7-24-14 ABN Now by Arkansas Baptist News

Volume 113 Number 15 July 24, 2014

Ballot update

World Changers

Arkansas to vote on alcohol, minimum wage

World Changers reaches three Ark. communities

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Sports Crusaders About 30 students accepted Christ at a recent Sports Crusaders camp sponsored by Park Hill Baptist Church, North Little Rock. See story, Page 2.

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OBU video wins Telly

Harrington retires

Ouachita Baptist University wins industry award

Russ Harrington retires after 40 years at Baptist Health

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page 3 Volume 113, Number 15

Telling the story of Arkansas Baptists since 1901

July 24, 2014

Ark. to vote on alcohol, min. wage Caleb Yarbrough Arkansas Baptist News

Doris McCall sews dresses and shorts for teams to take on mission trips and donate to children. Photos by Jessica Vanderpool

Homebound woman reaches around world Jessica Vanderpool Arkansas Baptist News ARKADELPHIA – Doris McCall may be homebound, but her acts of service are reaching around the world. McCall, who made a living as a seamstress for about 50 years, now makes dresses and shorts for teams to take on mission trips and donate to children. McCall, who attends Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Arkadelphia, when her health allows, has been homebound for several years due to a heart condition. In 2011, doctors gave her two years to live. Now, three years later, McCall has regained her strength and is

back to sewing for missions. She said that when she outlived the two years the doctors gave her, she knew God had restored her strength for a reason. “And I said, ‘I am not going to be caught sitting at home, wringing my hands. I’m going to stay busy if it’s the Lord’s will,’” said McCall. “And the Lord has blessed me with this, so I hope I can continue to sing His praises and not sit and cry and be on a pity party – so that’s the main reason I do it.” But even before falling ill, McCall was ministering through sewing – making clothing for mission teams and making items like wall hangings and baby blankets to give away. She began sewing for missions

when First Baptist Church, Arkadelphia, needed seamstresses for a project they had become involved in called Children Hemmed in Prayer. The project provides clothing for children worldwide. When McCall told her friend, Susie Hargis, about her participation in the project, Hargis requested McCall make garments she could take with her on mission trips. McCall obliged, and since then, Hargis – a member of First Baptist Church, Monticello – has gone on multiple mission trips with First Baptist Church, McGehee, and has taken many of McCall’s garments with her.

See HOMEBOUND page 7

Youth Evangelism Conference Aug. 8-9 HUNDREDS OF YOUTH will gather Aug. 8-9 for a time of worship and learning during the 2014 Youth Evangelism Conference, which will feature speakers, Christian bands, a comedy team and a training session for student ministry leaders. The conference, sponsored by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) evangelism and church health team, will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock. “The Youth Evangelism Conference exists to inspire, encourage and equip students and student ministries to be evangelistic,” said Warren Gasaway, ABSC evangelism and church health team member. “The

conference has this distinct purpose so it becomes a great lead-in to the school year when students hit their mission field. We’re hoping this back-to-school event will be a great momentum builder.” Featured are Brian Burgess, an international speaker and founder of Tootin’ in Town biker ministry, and Michael Wood, student ministry pastor at First Baptist Church of West Monroe, La. Wood was formerly on the student ministry staff of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. The Digital Age will lead worship and

Capital Kings will perform in concert. 321 Improv, a comedy ministry, will also perform. In addition, a student ministry training session emphasizing teen evangelism strategies will be hosted by Wood from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9. Booth displays with examples of mission opportunities will be set up for youth and leaders to explore. To register, visit www.yecarkansas.com. For more information, call 501-376-4791, ext. 5132, or email lwilson@absc.org.

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas voters will not vote on legalizing marijuana in November after advocates failed to gather the necessary signatures to place measures regarding both medical and recreational uses of the plant on this year’s ballot. Signatures are currently being counted to determine whether or not two other measures will be put to a vote, one regarding statewide alcohol sales and one concerning raising the Arkansas minimum wage. Stephen Copley, president of Give Arkansas A Raise Now and representative of An Act to Increase The Arkansas Minimum Wage, said the 62,507 signatures necessary for the measure to be placed on the November ballot have been gathered and have been submitted to the office of Secretary of State Mark Martin for review and validation. Copley’s measure would raise Arkansas’ minimum wage for the first time since 2006 from $6.25 to $7.50 per hour by 2015, to $8 per

See BALLOT page 3

WC serves in Arkansas SHARING JESUS and leaving an impact on local communities were the aims of three World Changers projects held in Arkansas this summer – with more than 600 students from around the United States working in West Memphis and Fort Smith June 23-28 and in Little Rock July 7-12. Students worked at a number of sites in each community and served in a variety of ways, including by painting houses, landscaping, putting siding on houses and constructing wheelchair ramps. In its 23rd summer of operation, World Changers – an initiative of LifeWay Christian Resources – provides a way for volunteers to physically and spiritually minister to communities across the nation. J.R. DeBusk, pastor of First Baptist Church, Heber Springs, was

See WC page 6

Top Stories

‘Discover the Difference’ video wins Telly ARKADELPHIA – The Telly Awards recently named Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) and Dean Film & Video a Bronze winner for their recruitment video “Discover the Ouachita Difference.” According to The Telly Awards website, the organization received more than 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents for last year’s awards contest. This year, Ouachita competed against multiple notable companies and institutions of higher education, including Coca-Cola, Disney, ESPN, HBO, NASA, National Geographic, the University of Notre Dame

and Rutgers University. “It’s an honor for Ouachita to be recognized for effectively communicating the university’s mission and message,” said Trennis Henderson, Ouachita’s vice president for communications. “We are especially grateful to Andy Dean and his talented team at Dean Film & Video for helping translate our vision into reality.” The Telly Awards are judged by more than 500 industry professionals, all of whom are winners of Silver Telly awards, the organization’s highest honor. The entries are judged based on their merit, creativity and

distinction within their fields. Less than 10 percent of entries are chosen as Silver Telly winners and only 25 percent are chosen as Bronze Telly winners. “How exciting that this video, which showcases who we are at Ouachita so very well, has received this honor,” said Lori Motl, Ouachita’s director of admissions counseling. “We knew it was special, but I am thrilled that those in the industry recognize it as well.” To view Ouachita’s Bronze Telly award-winning video “Discover the Ouachita Difference,” visit www.arkansasbaptist.org/obutelly.

