subsequently after the war was that wars don’t end They come home , and it’s the women and the children who fight them

There is a war to find beauty and meaning in life again. There is sometimes a war to learn how to pick up a fork, how to tie a shoe , how to reconnect with a world that sent you to do something you never really thought you were going to do And the aftermath of war is something that is profound ”

– Vietnam War reporter Laura Palmer, on CBS’ “Face the Nation” May 24

His dog also encourages Jackson to overcome social reservations When dog-lovers see Archer with Jackson, they can’t help but approach the pair

“Most people think I’m training him I explain that he’s my service dog, but my scars are unseen,” Jackson said. “With Archer I am able to celebrate and rejoice through these struggles, just like Paul and the thorn in his side I would love God to just release me of PTSD, but the truth is that might not happen You have to learn to live with it and live through it You don’t have to stay down with it and you don’t have to accept the hurt it brings ”

Once Jackson started receiving the holistic help he needed to deal with his PTSD, he was finally able to live with it and allow God to work in a mighty way

Caring for families

Chaplain Troeger said those who are most successful at working through PTSD take advantage of every resource available to them

“And above that, those with the best results are willing to address the spiritual side of the issue,” Troeger said “PTSD is the mind’s normal response to an abnormal experience In my perspective, the guys who finally pray to God and say, ‘I can’t do this You are going to have to take it from me,’ are the ones who come through it the best ”

Another way the church can help is to encourage connection through Sunday school classes and small groups

Duane Smith, pastor at First Baptist Church, Mascoutah, and a former member of the U S Air Force, said PTSD often causes people to withdraw and, in turn, compound PTSD with alcohol abuse, phobias, obsessive-compulsive issues and eating disorders

“The church body and pastors must be encouraging and not let anyone slip through the cracks,” he said “Pastors think they’re not experts on PTSD, but they don’t have to be They are equipped to handle a wide range of hurts We can help folks if we truly believe that we worship a God who knows all things ”

Military veterans may be most susceptible to PTSD, but their families often suffer too When mom or dad comes home and things aren’t the same, spouses and children can bear the brunt of the “new normal ” Troeger said another way churches can be proactive, especially when it comes to ministering to service members and their families, is by participating in the Illinois National Guard Joint Force Partners in Care

Through the partnership, member churches agree to provide the Illinois National Guard a list of services, ministries and support, and the Guard provides training and resources to churches on how to assist members and their families in times of crisis, stress and need

Pray through the news

“I can tell you that our church and many churches around this area are a tremendous support, whether it’s through a formal thing like Partners in Care or just a willingness to help,” Troeger said

“PTSD awareness is a great thing One of the biggest hurdles is de-stigmatizing mental health issues Dealing with PTSD does not mean you’re somehow broken or have a weak mind Again, it’s the mind’s normal response to an abnormal experience That’s it ”

For more information about Partners in Care or other ways your church can help military families, contact Kip Troeger at (217) 299-8767 or kip a troeger@gmail com

Special to the Illinois Baptist Kayla Rinker is a reporter living in southwest Missouri

It’s not just a military problem: 4 resources for understanding PTSD

It might be a woman who was sexually abused and now wants nothing to do with the outside world Or perhaps it’s a soldier who, in an instant, became an eyewitness to the death of a child caught in the crossfire of war Or maybe it’s a child who will never forget the terror that enveloped him the night a tornado demolished the only home he had ever known

Anyone is susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the National Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) is encouraging churches everywhere to bring awareness to PTSD and reach out to those who are dealing with its debilitating symptoms

PTSD will be WMU’s Project HELP initiative through 2016 The organization has developed resources to strengthen leaders and churches as they walk with those suffering from PTSD:

Drawing Near: Understanding and Supporting Those with PTSD

This resource kit helps the church understand ways to create a loving community around those struggling with PTSD

It contains an overview of PTSD, a Bible study on its spiritual dimensions, a focused prayer plan, a teaching plan, PTSD resources for all ages, suggested missions projects, ideas for mobilizing a church’s response through care teams, and a poster to promote involvement

Trading Up: Bible Stories that Move Us from Pain to Peace

These 12 small-group sessions for PTSD sufferers and people walking alongside them include Bible stories and backgrounds, Scripture promises, points to make, and discussion questions to offer hope and healing

Sometimes I Am Afraid

Your Pain

Is Changing You:

