Archives For November 30, 1999

Week of Prayer for North American Missions: Day 3

Meredith Flynn —  March 5, 2013

Many Southern Baptist churches will mark the Week of Prayer for North American Missions this week. For more information about the week of prayer or the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, contact IBSA’s Missions team at (217) 391-3138.

NAMB WOP Missionary Peter YanesDay 3 – Peter and Irene Yanes
If anyone understands the impact church planting and evangelism can have on someone, it’s Peter Yanes. Born and raised in the islands of the Philippines, Yanes was in high school when a friend invited him to a Bible study hosted by a church plant. “That’s where I came to know Jesus Christ in a personal way,” he said. “Since then, there’s been no turning back.”

Yanes has a heart for church planting, which makes him the perfect fit for his role as a mobilization missionary for the Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania/South Jersey. Based in Philadelphia, Yanes identifies and support planters and partners as they start and grow new churches, and works specifically to catalyze ethnic church planters to reach the growing number of people groups in the area.

Pray for more established churches to partner with ethnic church planters, reaching all nations for Christ.

Go to www.anniearmstrong.com/peteryanes to watch “Returning a Favor,” a video about a new Filipino church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

In Heartland, SBC , , , ,
permalink

One year later, Harrisburg remembers tornado victims

Meredith Flynn —  March 5, 2013

Tuesday_BriefingTHE BRIEFING | Meredith Flynn

People filled the gym bleachers at Harrisburg High School Sunday evening, March 3, to honor eight victims of last year’s devastating tornado. WSIL-TV’s news cameras were there to capture the images: Local church leaders prayed and led in worship, and attenders sang “Bless the Lord, O My Soul,” a song that speaks of “10,000 reasons” to praise God.

Earlier that day, Pastor Chris Winkleman began his sermon at First Baptist, Harrisburg, with a few words about the storm. After his congregation sang “It is Well with My Soul,” Winkleman said, “I remember a year ago, we sang that song. I talked to you then about how it being well with your soul is really all that matters.”

Winkleman’s church lost one member – 22-year-old Jaylynn Ferrell – during the storm. Her mother Patty shared Jaylynn’s story during the service at Harrisburg High School. Two other members of IBSA churches, Lynda Hull of FBC Raleigh and Mary Osman of Walnut Grove Baptist, also were killed during the tornado.

“It might not be well with your home, it might not be well with your body, but I hope it’s well with your soul,” Winkleman told his church Sunday morning. “And that doesn’t change a year after a story, does it? That’s still our desire, isn’t it?

“For the folks in this room, for the folks in this town, for the folks in this world, that it would be well in their souls. …Only Jesus makes it well with our souls.”

-With information from WSIL-TV Harrisburg and the website of FBC Harrisburg

Other news

Attorney: Church bylaws should define marriage
The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to take up same-sex marriage and potentially legalize it this summer. In advance of that decision, churches should examine their bylaws and shield themselves from the impact of possibly litigation, said Erik Stanley, senior legal counsel for religious liberty organization Alliance Defending Freedom. “I think we’re in a day where every church needs to have a statement in its bylaws of its doctrinal beliefs on marriage and sexuality,” Stanley told Baptist Press. Read more at www.IBSA.org/IBeXtra.

Barna studies young Catholics
According to a new study, the Catholic church is facing the same struggle – keep young people in church – that has recently plagued Protestant denominations. A Barna study of 18- 29-year-olds with Catholic backgrounds found 56% report dropping out of church after attending regularly at one point. Among young Protestants, the dropout rate is slightly higher at 61%, Barna reports. But fewer Protestants (58%) report they’re less religiously active than they were at 15, compared to 65% of Catholic-raised young adults. Read more at Barna.org.

 

Hillsong’s ‘Zion’ album tops iTunes bestsellers
The newest worship album from Australia’s Hillsong United rose to #1 on iTunes’ top 10 list on the day of its release, Feb. 26. The album’s content is glaringly different than some of the material surrounding it on the list. A sample lyric from “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”: “Your grace abounds in deepest waters. Your sovereign hand will be my guide.” Go to hillsongunited.com to listen to songs from Zion.

 

In Briefing ,
permalink

Week of Prayer for North American Missions: Day 2

Meredith Flynn —  March 4, 2013

Many Southern Baptist churches will mark the Week of Prayer for North American Missions this week. For more information about the week of prayer or the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, contact IBSA’s Missions team at (217) 391-3138.