BALLOT continued from page one

hour in 2016 and $8.50 per hour in 2017, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. While the national minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, companies who do not engage in interstate commerce and do not generate more than $500,000 per year in revenue, can choose to use the lower state minimum wage, according to the Arkansas Department of Labor. The Democrat-Gazette reported representatives for The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Amendment petition submitted 84,969 signatures for verification July 7, the final day signatures were accepted. The petition requires 78,133 signatures to be placed on the ballot. Larry Page, executive director of the Arkansas Faith and Ethics Council, said while Arkansas Baptists can now be sure they will not have to contend with issues regarding marijuana during this election cycle, he expects the issue of statewide alcohol sales to be included on the ballot. “We will be holding strategy meetings with some of our leaders throughout the state to develop a game plan to counter the incredible push that will come to wet our entire state,” said Page. He said reasons for fighting the measure are not simply faith-based, but also practical. “There are many legitimate and

PARK HILL EXPLOSION – Park Hill Baptist Church, North Little Rock, canceled their scheduled vacation Bible school and closed their child development center July 10 following a power outage resulting from an explosion in a utility room located on the roof of the church July 9. No injuries were reported, and there was no word as of press time on how long it will take to restore power to the church’s main building. Ken Shaddox, senior pastor of Park Hill Baptist, asked for Arkansas Baptists to keep the church in their prayers as they move forward with repairs. commonsense reasons to leave the law as it is. … If the statewide alcohol initiative is passed, local control will be taken away. The end result is that a few populous counties – counties that are already ‘wet’ – will decide the fate of rural and less populated counties that are ‘dry’ and want to remain dry,” said Page. Of the 75 counties in Arkansas, 37 are considered dry counties, according to the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Some areas within Arkansas’ wet counties are also considered dry.

ABCHomes houseparent dies JONESBORO – Bill Brooks, 57, celebrated their 6th anniversary with an Arkansas Baptist ChilABCHomes. Previously, the dren’s Homes and Family Brooks served as houseparMinistries (ABCHomes) ents at the Baptist Home in houseparent, died ThursMonticello,” a post on the day, July 17, in Jonesboro ABCHomes Facebook page following complications said. from a stroke he suffered a Brooks was a member week earlier, according to of Finch Baptist Church, an ABCHomes representaParagould. Thompson Futive. neral Home of Trumann “Our thoughts and is handling Brooks’ fuBrooks prayers are with Sherneral arrangements, which ry (Brooks) and her had not been announced family! Bill and Sherry recently at press time.

Secretary Martin’s office is now working to validate the signatures submitted for both The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Amendment and An Act to Increase The Arkansas Minimum Wage. A 30-day period is provided to representatives of the petitions to gather any additional signatures needed to fill the requirement following validation. The deadline to certify petitions for the November ballot is Aug. 21. Contact Caleb Yarbrough at caleb@ arkansasbaptist.org.

Jerry Gay inducted JERRY GAY, associational missionary for North Pulaski Baptist Association, was recently inducted at Little Rock Air Force Base as honorary wing chaplain commander. The 19th, 314th Gay and 189th Airlift Wings inducted Gay and two dozen other new honorary commanders during a June 19 ceremony at the base.

Digest Stories of interest to Arkansas Baptists

N.C. pastors rally to defend marriage RALEIGH, N.C. (BP) – Going on the offensive for North Carolina’s marriage amendment, a state pastors’ organization held a press conference at the state capitol to urge Gov. Patrick McCrory to defend the law in court. Kenneth Carrico, executive director of the North Carolina Pastors’ Network (NCPN), introduced four pastors who spoke about God’s design for marriage and the legal protection of marriage July 15 at the capitol in Raleigh. Carrico also presented a petition calling McCrory “to specifically defend our marriage amendment” should the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals rule against traditional marriage. Bate Garman, pastor of Life Church in Morganton, read a statement on behalf of NCPN’s president, David Kistler, who was unable to attend. “We the NCPN believe marriage is God’s institution,” Kistler noted in the statement. “We also believe the Scriptures to be totally clear that marriage is between one man and one woman.

US Senate vote shocks religious liberty leaders WASHINGTON (BP) – The U.S. Senate’s near-embrace of legislation to curtail the conscience rights of business owners has left religious liberty advocates disturbed at the narrow margin for the cherished freedom. Senators voted 56-43 July 16 – four votes shy of cloture – to bring to the floor for consideration a bill that would effectively reverse the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion in the Hobby Lobby case upholding the religious freedom of for-profit employers. The attempt to invoke cloture, as it is known, fell short of the 60 votes needed to begin debate on the legislation and set up a pathway to its passage.

Ronnie Floyd page goes live at sbc.net NASHVILLE (BP) – Arkansas pastor Ronnie Floyd, the Southern Baptist Convention’s new president, is now online at the convention’s www.sbc.net website, in addition to his ongoing blog at www.ronniefloyd.com. The page features Floyd’s blog each Monday to Southern Baptists. The July 14 blog is titled “Now is the Time for Southern Baptist Churches to Prioritize Reaching, Baptizing, and Discipling Young People.”

For more ABN Digest, go to www.arkansasbaptist.org/abn-digest

Opinion

July 24, 2014

Newspapers are part of your future I

have been privileged the past coupling a print product (traditioncouple years to attend the Arkanal newspaper) with online media sas Press Association annual Superand social media and through alterConference. This year’s meeting native publishing avenues. was in Hot Springs. While a lot of what was being It’s a gathering of reporters, edidiscussed was positive toward the tors and publishers from across the newspaper business, I heard a state who discuss strategies, trends disturbing assessment about the and the curgeneral state of the rent status of Arkansas economy. the newspaper One executive said ressing his newspaper was industry. In one having to deal with breakout sesadjusting to a more n sion about than $100,000 loss in Tim Yarbrough revenue due to two how to increase revenue, automobile dealerPhil. 3:14 conference ships closing in his leaders and attown. tendees discussed how newspapers In general, it was agreed that are once again gaining ground with some of the hardest hit areas across advertisers and marketers because, the state are in rural areas and simply, “they produce results.” small towns. These areas, of course, While it is clear that newspapers are where many of our Southern are in a state of general decline, milBaptist churches are located. lions of people still pick up a newsThe Arkansas Baptist News (ABN) paper every day – or access a related has been affected by general econewspaper product – to find out nomic downturn since 2008 in the what is going on in the world. loss of churches with “every resiSuccessful newspapers today condent” subscription plans. tinue to diversify their offerings by While some people in the

churches that cancel their church plans still subscribe as individuals, they amount to far fewer than the dozens or hundreds who subscribed through a church plan.