Discover the Power of a Godly Response

Suffering shapes your life your goals, dreams, values, and priorities

While you cannot choose the sorrows that interrupt your life, you can choose your response Author David Crosby, pastor of FBC New Orleans, encourages readers to focus on their response to suffering, rather than try to explain why With real-life stories of suffering, Crosby helps transform readers’ perspectives on pain, sorrow, and trouble

Preschoolers may experience fear after surviving a natural disaster, losing a loved one, or going through other uncertain situations. This book by Robin McCall and Joye Smith can help leaders and parents comfort preschoolers, teach them to trust God, and pray when they are afraid

For more information or to order any of these materials, visit the WMU website, www wmu com

–

Pray

for a veteran you know, for the health of their body, soul, and spirit Pray also for your congregation or local association to discern how to pray for vets and care for their needs, and for divine opportunities to share the good news of Christ

PEOPLE & CHURCHES

Comings and Goings

Chicago pastor and church planter John

Yi joined the IBSA staff in June as a

Second Generation Church Planting

Catalyst Yi has been ministering to urban families in the Maywood community for more than seven years, and planted an English-speaking Korean church last year He and his wife, Gloria, and their two children will remain in Chicagoland, where Yi will help facilitate church planting

IBSA Evangelism

Director Tim Sadler has accepted a new role in Springfield as a financial advisor with Edward Jones

At IBSA, Sadler created the Choose2 prayer initiative, led Super Summer and Youth Encounter, and assisted churches oneon-one through evangelism training and revivals “It has been such a wonderful, undeserved privilege to have served you, our Lord, and the churches of the IBSA,” said Sadler, who grew up in southern Illinois “He will leave big shoes to fill here, but we’re especially grateful he’ll still be in the area,” said Executive Director Nate Adams “I know we all join together in wishing Tim and Michelle and their family all the best as Tim begins this new venture.”

In Memory

Long-time Illinois

pastor Michael Stallard, 63, died April 25 He pastored in Creal Springs, Ewing and Metropolis before serving 22 years at FBC Odin.

Stallard was administrative assistant for Kaskaskia Association for six years, and served on the Baptist Foundation of Illinois Board of Trustees He is survived by his wife, Nancy; two children; and three grandchildren

Ministry Positions

Greater Wabash Baptist Association, headquartered in Fairfield, seeks a full-time director of missions to begin immediately. Duties include keeping regular office hours, visiting and assisting the association’s 28 churches, and recording messages for the local radio station Contact Chad Hershey at gwbasc@gmail com or (618) 384-9819

Taylorville Southern Baptist seeks a bivocational or part-time pastor Send resumes or questions to Linda Brewer at (217) 827-0193, or 802 E Franklin, Taylorville, IL 62568

Campers on mission hit the road

Summer is season of service for volunteers

Central Illinois | Don Kragness’ cell phone signal has been spotty this week The president of Illinois’ Campers on Mission chapter pauses to talk during a moment of good cell service, taking a quick break from the construction work he’s leading at a camp facility in Cantrall

“Last week, we were at Girard, where we put a deck on the parsonage,” says Kragness, a member of Third Baptist in Marion and longtime Campers on Mission volunteer along with his wife, Jan “And we

HOME IMPROVEMENTS – Pattie Noeth of Meadow Heights Baptist Church in Collinsville sews curtains for Lake Sallateeska’s dining hall

Submitted photo

Zone news

Zone 2: Around 60 people gathered Sunday, May 17, for a concert of prayer hosted by Lake County Association The concert is one of the quarterly events planned to assist Lake County churches in fulfilling their mission, reported zone consultant Joe Oliver

Zone 3: First Baptist in Calumet City has helped give away 23 tons of produce so far this year through a partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository FBC’s “Produce Mobile” has been in operation since 2005; recently, a group of students in Calumet City raised $500 for the Food Depository and donated the money during one of the church’s monthly food distributions

Zone 10: In May, the Disaster Relief unit from Williamson Association (headquartered in Marion) donated five saws and a power washer to the DR unit from Metro Peoria Association

The next IBSA Disaster Relief training weekend is October 9-10 at Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp near Pinckneyville E-mail AlexisDumire@IBSA org for more information

were also at Waverly (at New Hope Baptist Church), and we worked on the interior of that building, redoing a wall that was damaged by water ”

The Campers on Mission are in the middle of a busy season that launched in April with their annual rally at Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp, where they made improvements to the kitchen, pool area, game room, and three cabins The Campers, who work free of charge, prepare their own food, and often sleep in their own RV’s, also made curtains for the dining hall and helped clean the camp in preparation for summer

Next up is the national Campers on Mission rally in North Carolina, followed by projects at the Baptist Children’s Home in Carmi and the Christian Activity Center in East St Louis

At the CAC, Kragness says the Campers plan to build a chapel as part of an ongoing expansion project.