12-21LornaBiusDay 2: Lorna Bius
As a child, Lorna Bius watched her dad deliver groceries to a family in need. “I realize now that was the first time I saw LoveLoud in action,” said Bius, who now works with churches in the western U.S. seeking to serve their communities through acts of service.

LoveLoud is the North American Mission Board’s emphasis on community ministries like food pantries, after-school programs, and outreaches in apartment complexes. In Denver and other parts of the West, Bius is working to discover what churches are doing that’s working, and how to replicate it in other neighborhoods.

Pray God will provide key people who can help develop LoveLoud ministries in the most effective places, and that churches and ministries will be motivated to reach out to their communities like never before.

Go to www.anniearmstrong.com/lornabius to watch “The Castaways,” a video about a LoveLoud ministry to families in Reno, Nevada.

In Heartland, SBC , , ,
permalink

Photographer Rutledge leaves legacy of really seeing people

Meredith Flynn —  March 4, 2013

HEARTLAND | Meredith Flynn

Don_RutledgePhotojournalist Don Rutledge, who chronicled Southern Baptist missions efforts for 30 years, died Feb. 19 at the age of 82. Many who knew and worked with him have written beautiful eulogies about his life, and his commitment to tell people’s true stories is evident in his pictures, of a poverty-stricken couple in Mississippi, Alaskan Eskimos in the Arctic Circle, inmates in a Filipino prison, and many more. (See a gallery of Rutledge’s work at IMB.org).

I never met Mr. Rutledge, but I’ve heard about his work many times. His name was one that often popped up in conversation, as I got more interested in photography and how pictures could communicate spiritual needs. When I read Erich Bridges’ column about his life, I was amazed at the things he accomplished – as a Southern Baptist! Here was someone who did so many of the things photographers dream about: he shot for top magazines (like Life and Look), served as a staff photographer for Black Star photo agency, and, with with pictures, helped tell the story of the Civil Rights struggle in the United States.

Rutledge_Heartland

In Soviet-era Siberia, 30 new Christians walk resolutely down a hill to be baptized in a river. “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back” were more than words for them. Photo by Don Rutledge for the International Mission Board

 

And then, Bridges writes, “At the height of his potential as a globe-trotting photographer, Rutledge left Black Star in 1966 to shoot pictures for the then-Home Mission Board in Atlanta.” He worked there until 1980, when he joined the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board). There, Rutledge played a key role in establishing The Commission magazine as a top publication, especially in its use of photography. Bridges writes, “His images helped millions to understand, pray for and participate in missions.”

Rutledge saw his ministry clearly. In his own words, from Bridges’ article: “I love photojournalism and enjoy using it as a worldwide Christian ministry,” he once wrote. “It forces me to see, to look beyond what the average person observes, to search where few people care even to look, to glance over and beyond my backyard fence. … It gives my ‘seeing’ a newness and a freshness as I work to communicate the Christian messages I want to convey. It helps me translate the national and international ministries into human terms by telling the story through people rather than through statistics.”

-With information from IMB.org

In Heartland , , ,
permalink

Is sweet debate a pie in the sky?

Meredith Flynn —  February 28, 2013

cherry pieCOMMENTARY | On one special day every year, the Illinois State Capitol fills with the aroma of fresh-baked pie. Dubbed “Cherry Pie Day,” the event draws homeschooling families from across the state to Springfield, where they deliver the homemade desserts to legislators. It’s their way to thank lawmakers for their service, and to “sweeten the deal” while lobbying them on behalf of homeschooling interests.

Recently, a different group of volunteer lobbyists headed to the Capitol in support of a traditional definition of marriage. As the temperature outside hovered in the mid-20s, they prayed together under the gaze of a statue of Abraham Lincoln, and then streamed into the building to lobby their legislators to vote no on HB 10, the bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois.

A few steps from the gathering, a debate rose between a handful of the rally attenders, and two lone protesters who had come in favor of same-sex marriage. The dialogue bounced back and forth, intense but not ugly. Just each side having their say.

The speakers were eloquent, and each spoke directly from his or her experience. These were obviously well thought-out opinions, and deeply rooted. And, while they answered each other so quickly that they couldn’t have been listening very well, it was the very definition of a civil disagreement.

But it was still uncomfortable, especially compared to the rousing unity of the rally. As people walked by the small debating group, most of them kept a safe distance.