Not once since I have been editor of the ABN can I recall a church canceling subscriptions because

See FUTURE page 5 Cartoon by Gary Thomas

The truth about corn shucking

easier to open a can, but all those shucked some corn today. preservatives seem to make even Eighteen ears to be exact. On the best-canned corn taste very my way home, I stopped where blasé. a roadside farmer and his grandSermons and sermon outlines daughter were selling sweet corn these days can be found anywhere. – 10 for $1. I asked for 10. He But a message? Now that is a differgave me 18, a glass of lemonade ent story altogether. A real message and a smile. is born in the “I’m not much heart. It takes into counting,” he in the said. iew oint root depths of the I do not know when preachers Kim Reeder soul. It tastes fresh, as if started using Barton Chapel Baptist Church pulled from the term “shuckTyronza the stalk of ing the corn” to Scripture, describe a wellstraight off delivered message, the cob; it still smells of the field. but as I sat and literally shucked Anyone can use a sermon outline, corn, I could not help but notice but if a preacher feeds his congresome actual parallels to preachgation a steady diet of borrowed ing. material, the result will be bland, 1. Canned corn just isn’t as canned sermonic corn. tasty as fresh-shucked corn. 2. It takes a whole lot of shuckWithout a doubt, fresh sweet ing to get a little fresh corn. corn is better than any storeI now have a new appreciation bought canned version. Sure, it is

Volume 113, Number 15 USPS08021 Member of the Association of State Baptist Publications and Arkansas Press Association

Tim Yarbrough, editor Jessica Vanderpool, assistant editor Caleb Yarbrough, staff writer Jeanie Weber, administrative assistant Becky Hardwick, business manager Steven McPherson, advertising director Tim Hampton, advertising representative

Subscribe to Arkansas Baptist News. Individuals send a $11 check to the address below for a year’s subscription. Churches take advantage of special rates: $7.75 per year (Every Resident Family Plan), $8.75 per year (Group Plan) by calling 800-8382272, ext. 5153, or in the Little Rock area, call 3764791, ext. 5153. Submit news, features, photos or story ideas by phone, email, fax or regular mail. Call 800838-2272, ext. 5153, or in the Little Rock area call 376-4791, ext. 5153. Email stories or suggestions to abn@arkansasbaptist.org or fax 501-372-4683. Mail stories or suggestions to the address below. The Arkansas Baptist News is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, articles or pictures and does not guarantee their use or return. Photos will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

for those generations of days gone by who did everything by hand. As I sat and looked at my finished product, I was amazed at just how little yield I had after cutting the kernels off the cob. Those older folks really knew how to cook. True sermon preparation takes time and patience. Consistently effective preachers are disciplined in their study and sacrificial in their time. Yes, church members often fail to understand that behind those 30-minute Sunday morning sermons are hours of preparation, prayer and passion. But just like we remember Grandma’s special touch in the kitchen, the man who comSend letters to the editor to tim@arkansasbaptist.org, to our fax number or mailing address. We prefer letters typed doublespaced, and they must be 300 words or less. Letters must be signed and marked “for publication.” Letters may be edited for style. A letters policy statement is available on request. Opinions expressed in letters are those of the writer alone, and publication should not be considered an endorsement. Advertise in the Arkansas Baptist News by calling 800-838-2272, ext. 5155, or in the Little Rock area, call 376-4791, ext. 5155. Arkansas Baptist News (ISSN 1040-6056) is published bi-weekly except the last issue of the year (25 issues) by the Arkansas Baptist Newsmagazine, Inc., 10 Remington Drive, Little Rock, AR 72204. Subscription rates are $7.75 per year (Every Resi-

mits himself to faithful preaching will be regarded as one who preached the full counsel of God. 3. Little worms are minor distractions. City folk, y’all might want to skip this paragraph. In at least a third of my corn, there was a worm. They were little worms, mostly at the top of the ear. I dealt with them and kept moving. Preaching is an overwhelming, yet heady task. No other, dare I say, “occupation” carries the same responsibility. A preacher who is honest with himself trembles at the very thought of it. I answered God’s

See CORN page 5 dent Family Plan), $8.75 per year (Group Plan), $11 per year (Individual). Arkansas Baptist News, P.O. Box 552, Little Rock, AR 72203; phone 501-3764791; toll-free 800-838-2272; email: abn@arkansasbaptist.org. Periodical Postage paid at Little Rock, AR. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Arkansas Baptist News, P.O. Box 552, Little Rock, AR 72203. Board of Directors: Lyndon Finney, Little Rock, president; Jeff Thompson, Fort Smith, vice president; Mary Kisor, Pottsville, secretary; Bob Beach, Little Rock; James Bryant, Harrison; Jennifer Bryant, New Edinburg; Stephanie Copes, Crossett; Carl A. Garvin, Omaha; David McCord, Searcy; Ricky Rogers, Arkadelphia; Troy Sharp, Desha; Chris Sims, Batesville; Will Staggs, North Little Rock; Mike Vinson, Corning; Juel Zeiser, Hot Springs.

Opinion

www.arkansasbaptist.org

Loss of vision

Family Matters Applying truth

s a parent, I believe it is my responsibility to equip my children to read, study, interpret and apply the Bible (Deut. 6:4-9, Prov. 22:6, Eph. 6:4). The people who impacted Timothy’s life first with Scripture were his family, primarily his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5). The Apostle Paul encouraged Phillips young Timothy to build upon what he had received in his childhood in 2 Timothy 3:14-17. I remember in college one of the first books I read on how to study the Bible was “Living by the Book,” written by Howard Hendricks. He wrote in profoundly practical ways to equip readers with skills and strategies to observe, interpret and apply Scripture in their lives. I thought it would be a great idea for my two teenage children to read the book. The idea hasn’t turned out too well – yet. I encouraged them to read, but I failed to discuss what they read on a weekly basis. Their reading soon trailed off. I am in the process of beginning with my teens again, but with a more hands-on approach to discuss each chapter as they read it. I’m learning as a parent that I can’t just throw a book at my children and expect them to grasp it. I have to walk alongside them and help them process the material along the way. There are a variety of potential resources for you to utilize for yourself and to help you equip your children. Elementary children will benefit from Kay Arthur’s book “How to Study the Bible for Kids.” I would recommend teenagers read “Living by the Book” by Howard Hendricks. Scott Duvall and Daniel Hays, of Ouachita Baptist University, have written a great work titled “Grasping God’s Word.” If you want to improve your ability to understand and apply God’s Word, then invest the time to read one of these books over the summer. Your ability to study, grasp and apply God’s Word in your life will impact your spiritual growth. You will have an even greater kingdom impact as you help the next generation apply the truth in their lives so that multiple generations grow spiritually to impact the world. Ben Phillips serves on the Arkansas Baptist State Convention evangelism and church health team.