In September, they’ll be in Streator for their annual work week at IBSA’s camp facility there For more information about Campers on Mission and how to get involved, contact Don Kragness at (618) 983-5546

Meet the Zone Consultant

Joe Gardner

Zone: 5 (Metro Peoria, Quad Cities and West Central Associations)

Other roles:

Director of Missions for Metro Peoria Baptist Association

Birthplace: Fulton, Ky

Family: Joe and his wife, Becky, have three daughters and two grandchildren

Years in Illinois: 28

Places you’ve served here: Ashmore Baptist Church (pastor); First Baptist Church, Washington (pastor); Metro Peoria Baptist Association (director of missions)

What makes your zone unique: Zone 5 is located in the “heart” of Illinois This area is a unique mixture of urban, suburban, rural and university communities It’s populated by a lot of good people who do a lot of good things, but don’t know Christ Pray that our churches would have a renewed passion for reaching their communities

Favorite restaurants in your zone: Alexander ’s Steakhouse, Famous Dave’s, and Lorena’s Looking forward to getting to know the Quad Cities restaurants!

CAMPING OUT – The volunteers rest around a campfire after a day of work at Lake Sallateeska near Pinckneyville Submitted photo

zone consultants work with directors of missions and churches across the state www.IBSA.org/Zone

SBC Annual Meeting in Columbus, June 16-17

Continued from page 1

Prayer” led by 11 pastors from across the Convention The worship service begins at 6:30 p m

IBSA will host an ice cream social (with a special Ohio-themed gift) for Illinois Baptists and friends Tuesday evening after the Call to Prayer The reception will be at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Rooms C210-C212 on Level 2

It was announced last month that Steve Dighton, senior pastoral advisor at Lenexa Baptist Church in Kansas, will be nominated for the SBC’s first vice president post Dighton, who founded the church and served as senior pastor until this spring, was called to ministry out of the men’s

clothing business, Baptist Press reports Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, will nominate Dighton.

Other candidates for SBC office were previously announced: Ronnie Floyd and John Yeats will be nominated for another term as president and recording secretary, respectively, and Ohio pastor Chad Keck will be nominated for second vice president Dallas-area pastor John Meador will be nominated to helm the 2016 SBC Pastors’ Conference

Exhibit hall highlights

The 2015 SBC exhibit area will feature giveaways, familiar faces, and services for Convention guests:

• Bob and Larry (the tomato and cucumber) will again be on hand to greet guests at the LifeWay Store in the SBC exhibit hall.

• Several authors also will host instore book signings, including speaker and blogger Angie Smith, Golden Gate Seminary President Jeff Iorg, SBC Executive Committee President Frank Page, and former Convention presidents Jack Graham and James Merritt

• GuideStone Financial Services will offer free health checks of blood

IBSA Reception

Greater Columbus Convention Center Rooms C210-C212, Level Two

Tuesday, June 16, 9-10:15 p.m.

pressure, cholesterol and glucose, a service valued at $150

• GuideStone also will offer breakout sessions on compensation planning for small churches, retirement income solutions, and how health care reform impacts your church Register at www GuideStone org/SBC2015

• The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission will distribute

Pray through the news

free copies of its relaunched magazine, Light, in the exhibit hall

The new issue’s theme is “Marriage Redefined?”

For more information about the Southern Baptist Convention, SBC Pastors’ Conference, and other events in Columbus, go to www sbcannual meeting net

– Reporting by Baptist Press

Summer Reading

Discipleship books for classes and groups

I Will – By Thom Rainer

“I Will” is a book for ever yon e who is a church member or thinking of becoming on e, or an yon e floating on the fringes of church life Thom

Rain er, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, challenges church people to move from being consumers of goods at the church, to vibrant par ts of the bod y of Christ

Rain er poses this question on the back cover of the book, and it is at the hear t of the discussion throughout this brief read: Could you be the answer to the problems you see (in the church)?