This is likely true of most conflicts, and it’s certainly been on display in the same-sex marriage debate in Illinois: It’s easier to express opinions – elegantly, even – with people who agree with you. But there’s nothing as messy as staring eye-to-eye with an opponent who fully believes he or she is right, on the very topic on which you believe they’re dead wrong.

That’s what the group on the Capitol lawn was doing. Both sides stared down the uncomfortable notion of disagreement and faced into the awkwardness of expressing an opinion, when someone was waiting to refute it with their next breath.

As Christians are navigating the difficulties of same-sex marriage in Illinois, surely many have wondered how they can “sweeten the deal” when they talk to their friends and families and acquaintances about the issue. Without the comfort of cherry pie, what can they add to their argument to help others see that it’s a valid view? How can they hope to turn the cultural tide with their words, when there are so many voices saying the opposite?

The answer was on display that day on the Capitol steps: It’s clear-eyed, unwavering, thoughtful, calm, prayed-through debate. And it will require courage and humility and a willingness to examine long-held beliefs. The only chance opponents of same-sex marriage have to add any sweetness to these conversations is to actually have them. Maybe over pie.

In Commentary , , , , ,
permalink

Illinois State House vote on same-sex marriage pending

Meredith Flynn —  February 27, 2013

BREAKING_NEWSSpringfield | Lisa Sergent

Illinois lawmakers took another step on Tuesday toward legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. Members of the House Executive Committee voted 6-5 to move the “Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act” to a full vote on the House floor. The committee was scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. Tuesday, but vigorous floor debate on concealed carry law kept the hearing from taking place until after 9:30 p.m.

The vote by the full House is expected as soon as proponents feel they have enough votes for passage, according to Capitol watchers, but it is believed they are still just short of a majority. Gov. Pat Quinn has said he will sign the law if it makes it to his desk.

A Crain’s/Ipsos poll released in February reported 50% of people in Illinois say they’re ready to become the tenth state to allow same-sex marriages. Only 29% are opposed, while 20% were unsure or reported mixed feelings on the issue. But many church leaders have continued to speak out against the legislation, even as the General Assembly inches closer and closer to final approval.

Christian leaders have expressed doubts that the religious liberties of churches will be protected if Illinois legalizes same-sex marriage. Some say the marriage bill could result in a “chilling effect” as churches seek to do effective ministry in their communities.

Read our Capitol coverage in the newest issue of the Illinois Baptist, online Thursday evening at www.ibonline.ibsa.org.

In News ,
permalink

Illinois House committee will consider same-sex marriage bill today

Meredith Flynn —  February 26, 2013

THE BRIEFING | Meredith Flynn

Members of the House Executive Committee will vote today on whether to send the same-sex marriage bill SB 10, officially known as the “Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act”, to a vote on the House floor. Approval by a majority of the House members would be the final step before Gov. Pat Quinn signs the law, making Illinois the tenth state to allow same-sex marriages.

The committee action today culminates two busy weeks in which the State Senate passed the legislation Valentine’s Day by a vote of 34 to 21, with two Senators voting present. Opponents of same-sex marriage, including some from IBSA churches, were present during the Senate vote, and later at a marriage rally and “lobby day” at the Capitol.

“This is important for me today simply because it’s God’s will as Scripture tells us that marriage consists of one man and one woman,” said Don Full, pastor of Havana Southern Baptist Church. “I’m here to support that part of my faith and the doctrine that God has established for the home.”

Christian leaders are discussing their next steps before the House vote, and have expressed doubts that the religious liberties of churches will be protected, should Illinois legalize same-sex marriage. Some say the marriage bill could result in a “chilling effect” as churches seek to do effective ministry in their communities.

Check back here this evening for an update from the House Executive Committee hearing, or go to IBSA.org for the latest news.

Reported by Lisa Sergent

Other news:

Tebow cancels FBC Dallas appearance
NFL quarterback and outspoken Christian Tim Tebow withdrew from an April speaking engagement at First Baptist Church, Dallas, after some media outlets expressed outrage that he would speak at the church pastored by Robert Jeffress, who has made controversial comments about other religions and homosexuality.

Tebow faced immediate backlash from some Christian leaders, but Boyce College (Ky.) professor Denny Burk urged people to give him the benefit of the doubt. “…I don’t think this move should be interpreted as an expression of support for gay rights or some liberalized distortion of Christianity,” Burk wrote on his blog. “I have a hunch that he’s probably just trying not to get entangled in the culture war.” Burk also defended Jeffress’ views as “not the innovation of a single pastor but are the established consensus of the Christian Church.” Read more at BPNews.net.