am 49 years of age and have come to accept the fact door-to-door evangelism, block parties, special events or that I don’t see as well as I used to. I have bought sevmultiple services and Sunday schools, this vision will be eral pairs of cheap reading glasses to use at the office and reflected in the church’s budget. at home. I have become resigned to the fact that I need Jesus gave us His mission (why we exist as a Church) to tie them around my neck in order to read anything up when He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations!” close. I have even transitioned to using reading glasses A church’s vision is simply what accomplishing His mison Sunday mornings when I’m preaching. I never would sion looks like. have dreamed that my eyes would fade so quickly. Does your church have a vision of something better My age has brought me wisdom and maturity, but than the present? Picture this: What if your church had also it has produced a physical “loss of vision.” This is two to three worship services and two to three Sunday sad to say, and I know it breaks your schools on Sunday morning? What if heart as it does mine; but in Southern there were tens or hundreds of chilBaptist life, it is apparent by the dedren and students in your church on resident s crease in baptisms and membership, Sunday mornings? What if, during that many Baptist churches have expethe invitation, people were consistenterspective rienced a spiritual “loss of vision.” ly being saved? What if baptisms were Vision is a picture of a preferred fua regular Sunday or monthly occurture, something that is better than the rence? What if your church planted Archie Mason present. Vision is always driven by a another church every five years? church’s core values. Vision is a direcRemember Luke 19:10 (NASB): tion that points toward a destination. “For the Son of Man has come to Vision is also a drawstring that pulls everyone together. seek and to save that which was lost.” Vision comes from God. Vision doesn’t begin with We can either be content with blurred vision, or we a plan, but begins when God burdens His people for can ask God to burden our churches and break our something greater. Without vision, there is a vacuum, hearts for the lost that surround our church buildings nothing happens and there is no “end result.” and the lost around the world. I pray that Jesus will give A church’s vision drives its annual budget. For exus all, as Arkansas Baptist church members, a picture of ample, if God has burdened a church with reaching an a preferred future (vision) that brings Him glory! unreached people group in the Middle East, then it will Archie Mason is president of the Arkansas Baptist State be reflected in the church’s budget. If a church has a Convention and senior pastor of Central Baptist Church in vision to reach its community with the gospel through Jonesboro.

P P

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Following the crowd L

ike other social animals, people tend to instinclow the majority than to think for themselves. tively follow the behaviors and opinions of the In our culture, it is increasingly important for Chrismajority to feel safer and to avoid conflict. This contians to stand on their own, even if the whole world cept, known as herding, has been illustrated numerous seems to be moving in a different direction. If the hot times. One researcher put several people on an elevastock today was with a company whose products were tor, but had them facing the back wall. Cameras then morally offensive, would you follow the crowd or your recorded how a new rider would enter the elevator, convictions? We see herding so easily in our children press the button for his/her floor but often fail to see how socially conand then soon turn and face the forming we may be. back wall as well. The only good thing I see about our inancial Studies have also shown that the changing culture is that Christians can brain actually creates a chemical no longer hide in the crowd. It is becomimes that creates pain in the brain if we ing increasingly clear which individuals are forced to go against the crowd. love God and His Word. The distincThis may explain Solomon Asch’s tion has sadly become all too obvious. David Moore famous study on social conformity, Yet many believers still try to hide in the where he asked test subjects which world as a part of the crowd. If others do of the three lines in the box on the it, then I guess they assume that makes it right was equal in length to the line in the box on the right. We are “in the world, but not of the world.” left. The Arkansas Baptist Foundation staff was recently Thirty-two percent of those tested said the answer involved in arranging the burial of a member of the was B, even though it was obviously the wrong answer. “Greatest Generation.” I could not help but ask, Why? Most members of the test group were fake partici“Where are the men and women of such character pants who were planted to guess the “B” answer. Asch today?” concluded that people were often more willing to folDavid Moore is president of Arkansas Baptist Foundation.

FUTURE

CORN

it did not like our newspaper – it is always attributed to financial difficulties of the church, and in some cases, because the church is disbanding. In months to come, the ABN will be announcing some exciting changes in your state Baptist newspaper. Look for more pages and more color, a new easier-to-read design, as well as many other exciting changes as we embrace a bright future! Tim Yarbrough is editor of the Arkansas Baptist News.

call to preach when I was age 13. In 25 years, I have never written or delivered a perfect message, nor have I heard one. See, there will always be little worms. Distractions, tangents, bad “preacher jokes,” improper grammar, missed opportunities to drive home a point and bad outlines are all little worms that can haunt the preacher who takes himself too seriously. Yes, preaching is kind of like preparing a bowl full of fresh sweet corn. Those sitting at the table (or in the pew) may not be able to fully

continued from page 4

appreciate the process, but they do know one thing – it tastes mighty good! When the preacher puts away the can opener and sets himself to the task of consistently delivering up a wholesome, freshly picked message from the field of God’s Word, those who sit at his table will say, “Man, he sure can shuck the corn!” Kim Reeder is pastor of Barton Chapel Baptist Church in Tyronza.

Read more news @

www.arkansasbaptist.org

continued from page one

project coordinator for the Little Rock project. “Our objective is to use the various ministries that we are involved in – particularly in conjunction with the City of Little Rock in painting and repairing homes – in order to be able to minister, share Jesus, but just leave a very positive impact on the communities where we are serving,” DeBusk said. Claire Beauchamp, a 12-year-old participant from Texas who served at the Little Rock project, said it was her second time to take part in World Changers. “It was just fun to see the reactions of the people who couldn’t do the house on their own. I also liked meeting new people and making friends,” she said. “I’ve learned that you really can make a difference just by speaking about the Bible or helping fix a house.” Beverly Turner, children’s minister at Grand Avenue Baptist Church, Fort Smith, and project coordinator for the Fort Smith project, said this was the fifth year for Grand Avenue Baptist to host World Changers in Fort Smith. She said this year participants worked on their 100th house in the Fort Smith area. Through the years, more than