Over the course of nin e chapters, Rain er walks the reader through the key areas of church life: worship, sm all groups, service, missions, etc In each, he addresses what a right attitude and posture looks like, challenging the reader to move from an “I am” attitude to an “I will” attitude

Each chapter ends with “Points to Ponder” to help the reader process and reflect on the topic. The sections are shor t and Rain er does a good job weaving person al illustrations into the chapters

Reviewer’s rating: This book would m ake a good stud y for a Sunday School class or sm all group. In t ackling areas of church life, Rain er draws on where we used to be, and uses Scripture to drive home his points about where we should be headed

I also would recommend this book to pastors and church st affs looking for a resource for a members class, or something to use as a supplement to a teaching series on what member involvement should look like

Charles Campbell Delt a Church, Springfield

New and coming soon 3 books to watch for this summer

Forward: 7 Distinguishing Marks of Future Leaders

By Ronnie Floyd (B&H Publishing Group)

Anything: The Prayer that Unlocked My God and My Soul

By Jennie Allen (Thomas Nelson)

Preaching: Communicating Faith in a Skeptical Age

By Tim Keller (Penguin Publishing Group)

Case for Grace for Kids

The Case for Grace: Student Edition

–

By Lee Strobel

It’s on e of the most difficult concepts to underst and How could someon e, especially God, offer grace to the most deplorable of people? How could he extend love and forgiven ess to those who want nothing to do with him? Why would he offer a gift to people who have don e nothing to deserve it and, in fact, m ay have don e m uch to be undeserving?

“Sometimes language cannot cont ain grace,” writes Lee Strobel

That lin e beautifully describes what m an y writers have tried for so long to defin e: Grace is often referred to as a gift that isn’t deserved, or God’s favor on his people regardless of their sin Frankly, though, grace is indescribable.

In “The Case for Grace,” now av ailable in editions for kids and teens, Strobel uses stories to beautifully illustrate a concept that’s difficult to defin e In his sign ature investigative approach, Strobel digs into the stories of more than a dozen men and women who were on the receiving end of God’s beautiful gift of grace Some received it through divin e intervention; others, through the obedience of God’s people

These stories show what simple definitions often can’t what God’s grace really is.

Reviewer’s rating: Absolutely wor th the read for kids and teens! Each stor y Strobel tells is bite-sized, could be read aloud in a group setting, and is followed with 2-3 discussion questions and Scripture references, m aking these books perfect resources for sm all groups or Sunday school classes

– Br yan Throckmor ton Western Oaks Baptist Church, Springfield

Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Hear t Craves

–

By Trillia Newbell

Most of the things we fear most n ever happen But there’s a better way to quell the fears that plague you than by repeating that piece of practical wisdom to yourself, writes Trillia Newbell. God is the proper recipient of our fear and awe, not the future, not traged y (real or im agin ed), and not other people

Newbell, director of comm unity outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liber ty Commission, shepherds her readers through several chapters on real fears, admitting how she has struggled with anxiety, irration al worr y and the n eed to be in control Other women also contribute compelling essays on their biggest fears It’s in these real moments of confession par ticularly from on e wom an who writes about how her husband died on e evening, but only in her im agin ation when he didn’t answer his cell phon e that Newbell’s m ain point shin es through:

“Perfect love casts out fear,” says 1 John 4:18. God’s love is perfect. Dwelling on his love for us, and our su bsequent awe of him, produces a healthy fear fear of the Lord And the fear of the Lord helps mitigate all others. The second half of the book offers a robust theology of fear, and how God would have his people handle it

But the solution isn’t autom atic, Newbell says It’s not enough to decide, “I’ll fear the Lord today and nothing else ” That’s why a reliance on the Bible is key in keeping fear from running rampant

She writes, “Our ability to grow in the fear of the Lord is sitting right there on our nightst and ”

Reviewer’s rating: There currently are no accompan ying sm all group m aterials, but a chapter-by-chapter approach could work well for classes and groups

– Meredith Flynn Illinois Baptist

Saturate: Being Disciples of Jesus in the Ever yday Stuff of Life – By

Jeff Vanderstelt

Crossway Books

“Saturate” focuses on mission al comm unities Sunday school classes, sm all groups, etc as the places where “Jesus saturation” of ever yday life happens There is nothing in this book that hasn’t been said before, but that’s okay because there are probably people in your church who are not familiar with what has been said before Perhaps the best ben efit of “Saturate” is to provide the stories that give a t angible example for the person who asks, “What does a ‘mission al comm unity’ actually look like?”

