News

From a life of disaster to heading up disaster relief
By Gerald Harris, Editor
Published January 1, 2004

Wade Gayler is heading up the disaster relief ministry for the Salt Lake Association in Utah. Wade was traveling to Cottonwood, Idaho on a mission trip in July of 2001 when Dan Walker, director of missions for the Association, asked him if he would consider taking the leadership role in this ministry.

Carrollton church looks beyond the bypass to a world in need
By Bill Bangham, International Mission Board
Published January 1, 2004

CARROLLTON - Beyond the bypass, the two-lane snakes out of Carrollton into the West Georgia countryside. It loops among gentle hills, past farms and a small factory. A smaller road breaks off to the right, rattles across railroad tracks, pauses at the four-way marking the crossroads community of Clem, then dips into a bottom. Capping the hill on the other side is a large white structure- Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.

Executive Committee meeting marked by progress and unity
By Gerald Harris, Editor
Published January 1, 2004

The Executive Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention met at the Baptist Center in Atlanta on December 16. Convention President Tony Dickerson of Columbus reported, "Good things are happening in the Georgia Baptist Convention." Using an alliterative outline the President indicated that he saw much good in the Convention personnel, the people, the preachers, the progress and the possibilities.

Georgia's Executive Director ministers to Moldovan pastors
By Gerald Harris, Editor
Published January 1, 2004

In 2001 Georgia Baptists forged a new missions partnership with Moldova, once a part of the Soviet Union. The Republic of Moldova is strategically located at the crossroads between Central, Southeast and Eastern Europe. It borders Romania in the west and Ukraine in the east and south. Moldova occupies a territory of 13,000 square miles (about one-half the size of South Carolina) and has a population of nearly 4.5 million people.

Twenty-year volunteer retires from Storehouse Ministries
By Margaret Dempsey, Special Assignment Reporter
Published January 1, 2004

MARIETTA - When he was just 10 years old, Bill Rogers "surrendered his life to missions" during a two-week revival, he recalls, envisioning himself "going to Africa to teach the heathen about Christ."

Religious NewsBriefs

Judge rules school simulation of Muslim activities constitutional
Published January 1, 2004

(RNS) A federal judge has ruled that a California school district did not violate the U.S. Constitution when its teachers asked students to simulate Muslim worship and attire in class.

Florida's governor announces plans for nation's first faith-based prison
Published January 1, 2004

RNS) Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has announced the creation of what he calls the nation's first entirely faith-based prison at a facility in his state.

Bush affirms marriage amendment, but leaves details to states
Published January 1, 2004

(RNS) President Bush said Dec. 16 that he could support a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, but also said "whatever legal arrangements people want to make" should be permitted if approved at the state level.

Christian Women's Job Corps loses Trudy Johnson but keeps focus
Published January 1, 2004

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP) - What does a woman in need look like?

Akin is committee's nominee as Southeastern's sixth president
Published January 1, 2004

WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP) - Southeastern Seminary's presidential search committee will recommend to the board of trustees the election of Daniel L. Akin as the seminary's sixth president.

Roy Moore files appeal, tells BP many miss 'issue entirely'
Published January 1, 2004

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (BP) - Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore filed a notice of appeal Dec. 10 with the Alabama Supreme Court he hopes will lead to his reinstatement.

People and Places

Ministerial Moves
Published January 1, 2004

Ordinations
Published January 1, 2004

Anniversaries
Published January 1, 2004

Birthdays
Published January 1, 2004

Revivals
Published January 1, 2004

Retirements
Published January 1, 2004

Honors
Published January 1, 2004

Cooperative Program Stories

Take extra care when dealing with children in church setting
By Sherri Brown, Communications, GBC
Published January 1, 2004

One out of every seven churches will be sued, according to recent research.

Columns

Seeds from the Sower
By Michael Guido
Published January 1, 2004

It was just announced that the Procrastinator’s Club postponed its annual convention. The president said a letter explaining the delay would be mailed — if he didn’t put it off.

Temper Youngster's Defiance by Demanding Respect
By James Dobson
Published January 1, 2004

Surrendered to Revival
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published January 1, 2004

Welcome to 2004! Yes, I have made some resolutions. It is a ritual. Every year at the beginning of January most of us look at our lives and see things that need improvement or change and we make resolutions for the New Year. Statistics show that most resolutions are sincerely made, enthusiastically initiated, half-heartedly maintained and eventually abandoned.

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC
Published January 1, 2004

Recently Tim Millwood, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Warner Robins, shared with me a wonderful poem that he has written. The poem blessed my heart and inspired me as I anticipate a new year of ministry among Georgia and Southern Baptists. I asked Tim for permission to share it with you so that you would have an opportunity to be blessed and inspired for your ministry in building Christ's Kingdom in 2004.