Week of Prayer for North American Missions: Day 5

Meredith Flynn —  March 7, 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.

Ben Pilgreen, Epic Church, church planterDay 5 – Ben and Shauna Pilgreen
There are more affluent places in the United States than San Francisco, but not many. Living in that environment can numb people to need, but church planter Ben Pilgreen knows God is in the perspective-changing business.

Pilgreen launched Epic Church in the fine arts district of San Francisco two years ago. The church is actively engaging its Acts 1:8 mission fields, from a local women’s shelter to Uganda, where Pilgreen led Epic’s first international missions experience last summer. They’re also living out the Great Commission through 13 small groups in the city.

Pray many leaders will make long-term commitments to stay in San Francisco and help Epic Church carry out the mission starting more churches to reach lost people in the city.

Go to www.anniearmstrong.com/benpilgreen to watch “Seeing the Stories,” a video about a spiritual seeker who came to know Christ at Epic.

In Heartland, SBC , , , ,
permalink

Prayer vigil Thursday for traditional marriage at the Capitol

Meredith Flynn —  March 6, 2013
BATTLING BUTTONS - People for and against same-sex marriage in Illinois are wearing their opinions this winter.

BATTLING BUTTONS – On both sides of the same-sex marriage issue, people are wearing their opinions this winter.

Springfield | Lisa Sergent

Sponsors of the bill to legalize same-sex marriage continue to push for its passage in the Illinois State House, while at the same time defenders of traditional marriage rally against the bill.

Led by a Chicago pastor who plans to bring several busloads of protesters to Springfield, organizers will stage a prayer vigil on the steps of the State Capitol at 10:30 Thursday morning. They also hope to meet with several key legislative leaders, including those who have yet to decide how they will vote on SB10. Pastors and leaders from across the state are invited to attend.

SB 10 the “Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act,” would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois. Illinois legalized civil unions in the state two years ago.

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.

The Illinois Senate voted Feb. 14 to pass SB 10, while the House Executive Committee voted to pass the bill to the floor Feb. 26. The bill must have a have a full majority to pass. If the House does pass the bill, Governor Quinn has stated he will sign it into law.

In News , ,
permalink

Week of Prayer for North American Missions: Day 4

Meredith Flynn —  March 6, 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.

Baptist Friendship HouseKay Bennett, black shirtDay 4 – Kay Bennett
Several years ago, Melanie was homeless, pregnant, and struggling with substance abuse. A newspaper article about rebuilding efforts in New Orleans caught her eye and, desperate to rebuild her life as well, Melanie set out for the city. She was on the path to a divine appointment with missionary Kay Bennett.

“Melanie contacted me and came into our transitional housing program,” said Bennett, director of New Orleans’ Baptist Friendship House. “She got a job, got into college and is working towards her social work degree now.” At the center, Bennett helps vulnerable women and children as they transition into to new lives. She and her team also host events throughout the year designed to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of their community.

Pray for encouragement for Bennett and her staff as they encounter hurting people every day.

Go to www.anniearmstrong.com/kaybennett to watch “Simply Jesus,” the story of how the Baptist Friendship House helped give a family a new future.

In Heartland, SBC , , ,
permalink

IBSA Board affirms sending additional 2012 funds for national CP ministries

Meredith Flynn —  March 5, 2013
The IBSA Board of Directors votes to affirm sending an additional $31,392 for national Cooperative Program ministries.

The IBSA Board of Directors votes to affirm sending an additional $31,392 for national Cooperative Program ministries.

SPRINGFIELD | By Lisa Sergent

On Tuesday, the IBSA Board of Directors affirmed Executive Director Nate Adams’ decision to send an additional $31,392 to the SBC Executive Committee for national Cooperative Program ministries. The funds come from IBSA’s 2012 income over expenses, and bring the amount sent from 2012 CP receipts to the equivalent of 43.75%, the highest percentage in IBSA’s history.

IBSA currently sends 43.25% of its receipts through the SBC Executive Committee for Cooperative Program, the fifth highest among state conventions. Just prior to the affirmation vote, the Board voted to keep the Association’s 56.75%/43.25% split at the same level in 2014.

In his report to the Board, Adams said that, prior to the recent Great Commission Resurgence actions of the national SBC, Illinois had already begun gradually increasing its percentage of Cooperative Program funds sent on to national CP ministries. The down economy, combined with reductions in funding from the North American Mission Board, have led IBSA to hold its CP percentage steady.

“This gift from our year-end income over expenses gives us a way to continue that heart of giving more through CP to national and international SBC ministries,” said Adams. “It brings our total CP gifts for the year to the equivalent of 43.75%, a higher percentage than Illinois Baptists have ever sent beyond our state to national CP ministries.  We feel this is a creative way to help us manage reduced resources and still be generous as God provides.

“It will be my pleasure to send [SBC Executive Committee President] Frank Page a letter and a check, saying we are grateful to be able to do more this year.”

Board Chairman Duncan Locke said Adams was acting in the scope of his responsibilities in his decision to forward the extra 2012 funds, but had asked for “the full board’s affirmation.” Locke shared, “This is a testimony to the way our executive director is being used by the Holy Spirit to make decisions to do something that’s often unheard of, to give a little more.”

IBSA churches gave nearly $6.3 million to the Cooperative Program in 2012.

Look for additional coverage of the March 5 IBSA Board Meeting at the IBSA Building in Springfield in the March 25 issue of the Illinois Baptist.

In News , ,
permalink

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