Reviewer’s rating: I recommend this as a book to read together with your mission al comm unity (whatever you call your groups that do discipleship, mission, and life together), or to give to someon e in your church whom you hope will see and embrace the vision of mission al comm unities

– Derrick Baker Church of the Cross, Mahomet

Zonder van

Moody Publishers

LEADERS AND LIFE

Training Oppor tunities Training Oppor tunities

June 12-13, 19-20: Father/Son Camps

Who: Dads and sons of all ages

Where: June 12-13, Streator Baptist

Getting on the same page

Q: I saw this B-101 handout for new members in the newspaper How can I get people interested in a new members’ class?

A: Consider using Sunday or Wednesday evening to take the entire church through a new members class Perhaps call it “Biblical Doctrines,” “What Baptists Believe,” or “Beliefs that Matter ”

Once the majority of the church has completed the training, make it a requirement for all new members to attend a new members’ class condensed into 8-12 weeks during the Sunday school hour, after which time they can join the class of their choice Stress that you want everyone in the church to have an understanding of biblical truth and Baptist doctrine Print up certificates of completion and have a brief graduation ceremony every 90 days! Make the class repetitive so that people can start the class any week and continue until they have completed the entire cycle Use a team of teachers who have been assigned a specific week or subject (including the pastor and staff members), and make the class exciting and enjoyable Along with new members, open it to prospective members interested in finding out more about your church

Download the B-101 curriculum at www IBSA org/b101

It’s not a vacation

Q: Should the church pay for individual members’ mission trips? Heather wants reimbursement for her flight to Brazil

A: Sorry, Heather Mission trips should be taken at an individual’s expense If the church is financially able to help with a $100-250 scholarship, that’s wonderful, and should a Sunday school class decide they want to help an individual with his or her trip, that is commendable But a person should never sign up for a mission trip and expect it to be all-expenses-paid

One of the blessings of participating in a mission trip is watching how God supplies the needed funds (a confirmation that you are following his will)

I’ve been to Hungary and Romania a dozen times, and each time, I’ve marveled at how the Lord supplied the cost of the trip and additional funds to help with various needs on the field

When you promote upcoming mission trips, make sure you clearly communicate the cost and the expectations

Pat Pajak has pastored churches of all sizes across Illinois He presently leads IBSA’s Church Consulting team Send your coaching questions for Pat to IllinoisBaptist@IBSA org

Camp; June 19-20, Lake Sallateeska

Cost: $75 per adult (free for sons 16 and under)

Web: www IBSA org/kids

June 15-19, 21-25: IBSA Children’s Camps for kids in grades 3-6

Where: Lake Sallateeska

Cost: $135 per person

Web: www IBSA org/kids

June 23-27: Super Summer

What: Discipleship week for students completing grades 6-12

Where: Greenville College

Cost: $229 (June 2-17)

Web: www IBSA org/students

July 6-10, 20-24: IBSA Children’s

Camps for kids in grades 3-6

Where: July 6-10, Lake Sallateeska; July 20-24, Streator Baptist Camp

Cost: $135 per person

Web: www IBSA org/kids

July 11: Church Planting Rendezvous

What: Effective ways to assist your church in praying, partnering or planting new churches in Illinois

Where: Woodland Baptist, Peoria

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Contact: RachelCarter@IBSA org

July 13-17: Summer Worship University

What: Music and worship training for students in grades 6-12

Where: Hannibal-LaGrange University, Hannibal, Mo

Cost: $199 per person

Web: www IBSA org/worship

August 14-15: Coach Approach to Leadership

What: Basic training for women in coaching skills and how to use them in ministry leadership

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield

Cost: $99 per person for churches affiliated with IBSA

Web: Register at www IBSA org/ womensmissions

August 15: Men’s Softball Tournament

Where: Rotary Park, Decatur

Contact: David Kahler, (217) 875-6862

August 18: iConnect: IBSA/Pastors

Meet-Up

What: Introduction to IBSA staff, ministries, training and opportunities for pastors and church staff members

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield

When: 10 a m to 3 p m

Contact: BarbTroeger@IBSA org

August 28-29: Groups Matter: Sunday

School Resource Conference

What: Training for pastors and leaders in Sunday school and small groups

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield, and Logan Street Baptist, Mt Vernon

Contact: CathyWaters@IBSA org

DAVE Says Financial advice from Dave Ramsey

Class action

Q: I was recently notified that I am a beneficiary of a class action lawsuit against a previous employer The amount I can receive is just $200, but I don’t feel like this employer wronged me in any way Everyone around me is urging me to take the money, but I feel weird about accepting anything under the circumstances What do you think I should do?