Missions 1,000 gospel presentations and 72 salvations have been recorded. “I believe World Changers becomes the closest to being like Jesus, a carpenter sharing the good news. Jesus met the needs of people in a very personal way,” Turner said. “World Changers is personal. It’s small crews of young people working on an individual’s home with a common purpose – share their faith as they work, eat and laugh. They earn the respect of their residents as they work on their homes so they can share how God is at work in their own lives. It’s the best ‘love your neighbor’ story ever.” But it’s not just the community members who are affected, according to organizers – it’s the students as well. “It’s a real life-changing event for those students, and they come away with a real sense for missions; and we’ve seen that many come away from World Changers weeks and surrender to full-time ministry,” said Mike Reynolds, who lives in Tennessee and served as associational coordinator for the West Memphis project. In addition to the traditional construction sites, there were several community ministry sites held in Little Rock. Backyard Bible clubs were held at a local park and at South Highland Baptist Church, Little Rock, and a soccer camp was held at Otter Creek Community

July 24, 2014

World Changers volunteers work on a Little Rock house July 8. Photo by Jessica Vanderpool Church, Little Rock. A number of Arkansas Baptist churches and other entities supported the World Changers projects in each community. World Changers worked with Pulaski Baptist Association for the Little Rock project, with Life Line Baptist Church, Little Rock, providing participants with lodging and meals. First Baptist Church, West Memphis, and Grand Avenue Bap-

tist Church, Fort Smith, provided lodging and meals for volunteers in those respective cities. In addition, numerous other churches and organizations assisted by providing lunches for participants. In addition to the three Arkansas projects, several World Changers crews from the Memphis, Tenn., project worked on construction sites in West Memphis at the beginning of July.

www.arkansasbaptist.org

HOMEBOUND continued from page one

“Doris is such an inspiration to me as I have participated in volunteer medical missions,” Hargis said. “It is beyond excitement when the boys and girls in other countries receive a new dress or pair of shorts. This is most likely the first new item of clothing that they have received in their entire life, and it was made especially for them.” She added, “To see the children receive these ‘gifts of love’ touches my soul, and I am sure that God is smiling too! I just wish that Doris could see the reaction of the children when receiving her special gift for them.” McCall continues to sew for whatever mission teams may need garments. Because she is homebound, her neighbor – Joe Burt, associational missionary for Red River Baptist Association – picks up the garments and arranges for them to be sent with teams. Since she began sewing for mission teams in 2006 or 2007, McCall estimates she has sewn about 2,000 garments. “It’s amazing what the Lord will lay on your heart to do,” she said. “Doris McCall … is an example that everyone can do a part to be ‘on-mission,’” Hargis said. McCall’s garments have gone to

Arkansas a number of countries, including Japan, Honduras, Haiti, Uganda and India. “Sewing these garments for missions is what keeps her going,” said Judy Vernor, McCall’s daughter, who also attends Mt. Olive Baptist Church. “She lives for this. She’s really got a talent she uses for the Lord.” McCall has seen God’s hand in the ministry. As she regained her strength and decided to start sewing again earlier this year, she realized she was running low on fabric and didn’t have the income to purchase more. McCall recalled her prayer: “I said, ‘If you’re planning to keep me around another year or two, You’ve got to help me, Lord. … I’ve got to have some help. You’ve got to show me what I can do and where I can get material.’” Just a few days later, a neighbor knocked on McCall’s door and said she knew a woman who would like to donate fabric to McCall. McCall estimates that in the last several months the woman has donated 1,000 yards of fabric. Another woman donated about 100 yards of fabric. In addition, McCall’s daughter Darla Rhodes, who lives in Idaho, recently found a sale on sheets and pillowcases, which make good linings for the garments. McCall said she was surprised when she received

the packages. “The postman came and knocked on the back door, … and he had these two boxes. I said, ‘What in the world?’ They brought them in, and it was like Christmas in July,” McCall said. “I could not get over it. … We pulled those sheets out, and I absolutely could not help it. I could not control myself. I was just crying because I was so happy I had material I could sew with.” “You’d have thought she sent her a box of gold,” Vernor said. “She’d rather have something to work on those dresses and shorts than something for herself.” Others have donated everything from thread, elastic and fabric to plastic-lined boxes and freezer bags for transportation. “So don’t tell me the Lord’s not got a hand in this,” McCall said. “He’s been directing me and leading me a long time, but I can really see His hand in this.” McCall is not alone in ministering through sewing. Members of Beirne Baptist

7 Church, Beirne, make “pillowcase dresses.” And along with McCall and First Baptist, Arkadelphia, a number of churches have been involved in Children Hemmed in Prayer. These churches are: First Baptist Church, Second Baptist Church, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Hollywood Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church, all in Arkadelphia; and First Baptist Church, Prescott. “Their ministry puts a smile for Jesus on children’s faces,” said Burt, noting how excited the children are to get the clothes. “It’s just another mission adventure. We’re always looking for more places to connect, and this is giving … another connection for a lot of our ladies who may never go to the mission field but their work is in the mission field. They’ve had a direct part in spreading the gospel through clothes. It’s not just sending money over – it’s sending a part of them over.” Contact Jessica Vanderpool at jessica@arkansasbaptist.org.

Across Arkansas

July 24, 2014

Kutter named ‘Best Beat Reporter’ at APA convention HOT SPRINGS – Lynn Kutter, a communications from Winthrop writer for the Washington College (now Winthrop County Enterprise-Leader University in Rock Hill, newspaper in Farmington, S.C.) She previously worked and at-large correspondent for The Sentinel-Record in for the Arkansas Baptist News, Hot Springs and as a pubwas named “Best Beat Relic affairs specialist with the porter for Small Weeklies” Ouachita National Forest in at the Arkansas Press AssoHot Springs. ciation SuperConvention A member of First Bapheld July 9-12 at the Embassy tist Church in Fayetteville, Kutter Suites Hotel in Hot Springs. Kutter has been involved in Kutter has a bachelor’s degree in children’s choir ministries for more

than 15 years with churches in Fayetteville, Greenwood and LaGrange, Ga. She and her husband, Kevan,

have three children. Kevan Kutter is church administrator for First Baptist Church, Fayetteville.

Piney Grove marks 125 years LEWISVILLE – Piney Grove Baptist Church celebrated its 125th anniversary July 12-13. The event included worship, fellowship and sermons from former pastors.

Terry Bostick, Arkansas Baptist State Convention evangelism and church health team leader, gave the morning message July 13 and presented a certificate to the church.