Warren advocates liberty for all
California pastor Rick Warren said American Christians should repent for no supporting the religious freedom of people of other faiths, during a recent forum hosted by Georgetown University. “Seventy-five percent of our world lives in societies in which there is no religious liberty,” Warren said, adding that freedom is religious doesn’t just concern worship, but the practice of beliefs and values, and the freedom to convert. Read more at BPNews.net.

Christians at the movies
Evangelicals go to the movies more often than the average American adult, according to a new Barna survey. Respondents identifying as evangelical reported seeing 2.7 movies at the theater in 2012, one more movie than the national average. Their top five movies of 2012: The Avengers, The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, The Hobbit, and Les Miserables. Go to Barna.com for more.

 

In Briefing , , , ,
permalink

He’s alive? Yes! And the resurrection changes everything

Meredith Flynn —  February 25, 2013

pull quote_RAHTJEN_feb25HEARTLAND | Jim Rahtjen

As a pastor, it was one of those moments I lived for. This particular Saturday was a work day at the church. Members were busy cleaning, fixing, and generally spiffing up the building. Laura, an older woman who had attended our church for a while, had never come to understand fully and embrace the Good News of Jesus. She asked if I would explain to her again the message of salvation. We went to my office and I gave her a pamphlet I had written for the purpose of communicating the Gospel. We began to talk through the pamphlet together.

Laura was engaged in the conversation, and very intent on understanding who God is and what Jesus had done for her at the cross. I explained the necessity of Jesus’ death for her on the cross, that He paid the penalty for Laura’s sins, and that three days later He rose from the dead, proving that He is who He said He was. As I explained each point, she pored over the pamphlet, asking questions to make sure she understood.

As I began to explain the importance of believing what Jesus had done for her, I read a phrase that I had read many times over the years. “It is important to believe that Jesus died, was buried, rose again, and is alive today.”

Laura grabbed my arm and said, “Say that again.”

I repeated, “It’s important to believe that Jesus died for you and was buried—“

“No,” Laura said, still grasping my arm, “the other thing you just said, say it again.”

Confident I knew what she wanted to hear again, I said, with emphasis, “Jesus rose again!”

Squeezing my arm tighter, she said, “no, the other thing!”

Surprised, I thought, “What other thing?” I looked again at the phrase I had just read to her. I slowly read the whole thing, “It is important to believe that Jesus died… was buried… rose again… and is alive today.”

“That’s it!” She shouted. “He’s alive today? Are you serious? Is He really alive today?”

Amazed at her revelation, I said, “That’s what you wanted to hear again? That He’s alive today?”

Suddenly, like flipping a switch, I saw the lights of understanding illuminate her mind, “He’s alive today?”

“Yes!” I said, “He’s alive today!”

“I had no idea,” she said. “That changes everything! That affects my whole life. My husband needs to hear this! I’m certain he doesn’t know it.”

Then, hearing someone in the hallway, she rushed to the door. “Kristel!” she said, pulling the door open. “Did you know that Jesus is alive today?”

“Well, of course,” the teenager replied.

Seeing another girl down the hall, Laura called out, “Loree, did you know that Jesus is alive?”

“Uh, yeah.”

She ran up to the girls’ mother. “Sue,” Laura said breathlessly, “Did you know that Jesus is alive?”

Sue, sensing that Laura finally understood, said, “Yes! Oh, Laura, He is alive! Isn’t that wonderful?”

The two of them grabbed hands and jumped up and down with excitement. Laura kept saying, “He’s alive! He’s alive today! And everything is different!”

I stood there in wonder, thanking God for the miracle that just transpired. And I realized again how important it is to communicate the resurrection and its impact on our daily lives. I almost missed the moment, but Laura persisted, insisting that I “say it again.”

When she realized that Jesus is still alive, the resurrection became real to her. A truth that is at once simple and profound, the resurrection makes our faith real and alive – like Jesus. And yet, we run the risk of missing that life-altering truth, and its joy, when it becomes so familiar.

Ever since my encounter with Laura, I seek to make clear the truth of the resurrection when I share the good news of Jesus with others. The resurrection sets Christianity apart from all other religions. With Laura I say, “Because Jesus is alive today, everything is different!”

Jim Rahtjen is a pastor living in Glen Ellyn.