A: I don’t know all the details of the episode you’re talking about, or what happened with this company But I don’t agree with the idea that we’re supposed to beat up anyone we can, or milk everything we can get out of every company or human being we come across Some people are just incredibly opportunistic They live like it’s anarchy, and they have no sense of fairness or decorum But you do

I think your heart has already told you what to do God is whispering in your ear If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t take it If it were $100,000, I wouldn’t take it You were not wronged, and that money is for someone who was wronged

You have a sense of dignity and pride about yourself and your behavior, and I respect that My advice is to listen to your heart

Do no more damage

Q: I’m returning to school to finish my degree this year, and I’m going to ask my girlfriend to marry me We both have decent jobs, but I also have student loans I could put into deferment Do you think I should pay off the debt before getting engaged?

A: If I were in your shoes, here’s the way I line up my priorities: First, don’t do any more damage where debt is concerned I want you to pay cash for your food, lights, water, gas for your car, and housing Obviously, you have to live, but I want you to do all this without adding any new debt

The next priority would be to pay for college, and pay cash for your tuition and stuff from this point forward Remember, no new debt!

After that, let’s save up and pay cash for a nice, inexpensive ring. The student loan debt comes last through deferment I’d really attack it with a vengeance after I was married, out of school and had an even better job and bigger income

Gaining control of your finances now will be a great gift for you both when you start your new life together

Dave Ramsey is a prolific author and radio host

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Celebrate the men in your church with a visual reminder of how important they are. Present each dad with a gift bag (maybe decorated ahead by their kids) containing these items:

2 glass jars and 1 bag of marbles

Encourage dads to put enough marbles in one jar to represent an amount of time: the number of weeks left in the year, or the number of weekends until their child heads off to college, for example Each week, they move one marble from the full jar to the emptier one, as a reminder of how precious (and quick) are their parenting years

– Adapted from “Losing Your Marbles” by Reggie Joiner, Elizabeth Hansen & Kristen Ivy

Trending

Who gets your vote?

Barna’s 2016 election preview found evangelicals differ somewhat from the overall population in what they’re looking for in a presidential candidate:

What are the most important factors in choosing a candidate to support?

box

Cake logger

your next small eighborhood outunday potluck

Ingredients

Milk 2 packages Oreo cookies

Three 8 oz tubs Cool Whip, thawed Chocolate sauce or hot fudge

71%

58% 41% 46% 22% 10% 9% 45%

THE PERIL OF PROSPERITY

“Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in our presence this day ”

1 Kings 8:28

It’s one of the most patriotic times of the year, with Memorial Day just behind us, and Flag Day and the Fourth of July quickly approaching As we think about our country, how should we pray?

In the verse above, Solomon is praying at the dedication of the Temple, the magnificence of which was absolutely breathtaking The blessing of God was unmistakable But Moses had warned (Deut 8:10-14) and Solomon knew that, oftentimes, our greatest temptation to wander from God comes after his hand of blessing has provided for us

We are a nation and people blessed by God However, our defiance toward him and the subsequent results can be noted in our daily newscasts Thus, the words “plea” and “cry” are appropriate expressions to describe how we should pray We desperately need God’s mercy

Let our voices be united in continuing prayer for the transformation of our lives and nation

PRAYER PROMPT: Hear our cries of brokenness, O Lord Revive us again

Odis Weaver is pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Plainfield and is currently serving as president of IBSA Pastors are invited to join the online “IBSA Pastors’ Prayer Room” by e-mailing oweaver7307@gmail com

www Pinterest.com/IllinoisBaptist

Recipe from LifeWay Christian Resources’ biblestudyinsider com, adapted from cookiesandcups com

To prepare: Dip Oreos one at a time in milk, and place in bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish Layer with one tub whipped topping Complete steps twice more, so that there are three layers each of cookies and Cool Whip Drizzle with chocolate sauce or crumbled cookies Cover and chill for at least six hours before serving Most

“Christ alone, cornerstone; Weak made strong, in the Savior’s love; Through the storm, He is Lord; Lord of all.”

POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE

Clip and save in a prayer journal, your Bible, or stick on the fridge

Missionaries:

Samuel & Jessemine Johnson (with Zadok and Zaccai)

Planting: In the Roseland and Morgan Park neighborhoods of Chicago

Focus: Reaching the 45,000 children, youth and families that live here

Pray: That God will give opportunities to serve and connect with people in the community