Across Arkansas

www.arkansasbaptist.org

FREEDOMFEST - First Baptist Church, Norphlet, held FreedomFest 2014 on July 6. Hundreds of community members attended the event, which included hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn and more, along with bounce houses and a waterslide. “I believe that we planted many seeds for future harvest. If nothing else, my hope is that our community will see our church as a place that cares for them and will remember that when they encounter a crisis in the future,” said Pastor Doug Wills.

Milestones

Church life

Williams Baptist College’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) business society earned 10 national awards, including two first-place awards, at the annual PBL National Leadership Conference. Crow Mountain Baptist Church, Russellville, held a celebration service and farewell party July 20 for Don and Patricia Rose in honor of Rose’s 20 years as pastor.

Levy Baptist Church, North Little Rock, will have a commemoration service marking the 100th anniversary of the declaration of World War I at 6 p.m. Aug. 4. Cary Bradburn, historian for the North Little Rock History Commission, will speak on the topic of faith during the war and how and why America got involved in the war. Bayou Mason Baptist Church, Lake Village, baptized Iain McNemar June 15. Iain marked the fifth generation baptized in the church. Iain followed his mother, Amanda Hayes McNemar, who followed her mother, Carolyn Durham Hayes, who followed her mother, Bertha Anderson Durham, who followed her father, J.E. Anderson, in baptism at Bayou Mason. J.E. Anderson was Bayou Mason’s first candidate for baptism more than 60 years ago. Park Hill Baptist Church, North Little Rock’s youth choir attended Lifeway Christian Resource’s SonPower event in Orlando, Fla. The event combines music and missions. More than 70 students attended Wrangler Camp, which is provided by Liberty Baptist Association at Beech Springs Camp and Conference Center. Calvary Trail Cowboy Church, Louann, sponsors the camp and provides instructors and counselors in coordination with the association.

NOTEBURNING - First Baptist Church of Floyd has paid off their building loan on their new sanctuary and life center. They celebrated with a noteburning and revival June 27-29. Roy Conatser officiated the revival services with music by the Representatives and Johnny Parrack.

ROBERTSON HONORED - Doyne Robertson, of Melbourne, was recently honored for 50 years in the ministry. A celebration was held at Sidney Baptist Church, Sidney, where he serves as pastor. He has not only served as a pastor in Arkansas and Louisiana, but also has served with the North American Mission Board and the International Mission Board. He retired in 2004, but he has continued to serve as pastor and interim pastor for churches and helped found Miracle Village International. He is pictured with his wife, Martha.

FIREWORKS SHOW - Life Line Baptist Church, Little Rock, recently held a fireworks show sponsored by Crain Ford on Colonel Glenn Road. Photo courtesy of Life Line Baptist Church

Happy Birthday!

to all the missionary kids attending college who are celebrating birthdays in the month of August. ◆ Aug. 30: Robyn Getsee, OBU Box 4467, Arkadelphia, AR 71998-0001; Thailand.

Classifieds PASTOR First Baptist Church (SBC) of Evening Shade is seeking a full-time or bi-vocational pastor. Please send resume to FBCES Pastor Search Committee, 290 AR 230, Cave City, AR 72521. Cornerstone Baptist Church, Texarkana, Ark., is prayerfully seeking a full-time pastor. Please send resumes to CBC Search Committee, 3900 Union Road, Texarkana, AR 71854 or email CSBaptist@aol.com. Star Hope Baptist Church, Elsberry, Mo., an affiliated SBC congregation, is looking for a pastor who (a) supports the Cooperative Program and (b) embraces the tenets of the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. Some seminary training desired. Interested applicants should send their resume to shbc@starhope.org. First Baptist Church of Floyd is seeking a bivocational or full-time pastor. As the Lord leads, please send your resume to FBC of Floyd, Pastor Search Committee, 1198 Highway 31, Romance, AR 72136.

New Hope Baptist Church in Jay, Okla., is prayerfully seeking a full-time pastor. Please send resumes to newhopebaptistjay@gmail.com. Trinity Baptist Church, Fort Smith, is seeking a bi-vocational or full-time pastor. Please send resume to Trinity Baptist Pastor Search Committee, 3619 N. 6, Fort Smith, AR 72904 or email trinitybc2@juno.com.

OTHER STAFF POSITIONS First Baptist Church, Batesville, is seeking a full-time minister of preschool/children. Send resume to First Baptist Church, Attn: Stacy Reed, P.O. Box 2455, Batesville, AR 72503 or email to stacy@fbcbatesville.org. Accompanist needed. Crystal Hill Baptist Church, Little Rock. Generous salary. Call Jody at 501-208-2175 for more information. Caddo River Baptist Association is now receiving resumes for the position of part-time associational missionary. Send resume to AM Search Committee, P.O. Box 788, Mount Ida, AR

71957 or email to fbcmtida@gmail.com. Resumes received until Aug. 1, 2014. First Baptist Church of Salem is seeking a fulltime youth pastor. Please send resume to Salem First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 73, Salem, AR 72576 or email us at salemfirstbaptist@gmail.com. South Side Baptist Church of Damascus is seeking a part-time youth minister. Please send resume to South Side Baptist Church, Attn: Youth Committee, 153 Sulphur Road, Damascus, AR 72039 or email to sstephens531@hotmail.com. Hindsville 1st Baptist Church in northwest Arkansas is seeking a bi-vocational paid position for a youth pastor. Send resume to scottsprmkr@aol.com or P.O. Box 113, Hindsville, AR 72738. Organists needed at Calvary Baptist Church in Benton. Contact Jerry Williams: 501-658-5593. First Baptist Church, Maumelle, is looking for a church pianist. Our services are blended with a 35-voice choir that sings every Sunday. Our next pianist needs to be a dynamic Christian, good at reading music and creative with the instrument.

Needed for two services on Sunday, as well as Wednesday nights for choir rehearsal. Contact Bruce Rodtnick at Rodtnick@comcast.net for more information. First Baptist Church of Hamburg is seeking a full-time youth minister. Send resume to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 352, Hamburg, AR 71646 or email us at fbchbg_office@sbcglobal. net. Connection Church in Spearfish, S.D., is a new church plant in search of a youth pastor. Being a new church plant, this is an area that is new and ready for leadership. For more information, please go to our website www.spearfishconnection.com and look under the ministry tab.

MISCELLANEOUS First Baptist Church, Dardanelle, is looking for a used 15-passenger van for children’s ministry. 479-229-3727.