In Heartland , , , ,
permalink

House Committee hearing on same-sex marriage scheduled for Feb. 26

Meredith Flynn —  February 22, 2013

BREAKING_NEWSSPRINGFIELD | Lisa Sergent

The Illinois Senate voted Valentine’s Day afternoon to pass SB 10, which would legalize same-sex marriage in the state, by a vote of 34 to 21, with two voting present.

Now the bill has moved to the House where Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), the sponsor of the Same-Sex Marriage bill, will be calling SB 10, the “Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act”, for a vote in the House Executive Committee on Tuesday, February 26, at 3 p.m. in Room 114 of the Capitol building in Springfield.

Christian leaders throughout the state are concerned that this bill will not only legalize same-sex marriage, but also infringe upon the religious liberty of all Christians in Illinois.

Pastors and other church leaders are encouraged to attend the hearing to support those testifying against the bill and to show their disapproval of the bill through their presence. However, space will be limited, but those who cannot get into the committee room can sign a witness slip expressing their opposition to the bill.

The bill is expected to be passed by the committee and would then be ready to move to the House Floor for a vote where it must have a full majority to pass. If the House does pass the bill, Governor Quinn has stated he will sign it into law. That date for a House vote is still to be determined.

Nearly a week after the Senate vote, February 20, Illinois Baptists and other Christians brought their concerns to the Illinois House as thousands of people rallied on the steps of the Illinois Capitol in support of a traditional definition of marriage. The security lines to get inside the building were long as the opponents of same-sex marriage waited for a chance to lobby their representatives to vote no on SB 10.

To read this bill, visit http://www.ilga.gov/, and enter SB 10 into the search box on the left.

To read more about last week’s Senate vote and this week’s rally and lobby day, visit http://iB2news.org/.

Please make Tuesday’s House Executive Committee vote a matter of prayer.

 

In News ,
permalink

Illinois Baptists, other Christians speak out against same-sex marriage

Meredith Flynn —  February 20, 2013
Capitol_Rally_sign

Rally attenders brought homemade signs proclaiming a traditional view of marriage. Photos by Meredith Flynn

SPRINGFIELD | Lisa Sergent

Hundreds of people rallied on the steps of the Illinois Capitol Wednesday, February 20 in support of a traditional definition of marriage.  They gathered in front of the statue depicting the sixteenth President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and listened as speakers urged them stand up as Christians and to make their voices heard inside the Capitol Building. The speakers included a Chicago pastor, a former lesbian and State Representative David Reis (R-Olney).

The crowd was at the Capitol both for the rally and for an opportunity to lobby their representatives to vote no on HB 10 when it comes to a vote in the House. Altogether an estimated 4,000 people stood in lines that snaked across the sidewalks as they waited to get through security and inside the Capitol.

Last week, the Senate passed the bill which would legalize same-sex marriage, by a vote of 34-21-2. The House is expected to vote the bill as early as the next few weeks.

Several Illinois Baptists were on hand inside the Capitol. The Illinois Baptist spoke with some of them, including Pastor Don Full, Havana Southern Baptist Church. Full told the newspaper he was in attendance because, “This is important for me today simply because it’s God’s will as scripture tells us that marriage consists of one man and one woman. I’m here to support that part of my faith and the doctrine that God has established for the home.

“I reminded my church this past Sunday that evil prevails when good men and women do nothing. I found it necessary to be here to honor what God has established as far as the home.”

Pastor Alan Newman, Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Christopher, called marriage our “first institution that God created.”

Newman shared he felt it was important to be at the rally because, “It’s becoming more and more evident that if the church does not stand up and let their ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and their ‘no’ be ‘no’ we are definitely heading for more and more family meltdown.”

The rally and lobby day were sponsored by the Illinois Family Institute.

Capitol_Rally_Rice

Representative David Reis (R-Olney) speaks to the crowd under the gaze of Abraham Lincoln on the steps of the Illinois State Capitol.

Nine-year-old Denzel Brown of Aurora snaps a photo during one of the speeches. Brown wore one of the yellow buttons supporting "Marriage: One Man One Woman."

Nine-year-old Denzel Brown of Aurora snaps a photo during one of the speeches. Brown wore one of the yellow buttons supporting “Marriage: One Man One Woman.”

Capitol_Rally

Organizers estimate more than 4,000 people attended either the rally or an organized “lobby day,” where opponents of same-sex marriage were encouraged to visit their representatives and ask them to vote no on HB 10.

Rally attenders pray together to close the event.

Rally attenders pray together to close the event.

In News ,
permalink