Advertise: steve@arkansasbaptist.org

Commentary

10 Explore the Bible:

August 3, 2014

July 24, 2014

Bible Studies for Life:

Risk everything for God

Ready faith

Daniel 3:1, 8-12, 15b-18, 24-25, 28

1 Peter 3:13-16; 4:1-2

Though these Bible stories from one dare to defy his authority? Daniel are well-known, let’s take a Defend: Let’s evaluate each recue from the recent vacation Bible sponse. The other officials in the school (VBS) emphasis and examine crowd became “tattletales.” Nebuthe evidence. chadnezzar followed through with Discover: This is the story of the sentence of death in a furious God’s sovereignty. He has been chalrage. He reacted in alarm when seelenged by kings and man-made gods ing the fourth person present in the before; yet, God reigns fire, and he took note that from the banks of the they had “risked their Nile to Mount Carmel lives” (Dan. 3:28). He exto the plain of Dura. amined the evidence: no Did these three young damage to their bodies, men pay attention hair or clothing, not even in Jerusalem VBS? the smell of smoke. And Would the recitations he declared “for there is of Exodus 20:3-6 and no other god who is able Janice Ramsey Deuteronomy 6:4-6 be to deliver like this” (Dan. member hidden in their hearts? 3:29). Was he impressed? Second Baptist Decide: BabyloShadrach, Meshach nians utilized every efand Abednego chose Arkadelphia fort to assimilate and on that day whom they indoctrinate in removwould serve (Josh. 24:14ing the Hebrew way from their lives. 15). They responded in humble Did they feel abandoned and forgotfaith. They conformed no longer ten by the God of their heritage? “to the pattern of this world” (Rom. Also, every effort of King Nebu12:2, NIV). What was their reward? chadnezzar was intended to impress, What do we learn about God? He promote and demand loyalty, from is able (Dan. 3:28)! He is faithfully the assembly of officials to the wordin control. Real faith is based on ing of the proclamation to the threatwho God is. When confronted with ening presence of a furnace. Did anyGod, how should we respond?

“Ready. Set. Go!” relate to in today’s society. These words bring back memoWhile we may not face direct ries of my childhood. It didn’t matpersecution in America as much as ter if they were used for playground believers in another country, I think games or summer swimming races we can relate to the fear of doing – those words always brought excitesomething in the name of the Lord ment. My 2-year-old daughter has when it draws attention from nonbeen using these words lately when believers. All too often, our actions she gets excited about speak louder than our things, and it makes words, and when fear is everyone smile. When our motivator, we can we talk about having a find that the results “ready faith” in times of aren’t always the best. suffering, I think Peter Peter has the answer in might have approved of 1 Peter 3:15, though. He “Ready. Set. Go!” as a insists that we must worsort of call-to-arms in ship Christ as Lord of Sherrill Moffett the face of adversity. our lives. If we do this, member The main subject of we will truly be living First Baptist 1 Peter is Christian suflike we belong to Christ, fering. Peter was writbeing ready to defend Pocahontas ing to fellow believers our faith. to encourage them to We would be remiss stay strong in their faith during trito ignore what Peter says in verse 16 als and suffering under persecution. about explaining or defending our In our passage in chapter 3, Peter faith. He adds on, “Do this in a genspecifically identifies what believers tle and respectful way.” When our should do when facing persecution eagerness overpowers us, our mesfor their faith. He encourages them sage can get lost in translation. Howto not worry or be afraid, even if ever, if we arm ourselves with the they suffer for doing what is right. attitude of Christ, we will be ready This is definitely something we can for anything that comes our way.

Explore the Bible:

August 10, 2014

Tell it like it is

Bible Studies for Life:

Joyful faith

Daniel 5:1-6, 16-17, 23c-28

1 Peter 4:12-19

The events of Daniel 5 really hapwords the king wanted to hear, but pened! Historians and archaeolowords that came to pass that night. gists have given us an accurate por(Don’t overlook the wisdom, expetrait of the Babylon of the Bible. rience, faith and example of senior Belshazzar served as a co-regent adults in our churches.) with his father, Nabonidus. BelshazTruth: God confronts sin. God zar hosted a party while the city was is Light. Light exposes the darkness under siege. Babylon of sin (1 John 1:5, Eph. fell at night while a 5:8-11, 13). great feast was in progRemember Ezekiel ress. The Persians were 18:4 and 26. successful by diverting “The one who sins the waters of the Euis the one who will die” phrates River and by (Ezek. 18:4). persuading someone All are held accountto open the gates. able. There is one Judge Excavations have (James 4:12). InterestJanice Ramsey also uncovered a great ingly, the name “Daniel” member room, which could means “God judges”! Second Baptist easily accommodate a Truth: Nations, as Arkadelphia large crowd and which well as individuals, have was decorated with been warned. Judgment white plaster walls, on which writing is coming. Spiritual leaders are callcould have been seen by all (Dan. ing all to pray for our nation. 5:1, 5). The message: Your days are numTruth: History repeats. We must bered. You have been weighed in learn from mistakes of previous genthe balance of the Lord and found erations. lacking. There will be a time when At this point in the Book of Danwarnings cease; it will be too late. iel, a new king is on the throne and No more time to repent. everyone seems to have forgotten The “handwriting is on the wall,” Daniel, consultant to NebuchadnezAmerica: Refuse to honor and obey zar. Daniel, as a true prophet, spoke God, then the party is over! the truth. He spoke not merely

There isn’t much in life that you knew something painful was comes with a 100 percent guarantee. about to happen. Coupons usually don’t last forever, It breaks my heart every time I sales only go on for a “limited time have to take my daughter to the doconly” and the milk in the fridge altor to get shots. But I always tell her ways has an expiration date. that same phrase, and she knows One thing we can be I’m not going to leave sure of, though, is that her. God will never leave us I think Peter shares a or forsake us. similar sentiment with True, as long as there believers when he ends is sin in the world, there 1 Peter 4:19, saying, will always be some sort “Keep on doing what of suffering, but God is right, and trust your has already won the viclives to the God who tory against Satan so we created you, for he will Sherrill Moffett have cause to be joyful. never fail you.” Member This is why Peter inPeter had been First Baptist structs believers on how through so much persePocahontas to face trials that are incution in his ministry evitable. that he was giving these All throughout the exhortations out of his Book of 1 Peter, Christians are own experience. being encouraged to maintain lives To the average person, it may of holiness that are pleasing to God. have sounded a bit ludicrous to have Peter is quick to inform believers a joyful faith in such hard times. that there’s definitely a cost that Peter’s message, however, was comes with living like Jesus. Then, about being freed from shame. It in the same breath, he confidently was about the joy of knowing that promotes the idea of being hopeful, God is always with us and having excited and joyful about the impenda confident hope in being called a ing suffering. child of God (1 Peter 4:16). Have you ever had to tell a small That is what our faith must be child, “It’s going to be OK,” when rooted in.

Bonus Content Obama extends LGBT protections for Fed workers 12

WASHINGTON (BP) – President Obama has used his authority to extend workplace protections among federal contractors to homosexual, bisexual and transgender status – prompting concerns the action will subvert religious freedom. Obama issued an executive order July 21 that bars federal contractors from discriminating based on “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” His order – which the White House announced in June would be forthcoming – also ads “gender identity” to the list of categories protected in federal employment. The “sexual orientation” of federal employees already was protected. The order maintains a 2002 directive by President George W. Bush that permits contractors that are religious corporations or institutions to employ individuals based on their religious identity. Some defenders of religious liberty and freedom of conscience expressed their dissatisfaction with the order. They said the religious exemption would prove inadequate, especially affecting religious organizations that contract with the government to provide services to the needy. “While we don’t know the full implications of this executive order, I am disappointed that this administration persistently violates the freedom of conscience for religious organizations that provide necessary relief for the poor and endangered,” Russell D. Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), said in a written release. “The same religious convictions that inspire their social action are the convictions now considered outside the new mainstream of sexual revolutionary fundamentalism,” he said. “The ones hurt will be the most vulnerable in our society.” Ryan Anderson, who specializes

July 24, 2014

in religious freedom issues for the Heritage Foundation, said in a July 21 commentary the order “disregards the consciences and liberties of people of goodwill who happen not to share the government’s opinions about issues of sexuality. All Americans should be free to contract with the government without penalty because of their reasonable beliefs about morally contentious issues.” While employers “should respect the intrinsic dignity” of all workers, Obama’s order “undermines our nation’s commitment to pluralism and religious liberty,” Anderson wrote. The order includes “no protection for organizations that hire based on mission – not on affiliation – to continue to do so,” he said. The categories covered by the new order differ from those already protected, such as color, national origin, religion and sex, Anderson said. “(S)exual orientation and gender identity are unclear, ambiguous terms. They can refer to voluntary behaviors as well as thoughts and inclinations, and it is reasonable for employers to make distinctions based on actions,” he wrote. “Sexual orientation” normally encompasses homosexuality and bisexuality, while “gender identity,” or transgender status, includes transsexuals and cross-dressers. The order does not cover federal grants, which pay for most social services, said Stanley Carlson-Thies, president of the Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance. It still could affect religious groups’ likelihood of applying for federal contracts, he said. Some decisions by religious organizations “will be challenged by the rejected applicant as merely instances of discrimination, so it is predictable (the order) will lead to litigation and also may cause some religious organizations to back away from federal contracting so that their deci-

President Barack Obama issued an executive order extending LGBT protections amid concerns among Christians the order would compromise religious liberty. White House photo by Pete Souza sion-making about sensitive issues of conduct won’t be second-guessed by the courts,” Carlson-Thies said. Not all religious freedom organizations agreed with expanding the religious exemption. The Baptist Joint Committee (BJC) for Religious Liberty joined nearly 100 religious, civil liberties and gay rights organizations in a July 15 letter asking Obama not to include a “special exemption for religiously affiliated contractors” in his order. The groups also urged the president to revoke the exemption ordered by Bush. “When a religiously affiliated organization makes the decision to request a taxpayer-funded contract with the federal government, it must play by the same rules as every other federal contractor,” the BJC and other organizations wrote. Obama signed the executive order before supporters of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights gathered at the White House. After being greeted by a standing ovation, the president told the crowd, “(T)hanks to your passionate advocacy and the irrefutable right-

ness of your cause, our government – government of the people, by the people, and for the people – will become just a little bit fairer.” The executive order follows the pattern of a growing number of states, federal contractors and major corporations. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia bar discrimination based on “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” Of the 50 largest federal contractors, 86 percent protect “sexual orientation” and 61 percent protect “gender identity,” according to the White House. Among Fortune 500 companies, 91 percent prohibit discrimination based on “sexual orientation” and 61 percent ban discrimination based on “gender identity,” the White House reported. Advocates for LGBT rights have been unable to convince Congress to pass the Employment Non-discrimination Act (ENDA), which would grant civil rights to all employees on the basis of homosexual, bisexual or transgender status. The U.S. Senate passed ENDA in November, but the House of Representatives has refused to act on it.

Southern Baptist leaders to tour border facilities WASHINGTON (BP) – Southern Baptist national and state leaders toured federal government facilities being used to address the crisis of unaccompanied children crossing America’s southern border July 22. Ronnie Floyd, president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), joined SBC lead ethicist Russell D. Moore in touring a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in McAllen, Texas, and a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shelter in San Antonio. Jim Richards, executive director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, joined them in San Antonio for the tour of the center at Lackland Air Force Base. The tours were followed by news conferences in each city and occured as the United States is attempting

to deal with the more than 57,000 under-age children who have been apprehended at the border with Mexico in the last 9 months, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Most of those children – and sometimes children accompanied by a parent or parents – reportedly are fleeing Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, which are plagued by violence among gangs involved in drug trafficking in those Central American countries. McAllen, which is near the southern tip of Texas, has been a major entry point for unaccompanied minors. Floyd and Moore have called not only for the federal government to repair what is generally acknowledged as a broken immigration system but

for a compassionate response to the plight of the children who are in the United States illegally. “These children are someone’s children and someone’s grandchildren. They are people, real people,” Floyd wrote in a July 11 piece published in Baptist Press. “Their parents, along with other children who are crossing our unprotected borders, are trying to better their lives and futures. “Yes, they should respect the rule of law, but now that they are here, we need to respect the God-given dignity of each of them,” Floyd, pastor of Cross Church in northwest Arkansas, said. Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), said in a statement, “As Christians, our first response to this

crisis on the border must be one of compassion toward those in need, not disgust or anger. This situation on the border is a crisis — one that will take careful work from government leaders to help secure a porous border and an even more porous immigration policy that fuels the problem. At the same time, this crisis will take a church willing to pray, serve and love.” Southern Baptists in Texas have been ministering as they are able, but the federal government has not permitted access to unaccompanied children. In 2011, messengers to the SBC in Phoenix approved a resolution on immigration reform that called for the advancement of the Gospel while pursuing justice and compassion.